A few questions from a first time cruiser... on Rhapsody of the Sea!

[dixie54]

What can you take in your carry on? Is it restricted like the airline? 3 oz of liquids or less. No bottled water?

 

How do you keep in contact with your spouse if you are doing things separately? Do Walkie Talkies work?

 

What are the bathrooms like in an outside stateroom?

 

What should we bring that we might not think of?:-)

 

Are there a lot of other charges that are added on?

 

We are very excited and looking forward to a new adventure.

 

We would appreciate any cruising info and tips!

[Cruisedeacon]

We are leaving tomorrow on the Grandeur of the Seas (New Orleans) sister ship to the Rhapsody... We have been on the Rhapsody twice... and loved her.. really nice ship...

 

As far as the carry ons... I dont think I have ever had a problem bringing anything at all on. My wife and I use walkie talkies sometimes.. they do work well.... One person per bathroom at a time... or one in the shower and one at the sink... pretty small.. but still fine... dont drop anything in the shower. The curtain tends to stick to your butt...

 

We always bring disinfectant and wipes to clean the room well and make sure we arent walking into the VIRUS... we bring zip lock bags to carry things like passports etc when we do something off the ship that might get us wet... We carry snacks with us because they are just to darn expensive on the ship...

 

Other charges... tips, parking, drinks, drinks and drinks

 

 

Let us all know how you liked it... We will do the same next week when we return...

 

Keep watching the board for many many tips...

 

:D

[huskerdude]

What can you take in your carry on? Is it restricted like the airline? 3 oz of liquids or less. No bottled water?

They are not like the airlines, but don't expect to bring just anything you want- be smart

 

How do you keep in contact with your spouse if you are doing things separately? Do Walkie Talkies work?

I can't seem to get rid of my DW. We are always together.:p

 

What are the bathrooms like in an outside stateroom?

About the same as any other bathroom. Small but what do you expect? Very small shower with a curtain that can at times seem to have a life of it's own:rolleyes: . Sink and toilet.

 

What should we bring that we might not think of?:-)

Duct tape. Other than that the list is endless....

 

Are there a lot of other charges that are added on?

Soda's, alcohol, gift shop items, casino, pictures, excursions....

We are very excited and looking forward to a new adventure.

Hope you enjoy it. We have. There really is no other vacation we have had that compares

 

We would appreciate any cruising info and tips

Relax and enjoy. And get ready to be hooked.:D

[Scorpiorose]

Let's see.....dont' know about the walkietalkies but my DH and I keep in contact with a little wipeoff board, very small we attach to the inside of our door, I leave notes like....at the casino until 7:00 come meet me...etc...works fine...extras would include everything you eat drink or buy on the ship! It adds up so be careful. Many ppl get a big surprise at the end of their cruise with a bill larger than their cruise! Tips for cabin steward, waiter, head waiter....those are all put on the sail card. Also.....if you drink the ships drinks, they are expensive and add up to more than you realize. We don't buy the all you can drink soda and juice cup....for some it's a good deal though I know.

 

 

Bring......a landyard or one of those coil key holders that goes around your wrist...you need that card where ever you go and you dont' alway take a purse or wallet. You'll only wear half the clothes you might think you need. Take only enough luggage so that you can all carry your own luggage and debark with self assist, saves time. Lose before you cruise.....you'll eat a bunch! Consider working out on ship if you do that at home....they usually have a decent gym - do that on sea days. Bring $1 for tipping and $5s & 10's for negotiating price! Go to the art auction, free champagne - but don't buy the art, it's not worth what they or anyone else tells you it is worth. Don't listen to others about special deals, programs, specials - use your best judgment - it's buyer beware just like at home. Everyone on the cruise and in ports are in the business of making money so enjoy, but be smart about buying things. I sure wouldn't take peoples word for things. Go to the captains dinner - free drinks! We have a great time, and yes we spend lots of money but I've learned the ins and outs and now know where to side step. Your first cruist will be a learning experience and I'm sure you'll want more, most people do! Have a ball!

[BonNYTX]

What are the bathrooms like in an outside stateroom?

About the same as any other bathroom. Small but what do you expect? Very small shower with a curtain that can at times seem to have a life of it's own:rolleyes: . Sink and toilet.

 

Hey Ernie I was so surprised that the shower curtain didn't wrap around my body this last cruise. It was weighted and stayed put!!! There is a metal coil on one wall in the shower, attached to the faucet, snaking its way up and is attached to the shower head way above your head. Everytime you moved or even stood still that coil got friendly with your body!!

To the OP: You will love the Rhapsody. You picked a great ship for your first cruise. She really IS the friendliest ship on the seas. I was on her twice and the best advise i can give you is....go to THE QUEST game. with an open mind. hehe.

Other extras are photographs, ship excursions if booked on board ship, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, Seattle's Best coffee. No specialty restaurants but the food in the dining room is plenty good.

Please post a cruise when you return. Happy and smooth sails to you.

[cb at sea]

The reason there are restrictions on the airlines, is so you can't get to the "dangerous" stuff you may bring. It would make NO SENSE to restrict you from carrying on something you will have in your room!!!!!!

The ship doesn't operate under TSA rules.

Don't forget to bring binoculars--great for viewing distant ships you will pass ond for scoping out the islands as you approach!

(I've never needed duct tape!!! Bring a small sewing kit--the matchbook size hotels give you!)

The bathrooms are really small--don't plan on both of you being in there at the same time!!! Hairdryers and other electrical appliances need to be used in the room, at the vanity. Only electric razors can be plugged in the bathroom.

Above all, have fun!

[happyme101]

We brought walkie talkies (motorola) and they worked great! The only problem was some interference when one of us was way below deck and the other was up top. Worked like a charm keeping track of our budding adolescent, as well!;) They are a great idea!

[MLS1227]

 

What should we bring that we might not think of?:-)

Duct tape. Other than that the list is endless....

 

 

Hey, I'm not trying to be a smart A** but why in the world would anyone need duct tape on a cruise ship. I've seen several posts where people say "take duct tape" but for the life of me, I can't figure out why. I've never cruised before either and am leaving in a week. Thanks.

 

Mike S.

[springtxbill]

You never know when you will need it. Maybe to patch a hole in a suitcase or some other unexpected reason.:)

[CruzinSuz]

DIXIE54, After the February 5th sailing, Rhapsody will be in Drydock. That means you'll get to experience her with new bedding and a new Windjammer. The Windjammer is the buffet. We've been on her many times and will be again February 25th and then the Panama Canal 16 day in September. We'll be sad to see her go, but look forward to having the Voyager in her place for a few months at least. You'll love cruising.....or you wont. Most people do. I dragged my husband onto his first cruise, he was one that thought it would be boring etc. He LOVES it! All the advise already given is good.

[huskerdude]

Hey, I'm not trying to be a smart A** but why in the world would anyone need duct tape on a cruise ship. I've seen several posts where people say "take duct tape" but for the life of me, I can't figure out why. I've never cruised before either and am leaving in a week. Thanks.

 

Mike S.

 

Mike,

I never would have thought to bring duct tape either. But everyone says it's a must have so we always bring some. It does not have to be a huge roll.

On our Elation cruise it actually came in handy. The curtain on our ocean view room would not stay up on one side. The hook had broken on one side. So I used the duct tape to hold up the one end until maintenance could come by the next day and fix it correctly. Ya just never know....:p

Hope you enjoy your cruise!!!!

 

Ernie

[TEXASMUNK]

1. Water: The ship makes it own, many, many, many say it is better than any bottled water they buy.

2. A power strip. There are limited outlets in the cabin

3. Bathroom...So small you have to leave yoru cabin to change your mind.

4. $$$ Casino... All drinks...Casino... Wine...Gratuities for the staff...Casino...Every drink gets 15% added automatically. Shops... Excursions...did I mention the Casino?

 

By the way, cannot recommend enough....Adult Day Care At Night with Derek Lewis....Rated PG13 (well, maybe nearly. almost R)

[lawsoncd3]

What can you take in your carry on? Is it restricted like the airline? 3 oz of liquids or less. No bottled water?

 

How do you keep in contact with your spouse if you are doing things separately? Do Walkie Talkies work?

 

What are the bathrooms like in an outside stateroom?

 

What should we bring that we might not think of?:-)

 

Are there a lot of other charges that are added on?

 

We are very excited and looking forward to a new adventure.

 

We would appreciate any cruising info and tips!

 

I love this ship! Lucky you!!

 

1. I didn't have any problems like those you would have at the airport. In fact, when I left Rhapsody, I placed my hot sauce from Mexico in my carry on for the plane (no, I wasn't thinking) and had it confiscated. You shouldn't have any worries. Be smart about it though.

 

2. I found highlighters worked... one blue, one yellow. Each night, we would review our compass, I would use yellow, DH used blue and if we found things we wanted to together, the color was green. The ship takes a day or two to get use to, but by the middle of the cruise, you'll be able to find each other! I found we had our favorite places, Schooner Bar, pool, or my son at the casino!

 

3. Bathrooms are small. I suggest bringing with you a shoe organzier (one that can hang up) and place your deodorant, hair clips, nail clippers, shavers, whatever... in the pockets. And yes, don't bend down in the shower as the curtain will find your tush. Don't try and open the lid on the toilet either when you flush... just know that it all works! LOL

 

4. Highlighters, shoe organizer (2 - one for your shoes in your closet too!). Sticky notes for notes to your steward.

 

5. Pictures are at a cost... if you do Kamakazee Karoke, there is a small fee for the CD.

 

Have fun... loved this ship. She's a beautiful work of art. Have fun.

 

Dona :)

[denamo]

1. Bring 4 or 5 clothes pins to pin to the bottom of the shower curtain. This will anchor it down and you won't have to experience the "Revenge of the Killer Shower Curtain"! :D We didn't have to do this on the Serenade since it had actual doors on the shower.

 

2. Also antibacterial wipes or spray for doorknobs, phone, etc...

 

3. Small can of room deodorizer spray. I get them at Bath and Body when they are on sale. That bathroom is really small!! :eek:

 

These are the three things that I've learned are always great on a cruise.

 

Also tying some kind of brightly colored ribbon onto your luggage will help you to easily identify it once you're back in port and needing to sort through luggage that all looks alike.

 

We've never needed duct tape, but I always see that listed. I usually throw some in just in case.

 

Have fun!

[dixie54]

Thank you so much for all your suggestions!

[tkportersat]

What can you take in your carry on? Is it restricted like the airline? 3 oz of liquids or less. No bottled water?

 

How do you keep in contact with your spouse if you are doing things separately? Do Walkie Talkies work?

 

What are the bathrooms like in an outside stateroom?

 

What should we bring that we might not think of?:-)

 

Are there a lot of other charges that are added on?

 

We are very excited and looking forward to a new adventure.

 

We would appreciate any cruising info and tips!

Yes, walkie talkies will work fine....might just have to change channels ocasionally if many other families are using your same frequency number.

 

Bathrooms are tiny but sufficient. There is a vanity in the room inself that is best for woman to actually put makeup on and fix their hair, it has good lighting. Make sure you bring a power strip, only one plug in the room :)

 

I also pack an empty tote bag in my luggage that can be used at port or on excursions and at the end of your trip to carry your souveniers home. I also bring extra wire hangers and an empty spray bottle to spray clothing as soon as I unpack to get rid of any wrinkles.

 

Good luck and have fun!!

[Scorpiorose]

Duct tape....well from personal experience.....I bought a large clay pot in port and of course, while we were shopping it broke and the bag began to rip.....by then we were at the beach and I didn't have anything to hold the thing together and had to carry it in both my arms, annoying! A guy had some while we were standing in line to get back on the ship and the plastic bag was fixed Wha La! I wouldn't have wanted to carry it myself but was glad he had it! I hope in Mexico in April someone has it for when I need it again because I still wont pack it! Oh, my strap on my luggage came loose and I kept thinking it would get caught on something....it would have helped to tape it down as well, that didn't happen because my duct tape guy wasn't around that time!:p Seems like there would be dozens of reasons to have it! Mans best friend!