Newbie needs all kinds of help!

[SunniBunniBear]

Hi! I am cruisin for the first time on Liberty of the Seas in late June. Since I have never been on a cruise I know nothing. It will be a large family cruise; ages will be a very mature 11 years old, teens, mid-twenties, fourty somethings, and seventy. I would love to know about things to do, the boat, the food, the excursions.....well everything and anything is most welcome. No tidbit is too small. We will be staying in Miami the night before, are there any nice, clean hotels close by that have shuttles from the airport and to the ship? I appreciate any help you veteran cruisers can supply. Thanks!~~~~Sunni

[PH8]

You have a lot of questions to answer............not sure which itinerary you're doing,but you might check out other areas of this board for some of your questions,.

 

To get you started...

 

For hotels in Miami

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=495

 

For the ports you are going to

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5

 

For a great thread all about the Liberty

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=723244&highlight=Liberty

[juniorsmom]

You will have a great time. First thing I can say is get to the port around 11:00 or 11:30 and you can board shortly. Head to the Windjammer buffet for lunch as your rooms won't be ready until 1:00. After lunch visit your room and drop off any carry on luggage and wander around the ship.

[39august]

I don't believe any of the downtown,(near the port) hotels in Miami offer airport shuttles. And I doubt that any at the airport do either. The taxi ride from airport to downtown is a set rate, which was $24 per taxi a few months ago. The rate is posted in the taxi's window. You might be able to arrange a private shuttle for a large group that would be less per person. There are so many things to do that no one could list them all. You just need to read every day's Compass ( on board daily paper) when you first board for that day and evening's activities. There is usually an introduction to the ship and drawing the first afternoon in the Promenade which will be helpful to new cruisers. Then each evening, you will receive a Compass for the next day in each cabin. You can determine what activities, games, shows, etc. that you are interested in. The Compass will advise when you can pick up your free tickets for the ice show, which will be offered at several different times. Be SURE to go. These are outstanding. There are specific times to use the flow-rider and climbing wall and these can differ daily. Again, read your Compass. You will probably enjoy people-watching and late night parades in the Promenade. Also, all food at the Promenade Cafe and Sorrento's is at no extra charge. I am not familiar with the LOS itenarary, but if you go the the Ports of Call section of these boards, you will find a ton of information about excursions or things to do on your own in your ports.

[cb at sea]

If you don't have RCI's cruise brochure, get one. RCI will mail you one--no charge. All the info you really need is in that booklet, along with the deck plans.

[patnolen]

It takes several hours to get your luggage, carry on your swimsuits and sunblock to go to the pool. Relax and ENJOY! read the CC boards and get as much info from them as possible. Check out the boards for each port to assist you in tours. Most of the tours you hear about through here are great.

[SunniBunniBear]

You have a lot of questions to answer............not sure which itinerary you're doing,but you might check out other areas of this board for some of your questions,.

 

To get you started...

 

For hotels in Miami

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=495

 

For the ports you are going to

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5

 

For a great thread all about the Liberty

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=723244&highlight=Liberty

Thanks so much! I really appreciate the help!~~~~Sunni

[SunniBunniBear]

Thanks so much! What a great tip!~~~~Sunni

[megr1125]

most hotels do not have shuttles to the port....many people stay at the holiday inn by bayside.....should be a pretty cheap cab fare to the pier...

[Kanukkacruise]

Check out http://www.hotelsbythepier.com to see where your hotel is located. And, for reviews, go to http://www.tripadvisor.com. Crusing is so much fun! You'll pick up great tips on this board. The best tip that I can offer is to pack light. If you pack basic black pants, for instance, you can wear the same pair 2 or 3 evenings switching tops. I usually send shorts and crops to the laundry midweek if necessary. Breakfast in the Windjammer gets hectic. You can order room service for a hot breakfast (if you write in Omelet w/cheese & ham, they'll bring it.) Or try the dining room. There will probably also be a buffet in the dining room. You are seated, can order your drinks and then go serve yourself if you wish. Or order from the menu. We've found the dining room for breakfast to be much more relaxing and a nice way to start the day. Some of your family might want to check out the Witz boxes at http://www.rei.com/product/723131. Or pack some sort of small sling bag to use during the day to hold your SeaPass card, perhaps money for the casino, etc. Order the Sampler Plate on the 2nd formal night for dessert. You'll love the Flourless Chocolate Cake that is one of the 3 desserts served that night. The "Honey Strung Chicken" served in the Windjammer on the day you board the ship is also delicous. Make sure everyone uses the online check-in feature at the Royal Caribbean site once the final payment is made. You can print your "SetSail Pass" and save lots of time when you get to the cruise terminal. Pack a small alarm clock as there are no clocks in the room. Find the helicopter pad and sit there in the evenings gazing at the stars ... you'll probably be there all by yourselves. Crusing is addictive ... you'll have a wonderful time!

[NittanyLioness]

In my opinion, the most important tip for first time cruisers is to advise them of the mandatory Muster Drill shortly before the ship leaves port...

 

All bars, restaurants, etc. shut down at the appointed time. Every passenger must get a Life Jacket from his/her stateroom, and report to his/her designated "Muster Station" (Life Boat Area). Your own particular Muster Station is printed on your Life Jacket. All of the crew participate in guiding passengers along the way, so don't be afraid to ask directions or questions.

 

(Most elevators are shut down during the drill, so if you have handicapped or "stairway-challenged" persons in your party, I'd suggest you ask about alternative Muster arrangements when you first board the ship.)

 

Once you arrive at your Muster Station, you will be instructed as to the proper way to wear your lifejacket, the "Emergency" notification of the Ship's "horn", and other emergency procedures. (It's analogous to the Flight Attendant Speech before Take-Off when you fly in a plane, except everyone actually participates and wears their safety equipment!) Just remember that it's not only mandatory, but it's serious, and everyone in your party should be quiet and pay attention to the instructions...Just in case, God forbid, there was an emergency. After the Drill is over, return your Life Jackets to your Stateroom, and enjoy!

 

My second most important bit of advice to First Time Cruisers is to prepare to be pampered, amazed, and lastly, become addicted to the best type of vacation ever!!!

 

Happy cruising!:D

Terry

[acc82]

i always stay at the fairfield miami airport west doral. shuttle from the airport and to the ship. we always do royal caribbean transfers back to the airport when going back home - you can book those on the ship and you get to ride in a nice air conditioned bus when you do this. the fairfield has a good price and what we need. clean, nice.good place to start.

[AllieInMD]

When we were originally going on Majesty out of Miami I had booked with Embassy Suites - they have a 'cruise deal' - free shuttle from airport to hotel and then hotel to port - and they are all suites with balconies (which may be more economical for such a group) - and a full breakfast is included. And they have a restaurant on-site if you are coming in late the night before like we were so you don't have to rent a car or go hunt down food - with room service for like $2 delivery charge. Now we're going on Navigator out of Ft. Lauderdale so I had to find something else.

 

 

Hi! I am cruisin for the first time on Liberty of the Seas in late June. Since I have never been on a cruise I know nothing. It will be a large family cruise; ages will be a very mature 11 years old, teens, mid-twenties, fourty somethings, and seventy. I would love to know about things to do, the boat, the food, the excursions.....well everything and anything is most welcome. No tidbit is too small. We will be staying in Miami the night before, are there any nice, clean hotels close by that have shuttles from the airport and to the ship? I appreciate any help you veteran cruisers can supply. Thanks!~~~~Sunni

[NittanyLioness]

Sunni...

 

As I have a teenager and an 11 year old, I thought I might also offer this advice:

 

The teens in your party will enjoy the Teen Disco at night!!! Last time we cruised, the Ship curfew for the "Under 18 crowd" was 1:00 AM, but that time might be unique to the Ship/Destination. Lots of things for them to do, ranging from "organized activities" in the Ocean Adventure Program to complete autonomy. It depends upon the teen/parent rules!

 

As far as the 11 year old, I'd suggest she/he goes to Adventure Ocean the first night to meet others, even if tired. I've found out (the hard way)that "Onboard friendships" (AKA Cliques) often form that first night, and the poor kids who come the second night are sometimes ostracized by the other kids. (Yes, life is tough!!!)

 

Other less publicized treats for the kids are the "unlimited serve yourself frozen yogurt cones" near the outdoor pools, the video arcade room, and an "unlimited soft drink" package Royal Caribbean offers.

 

Hope this helps!

Terry:D

[FMZ]

Couple of small tips:

 

*Bring a highlighter, so much to do and this helps on the Compass

*Attend Captain's Party, free drinks

*Do not miss the parades or the ice show, you'll be amazed

*Bring thermos cups for sitting around the pool, saves lots of trips

*Might want to consider walkie talkies for that large of a group

 

That's my TOP 5. Have a wonderful first cruise!

[Brenda33]

I stayed at the Radisson in Miami and they had a shuttle to the port. OOPS....wait I went to the Carnival pier. I guess it could be different.

[SunniBunniBear]

Just the kind of tips I am looking for, thank you all so much! These are great....keep them coming.~~~~~~~~~~~Sunni

[twoatsea]

if you have several items to plug in (curling irons, hair dryer, clock, chargers, etc.) bring an electrical cord that allows extra plug ins.

 

When we board, the first thing we do is go to the dining room to check out our table. If we don't like the size or location, we ask when we can see the maitre d & do so.

 

Then we go to the front desk, if we are interested in checking for possible upgraded cabins & hopefully at good prices. If we go there, we request tips to be auto billed to our account.

 

Go to the excursions desk & find out when they are open & pick up a tour brochure to look over while we eat.

 

Then we go to the Windjammer to eat.

 

Some folks need to make arrangements for children using the children facilities.

 

Some folks buy soda cards.

 

Cabins are usually announced as available at 1pm. We immed. go (unless we are seeing the maitre d) to

1. check out the room & see if it needs anything. If we need anything (extra pillows, request a certain time for daily cleaning, etc.) we find the cabin steward & place our requests.

2. to find out what time for the muster drill so we can be in our cabin getting our life jackets at the correct time. As mentioned before, if anyone has trouble with stairs, get the jackets & go to the muster site before the elevators are shut down.

3. to get our Compass newsletter if it is available.

 

then we tour the ship on our own & learn the way to everything & find all the nooks & crannies! Also decide where we want to watch sail-a-way - our balcony or find a great spot elsewhere.

 

Or, if it's been a long, rough day, we go to our cabins & prepare for dinner.

 

Some folks have their swim suits under their clothes & go to a pool.

 

Usually it's very rushed after the muster drill. Need to take life jackets to cabin, if watching sailaway on deck--getting to there, & then since we are assigned first seating at dinner==we need to get there on time.

 

So, after embarking it can get real busy, but it is so exciting! :)

 

Have fun!

[BillyBowLegs]

We have printed our set sail passes, but did not receive any cruise documents...ie: luggage tags. Is this critical or is this easily remedied at the port without adding a big wait??? This is first cruise.

 

Thanks for the response.

[Merion_Mom]

In my opinion, the most important tip for first time cruisers is to advise them of the mandatory Muster Drill shortly before the ship leaves port...

 

All bars, restaurants, etc. shut down at the appointed time. Every passenger must get a Life Jacket from his/her stateroom, and report to his/her designated "Muster Station" (Life Boat Area). Your own particular Muster Station is printed on your Life Jacket. All of the crew participate in guiding passengers along the way, so don't be afraid to ask directions or questions.

 

(Most elevators are shut down during the drill, so if you have handicapped or "stairway-challenged" persons in your party, I'd suggest you ask about alternative Muster arrangements when you first board the ship.)

 

Once you arrive at your Muster Station, you will be instructed as to the proper way to wear your lifejacket, the "Emergency" notification of the Ship's "horn", and other emergency procedures. (It's analogous to the Flight Attendant Speech before Take-Off when you fly in a plane, except everyone actually participates and wears their safety equipment!) Just remember that it's not only mandatory, but it's serious, and everyone in your party should be quiet and pay attention to the instructions...Just in case, God forbid, there was an emergency. After the Drill is over, return your Life Jackets to your Stateroom, and enjoy!

 

My second most important bit of advice to First Time Cruisers is to prepare to be pampered, amazed, and lastly, become addicted to the best type of vacation ever!!!

 

Happy cruising!:D

Terry

Terry: Welcome to Cruise Critic, great Cruise Critic name, and howdy, neighbor!

[AllieInMD]

Nothing you particularly need in cruise document - take set sail passes, ID, and the porters at the port will have luggage tags for you.

 

We have printed our set sail passes, but did not receive any cruise documents...ie: luggage tags. Is this critical or is this easily remedied at the port without adding a big wait??? This is first cruise.

 

Thanks for the response.

[LovesAllTravel]

Here's my two-cents worth:

 

On Day 1, get to the cruise terminal as early as possible (10:00-10:30), and be one of the first to board. Remember, its Day 1 of your cruise so take full advantage of that day! You won't be able to get into your room(s) until 1 pm, so that advantage of the time to wander around and get to know the ship. Depending on your itinerary, you will have two or three sea days -- use one of the sea days to "do it all" and participate in the many, many activities. Use the other or another sea day to just chill out and enjoy. If you try to "do it all," you will be exhausted and will need a vacation after your vacation! Anything you don't get to do on this particular cruise makes for a good reason to go again!

 

We were aboard the Freedom of the Seas her first month at sea. What a blast, but the ship is enormous and you will definitely get your exercise walking the length of the ship many times a day.

 

Enjoy your vacation!

 

-Laurie

[SunniBunniBear]

Thanks so much Two at Sea, that is exactly what I am looking for, the power strip tip is fantastic!~~~~~~~~~Sunni

[billyelliot]

We order room service each morning, for coffee and fruit. it serves as a wake up call for us. they are always with in 10 mins of allotted time and ring you first before they bring it.

Also if your flying in pack your on board bag with asortment of clothes, eg evening wear, day wear under wear and swim wear. Glad we did in April as the airlne lost my eldest sons bag. (if this happens RCI will lend you a tux for free) also cross pack.

If you buy a bottle of wine you can take it from place to place, just ask for a glass.:D I found this very handy. Water can be got at any bar.

[138east]

With a large group I would't leave all your excursion planning until you get on the ship. I would look at what's available in each port and tell everyone that they have to indicate their preferences and see how that works for your budget. You won't regret spending the planning time.

 

The excursion costs can mount quickly. Booking through the ship you will prepay $240-$600+ for 6 people to go on an excursion. Booking privately or doing it on your own you will definitely save money.

 

It's good to mix and match - If there is a special trip that everyone wants to do, then prebook that. If you are going to the beach, decide on a beach and take a cab, not an excursion. People spend money to use resorts for the day, but that is not really necessary. The popular beaches on each island usually have a shack restaurant and bathrooms and rent chairs and umbrellas. If you want to snorkel, do it from the beach instead of a boat - Coki beach in St. Thomas and Folkstone Underwater Park in Barbados are good for this.

 

Plan not to eat serious meals off the ship. Take your own water bottles instead of buying it at $2 a bottle from the ship. Eat a big breakfast and get going. There will always be food when you get back.

 

And most important of all, leave plenty of time to get back to the ship.

 

Have a great time!