What do you do first once on board?

[jetstorm]

If there's another thread about the same topic I couldn't find it using the search option so please forgive me if this is a repeat topic. I was just curious what others think of as "must do first" once they board the ship. I know many will say head to the buffet or dining room or check out their cabin but I'm sure some of you have other ideas many of us would love to know about so please share your favorites.

[PORT ROYAL]

If there's another thread about the same topic I couldn't find it using the search option so please forgive me if this is a repeat topic. I was just curious what others think of as "must do first" once they board the ship. I know many will say head to the buffet or dining room or check out their cabin but I'm sure some of you have other ideas many of us would love to know about so please share your favorites.

 

On Princess, for us, it is head straight to "The Sanctuary" and block book each day for the duration of the Cruise (there is a discount that makes it attractive). Potential Sunbed availability problems solved! - Arrive when you wish and your reserved Sunbed awaits you! - Space and more space [no sardine tin impressions]- Great juices and a wonderful afternoon tea (English Style) - Gowns and Towels etc. - One is truly looked after by discreet but attentive staff.

[Treven]

Yes, there are several threads dealing with this. My first thing, after dropping my carry-ons on the bed, is to call the DINE line to book a seat at the Chef's Table.

[Nomsayin]

We head to the Lotus Spa so that DW can make reservations to have her hair done for formal nights. I've suggested she bring a wig, but "She who must be obeyed" will have none of it.

[PrettyGirl01]

Have a celebratory drink :D

[Genessa]

get a drink and head for pools/hot tubs

[cmerun]

On Princess, for us, it is head straight to "The Sanctuary" and block book each day for the duration of the Cruise (there is a discount that makes it attractive). Potential Sunbed availability problems solved! - Arrive when you wish and your reserved Sunbed awaits you! - Space and more space [no sardine tin impressions]- Great juices and a wonderful afternoon tea (English Style) - Gowns and Towels etc. - One is truly looked after by discreet but attentive staff.

 

Can you reserve this before you sail and perhaps pay in advance, or does it have to be done once you are onboard?

 

We have not sailed the Caribbean Princess in a number of years and I don't think they had the Sanctuary at that time.

Sounds wonderful ! Thanks!

[cibaygirls]

Affix a permanent smile on my face, go get our first drinks and sit and people watch a bit:D

[cmerun]

On Princess, for us, it is head straight to "The Sanctuary" and block book each day for the duration of the Cruise (there is a discount that makes it attractive). Potential Sunbed availability problems solved! - Arrive when you wish and your reserved Sunbed awaits you! - Space and more space [no sardine tin impressions]- Great juices and a wonderful afternoon tea (English Style) - Gowns and Towels etc. - One is truly looked after by discreet but attentive staff.

 

Can you reserve the Sanctuary prior to sailing?

It sounds wonderful! We have not sailed on Princess since this was added.

Thanks:)

[JanetAlice]

Can you reserve the Sanctuary prior to sailing?

It sounds wonderful! We have not sailed on Princess since this was added.

Thanks:)

 

Reserve specialty dining and as soon as luggage arrives, unpack. Once I have everything in place I feel like I am on vacation. Yes, I know that is weird.

[PORT ROYAL]

Can you reserve this before you sail and perhaps pay in advance, or does it have to be done once you are onboard?

 

We have not sailed the Caribbean Princess in a number of years and I don't think they had the Sanctuary at that time.

Sounds wonderful ! Thanks!

 

4 weeks ago (Royal) we had to book live on board. It is a true Sanctuary!

For those who have not booked in advance and wish to book day by day, have to Q every morning [Q starts approx. 06.00], for any spare beds.

 

You will meet some very nice people in the S ;-)

 

Happy to help!

 

Sorry - Forgot to indicate the discounted price - USD 20.00 per person, per day, for the duration of Cruise - OMHO best value for money on Princess.

[OCruisers]

After dropping off our carry-ons in our cabin and putting valuables in the safe we go to a bar and have a drink! :D

 

LuLu

~~~~

[akeasley]

I call the dine line and make a dinner reservation for that evening.

[Tak8]

Lunch is at the top of my list, but I like to check out the ship and reserve any specialty dining.

[Samanthamelody3]

I always throw on my bathing suit and head to the pool (terrace, if there is one), order 2 drinks of the day, grab a chair, and being my journey.

 

Or if it's a cool-climate itinerary - minus the bathing suit and add appropriate attire.

Still drinks though :)

[paul929207]

We go to our cabin and drop our carryons. Then we go to the library for a couple of books. Then it is off to the buffet for lunch

[CCFC]

I always head to the buffet for a slice or three of the huge side of beef that they always seem to have on offer on embarkation day. Yummy!

[euphscott]

It's all about lunch - after all cruises are best known for food right?! :)

 

We eat then explore...

[Pia1913]

First thing, even before going to cabin, is to stop at the purser's desk and have our cruise cards punched. (for lanyard)

[Kinkacruiser]

Unpack the carry-ons and if the luggage is there soon after, I'll unpack those....then go for my 'dirty banana':D

[vent1020]

My first cruise, which is also the only cruise I have been on so far, the first thing I did was have a drink, enjoyed the scenery and checked out the main deck. I then had another drink and another. Man was I shocked when I found out about the Muster Drill and it was a mandatory attendance.(Never knew about the Muster Drill prior) Now I know to wait to start "enjoying" the cruise until after that. :D

[J-D]

Along with dropping carry-ons in cabin and putting valuables in safe, we will in future call for specialty restaurant reservations on formal nights. (I want to stop struggling to pack and carry formal clothes and an otherwise useless pair of size 12 black shoes -- not needed for the specialty restaurants.) Then go to the library as soon as it opens to search through the limited selection before everything of interest is gone.

 

John

[umbertsmum]

Reserve specialty dining and as soon as luggage arrives, unpack. Once I have everything in place I feel like I am on vacation. Yes, I know that is weird.

 

No not weird at all,I also can't relax and enjoy the cruise until I've called to book Sabatinis and unpacked all my stuff

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[artsy-girl]

As soon as we step on board, we grab the house phone and call dining to get dinner reservations and get our names put in for the Chef's Table.

 

Then, off to the room, drop off our carry on luggage, touch everything in the room and check out the view!

 

Drinks next!

[beshears]

If the luggage is in the room, and "sometimes" part of it is, we will put it away first. If something which we generally carry in our carry on luggage needs to be put in the safe, we will do it then also. We will then head for something to eat. We may come back and see if the rest of the luggage is there, and if so, put it away also.