First night of a cruise. What to expect? Tips on getting familiar with the ship?

[azguy]

We will be on Princess during June for a 7 night cruise, our first for the wife and I. :)

 

What should we expect in the way of activities that first night? I've heard of a "Captain's Party" but I'm not sure what that involves. Is that the first night?

 

Also, will we quickly get the hang of the ship lay out and be able to find & see stuff in the normal course of doing things? Or, should we make it a point to make a trip around the whole ship before we leave the first night so we know where everything is located? As I read this question back to myself, it sounds pretty lame. :p Nevertheless, I probably go overboard during my trip preparation work so I just thought I would ask.

 

Thanks.

[momthecruisedirector]

The first day can be hectic - if you are flying in there is the ride from the airport to the pier and the check in. No matter what cruise line you are on there is usually a wait to get on board - some waiting in line. Once on board go find your room (don't panic, your luggage will show up later), there should be a daily activity sheet and a pocket size map of the ship in your stateroom. Use your highlighter to mark the things you want to do that day (shows, kid club sign ups...). Flush the toilet, so it doesn't scare you when you 'go' for the first time. Head up to the buffet and get a bite to eat, if the weather is nice, take your plate outside - dock side and watch what is happening. Find out when the muster drill is, about 1/2 an hour before that go to your room and get your life jacket (don't put the whistle in your mouth - do you know how many other people do that??), go sit by the pool and RELAX - maybe have a cocktail, they'll be offering them as soon as you get on board. Return your life jacket to your room, your luggage will probably be there so you can unpack. Your room steward will probably have already introduced him/herself - ask him to bring you a fruit bowl, robe, whatever else you desire. The rest of the cruise is now yours to do as you wish -

 

Find out (from your Princess Patters) what time the Sailaway Party is - you will want to be on deck to watch the ship pull away - music, cocktails, a great opportunity to check out your fellow cruisemates.

 

You'll love cruising - relax, enjoy and by the 3rd day you'll be dreaming about where to cruise next!

 

The Captain's Welcome Aboard party is usually on the second night - first night is pretty casual (not shorts or jeans at dinner casual!) as everyone is adjusting to life on vacation.

 

Check out your cruiselines web page and you'll be able to see the ship layout, that will help you feel more familiar with the ship when you board.

[DougH]

Most ships are pretty easy to get around if you just concentrate on two main decks that most activites are on. These are usually the promenade deck and the main pool deck. They can be named or numbered but these are the ones to remember. (aside from where your cabin is!)

 

On the Promenade deck forward is usually the show lounge, folowed by some shops and bars, the central atriium and then another show lounge at the stern. Usually a deck below this is the casino and the main restaurant.

 

The top main deck has the pools, spa/gym and the buffet. If you head for these two decks you'll find most of the stuff you'll need.

 

Have fun

[akh40]

Momthecruisedirector, WOW! What great advice. We are on RCCL's Radiance of the Seas on June 4. I am taking your suggestions to heart! I think I will sneak a nap in there somewhere too...I will have to get up about 3:45am the morning we leave (if I can get to sleep at all the night before...lol...I'll probably be too excited to sleep!) Thanks again for the great "arrival on the ship tips!"

 

Amanda:D

[momthecruisedirector]

Ah, heck that is what you go back to work for after vacation - catching up on your sleep! ha-ha.

 

We're going on our first Alaska cruise this summer, first time we won't have to pay for airfare as we live in West Seattle just across the bay from the cruise ship docks. This will be our seventh cruise since '98. We just love it. I am one of those that likes to have a plan so I don't spend each day getting up and wasting time wondering 'what should we do today'. However I try not to be so anal that I lose my mind if we don't go by the itinerary - a game plan is good and so is flexibility. I go to the library and get all the frommers guides (and whatever else they have) and download the city web pages of every place we'll be going so I can know what are options are. I think planning the cruise is as much fun as going, well, not as much fun but you know what I mean.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[wolfie11]

I've been on a lot of different cruise ships over the years. When I get on a new cruise ship I usually grab a map and take about 1/2 hour self-guided tour. Start at the very top deck. Check out the outside spaces - some ships have some nice spots up top where you can get great views. Check out lounges and eating areas. Look at menus posted at the "premium restaurants". Look at the artwork and decorations. I start at the top and work my way down deck by deck. I pick out good spots for a "hidey-hole" - a nice quiet place with windows where I can go read. The "jungle room" on the Spirit is great for this. I also really like the rear atriums where the pools are on the Island and Coral Princess (they're twin ships). The Crow's Nest on the HAL ships is great for watching the scenery go by. Also check out the shops for good sales.

 

It really pays off to do a little investigating and learn your way around the ship early on in the cruise.

[Giantfan13]

On our first cruise, when we boarded, they had Champagne for us and had some one ready to show us where our rooms were and a quicl layout of the ship. We have never had that experience again, and we miss it. Now, it's get on board, here's your key and the room is to the left (Just kidding, but it's not a s personal).

We love to get on board as early as we can, and really check the ship out. We know about what we would liike to see from many of the maps on the internet, but seeing it first hand is better. We do try and hit the buffet or dining room for lunch and then, with our bellies full, we really see what this ship has to offer. Most ships, though huge are not that hard to find your way around quickly. Find out what set of eklevators can get you from top to bottom without having to switch. We also like to find an out of the way place on one of the decks, to just sit and relax during the cruise, It is so exciting and make sure you make your way onto the top decks to see the ship depart. Most lines have some sort of souvenier glass with one of the exotic drinks, so just relax and enjoy.

[Perley1]

Hi - great tips! Thanks! Does anyone know how early you can begin to Embark in Vancouver? The departure is 5:30, so I'm assuming by noon it is OK to board? I too like to roam around and get familiar before we take off!

[Tarheelbelle]

Agree with wolfie11. Love to get on the ship and explore---find where everything is and see how it all looks---for future reference! Then, also, I enjoy getting the stateroom organized, meeting the cabin steward/ess and ordering fruit, wine glasses, etc. And agree with momthecruisedirector---relax, have a drink, go to sailaway.

My best friend and I cruise or travel together every Thanksgiving and one of our rituals is to sit on our balcony and call our friends as we sail away.