Learned lessons from past cruises for the newbies

[Oldbugger]

Comparisons of different cruise lines and ships.

We are often asked which is our favourite cruise ship or cruise company. This is a very difficult question to answer as all have good points and there are also some things that are not to our liking.

Although we have fond memories of earlier ships I will only compare those that are in service today that we have experienced over the past ten years. This list will cover thirty four cruises on twelve different ships belonging to five separate companies. Cruises vary from ten days to more than three months in length to most parts of the World.

The most important aspects of any cruise fall into six main categories:

1. Cabin

2. Food

3. Crew

4. On board facilities

5. Entertainment

6. Itinerary

I will try to mention what, in my opinion, are the best and least favourite in each category. Some points will be very minor but can make a difference to ones enjoyment, especially on longer cruises.

1. The cabin, here we have a choice of many different grades. Some people prefer a balcony and others inside cabins. We tend to chop and change depending on the cruise and time of year. There is no point in having a balcony for a winter cruise to the Arctic but the opposite is true if you are going to the Caribbean or the Norwegian Fjords in the Summer. However this is only the first consideration. We have found that the best cabins are those on the Celebrity ships as these have almost everything that one could wish for, they are above average size with comfortable beds and a well proportioned bathroom, as well as interactive TV with an unbelievable selection of music and films.

We have never had a really BAD cabin but fixed head showers on Oceana (P&O), very small cabins and lack of storage space on Queen Victoria (Cunard), poor layout of furniture on Arcadia (P&O), and bad smells percolating from the crew galley on deck three on Boudicca (Fred Olsen) were all a disappointment. Also on several ships the cabins that are situated just below open decks and the Promenade decks can be very noisy due to deck chairs and tables being moved around early in the mornings.

Coat hangers can be very annoying especially the ones with the fixed tops. The best hangers are on Fred Olsen as these are white plastic and can be used for drying shirts etc. when hung in the bathroom. On the subject of bathrooms P & O provide by far the best soap, shampoo and conditioner whereas F.O. only supply a dispenser of gel.

2. Food is excellent on all cruise ships and the only way not to enjoy the food is to make the wrong choice. However presentation can be below expectations. P & O is the only company that has "silver service" as standard except perhaps Cunard in Princess class (we do not have experience of this). The other companies serve plated meals putting all vegetables on your plate whether you want them or not causing no end of waste.

The Buffets on most ships serve a good selection and choice of dishes however the layout and service can be appalling especially on Cunard and larger ships belonging to most companies. The very best buffet service is on Boudicca followed closely by Adonia also good on Princess ships.

There is limited choice with room service on all ships but what is on offer is generally good, mostly this is free of charge but some items are put on ones account on some ships. E.g. Hot chocolate is free on P & O but charged for on Fred Olsen.

3. The crew can have a huge bearing on the enjoyment of a cruise.

By far the best crew are those working on P & O, they are mostly From India and the Phillipines and give the impression that they enjoy looking after you. This is not true on ships that employ East European crew who, although they do the job efficiently enough, do not want to go that extra mile to make your holiday that bit better. They also tend to bicker amongst themselves about who should do what, this is especially noticeable on Cunard ships where, when asking a question one is told that " it's not my job I'm a butler, you will have to find a cabin steward" instead of " I will find someone to help you sir".

4. Facilities on board are very similar on all ships, but limited on some.

Tea and coffee making equipment is in all cabins on P & O, Fred Olsen and one or two others but very rare on most ships. Do not forget to pack adaptor sockets for your phone/iPad chargers, ships for different countries have various electric systems. P & O have UK 3 pin sockets, US companies have 2 pin flat and Europeans have 2 pin round, so be warned.

There is no cinema on Boudicca and only a very basic room on Arcadia that has around thirty seats. Most other ships have regular cinemas or Movies under the Stars wich is fun.

I do not like a casino but most ships have them except for Adonia and Boudicca (just two gaming tables).

Several smaller ships do not have theatres but do have night club style lounges.

Other things that are common to almost all ships are a Spa, swimming pools, gym, golf nets and tennis courts. There are other sporting facilities on larger ships such as rock climbing, fencing, surfing etc., etc.

Every ship has a dance floor catering for ballroom, line dancing and even Zumba.

5. Entertainment can be very hit and miss.

The resident singers and dancers usually put on excellent West End style shows, often far better than the guest solo artists who are sometimes very good but more often third rate and past their sell-by date. This is especially true of the comedians and magicians, one in particular is still performing the identical act that we took our 50 year old Daughter to see when she was nine years old.

Classical recitals are normally very good on all ships with some wonderful pianists, flautists and classical guitar players giving outstanding performances, but I do not recommend P & O "Music festivals at sea", we have been on two of these cruises and the performances have been very third rate, introduced by Henry Kelly and enough to put one off of classical music for life.

 

6. The Itinerary can be very important and should be looked at very carefully. Taking into account the time of year (in the countries being visited), the size of the ship i.e. Smaller ships may be able to go alongside whereas a large ship will often be at anchor some way offshore when the ships lifeboats (tenders) will be used which can be difficult for any passengers with restricted movement. Also small ships can go to places that large ships cannot reach, such as inland waterways, the Amazon river, Corinth or Kiel canals as well as many others.

One should try to discover the length of time that the ship will be in each port and also the day of the week as this can make a big difference as to whether shops and museums etc. will be open, e.g. We visited Gran Canaria five times before we were able to go into the fantastic Science museum which is just opposite the dock gate.

Other things that should be taken into account are dress code, most ships have some formal evenings but there are normally certain parts of the ship that are exempt e.g. The buffet and theatre. Details can usually be found in the brochures before booking. The cost of drinks on board can be a large part of your final account. The most reasonable prices are on P & O, most other companies are very expensive, this also applies to the cost of shore excursions and other on-board purchases e.g. Photographs on Cunard cost $29.95 (£20) the same quality prints on P & O are £9.95. Princess have craft classes which are normally free with many materials supplied FOC, however there was a $29.95 charge for an identical class on Cunard on P & O the charge is somewhere in between. Beauty treatments in the Spa on all cruise ships seems very expensive, luckily I am pretty enough not to need them. I was charged £11 for a short back and sides on a long P&O cruise but a much neater haircut cost only one NZ dollar when ashore in Wellington. Perhaps the extra cost was for the lovely girl in the spa?

I had better stop there as you will probably be fed up with me by now. I may add to this at a later date.

[anamarieus]

Take hair conditioner. Ships dont provide it free.

 

Take a cruise diary

 

peruse the ship map beforehand and make notes of what is where

 

take water shoes for the beach and the decks onboard

 

inform your bank you are traveling and that purchases may pop up on your account from overseas

[CallistaSkye]

....

 

One piece of advice I give is to always get to your embarkation port at least a day ahead' date=' especially if flying or taking a train. Too many things can happen to flights (delays, cancellations). And don't try to take too early of a flight after your cruise.

 

Also don't try to do everything whether on board or in port. Part of the joy of going on a cruise is being able to relax.[/quote']

 

Second this! We were really glad we got to the port area the night before because it just made it way more relaxing.

As for on the cruise, we tried to go to EVERYTHING that looked interesting, and while we had a great time, it was not as relaxing as it could have been. We were glad we skipped one of the port days and just stayed on ship to lounge around because other than that, we were running to events constantly.

[Oldbugger]

Hair conditioner is always supplied on P & O ships and new bottles as and when you have used it. My wife says that it is an excellent brand. Never use this kind of thing myself as I have very little hair remaining.

[fatbaldbloke]

For those traveling by air one bit of advice I'll give is this. When we get to the security point, where the X-ray machines are before we put our things through the machine one of us goes through & waits as if there's a delay ie someone sets the machine off your passports, wallets etc are just sat there & anyone could pick them up & walk off with them.

[dorisis]

Do NOT stuff yourself on the breakfast buffet or even the lunch buffet. You'll be too full to enjoy all the other food the ship has to offer. Just eat normal portions. Feel free to stuff yourself at dinner, however.

 

If you do that be sure to take along the large bottle of antacid tablets. And bring some larger size clothing. If it is a long cruise 2 or 3 sizes larger will be needed.

[Thompsolonian]

For saving money on flights, and relieving the hassle or rushing to the dock from the airport (unless you are utilizing the cruise lines shuttle) is to stay a night or two before and after the cruise.

 

Flights in on and out of a destination on a weekend can be nearly twice as expensive, enough to offset a night or two in a hotel. It also relieves the stress since you will have all day rather than a few hours to get to or from the airport or pier.

[Smiles3usa]

Going to Europe? Take your favorite cold medicine with you -- including cough drops, throat lozenges and cough syrup (and a box of kleenex too!). Even if you are feeling wonderful and no cold is in sight! It's simply mind boggling how many people travel by plane with a cold who proceed to share it with all those on board. For a 7+ hour flight, it is not too nice to get off the flight feeling sick. It will generally take another day for the cold to kick in full swing. When it does, you can treat your symptoms with your preferred familiar brands. All cold medicine is sold only at Pharmacys over most of Europe...and there is no over the counter brands that you can walk up and down the aisle to figure out what you want. Rather, you tell the pharmacist your symptoms and he gives you some expensive medicine. Would be okay if it performed the same as the trusted, long used items. I guess it must for some. But if I had to do it again, I'd save a inch or 2 in my suitcase and pack some cold remedies.

Edited November 17, 2014 by Smiles3usa

[Floridiana]

I second taking familiar brands of over counter medications for colds, minor stomach upsets etc.

Hair conditioner on the other hand has always been provided by the ship.

Always put all your valuables in your handbag/carry-on, NEVER in your checked luggage: camera, jewelry, prescription medication, passport etc. And don't take too much jewelry, just another thing to keep track of. In some countries, don't wear it at all.

[MrsPete]

Comments on some items mentioned in this thread:

 

- Lots of conversation about night lights, but my personal favorite hasn't been mentioned: I like light sticks. You know, the kind that you break and then have light for 8-10 hours. They're cheap to buy, small to carry, and they emit a soft, pale glow. We first used them when we took the kids on camping trips, when we found they were perfect: Each kid could have one in her sleeping bag, and it was "just enough" light -- not enough to keep anyone awake, but enough to light the way to the bathroom. They're more dependable than battery-powered candles; and if you want more light you can drop them into a glass of water, and they light is magnified.

 

- The room DOES include a clock. It's a channel on your TV. It is also a great nightlight, and you can control the brightness.

 

- The single best piece of advice on this thread is to arrive a day ahead of time. Not only is it "safer" in that you're not going to miss the ship, but you'll be better rested and fully ready to begin your cruise right away. We say that if you can't manage to arrive a day ahead, this isn't the right cruise for you.

 

- Some short discussion of picking the best cruise was included on this thread. I'd add one thing: We ONLY choose cruises to which we can drive. Adding airfare is a significant addition to the cost.

 

- Though I'm a light packer, I definitely agree with bringing along your own medicines. I re-pack mine in a SMTuWThFSa container, and I write on the plastic box things like "Sinus; 2 every 4". So much less space than the original bottles.

 

- Also be SURE to bring plenty of sunscreen, etc. For any type of toiletry, whatever you'd pay at CVS . . . it's 4Xs the cost on the ship, and the ship's store isn't always open.

 

- When you're identifying your camera, include BOTH your home address AND your stateroom number. Hopefully you won't have to wait 'til you're home to get your camera back.

 

- Don't forget that disposable camera you picked up to take to the beach. Disposable cameras only come in 2-3 styles, and if you go to Lost & Found, you're going to see about 30 cameras . . . all just like yours. Identify yours with your stateroom number; this is an item no one wants to steal, so likely someone will leave it at your door.

[Compass Rose Monica]

I’ve been cruising for a while and created a personal web site that I fill with information, so I’d like to pass on my tips.

For my cabin, I create a calendar for each cruise, in which I can add any events as they come along, as well as other information. I add a “Itinerary” to my checked suitcase. In case it gets lost in transit, the airport can see where it needs to be forwarded. You can go to https://mycruisetravels.shutterfly.com/taoct15 where there’s a “Documents for your Use.”

When I have more than one cruise booked, I created a template of information. It’s like a check list to make sure I’ve booked my flights, hotels, tours, rental car, etc. It’s an easy way to see what I’ve booked and what still needs to be booked. You can go to https://mycruisetravels.shutterfly.com/ (On the right column is the cruise planner spreadsheet)

Save these documents and revise to meet your cruise needs.

I do bring extra pants hangers. The extra ones I get on the ship are typically wire hangers.

I scan in my passport and save it to my email. If I lose mine while traveling (haven’t yet) I have access to a copy that I can use to get me started on getting one replaced.

I also have a “Before you Cruise” which has lots of good suggestions: https://mycruisetravels.shutterfly.com/todolist

Monica

[GrummanTiger]

I like to print off a copy of the deck plans (those that matter to me) 4 to a page, 2 sided, and make my own "cheat sheet" Large enough for DH and I to see, yet when folded, small enough to fit in a pocket or handbag. One for Him, one for me.

[TN Vol Fan]

Don't forget magnets are your friend. The walls and sometimes the cabin door can act as your filing system. You will get a lot of paper, from the daily activity sheets, invitations and ads for the gift shops. Find some strong magnets with hooks & clips and use the walls.

Also bring a soft carry bag for your dirty laundry or open your empty luggage under the bed and use to store dirties. Bring extra plastic zip top bags of different sizes for sorting everything.

[GrummanTiger]

Also, I have my bags open in the spare room which I start to put things in about a month before I leave.

[panoramaofthepast]

Being a bit organizationally OCD, here are a few tips-

1. Get an accordion folder to carry documents. Section 1 - flight and hotel; section 2 - ship documents; section 3- excursion documents - Ok, you get the idea!

2. For anything that requires money (gratuities, excursion payments and tips, car rental, etc) make an envelop labeling the event, date and amount of money. Put the money in the envelop at home; transfer the envelops to the safe once on board

3. Make a weekly calendar for the cruise. Include speciality restaurant reservations, excursions, CC meetings - whatever you have planned. Some of the cruise line already have this for you. Print it off and tape it to the mirror in your cabin. Add things as necessary.

4. Use dry erase markers to leave notes on the mirror.

 

Like I said, just a LITTLE bit OCD!

 

 

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[alyeska95]

My favorite way to track all my itinerary is Tripit App. It's super easy to use. I can access on all devices and it works when not hooked to Internet....at least most recent updated info. It generates maps automatically and kids and mom can look at all the details without asking me 50 times where we are going when. Love it!

 

 

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[wassup4565]

Two things I have learned.

 

1. You can't do it all in every port, every day. Figure out what interests you most, and focus on those things. Otherwise you'll run yourself ragged and not really enjoy anything fully.

 

2. Join in, get to know your fellow passengers, introduce yourself, invite people to join you for a drink or a meal. Try out new things and some silly things - who cares if you look like a klutz during the meringue lesson? It's fun. And quickly and politely get far away from complainers the moment they start whining. They're free to grumble about their cruise, but you should enjoy every moment of yours.

[Lulubelle45]

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I tried to use my iPhone in Alaska, but since I had it on Airplane mode, the clock was off by hours on the first day. Had to enter it in manually. Good thing I has also set my wake up call on my ship phone! !!

 

I also take one of those magnetic holders for pens etc and we take a different color highlighter for each of us. We then highlight the activities we are interested in on the dailies before bed. Not only does it remind us what not to miss but I can tell by color where my travel partner will likely be if no note left.

 

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Edited January 2, 2015 by Lulubelle45

[sahm2alexis]

Do NOT stuff yourself on the breakfast buffet or even the lunch buffet. You'll be too full to enjoy all the other food the ship has to offer. Just eat normal portions. Feel free to stuff yourself at dinner, however.

 

This may be the best advice I've read in all the threads I've been reading! I don't know why I didn't think of it :confused::D It's sort of common sense, but I tend to overeat all day on any vacation, but especially on a cruise! I end up not wanting a lot for dinner because I've stuffed myself full of buffet food at lunch.

[Slugsta]

I have learned to remember that no cruise, however good, is going to be 100% perfect 100% of the time. I try not to dwell on the imperfections, just get on and enjoy the other things.

[Ms. Martini]

We are planning our first alaskan cruise. Suggestions please for 2016. We have been on one cruise 18 years ago.

[alyeska95]

I live in Alaska. What kind of suggestions are you looking for

 

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[Ms. Martini]

I'd love to know non touristy good places to eat as well as towns that are a must see. If we had just four days there after a cruise what should I not miss?

I would really love to go in winter to see the AURORA borealis but that was voted down.

[GUT2407]

Great ideas! Here are some others we've found really helpful on our cruises:

 

* Oversized portable clock (one you can see from anywhere in the room) (why, oh why, can't the cruise lines put clocks in the cabins?)

* Duct tape (always comes in handy!)

* Closet shoe organizer--this one only really works on Princess ships, which have huge closets. They're great for storing cables, flashlights, as well as shoes

* Walkie-talkies

* Yellow stickies--to keep notes on events you don't want to miss

* Water and coffee tumblers--I take drinks back from the buffet so I don't have to bother with room service

 

Hope this helps! - Musing About Cruising

 

 

I don't take any of those.

 

* Oversized portable clock (one you can see from anywhere in the room) (why, oh why, can't the cruise lines put clocks in the cabins?)

 

Who cares about the time, I always wear a watch out of habit there's one on the TV, who's going to change the clock if there's one in each cabin when they enter a different time zone.

 

* Duct tape (always comes in handy!)

 

Never used it, never needed it.

 

* Closet shoe organizer--this one only really works on Princess ships, which have huge closets. They're great for storing cables, flashlights, as well as shoes

 

Plenty of storage space in the cabin. In fact 1/2 or more never even gets used on a 28 day cruise.

 

* Walkie-talkies

 

Yuk, sqeek squark "what was that", oh don't worry I'll go find her.

 

* Yellow stickies--to keep notes on events you don't want to miss

 

The only reason I took them once was to leave notes from me to her and her to me, but there has always been a notepad in the cabin anyway.

 

* Water and coffee tumblers--I take drinks back from the buffet so I don't have to bother with room service

 

Why? There are cups in the buffet to take t back with you and many ships [certainly those with cafes]will make it in a take away cup for you.

 

Others mention night lights of various types we just leave the bathroom light on with the door closed the slight spill around the edges is plenty but not too much, but we always have at least a balcony cabin and keep the curtains open so there's usually the soft glow of moonlight. Nothng like it in my opinion.

 

But to each therir own, just trying to give a different slant,

[alyeska95]

I'd love to know non touristy good places to eat as well as towns that are a must see. If we had just four days there after a cruise what should I not miss?

I would really love to go in winter to see the AURORA borealis but that was voted down.

 

I would for sure drive down to Homer. My favorite place. Not to mention the journey is as good as the destination. I live in Kenai area, soldotna is nice place to stop on way to Homer.

Most towns are pretty small and they really aren't touristy. There's lots of tourist everywhere and a few tourist the shops but its not like other tourist towns....in my opinion at least. Seward and sealife center there is pretty interesting. Also visit exit glacier there. I'm guessing on the cruise you will see glaciers not there's some excellent tours out of Seward for the day that are well worth the trip.

 

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