what did you do when you were a Newbie, that makes you laugh now

[haladdict]

On our first cruise, we left our empty suitcases by the cabin wall. After dinner, they had disappeared and we assumed that they had gone to a storage room.

On the last day, we wanted to pack, so we called the front desk and asked for our cases.

The cabin steward arrived and lifted up the bed skirt.

Sandra

[Hflors]

Book our air from BWI to MIA thru the cruise line. 7 hours it took to arrive! Never made that mistake again!

[Richjoxyz]

I left big tips in the steakhouse only to discover later that the gratuity was included in the price.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Packed beach towels. There was no Internet back when we started to cruise to ask questions.

[Randyk47]

On our first cruise, we left our empty suitcases by the cabin wall. After dinner, they had disappeared and we assumed that they had gone to a storage room.

On the last day, we wanted to pack, so we called the front desk and asked for our cases.

The cabin steward arrived and lifted up the bed skirt.

Sandra

 

We did the same thing and my wife literally climbed our bags to get in bed. On the second or third day we finally asked the cabin steward if there was a place we could have the stored. He pointed at the bed and pushed them all under there. A bit of a “duh” moment.

[vms]

Cruising solo, and was in the bathroom in just my underwear putting on make-up to get ready for dinner. I hadn't locked the bathroom door because why would I need to?

 

Didn't hear the cabin steward knock on the outside door. Boy did we both get a surprise when he opened the door to the bathroom. I screamed, he screamed, he slammed the door and yelled apologies through the door.

 

After I finished getting dressed and I left the cabin to go to dinner, he stopped me in the hall and apologized again. I was a little bit red-faced, but said "are you OK?" he said "yes" and I said "then don't worry about it" and had a good laugh.

 

Lesson learned- at least lock the door to the hallway if I don't want to be disturbed, and better yet, lock the door to the bathroom, even when I'm all by myself.

[catl331]

We believed the "no tipping required" line. This was before there was an HSC, so all he got from us was his base pay. :o

[HALrunner]

DH planned our first cruise, which was our honeymoon. I knew nothing about cruises and only found out our honeymoon would be a cruise at our wedding reception, so had no time for research. Everything was new and exciting for us! I remember wondering why there were no prices on the menu in the MDR;)

 

We had a verandah cabin, which spoiled me for future cruises. A couple of years later, as penny pitching newlyweds, we planned out next cruise. I was shocked to discover that there were cabins with no balconies and some without windows even! I had just assumed that every cabin had a verandah!

We are now a family of four and have booked every cabin category except PS. However, if we are on a Signature Class ship we love our main deck J's and even check the "Do Not Upgrade" box.

[510picker]

When we took my mom on her first cruise, she told the waiter her bill was separate :)

[Aquahound]

what did you do when you were a Newbie, that makes you laugh now

 

Allowed the roaming photographers to take my individual picture in the dining room.

 

Now, I can't help but laugh at some of those pictures when I walk through the photo area.

[Wayfairers]

Did excursions only with the ship. Now that rarely happens.

 

 

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[katrina915]

When we took my mom on her first cruise, she told the waiter her bill was separate :)

Thanks. I needed a chuckle this morning!

[RuthC]

We believed the "no tipping required" line. This was before there was an HSC, so all he got from us was his base pay. :o

Me, too. :o

Here we are coming on 40 years later and I am still embarrassed about it. If I could go back in time and tip them now, I would. I still remember my table steward's name!

[kenevenpar]

1st or 2nd cruise, I forgot about the pillow chocolate, which ended up under me, melted, and looked like the sheets were soiled. No cleaning up that mess before the steward came to clean.

 

I'm sure I wasn't the first, and won't be the last, but I was embarrassed nonetheless.

[Cruising-along]

Cruising solo, and was in the bathroom in just my underwear putting on make-up to get ready for dinner. I hadn't locked the bathroom door because why would I need to?

 

Didn't hear the cabin steward knock on the outside door. Boy did we both get a surprise when he opened the door to the bathroom. I screamed, he screamed, he slammed the door and yelled apologies through the door...

 

This. Thank God this didn't happen, but could have. Our steward was so quick to open the door after one brief knock. I was fully dressed but realized I may not have been. Since then unless we're in the cabin only a minute or two, I deadbolt the door or at least put out the do not disturb sign. And it's my first piece of advice for new cruisers!

[gourmetnotgourmand]

Supposedly I "won" a Pedicure. The Salon called and we agreed on an appointed time. When the bill was presented I inquired why it was so much. Answer, the Pedi won was a basic package.

So I added a very generous tip. Later on realizing they already added a substantial tip. Now I no longer sign up to win anything. To this date my free Pedi is still over double what I pay now about 10 years later.

 

 

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[margieef]

Pack too much

 

 

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[summer slope]

Didn't realize you could order room service at any time. Did the land portion of Alaska and then an excursion. Didn't board the ship until real close to sailing. NOTHING was in the LIdo and we were starved. Ate nuts/crackers at the bar.

[whogo]

I booked through a local brick and mortar agency.

I handed a tip to our head waiter.

I sailed on a ship without internet.

I didn't have a TV in the cabin.

I walked up and down stairs while staying on the same deck.

I admired the exposed pipes throughout the ship.

I watched an officer check water level in some tank through a port just outside our cabin.

I followed a crew member who did his rounds with a watchclock.

I was charged a pittance for my son's doctor appointment and prescription medicine.

[Irish Eyes Are Sailing]

Pack too much

 

 

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Gosh, me too. And I still do, unfortunately........

[mame42]

Cruise #1: Followed "expert advice" and only packed 1 pair of walking shoes, although I have hard to fit feet. Stepped in rather pungent camel dung in Cairo, the smell of which was impossible to remove. For some reason had a seat to myself on all subsequent tours. Threw shoes away after last port.

 

Cruise #2: No Plan B for lost luggage (And I packed insurance papers in luggage, DUH!!). Spent 3 weeks in the Med in the clothes I had traveled in, supplemented by a ship's logo tee shirt for sleeping, two men's polo shirts, two pair of men's walking shorts, and a pair of neon orange crocs.

[Irish Eyes Are Sailing]

On our first cruise together many years ago "forgot" that the room safe was open and left for dinner. We had travelers checks (yes, we used them then), some cash, some jewelry, passports, etc. in the safe. I realized it when we returned after dinner/show. Everything was still there and the cabin crew had been in the room to tidy up, make towel animals, etc. I was so relieved and embarrassed we had forgotten..........and in awe of the honesty and integrity of the crew. I have a lot of respect for the crew then, and now, no matter which cruise line.

[AmazedByCruising]

On our first cruise together many years ago "forgot" that the room safe was open and left for dinner. We had travelers checks (yes, we used them then), some cash, some jewelry, passports, etc. in the safe. I realized it when we returned after dinner/show. Everything was still there and the cabin crew had been in the room to tidy up, make towel animals, etc. I was so relieved and embarrassed we had forgotten..........and in awe of the honesty and integrity of the crew. I have a lot of respect for the crew then, and now, no matter which cruise line.

 

It took me 4 cruises and a thread on CC to realize that leaving substantial amounts of money in the nightstand instead of the safe is not only a reasonably safe way to store valuables but also a sure way to make it harder for the crew. Next time, provided the casino is as nice as it was last time, I'll be using the safe :)

[Irish Eyes Are Sailing]

It took me 4 cruises and a thread on CC to realize that leaving substantial amounts of money in the nightstand instead of the safe is not only a reasonably safe way to store valuables but also a sure way to make it harder for the crew. Next time, provided the casino is as nice as it was last time, I'll be using the safe :)

 

Yes, but please remember to lock it before you go out. I know it turned out well for me at that time years ago, and it was a testament to the honesty of the crew, but I have been paranoid about leaving it unlocked again. No matter where, hotel, cruise ship, etc. etc. I ALWAYS check the safe before I go out/leave the room.

There was only one instance overseas (also many years ago) that I think, but cannot prove, that a piece of jewelry was lifted from a hotel safe. I would never make judgement, as it was possible I left the piece of jewelry out in the room, but it would be very unlike me to do that. How would they have done it? I have no idea. Maybe a pass-key? (it was a keyed safe) But anyway, it is old news, the piece of jewelry wasn't the Hope Diamond or anything, and I recovered from it. So I try to be more careful now........!

[Sea42]

We booked our excursion with the cruise line! Silly newbies!