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How Well Do You Remember Your First Cruise?


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Hi, was thinking about first cruises -- mine was Celebrity Zenith NYC to Bermuda the 2nd week of September and of course we ran into a hurricane (or rather away). What do you remember about yours?

 

Would love to know what was your first cruise (ship, line, where did you go).

 

What was the biggest learning moment on the cruise?

 

Best discovery about cruise travel?

 

What one piece of advice would you want to give folks who haven't cruised yet, but want to (you can give more than one :) ).

 

We're thinking of this post as a helpful aid to new-to-cruise travelers so definitely focusing on that very first one (may be hard for a lot of us with so many in between first and next!). Thanks for your input.

 

Carolyn

 

Carolyn Spencer Brown

Chief Content Strategist

Cruise Critic

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First non-USN cruise was in 1996 on Orient Lines' Marco Polo (she is still sailing with an other line) from Istanbul to Athens with stops on Turkish coast and Aegean islands.

 

It gave rise to my addiction - which I could not feed until childrens' education was finished in 2001. Since then - essentially contemporaneous with my giving up full time employment - I have sailed one or two times per year. It is great what you can do with disposable income and free time.

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First cruise.... 10 years ago...

 

2007

Grandeur of the Seas / RCI

out of New Orleans / Western Caribbean

 

I´ve been on several river cruises prior to this first blue water cruise. Plus I´ve been on this message board (plus a German speaking one) for a couple of years already. So I more or less exactly knew what to expect. Not much learning moments except for the fact that our then 7 yo never needed the walkie talkie we specifically bought in the US for this cruise. She got along pretty well in the kids club without really speaking English. So maybe the learning moment is: Trust your kid! It´s getting along better than you may think!

 

steamboats

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First cruise when I was 12 on Homeric which was part of the Home Lines.

 

I remember a lot about the cruise.

 

It was back in the day where we tossed confetti from the ship as we were getting ready to leave on a 13 day cruise from New York City.

 

When we got near the Caribbean I remember that I couldn't get over how blue the water looked.

 

Lots of great memories and such a wonderful time that eventually I convinced my wife we should do a cruise with our family and the rest is history.

 

Keith

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Aug 1974 Alexandr Pushkin R/T Montreal 14 days

first shock was communal showers & toilets just a sink in the cabin

2nd shock

Ran into a tropical storm leaving Bermuda with 25 ft seas washing the top deck

Lots of people missed meals that day ...me included

DH loved it

Could not have been too bad as I put on 14 lbs in the first week (I have learned moderation since then) LOL

I am really surprised I cruised again after that ;)

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Our 1st cruise was in 2008 from Seattle to Alaska in September.... rainy, cold & windy....lived in polar fleece & rain gear - & my back went out. I vowed never to cruise again! Fast forward to 2010 & we did a Mexican Riviera cruise --- fabulous cruise! We don't cruise as often as some posters but it has become one of our favorite things to do -- I go for the ports, hubby likes the sea days.

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My first cruise was I think it was 1994 on Carnival Celebration. My friend and I had no idea what to expect except for what our travel agent told us and what my parents had told me from their one cruise. So we knew there was one formal night and what to dress up for but being 2 20 somethings anything black was for us formal lol.

We were seated for dinner with a bunch of other women some were solo travelers. We went to the disco every night and drank way too much that charging to your room was way too easy. When we got our final bills we were a bit shocked at the final total but we knew we had throughly enjoyed ourselves.

There was a medical emergency the first night of the cruise and someone was evacuated which changed our arrival in San Juan.

For me this this trip started my love affair of cruising. I ended up taking my next one as a solo traveler.

 

I'm soon to embark on another First my first transatlantic cruise. Looking forward to many relaxing days at sea.

 

Colleen

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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My two first non-US cruises were on Volga river in 90/91.

In US it was Eastern Caribbean cruise on Celebrity Century in July 2003. One of the best cruises.

For a long time I kept comparing every cruise to it. Bar was set high!

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2011 Liberty of the Seas Royal Caribbean

5 nights from Barcelona

Celebrating my 40th with a short cruise as DH didn’t think he’d like the crowds and constraints of being on a ship.

Learnt that there is always a quite deckchair or bar stool if you want to avoid the crowd.

DH now equally hooked: wake up in a new place to explore, food a-plenty and time to properly relax.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

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6/2012 - Carnival Triumph: Galveston to Cozumel and Progreso.

 

Tropical Storm Debbie was all the rage and gave us good times. In Cozumel, we did the Sting Ray swim and none of us wanted to get out of the water because the rain was so cold!

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Would love to know what was your first cruise (ship, line, where did you go).

 

Holland America - Westerdam - 2014

Turks & Caicos, Puerto Rico, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Bahamas

What was the biggest learning moment on the cruise?

 

Cruises aren't necessarily what I'd imagined. I had had this image of low-class, boorish passengers and 24-hour buffets. That's not what I found. I'd also envisioned tacky ports and corny tourism, and while those do exist, they're not all there is to it.

 

Best discovery about cruise travel?

 

That it's enjoyable and easy, even on "one foot in the grave" HAL ships.

 

What one piece of advice would you want to give folks who haven't cruised yet, but want to (you can give more than one clear.png?emoji-smile-1742 ).

 

Don't let things get to you. Probably no line or ship is perfect, and every cruise will have its glitches. Find your own relaxation and your own fun. Bring some books to read.

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1967 NCL Sunward

Fri. afternoon to Mon. morning, Miami to Nassau & back

 

DH was finishing up a business trip in MIA & NCL was a corporate client. The office folks suggested we "try a cruise". We were told to booked an inside on the lowest deck/share a bath for $89.00 each; NCL would up-grade us as a corporate favor.

 

Indeed! We got a 2-room suite! DH & I were 22 & 28; I'd just graduated from college. We thought we'd died & gone to heaven!

 

We rented a little sports car & ran around the island for 2 days; visited the casino (didn't gamble); saw the bare beginnings of Paradise Island -- had a ball!

 

We didn't cruise again until 1974 (did several land trips) when we discovered Sitmar & their children's program for our then 2.5 yr. old DD -- and fell in love w/family cruising!

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Wasn't really a cruise, but sailed to Italy on the Italian Line ship "Cristoforo Columbo" in 1958 (I was 6) to visit my grandparents. I immediately fell in love with ship travel, even as a young boy. Subsequently, between TA's and cruises, I've been on well over 100 and love ship travel even more now. I've seen a LOT of changes over the years!!!!!!!!!!

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My first cruise was in 1974 on the Emerald Seas; it was a holiday cruise out of Miami (I think) and I was all of 11 years old.

 

The original Poseidon Adventure movie had come out about 2 years prior, and I remember going into our cabin for the first time, looking at the large porthole window and wondering if it would leak should the ship turn over. (Only spent about 5 minutes worrying, then we were off to explore the ship... :D).

 

Balconies were virtually nonexistent. There were no specialty restaurants, no dedicated buffet, no spa, etc. Activities included wooden horse racing, bingo, skeet shooting, and disco dancing classes.

 

I enjoyed it but I'm pretty sure I didn't fall in love with cruising until my second cruise (a year later) on the Sitmar Fairwind. Those ships were wonderful and the Italian crews spoiled any kids on board. The dedicated wood-fired pizzeria pretty much sealed the deal. I must've gone on about 8 more Sitmar cruises before they merged with Princess.

 

Advice to First-timers:

  • Pack less stuff than you think you need.
  • Don't worry about taking in every single show and activity, just enjoy yourself.
  • Don't read too much into negative reviews of others (here on this site or on others) before you go. Some people have very unrealistic expectations.

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Never judge cruising by an untimely trip. Our first cruise was Jan 1996 on the Noordam, Western Caribbean, it was very rough and we said we would never take another Cruise. Well, that was a few years ago, since then we have taken 11 cruises including Princess, Celebrity, Carnival and yes Holland America

Cruising is our favorite getaway and we encourage every to take any cruise you can afford and see how you are treated, eentertainment, great food and many new things to see. Don't put it of. do it now! :cool:

 

 

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17 years ago. The Celebrity Century to the eastern caribbean

We took our daughter who was 13 then.

When we first saw the ship, we exclaimed how HUGE is was!

 

We bought every picture, did ship excursions for every port,

shopped in the shops. Spent a ton of money.:D

 

Now we are seasoned. ;)

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Ours was May 2006 on the Norwegian Crown (now lengthened and part of Fred Olsen Cruises) out of Philadelphia. 1200 passengers and tiny compared to today's ships. 7 days to Bermuda. Since it was a small ship we docked at St. Georges, Hamilton and Kings Wharf. Have been to Bermuda twice since and only docked at Kings Wharf. This is when I caught the cruise bug. My DW took a little longer to convert. We had rough seas on the way back and it was a bit much for her. The fun things I remember are docking at all 3 ports so we saw most of the island, watching a parade on Front Street for Bermuda Day from atop the ship and what a beautiful place Bermuda is. I will also never forget walking out of the building from check in and seeing the ship up close for the first time. Still have the picture my wife took of me on the gang way walking up to the ship. Fond memories. We just booked our 6th cruise last week.

 

Happy Cruising

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My first was in late 1977 on NCL's recently acquired (from Cunard) Sunward II. This was considered a nice size ship in those days and she was about 14,200 tons. It started me on what is now forty years of extensive cruising which has spanned most of the world (except Antarctica) and included more then 60 different vessels (we have lost count) of 14 cruise lines. Having spent far more then 1000 days on cruises.....we can honestly say our love of cruising keeps growing. We have never grown bored with cruising because we seek out variety in ships, cruise lines, and itineraries. DW just reminded me that we currently have 4 longer cruises booked and they are with 4 different cruise lines :).

 

Hank

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1960 (do I win a prize for the earliest cruiser here?)

My father was given this vacation as a work bonus. Mom, dad, my older brother and I boarded the Cunard Mauretania 2 for a Caribbean cruise in New York harbor. I was a youngster, but still remember many things about the experience. First, even as a child you had to dress appropriately. I remember my parents taking my brother and I to Saks Fifth Avenue to buy our cruise-wear (we weren't wealthy, but I guess Saks was the place to go for cruise-wear). We lived on Long Island, but spent the pre-departure night in NYC. The next day we took a cab to the port. I remember pulling up to the dock alongside this huge black wall. You guessed it - it was the ship. I'd never seen anything so big!

My memories of the cruise are a bit scattered, so in no particular order here's what I remember.....

 

 

  • There was an indoor pool way down in the bowels of the ship. My brother and I spent a lot of time there, and while there was a lifeguard, I can't remember anyone else ever swimming there. The ship obviously didn't have stabilizers and I remember the water sloshing from side-to-side. This I'm sure was what made it so fun.
  • Dining: In those days there were still different dining rooms for the different passenger classes. I have no idea what class we were. Every night was quite formal in the MDR. I remember one night there was a reception line of the Captain and officers who greeted everyone as they entered the dining room. At the end of the cruise my parents were presented with a full set of menus - each in its original binder. I wish I had those, but they are long gone. My only memories of the MDR are the desserts (souffle, and cherries jubilee prepared table-side). One night they had a magician in the MDR. To my total amazement he pulled a coin from behind my ear. I couldn't believe it! I also remember dining at the captain's table one night.
  • I think all ports were tendered at that time. When we dropped anchor at each port an armada of small boats would row out to the ship. Passengers would line the railing and throw coins into the water and the locals would dive from their boats and retrieve them. Other boats were selling souvenirs. You would place your money in a basket and lower it down on a rope. They would put whatever you bought into the basket and you would pull it back up.
  • I don't remember much about the ports themselves. I do remember the extreme poverty of Haiti (my mom had her wallet pick-pocketed there). My parent's bought straw hats for my brother and I. Mine had tall donkey ears on the sides with pom-poms at the ear tips. I loved it, but soon learned upon returning home never to wear it again!
  • Biggest Disappointment: The candy selection. The only candy for sale on the ship was British. There were no familiar brands. What they did have was disappointing. I think we finally found some chocolate we liked.

I've gone on too long. Suffice it to say that if you wonder whether or not to take your young children on a cruise - do it! Even if they are only 7-8 yo, it's one of standout events of my young childhood.

Edited by mnocket
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My first cruise was aboard Rotterdam V from New York in July, 1970. The ports were Bermuda, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and St. Lucia. It was an 11 day itinerary.

 

Most important learning moment on that cruise: Read Signs Posted on Deck Railings! Some fresh white paint had been applied to some deck railings. Sailing close to dinner time, I was dressed in my new blue suit, purchased specifically to wear during this cruise. I went out on deck to watch sailaway, got too close to the newly painted railings, and my blue suit now had some white stripes! I gave the suit to my Cabin Steward to see what the Laundry might be able to do with it. They were able to reduce the paint marks somewhat, but, the suit was still ruined.

 

Most important discovery of the cruise: #1: I am a good sailor; mal de mer was not and is not a problem for me (thankfully). #2: Going on a shore excursion and the forecast calls for rain (or the sky looks like it could rain): take an umbrella with you! First port of call was Hamilton, Bermuda where the Rotterdam had to anchor in the Great Sound. We had to use the Bermuda supplied tender to get into Hamilton. It was only partly covered; there was not room for all on the tender to be under-cover. En route to the dock, it started to rain and my friend and I were not under the cover. By the time we got to the dock, we were thoroughly wet. Tempted to return to the ship, but we decided to continue on the tour we had booked. Because it was so warm, we quickly dried thoroughly as well.

 

Best tips: Do your research to be sure that the cruise and ship are most appropriate for you and what you wish to experience on your first cruise. Study the ship's deck plan. Book a stateroom that will be in the best location for you. Open deck areas above your stateroom may provide you with the sound of patter of feet and/or deck chair scrapping noise when you least want it. Public rooms where there may be music or noise above or below your stateroom also may disappoint you. Staterooms very forward and quite far aft may provide an uncomfortable ride if King Neptune is having a bad day. Don't try to DO everything on your first cruise. If you do, upon returning home, you will need a vacation from your vacation! (But, hopefully, you'll return home, eager for the next one!)

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I took my mother on the ferry MV Columba in 1967, I think it was...it was advertised as a cruise, but it was a basic ferry, with bunks and loos down the corridor. She sailed from Oban to the Inner Hebrides, and a coach met us at each port. The ferry is still sailing as MV Hebridean Princess... she's been booked by the Queen twice for family holidays, and has the Royal insignia on a deck.

I'd love to go with her again- she still has sailings from Oban- but it's a very expensive cruise.

Many, many other mini breaks on ferries, again advertised as cruises; my first real cruise ship was Sea Princess in 2006

Yes, I remember almost every minute of our fortnight on board; I probably could still take you on a guided tour of that ship.

Edited by jocap
old age...
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What a great thread !!!

 

First cruise was in 1990 on the Fair Princess. Vancouver to Alaska & a land tour. (Wow, cruising & ships have really changed since then).

Loved Alaska so much we have cruised back there 8 times.

 

Boarding: we entered the ship directly into the main area. The walls were covered with protective blankets. Luggage was stacked from floor to ceiling. A princess rep in white gloves introduced himself & escorted us to our cabin (inside in economy section)

 

Cabin: very small with twin beds & a path divided by a drop down table. (Lol, we were in heaven)

 

MDR: we sat at a 4 top with a couple on their 2nd cruise.

We were in amazement of the food & service

We still are!!!

 

There was a "captain's table" at the front of the MDR. Many of the ladies were in elaborate ball gowns. Men wore tuxes or white dinner jackets

(DH rented his for this cruise)

 

Men were refused entrance to MDR if they were not wearing jackets. BTW, they could borrow one from dining room staff.

 

Midnight buffet: it was quite impressive.

 

I can't remember the entertainment but I do remember that "The Love Boat" theme was played at every opportunity. (I miss that)

 

So glad we went on that cruise !!!!!

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