Good Tips for Cruising Anyone??

[ctcruisers87]

Any good tips for a first time cruising family??

[on board]

What kind of tips are you looking for? Packing, what cothes to take, how much money, what to do in the different ports, what to do and waht not to do? :p

[dwrist]

Research the area you want to cruise, ship, the excursions, the time of year, weather, food, drinks. :) Than make your choice;)

[bruce-r]

Any good tips for a first time cruising family??

People could give better recommendations if you gave more information about yourselves first. Ages, likes, dislikes, preconceived ideas......?

 

What I can recommend for any new cruiser is to do enough research on the different ports of call you will be visiting. Don't think that the ship's excursions are all there is to do or that you have to go with the ship's excursions either. On most islands, you can do just about the same tours/activities for less money and have a more personal experience if you make your own arrangements.

 

Read some books about cruising and ports of calls. The Unofficial Guide to Cruising is a good start. Fodor's and Frommer's both publish books about the Caribbean which are good sources of information.

 

Take post-it notes to leave messages to each other. Take a highlighter to mark activities that interest you in the daily program.

 

Order more than entree if you can't decide which you'd like, same for desert. Many cruise lines offer complimentary room service, but passengers are usually expected to tip the server between $1 and $5 depending on how much you order. If you are sailing on Princess or Holland American you can order diner off the dining room menu to be delivered to your cabin.

[katyjeka]

Our advice, not matter what the ages, is to not sweat the small stuff. If you get a bad meal, so what, ask for something different, and give the staff a chance to correct the problem. Take the time to walk around the deck, don't miss a sunset, or for that matter a sunrise. You can always sleep at home!!! Talk to the locals when your in port, we found everyone to be friendly and entertaining, and our kids still talk about some of the people we met. Above all, don't let a couple problems ruin your trip. Have a great time. Janice

[kelbell]

When we arrive on the ship, we always check the rooms, then explore the ship together, so everyone gets a rough idea from a to b. Traveling with kids now teenagers:eek: , the only thing I always try to do is have breakfast together and find out what everyone is interested in doing for the day,from the compasses. It has worked out great for us.

[Onessa]

We generally board early to avoid lines. Pop your swim suits into your carry-on and you'll be set even if your room is not.

 

Keep a selection of stuff in your carry-off for debarkation. Most lines don't have a lot of organized stuff to keep pax entertained at debarkation and if you are in one of the later groups called, it will be a tedious wait.

[Eskwire]

Bring walkie talkies.

[CurtS]

Walkie-talkies are a great idea--we use them regularly, especially with two teens who like to go their own way on the ship. We always bring an over-the-door shoe carrier as well (the type that have pockets for 10-12 shoes). There is little storage space in the bathrooms and putting one of those over the bathroom doors helps with all of the teen and kid items that you normally keep hidden away in the bathroom. Buy a memory card for the camera, it's amazing how many pictures you take!

 

Curt

[Twinsmomct]

Got a question about these. I'm doing research and see that most of the ones with multiple channels are FRS/GMRS. If you use the GMRS channels, you're supposed to have an FCC license. Does anyone out there who uses these channels actually get an FCC license? If not, what is the result if you get caught and how many people get caught?

 

Thanks!

 

Patty

[CurtS]

Although I have an FCC license for our GMRS system, I've never had anyone in a black suit and sunglasses flash an FCC badge at me and ask me to produce it. And even if they had, I would have had to swim to shore to get it out of my file cabinet. Although obtaining one is pretty simple, my guess is that it's something most people don't bother with. Besides, on a cruise, you're in international waters most of the time. Perhaps no one uses them when they are in U.S. ports! :rolleyes:

 

Curt

[gummyroach]

Greetings everyone!

 

Having done 4 cruises in the last couple of years, here are a few cruise tips I can offer, based on past experiences:

 

1) Whenever possible, NEVER book your flight the same day as your cruise! You just never know what changes could occur in your travel iteneraries. Better to arrive a day before and just spend the night at a hotel. It's a lot less stressful that way. Always book your return flights for the late afternoon. This allows you to take your time getting off the ship, and also allows for those unexpected delays, such as if the ship is late getting back to port, or there is a delay in clearing customs.

 

 

2) If you're flying into Miami, keep in mind that the airport is way over on the other side of town, nowhere close to the pier. You can usually get good deals on transportation by using one of those Blue Super Shuttle vans. Keep in mind while at the airport that you have to catch the shuttle at designated locations, otherwise they will not stop to pick you up. Many times these van pools are cheaper than taking a cab or using the transportation from the cruise lines. Also from the pier to the airport in a cab, I believe it's a flat rate. So..... if you will be staying a few days after your cruise, you might actually save money by taking a cab from the pier to the airport, and then from there, get on the hotel's free shuttle that goes from the airport to the hotel. Also, some hotels have free shuttles that will take you to and from the airport, hotel, AND the pier, so check around. Now.... just because some of these shuttle services offered by the hotels are "free", you should still tip the driver, none-the-less.

 

3) Don't get to the cruise ship terminal too early. If the embarkation process begins at 1:00pm, and you show up at 9, chances are you will be doing a lot of standing around. On the other hand, don't show up too late either. I usually show up at the terminal about 11:30, and I've found that the lines move very quickly.

 

4) When you arrive at the pier, and unload your luggage from the cab or van, be prepared to tip the porters. Yes there are isolated incidents where the porters could misplace or mishandle your luggage, but this is rare. I usually take two large suitcases with me, plus one carry-on bag. I usually tip the porters $5, which is just a little more than the recommended $2 per bag. I've found that in most cases, when you tip generously, you will receive better service. These folks work hard and deserve to be recognized.

 

5) After boarding the ship, if the room is ready, I usually go to the room first, put my valuables away (they usually have a safe in the room or in the closet) and then head up to the Lido deck for lunch. You want to get up there before the mob shows up. I'll eat lunch, wander around a bit. Then, about 45 minutes before the life boat drill begins, I go back to the cabin and grab my life vest and head to the muster station. I recommend getting to the muster station early, so that you can find a place in the shade. If you're lucky, you might even find a place to sit down and do some people watching. Those life jackets are not very comfortable, you don't have to actually wear it until the drill begins. Also, keep in mind that when the drill is about to begin, you will not be allowed to use the elevators!!! So..... if your cabin is on the very bottom deck of the ship, but your station is way up on the Lido deck, this means you'll be climbing a lot of stairs! Unless you do what I do, and arrive at the muster station early. Please don't take the drill lightly. It's very unlikely you'll ever need to use your lifejacket, but should that ever happen, you will be grateful that you paid attention during the drill and know exactly where to meet and what to do. After the drill, be prepared for a cattle stampede. Complete chaos as everyone is running back to their rooms. Beware of lifejacket straps dangling/dragging on the floor! This can be a serious tripping hazard! Take your time, allow the crowd to thin out a little, then head back to your room to put your lifejackets away. If this will be your first time sailing, I recommend putting the lifejacket away and then getting back up to the lido deck asap and watch as the ship pulls away from the dock. It's an awesome experience!

 

6) In my carry-on bag, I usually include one change of clothes. Why? Because sometimes it can take a few hours for my luggage to show up to my room. Once my bags do show up, one of the first things I do is page the cabin steward and make arrangements for my formal clothes to be pressed. They do an AWESOME job, and this also allows me to find out upfront who my cabin steward is. I usually tip him $5 upfront when he comes to pick up my clothes. Basically this shows him or her that I'm not a cheapskate, but also that I expect great service. (which I've always gotten!) I've found that if I treat the staff with the utmost respect they will ususally return the favor. Show them that you have class, and they'll treat you well. When you see them in the hallways, always smile at them and wish them a good day. They are more likely to return that same friendliness to you. These people work very hard. Let them know that they are appreciated! Don't be one of those sea snobs who complains about every little detail. If you do have a problem, bring it to their attention, but do so tactfully, and try to maintain a positive attitude.

 

7) Next thing I usually do is head down to the shore excursion desk and book my shore excursions. (that is, if I haven't done this already ahead of time, on-line). Sometimes you can find better deals by simply exploring the ports of call on your own, but be careful. Depending on the port of call, it may not always be safe to wander off on your own. THE SHIP WAITS FOR NO-ONE!!! When it's time for the ship to leave, IT LEAVES! Be mindful of the time while you are in port. Sometimes the local time at the port is not in the same time zone as the time on-board the ship. So if you're told to be back onboard no later than 3pm, make sure you know which time zone they are referring to. If the ship anchors away from the dock and they use tenders to ferry the passengers to and from the dock, allow yourself plenty of time to get back onboard the ship. TIP YOUR TOUR GUIDES! I usually tip them $5.

 

8) Next thing I usually do is head to any of the bars and buy a soda fountain card. Soda pop is not free on most cruise ships. They charge a ridiculous price for their drinks (this is where they make a lot of their money), and while a soda card usually runs about $20 bucks and it's unlikely that I'll ever drink $20 bucks worth of soda, it's probably cheaper in the long run to go with the card instead of paying for each soda individually. It's a lot less hassle anyway. One thing that's kind of ridiculous; They will (Carnival anyway) only serve you ONE soda at a time! Usually they'll put it in a small glass and water it down with ice. They won't give you the actual can. So.... you cannot walk up to a bar by yourself, show them your card, and say, "I'll have 4 soda's to go please!" Uh-uh! That would nice if you could though!

 

9) Keep track of your spending! Everything you pay for on a ship (with the exception of the casino and some of the games) is done through the on-board credit cards, sometimes referred to as a sign and sail card. (sometimes referred to as a Whine and Wail card if you're a cheapskate!) Keep in mind if you are a drinker, that they tack on a hefty automatic gratuity for every alchoholic beverage that you buy. It's not hard to rack up a huge bar tab on a ship!

 

There is a lot of debate about the automatic gratuity/tipping policy. Carnival, for example, will automatically charge your card a certain amount per day. You CAN, if you choose, go down to the information desk at the beginning of the cruise and make arrangements to adjust the amount they charge for tips, or possibly remove the automatic tipping completely, but who does this? It's probably a real hassle, which is probably deliberate. And for that reason, this is probably why they get away with the automatic tipping. It's easier just to plan for this, and expect the automatic gratuities to show up on your credit card at the end of your cruise. Many a first-time cruiser has been caught off-guard when they see the surprise charges show up at the end of their cruise!

 

So.... basically what it comes down to is, depending on the length of your cruise, plan on adding AN ADDITIONAL $150 to $200 ON TOP OF your initial cruise fare, to cover tipping. (Why the cruise lines don't just make their fares $200 more, and remove the hidden surprise charges, I'll never know....)

 

10) On the day of debarkation, why not take your time getting off the ship and enjoy your last moments onboard instead of joining the cattle stamped mad rush to get off the ship? This is why I recommend booking return flights late in the afternoon or evening so that you are not rushed. The night before the ship returns to port, they usually want everyone to place their luggage outside their cabin doors. DON'T pack your documentation in your luggage, because you won't see your luggage again until AFTER you get off the ship, but you will need your documentation in order to leave the ship! Pack your documentation in your carry-on bag which you will keep with you. Also, I don't advise packing valuables in your bags if you will be placing the bags outside the door. I've not personally heard any stories of anyone having their belongings stolen by putting the bags outside the door, but you definately want to excercise comon sense. Make sure you've left an outfit out to wear for that morning and you haven't packed tomarrow's clothes away in your luggage, never to be seen again until after you exit the ship! You wouldn't want to be kicked off the ship with nothing to wear but a beach towel.

 

11) If you are bringing your kids, keep an eye on them. Don't expect the staff to do what YOU as a parent should be doing. Set some boundaries and ground rules. Let your kids know that trust is something they have to earn. Teach them how to behave in public, and lead by example. Know where your kids are and what they're up to. Do not allow them to simply run loose, unattended. Make it a point to spend some quality time with them. Yes, teens need freedom and time away from their parents, but please do not just simply assume that your kids are where they should be, and that they are behaving themselves. Have regular checkpoints, places where they are supposed to be, and check up on them often. Reward and praise them for their good behavior. This is an awesome time for them, but they need guidance and discipline. Believe it or not, they EXPECT it! Let your kids know that you appreciate them.

 

12) If you smoke, be considerate of others around you. Smoke only in designated smoking areas, and NEVER, EVER throw ANYTHING, INCLUDING CIGARETTE BUTTS overboard! Use the ashtrays.

 

13) If you have an inside cabin, bring a nitelight, because it is like a photo lab's darkroom when the door is closed and the lights are out. Also, on Carnival ships anyway, the bathroom doors are about 4-6 inches above the floor, meaning that you have to step up just a bit to get in and out of the bathroom. This could be a hazard in complete darkness.

 

14) Most cabins have very few electrical outlets. For that reason, I recommend bringing one of those 6-outlet surge protectors, so that you can plug your clock, battery chargers, and laptop in. Some ships offer hairdryers, some do not. If you should bring an appliace that generates heat, such as a flat iron, or curling iron, you'll obviously want to make good and sure that it is unplugged/cooled down before you leave your cabin.

 

15) If you're lucky enough to have a private balcony on your cabin, consider bringing a couple of bungee cords to help hold the door open. Keep in mind that sometimes by propping the door open, the air conditioning may not function properly and the room could get very hot.

 

16) Pack a can of insect repellant if you'll be doing any excursions through places that have bugs, such as through a jungle.

 

17) Leave your cell phone at home! Or at least turn them off and put them away once the ship leaves port. I mean come on! This is a vacation, and NOBODY needs to be available 24/7, no matter how important it might make you look, having all those handy-dandy electronic gadgets clipped to your belt. Most cell phones won't work on a cruise ship anyway, once they leave por anyway.

 

18) As others have mentioned, don't sweat the small stuff. Do not expect everything to go completely as planned, because it probably won't. The days of the snooty rich ladies in huge, ridiculous hats and frilly dresses, sipping tea, in the days of the Titanic are over. Depending on which cruise line you sail with, you may or may not be living the life of complete luxury and be waited on hand and foot.

 

A vacation is what you make of it. Things do happen sometimes, but nobody can totally ruin your vacation for you unless you let them. Your vacation is what you make it. Have a Plan B in case Plan A doesn't work. Make your own fun.

 

19) Invest in a good digital camera.

 

20) Lastly, do your research before you go, so that you'll know what to expect. Ask questions, check out the websites and reviews, ask other people who have gone on a cruise about their experiences

[Steamboatin]

Pack old clothes.

 

Wear them during day and throw them away at end of day.

 

Saves time and space upon packing on return home.

[Cruisin' Chick]

We do need more info about your family.

 

I also advise flying in at least the day before the cruise for many reasons.

 

If you have a baby or toddler, coming in early will give you time to do a little shopping for the items you didn't have room in your suitcase (extra diapers, etc) as the ship's store may not have exactly what you need. Also bring juice boxes and Cheerios and the like. Have never seen these items stocked on a ship.