How to show a first time cruiser a good time

[indyjane]

Has anyone traveled with a reluctant cruiser before? Despite my best efforts, my boyfriend (23- turning 24 during our cruise) still believes cruises are for old fuddy-duddies. I’ve been on probably 20 cruises, but this will only be my second beyond the age of the teens program. So I don't really know the 20something scene yet. I’ve gotten him excited with tales of poker tournaments in the casino and the Chocoholics Buffet, but I'm still kind of worried he will be under-whelmed. Does anyone have any tips of how to show a first time cruiser a good time? I know the ship with provide the fun, but I'm looking for little things. Like, he appreciates scenary so I plan to ask for a table near a window whenever we eat at Terraces. We’ll be on the Dream. Maybe someone could tell me what entertainment attracts a younger crowd? Any information or tips would be welcomed.

[electricron]

Has anyone traveled with a reluctant cruiser before? Despite my best efforts, my boyfriend (23- turning 24 during our cruise) still believes cruises are for old fuddy-duddies. I’ve been on probably 20 cruises, but this will only be my second beyond the age of the teens program. So I don't really know the 20 something scene yet. I’ve gotten him excited with tales of poker tournaments in the casino and the Chocoholics Buffet, but I'm still kind of worried he will be under-whelmed. Does anyone have any tips of how to show a first time cruiser a good time? I know the ship with provide the fun, but I'm looking for little things. Like, he appreciates scenary so I plan to ask for a table near a window whenever we eat at Terraces. We’ll be on the Dream. Maybe someone could tell me what entertainment attracts a younger crowd? Any information or tips would be welcomed.

 

Read the Freestyle Daily, and go to the activities both of you like. Just participating in the activities is the best way to keep you and him from getting bored. Don't forget that doing nothing and recharging for the next activity is often better than trying to attend every activity. As long as you are having fun, he'll be having fun, and vice versa, so keep your energy level up, and your gripping to a minimum.

Also, avoid complainers as much as possible. Some people aren't happy unless they make everyone around them feel miserable too. Try to avoid comparinng this Dream cruise you're on to other cruises you have taken. He's with you now, not on your past cruises.

Don't try to explore and see everyting aboard the ship on the first day. A quick walk through of the ship the first day is enough to learn how to navigate. Then each day of your cruise, explore a new area of the ship. Go to a different bar-lounge and restaurant every day. Don't fall into a routine of doing the same thing every day.

[newmexicoNita]

You have picked a good ship for just what you are after. When are you going? if it is between now and say the end of the month or late in May to mid June the ship will have lots of college aged kids. This should fit in with your age range pretty well. Of course the late night entertainment is greata for the 20 something set as well as any poolside activities whether day or night. I am sure he will have a great time. Our son's first cruise was his honeymoon about 20 plus years ago. He was 21, his wife 23 and they had a blast. NMnita

[sandradeen]

Make sure to go to the evening shows and other entertainment as well as the disco!

[Cosmopolitan]

You should have a great crowd when you are sailing.

 

Many college breaks at that time:)

[niki1785]

My fiance and I are in our 20s (I'm 22, he is 27). I got him hooked on the cruising, and I'm sure ur boyfriend will be hooked too! I went on NCL in the winter both times, it was an older crowd on a long 10 & 11 day cruise, but we found plenty to do. We spent some time in the casino, at the shows at night, at the gym, spa, and we did some activities they offered onboard. The pool-side activities are a lot of fun to watch, and you get to see people make fools of themselves with some of the games the ship puts on, it is actually very fun to watch (I'm sure you have seen that on previous cruises!!)! We also really enjoyed getting dressed at night and having our picture taken at every photo atation... it was a lot of fun, even though we only came away with 2 or 3 pics! We also ended up falling asleep pretty early during the night because the shore excursions can be pretty early. I think you both will find plenty to do together... and if there is nothing to do just explore the ship! Have a wonderful cruise!

[Seago2]

I took DH on his first cruise last year on the Spirit and I know what you mean. I was worried he would be bored, too. Try to get chairs on the highest deck you can and just watch the sea go by. Any place where you can watch the traffic is a lot of fun as you begin to pick out who the other couples/groups are and speculate about them. That's half the fun- building up backstories about people you've never met.

 

Henry's Pub on the Spirit is a great place to hang out, if you can stand the smoke. The casino can be isolating and I don't know how much fun it is to watch your money drain away...

 

You'll see how well the both of you slow down and get into the swing of the cruise. He actually may not like to have a jam packed cruise- he may find the shows to be LAME and Bingo???:eek: Once you start getting into ports he will be sold on the entire idea and the ride back should be the most fun you have.

 

cruising is a blast- I'm sure he'll love it!