Sherbear67

4 hours ago, BennyBrun said:

Thank you so much!  Hope you are enjoying the cruise on this great ship!  That is neat that you found a duck!  He looks unique.

It is our first time in Oasis and we are really enjoying it

6 hours ago, Jimbo said:

What deck and what part of the ship is your cabin  located?

 

We are deck 8 by the music hall

5 hours ago, BennyBrun said:

Day 3

 

We are rocking and rolling tonight!

Yes it was. Made me feel alittle 🥴. I found a cruise duck, so that cheered me up alittle. Enjoying your thread even though we are onboard. 

I have been getting together what i would normally take, but this list had a few extra things on it that i would have never thought of that I took (like a closet shoe door hanger to put stuff in) an now I can remember. New computer also so wouldn't have it on my new one, and yes I have tried searching for it. I may just dig around the internet to see if i can find it. Thank y'all. :D:D:)

Last year when we went on our 1st cruise, i found a packing list on here or someone shared it on here. Would anyone happen to know how to find it?

:DLuckily I did not get sea sick. FYI best time ever. Planning our next one as soon as we get home tonight.

I found them at Sprouts today in the bulk section. Thank yall very much.

How do you think the apple feels after you bite it?

Probably about like the roof of my mouth, sore. :)

Heh. Well if you normally don't get motion sickness on regular day to day.. those may work. I have tried those, unfortunately on a whale watching tour at Maui, and lets just say that the fish in the ocean enjoyed 99% of my breakfast and dinner from the night before. :rolleyes:

 

I know the patch (behind the neck) works for me, but the wrist band with electric pause seems more natural and actually cheaper over long term as I use it everywhere and the battery is replaceable. And what's amazing about the one I linked is that it works even after you got sick. None of the pills or patch work after you are already motion sick, but the watch does.

I dont normally get motion sick, but I dont want to take the chance. Now my husband gets car sick if he reads in the car.

There is a place called "the cheese shop" over in Stuarts Draft VA where I get it. It's considered a bulk item, natural product. Just look for it in a place that sells bulk items. I think they also have it at the Martin's grocery stores in their bulk section. No real brand name.

 

An alternative is to find it in the spice section in the grocery store, usually it's in a jar. I've seen McCormick's brand crystallized ginger in small jars.

I will look at our Spourts an see if they carry it. Thank you.

I bought wrist bands but I am also taking Bonine and ginger with me.

 

Some people eat green apples but that does not work for me.

I cant eat green apples because the acid in them blisters the roof of my mouth and causes it to peel. Weird I know. That happened after I got older.

Which wrist band are you taking? I am using this one:

https://www.amazon.com/NEW-Reliefband-Motion-Morning-Sickness/dp/B00PG4NUOS

 

I had it for about 12 years and still working great. Use it on cruise, little boat, roller coaster, plane, bus, car, etc... Over the years I must have let over 20 people borrowed it on cruises and everyone thanked me afterward and bought their own. I am one of those people who get car sick if I am not driving.. and can never read anything riding on anything that moves.

I am getting these :

https://www.amazon.com/Sea-band-Adult-Wristband-2-Pairs/dp/B00J6P9U2Y/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1484168206&sr=8-1&keywords=sea-band%2Badult%2Bwristband&th=1

The ones you have look amazing but alittle outta of more than I can do. PLus my husband would KILL me. ;)

Crystallized ginger works well for me.

Is there a certain brand you buy? I am looking on amazon now and there is so many different kinds of ginger candy

I am going to buy the wrist bands but I also want to take something on board with us just for the fact that I am allergic to antihistamines. Does anyone have any ideas? I see there is ginger candy and you can get peppermint candy. I would prefer to stay natural.

I wouldn't agree if she was the third passenger in our room, but she'll be sharing a room with my mother-in-law. I have a feeling we'll see a lot of her in the beginning, but then eventually just meeting up for dinner or excursions.

Yeah, she would have been in our room.

Congrats on 25 years! I introduced my parents to cruising 5 years ago, and they were nervous but had a fantastic time. Now they cruise 2 or 3 times each year with a cruise to the Panama Canal coming up in October! They got hooked quickly and found it a perfect way to relax and enjoy each other's company. Just wanted to say have a great cruise and don't try to do everything listed in the dailies. Relax and enjoy!

Thank you. :)

My kids were in their 20 when we took our first cruise by then they were on their own enjoying life as we were. Enjoy your cruise and since its your first cruise i suggest taking your cruise ship excursions, if you take an outside excursion and something happens to make you late getting back to the ship they will not wait i will hate to read about another passenger being left behind. take plenty of pictures on and off the ship and also do some exciting excursions to me beaches are not exciting, we walked the ocean floor and today thats still a favorite ( what did you do on your honeymoon ).

We are thinking more beach and shopping, or doing our own site seeing (but back in plenty of time for the ship). Our honeymoon almost 25 years ago was a night in a hotel.

We're going on our first cruise for our anniversary, too! It'll be our 20th in 2018, and we're bringing our daughter (well, she'll be 23 and paying her own way).

Our 22 year old tried talking us into letting her come and she would pay her own way, an I said ahhh heck no. I did tell my husband I would love to do one with our girls one day after they are married.

We are going on our first cruise in October to celebrate our 25th Anniversary! Freedom of the Seas deck 7! We are super excited too. Friends will be on the same cruise so we don't feel as nervous. I hear the shows are great!

Congratulations on your 25 years. We are on 7 as well in Feb.

I cry all the way to the bank every payday. Good grief. You worry about that age? They should be out on there own earning a living and paying their own way. My wife left home after high school, went to college and never looked back. Get on the boat, give the Captain the keys, turn off your phones, (the ship has a number you may be reached at in emergencies) go to lunch and wait til they call cabins open. Settle in and wait for the lifeboat drill. Watch the launch and wave like hell. Forget everything. You aren't driving, flying or taking a train. You're on a ship and enjoy it all. I can be fun if you don't worry.

Yes I worry about my girls at this age. Yes I agree they SHOULD be an i WISH they were, but... I will be fine after the first day. Just first time jitters.

Congratulations on your anniversary! Going on your first cruise is a great choice! My parents went on a cruise when I was a child for one of their anniversaries and they loved it so much we did a family cruise a couple years later. That's how my love for cruising started.

 

Here are some of my suggestions:

 

By searching around Cruise Critic, you can probably find some dailies that show what went on during similar cruises to yours, so you can get an idea of what may go on during yours. Connect with your roll call here, research what is available on your ship, and figure out things you might want to do while on board before you embark.

 

Don't just settle on the excursions provided by your cruise line. There are a lot of third party excursions available out there, and at many ports you can figure out things to do on your own without going through a company. Look into all the options available to you. I think this maximizes your experience. I have done third party excursions, and explored ports on my own without problems.... and I'm not *that* experienced with cruising.

 

A key note to this: if you choose a third party excursion, or choose to do something on your own, ensure you get back to your cruise on time. Doing a cruise line excursion guarantees you will get back to the ship on time OR they will get you to your next destination. Some third parties provide guarantees, but make sure you read what those guarantees include. If you do something on your own, make sure you give yourself enough time to get back to the ship.

 

I'm not sure how much you enjoy getting into water, especially on the cruise, but I bought a waterproof camera. It's nice to know I don't have to remember whether or not my camera is in my pocket, and if it is where to put it while I get in the hot tub. If that's not an option, you can always look into waterproof cases too!

Thank you. I have added waterproof case to my list. I have been doing alot of reading on the board trying to figure things out. ALOT to read, but that is a good thing.

[quote name=4x4bob

]Take a camera and remember to use it.

Your Girls back home will want to see the photo's of the ship and places you visited.

Bob

Oh there will be PLENTY of pictures taken. :) Our youngest (now 20) went on this same cruise last year with her boyfriend and his family, but on a 8 day one.

Welcome to Cruise Critic & congratulations on your first cruise!! The Freedom Of The Seas is a terrific ship to start your cruise experience..I am both an avid cruiser ( 33 cruises) and a cruise agent..your cabin ( not room, call it a "cabin" or "stateroom"..rooms are in hotels) Sorry I am so use to saying room. 7408 is called an aft ( back of ship) balcony..I have been on the Freedom & her sister the Liberty Of The Seas 2x, so I know her well..you should read some of my other posts - one called "5 Reasons to book a balcony" on the "cabin selection tips" and "cruise 101 welcome newbies" under "first time cruisers" section..these two posts may help you in making decisions...please keep in mind that my suggestions are just SUGGESTIONS based on my opinions as well as many others I have spoken to.. I will make sure to read them.

 

First- Consider eating dinner at a specialty venue like "Chops" ( steakhouse) or "Giovanni's Table" ( European/ Italian) for celebrating a special event like your first cruise..these venues cost $ 25-39 PP and all is included ( 4-5 courses) except alcohol & sodas..I find the ambiance much nicer than the MDR ( main dining room)- the MDR has 1500 people dining & is noisy, bright & busy..the specialty venues are quiet, ROMANTIC, and IMO have better food & service..TIP: Ask for a table for 2 by the window over looking the sea- very nice & romantic!! Also, when eating in the MDR, you can either dine just the two of you, or dine with others..some like to meet new people & dine with strangers, while others ( like myself & wife) prefer to dine alone..also did you decide if you want traditional dining ( you dine at either 6:15 or 8:30) or "My Time Dining", which is you dine at any time you want ( I MUCH prefer that 'cause we like to dine when we like, or when we are hungry..)..

It made me pick a time. Either 5:30 or 8, so I picked 5:30 which is fine since we pretty much eat at that time anyways and we prefer being on our own atleast for this 1st time

 

Don't miss: The Royal Promenade on deck 5, ice skating shows in Studio B ( deck 3) shown twice during the cruise, adult pool area called "The Solarium" with the hot tubs sticking out over the sides for a SPECTACULAR view of the sea ( do it on a sea day!!), having breakfast on your balcony on a SEA day ( just order the night before in your cabin & leave on door handle outside - it is free or very small charge, but soooo worth it!!) , go to the Schooner Bar ( deck 4),for piano sing alongs, Viking Crown Lounge front of ship, deck 14 for a drink & cozy venue with soft music) , Boleros Lounge, deck 4 for Latin music, Dog & Badger British Pub ( one of my favs) for a great pub atmosphere & great music on deck 5, The Flowrider on deck 13 aft for surfing the waves, Vintages Wine Bar on deck 5..so much to do..if ypu need tips on excursions or what to do in ports, let me know - I have been to Cozumel 10x, Grand Cayman 7x, and Costa Maya once...But I think this is a start..don't want to overwhelm you with too much info..please ask if you need any more tips/ suggestions..this is a good time to start planning..TIP: You cannot plan any excursions till 90 days out or make dining reservations till 60 or 90 days out as well..

 

Big Al

Thank you for the info. I emailed this to my husband as well. :) I do have a few questions plus i made a few comments in your quote..

Drink package specials

1. Do yall

A.wait an keep an eye out for them online for better prices

B.do you just get them when you book

C.Do you wait till you get on the ship

I saw where someone said they went into their cruise calendar to purchase a beverage package for their cruise and there was this...FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY,WHEN YOU PURCHASE AN ULTIMATE BEVERAGE PKG. YOU WILL RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY ROYAL REFRESHMENT PKG AND AN ADDITIONAL COCOA COLA SOUVENIR CUP TO SHARE WITH A FRIEND. GUESTS WILL ALSO RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY BOTTLE OF LIMITED EDITION AMERICAN SUMMER DOMAINE CHANDON.

I realize this was last year but I dont want to get a package yet if they offer deals like this as time gets closer. Any help would be great.

*posted in another area.

2.Beaches to go to? We are thinking more beach an shopping right at this moment.

3.What can you bring on board as far as drinks? I have seen 2 bottles of wine 750ml but some people say you can bring water but others say you cant.

4. As far as allergies to mushrooms, is that a normal life thing just to watch out for or do you let them know somehow somewhere?

Do yall

A.wait an keep an eye out for them online

B.do you just get them when you book

C.Do you wait till you get on the ship

I saw where someone said they went into their cruise calendar to purchase a beverage package for their cruise and there was this...FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY,WHEN YOU PURCHASE AN ULTIMATE BEVERAGE PKG. YOU WILL RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY ROYAL REFRESHMENT PKG AND AN ADDITIONAL COCOA COLA SOUVENIR CUP TO SHARE WITH A FRIEND. GUESTS WILL ALSO RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY BOTTLE OF LIMITED EDITION AMERICAN SUMMER DOMAINE CHANDON.

I realize this was last year but I dont want to get a package yet if they offer deals like this as time gets closer. Any help would be great.

Sherbear, I cried all the way to the airport before our first cruise. My stomach was turning and I was a mess. I probably would have cancelled if I could have. I was so nervous to leave our kids. I couldn't wait to call home the first time from St. Maarten. By then, we were totally hooked and that feeling was gone. I trusted my mom and I knew the kids were fine. Yours will be, too. If you're nervous, check in with texts (they're cheap). It's reassuring to just KNOW everything is ok. Now my kiddos are adults and I worry about my mom, who is elderly and not well. Go have fun. You deserve it!

My daughter went on this cruise ship with her boyfriend and his family last year an had a blast. Now on the flip side, mom (me) was home crying cause the first few days because i wasnt able to check on her. But she did check in with me every chance she got.