Convincing husband to try a cruise - opinions please

[pearle1]

Hello - I have booked a 5 night cruise to Bermuda on explorer of the seas in October for my husbands birthday. He has never cruised, and is reluctant on it. ( likes land based vacations).

Since I have been on 2 cruises and love it, I am hoping he will too so we can go on more in the future.

My question is this: in efforts to "sell" him on cruising I booked a balcony junior suite when there was a residents sale . I have been checking other categories and could save $240.00 total if I move down to a D2 balcony.

Should i stay with the junior suite - or save the $240.00 and move to a D2???

Any opinions/advice are appreciated!

[Indiana52]

The only reason that I would stay with the Jr. suite is for the double points, not sure hubby will appreciate the bathtub,mthatbis 240 dollars to spenspd on the cruise...

[newbiecruiser09]

I would move "down" (although I don't really see if as a down) and save the money for on board expenses, unless the double points for the JS will put you up a C&A category (for the next cruise). I did not find the difference going to the JS substantial.

[rednancy1]

I say stick with the Jr. Suite. The extra real estate and double points are worth the money. :)

[travelplus]

When I took my first cruise in 2012 I had to convince my Father to cruise. I had some misconceptions back in the 90s but after joining Cruise Critic they went away within one day of reading many reviews etc.

 

All I knew is that I did not want to go on Carnival or Disney or Holland America for my first cruise I read a lot about Royal Caribbean and thought long and hard that Royal would fit our needs. I think if you try a cruise line that does not fit your needs for your first and second cruise then of course you would not want to cruise again.

 

Too many people don't understand the value. Tell your husband that you would spend less by taking a cruise than a land based vacation. I don't like sitting in cars for a long time, staying at some Motel or Hotel and still have to fend for your meals. That continental breakfast at the Motel is part of the rate. Would you rather eat day old pastries or have access to a full buffet and main dining room?

 

Figure that the cost of meals is $15-$25 per person per meal per day. If you want to go to an expensive restaurant figure a bill of $60 without wine. Now if you want to go to Chops or Poritfinos the speciality restaurant on Royal is $35 per person and you don't have to go if you don't want to.

 

Ships have other included dining venues such as Park Cafe, Boardwalk Dog House Cafe Promenade. The same venues on land could set you back anywhere between $7-$8 per person per day.

 

Onboard the ship there are shows that are great for what it is. In Las Vegas these shows can go for $40-$80 per show per person.

 

When you purchase a cruise you know exactly what you paid for. They tell you to tip $12 per person per day. For all that you are getting Room Service, Meals, Entertainment the whole 9 yards it works out to be a great value.

 

The Shore Excursions are great with Royal Caribbean but you could do an independent shore excursion but without the guarantee that they would bring you back to the ship on time. If the independent shore excursion comes back late you could miss your ship.

 

I love the sea days. I would find a cruise with sea days and port days. Don't go port intensive on your first cruise. On sea days you can go into the Main Dining room at lunch for their Tutti Fruitti Salad Bar. So delicious and healthy.

 

People think the food onboard is not healthy. Think again. Where can you go on land with so much variety? You have calorie reduced Spa Options, Vegetarian etc. Its all about knowing your limits and taking the stairs.

 

There is a fitness center onboard. Some hotels charge to use the fitness center. You have the Solarium Adults Only area to swim and read.

 

To make your husband's experience as stress free as possible plan to arrive two or three days before. Plan a cruise from a destination that you have never visited. Plan one that stops at islands you would like to return to for a longer stay. A cruise gives you an introduction to the land. People think once you have seen Aruba for the day you've seen Aruba. Well that may be true but thats not the case.

 

There are some areas that I would love to go back to and spend a week or so.

 

On your first cruise go for 7 -10 days . 4 days is very short. You unpack and then pack again so soon. On 4 day cruises you would see a different crowd. If you want an older crowd go during the off season. A trans atlantic cruise for 14+ days is a great introduction to cruising.

 

Pick at least an Oceanview Stateroom mid ship. If you do go to a balcony and on your next cruise go down to an Oceanview you will really feel the difference.

 

Be sure to join the Crown and Anchor Program onboard and if your up to it to get a Future Cruise Credit onboard for Onboard Credit.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[Sherlock43031]

14 days o a ship with no where to go.. if he doesn't like it you will never get on on another ship. move down and buy the supper drink packages so he gets the idea free food and drinks. not sure why everyone wants an older crowd. lots of older folks think they own the ship.

[cb at sea]

Stick with the JS if he's used to nice hotels....a JS is most like a hotel room. I think the 5 nighter you booked will be fine...it will give him a "taste" and I bet he enjoys it! Because of the tub in the bathroom, it makes the shower space larger, which is nice!

Edited February 22, 2014 by cb at sea

[FireStation46]

Stay with the Junior Suite. Use Cruise Critics new feature, fare watcher, to see if your fare change. Then, call RCCL or your travel agent to get the better rate. I upgraded today from deluxe to superior and got the cost down as well! Until the last payment is due, room availability changes a lot so opportunities to change/upgrade.

 

As for you husband, tell him it is a hotel that moves from place to place.

 

He will like it.

 

Just in case, go to Amazon and buy Sea Band, ginger gum and Bonnie pills in case he get queezy on the trip. Unless you are way forward or in a big storm, the movement is not that bad. The bigger cabin gives you the opportunity to stretch out a bit.

 

If he does not want to go, get a replacement husband or take me LOL:eek:

[jmf123]

As for you husband, tell him it is a hotel that moves from place to place.

 

And your DH is sure to like that your floating hotel allows him to unpack only once! I would focus on things that your DH enjoys- excursions and sightseeing on beautiful Bermuda, relaxing meals without a check presented at the end, take in a trivia game, the casino, shows, and just exploring the ship. If he really needs convincing of the value of a cruise, give him some Bermuda hotel rates and costs of meals, not to mention airfare.

 

And since it is a birthday cruise for him- maybe have the stateroom decorated, or have wine and chocolate-covered strawberries in your room to surprise him upon arrival.

 

Regarding a JS or D2, I'm sure either one would be a treat for his first cruise, and he will enjoy having the balcony and fresh air. However, for $48/day add'l for a JS, I would stay with the JS. (Btw, your tips remain the same as a D2). Have morning coffee delivered to start your day out there, give him a sudoku book (or something he likes) to relax with, etc. JS or not, he will likely be open to future cruising if he finds the overall experience a pleasure. :)

[RSLeesburg]

Hello - I have booked a 5 night cruise to Bermuda on explorer of the seas in October for my husbands birthday. He has never cruised, and is reluctant on it. ( likes land based vacations).

 

Since I have been on 2 cruises and love it, I am hoping he will too so we can go on more in the future.

 

My question is this: in efforts to "sell" him on cruising I booked a balcony junior suite when there was a residents sale . I have been checking other categories and could save $240.00 total if I move down to a D2 balcony.

 

Should i stay with the junior suite - or save the $240.00 and move to a D2???

 

Any opinions/advice are appreciated!

 

 

We just took our first cruise last year, and we did almost the same thing as you - we booked a suite (for the extra space), booked 6 night (to give us taste, but not too long in case we hated it), and to Bermuda (you could not pick a nicer location - very beautiful island). I would not change a thing. Good luck and hope he enjoys it...

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

[Sherlock43031]

And your DH is sure to like that your floating hotel allows him to unpack only once! I would focus on things that your DH enjoys- excursions and sightseeing on beautiful Bermuda, relaxing meals without a check presented at the end, take in a trivia game, the casino, shows, and just exploring the ship. If he really needs convincing of the value of a cruise, give him some Bermuda hotel rates and costs of meals, not to mention airfare.

 

And since it is a birthday cruise for him- maybe have the stateroom decorated, or have wine and chocolate-covered strawberries in your room to surprise him upon arrival.

 

Regarding a JS or D2, I'm sure either one would be a treat for his first cruise, and he will enjoy having the balcony and fresh air. However, for $48/day add'l for a JS, I would stay with the JS. (Btw, your tips remain the same as a D2). Have morning coffee delivered to start your day out there, give him a sudoku book (or something he likes) to relax with, etc. JS or not, he will likely be open to future cruising if he finds the overall experience a pleasure. :)

 

choc covered strawberries and a sudoku book! give the guy a break it's not enough that he's going with this?

 

what age group are you guys in?

 

you could buy yourself a sexy new cocktail dress..

 

give him a pair of sunglasses and some binoculars. also, don't drag him to all those silly games they have.. let the guy relax.

Edited February 22, 2014 by Sherlock43031

[temple1]

Prior to our 6 night cruise on Independence this past Dec, DH had only been on a 3 (Monarch) d a 4 night (Majesty) cruise. He enjoyed them but was not sold. It was good to have him go on a shorter cruise for that "taste" of cruising.

 

Our 6 nights on Independence did the trick! He loved the ship, he loved the one night we went to a specialty restaurant and going to ports he had never visited. He is now sorry he asked me to move our Freedom cruise from March to May because he is now ready for a 7 night cruise. He has now agreed that we should take one cruise a year as one of our travel options! Before he was trying to convince me to get rid of the RCCL credit card for a different rewards card. Now he wants us to use it more often. :eek:

Edited February 22, 2014 by temple1

[pearle1]

Thankyou all for your well thought out ideas;advice;opinions ~ really appreciate it and all very helpful! Travelplus, thanks for such a long, well thought out response with great advice on cruising!

I personally would love to go on a longer cruise, but since we are leaving the kids at home and already would have had a summer vacation, my husband can't really take more than 5-6 days off work. Plus, we both really want to go to Bermuda ~ and I figured this would be a great way to introduce him to cruising, plus we will be able to see Bermuda for 2 days.

I told him a land vacation there for 5 days would be much more expensive between airfare,hotel,food,drinks, etc. I really think he will end up really enjoying it. At least I hope so!! (and if he doesnt then I will have to call you firestation46!!):p

Great idea about decorating the room ~ I might look into that!! Another idea I thought of (after reading all this feedback from you) is when my husbands parents ask what to get him for his 50th I will tell them the drink package for our cruise!! That might be an idea, but first I have to check how much it is.

I think Sherlock asked our age group ~ my husband will be 50!

And lastly, RSkeesburg, since you did the exact same type of thing for your first cruise ~ did you end up liking cruising??

Thanks again everyone!!

Edited February 23, 2014 by pearle1

[RSLeesburg]

Thankyou all for your well thought out ideas;advice;opinions ~ really appreciate it and all very helpful! Travelplus, thanks for such a long, well thought out response with great advice on cruising!

 

I personally would love to go on a longer cruise, but since we are leaving the kids at home and already would have had a summer vacation, my husband can't really take more than 5-6 days off work. Plus, we both really want to go to Bermuda ~ and I figured this would be a great way to introduce him to cruising, plus we will be able to see Bermuda for 2 days.

 

I told him a land vacation there for 5 days would be much more expensive between airfare,hotel,food,drinks, etc. I really think he will end up really enjoying it. At least I hope so!! (and if he doesnt then I will have to call you firestation46!!):p

 

Great idea about decorating the room ~ I might look into that!! Another idea I thought of (after reading all this feedback from you) is when my husbands parents ask what to get him for his 50th I will tell them the drink package for our cruise!! That might be an idea, but first I have to check how much it is.

 

I think Sherlock asked our age group ~ my husband will be 50!

 

And lastly, RSkeesburg, since you did the exact same type of thing for your first cruise ~ did you end up liking cruising??

 

Thanks again everyone!!

 

 

Yes. We loved it so much we booked 8 night cruise for this year. Our only regret was that we booked 6 night instead of 7 or 8 for first cruise...he, he. But, you just don't know until you try.

 

PS: we are in same boat in terms of limited vacation time, so one other thing to consider. I assume you live close to Bayonne, and are driving to the port, if so, consider this - after a short drive and relatively easy boarding process you are essentially starting your vacation. These days, with flight delays and security, you can lose almost a full day flying to and from some destinations. So by cruising, you can maximize your limited vacation days. :). Five day cruise is five full days, not one day flying to Bermuda, three days in Bermuda, and one day flying back...lol.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

[funNsun4me]

Thankyou all for your well thought out ideas;advice;opinions ~ really appreciate it and all very helpful! Travelplus, thanks for such a long, well thought out response with great advice on cruising!

I personally would love to go on a longer cruise, but since we are leaving the kids at home and already would have had a summer vacation, my husband can't really take more than 5-6 days off work. Plus, we both really want to go to Bermuda ~ and I figured this would be a great way to introduce him to cruising, plus we will be able to see Bermuda for 2 days.

I told him a land vacation there for 5 days would be much more expensive between airfare,hotel,food,drinks, etc. I really think he will end up really enjoying it. At least I hope so!! (and if he doesnt then I will have to call you firestation46!!):p

Great idea about decorating the room ~ I might look into that!! Another idea I thought of (after reading all this feedback from you) is when my husbands parents ask what to get him for his 50th I will tell them the drink package for our cruise!! That might be an idea, but first I have to check how much it is.

I think Sherlock asked our age group ~ my husband will be 50!

And lastly, RSkeesburg, since you did the exact same type of thing for your first cruise ~ did you end up liking cruising??

Thanks again everyone!!

 

Definitely stay with the JS. We always book D2 but our last Explorer cruise in Dec was our first JS and my DH absolutely loved it, it's going to really hard to go back to the D class.

[hansolosmom]

Here's my comment on the room situation. I'm assuming you're on Explorer since it's a 5 day in October to Bermuda. A lot of the JS's are on deck 10 which is underneath the pool deck. Some people have said they hear scraping noises from that deck at all time of day and night. I'm a light sleeper so I avoid rooms under the pool, because I know it would drive me crazy. It's just some,thing to keep in mind when picking a room.

[marci22]

I would keep the JS. Nice amount of room. Bermuda is also a good choice because it's easy to get around in port using buses/taxis.

[RCI Cruisers 004]

Ok, I'll be the only one to say this, but if you are looking to spoil him and sell him on the good life, why not just upgrade to a Grand Suite and experience everything the ship has to offer ! Especially since its his birthday ! You will have priority seating at shows, use of the concierge lounge....with drinks ! It would make a great birthday present and a lasting memory.

[RSLeesburg]

Ok, I'll be the only one to say this, but if you are looking to spoil him and sell him on the good life, why not just upgrade to a Grand Suite and experience everything the ship has to offer ! Especially since its his birthday ! You will have priority seating at shows, use of the concierge lounge....with drinks ! It would make a great birthday present and a lasting memory.

 

 

This is what I did for our first cruise :) and would agree. But once he gets spoiled, he may not want to cruise any other way...lol

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

[tidygirl]

Our first cruise my husband and kids were very skeptical, but were willing to try it once! Chose Royal and they LOVED it! We have since been on Carnival and Norwegian and just did the Freedom of the Seas with the now 3 adult children and new son-in law (his 1st) Hubby and I are schedule in April for another Caribbean cruise and in the fall the whole family are going to the Mediterranean it will make maybe 15? We stay in inside cabins which is fine for us as we are seldom in the room. My husband drives every day for a living and loves to go to bed and leave the (driving to someone else )and wake up and be at a new destination! We always know we have food to come back to and a show for evening entertainment So the family is hooked and Royal is our favorite!

[Paulette3028]

Hello - I have booked a 5 night cruise to Bermuda on explorer of the seas in October for my husbands birthday. He has never cruised, and is reluctant on it. ( likes land based vacations).

Since I have been on 2 cruises and love it, I am hoping he will too so we can go on more in the future.

My question is this: in efforts to "sell" him on cruising I booked a balcony junior suite when there was a residents sale . I have been checking other categories and could save $240.00 total if I move down to a D2 balcony.

Should i stay with the junior suite - or save the $240.00 and move to a D2???

Any opinions/advice are appreciated!

 

It is impossible to 'sell' him on cruising -- what I imagine you are hoping is that he will LOVE the experience and want to cruise again....if the $240 doesn't break your budget, stay with the JS -- give him the 'bigger' experience.

 

If he is reluctant to go on a cruise, how are you getting him to go on even this one?

[browneyedgirlnb]

We've taken that same cruise for the last 4 years & we re going again this October... that's how wonderful it is... we love EOS & her crew and we'll be so sad when she leaves Nov 1st. We will be on her final r/t out of Bayonne on Oct 23.

I've never had a JS or above. We always book the same D1 on deck 10 cuz we love the location, but I have always liked the idea of a suite for the added perks. This next trip is a 9 night, so 18 points would be wonderful.

 

My bil was dead set against being "stuck" on a boat back in 2010 so we dragged him on the 5 nights to Bermuda. He was so in love with the whole experience by the end of the trip he was ready to book the next trip. 2010+11 were the 5 night itineraries to Bermuda & 2012+13 were 7 nights to Bermuda. This next trip is 9 nt to Bermuda & Caribbean. If I had my choice it would be 9 nts just to Bermuda... we love the islands & the people.

 

Here's a link for a website that I've found invaluable for planning our trips to Bermuda. The person who runs the page is very personable & will respond to any & all questions related to Bermuda. http://www.Bermuda-attractions.com. he's been visiting Bermuda for decades & knows it like a native & is genuinely happy to share his knowledge. The island is one you can easily get around using public transportation.

Last bit of advice, don't miss the boat. If they say be back to the ship by 3... do it. Plan for traffic & missed ferries... we ALWAYS use the last day to stay close to the ship... do your shopping for souvenirs in kings wharf that last day. Lots to see & do. The trolley is free if you'd enjoy that kind of thing... we like the walk. The boat is open around the clock while you're in port, so no need to rush back that first night in port; you can come & go as you please.

 

Oh, one last thing... http://www.portbermudawebcam.com I watch it several times a day. This is where Explorer docks. Enjoy! ;)

 

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

[deedeetoo]

If its his birthday, shouldn't you be doing something he likes, not something you like? Just saying....

[pearle1]

Thanks for all the responses - and browneyedgirl thanks for that link for Bermuda - appreciate it!!

The JS I have booked is on deck 9 mid hump - would love to try the grand suite as someone suggested - but not sure if I can spend the extra $$ for it.

As far as taking my reluctant husband , and doing something I like for his birthday , may sound as if I am being selfish - but - in all honesty he just isn't sure about a cruise - but not completely against it either. Is willing to try - and I really do think he will end up loving it! Plus, he does want to go to Bermuda.

So, this way we can do both - and he will never know if cruising is for him or not until he tries:)

[FireStation46]

We'll if he still won't go just call me at 1-800-ready-to-go! :eek:

 

If you can see if you could get more midship and a bit higher. Just confirm the floor above and below you are other staterooms. You don't want to be hearing casino or pool deck chairs moving around!