Best Boarding Time/Activities/Rituals

[yoyocruiser]

;) I know that this may be personal preference or opinion, but I am wondering about the best boarding time. But mostly I am wondering about your best boarding day rituals--what do you like to do and what sets you up for the best time on your cruise. I will be on the Dream, but I am thinking that the specific ship doesn't matter that much. What do you do to make it the best week you can make it?

[AFAMILY]

;) I know that this may be personal preference or opinion, but I am wondering about the best boarding time. But mostly I am wondering about your best boarding day rituals--what do you like to do and what sets you up for the best time on your cruise. I will be on the Dream, but I am thinking that the specific ship doesn't matter that much. What do you do to make it the best week you can make it?

 

1) Board 12:00-12:30 and immediately make dinner reservation

2) Have sit down lunch; no buffet

3) Hi-lite things we want to do on the Freestyle Daily at lunch

4) Check out the cabin at 2-2:30; drop-off carry-on

5) Attend Lifeboat Drill; usually meet our first new friends here

6) Walk around the ship then hit the sail-away barbeque

7) Unpack

8) Have dinner usually around 6:30

9) See #3

10) Hit the casino later on in the night

11) Back to cabin and order room service

12) Hi-lite next day's Freestyle Daily

13) Reluctantly go to sleep; don't want to miss anything :D

 

Happy Cruising! :)

[*Luv2Cruz*]

1) Board 12:00-12:30 and immediately make dinner reservation

2) Have sit down lunch; no buffet

3) Hi-lite things we want to do on the Freestyle Daily at lunch

4) Check out the cabin at 2-2:30; drop-off carry-on

5) Attend Lifeboat Drill; usually meet our first new friends here

6) Walk around the ship then hit the sail-away barbeque

7) Unpack

8) Have dinner usually around 6:30

9) See #3

10) Hit the casino later on in the night

11) Back to cabin and order room service

12) Hi-lite next day's Freestyle Daily

13) Reluctantly go to sleep; don't want to miss anything :D

 

Happy Cruising! :)

 

Sounds like we could have similiar plans other than #9 where we would probably go to the show!;) :cool:

[AFAMILY]

Sounds like we could have similiar plans other than #9 where we would probably go to the show!;) :cool:

 

We'd probably be at a show too, then some of the other entertainment around the ship in the lounges. There's usually enough things to do that we have to pick and choose.

 

Happy Cruising! :)

[nlvc12]

I haven't done it, but one way to get into relaxation mode real fast, is to bring your swimsuit in your carry-on. Even better, have it on under your casual boarding outfit. Doubt the pool grill is up yet, so Get something light and easy at the buffet, bring it to the pool; strip down and relax in the sun 'til close to Muster drill. Then go to the cabin just in time to pick up your life jackets.

 

Nancy

[sarahvch]

If I am not in a hotel where I can watch the ship, then I get to the pier early and find a place to have coffee. I like to watch everyone coming in and getting ready to board. The excitement rubs off on me (not that I need it). I also enjoy people watching. Then I get on that ship as early as I can. I check out everything I can inside the room. I look at the Dallies and decide what I want to do that evening, make dinner reservations and begin to relax!

[cruzndiz]

1) Board 12:00-12:30 and immediately make dinner reservation

2) Have sit down lunch; no buffet

3) Hi-lite things we want to do on the Freestyle Daily at lunch

4) Check out the cabin at 2-2:30; drop-off carry-on

5) Attend Lifeboat Drill; usually meet our first new friends here

6) Walk around the ship then hit the sail-away barbeque

7) Unpack

8) Have dinner usually around 6:30

9) See #3

10) Hit the casino later on in the night

11) Back to cabin and order room service

12) Hi-lite next day's Freestyle Daily

13) Reluctantly go to sleep; don't want to miss anything :D

 

Happy Cruising! :)

 

Afamily....I'm with you! Except, I downloaded someone else's Daily's and have already highlighted what I'm doing each day!! LOL :p

 

As an aside, I am also from Rochelle Park originally -- are you lifelong residents?

[*Wink*]

I haven't done it, but one way to get into relaxation mode real fast, is to bring your swimsuit in your carry-on. Even better, have it on under your casual boarding outfit. Doubt the pool grill is up yet, so Get something light and easy at the buffet, bring it to the pool; strip down and relax in the sun 'til close to Muster drill. Then go to the cabin just in time to pick up your life jackets.

 

Nancy

I love it! It's fun when DH and I go up on the Lido deck and grab a brew and a quick bite and survey all of our shipmates for the week. It gets me in the mood to cruise when I see folks getting into the pool and hot tubs!

[AFAMILY]

Afamily....I'm with you! Except,I downloaded someone else's Daily's and have already highlighted what I'm doing each day!! LOL :p

 

As an aside, I am also from Rochelle Park originally -- are you lifelong residents?

 

No THAT'S impressive! :)

 

We've been living here for 25 years. My wife lived here for an additional 10 years before we were married.

 

Happy Cruising! :)

[MBprincess]

I am in the getting on early crowd. We always have bathsuits because it is the least crowded time for the pool and slides. Other things we do are take the time to get a boarding picture taken. We write out what requests we have for appointments and get spa or dining taken care of - same with questions or changes. We try to hit the things that are open that may be hard to do during the cruise. Last month the kids really wanted to play Wii on the big screen. We did it right away and then we didn't have to worry if it was crowded the rest of the week.

[coka]

I get there when I get there (to the ship). If in line, I talk to the people in front of me, behind me and on the sides of me.

 

I go to the buffet and get the carved meats and potato salad.

 

If early on board, I tour the ship. If not, I wait for first day at sea.

 

Once in cabin, I rearrange the furniture to make maximum use of space.

 

Depending on my mood, I sit around the lido deck and watch people arrive or I find a quiet spot in the sunshine.

 

Once the life boat drill is over, so too are the rituals until the last night when I pack. Everything else inbetween sailaway and debarkation are adventures.

 

coka

[nautica34]

1) Board 12:00-12:30 and immediately make dinner reservation

2) Have sit down lunch; no buffet

3) Hi-lite things we want to do on the Freestyle Daily at lunch

4) Check out the cabin at 2-2:30; drop-off carry-on

5) Attend Lifeboat Drill; usually meet our first new friends here

6) Walk around the ship then hit the sail-away barbeque

7) Unpack

8) Have dinner usually around 6:30

9) See #3

10) Hit the casino later on in the night

11) Back to cabin and order room service

12) Hi-lite next day's Freestyle Daily

13) Reluctantly go to sleep; don't want to miss anything :D

 

Happy Cruising! :)

 

We will also be on The Dream in October. I know you suggested the sit down lunch versus the buffet. Do you know which restaurant(s) are open for lunch and what time they open? Also will they have the lunch menu posted outside the restaurnat?

[AFAMILY]

We will also be on The Dream in October. I know you suggested the sit down lunch versus the buffet. Do you know which restaurant(s) are open for lunch and what time they open? Also will they have the lunch menu posted outside the restaurnat?

 

 

I think the Four Seasons is the main dining room that is open for a sit-down lunch on the Dream. I would guess it will be open 12-12:30 as was the Venetian was on the Dawn.

 

The menu should be posted outside as well, so if you really don't see anything to your liking, you can go to the buffet. IMO it's always fun to try different things you normally would not order. You can always ask for something else. And remember, you'll have the barbeque between lunch and dinner too!

 

Enjoy your cruise! :)

[AnnaLisaOne]

yoyocruiser: :)

 

Many, many thanx for asking your question!! I never in the world would have thought to ask that. It really is a very important question.

 

AFAMILY: :)

 

And to you, many, many thanx for your answer!!

I am a first-time cruiser. All I know is that I'm being picked up at 10AM and will be dropped off at Philadelphia's cruise terminal. With your supreme information, which by the way I made TWO copies of, at least now I know what I need to do once aboard. I had wished I could have taken a "first-time cruiser's course." But, thanx to you I'm more knowledgeable than I was fifteen minutes ago.

 

Questions:

Do all ships have sail-away barbeques?

I had read if you're a first-time cruiser to try and book the best cabin you can afford. I was very lucky as I found some "family jewels" which I quickly sold. With that money I was able to book a suite. Do all ships have "perks" for "suites only" passengers?

 

Many thanx again!

[silkhair1]

We board early around 11 and then go to lunch in the main dining room. We then check our rooms if they are ready, put our pirate magnet on our door and our Cubs magnet on my Mom's door, and then get the kids swim suits on and go to the pool (weather permitting). Then we meet the rest of our group and see what we will do later on. Oh yes, we always check out the kids area! Very important!!!!!

[AFAMILY]

yoyocruiser: :)

 

Many, many thanx for asking your question!! I never in the world would have thought to ask that. It really is a very important question.

 

 

AFAMILY: :)

 

And to you, many, many thanx for your answer!!

I am a first-time cruiser. All I know is that I'm being picked up at 10AM and will be dropped off at Philadelphia's cruise terminal. With your supreme information, which by the way I made TWO copies of, at least now I know what I need to do once aboard. I had wished I could have taken a "first-time cruiser's course." But, thanx to you I'm more knowledgeable than I was fifteen minutes ago.

 

Questions:

Do all ships have sail-away barbeques?

I had read if you're a first-time cruiser to try and book the best cabin you can afford. I was very lucky as I found some "family jewels" which I quickly sold. With that money I was able to book a suite. Do all ships have "perks" for "suites only" passengers?

 

Many thanx again!

 

You're quite welcome.

 

Not being all that experienced ourselves, we learned alot from these boards and from fellow passengers once onboard. You will find that, in general, the experienced cruisers are very anxious to help and willing to offer their own little tidbits of advice and do's and do not's. You will learn fast I'm sure.

 

Plus, read as much as you can on these boards. There's a wealth of information here as you're probably already discovering. Just read with an open and objective mind as some comments tend to go to one extreme or the other.

 

To answer your questions, I believe all the ships have sail-away barbeques, weather permitting. Regarding suites, yes you will have certain perks depending on your cabin category. Just ask the concierge for the specific perks you are entitled to.

 

Don't be afraid to ask any questions you may have once onboard. We were all first-timers once. Carry a Freestyle Daily with you so you won't miss anything you'd like to do. In the restaurants, if you want something and you don't see it on the menu, ask for it. If they have it, they'll get it for you. The worst they can say is "sorry, no". If you're not happy about a service or whatever, bring it to someones attention. The steward, concierge, reception, etc. They can't fix it if they don't know about it. In general, you will find the crew to be helpful, friendly and hard-working.

 

Hope you have a great cruise! :)

[cruzndiz]

No THAT'S impressive! :)

 

We've been living here for 25 years. My wife lived here for an additional 10 years before we were married.

 

Happy Cruising! :)

 

I see your next cruise sets sail on my birthday.... a most perfect day I might add....I'm sure you will have a most wonderful time :D

 

Did DW go to Midland #1 by any chance?

[AFAMILY]

I see your next cruise sets sail on my birthday.... a most perfect day I might add....I'm sure you will have a most wonderful time :D

 

Did DW go to Midland #1 by any chance?

 

We'll have to toast you at sail-a-way! My wife's birthday is May 14th. We booked the 17th so as not to be away during Mother's Day and her birthday. We loved Bermuda this year and used our Cruise Rewards Certificate to book it again for next year.

 

Yes, my wife DID in fact go to Midland #1, graduating in 1971. She said you look familiar.

 

Happy Cruising! :)

[yoyocruiser]

Thnak you all for your responses--and it is very helpful.

 

I know that when I get onboard I am torn between trying to get things done (unpack, make reservations etc.) and wanting to run around exploring the ship and celebrating--so it is interesting to read how different folks approach this. The weather may have some impact also. Last year it was such a beautiful day in Boston that we did not want to eat lunch inside, but otherwise we might. Some of you are very organized and it seems you efficiently get things done so that you can begin to relax as soon as possible.

 

Based on your answers I am thinking we may try to board earlier. I know it sometimes depends, but what time generally can you start boarding, or what time woud you recommend getting there--we don't mind waiting some. We are Latitudes members but at the lower level so I don't think that will help much in priority boarding.

[Kathylovescruises]

We used to do all of the items listed by the second poster, but also

 

-Walk by the hot tubs and pools and giggle at the folks who think the weather is warm ( we travel in December). I figured everyone at the pool and hot tubs were from Alaska or Wisconsin!

That was BEFORE we moved to Pennsylvania this summer!

This year we'll be the ones giggled at by snooty Phoenecians!I'll be whipping out those suits STAT!! And the welcome champagne won't hurt...

 

I love boarding day- so much excitement! The kids are finally old enough that the muster drills don't scare them ( one year I almost had to tie one of my sons up to get him to go!)

 

Also, we cruise a lot and our best info has always come from these boards- much more informative that the cruise lines or concierges. My past Guru was "Shore Guy"- he was the NCL encyclopedia!

 

 

Happy Sailings!

 

Kathy

[AFAMILY]

Based on your answers I am thinking we may try to board earlier. I know it sometimes depends, but what time generally can you start boarding, or what time woud you recommend getting there--we don't mind waiting some. We are Latitudes members but at the lower level so I don't think that will help much in priority boarding.

 

We get to the pier by 11:00, check-in and take a seat. Both times we were onboard by about 12:15.

 

Happy Cruising! :)

[cruisemama5]

My husband hates standing in lines and crowds, so we get to the terminal at different times while he is trying to find the perfect boarding time, lol.

 

Once we get on board, I like to take pictures of the ship when there are not as many people around to show people back home. My dad likes to see pictures of the interiors of the ships and how they compare to the ones he has been on.

 

We have fun exploring the ship and learning where things are. It is fun to stand on the deck and watch people still waiting to get on. I love the first day because of the excitement of getting to leave on vacation.

[cheshiremackat]

... but I know I am on a cruise when I start to hear people blowing their whistles during the muster drill... ALWAYS makes me chuckle a little, which is a great way to start a cruise :D

[Warm Breezes]

... but I know I am on a cruise when I start to hear people blowing their whistles during the muster drill... ALWAYS makes me chuckle a little, which is a great way to start a cruise :D

YUCK!! First thing I tell my kids when the put on the life vests is don't put that nasty whistle in your mouth.

[cheshiremackat]

YUCK!! First thing I tell my kids when the put on the life vests is don't put that nasty whistle in your mouth.

 

Agreed! It is so very gross to think of all the people who have done the same thing....