A few newbie questions - possibly very basic!

[newgrange]

Going 4/10/2014 on the Eastern Med. cruise on Splendour of the Seas from Venice.

 

This is our first cruise and we're in an inside cabin, 2003.

 

Two main questions:

Is there an area on deck where one can sit in the open air and just watch the sea?

If one does not wish to go on a shore excursion, is it possible to remain on the boat and will restaurants etc. be open?

Thank you.

Edited February 23, 2014 by newgrange

[leaveitallbehind]

Going 4/10/2014 on the Eastern Med. cruise on Splendour of the Seas from Venice.

 

This is our first cruise and we're in an inside cabin, 2003.

 

Two main questions:

Is there an area on deck where one can sit in the open air and just watch the sea?

If one does not wish to go on a shore excursion, is it possible to remain on the boat and will restaurants etc. be open?

Thank you.

 

Any open deck - pool, promenade, etc., (decks 10,9,4) is a public area and has plenty of lounge chairs available to watch the sea from. Restaurants and most other ship services and activities (except the shops and casino) will be open while in port. Some may be on limited hours, but that will be identified in the daily Cruise Compass, which published and distributed each night listing the activities for the next day.

[newgrange]

Thank you very much for your prompt reply. Very helpful.

[leaveitallbehind]

Thank you very much for your prompt reply. Very helpful.

 

You're welcome and enjoy your cruise!

[ducklite]

Yes and yes. There may be only one restaurant open for lunch in port days with a limited menu, but at least one will be open. Barring a health issue, why would you not get off? With a few exceptions, most European ports don't need a shore excursion to be experienced. You can get off and explore on your own.

[spookwife]

Going 4/10/2014 on the Eastern Med. cruise on Splendour of the Seas from Venice.

 

This is our first cruise and we're in an inside cabin, 2003.

 

Two main questions:

Is there an area on deck where one can sit in the open air and just watch the sea? tons of options. sunny, shade, covered, busy, quiet.

If one does not wish to go on a shore excursion, is it possible to remain on the boat and will restaurants etc. be open? the shops and casino will be closed. the MDR will not be open for lunch but the buffet and other venues like Park cafe or Promenade options will.

Thank you.

 

 

even on port days there will be activities on board.

[Nebr.cruiser]

Yes, you can stay on board if you want to on a port stop. We never have, but sometimes we just get off for a few hours and walk, shop, have a meal, etc., especially if we've been to a port multiple times.

 

Remember that you don't have to take a ship excursion, although it is easier/more comfortable for many first-timers. We haven't taken one in years because private excursions are usually much cheaper and better quality.

 

You can also, in many ports, just get off the ship and walk around, take a taxi to a beach or other places or find a tour right on the dock. We've done all three, plus pre-reserved tours with independent companies (usually found by recommendations on these boards) when in port.

[newgrange]

I will be travelling with my mother, so I am just doing a lot of 'what if-ing' at the moment.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Have you checked out the RCI board -- at this link:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=83

[boulders]

I will be travelling with my mother, so I am just doing a lot of 'what if-ing' at the moment.

 

If you are thinking that shore excursions may be too tiring for your mother, you may want to look at the ship's "panoramic" shore excursions. You basically walk off the ship, onto a bus which then takes you to various sites and then brings you back to the ship. They will often give you snacks and drinks as well. That should be indicated on the excursion description.

 

On all excursions, there is a tour guide who takes care of everything. The excursions are the best part of the cruise, especially in the Med.

[iahawkize]

1) Is there an area on deck where one can sit in the open air and just watch the sea? tons of options. sunny, shade, covered, busy, quiet.

Yes on Carnival the serenity deck at the top of the ship (Spa Deck) has a covered area complete with a bar. and at the hot tubs there you can see over the railings quite well.

 

2)If one does not wish to go on a shore excursion, is it possible to remain on the boat and will restaurants etc. be open?

Yes but the shops and casino will be closed. the MDR will not be open for lunch but the buffet and other venues like Lido Deck Buffet and Guys Burger Joint and Pizza place will remain open.

I would suggest going off the ship if the walk isn't that far to the shops right there as you can pick up a souvenier there. I agree to find a cab/ tour bus might be tempting but for a newbie going alone with your mom I'd stay with the guided tours of the island offered by the ship

[newgrange]

Thank you all for your help and suggestions.

[alexspepa]

i think port days on board are some of the best days...

[ducklite]

i think port days on board are some of the best days...

 

 

In Europe?

[Cruisin' Chick]

1) Is there an area on deck where one can sit in the open air and just watch the sea? tons of options. sunny, shade, covered, busy, quiet.

Yes on Carnival the serenity deck at the top of the ship (Spa Deck) has a covered area complete with a bar. and at the hot tubs there you can see over the railings quite well.

 

2)If one does not wish to go on a shore excursion, is it possible to remain on the boat and will restaurants etc. be open?

Yes but the shops and casino will be closed. the MDR will not be open for lunch but the buffet and other venues like Lido Deck Buffet and Guys Burger Joint and Pizza place will remain open.

I would suggest going off the ship if the walk isn't that far to the shops right there as you can pick up a souvenier there. I agree to find a cab/ tour bus might be tempting but for a newbie going alone with your mom I'd stay with the guided tours of the island offered by the ship

 

The OP is going on a Royal Caribbean ship, so the info (names of venues on board) may be a bit confusing.