First time cruiser doubts ....

[scapel]

Thanks that's nice to know .... you sure have been a lot of cruises :)

 

CARNIVAL DREAM 7-17-2016

 

 

TOMS PORT GUIDES

http://www.tomsportguides.com/canadanew-england.html

 

A great link for looking at ports if CC will allow it. It is helpful. Not sure if CC will OK it.

 

 

Azamara Journey Oct. 11, 2015

 

CARNIVAL BREEZE

 

Let us know if the links work. Hope this helps with your decisions.

[vampiress50]

Thanks scapel all links worked and all very interesting . Will be sure to let DH have a look at them too.

 

We did have a look at Celebrity but they are a bit more than we want to pay. We hope to stay in Florida for about 2 weeks as well so need to budget carefully.

[maldenmusic]

I've been on lots of 5 day and one 4 day cruise and we honestly didn't have any trouble with rowdy crowds.

[vampiress50]

Thanks all , we have finally booked ... and got the free drinks package too ! :):)

[scapel]

Thanks all , we have finally booked ... and got the free drinks package too ! :):)

 

You got the drinks package. OK, so you all will be the rowdy ones! HA:)

See the following for a few tips for first time cruisers that I made up====================================

Advice for new cruisers

Whether you take a bus transfer or taxi from the airport or a hotel or drive to the port, the first people you encounter at the terminal are baggage handlers. They are not cruise line employees and they do expect a tip—a couple dollars per suitcase is sufficient. Be sure your ship's luggage tags are securely fastened to your suitcases before you hand them over. You could put two tags per case if you have them.

Cruise line shoreside staff are milling about to point you in the right direction—they are easily recognizable in official looking attire with nametags and, often, a clipboard. At some point, usually before you enter the check-in area, you and your hand luggage will have to pass through a security procedure, somewhat like that at airports. Once inside the terminal, you might encounter a check-in line. Actual boarding time is often scheduled for noon but some cruise lines will begin processing early arrivals and then direct them to a "holding" area. During check-in, you will be asked to produce your documents and any forms you were sent to complete ahead of time, plus proof of citizenship, and a credit card (to pay for your on board charges). When you filled out the online pre-boarding information you were probably asked to furnish a credit card. Be sure you remember which one so you give them the one you put in associated with your online documents. Of course you will have printed a copy of those online documents also. You are issued a boarding card that often also doubles as your stateroom "key" and shipboard charge card. Take this with you at all times. You need it to get back on the ship in a port. They take a picture of you and associate it with your boarding (Sail and sign) (room key) card. The ship would know if you will miss the ship in a port and usually leave your passport with the port agent, but this information should be checked.

I like privately arranged tours and have done them in all the places below. They are usually much more personable then the ships tour. Even if they would cost more, I would try to use them over a ships tour. You should have in mind what you want to do. We have done Istanbul with a taxi driver and on a bus, but the Taxi was the best. Sharing private tours gets the cost down and also makes them more enjoyable.

If you book a private tour be sure the contact person you are to meet at the dock of the port you have arrangements has your name or the name of the person that made the arrangements shown on a sign. If you see a tour agency with the name of the agency you booked with be sure and ask if they have your name. Don’t tell them you made a booking with them. I messed up one time.

Everyone is anxious to get on board and begin their vacation, but this isn't the time to get cranky if you have to wait. Keep in mind, you can't board until the ship is ready for you. Once boarding begins, you will inevitably have your first experience with the ship's photographer and be asked to pose for an embarkation picture. It only takes a second, so smile. You are under no obligation to purchase any photos taken of you during the cruise and they are a nice souvenir.

You are on board

Congratulations! Your cruise has begun. Procedures vary somewhat once you are greeted by staff members lined up just inside the ship's hull; however, you'll usually have to produce your boarding card for the security officer. Depending on cruise line, you will be directed to your cabin or a steward will relieve you of your carry on luggage and accompany you. Stewards on high end cruise lines not only show you the way, but hand you a glass of champagne as a welcome aboard gesture. If cabins aren't ready, you'll be directed to the buffet where lunch is being served.

When you arrive at your cabin, check it out to make sure that everything is in order. You should find life jackets (ready for the muster drill later if they are required)- ( put the life jacket on for proper fit) Look at a copy of the ship's daily schedule. Take a few moments to look over the schedule—you'll want to know what time the muster drill takes place. (A placard on the back of your cabin door will indicate directions to your emergency station Ships daily news letter has meal hours and the schedule for various activities and entertainments.

Deliveries arrive during the afternoon and Bon Voyage gifts sent by your friends or travel agent usually appear as well. Be patient if you are expecting deliveries, particularly on mega-ships. Cabin stewards participate in the ship's turn-around and are extremely busy, although yours will no doubt introduce himself at the first available opportunity. Be sure to remember the name and contact telephone number if you need anything. It will also be a while before your checked luggage arrives, so your initial order of business is usually the welcome aboard buffet if you haven't already been there. Bring along the daily schedule to peruse while you eat. Always have your copy of your daily schedule with you..

While making your way around the ship, no doubt you'll notice bar waiters offering trays of colorful and exotic "Bon Voyage" drinks, often in souvenir glasses that you can keep. Beware—they are not complimentary! If you choose one, you'll be asked to sign for it. Again, like the photos, you're under no obligation to purchase; however, the glasses are fun souvenirs.

Do your plans for the cruise include booking shore excursions and indulging in spa treatments? The most popular tours sometimes sell out and spas can be very busy during sea days, so if you haven't pre-booked these services online, your next stop should be the Shore Excursion Desk to book tours and the Spa to make appointments. Some ships have an interactive TV that allows you to book tours. You can be on a waiting list for last minute cancellations if the ships tours are all booked up.

Your dining room seating assignment may be another matter for consideration. Some people like to check the main dining room to see where their table is located if they have opted for assigned seating. If it's not to your liking, or if you requested a large table and find yours to be a small one, you will want to see the Head Waiter. He will be stationed in a lounge with his charts handy to make changes—the daily schedule will indicate where and when.

For the rest of the afternoon and into the evening you may find other introductory activities such as tours of the spa and fitness center, port and shopping talks, and casino gaming lessons available. Of course, there will be the compulsory muster drill, followed by sail-away festivities on the pool deck.

By late afternoon or early evening, your luggage should arrive and you can unpack and settle into your cabin to prepare for dinner. A few words of advice... just in case your luggage doesn't arrive before dinner, as sometimes is the case when you're dining at the early seating, it's a good idea to have toiletries and appropriate attire in your carry-on so you can freshen up and change. Dress codes are always casual on the first evening of cruises.

On many cruise ships there are three types of dining. Early seating (About 6PM), Late seating (About 8PM) and anytime dining. If you choose anytime you may have a 45 min wait if you wait until 7 or 8 to eat. A highlight of embarkation day is that first dinner in the main restaurant where you'll meet your waitstaff and tablemates. Order whatever you like from the menu of appetizers, salads, soups, and entrees, but save room for dessert! Other than iced tea, coffee, hot tea, and water, beverages in the dining room are not complimentary.

After dinner you'll find the entire ship alive with action! The casino, shops, and lounges will all be open to greet guests and the Cruise Director usually introduces his staff at a Welcome Aboard show in the main theater (shows are scheduled to coordinate with dining seating).

Back in your cabin for the night, you'll find that your steward has straightened things up during your absence, filled the ice bucket, provided fresh linens in the bathroom, turned down the bed, left the next day's schedule of activities, and placed a chocolate on your pillow. Be sure to tell your cabin steward to put a copy of the days activities for each member in the cabin and carry it WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES, even off the ship for that day. It should have port emergency contact numbers. Bar times vary with the individual bar so this helps to go to the right place for a drink, or use your cabins attendant to get it for you.

Bring a multi-plug and extension cord. Cabins usually have only one electric plug and it is not always where you would like it. Some people bring a power strip. Be sure power strip does not have surge protector to are it may be taken away.. http://www.uscg.mil/tvncoe/Documents/safetyalerts/SurgeProtectiveDevices.pdf

You might like your own hair dryer—I think a curling iron is ok, but do not bring a clothes iron.(fire hazard) Ship should have one to use.

Have the cabin attendant put two copies of your daily information and take this with you everywhere you go even off the ship. It has port information in it in case of emergencies and the ship departure time from that port. You can also check bar times for return to ship.

Dining—I like the assign tables better. Tried anytime dining once and had to wait 45 min one time and given a beeper. Early or late seating- both have pros and cons. Older people like me tend to use early.

Try your life vest on when you get to your room (cabin). Don’t depend on the ships instructions. Get familiar with it and where it is etc.

Front of the ship is the bow, the back is the stern. If you are walking to the stern you are going AFT. If you are walking to the front you are going FORWARD.

Facing the bow the PORT side is on your left and the STARBOARD is on your right

Some other things to consider bringing depending on where you are headed.

Bug or mosquito repellent; Travel alarm clock; Duct tape to do repairs on possible torn up things.

Bathroom deodorant spray; Clorox wipes—wipe everything down in room-Telephone, door handles bathroom fixtures etc; Small multi tool that has a pliers, scissors, screw driver knife etc so you can fix small jobs

[vampiress50]

Wow that is a lot of good information , thank you scapel ! I shall copy and paste it and email it to myself so DH will read it. Just wish we didn't have so long to wait to experience it all ! Oh and the free drink too ;)

Edited September 4, 2016 by vampiress50

[donaldsc]

You got the drinks package. OK, so you all will be the rowdy ones! HA:)

See the following for a few tips for first time cruisers that I made up====================================

Advice for new cruisers

Whether you take a bus transfer or taxi from the airport or a hotel or drive to the port, the first people you encounter at the terminal are baggage handlers. They are not cruise line employees and they do expect a tip—a couple dollars per suitcase is sufficient. Be sure your ship's luggage tags are securely fastened to your suitcases before you hand them over. You could put two tags per case if you have them.

Cruise line shoreside staff are milling about to point you in the right direction—they are easily recognizable in official looking attire with nametags and, often, a clipboard. At some point, usually before you enter the check-in area, you and your hand luggage will have to pass through a security procedure, somewhat like that at airports. Once inside the terminal, you might encounter a check-in line. Actual boarding time is often scheduled for noon but some cruise lines will begin processing early arrivals and then direct them to a "holding" area. During check-in, you will be asked to produce your documents and any forms you were sent to complete ahead of time, plus proof of citizenship, and a credit card (to pay for your on board charges). When you filled out the online pre-boarding information you were probably asked to furnish a credit card. Be sure you remember which one so you give them the one you put in associated with your online documents. Of course you will have printed a copy of those online documents also. You are issued a boarding card that often also doubles as your stateroom "key" and shipboard charge card. Take this with you at all times. You need it to get back on the ship in a port. They take a picture of you and associate it with your boarding (Sail and sign) (room key) card. The ship would know if you will miss the ship in a port and usually leave your passport with the port agent, but this information should be checked.

I like privately arranged tours and have done them in all the places below. They are usually much more personable then the ships tour. Even if they would cost more, I would try to use them over a ships tour. You should have in mind what you want to do. We have done Istanbul with a taxi driver and on a bus, but the Taxi was the best. Sharing private tours gets the cost down and also makes them more enjoyable.

If you book a private tour be sure the contact person you are to meet at the dock of the port you have arrangements has your name or the name of the person that made the arrangements shown on a sign. If you see a tour agency with the name of the agency you booked with be sure and ask if they have your name. Don’t tell them you made a booking with them. I messed up one time.

Everyone is anxious to get on board and begin their vacation, but this isn't the time to get cranky if you have to wait. Keep in mind, you can't board until the ship is ready for you. Once boarding begins, you will inevitably have your first experience with the ship's photographer and be asked to pose for an embarkation picture. It only takes a second, so smile. You are under no obligation to purchase any photos taken of you during the cruise and they are a nice souvenir.

You are on board

Congratulations! Your cruise has begun. Procedures vary somewhat once you are greeted by staff members lined up just inside the ship's hull; however, you'll usually have to produce your boarding card for the security officer. Depending on cruise line, you will be directed to your cabin or a steward will relieve you of your carry on luggage and accompany you. Stewards on high end cruise lines not only show you the way, but hand you a glass of champagne as a welcome aboard gesture. If cabins aren't ready, you'll be directed to the buffet where lunch is being served.

When you arrive at your cabin, check it out to make sure that everything is in order. You should find life jackets (ready for the muster drill later if they are required)- ( put the life jacket on for proper fit) Look at a copy of the ship's daily schedule. Take a few moments to look over the schedule—you'll want to know what time the muster drill takes place. (A placard on the back of your cabin door will indicate directions to your emergency station Ships daily news letter has meal hours and the schedule for various activities and entertainments.

Deliveries arrive during the afternoon and Bon Voyage gifts sent by your friends or travel agent usually appear as well. Be patient if you are expecting deliveries, particularly on mega-ships. Cabin stewards participate in the ship's turn-around and are extremely busy, although yours will no doubt introduce himself at the first available opportunity. Be sure to remember the name and contact telephone number if you need anything. It will also be a while before your checked luggage arrives, so your initial order of business is usually the welcome aboard buffet if you haven't already been there. Bring along the daily schedule to peruse while you eat. Always have your copy of your daily schedule with you..

While making your way around the ship, no doubt you'll notice bar waiters offering trays of colorful and exotic "Bon Voyage" drinks, often in souvenir glasses that you can keep. Beware—they are not complimentary! If you choose one, you'll be asked to sign for it. Again, like the photos, you're under no obligation to purchase; however, the glasses are fun souvenirs.

Do your plans for the cruise include booking shore excursions and indulging in spa treatments? The most popular tours sometimes sell out and spas can be very busy during sea days, so if you haven't pre-booked these services online, your next stop should be the Shore Excursion Desk to book tours and the Spa to make appointments. Some ships have an interactive TV that allows you to book tours. You can be on a waiting list for last minute cancellations if the ships tours are all booked up.

Your dining room seating assignment may be another matter for consideration. Some people like to check the main dining room to see where their table is located if they have opted for assigned seating. If it's not to your liking, or if you requested a large table and find yours to be a small one, you will want to see the Head Waiter. He will be stationed in a lounge with his charts handy to make changes—the daily schedule will indicate where and when.

For the rest of the afternoon and into the evening you may find other introductory activities such as tours of the spa and fitness center, port and shopping talks, and casino gaming lessons available. Of course, there will be the compulsory muster drill, followed by sail-away festivities on the pool deck.

By late afternoon or early evening, your luggage should arrive and you can unpack and settle into your cabin to prepare for dinner. A few words of advice... just in case your luggage doesn't arrive before dinner, as sometimes is the case when you're dining at the early seating, it's a good idea to have toiletries and appropriate attire in your carry-on so you can freshen up and change. Dress codes are always casual on the first evening of cruises.

On many cruise ships there are three types of dining. Early seating (About 6PM), Late seating (About 8PM) and anytime dining. If you choose anytime you may have a 45 min wait if you wait until 7 or 8 to eat. A highlight of embarkation day is that first dinner in the main restaurant where you'll meet your waitstaff and tablemates. Order whatever you like from the menu of appetizers, salads, soups, and entrees, but save room for dessert! Other than iced tea, coffee, hot tea, and water, beverages in the dining room are not complimentary.

After dinner you'll find the entire ship alive with action! The casino, shops, and lounges will all be open to greet guests and the Cruise Director usually introduces his staff at a Welcome Aboard show in the main theater (shows are scheduled to coordinate with dining seating).

Back in your cabin for the night, you'll find that your steward has straightened things up during your absence, filled the ice bucket, provided fresh linens in the bathroom, turned down the bed, left the next day's schedule of activities, and placed a chocolate on your pillow. Be sure to tell your cabin steward to put a copy of the days activities for each member in the cabin and carry it WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES, even off the ship for that day. It should have port emergency contact numbers. Bar times vary with the individual bar so this helps to go to the right place for a drink, or use your cabins attendant to get it for you.

Bring a multi-plug and extension cord. Cabins usually have only one electric plug and it is not always where you would like it. Some people bring a power strip. Be sure power strip does not have surge protector to are it may be taken away.. http://www.uscg.mil/tvncoe/Documents/safetyalerts/SurgeProtectiveDevices.pdf

You might like your own hair dryer—I think a curling iron is ok, but do not bring a clothes iron.(fire hazard) Ship should have one to use.

Have the cabin attendant put two copies of your daily information and take this with you everywhere you go even off the ship. It has port information in it in case of emergencies and the ship departure time from that port. You can also check bar times for return to ship.

Dining—I like the assign tables better. Tried anytime dining once and had to wait 45 min one time and given a beeper. Early or late seating- both have pros and cons. Older people like me tend to use early.

Try your life vest on when you get to your room (cabin). Don’t depend on the ships instructions. Get familiar with it and where it is etc.

Front of the ship is the bow, the back is the stern. If you are walking to the stern you are going AFT. If you are walking to the front you are going FORWARD.

Facing the bow the PORT side is on your left and the STARBOARD is on your right

Some other things to consider bringing depending on where you are headed.

Bug or mosquito repellent; Travel alarm clock; Duct tape to do repairs on possible torn up things.

Bathroom deodorant spray; Clorox wipes—wipe everything down in room-Telephone, door handles bathroom fixtures etc; Small multi tool that has a pliers, scissors, screw driver knife etc so you can fix small jobs

 

Just a suggestion. It is very difficult to plow through 100 or so lines of perhaps useful verbiage without any spaces between the paragraphs. You obviously spent a lot of time making suggestions but nobody is going to bother to plow through them.

 

DON

[scapel]

Just a suggestion. It is very difficult to plow through 100 or so lines of perhaps useful verbiage without any spaces between the paragraphs. You obviously spent a lot of time making suggestions but nobody is going to bother to plow through them.

 

DON

 

Don,

Thanks for your comments. Maybe you could help and fix it up.

Dr.Joe the old guy

[GUT2407]

My husband and I are celebrating a special anniversary next year and we were considering a Caribbean cruise for part of our holiday November 17. My husband is starting to have doubts after reading about some of the cruises being booze cruises and also worried about the ship being overcrowded.

 

I have read that a longer cruise is better to escape the drinking crowd but how to allay husband's fears? At the moment we are considering a 5 day cruise on Crown Princess, 7 day on Carnival Conquest and a 6 day on Freedom of the Seas .... all eastern Caribbean in November. We intend to get our own flights into Florida so can leave from any port there.

 

So is cruising for us , any help/suggestions appreciated.

 

Thanks!

Even on "Booze Cruises" I've never had trouble finding a quiet little spot.

 

Try a shortish cruise first maybe 5-7 days to see if you like it before booking a looooong cruise.

[Trente]

Many thanks from a couple of "Cruise Virgins" setting sail on 30 September on the Celebrity Reflection Italy and Greek Islands. Will use some of your advise on board.

 

Tony

[champagne123]

You got the drinks package. OK, so you all will be the rowdy ones! HA:)

See the following for a few tips for first time cruisers that I made up====================================

 

 

Advice for new cruisers

Whether you take a bus transfer or taxi from the airport or a hotel or drive to the port, the first people you encounter at the terminal are baggage handlers. They are not cruise line employees and they do expect a tip—a couple dollars per suitcase is sufficient. Be sure your ship's luggage tags are securely fastened to your suitcases before you hand them over. You could put two tags per case if you have them.

 

 

Cruise line shoreside staff are milling about to point you in the right direction—they are easily recognizable in official looking attire with nametags and, often, a clipboard. At some point, usually before you enter the check-in area, you and your hand luggage will have to pass through a security procedure, somewhat like that at airports. Once inside the terminal, you might encounter a check-in line. Actual boarding time is often scheduled for noon but some cruise lines will begin processing early arrivals and then direct them to a "holding" area. During check-in, you will be asked to produce your documents and any forms you were sent to complete ahead of time, plus proof of citizenship, and a credit card (to pay for your on board charges).

 

 

When you filled out the online pre-boarding information you were probably asked to furnish a credit card. Be sure you remember which one so you give them the one you put in associated with your online documents. Of course you will have printed a copy of those online documents also. You are issued a boarding card that often also doubles as your stateroom "key" and shipboard charge card. Take this with you at all times. You need it to get back on the ship in a port. They take a picture of you and associate it with your boarding (Sail and sign) (room key) card. The ship would know if you will miss the ship in a port and usually leave your passport with the port agent, but this information should be checked.

 

 

 

I like privately arranged tours and have done them in all the places below. They are usually much more personable then the ships tour. Even if they would cost more, I would try to use them over a ships tour. You should have in mind what you want to do. We have done Istanbul with a taxi driver and on a bus, but the Taxi was the best. Sharing private tours gets the cost down and also makes them more enjoyable.

 

 

 

If you book a private tour be sure the contact person you are to meet at the dock of the port you have arrangements has your name or the name of the person that made the arrangements shown on a sign. If you see a tour agency with the name of the agency you booked with be sure and ask if they have your name. Don’t tell them you made a booking with them. I messed up one time.

 

 

 

Everyone is anxious to get on board and begin their vacation, but this isn't the time to get cranky if you have to wait. Keep in mind, you can't board until the ship is ready for you. Once boarding begins, you will inevitably have your first experience with the ship's photographer and be asked to pose for an embarkation picture. It only takes a second, so smile. You are under no obligation to purchase any photos taken of you during the cruise and they are a nice souvenir.

 

 

 

You are on board

Congratulations! Your cruise has begun. Procedures vary somewhat once you are greeted by staff members lined up just inside the ship's hull; however, you'll usually have to produce your boarding card for the security officer. Depending on cruise line, you will be directed to your cabin or a steward will relieve you of your carry on luggage and accompany you. Stewards on high end cruise lines not only show you the way, but hand you a glass of champagne as a welcome aboard gesture. If cabins aren't ready, you'll be directed to the buffet where lunch is being served.

 

 

 

When you arrive at your cabin, check it out to make sure that everything is in order. You should find life jackets (ready for the muster drill later if they are required)- ( put the life jacket on for proper fit) Look at a copy of the ship's daily schedule. Take a few moments to look over the schedule—you'll want to know what time the muster drill takes place. (A placard on the back of your cabin door will indicate directions to your emergency station Ships daily news letter has meal hours and the schedule for various activities and entertainments.

 

 

 

Deliveries arrive during the afternoon and Bon Voyage gifts sent by your friends or travel agent usually appear as well. Be patient if you are expecting deliveries, particularly on mega-ships. Cabin stewards participate in the ship's turn-around and are extremely busy, although yours will no doubt introduce himself at the first available opportunity. Be sure to remember the name and contact telephone number if you need anything. It will also be a while before your checked luggage arrives, so your initial order of business is usually the welcome aboard buffet if you haven't already been there. Bring along the daily schedule to peruse while you eat. Always have your copy of your daily schedule with you..

 

 

 

While making your way around the ship, no doubt you'll notice bar waiters offering trays of colorful and exotic "Bon Voyage" drinks, often in souvenir glasses that you can keep. Beware—they are not complimentary! If you choose one, you'll be asked to sign for it. Again, like the photos, you're under no obligation to purchase; however, the glasses are fun souvenirs.

 

 

 

Do your plans for the cruise include booking shore excursions and indulging in spa treatments? The most popular tours sometimes sell out and spas can be very busy during sea days, so if you haven't pre-booked these services online, your next stop should be the Shore Excursion Desk to book tours and the Spa to make appointments. Some ships have an interactive TV that allows you to book tours. You can be on a waiting list for last minute cancellations if the ships tours are all booked up.

 

 

 

Your dining room seating assignment may be another matter for consideration. Some people like to check the main dining room to see where their table is located if they have opted for assigned seating. If it's not to your liking, or if you requested a large table and find yours to be a small one, you will want to see the Head Waiter. He will be stationed in a lounge with his charts handy to make changes—the daily schedule will indicate where and when.

 

 

 

For the rest of the afternoon and into the evening you may find other introductory activities such as tours of the spa and fitness center, port and shopping talks, and casino gaming lessons available. Of course, there will be the compulsory muster drill, followed by sail-away festivities on the pool deck.

By late afternoon or early evening, your lugga

 

 

ge should arrive and you can unpack and settle into your cabin to prepare for dinner. A few words of advice... just in case your luggage doesn't arrive before dinner, as sometimes is the case when you're dining at the early seating, it's a good idea to have toiletries and appropriate attire in your carry-on so you can freshen up and change. Dress codes are always casual on the first evening of cruises.

 

 

On many cruise ships there are three types of dining. Early seating (About 6PM), Late seating (About 8PM) and anytime dining. If you choose anytime you may have a 45 min wait if you wait until 7 or 8 to eat. A highlight of embarkation day is that first dinner in the main restaurant where you'll meet your waitstaff and tablemates. Order whatever you like from the menu of appetizers, salads, soups, and entrees, but save room for dessert! Other than iced tea, coffee, hot tea, and water, beverages in the dining room are not complimentary.

 

 

After dinner you'll find the entire ship alive with action! The casino, shops, and lounges will all be open to greet guests and the Cruise Director usually introduces his staff at a Welcome Aboard show in the main theater (shows are scheduled to coordinate with dining seating).

 

 

Back in your cabin for the night, you'll find that your steward has straightened things up during your absence, filled the ice bucket, provided fresh linens in the bathroom, turned down the bed, left the next day's schedule of activities, and placed a chocolate on your pillow. Be sure to tell your cabin steward to put a copy of the days activities for each member in the cabin and carry it WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES, even off the ship for that day. It should have port emergency contact numbers. Bar times vary with the individual bar so this helps to go to the right place for a drink, or use your cabins attendant to get it for you.

 

 

Bring a multi-plug and extension cord. Cabins usually have only one electric plug and it is not always where you would like it. Some people bring a power strip. Be sure power strip does not have surge protector to are it may be taken away.. http://www.uscg.mil/tvncoe/Documents/safetyalerts/SurgeProtectiveDevices.pdf

 

 

You might like your own hair dryer—I think a curling iron is ok, but do not bring a clothes iron.(fire hazard) Ship should have one to use.

Have the cabin attendant put two copies of your daily information and take this with you everywhere you go even off the ship. It has port information in it in case of emergencies and the ship departure time from that port. You can also check bar times for return to ship.

 

 

Dining—I like the assign tables better. Tried anytime dining once and had to wait 45 min one time and given a beeper. Early or late seating- both have pros and cons. Older people like me tend to use early.

 

 

Try your life vest on when you get to your room (cabin). Don’t depend on the ships instructions. Get familiar with it and where it is etc.

Front of the ship is the bow, the back is the stern. If you are walking to the stern you are going AFT. If you are walking to the front you are going FORWARD.

Facing the bow the PORT side is on your left and the STARBOARD is on your right

 

 

Some other things to consider bringing depending on where you are headed.

Bug or mosquito repellent; Travel alarm clock; Duct tape to do repairs on possible torn up things.

Bathroom deodorant spray; Clorox wipes—wipe everything down in room-Telephone, door handles bathroom fixtures etc; Small multi tool that has a pliers, scissors, screw driver knife etc so you can fix small jobs

 

 

 

Tried to fix it or you so that everyone can read your WONDERFUL tips with ease.

[LA_CA_GAL]

Tried to fix it or you so that everyone can read your WONDERFUL tips with ease.

 

Yes, paragraphs are our friends.

[capncarp]

Thanks all , we have finally booked ... and got the free drinks package too ! :):)

And I see you have already put up your cruise countdown clock. May it heighten the anticipation of adventure and enjoyment as the numbers tell you "Fun is coming!" and give you ample notice to complete the more mundane preparations, paperwork, and packing.

I've skipped mostly to the end of the thread but a golden chestnut of advice here has always been: After you have decided what to bring, take out and leave behind half the clothes, and put in twice the fun money. And possibly, do it again.:D

Go forth, matey, and seek ye adventure on the High Seas!;)

[scapel]

Yes, paragraphs are our friends.

Great Job-- I will copy and paste

[vampiress50]

And I see you have already put up your cruise countdown clock. May it heighten the anticipation of adventure and enjoyment as the numbers tell you "Fun is coming!" and give you ample notice to complete the more mundane preparations, paperwork, and packing.

I've skipped mostly to the end of the thread but a golden chestnut of advice here has always been: After you have decided what to bring, take out and leave behind half the clothes, and put in twice the fun money. And possibly, do it again.:D

Go forth, matey, and seek ye adventure on the High Seas!;)

 

 

Thanks , we can hardly believe we have finally booked and the coming year will be full of anticipation . Sadly with the pound to dollar as it is, I shall have to pack plenty fun money! [emoji51]

 

 

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[lahlah57]

Thanks , we can hardly believe we have finally booked and the coming year will be full of anticipation . Sadly with the pound to dollar as it is, I shall have to pack plenty fun money! [emoji51]

 

 

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Seeing you are from Scotland. We.cruised thru Ireland and Scotland and your land is magical!

Warning**** you may become hooked with cruising! I do not think you will be disappointed:D

[vampiress50]

Seeing you are from Scotland. We.cruised thru Ireland and Scotland and your land is magical!

Warning**** you may become hooked with cruising! I do not think you will be disappointed:D

 

Lol I see you are from California, we enjoyed a great holiday there this May ...... Scotland can be lovely , especially when it doesn't rain ;)

Wishing our countdown was shorter !

[CCLCruiser4321]

The carnival Conquest is not a nice ship sailed it 3 times and it gets worse each time. I like carnival but that's definitely not the ship you want to be on I would recommend liberty or newer on carnival

 

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[TravelinGert]

My husband and I are celebrating a special anniversary next year and we were considering a Caribbean cruise for part of our holiday November 17. My husband is starting to have doubts after reading about some of the cruises being booze cruises and also worried about the ship being overcrowded.

 

I have read that a longer cruise is better to escape the drinking crowd but how to allay husband's fears? At the moment we are considering a 5 day cruise on Crown Princess, 7 day on Carnival Conquest and a 6 day on Freedom of the Seas .... all eastern Caribbean in November. We intend to get our own flights into Florida so can leave from any port there.

 

So is cruising for us , any help/suggestions appreciated.

 

Thanks!

 

My experience is cruise ships are really big things. Even on a short, three day weekend cruise out of Miami we really didn't have any boozy issues. We were on Royal's Majesty of the Seas, which is a small cruise ship. We didn't have any noise problems in our cabin, things were pretty chill in the main dining room, and even the buffet in the Windjammer was pretty sedate.

 

We were up on the pool deck during the sail away from one of our shore leave stops. They were having some sort of contest with an MC with a microphone. We sat down on the far side from all that and thought it was at a level that was easy to ignore from that distance. After maybe an hour it was all over and the pool area cleared out as people left. Either they wanted to get ready for dinner and other activities, or they had enough status for free drinks in the lounge. Within 45 minutes of our arrival, we practically had the pool to ourselves.

 

Our other cruises have been on bigger ships for longer cruises. Our experience is you will always run into a few people with a premium drink package hell bent on getting their money's worth, but they're typically pretty quiet because the cruise line won't hesitate to cut you off if you cause a stir. Probably because of the expense they aren't that common.

 

Don't feel badly about the hubby thing. My spouse was very much not a travel person when we met. He was full of little concerns our first cruise. Right now he's busy trying to figure out how we can take at least four short cruises per year. Don't be surprised if your spouse is the same. Have fun and good luck!

[Ramekin40]

My husband and I are celebrating a special anniversary next year and we were considering a Caribbean cruise for part of our holiday November 17. My husband is starting to have doubts after reading about some of the cruises being booze cruises and also worried about the ship being overcrowded.

 

I have read that a longer cruise is better to escape the drinking crowd but how to allay husband's fears? At the moment we are considering a 5 day cruise on Crown Princess, 7 day on Carnival Conquest and a 6 day on Freedom of the Seas .... all eastern Caribbean in November. We intend to get our own flights into Florida so can leave from any port there.

 

So is cruising for us , any help/suggestions appreciated.

 

Thanks!

Hi myself and hubby have just returned from our 1st cruise. We were on the Vision of the seas RCI. We had an amazing time and have booked our next one already with NCL Epic for May next year. We weren't sure if it was something that we'd enjoy so just did Greek Isles itinerary but we loved it. Any questions I'd be happy to help although I can see you've had lots of great info already.

[vampiress50]

The carnival Conquest is not a nice ship sailed it 3 times and it gets worse each time. I like carnival but that's definitely not the ship you want to be on I would recommend liberty or newer on carnival

 

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We did look at a cruise on the new ship Vista but got swayed by the Free at Sea deal ! :D

[vampiress50]

Hi Ramekin40 , great to know you really enjoyed your 1st cruise ... and you've booked another one, cool! Will be good to hear your opinion of NCL next May.

[BambiD]

We've sailed on several disney cruises and found the family cruise line to be less "party" but also more "busy". HOWEVER the adults only areas on the disney boats are TRULY airs only and we spent most of our time in those areas on our last cruise in June. Its peaceful and serene. Loved it!

If you can handle the gobs of little humans laughing and having the time of their life.... You may consider it. Its Disneyland on the ocean.

[SmoothFlying]

My husband and I are celebrating a special anniversary next year and we were considering a Caribbean cruise for part of our holiday November 17. My husband is starting to have doubts after reading about some of the cruises being booze cruises and also worried about the ship being overcrowded.

 

I have read that a longer cruise is better to escape the drinking crowd but how to allay husband's fears? At the moment we are considering a 5 day cruise on Crown Princess, 7 day on Carnival Conquest and a 6 day on Freedom of the Seas .... all eastern Caribbean in November. We intend to get our own flights into Florida so can leave from any port there.

 

So is cruising for us , any help/suggestions appreciated.

 

Thanks!

 

My wife and I have done ten of our past thirteen cruises (with another CC cruise in March) in fact, our very first was in 2008 on the Carnival Holiday. And, as the old saying goes, 'We've never looked back' :) While I've heard of some drunks becoming total jerks, best thing to do is IGNORE them. I was a uniform police officer for ten years so I got a lot of experience at ignoring adults who, after consuming too much alcohol, become drunken 1o year olds. Shame is, most people think, the more drunk they become the funnier they are.While quite the opposite is true. I haven't had a drink in 5-6 years and due to medical reasons probably won't ever again, but I still won't let drunken behavior of others stop me from enjoying cruising. The same attitude I lump terrorist in. Don't let the actions of others ruin your first cruise. Sometimes the cruise line doesn't help by selling alcohol drink packages and a lot of people think, 'Hey !! I've got to drink X amount of drinks per hour to get my money's worth.' And at that rate, well you can see what the outcome's going to be. :( I guess these cruise lines think some of these so-called adults are going to use common sense, " Oh gee, I guess I'd better limit my alcohol to 2 drinks, per hour" Yeaaaaah, RIGHT! I guess I've rattled on long enough, but just GO and have a FANTASTIC cruise !

 

Mac

[UUNetBill]

I was going to chime in, but I see you've already gotten a TON of good advice and have a cruise booked. Congrats - I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time!

 

And the countdown clock does actually count down...I know it seems like a LONG time out, but it'll be here before you know it.

 

My wife and I took what we assumed would be our first and only cruise back in 2009, figuring that with the economy in the tank that we could get a good deal. And we did. And we loved our first cruise. So much, in fact, that we booked our second while on board. And we've cruised every chance we could since then. And we have three more booked as we speak...

 

Yeah, it's an addiction. :D