First time cruise - peace of mind

Hi all,

No doubt probably asked a million times, but just after some piece of mind.

My wife has various medical conditions which involve taking medication at various times of the day. We are going on our first cruise and depart from Palma.

- Arriving in to Palma mid morning, what time are we able to board the ship (I know its at the port from 6am).

- At Palma cruise terminal, if we can't board until after midday can we get any food as her medication requires to be taken with food.

All answers are appreciated and look forward to seeing some soon

Food is always available when on board and you can board as soon as you arrive at the ship, in the past we have been held up for check in but you will know if this is the case when you arrive. Difficult to get food other than sandwiches etc at the port without going into the main terminal or into Palma, taxi ride.

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Thank you Pensioncruiser, that gives me a clear mind now.

Being our first cruise was a bit nervous on due to her medical conditions, any other advice or tips would be greatly appreciated

Depends on how much food is needed for the medication, but if it is a small amount, say a packet of crisps, you could keep a bag on you for these emergency situations.

Also just ask any rep or steward and explain food is needed with medication and it's time, and you will be surprised what they will bring you. Staff are always helpful and willing to help, so don't panic, you are in safe hands.

When on board, you can eat all day long, so food is always available for you.

Thank you Pensioncruiser, that gives me a clear mind now.

 

Being our first cruise was a bit nervous on due to her medical conditions, any other advice or tips would be greatly appreciated

Hi gr60 and welcome to the world of cruising bit difficult to relate many years of cruising of tips in one go but I can give you an idea of what to expect when you arrive at Palma port, the coach will take you directly to the embarkation building and you will receive an envelop with your boarding card then you wait in line to have your photo taken and entered onto the card also you provide them with your credit card, if that's how you intend to paid your bill this could take 10 mins or a lot longer depending when you arrive, no cash is used on the ship except the casino. You then go through an airport type screening before boarding when you will be directed or shown to your cabin. Your cases may arrive much later so first tip pack a change of summer clothes in your hand luggage, second tip mix your clothes up in your cases just in case one goes missing as it takes some time to catch up when at sea. Only other, IMO, tip is as its your first cruise only use the ships excursions as if you are late back and not on one the ship WILL go without you, after a while you will get the hang of it and go off on your own but I would not recommend on your first cruise.

If you do have any other specific question just ask and have a great cruise but be warned it is not a restful holiday and you will probably become hooked on cruising.

You forgot the customary pre boarding photo shoot ;p

You forgot the customary pre boarding photo shoot ;p

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Thank you all who have responded, definitely brings mind at ease. We are probably not likely doing any proper excursions due to the medical conditions so should be a bit more of a relaxing experience compared to most cruisers. I have watched a lot of cruise videos and dipped in and out of forums for the past few months so feel a lot more at ease now.

PensionCruiser - thank you for that insight on how the arrival day will go as this was one thing that was on my mind, with my wife being in a wheelchair and dealing with all the luggage isn't going to be an easy feat. We have got our own taxi transfer from airport to cruise terminal arranged to hopefully make things a bit more manageable.