Newbie To Cruising - need all advice I can get!

[Shadowfax84]

Hi - my husband and I (early 30s) are taking our first cruise in September on Rhapsody of the Seas with my parents-in-law (late 60s). This is a first cruise for all of us and we can't wait - we are really looking forward to seeing the Greek Isles.

 

I know absolutely nothing about cruising and want to make sure that we all know what to expect when we get on board so any tips at all or comments about the ship would be greatly appreciated!

[newbiecruiser09]

Welcome to CC and to the addictive world of Cruising!! I was a newbie in 09 and I'm completely hooked!!

 

One piece of advice: You cannot ever know EVERYTHING there is to know so don't try. Do a lot of research but relax and enjoy the experience!

[Brigbound]

Welcome to your newest addiction! :D

 

Start here on the front page of CC: (general info. for new cruisers)

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=97

 

Also, in the Ports of Call section, you can find a wealth of info. regarding your destinations: Europe>Greece

 

Greek Isles:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=594

 

 

Anything else specific to Royal Caribbean, definitely post.

Edited August 1, 2015 by Brigbound

[Shadowfax84]

Thanks for the welcome guys! We're going to be on Rhapsody of the Seas. Going to check out your links now Brigbound - thanks :)

[Hotel CA]

Best if you read the CC RCL Boards, also the boards about your specific ship at the top. In addition make sure to join the Roll Call for your cruise and finally you can use the CC Ports area to see things that others recommend for the ports you are visiting (listed by port)

 

Welcome aboard the CC Boards -- the best advice was already given-- relax and enjoy the cruise!!!!!

 

If you have any specific questions -- just post them here and Bob, will I am sure answer you quickly!

[Shadowfax84]

Thanks Hotel CA

[Brigbound]

Best if you read the CC RCL Boards, also the boards about your specific ship at the top. In addition make sure to join the Roll Call for your cruise and finally you can use the CC Ports area to see things that others recommend for the ports you are visiting (listed by port)

 

Welcome aboard the CC Boards -- the best advice was already given-- relax and enjoy the cruise!!!!!

 

If you have any specific questions -- just post them here and Bob, will I am sure answer you quickly!

 

Agreed Bob aka (Clarea) is extremely helpful.

[knittinggirl]

We've really enjoyed our cruises over the years. We did the first one for our 10th anniversary, and the second for my parent's 50th anniversary.

 

This is just about the only way we travel. Husband loves having our dining room, hotel room, and someone else drive us to our destination. We unpack only once.

 

With the parents, we made a point of sharing dinner with them every evening. Daddy let us pick all our excursions but one, which he insisted we all attend.

 

Now a days, we often prepay our gratuities and shore excursions so we don't have to worry about a huge ship bill. If you really want a shore excursion, be sure to jump on it early, or it may not be available later. Once we waited until boarding the ship, and the shore excursion was gone!

 

Each adult can bring a bottle of wine (up to 2 per stateroom). Stateroom water is potable.

 

Luggage is usually delivered between the muster drill and dinner, but we've seen it arrive as late as 9 PM. So, carry on your meds, change of clothes and electronics.

 

On Royal Caribbean, grab some sea sick pills from guest relations before you experience symptoms.

 

Prices can add up, so check out this thread too. We use our money toward excursions instead of drink packages. Also, check out tightwad cruising.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=785229

 

We bring about $60 in ones per each seven cruise days for various tips. Shore excursion tips are usually in addition to the stack of ones. We have a stack of fives and tens for shore excursions, but also throw in some ones if want to tip less or more. We often need to tip the bartender with any free drinks you may be able to get on Welcome aboard receiptions, etc, as well as room service, and porters on embarkation and disembarkation days. We also have cash for taxi cabs to and from home. That's usually a taxi home to the airport, one from the airport to hotel, hotel to airport and airport to home. Most cash, credit cards, cameras and kindles go into the safe.

 

We use room service as a wake-up call for port days.

Edited August 1, 2015 by knittinggirl

[Clarea]

Take half the clothes and twice the money.

[sddsddean]

As said, your first cruise will be a learning experience...it was for us!! Don't be afraid to talk to people; they are a wealth of information. Its one of the main things we go cruising for ...like explaining to a Brazilian at breakfast why we have baked beans with a full English! You get the gist.

Definately join your roll call. Use http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/rollcalls/ to find it. Generally, private excursions are cheaper and better than the ships ones and possibly some people on your cruise have started organising some trips, but if you want to play it safe, stick with the ship ones for your first trip...at least they will get you back to the ship on time!

 

Most importantly, have fun! Its your holiday; do what you want and don't be presurrised into doing this or that 'cos its the 'done' thing.

 

I (almost) guarantee you'll be hooked.

 

HAVE FUN!!

 

Simon

[Shadowfax84]

Thanks everyone for the comments - planning everything as we speak!

[LisaAtlCruiser]

You can gather all the information you need by reading the CC boards. I also recommend for the ports you look at Cruise Critics main page (not the forum) and research the ports. I found that very helpful for my Greek Isles cruise! It helped me know which ports to do on my own versus book an excursions. The forums ports section is also good. But for general information I found what CC provided to be the best.

 

I cruised with a girl once that had always traveled via sailboats. At first she was not enjoying herself but I encouraged her to not view the ship as a means of transportation - but to embrace the ship itself as part of the experience. By the end of the cruise she loved it! Cruising is not for everyone but I have found it is perfect for me.

 

My best advice is always to just enjoy yourself. Don't let the little things get to you. You are on vacation so enjoy it - come what may - enjoy it.

[cb at sea]

A cruise is simply a vacation on a floating hotel! You can do as much or as little as you like...after all, the whole point of a holiday is to unwind....so don't make it a marathon!!

 

If you read the info on RCI's website, it will detail almost everything you need to know about dress, tips, etc...

 

A guidebook on your ports is always a plus...the more you know about where you're going, the more you'll get out of your time ashore! And, you may find that many things you want to do are quite easy to DIY....only rarely do you need to pay for excursions!

[CaptData]

Try not to miss the main show in the theater. Go to the welcome aboard show. You will get to see what the Captain looks like then if you see him/her around you can ask if he/she will take a pic with you.

 

On formal night you can usually get a pic with the Captain but it may take a bit of a wait in line for it. Also on formal night they have photographers around the ship where you can get you pics taken as a family. The pics are for purchase. You can get package deals on board or you can buy them before you go.

[Shadowfax84]

Are there theatre shows often?

[Rala]

Are there theatre shows often?

 

There is some sort of show every night in the theater; usually two times to co-ordinate with the two traditional dinner seatings. The show could ba a comedian, magician, singer or a production show featuring the ship's cast of singers and dancers. Some ships (mostly the bigger, new ships) also feature "Broadway" musicals. I believe they are included in your cruise fare, but you do need a ticket for a particular show to be sure you get a seat. :)

[Shadowfax84]

Sounds great - my mother in law will love that!

[readyk]

my two tips. 1. do something that you would never do at home. 2. If buying t-shirt for yourself, wear them the next day, that one last shirt you need to pack. If you are like most people you wont wear that shirt when you get home, if you do, it will only be a couple of time. bonus tip. Take lots of picture and just have fun.

[shellunderwater]

Our suggestions.... Clarea has great answers.. factual.

 

Expect some things to not go as planned, most things will go as planned.

 

Roll with the punches, enjoy the good times.

 

You can't do everything, don't try.

 

Comfy shoes in port.... you may walk a lot. No one there will care.

 

Have to agree with the suggestion, do something you wouldn't do at home. Make it a great experience.

 

Remember to smile a lot.... you are on a cruise, and most of us readers of CC are jealous.

 

Relax, have fun, chill.

[Calgon1]

Go to the following link. Find the cruise you'll be on. Join the roll call and get to know your fellow cruisers!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=270

 

Dennis has some great advice on his website:

http://www.royalcaribbeantips.com/index.html

 

Get vacation/cruise/travel insurance!

 

Getting to your cruise -

 

If at all possible, you want to arrive at your embarkation port (at least) one day early. Believe me, there are very few feeling in the world worse than flying in and seeing your ship departing the harbor . . .

 

Allow yourself extra time –

Heightened security measures require more time to properly screen travelers. Contact your airline to find out how early you need to arrive for check-in. Then, give yourself an extra 30 minutes, on top of that. If you need the time, you have it. If you don’t, read a book. You’re on vacation. Relax. Don’t allow yourself to be rushed for anything but an emergency.

 

 

Airport Check-in –

A government-issued (federal, state, or local) photograph identification (ID) is absolutely required. Each traveler must be prepared to show ID at the ticket counter and subsequent points, such as at the boarding gate, along with an airline issued boarding pass. Curbside check-in is still available on an airline-by-airline basis. Contact your airline. E-ticket travelers should check with your airline to make sure you have proper documentation. Written confirmation, such as a letter from the airline acknowledging the reservation, may be required to pass through a security checkpoint.

 

 

Security Checkpoints -

Security checkpoints are at the entrance to every concourse and you will have to be screened before going to your gate. At some airports, you may find additional checkpoints have been established. Please bear in mind that the intent is not to cause you unnecessary "hassle", it is to ensure your safety. In addition to security checkpoints, you may be subject to additional screening at the gate. Cameras and electronic items (such as laptops and cell phones) may be checked to ensure that they are what they appear to be. Be prepared to let the screener use your camera to take your picture; remove your laptop from its travel case so that each can be X-rayed separately. Limit metal worn on (or in) your person and clothing. If possible, cut back on the piercings and don’t wear the silver stud motorcycle jacket during your travel. Remove metal objects (such as keys, cell phones, wallet chains, change, etc.) prior to passing through the metal detectors to facilitate the screening process. Putting metal objects in your carry-on bag will expedite this.

 

 

Edited August 1, 2015 by Calgon1

[Shadowfax84]

We're arriving in Rome the day before the cruise embarks so that's something we've done right!

[cincicruisers]

Pack your bags, remove 1/2 of your cloths and replace with cash.

[Calgon1]

We're arriving in Rome the day before the cruise embarks so that's something we've done right!

 

Consider staying in Civitavecchia the night before your cruise.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civitavecchia

https://www.google.com/search?q=civitavecchia&biw=1920&bih=906&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMIs_DPuvOIxwIViFg-Ch0EDQ4I

 

Get a B&B (much cheaper than a hotel). Avoid the higher prices of Rome hotels and the rush, rush of trying to get from Rome to Civitavecchia on D-Day.

http://www.hotels.com/de709604-at5/bed-and-breakfast-hotels-civitavecchia-italy/?rffrid=sem.hcom.US.google.003.00.04.s.kwrd=ZzZz.stxI5sxi3.0.75635339439.1020w9o38457.d.c&gclid=CMup8NryiMcCFYcWHwodaX4GuA

 

There is a train from Rome's main train station, to the port for around 10 Euro each. A much better price than the cruise line's or independent transfers . . .

http://www.raileurope.com/european-trains/italy-train-tickets-reservations/how-to-book.html?from0=ROME&to0=CIVITAVECCHIA&gclid=CP_Iy4rziMcCFc6PHwodYqAJtw

 

 

Edited August 1, 2015 by Calgon1

[rodenboy]

The biggest piece of advice is to do what you want that ensures you enjoy your cruise holiday. We may all be cruisers, but we cruise in our own way. As such, if there are suggestions made by any of us which don't fit you or your party, don't worry, it's not a "one approach fits all" type holiday!

[BekkaW]

Welcome to cruise critic!

 

One of the reasons we love cruising is that people can do their own thing and meet back up later. This is especially good with mixed generational groups :) we cruised earlier this year with myself and DH, my MIL and sister IL, MIL's sister and her husband, and some of their friends! We all had a great time. Sister in law and I would go off to trivia, come back to find MIL and her sister playing cards, join in with them until they went to scrap booking, later find DH and his uncle in the casino - you get the picture! We like to try and all eat dinner together at night and chat about what we got up to that day, as well as plan then the day :)

 

I have found roll calls to be very helpful, have met some great people and joined in private excursions they have organized.

 

Have a great time :)