"I wish I knew before..."

[debi_zyx]

This is my first real visit to CruiseCritic, and I just read this WHOLE thread from beginning to end, over about 4 days!

Still planning our first cruise, as a belated 20th anniversary celebration, without kids :D

The tips here have been wonderful. I'll definitely remember them for when we eventually book.

[satxdiver]

Power strips and extension cords are not permitted by some cruise lines (most?).

 

Keep all drugs, prescription and OTC, in their original container. Drug agents and security can be very skeptical. "honest officer, this is my xxx medicine"!

 

Plastic enclosures for digital cameras can be pricey. I am a scuba diver and my plastic enclosure cost almost as much as the camera ($200+!).

 

If you are going to the Caribbean or further south in either ocean, wear sun block. You will be closer to the equator and the sun. You may not burn in WI but could in Aruba. Use sun block or pay the price!

 

You will run into some rude people. Just ignore them.

 

You will be sailing with people from other countries and continents. Their mannerism may be different than yours. They are not being rude. Keep on open mind and learn something about cultures different than yours. In the USA we use the middle finger to express our disgust. Other cultures use different body parts to express the same disgust so be careful. You may insult someone without realizing or meaning to do it.

 

Above all - HAVE FUN!

[suezyq50]

You can board and have lunch.

You can exchange your departure luggage tags.

[vonster]

1. You don't need over the door shoe hanger... There were more than enough rooms in the closet for 4 people in 1 room with 4 separate suitcases...

2. You do not need to bring towels as they give you tons of new towels as well as towels to take off the boat.

3. You do not need flashlight

4. You DO NEED water bottles, buy them when you're not on ship (their water taste funky)

5. You DO NEED MORE FREAKING MONEY than you thought...

6. You DO NEED TO RESEARCH EXcursions before boarding, unless you're willing to pay more booking through the ship

7. You really only need 3 pairs of shoes/sandals: 1 Flip Flops, 2 Comfortable Walking Shoes, 3 Dress Shoes....I took my water shoes but never got to use them even tho we had 5 port stops

8. You DO NOT NEED to bring 1 outfit for Each Day...I ended up only wearing 3 set of outfits I took, on an 8 day cruise.

9. DO NOT PANIC if your ship is scheduled back at 8 am and your flight is at 10 am. We ended up getting off the ship right at 6:30 am, even had time for breakfast bla bla bla and stipp make it it fort lauderdale airport before 8 am.

10. Women: BRING YOUR LADY THINGS !!!!!

Edited September 23, 2010 by vonster

[aohkay]

Remember that gratuities are automatically added. I forgot all about this on my first cruise and whenever a server brought me the bill, I added a 15% gratuity and cheerfully signed the bill. Cost me a small fortune!

[mgm61]

Keep all drugs, prescription and OTC, in their original container. Drug agents and security can be very skeptical. "honest officer, this is my xxx medicine"!

 

 

I was wondering about this. So my DH can't use his 7 day pill container?

[Widespreadpanic]

1. You don't need over the door shoe hanger... There were more than enough rooms in the closet for 4 people in 1 room with 4 separate suitcases...

2. You do not need to bring towels as they give you tons of new towels as well as towels to take off the boat.

3. You do not need flashlight

4. You DO NEED water bottles, buy them when you're not on ship (their water taste funky)

5. You DO NEED MORE FREAKING MONEY than you thought...

6. You DO NEED TO RESEARCH EXcursions before boarding, unless you're willing to pay more booking through the ship

7. You really only need 3 pairs of shoes/sandals: 1 Flip Flops, 2 Comfortable Walking Shoes, 3 Dress Shoes....I took my water shoes but never got to use them even tho we had 5 port stops

8. You DO NOT NEED to bring 1 outfit for Each Day...I ended up only wearing 3 set of outfits I took, on an 8 day cruise.

9. DO NOT PANIC if your ship is scheduled back at 8 am and your flight is at 10 am. We ended up getting off the ship right at 6:30 am, even had time for breakfast bla bla bla and stipp make it it fort lauderdale airport before 8 am.

10. Women: BRING YOUR LADY THINGS !!!!!

I'm glad you had plenty of time to make your 10:00 flight, but I would never book before 11. Our disembarkation was delayed an hour once, and that was all it took...

[colonialinnkeeper]

Keep all drugs, prescription and OTC, in their original container. Drug agents and security can be very skeptical. "honest officer, this is my xxx medicine"!

 

 

I was wondering about this. So my DH can't use his 7 day pill container?

 

We have always used the 7 day pill containers and have never been questioned. We have traveled internationally both in Europe and the Caribbean as well as within the U.S. With the vitamin bottles being so large it would take up a lot of space. Our prescription drugs are in the weekly pill containers as well.

[GlendaleCruiser]

I'm glad you had plenty of time to make your 10:00 flight, but I would never book before 11. Our disembarkation was delayed an hour once, and that was all it took...

 

 

Yep, that's all it takes.

Also, different ports and different airports make all the difference. Rome is an hour away from Civitavecchia. Barcelona's port is close--within 20 to 30 minutes. Before you book your flights, talk to someone on the boards and ask how much time you need.

[onlinebingo]

I wish I had prepared more water.........

[rjhollan]

bring an extra luggage lock, they are quite expensive on the ship , if you loose one!

 

We use zip-ties. TSA can cut them off if necessary. We stick a couple un-used ones inside the bag and find that usually they'll re-ziptie the zippers for us if they have to do an inspection.

 

Luggage locks are easy to open these days; if not, they're just cut off and thrown away. We obviously don't pack valuables (electronics, jewelry, etc) in our checked baggage. If someone wants to steal my drawers, well they probably need 'em more than I do! :)

[Dottygumdrop]

We are travelling on RCI's Independence of the Seas next July (first cruise ever) out of Southampton. Are the power points/wall sockets in the cabin designed for US/American plugs? I don't want to buy a UK power strip, only to find I can't plug it (or any of my appliances) into a US-style wall socket! :confused:

[wiskt]

The water pressure in the bathroom is powerful. Turn the sink on slowly or else the water flow will fly right out of the sink all over you.

 

I've been cruising for years and forget this and it gets me everytime!

 

LOL :D

[USAF&wife]

Just returned from our first cruise - Wish I had

 

1. Brought a watch

2. Gone to Guest Services and gotten a ship map the first day

3. Listened to everyone when they said pack less. ;-)

4. Gone to the shows (never knew what time it was, so missed out)

5. Known that there were more photo backgrounds than just what was in the Atrium

 

 

Still had a great time!

Tamara

[GE0130]

The first day you board, get there ASAP.... while waiting in Port, focus on touring the ship and getting a "lay of the land." Most of the time, you can't get into your room until a certain time, and touring the ship is a great use of your time.

 

This way, you will know where everything is on your first day, and not wasting time finding each activity... or finding a really cool hang-out place on the 5th day of the 7 day cruise (like we did). :cool:

 

We took a Disney cruise and many people decorated their doors.... I thought this was so cool!!!! So, I did on our Honeymood Cruise on Royal Carribean's Oasis OTS.... It made our room VERY easy to find (since we were the only one's that decorated the door). Magnets work great!!!!

 

I like bringing a night light for the 3am trips to the bathroom. RC Oasis had an AWSOME one already in the bathroom, but I have found most cruise lines don't... and full brightness is very tough on my eyes.

 

I love the previous posts about 1: creating a tradition; 2: bringing an extra baithing suit; 3: simplify, simplify, simplify; 4: bring highlighter for the daily paper to mark events you want to go to.

 

JUST HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited October 12, 2010 by GE0130
forgot something

[DandP]

Although we are fairly new on CruiseCritic.com, we have spent a lot of time on it since we booked our Panama Canal Cruise on the Island Princess about eight weeks ago. We investigated ports of call, excursions, specialty restaurants, etc.

 

 

We had seen people doing the Chef's Table last year on the Golden Princess and it looked like a lot of fun. The more that we read or saw, the more that we were convinced that we should do it. People who had done it previously seemed virtually unanimous in their praise. Vickie and Bernie's review and video and a couple of others were particularly compelling.

 

 

The Chef's Table became our primary goal for our October 6, San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale cruise. Since we would be joining this repositioning cruise two days after its origin in Vancouver (and we knew that we would not be arriving at the pier as early as some people), we were worried that we might not be high enough on the list to make the cut.

 

 

Fortunately, we ended up in the first of evidently four Chef's Tables on this 15 day sailing – that is 40 successful passengers with 8 on a waiting list (and this was without any promotion or announcement in the Princess Patter, etc.). We were very happy to get our preliminary notification about participation and the Health and Safety Agreement. We turned in our agreement quickly, then received the formal invitation.

 

 

On the appointed evening, we met Silvio Zampieri (Maitre D') and George Coteanu (Assistant Maitre D') in the atrium, donned our chef's coats and were escorted to the temporary tasting area in the galley. Here we were met by Executive Chef Klaus Baumgarten. Klaus is German born, but now lives in Florida. He is very focused and passionate about food.

 

 

Neither our words or photographs will do justice to the experience, so we are sharing some general impressions rather than a detailed critique of each dish. We were served four appetizers with our Champagne in the galley. The Blue Crab Margarita with Avocado and Mango, and Braised Escargots in Vol-au-Vent were our favorites, but all were excellent. Klaus entertained the group with thoughtful and in depth answers to a diverse range of questions about his background, the restaurant business, staffing, Chain De Rotisseur, menu planning, etc. Silvio and George also remained with us in the galley – they added humorous jabs and ensured there were no empty Champagne flutes (Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Blue Top Brut).

 

 

 

We then moved to the Bordeaux Dining Room and got to know the other four couples. Three from Florida and one from New York. Only one of the couples (from Boca Raton) had previously been on a Chef's Table. We talked about CruiseCritic and the Florida State vs LSU football game.

 

A very nice Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio was served as the Risotto with Asparagus and Lobster Tail and Claws were plated nearby. The Risotto was fantastic!

 

Every component of the Potted Stilton with Port Wine reduction, Walnuts and Rosemary Biscotti was great.

 

 

 

The famous Bloody Mary Sorbet was served as a palate cleanser. Doug regretted finishing his quickly so that could not rationalize accepting the offer of a Grey Goose top off when they came around again with the bottle.

 

The meat course was a trio of beef, pork, and veal tenderloins flambe-d nearby. The accompanying sauces were great – we especially liked the Cafe de Paris Butter for the beef and the garlicky Salsa Verde for the pork and veal. A Ferrari-Carano Merlot was served.

 

The desserts were beautiful in presentation and taste. The sugar sails were too pretty to eat and Peggy felt an emotional loss when they were crushed after our plates were bused. A late harvest Chilean Sauvignon Blanc was served.

 

Silvio, Klaus, George and some of the senior waiters attended to our group during the whole three hours. They continued to answer questions and tell amusing stories throughout the evening. There was nothing to up-sell, cross-sell or promote other than having a great time and special meal.

 

The only disappointment of the evening was the loss by Florida to LSU – the news of which arrived by text message. Fortunately only two members of the table had fits of uncontrollable sobbing (and we both have different recollections of this part of the evening, so there may have been more or no sobbing).

 

The ladies received a rose. Each couple received two group photographs and a coffee table cookbook.

 

 

 

 

The quality of food, personal attention, and uniqueness of the Chef's Table made this the most memorable event that we ever had on a cruise ship. We had very high expectations and they were exceeded.

 

I guess from a self interest standpoint, we should try to keep the Chef's Table as secret as possible. However, it would be selfish not to share the experience.

Summary:

We would heartily recommend the Chef's Table for anybody except picky eaters or people with restricted diets. More than worth the price. Highly memorable!

[ioneblair]

That was absolutely wonderful! Thank you so very much for this sort of virtual walk-along? not exactly what it is but so enjoyed this review of your Chef's Table experience. I had so wanted to do this but was informed that it's not on the Valor yet :( nor will it be by the time I cruise.

 

the dry humor was great :)

[colonialinnkeeper]

What is the cost of the Chef's Table? Do all lines do this? Does it take most of the evening?

[Passin Thru]

By now you should have these memorized. We go to at least one city and get lost just for fun, no , not really. We do go and see what kind of adventure we can get into on our own. We arent afraid to get ourselves lost. I've made it back so far.

[Passin Thru]

Didnt see the answer on here but: Yes, the receptacles are 110 Volt US type and 2 or 3 prong will fit as the round prong is a ground wire and I highly reccommend you have it so if something goes wrong with a cord, charger, tool, etc., it will ground back to the ship and not through your body 1st. 110 V hurts and could do you in.

[Widespreadpanic]

DandP, thank you SO MUCH for the virtual tour and pictures of the Chef's Table experience. You had me drooling with your descriptions of the food and drink, and it sounds like they put on a great show.

[scrozuk]

We are travelling on RCI's Independence of the Seas next July (first cruise ever) out of Southampton. Are the power points/wall sockets in the cabin designed for US/American plugs? I don't want to buy a UK power strip, only to find I can't plug it (or any of my appliances) into a US-style wall socket! :confused:

 

I would say from memory that yes, they do use the US style electric sockets, though I think if you can get a US power strip as I think there are only a couple of sockets available.

 

ScrozUK

[dulcimergirl]

Just a heads up, they will not allow you to fill empty water bottles with juice, tea, etc. Bring a funnel or wide mouth bottle as you will have to use a glass to fill the bottle.

 

They do this for sanitary reasons, not because they don't want you to have it.

 

At least thats what I found on the Monarch last month.

[Marelaine]

1.Take half the clothes out of your suitcase before you leave, you won't need them.

2. Your cabin attendant will put shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer in your bathroom, as you need it. Leave the big bottles at home.

3. Don't worry about formal night. Women-bring your best dress. Men- bring a blazer, dress shirt and slacks. You don't need to buy/rent evening gowns and tuxes.

4. Cruising is easy. If you have a question, ask. The crew is always willing to help and experienced passengers seem to enjoy helping out newbies.

5. Use sunscreen and sunglasses even if it's cloudy, you already have a tan and even if you sit in the shady areas. I saw several miserable looking sunburns on my cruise and it was cloudy or rainy every day, but one.

6. Be courteous to the crew members. They actually want to please you. Say please and thank you and treat them like human beings.

Edited October 14, 2010 by Marelaine
spelling

[Underwatr]

3. Don't worry about formal night. Women-bring your best dress. Men- bring a blazer, dress shirt and slacks. You don't need to buy/rent evening gowns and tuxes.

Depends on the line. On Cunard, formal nights really expect a suit at minimum, with a singificant number waring tuxes. Semi-formal could be a blazer & dress shirt (& tie). Somewhat less stringent for women, as long as it's formalish for formal nights.