Does anyone else worry too much

[ActiveTraveler]

One reply to a question I asked on the Princess board was I "overthink" because I was expressing frustration about inability to find a good cabin on a ship with a certain place for casual dining called International Cafe. The person said neither of those concerns in my search for the right ship are worth worrying about. When I read that post, I thought I must be worrying too much about the little things that don't matter because I had never cruised before. Does anyone else do that before the first cruise, then realize after it the little things don't matter? Or is it just me and totally unrelated to being a cruise rookie?

[Ready2GoCruisin']

I too have a tendency to overthink things. In retrospect, I spent a lot of trying trying to figure out the cruise experience before our first cruise - and worrying - because I wanted to know what to expect before I went. I've learned, that for me, part of the fun of the cruise is exploring the ship to learn my way around, discovering intersting nooks and crannies, finding what interests me and seeing what I didn't expect.

 

Be sure to read you daily newsletter for activities of the day, times for the shows, talks, and demonstrations, casinos hours (NOT open when in port and for a specified time after departure), daily specials at the spa (open while in port), dining hours at the various venues. Remember, room service is available 24hours a day (altho selections can be kind of limited during certain times of the day). The newsletter also tells you what time to be back onboard ship on port days and lists the contact phone number at the pier in case you should miss your ship or have another need to contact them.

 

The really important things are: arrive at the ship for embarkation and return from shore excursions ON TIME. Know what time you MUST be back to the ship - not the actual departure time. Those are 2 different times.

If things are near and dear to your heart (ipod, Diet cherry vanilla Dr Pepper, alarm clock, Crystal Light packages, etc) by all means, bring it with you. Be sure to bring your power cords for electrical devices. Also, extra memory and batteries for cameras.

If you need it for your health (CPAP machine, nebulizer, white noise machine, etc) don't put give it the guys on the dock - carry it on-board with you. If you need an adapter so you canplug in your electrical products, esp medical, let your room attendant know or call/ go to the hotel desk and they will help you. Regular outlets are usually very limited in number. (our last cruise only had one "regular" outlet in the stateroom. The other one required an adapter that we got at the front desk)

If it makes you feel better and gives you peace of mind to have all those little travel aids with you (duck tape, extensions cords, power strip, bungee cords, over-the-door shoe bag, etc), bring them. Some people swear by them, others scoff at them. If you have room in your bags and want it, bring it on. With experience you'll learn what is (and is not) important and necessary to you.

 

All the things I wondered - and worried - about because no big deal once on board ship. If you "mess up" and miss something - like a meal or activity, there's ALWAYS at least one other option. If you need something, ask you cabin attendant. They are there to help you.

 

Have fun and try to relax. It all kind of falls into place and makes sense once you get there. And then you realize you should have relaxed weeks ago. Esp. on you first cruise, go up on deck and join the Bon Voyage party. It's high-energy and a bit loud but will help get you in the mood for fun and relaxation. Sometimes you even get a free drink.

 

Travel is an adventure. It takes a lot of different things going wrong at the same time to make to make it a disaster. Your attitude makes a lot of difference. Rolling with the punches makes the trip more enjoyable.

[kitty9]

With all due respect, I think that those who have read you many posts can say you don't worry too much, but you obsess. It's not nearly as difficult as you're making it. What you seem unwilling to do, and what everyone on these boards have been imploring you to do, is visit a travel agent and discuss your concerns. In case you're hesitating, these travel agents don't charge you anything to answer questions.

[ActiveTraveler]

It is good to know my problem is not "just me" but a rookie thing. I was hoping another, more experienced traveler would understand.

One thing I worried too much about was the ability to take apple juice on and off a ship. People were talking about bottled water, soda, wine, etc.but not juice. I have no fears a security official would prevent me from bringing it on in my luggage, but taking it off at a port is another story altogether.

I do plan to bring pills in my backpack and camera charger in my luggage. My camera, thank God, has a rechargeable lithium battery and can hold a 4 GB memory card, so it will not be necessary to pack extras. I am not worried about packing; just want to have an atomic alarm clock and synchronize my watch with it.

[uppitycats]

It is good to know my problem is not "just me" but a rookie thing. I was hoping another, more experienced traveler would understand.

 

One thing I worried too much about was the ability to take apple juice on and off a ship. People were talking about bottled water, soda, wine, etc.but not juice. I have no fears a security official would prevent me from bringing it on in my luggage, but taking it off at a port is another story altogether.

 

I do plan to bring pills in my backpack and camera charger in my luggage. My camera, thank God, has a rechargeable lithium battery and can hold a 4 GB memory card, so it will not be necessary to pack extras. I am not worried about packing; just want to have an atomic alarm clock and synchronize my watch with it.

 

You cannot take foodstuffs off the ship. Any kind of foodstuffs. With this exception: foods that are in their original, commercially sealed packaging. So if you want o take applejuice, then it has to be in it's SEALED bottle (or can or box), not opened, not opened until you consume it.

 

I don't know how much "older and experienced" you want -- I am 63, been on multiple cruises, have travelled extensively in the Philippines, England and Norway --

 

and many of your questions are indeed "obsessive" and you're worrying WAY too much about every tiny detail. You're on VACATION. Go with the flow.

[operafan]

Andrea, I share your frustration. We have just as many "requirements" as you do multiplied by 2 as my DH holds requirements exactly the opposite of mine. For example:

 

I won't stay in a cabin without a constant western exposure and it must never have a blue bedspread. DH won't stay in a cabin without a constant eastern exposure and loves a blue bedspread. (The bedspread isn't a deal breaker for him though unless there's yellow in it. He detests yellow.)

 

At dinner, I refused to be seated if someone in the near vicinity has red hair as my favorite hockey player had red hair and was killed in a tragic car accident 6 years ago. It would simply be too traumatic for me. DH dislikes musical chairs and prefers to just plunk himself down at the nearest table.

 

DH won't book on a cruise line that doesn't do custom ice carving in the shape of his favorite dog, I, on the other hand, prefer to book the line that'll carve our beloved pup out of root vegetables.

 

Even through all of this, we have managed to find cruises that we've loved. Good luck.

[forwardcabin]

When you worry too much, then ship happens!

[grandmato4]

One reply to a question I asked on the Princess board was I "overthink" because I was expressing frustration about inability to find a good cabin on a ship with a certain place for casual dining called International Cafe. The person said neither of those concerns in my search for the right ship are worth worrying about. When I read that post, I thought I must be worrying too much about the little things that don't matter because I had never cruised before. Does anyone else do that before the first cruise, then realize after it the little things don't matter? Or is it just me and totally unrelated to being a cruise rookie?

 

Yes, its not unusal for those that have never cruised before to worry too much but you have managed to take it to a level way above normal which does mean that it is related to you and not just related to being a cruise rookie. I have no doubt that this is you in your everyday life not just here on cc.

[dopeyfanatic]

Wow, this is not the kind of responses I like to see as a newbie here. Who cares if the person has questions? Either answer them or don't. But there's no need to call them obsessive. If it makes THEIR trip better knowing what they can or can't do in advance instead of finding out at the wrong time, why is it your concern? If you feel the person is posting too much, don't even read the thread when they post. I'm sure plenty of people would think it's crazy that some people do NO planning for their vacation. Or very little. To each his own.

[notentirelynormal]

Wow, this is not the kind of responses I like to see as a newbie here. Who cares if the person has questions? Either answer them or don't. But there's no need to call them obsessive. If it makes THEIR trip better knowing what they can or can't do in advance instead of finding out at the wrong time, why is it your concern? If you feel the person is posting too much, don't even read the thread when they post. I'm sure plenty of people would think it's crazy that some people do NO planning for their vacation. Or very little. To each his own.

 

Hi. You're new to this board so I'll just give you some history on the poster. She is over and beyond obsessive. Doesn't believe anything anyone tells her and asks about the same questions over and over. She is beyond the point of normal requests for information. If you click on her name you can see her past postings. She doesn't listen to any advise, once given. She has never said anything that indicates she gets it - except she's decided not to book the penthouse suite on Crystal and is now looking for an alternative ship. I can only hope its not the one I'm going on. She has no interest in actually learning, she just wants to hear what she wants to hear and nothing else. My 5 YO grandson has a better grasp on reality then she does.

[ActiveTraveler]

Yes, its not unusal for those that have never cruised before to worry too much but you have managed to take it to a level way above normal which does mean that it is related to you and not just related to being a cruise rookie. I have no doubt that this is you in your everyday life not just here on cc.

 

I guess I need to spill the water about this at the risk of providing TMI: I have an anxiety disorder and take medication for it. The drug works very well, but like everything in life it is not perfect. My biggest fear is the unknown, so I think after my first cruise, I can feel more relaxed and comfortable during the planning process. I also am slow to accept an unpleasant reality, but have managed to do that in the past. I hope you understand this is not just a made-up excuse, but a real medical condition. Does this make sense? :(

By the way, I now fully accept the fact that my first cruise will not be on the Serenity or after a weeklong land tour of Italy for financial reasons. But I am still stuck on picking a ship that is not too crowded or full of kids because that would reduce my enjoyment on it after 6:00 p.m.

[dopeyfanatic]

Hi. You're new to this board so I'll just give you some history on the poster. She is over and beyond obsessive. Doesn't believe anything anyone tells her and asks about the same questions over and over. She is beyond the point of normal requests for information. If you click on her name you can see her past postings. She doesn't listen to any advise, once given. She has never said anything that indicates she gets it - except she's decided not to book the penthouse suite on Crystal and is now looking for an alternative ship. I can only hope its not the one I'm going on. She has no interest in actually learning, she just wants to hear what she wants to hear and nothing else. My 5 YO grandson has a better grasp on reality then she does.

 

 

If you guys are so annoyed with the poster, quit reading their posts. You can see who started the topic so don't click on it. If you're doing it just to laugh at them don't bother replying. If it was me I'd be annoyed with it and quit reading.

[MissRabbit]

Wow, this is not the kind of responses I like to see as a newbie here. Who cares if the person has questions? Either answer them or don't. But there's no need to call them obsessive. If it makes THEIR trip better knowing what they can or can't do in advance instead of finding out at the wrong time, why is it your concern? If you feel the person is posting too much, don't even read the thread when they post. I'm sure plenty of people would think it's crazy that some people do NO planning for their vacation. Or very little. To each his own.

 

 

ICAM! If ppl are tired of reading the OPs posts, they can just skip over them. I am very much like the OP. I "obsess" over thing. I also have major anxiety. I *have* to know every little detail or i will not be able to relax once i go on my cruise. It is a fact of life. To berate someone like these replies here, calling her "beyond obsessive" and not having a grasp on reality is simply rude and uncalled for.

 

To the OP.... i completely understand what you are going through. I also understand the reasoning behind this verification thread because you are also worrying about the fact that people are reacting this way to you and somehow you're offending them..which worries you even more.

 

The fact of the matter is, YOU do what YOU need to do in order to deal with your anxiety over cruising. Some of the worry may be the 1st time jitters. But considering you do have anxiety issues, it's not likely to get much better with a couple cruises under your belt.. like me for example.

 

Hi. You're new to this board so I'll just give you some history on the poster.

 

Having respect for someone and the ability to see when others *aren't* being nice, has nothing to do with being new. I don't care about the OPs history. I don't care that he/she may be overly worrying (according to you). I don't care if they keep asking questions. If you don't want to hear it, move on. If you're willing to help, answer their questions and move on. Either way, this person has just as much right to be here and receive help as you or I do.

 

Seriously, when did being kind go out of style?

[grandmato4]

I guess I need to spill the water about this at the risk of providing TMI: I have an anxiety disorder and take medication for it. The drug works very well, but like everything in life it is not perfect. My biggest fear is the unknown, so I think after my first cruise, I can feel more relaxed and comfortable during the planning process. I also am slow to accept an unpleasant reality, but have managed to do that in the past. I hope you understand this is not just a made-up excuse, but a real medical condition. Does this make sense? :(

 

By the way, I now fully accept the fact that my first cruise will not be on the Serenity or after a weeklong land tour of Italy for financial reasons. But I am still stuck on picking a ship that is not too crowded or full of kids because that would reduce my enjoyment on it after 6:00 p.m.

 

Yes, it does make sense knowing you have an anxiety disorder. Are crowds and small children and small cabins related to that? If they are you really may need to rethink a cruise as a vacation. Cruising isn't the best vacation for everyone and there is nothing wrong with that.

[lovendag]

I too have anxiety and have not travelled by plane in 17 years but felt I needed to have a holiday after dedicating my life to my children and I felt that an Alaskan cruise was the best fit for me.A short plane trip and then on the ship.I have spent the last 4 months getting all the info I need so that I can relax when the day finally comes.You just need to take the first step!

[uppitycats]

No one can make sure that your vacation is stress-free, that you have solutions to any problems that might come up, that there won't be any glitches or things that go wrong while you're on vacation. Even the best plans in the world can't always address every issue that might occur on a vacatation. There will always be challenges. That's how life works.

 

We've tried to answer basic questions...but sometimes, you just have to jump in, try it, and settle for "not quite what I expected", but "a really nice adventure anyway".

 

And indeed, cruising might NOT be the best fit for you. There are adult-only all-inclusive vacation spots, where everything -- food, liquor, entertainment, a cabin or hotel space, are all-included, and where there are very few if any children. That might be a better fit.

[RUBBER DUCK]

I think it would be best to know that the ship and it's crew are there to help you have a good experience. You can plan ahead only so much before you realize that as long as you make it there on time and have your paperwork, everything will be fine. They have been in the cruise line business for years, and understand that while there are so-called cruise experts or multi-time repeat cruisers, the new people are the ones they have to pay special attention to. They are the ones who will come back again and again if they have a good first expereince. Be open to new things, be prepared, but don't worry if something does not go as planned. There are plenty of places to eat, be entertained, and honestly, most rooms in each classification are exactly the same with a slightly different spot on the ship. If there is an issue once you board, go to the purser's desk or talk to your room steward, they will do what they can to correct it or help you out.

[Chirpbird]

Andrea, I share your frustration. We have just as many "requirements" as you do multiplied by 2 as my DH holds requirements exactly the opposite of mine. For example:

 

I won't stay in a cabin without a constant western exposure and it must never have a blue bedspread. DH won't stay in a cabin without a constant eastern exposure and loves a blue bedspread. (The bedspread isn't a deal breaker for him though unless there's yellow in it. He detests yellow.)

 

At dinner, I refused to be seated if someone in the near vicinity has red hair as my favorite hockey player had red hair and was killed in a tragic car accident 6 years ago. It would simply be too traumatic for me. DH dislikes musical chairs and prefers to just plunk himself down at the nearest table.

 

DH won't book on a cruise line that doesn't do custom ice carving in the shape of his favorite dog, I, on the other hand, prefer to book the line that'll carve our beloved pup out of root vegetables.

 

Even through all of this, we have managed to find cruises that we've loved. Good luck.

Seriously? Really? Wow. I'm a redhead, but I'm female. Could I sit by you?

[ariawoman]

Wondering if Operafan's response was actually in jest. If not, wow, I've met some soulmates on this board LOL.

 

To the OP....

 

In my opinion, it's "normal" to be afraid of what you're going to experience, when you've never experienced it before. People with anxiety (I do have anxiety to an extent over a few select issues but I'm not on medication) have a hard time explaining it to others who don't have it. Anxiety isn't logical.

 

Anyway....

 

One thing you will need to realize is something can and probably will go wrong, but more than likely, you'll be able to resolve it. Case in point....

 

I need a fan to sleep. Without a fan, I go nuts. I can't explain it, my anxiety is in silence. So anyway....last year I took my 1st cruise and it was over in Europe (italy/croatia/montenegro to be exact). I got to Rome, plugged in my fan (a US product with an adapter but no power converter) and I INSTANTLY fried the thing. I panicked. Ugh. First day of my trip and I have instant anxiety. Luckily, the AC in the Rome hotel was loud enough to "substitute". A few days later, we got to the port to board our ship, and I agonized over whether or not they'd be able to help me. They pretty much instantly settled my fears and gave me a fan which stayed in my room the entire week.

 

If you have things that you think might help you feel "better" about your experience, call the cruise line you booked through, else call your travel agent. They can more than likely quell your fears or make notes on your account.

 

For example, for my next cruise (which hasn't been booked yet but i'm hoping soon!) I want to make sure that I get a cabin that is on the "non smoking" side of the ship (if it's applicable to the cruise line, i know most dont do it) and regardless I also want to make sure they do a super cleaning of the cabin in the event there was smoking in it prior to my arrival as I'm terribly allergic.

 

Anyway, I hope this post serves 2 purposes. 1 that you see others have "requirements" too that have been met in the past and 2 they are willing to work with you as they are there to please you, that's their job.

 

I'm a worrier too, so I totally understand. I'll worry until the day I check into my cabin, that's just my nature, so just do what you can up front in order to lessen your worry, if you can.

[operafan]

Seriously? Really? Wow. I'm a redhead, but I'm female. Could I sit by you?

 

Oh gosh.... I guess I could make an exception! LOL

[operafan]

Ariawoman.... I would never be able sit near you. The residual "aura" of the fan could cause my head to explode and TBH, I try to avoid anything that could ruin my hair and makeup...........

 

But seriously.... OP, perhaps you should try a shorter, less complicated cruise closer to home as a trial run. At least then you'll know what to expect..... (Or even if it's the type of vacation for you.)

[Fredr]

Hello,

 

I do not intend to start an argument about what is good or bad for persons afflicted with Anxiety Disorder. However, a cruise vacation is not for everyone. A cruise requires that you give up some control of your life,,,someone else whom you do not know does the driving. You have no control as to when the ship sails or doesn't. You may be in ports far from your comfort zone. There will be a wide range of passengers on the ship, with different religions, dress, young and old, and some will be in wheel chairs.

 

In my opinion, from reading the OP's comments, a cruise may not be the best choice of a vacation experience.

[operafan]

Hello,

 

I do not intend to start an argument about what is good or bad for persons afflicted with Anxiety Disorder. However, a cruise vacation is not for everyone. A cruise requires that you give up some control of your life,,,someone else whom you do not know does the driving. You have no control as to when the ship sails or doesn't. You may be in ports far from your comfort zone. There will be a wide range of passengers on the ship, with different religions, dress, young and old, and some will be in wheel chairs.

 

In my opinion, from reading the OP's comments, a cruise may not be the best choice of a vacation experience.

 

Not to mention the (at least) 8 hour plane ride.............

[cpygrl]

I too have anxiety and have not travelled by plane in 17 years but felt I needed to have a holiday after dedicating my life to my children and I felt that an Alaskan cruise was the best fit for me.A short plane trip and then on the ship.I have spent the last 4 months getting all the info I need so that I can relax when the day finally comes.You just need to take the first step!

I completely agree with this statement, and I'm taking the same approach. The more I "obsess" (I call it "planning") ahead of time, the more I can relax when I get on that ship. I have made a conscious decision to have a great time on my cruise, no matter what, to relax and to "go with the flow" from the time I get in the car to the time I get home. In order to do that, however, I HAVE to do as much planning as possible ahead of time. To the OP, I completely understand having an anxiety disorder. Don't let rude people get you down. :D

Have a great trip whatever you decide to do!

[MissRabbit]

I completely agree with this statement, and I'm taking the same approach. The more I "obsess" (I call it "planning") ahead of time, the more I can relax when I get on that ship. I have made a conscious decision to have a great time on my cruise, no matter what, to relax and to "go with the flow" from the time I get in the car to the time I get home. In order to do that, however, I HAVE to do as much planning as possible ahead of time. To the OP, I completely understand having an anxiety disorder. Don't let rude people get you down. :D

Have a great trip whatever you decide to do!

 

 

ICAM!! If i didn't "obsess" with planning before hand, i could never get on a plane or a cruise ship and if i did, i'd stress the whole time. I get my stressing and worrying and planning out of the way so i can fully relax on my cruise, knowing i've done everything within my power to make it the best i can.