What tips would YOU give to a first-time cruiser?

[ILVMM]

Use the stairs instead of riding the elevators.

 

Your luggage won't arrive right away, so pack everything you might want right away (book, swimsuit, sunblock...) inside your carry-on bag.

[usacol]

Bring 2 way radios /walkie talkies. Cell phones wont work on most ships and its not fun if you are separated from your party. You can order extra entrées or deserts at diner if you would like more than one. I always order more than one desert. They are all so good. Last but not least Have Fun and Relax:)

[Afterburner]

Fortress's list is very informative but also a little too pessimistic on costs for my experience. If you don't do Bingo, gambling and large amounts of drinking you shouldn't have to shell out very much in the end. If you prepay your gratuities then there should be no surprises.

 

In my experience:

1. Duty free on board for anything except booze is still highly priced.
   
2. Cunard's prices for wine and cocktails are very reasonable.
   
3. Celebrity's prices for wine and cocktails are a rip-off.
   
4. You can keep a started bottle of wine over for the next day, so order a full bottle between the two of you and drink half. That's cheaper than buying half bottles with each meal.
   
5. The cabin staff won't search your belongings, so a small bottle of something for a preprandial drink won't cause in international incident if you keep it discreetly.
   
6. Drink tap water rather than bottled (on a decent cruise line).

Celebrity's attitude on drinks price is very short-sighted. We resented the prices they charged for drinks at the bar so we drank very little. Cunard, on the other hand, were very reasonable so we had postprandial drinks every night, ordered higher quality wine than otherwise, and therefore spent more with them than with Celebrity. Cunard gave us a feel-good factor that Celebrity signally failed to do.

[seasonless]

You generally get what you pay for. The cheapest cruise may not be the best.

[jjaazzy]

I like to try new food on the ships where it is the best of the best. If I like several apps I order them all!

 

As for packing what really works best for me is, I take all my hanging stuff that has been ironed and I leave it on the hanger I shove the hanger down into the shirt, dress whatever then stack the items in a hard shell case. When loaded just close the case and your done. Unpacking onboard could not go faster I just open the case and hang it up!

 

The other tip I like is to have a couple of clocks One in the room and the other in the bathroom so you know where you stand.

I also purchased some sports stopwatch type watches that clip on belt loops or bags and that helps when your around the ship and there is some function that starts at a particular time you know what time it is.

 

Have fun "Cruising is the happiest place on earth" I just love it!

[SillySoul]

So you've been there, done that in the world of cruising ... and now it's time to give your expert advice to those just starting out!

 

What expert advice do you have for first-time cruisers?

 

Submit your most useful tip(s) below, and stay tuned for Cruise Critic's next First-Timer's article -- you may see your tip (and your screen name!) in the story!

 

Happy Cruising :)

Book early. If you do not like what you order in the dining room, ask for something else. They always comply. You can ask for seconds too. You do not have to let the photographers take pictures. If you do and do not want to pay the price for the picture, use your cell to take a pic of the pic. :) Always get back to the ship a half to one hour before departure. If you get seasick do not go to the expensive doctor, go to the front desk and they will give you pills for free. Pack light, you can wear things twice, no one will notice or care. Don't feel you have to leave your cabin because you see them cleaning others. It is you cabin, they will come back when you do decide to leave. If you book a tour through the cruise line and they are late getting back to the ship don't worry, they wait for you. If you book other than through the ship, they have no obligation to wait for you. Best adice is too relax and enjoy! :D

[Seasickcruiser]

I like to try new food on the ships where it is the best of the best. If I like several apps I order them all!

 

As for packing what really works best for me is, I take all my hanging stuff that has been ironed and I leave it on the hanger I shove the hanger down into the shirt, dress whatever then stack the items in a hard shell case. When loaded just close the case and your done. Unpacking onboard could not go faster I just open the case and hang it up!

 

The other tip I like is to have a couple of clocks One in the room and the other in the bathroom so you know where you stand.

I also purchased some sports stopwatch type watches that clip on belt loops or bags and that helps when your around the ship and there is some function that starts at a particular time you know what time it is.

 

Have fun "Cruising is the happiest place on earth" I just love it!

 

I just love your way of packing. Didn't your items still get wrinkled? and did you also bring a garment bag? :)

[Janan]

Before you book or even seriously consider cruising....Do your RESEARCH!!!

Not only this board, there are others as well with some pretty good advice (some not so good) there are reviews of not only the cruiselines but the ports you may want to go to. There are internet only sites (that will book your cruise) there are TA's, a hybrid (they get you interested thru the net but then act like a TA) and of course the cruiseline themselves

 

I guess the point is this....in order to make a sound decision you need to shop for a cruise like you might shop for a car, or a home, or maybe even a contractor. In this world of buyer beware people either are happy with their decisions or have no one to blame but themselves especially with tools such as the internet by taking the time to do your research first....you can pretty much guarantee you will enjoy the cruise you decide on.

 

Andy

[Cathy8090]

We are sailing on the Golden Princess. two questions: I have seen posts that recommend bringing a travel alarm clock. Isn't there a clock in the room (something lit so you can see it in the middle of the night perhaps?) And can't you request a wake up call if you need an alarm? I hate to buy a clock for just a one time use.

 

secondly, regarding the lanyards...someone on some board (I forget where) posted that you can get one from the purser I believe? Is that the case or should I buy two?

[Janan]

You can request a wake up call doesn't always work, plus if you get an old timy alarm clock (wind up) with a luminous dial it'll double as a night light which may come in Handy. You can get Lanyards at the casino or buy them at the cruise critic store

 

 

 

Andy

[Happy ks]

There are some great and some not so great recommendations here.

 

After the lengthy post on the RCI board regarding bad customer service, I think reading through the contract has to be one of the best tips so far. A rather crushing experience could have been avoided if those people had only paid attention to their contract.

 

Many first timers read of so many handy things to pack, think everything is a great idea, then come home with "stuff" never used or pretty much useless to them. So, before buying or packing any extra gadgets, really think it through. If you have to ask what it is used for, you don't need it, no matter how many times you see it recommended here.

 

We stopped buying souvenirs unless it is a flat piece of art we can easily fit into the suitcase, or sometimes we mail stuff home. Our #1 rule is, if it has a logo on it, it will be trash within a couple of days after returning home.

 

Pack light. Women hate the idea of not many choices, but you really are too busy while on a cruise to worry so much. Five pair of shoes should be the max, you can re-wear clothes and gosh, no one will know or care. I am a reformed overpacker, I've been there, done that plenty. It is scary the first time you pack light, then it becomes a challenge to slash the list even more. I now pack for absolute needs and don't bother with the "what ifs", you can either adapt or buy what you have to have while on vacation. You do need a very small first aid kit, with just a sampling of OTC remedies for a variety of illness (pain, cold, allergy, stomach, bandaids and antibiotic ointment, aloe vera gel for sunburn).

 

It's so exciting and looking forward to a cruise can send any of us over the top while planning. A better thing to do, rather than gather "stuff" is to take some time to study the areas we will visit. Not only read guidebooks, but history and even fiction books written about your port areas will enhance your visit there.

[shopinful]

We are sailing on the Golden Princess. two questions: I have seen posts that recommend bringing a travel alarm clock. Isn't there a clock in the room (something lit so you can see it in the middle of the night perhaps?) And can't you request a wake up call if you need an alarm? I hate to buy a clock for just a one time use.

 

secondly, regarding the lanyards...someone on some board (I forget where) posted that you can get one from the purser I believe? Is that the case or should I buy two?

I have never taken an alarm clock but when I am on a cruise I really don't keep track of time. If you do plan on doing early morning excursions, I wouldn't count on the wake up call. You will be worrying all night if you get the call and you want to relax. A cheap watch with an alarm may be a good option as well.

[OURTIME]

on our first cruise we went outside with our video camera and started recoring and within just a few seconds the screen fogged up and the camera shut down, was flashing moisture.. we thought o this is just great now we wont be able to do any recording or take any pics since it is our digital camera as well. we went down to the photo shop and asked what could be wrong and they explained that going from a freezing cold room to the outdoors with the humidity being high causes it, never had the problem before but i guess there is alot more moisture in the air on the ocean.... we went back to the room and opened it up and just used the hairdryer to warm it back up........ they advised us to wrap it in a towel before going outdoors and give it time to warm in the sun before unwrapping... just a tip..........camera worked great the rest of the week.

[Cathy8090]

thanks for the help :)

[lostie]

I have never taken an alarm clock but when I am on a cruise I really don't keep track of time. If you do plan on doing early morning excursions, I wouldn't count on the wake up call. You will be worrying all night if you get the call and you want to relax. A cheap watch with an alarm may be a good option as well.

 

Don't all cell phones have an alarm clock on them?

[Amy from Delaware]

Don't all cell phones have an alarm clock on them?

 

See this thread http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=601015 and make an informed decision about whether you want to leave your cell phone on while cruising.

 

I also read in another thread a long time ago that even if you don't answer your phone, if it's on and someone leaves you a voicemail or text message, you may get charged for it, including roaming (depending on your plan).

[lostie]

My service does not do that, but I'll double check.

[AMommyof2]

There's a gazillion, but here's a start:

 

*Comparison shop for best rate

*Book early

*If flying, do a pre-cruise stay at least the night before (stay near the Pier to see your ship the morning of!)

*Research, research, research by bookmarking Cruise Critic (I'm not a newbie, but I still do it!

*Plan and do excursions independently

*Splurge and hire a limo for ride to the port

*Forget your cell phone (please!):rolleyes:

*Join the Roll Call for your sailing

*Don't sweat the small stuff!

 

Those are only a few I can think of right now, will add more as I think of them.

 

Happy Sailing!

 

 

I agree with each of these, but I think 1st on the list is RELAX and ENJOY YOUR CRUISE.

[shopinful]

Don't all cell phones have an alarm clock on them?

 

Cell phones normally don't work on ships. They just search and search in the ocean.

[KC_fn]

Our #1 rule is, if it has a logo on it, it will be trash within a couple of days after returning home.

 

I'm stealing that one -- I love it! :D

[travlngrl1996]

As a first time cruiser I reasd through this thread prior to going on my cruise. When I got back I understand what was meant by packing light. Well over half of the things we packed, we did not even wear. So on our next cruise, we will definitely pack light. It was not fun at the beginning and end of our cruise lugging 7 bags for two people. This piece of advice has shown up in many posts on this thread and it is so true, pack light, wear neutral colored bottoms and pack several shirts to match them, don't overpack the shoes and enjoy your cruise.

[Tyffni]

Be careful of the fabrics you pack. For example, do you really want to have to iron those lovely linen pants?

 

Take the timet to REALLY look at all of the expensives you will have on the ship. There are the obvious ones such as restaurants with surcharges and shore excursions, but there are also the less obvious ones like drink cards and laundry and they really vary between the various lines. For example, the soda card on Princess was about $25 for a week. On NCL it is around $60!

[melenovs]

I love the art of cruising. The most imprtant thing to remember on your vacation is simply that it is YOUR VACATION. Anything is possible on a cruise ship, you just need to know who to talk to. For example, one night while on my cruise I had a fabulous appitizer, I loved it so much I wanted to have it every night. I simply told this to the head waiter and he personally delivered it to me every night at dinner. If what you want is not there just ask nicely and the staff will go out of their way to please you.

 

2 AWESOME TIPS:

 

1. Let your room attendent know what you like i.e. extra towels, lots of ice and water...they will have it for you everyday and you will not have to ask again or run to unattended carts in the halls.

 

2.If you like having coctails by the pool, the bar tenders are ALWAYS the same day after day. When you get on board go find your "sun spot" pick your bartender introduce yourself and chat...order a drink...and TIP BIG. This bartender will take care of you the rest of the cruise and you will feel like a VIP :p

 

Happy cruising!

[Amy from Delaware]

2.If you like having coctails by the pool, the bar tenders are ALWAYS the same day after day. When you get on board go find your "sun spot" pick your bartender introduce yourself and chat...order a drink...and TIP BIG. This bartender will take care of you the rest of the cruise and you will feel like a VIP :p

 

How can you be sure you'll find a seat in the same area at the same time every day?

[lostie]

How can you be sure you'll find a seat in the same area at the same time every day?

 

You can't but the bartender will remember your face if you tip him.:D