just found this site

[kjh25]

We just found this site and not really sure how it works. Our cruise is Oct. 19th 2008, this will be our first cruise. Any advice?

[*Luv2Cruz*]

We just found this site and not really sure how it works. Our cruise is Oct. 19th 2008, this will be our first cruise. Any advice?

 

Here's a link to the sites FAQ's. Also, you can go to the roll call forum for your ship and date and see others that you'll be sailing with. Hope this helps! Enjoy!

[Fredr]

We just found this site and not really sure how it works. Our cruise is Oct. 19th 2008, this will be our first cruise. Any advice?

 

Hello,

 

I will gladly answer any questions that you have. Here are some general tips for you. First, plan to arrive at your port of departure at least the day before your cruise unless you live within a 150 miles or so of a port. it can be very stressful trying to get to a port with the clock ticking, that is, the time the ship is scheduled to depart.

 

Do not overpack, that is, you do not need lots of clothes.

 

Do your research on the ports you will be visiting. Excursions sponsored by the cruise ship are expensive and some are worth every penny. There are many ports that you can see on your own without spending much money if any.

 

Particpate in at least one formal night. Again, you do not need to dress super fancy (a coat and tie for him and a dress or black pants/top for you will be fine). A formal night is a special night on a cruise ship. Special music, shows, food, and the wonderful sense that a big party is taking place. But best of all, is the romance that seems to bloom on formal nights. You will get other opinions on this...formal nights are not worth getting dressed up for and so on. Please do not believe the negatives (my DW and I have been on 24 cruises and formal nights are still great fun).

 

Go with an open mind. Cruise ships are staffed by mostly young people from all over the world and the universal language of a smile and a laugh with the cruise staff from the captain on down , is one of the cruise world's joys.

 

Experience at least one sunrise and one sunset while the ship is at sea.

 

Hope that this helps,

 

Fred

[cb at sea]

Cruising is just a vacation--there is no right or wrong way to do it! The point is to have fun!

Get a good guidebook so you can read up on the ports you will visit--a library's travel section has them, and there's no charge to check them out! Or, you can buy them at a bookstore.

Get the cruiseline's brochure (it's actually a booklet!) and read up on the policies of your cruiseline. All the info you need to know is in there. Cruiselines will send them to your at no charge.

A little research will go a looooong way to making your vacation the best it can be.

[arlodog]

Welcome to Cruise Critic and hopefully you will fall in love with the cruise experience. If you look at the threads regarding your ports of call and your cruise line you will find a wealth of information regarding the activities at each. Please join your roll call for your sailing so you can chat with your fellow cruisers and then meet them on board once you sail. We have met some fantastic people this way. Most importantly have a great time planning and researching for your cruise; it will be here before you know it and then you will be planning your next adventure!

[julieanne]

We just found this site and not really sure how it works. Our cruise is Oct. 19th 2008, this will be our first cruise. Any advice?

Yes, tell us who you are sailing with and which ship, then join your roll call! LOL! Other than that, relax and have a great time!:)