Your number one tip for cruising!

[moesyk4]

What (besides the obvious have fun!) is your best "secret" tip for cruising that has made your trip more enjoyable?

[Kan't Wait]

Utilize the on board laundry service. It cuts down on packing. I use it for all my casual wear.

[dforeigner]

What (besides the obvious have fun!) is your best "secret" tip for cruising that has made your trip more enjoyable?

 

Go with an open mind and do not expect 5 star personalized service 24 a day. If you set your expectations too high, you will probably be disappointed. When my wife and eye went on our first cruise, I had made up my mind not to expect too much. I was surprised how wrong I was and we had a blast.

 

Treat the employees as human beings rather than servants at your beg and call. I have seen people do this and then complain they received poor service.

[GORDONCHICK]

Take a good attitude and lots of money or credit cards!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Definitely always take the credit card that doesn't have any limits!!

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

Don't overdo it. Our first several cruises we exhausted ourselves trying to do everything early and late offered by the ship. We exhausted ourselves burning the candle at both ends.

 

We still do too much, but have cut back alot. If you get so overtired you can hardly enjoy yourselves the cruise won't be fun. Now we are more careful about what we pick and choose. It is just impossible to do everything and schedule every minute. Allow time to just relax and enjoy.

[sail7seas]

Don't stress about things over which you have no control. If a port has to be cancelled for whatever reason, roll with it.

 

Also......don't feel you have to be the first person down the gangway in every port. Wait until the mobs have thinned out before making your way to the gangway. In the end, your feet will touch land at just about the same time but you will have avoided being annoyed or uncomfortable standing in line trying to get off the ship.

 

Have fun.

[franu]

I agree with dforeigner. Don't set your expectations too high and do your research before you sail.

Fran

[eh2zed]

What (besides the obvious have fun!) is your best "secret" tip for cruising that has made your trip more enjoyable?

Lots of good tips. I think researching ports of call and making the most of each port day can add to the overall enjoyment and satisfaction.:) :D :) :D

[mcfam5]

I try to take the time to enjoy each activity, not just run from one thing to the next. It makes the trip more memorable and seem to last a little longer. If this makes any sense!

 

Jen:)

[soon to cruise]

be sure to get back to the ship ahead of the crowds. It can get hot and tiring standing in the long line. It makes it so much better to end your day a smidge earlier and avoid those lines!!

My biggest tip would be to take a fan!! Our room (on the conquest) was a little warm. The fan was a life saver and really added to our trip in the way of comfort. They make really small ones that really put out the air.

[dforeigner]

I almost forgot. Take half the clothes and twice the amount of money you initially intended to take.

[standby 06.30]

Go with an open mind and do not expect 5 star personalized service 24 a day. If you set your expectations too high, you will probably be disappointed. When my wife and eye went on our first cruise, I had made up my mind not to expect too much. I was surprised how wrong I was and we had a blast.

 

Treat the employees as human beings rather than servants at your beg and call. I have seen people do this and then complain they received poor service.

could not agree more, my wife and I would enjoy your company, kind regards

[0ldog]

We always thank the locals for allowing us to visit. You'd be surprised how appreciative they are of the comment.

[dforeigner]

could not agree more, my wife and I would enjoy your company, kind regards

 

Well, I just read my post and realized that I wrote "eye" instead of "I". Boy, do I feel like an idiot. On a different note, I appreciate your kind words.

[Grandpaul]

My first and most important rule for having a good cruise is to pick the right cruise. Don't just cruise for cruising sake. Know about the ports you're stopping at. If a couple places are ones you don't think you're going to enjoy, that can take away from the overall experience. If it means spending a few bucks more that is better then going cheap to places you won't appreciate. Do some research.

[CKZ]

Since candels are not allowed, my DW and I bring a string of colored lights,(a power strip & duct tape:D )and decorate the room with them. It makes night time very romantic, and gives our stateroom a magical feel !!!

[mrtractor]

Here is what I call The Prime Directive:

 

DON'T MISS THE SHIP!

 

Whether that's getting to the embarkation port a day early or getting back to the ship from a day in port a little earlier than you'd like. I think this applies to newbies and experienced cruisers as well.

 

NOTHING will screw up your vacation more than having to watch your ship sail off without you. :eek: Catching up with the ship isn't just a hassle, it's VERY expensive. Plan on getting there in plenty of time in each situation. If you're taking private excursions, do it early and don't try to stretch your time on the beach. Traffic getting back to the ship intensifies around ports at sailing time and the later you wait the worse it gets. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people running and waving on the dock. We've even seen the pilot boat lifting people on board. Even if you are lucky enough to get the pilot boat to bring you out, that ride can cost you several hundred dollars.

 

We always plan to get to the ship about two hours before sail time. Almost invariably there are opportunities to do some last minute shopping in the shadow of the ship. We avoid the long lines, relax in our stateroom or near the pool or have a chance to get ready for the evenings activities.

 

Here's an example of what I'm talking about: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=11078281#post11078281

 

MrTractor<------his second best is go with a fun loving attitude, but that one's already been posted!......

[cruise_lover]

I try and remember that I am not the only one on the ship that day. And if room service doesn't come right away I try to remember that they could have had a couple of dozens or more calls ahead of me especially if it is during the peak periods of breakfast, lunch and dinner. I also know that the chef is trying to cook for 1000 people with 1000 different tastes, so if I don't like what is on the menu or the taste of the dish I am eating that I do have the option to order something else to eat. After all I am on vacation; I have someone to clean my room, turn down my bed, cook for me, serve my food and wash the dishes, something I don't have at home. So I try to chill out, calm down and have some fun.

[melika091900]

i would say ,,,

number one tip to anyone would be

RELAX YOU ARE ON VACATION !!

 

 

ever time we cruise , we see people complaining and whining, about lil things,,, kick back and relax i say to them,,,,

and to myself..

 

 

:)

[Happy ks]

After our first couple of cruises, I learned to not get too overwhelmed with packing and taking gadgets and "what ifs" along. Now, after 13 cruises, we take only what we definitely know we will need and leave "stuff" behind.

 

We take our clothes, mixing and matching, wearing things 2-3 times, a small first aid kit, our toiletries and a camera, that's about it. We have found that we are way too busy to bother with all the junk we once packed.

 

So, my advice would be to pare down the packing and make the trip about the travel..

 

Oh and....don't plan to do everything, savor the experience you do have instead of hurrying through to see it all. The best times don't have to be the most expensive, they can be simple pleasures. Think back to your most pleasant times in life, sometimes it's a museum visit or a walk in a park :)

[cruzin girl]

When we were younger we tried to cram as much as we could in on vacation.

Now we have discovered how much nicer it is to plan less and take time to kick back and relax.

[ChevyCruiser]

What (besides the obvious have fun!) is your best "secret" tip for cruising that has made your trip more enjoyable?

 

Pack one of those 12 ounce insulated coffee mugs like you get from the local stop-and-rob convenience stores. Then, when you want your morning coffee, you can enjoy it wherever you want without worrying about sloshing it. Everytime I get my moring coffee, someone will spot me filling my mugs and comment on it being a good idea.;)

[ggprincess2004]

Well, I just read my post and realized that I wrote "eye" instead of "I". Boy, do I feel like an idiot. On a different note, I appreciate your kind words.

 

I second the "well said". A positive attitude and pleasant personality will "make" the trip!:D

[mr green]

Don't get an inside cabin, get one outside, the cost is not much more for a window. Select the location, not below dining room/gally, running deck, or theater. Don't get one close to the stern, or casino.

Good luck.

 

john