seanugget

We have done two 10 day cruises. Both with NCL. Personally, I really like sea days. Gives us time to explore the ship, take in some entertainment, eat at a specialty restaurant (if the line you're on offers this) and just relax. Not having to get up super early for an excursion or rush back to the ship to get ready for dinner etc. I will say as others have said, we got somewhat tired of the food towards the end of the cruise BUT we were on a cruise being waited on and enjoying ourselves. That's a plus! Also, if you're very social like we are, we got to meet some lovely people and were able to spend more time with them.

Depending on the ship/line, they offer onboard laundry service or do it yourself laundry. This is a big plus and if you've made a certain status, it is free or you get a few free loads of laundry. I liked this as I didn't want to pack my entire wardrobe for the cruise. We live in rural Maine and it can be difficult to fly out depending on the time of year which can be stressful. Having more time on vacation works for us.

I really think it's all in what you're looking for and what you want to get out of your vacation. I would definitely go on another 10 day cruise.

Just off Windsurf. Dress code is more relaxed. I saw many people wearing jeans to dinner. I also women wearing shorts in Aamphora. You can always wear shorts at Candles.

Thank you. :)

This is interesting. I've never seen WS described as formal or a fashion show. I'd love a link. Very casual and laid back. Just collared shirts and long pants for men at dinner in Aamphorae, and I've seen even this ignored in very hot weather. The only thing close to fashion is that people dress up a bit for the yacht club reception, which as first timers you won't be invited to since its for repeat cruisers.

I wish I could remember which website it was. I've been looking with no luck at the moment. Everything else I read stated the emphasis on casual but I of course hold on to what this one person said about it being very formal. I need to let that go. HA HA! Sounds like we would be very comfortable with Windstar. Thanks for the information.

Thank you so very much! Your reply was helpful. We aren't worried about the age range. I hope that didn't sound ageist. We are more curious since we got such conflicting information. One of the websites said that the cruises are generally an older crowd and quite formal. Another said it was a mix of ages and casual. We prefer a more casual kind of cruise with all ages. It makes it more relaxing and fun. :)

Thanks again!

Hi all,

We are seriously considering booking with Windstar for our 10th anniversary. We have a few questions.

-What is the dress code? We have read varying information on this. It ranges from full on fashion show to cruise casual. We are fairly casual but certainly can dress it up if need be.

-What is the general age range? From what we have read, the general age range is 40's and up. We are in our mid 30's and early 40's. This is more of a curiosity question since we got...you guessed it, varying information on this. We are very social and have friends ranging from early 20's to upper 80's.

-I read that there is no assigned seating at dinner nor is there a set dining time other than to be there by 7:00 pm. Is this correct?

Thanks for any information. I appreciate your time and thoughts.

Thanks for posting the pictures. How did you get so up close and personal? I'm guessing you work for NCL? We sail on her on December 3rd. Really looking forward to it! Where on social media can we see these. Going cray cray over here trying to find more pics!

Thanks again!!

April7901,

Sorry I'm just responding! We just booked another cruise and I'm finally back on CC again. Yes, we were on deck 11 mini suite 11058. Darn it, I knew it was you. I should have said something but didn't want t embarrass myself. Sorry we didn't get a chance to meet! Again, great pictures!!

Great pictures and I read through a lot of your review posts. We didn't meet on the cruise but I think you were down the hall from us. Are you blond with glasses?

My boyfriend and I are looking for a cruise late July to August for this year. We live in Massachusetts and we would lIke to go on a cruise to anywhere new, aside from your typical cruises to beachy islands. With that said..I am clueless to what state we should depart from to go on a cruise like that. Would it be cheaper to just fly out to Europe and go to one country? I am just extremely clueless as you can tell and would like some input..maybe a "beachy" cruise would be more ideal?

Welcome! I see you are in Mass. There are some cruises that leave out of Boston which could be cheaper as it can save on airfare and you could possibly get a resident rate but depending on where you live in Mass, you'd still have to deal with driving and parking fees unless you are close and can get a ride or take a train. There's also cruises that leave out of NYC again, saving you time and possibly some $$. Non beachy cruises can include destinations like Alaska or Canada/New England. Both can be somewhat pricey during July-August. However you are in Mass and may not want to do a Canada/New England cruise. Not that I'm trying to discourage you from Europe but airfare to Europe can be more expensive than the actual cruise itself. It depends on time of year and which airline/airport you fly in/out out of. Another suggestion is a Pacific Coastal usually out of LA or San Francisco but I know there are other embark ports as well. You said non beach but these cruises can be very affordable and it's something a bit different than your standard "caribbean" beachy type places. In the end, only you and your boyfriend can ultimately decide where to go. Make a list of places you really want to see, budget, what's important and what isn't, timeframe and things you really want to do. That might help narrow down your decision. Just some suggestions. Best of luck! :)

This is really great and so thoughtful of you to do for your in-laws. I hope I don't seem like I'm picking your list apart. I'm not. I thought of a few things I would recommend/clarify for them:

-Embarkation: I strongly urge them to do online check-in where they can print out their boarding passes and luggage tags. Maybe they are already doing this and it's just not on the list. ;)

-Sail & Sign Card: They should know they will need to keep it with them at all times. Especially when they get off the ship. They can get the card punched and have a lanyard put on it at the casino on the first day so they can wear it (if they want to of course). Also, many ships now have S & S kiosks typically near the Fun Shops where people can check balances, add money and change credit cards. It beats the lines at Guest Services. But some people prefer to go to guest services, I get that. :) The online check-in I mentioned also allows them to add a credit card or choose cash payment option. It saves time imho.

-Shore Excursions & Ports: This is done at the Shore Excursion Deck usually on the same deck as Guest Services. They can also pre-book excursions online or by phone. It will beat those lines. Also, if they do venture out to the ports (I hope they do), they will have to bring their S&S card and it doesn't hurt to bring photo ID such as Passport. Please remind them of Ship Time vs Port Time if applicable.

Just some thoughts I had. I think it's so nice of you to do this. I hope they have a wonderful trip!

Hi. My Husband and I will be cruising for our second time in July 2016, celebrating our 40th Anniversary. Thinking about Alaska or possibly Europe cruise. We're actually open to most anywhere but funds are limited. Looking for advice on reasonable cruises from Los Angelos. Thanks

Happy Anniversary! There are some very affordable Mexican Riviera cruises from LA with Carnival. Pacific Coastal and Panama Canal/Transatlantic cruises with NCL are affordable as well. I've seen some AK cruises out of San Francisco but not out of LA. That doesn't mean they don't exist. I've just never seen them. Would you consider cruising out of San Diego or San Francisco? that might open up some more possibilities for you for the Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal/Transatlantic or Pacific Coastal. Some lines don't have sail dates up for July 2016 yet believe it or not. I find that strange! Best of luck to you!

My husband and I are taking our first cruise ever Oct 5th on the Triumph to Cozmel and Progresso. Anniversary trip. :)

I have read soooo much I am overwhelmed. ANY advice at all on Embarkment, inside tips for packing as well as any cruising tips, do's and don'ts on a Carnival ship will be GREATLY appreciated.

I have our cabin booked (window Main Deck) and feel good about that. We have decided no to the Cheers and Soda plans but any experiences, pros and cons with either that we may need to know would be awesome.

We are soooo looking forward to this trip...just want to try to make the most of it.

Hi MANRW! Welcome to cruising. You'll be hooked after your first one! I way over pack. My best advice for that is to think about you really must need and have to have vs is it really necessary to bring every flip flop, high heel and dress I own etc, etc. We are all different in that area but I've found that with each cruise, I'm packing less and less using that philosophy. If you are a wine drinker, you are allowed 1 bottle per person in your carry on. Bring a corkscrew in your checked luggage should you go that route. It can sometimes take forever for them to bring one to you. Board the ship with an open mind and a positive attitude. Some new cruisers (some not so new) become overwhelmed and or they don't do their homework like you are doing (which is smart) and wind up not enjoying their cruise. They worry about every detail and it can ruin their vacation. I've seen it a lot. A favorite part about cruising for my husband and I is meeting new people. We love talking to all kinds of people from all over the world. We've made a lot of friends over the years while cruising. Many more seasoned cruisers have a lot of great insight and stories to share. People that are shy might be put off by this but it's really a great part of cruising in my opinion. If you're a social butterfly, you'll have a lot more fun...again just my opinion. :) Have a wonderful time!!! Relax, Enjoy the Company, Mingle and Have a great time!!

You are not old! Stop that right now young lady! :) I'm pretty much going to advise on what everyone else has already said. Do online check-in. Getting to the embarkation dock the day or night before is highly, highly recommended.

I live in coastal Maine and I can say you will probably need a light jacket, sweatshirt and long sleeved tops. But then again, we can hit the 80's in the blink of an eye even in fall so it wouldn't hurt to bring a pair of sandals and some shorts or sundresses.

Things to bring:

A good pair of sneakers/walking shoes

Binoculars

Nice camera

Light jacket/sweatshirt/long sleeved top/rain jacket/umbrella

Motion sickness tabs

Please feel free to ask questions about Maine should you be headed our way. :) Enjoy

Thank you so much for such a detailed photo montage! This is really helpful. We are sailing on the Pearl this May on a 10 night voyage to Alaska. We are even more excited! Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

When I first saw this I was like "WHAT?!" like most people. LOL!! Enjoy your trip!!