What is the one piece of advice that you would give to a first time cruiser?

ToAdam12 · #1 (**permalink**) October 3rd, 2010, 10:16 PM

So I just read someone's post about questions on inside cabins and it got me to think what is the one thing that you feel like you should pass on to someone who is a fist time cruiser? Try and go out of the box and not give the travel channel type response. Here's mine

When going to the port always check your luggage with the porters and just carry them off when your getting off the ship. I find you save so much time this way.

Mike M · #2 (**permalink**) October 3rd, 2010, 11:03 PM

Don't try to do everything. Leave time to relax.

That: And I have to go Travel Channel. Get a passport.

Take care,
Mike

mouche · #3 (**permalink**) October 4th, 2010, 11:59 AM

Only take half the clothes and shoes you think you will need.

green_rd · #4 (**permalink**) October 4th, 2010, 12:27 PM

Sorry this is probably a Travel Channel type answer, but: Pack a good attitude. You are going to be with several thousand people is a relatively small space - stuff may happen. Roll with it and count it as part of the experience.

Besides that: Take the stairs when ever possible and DON'T try to self-disembark unless you follow Mouche's advise.

Aerogirl · #5 (**permalink**) October 4th, 2010, 02:01 PM

I would say "Go with the flow" thing can happen that you don’t expect and it may throw off your plans. Don't let the little stuff ruin your trip. Keep an open mind.

cruised1014 · #6 (**permalink**) October 4th, 2010, 02:08 PM

Here is a couple. Wear sun screen even when you don't think you need it. Also wear beach shoes to go from your chair to the pool and back.
I cannot tell you how hot the tile gets right by the pool just before you get to the hot tub or pool. I have seen people blister the bottoms of there feet on the first day of a cruise and not be able to walk for the rest of the trip. That can be the worst. Also don't stay up all night and try not to miss anything. You won't miss anything at 3 or 4 in the morning but the next port
And most of all count out how much you would like to donate to the Casino
I have heard of some of the awful stories of people losing 1 to 2 thousand dollars the first night because they lost $40 and was trying to get it back.
You never will. And if you win the first night $40 take it and run to a show or something there included in the price you paid. Also the last is the most important. Get back to the ship at least a hour early for a first timer. I have
heard to many stories of people showing up at the dock and the ship is gone.
When your in port time seems to run really fast and if you are not keeping a eye on the clock could be trouble. Have a great cruise, Ed

IslandLover · #7 (**permalink**) October 4th, 2010, 03:16 PM

Research excursions before your cruise and book on your own ahead of time or even when you get there. You can save a LOT of money this way and usually get more personalized tours. I know some people are nervous to do this but you have to realize that these islands rely on cruise passengers for income and they are very aware that you have to be back on time.

Trip · #8 (**permalink**) October 4th, 2010, 05:39 PM

Familiarize yourself with your ports and what the ship offers you...Don't over research, leave time for serendipity. Put your mind on island time. and enjoy your surroundings. Oh, and bring a power strip..make sure it's in pristeen condition..Enjoy!

ouachita · #9 (**permalink**) October 6th, 2010, 05:41 PM

Once you are on the ship, don't sweat the small stuff - and it's all small stuff.

Take half as much clothing and twice as much money as you think you will need.

Remember, it's the memories you make that truly stay with you, so make the best memories you can.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruised1014

...And most of all count out how much you would like to donate to the Casino
I have heard of some of the awful stories of people losing 1 to 2 thousand dollars the first night because they lost $40 and was trying to get it back.
You never will. And if you win the first night $40 take it and run to a show or something there included in the price you paid. ...

The only way I've found to consistently double my money in a casino is to fold it over and stick it back in my pocket.

johnthed0g · #10 (**permalink**) October 6th, 2010, 06:31 PM

Don't take too much notice of reviews, don't have too high an expectation based on what others tell you about how wonderful it all is...it is of course, but just don't over-expect! One bit of advice for the advisors too, don't blow the whole cruise experience up too high & maybe give a too high level to expect.

cruzin4me · #11 (**permalink**) October 6th, 2010, 08:47 PM

patience and dont expect too much.. go with the flo

Trip · #12 (**permalink**) October 6th, 2010, 09:34 PM

I forgot the most important thing.....buy travlel insurance..go to insuremytrip.com, plug in your info, and get side by side quotes ..trip interuption, baggage loss,and most important....medivac coverage. This small fee, will give you peace of mind..just in case..

Lakers Fan · #13 (**permalink**) October 6th, 2010, 09:38 PM

Research as much as possible which includes reading as much as possible on CM

SUSAN CURTIS · #14 (**permalink**) October 8th, 2010, 01:21 AM

Have fun. Do all the things that you would love to do, but are afraid to because of what people would think. You'll never see these people again! So sing, dance, go down the slide. Talk with complete strangers. Give away lots of smiles. Take people's pictures for them and ask them to take yours. Find a secret hidaway and make it yours. Cruises are my favorite vacation. I can play dress up and eat at fancy restrauants, go the Vegas style shows and then go dancing under the stars. Then have someone deliver my breakfast in bed. I get to be the Princess that I am.

Paul Motter · #15 (**permalink**) October 8th, 2010, 11:01 AM

Don't scrimp on shore experiences - you paid a lot of money to get to those ports of call - so get out and see them.

Now - not all people feel that way, and thats OK, some prefer to stay on the ship. I am more curious about new places than most but that is my advice.

Don't shop on the ship for anything except souvenir t-shirts, and wait until the last day of the cruise when they have the sales. Avoid the art auctions except for the free champagne and a good laugh at the suckers who think they are investing in art.

Order what you want in the dining room. If you want more of something order it. If you really don't like something send it back. You paid for good food.

Have at least on meal in a specialty restaurant and order something like filet mignon or lobster. It will be much higher quality than in the dining room. I suggest staying away from more complicated dishes because they are likely to be more European than you expected (Mousaka, Osso buco, etc come to mind), but a rack of lamb is delicious.

Don't skip desserts, but try to share bites so you don't gain too much weight.

Don't drink too much. You can be so drunk you dont know eher you are at home. You are on cruise - keep your wits about and enjoy the experience.

Don't feel guilty about "down time". When your body wants a nap or night in the cabin with room service go for it.

kevin c · #16 (**permalink**) October 8th, 2010, 04:45 PM

a lot of great advice here, but most of all have a great time. enjoy yourself.

john_galt · #17 (**permalink**) October 8th, 2010, 06:20 PM

Find the luggage mat and put it back on the bed. Order waaaaay too much food from room service and have a picnic on the bed at 2:00 in the morning! French fries always taste better in the middle of the night...

Truck Cruiser · #18 (**permalink**) October 9th, 2010, 02:04 AM

Don't think you have to see everything that goes on each day. Pick what you think you will enjoy and make sure you have plenty of time to relax.

Spend the extra money for the balcony cabins, they are worth it.

Don't feel shy about ordering whatever you like from the menu. Normally portions are small so 2 appetizers, 3 entrees and 2 deserts aren't gonna kill you.

Remember that you might never visit that port again so make sure you see all you can see.

Remember, it's your vacation! Don't let others dictate to you how you are gonna spend it.

venice · #19 (**permalink**) October 9th, 2010, 04:21 AM

watch at least one sunrise and one sunset with your cabin mate

order room service at least one time

on one of your sea days don't preplan your day..just wake up and do whatever comes to your mind at the moment

on the last day, unless you have an early flight, hang back for a few hours and let the first wave get off the ship, then at your leisure get off..far less tension and crowds

be very nice to your cabin steward

mama k · #20 (**permalink**) October 11th, 2010, 02:17 PM

Start with a short cruise. If you don't like it, you're not stuck onboard for 7 or more days.
If you're flying in, spend some $$ on a hotel room and get to the port city the day before. You don't want to be waiting for your connecting flight, 4 hours before ship departure.
Get travel insurance. Stuff happens the day before a cruise.
Treat your room steward an dining room attendants kindly. Often they can make or break your comfort level on a cruise.
Relax and have fun.

gsproduceman · #21 (**permalink**) October 13th, 2010, 08:39 PM

dont forget your tooth bush and extra underwear

newlywed · #22 (**permalink**) January 15th, 2011, 11:45 PM

This thread is a great read! bumping it up to see if there are any more suggestisons.

Gail4cruising · #23 (**permalink**) January 16th, 2011, 12:15 AM

Make a packing list and check things off as you pack them. We had an incident where formal night clothes did not make it with us onto the ship so we were shopping for clothes in a port rather than just having fun. Also, a biggie for us is taking a surge protector type multi plug in since the cabins only have one 110 plug usually. When you are trying to charge ipods, camera batteries (or get ready for dinner) it can make it difficult to be timely and/or keep the peace!