First Timers What Might They Like To Do?

[AlaskaGolden]

Over the next two cruises (on the Caribbean and Crown Princesses), I'll be traveling with two different first timers -- both new to cruising and, of course, to Princess. I started a list of things they might like to do based on my experiences over the years. Would like some help in coming up with some more suggestions.

Here's what I have so far:

1. Eat breakfast in the Dining Room
   
2. Eat breakfast at the International Café
   
3. Eat lunch in the Dining Room
   
4. Eat lunch at the International Café
   
5. Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Dining Room
   
6. Eat dinner at the Buffet (Café Caribe)
   
7. Enjoy Dinner in at least one of the Specialty Restaurants (Crown Grill and/or Sabatinis)
   
8. Enjoy Dessert after Dinner at the International Café instead of in the Dining Room
   
9. Enjoy the entertainment in the Atrium
   
10. Use the Steam/Sauna in the Locker Room at the Spa
    
11. Enjoy a swim in the Aft Terrace Pool
    
12. Enjoy a slice (or two!) of pizza from Prego
    
13. Enjoy a burger, sausage or grilled-chicken sandwich from the Trident Grill
    
14. Sneak up to Skywalkers on a Sea Day to relax and enjoy the view
    
15. Sneak up to Skywalkers on a Port Day to enjoy the views as you leave port.
    
16. Take a free Tour of the Ship (usually held mid-PM first day)
    
17. Enjoy the Sailaway Party as the ship leaves port on the first day
    

[cb at sea]

Part of the fun of being a 1st timer is discovering things for yourself. Too much info and planning can totally ruin it for a "newbie"...so be careful! Folks LIKE to think they've "discovered" something...let them find out things on their own...it will make their experience sooooo much better!

Most of the things you listed are things they will do naturally!

[bluenoser2]

Oh my, there's so much a first timer can and will do! You've covered most of the eating options - of course there's the "what to eat" for first-timers - everyone should try the Love Boat Dream, so they can make their own judgment....Then there's MUTS - which is just a fun experience at night - with blankets and popcorn......the entertainment in the Piazza/Atrium - check the Patters to find something they'd like - all kinds of different entertainers. Then there's the people watching on Formal night which was one of my favourite first-time-on-a-ship past-time. On a sea day, the demonstration given by the chef in the theatre is fun, especially because it's followed with the walk through the galley/kitchen, which can be impressive if you've never experienced that. On the Sapphire last year, I also went on the backstage tour which was fun. I also liked the Promenade deck walking. Just reading the patter will give one lots of ideas of what to do - I used a highlighter to remind myself of the things I'd like to do in a day.

[VibeGuy]

I always suggest trying something cheesy - for example, a napkin-folding class. It's an echo to the Golden Age of cruising, and you might learn something!

 

My personal favorite activity is watching drunk people stagger to the ship in ports with a reputation for overservice. We make a drinking and wagering game out of it. ;0)

[want2cruiseagain]

Make sure they take a good first pre board picture. I was caught off guard on our first cruise and the picture was lousy.

[zacc]

Part of the fun of being a 1st timer is discovering things for yourself. Too much info and planning can totally ruin it for a "newbie"...so be careful! Folks LIKE to think they've "discovered" something...let them find out things on their own...it will make their experience sooooo much better!

Most of the things you listed are things they will do naturally!

 

Absolutely the best answer you will get! Share in their first time experiences but don't try to make those experiences for them....let them create their own wonderful memories!!

[BalconyGal]

My personal favorite activity is watching drunk people stagger to the ship in ports with a reputation for overservice. We make a drinking and wagering game out of it. ;0)

 

:D Especially if they are running for the gangway with only seconds to spare!!!

 

How about soaking in the spa that overlooks the wake? If you are sailing a ship that has one. Or Princess Links?

[sultan_sfo]

Just only one important item:

 

Get a printout of the shipboard account from the Purser's Desk say 2 days after boarding and again 2 nights before disembarkation. The day before disembarkation is very crowded and too late to fix any errors.

[Fore on the Floor]

For what is is worth I agree with some of the other posters, let the newbies find there own way around. We have a firm policy when cruising with other new or veteran cruisers. Each group checks the patter before breakfast to plan out their day, at breakfast we compare to see if anything matches up. If we match up with an activity then great we will see you there, if not we will see you at dinner. That way everyone does what THEY want to do.

[jagsfan]

Our first cruise, in 1984, was a total revelation to us. Other than Love Boat, we had

no idea what to expect. I did, however, read the brochure cover to cover. (I still do,

even though I could write one myself.) Reading the brochure gave me all the info I

needed to cruise. That was in the days of the Midnight Buffet, which looked great,

and like nothing we'd seen before. Realized later that it was dressed up leftovers!

The out island was beautiful, the dining room glamorous, the cabin exciting!

Actually, it was an inside upper and lower, as DH didn't want to spend money on

something he might not like. But no matter, it was still exciting.

I think if someone had told us everything to expect and what to look for, it wouldn't

have been the same experience.

Just keep your friends from making costly mistakes, and let them find everything else

out for themselves.

On the other hand, was your list tongue in cheek? Cause it sure was a long one.

Mimi

[Cruisin' Chick]

Part of the fun of being a 1st timer is discovering things for yourself. Too much info and planning can totally ruin it for a "newbie"...so be careful! Folks LIKE to think they've "discovered" something...let them find out things on their own...it will make their experience sooooo much better!

Most of the things you listed are things they will do naturally!

 

I would agree (also wondering if you were joking around with that list). My first cruise was with someone who had his first cruise the year before. So we did plenty of the different type of activities (trivia contest, bridge tour--they had them back then, galley tour, bingo, horseracing) onboard the ship, many of which we haven't done since. Fine by me as I wanted to experience what the ship had to offer, but maybe your first timers want to just relax and not go from activity to activity.

 

Let them know about the Patters and let them pick out what they want to do. You can suggest fun activities too. But like the people who decide everything that their group will do (like excursions or specialty restaurants), if your friends feel tied down, they might feel resentment.

[AlaskaGolden]

Thank you for the responses.

[tmitchell82]

We went on a cruise with friends of ours the other year and it was their first cruise. On the sea days, we usually did not see them till sometime later in the afternoon as they did their own thing. They really enjoyed watching MUTS from the hottub and that is where we usually found them. We did tell them some less know options/suggestions (eggcrate, asking for wine glasses in the room, getting a copy of your shipboard account, etc) It was great to watch them take in the whole cruising experience. Now they can not wait to go back.

[UtterCaro]

It was great to watch them take in the whole cruising experience.

 

Yep, newbies are so cuuuute. :D

 

I took my husband and teenaged son on their first cruise in December, and their starry eyes and big smiles were a constant delight. I threw them a few "insider" hints, but mainly just enjoyed watching them discover cruising. (Of course, they're now pestering me to take them on another one.)

 

Caro

[Cruisin' Chick]

I still remember our daughter's first cruise at 23 months of age. She enjoyed running around, checking out everything. She even invaded the topless deck (it was a Carnival ship), but she didn't see anything she wouldn't normally see. She enjoyed the production show (we sat in the back just in case she got scared) almost as much as she enjoyed Blues Clues Live the month before. The crew members completely doted on her and she loved the attention.

[paul929207]

Way too many things on the list. Let them explore the ship and find what they want to do.

[CaribQween]

Over the next two cruises (on the Caribbean and Crown Princesses), I'll be traveling with two different first timers -- both new to cruising and, of course, to Princess. I started a list of things they might like to do based on my experiences over the years. Would like some help in coming up with some more suggestions.

 

 

Here's what I have so far:

1. Eat breakfast in the Dining Room
   
2. Eat breakfast at the International Café
   
3. Eat lunch in the Dining Room
   
4. Eat lunch at the International Café
   
5. Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Dining Room
   
6. Eat dinner at the Buffet (Café Caribe)
   
7. Enjoy Dinner in at least one of the Specialty Restaurants (Crown Grill and/or Sabatinis)
   
8. Enjoy Dessert after Dinner at the International Café instead of in the Dining Room
   
9. Enjoy the entertainment in the Atrium
   
10. Use the Steam/Sauna in the Locker Room at the Spa
    
11. Enjoy a swim in the Aft Terrace Pool
    
12. Enjoy a slice (or two!) of pizza from Prego
    
13. Enjoy a burger, sausage or grilled-chicken sandwich from the Trident Grill
    
14. Sneak up to Skywalkers on a Sea Day to relax and enjoy the view
    
15. Sneak up to Skywalkers on a Port Day to enjoy the views as you leave port.
    
16. Take a free Tour of the Ship (usually held mid-PM first day)
    
17. Enjoy the Sailaway Party as the ship leaves port on the first day
    

 

I totally understand you trying to think of all the great things to show your "newbies". Before our first cruise, I did so much research because I wanted to know about everything and absolutely make sure we didn't miss ANYTHING. I know you didn't mean that you were going to lead them around and be their tour guide the whole time, you're just trying to put together a list of "do not miss" items. Of course, put too much on that list and they'll be totally overwhelmed and they won't know what to do. You could cut it down by 90% by writing "EAT" as your first item :p. We're going to be new to Princess so I'm not sure if they have certain things that were on some of the other cruiselines, but there were things such as wine, margarita, or martini tastings that are pretty popular. Of course, a first cruise is a pretty big thing to a lot of people so sometimes splurging might be nice for things such as an actual spa treatment or massage (feels pretty indulgent). If they gamble, there is the casino. Possibly take in a comedy show or other live entertainment in the theatre. If you're going to have a balcony, possibly get together for drinks before or after dinner or actually have breakfast or dinner out on the balcony. Just remember, no matter how hard they try, they will never be able to squeeze everything they want to do into their first cruise so they'll just have to do what they can and then you can add "book a future cruise credit" to your list and take them down to the presentation they usually provide at some time during the cruise. Good Luck and Enjoy!!!

[5waldos]

My first trip, not that long ago, I enjoyed sitting and watching the waves. I spent a lot of time doing that- and once in a while turning my head and watching the people. Not having to do anything is still high on my list of favorite things to do on a cruise.

[Dani24]

I'd focus on teaching them some of the things they'd likely never learn on their own (like "secret doors", or ordering items off menu, etc). Otherwise, hand them a Patter and let them decide what sounds interesting to them. Be there to offer advice if asked on what's really good and not worth the time. And maybe pass along a small selection of some of your favorite activities by inviting them along with you.

 

Otherwise, I agree that it's really best to let them explore on their own. They'll have so much more fun discovering things for themselves. For me, the exploring was one of the best parts of the first cruise I ever took.

 

Besides, you want to leave something for them to try on their next cruise!

[mytime53]

My first trip, not that long ago, I enjoyed sitting and watching the waves. I spent a lot of time doing that- and once in a while turning my head and watching the people. Not having to do anything is still high on my list of favorite things to do on a cruise.

 

I agree--I can sit on my balcony the entire time at sea and be happy--just give me a book to pretend I'm reading, and a pair of binoculars.

[Pam in CA]

You've made some great suggestions for a newbie and perhaps you could print a list so they know the things to look for. Make sure they bring a highlighter and perhaps go through the Patter with them and make suggestions or alert them to something not on your list you think they may enjoy. As the others have said, be a "Guide," not the "Sargent." You're a resource if they have any questions. :) I've found that sometimes, people say they want to do something but when push comes to shove, they often do something else entirely that appeals to them. Let them be flexible.

 

The first time I went to Europe, I was with my Mom, Dad and sister. At the time (mid-50s), I was a teenager. We drove throughout France, Italy and Switzerland with my mother calling on my sister and me every few minutes, "Look here!" "Look there!" Frankly, I enjoyed looking out the window and absorbing what I saw and resented the constant "Look!" I know what she was trying to do but I wound up ignoring it after the first few. :) Typical teenager.