1st time cruiser tips

[capgirl]

I will be cruising for the 1st time in March, are there any short cuts or tips
that would help along the way to make the experience better.
Do you need reservations for shows, if so where do you do this and can it
be prior to arrival on ship? Same with fine dinning? What is a pool pass.
ARe all your extras placed on a card or can you pay cash for drinks and spa.
How do you pay for things in shops? Anyone been on the O to Mex Riv, how
is the cruise and ship?

[Kristina99]

Originally Posted by capgirl

I will be cruising for the 1st time in March, are there any short cuts or tips
that would help along the way to make the experience better.
Do you need reservations for shows, if so where do you do this and can it
be prior to arrival on ship? Same with fine dinning? What is a pool pass.
ARe all your extras placed on a card or can you pay cash for drinks and spa.
How do you pay for things in shops?

Congrats on your first cruise!

And to answer some of your questions...You do not need reservations for the shows. They usually are scheduled twice a night to complement the dining times. There are 4 different dining times on Holland America, and those are assigned prior to your cruise. To get the time that best fits your schedule, you should request a time (usually when you book your cruise they ask you what your preferred dining time is). Also, when you arrive at the pier and check in for your cruise, they give you a card which serves as a key to your cabin and as a credit card, and is usually linked to your credit card account. You use it for all your purchases onboard because cash is not accepted. At the end of your cruise, you will receive an invoice of everything you bought. They will usually take the amount directly from your credit card, but send you the invoice anyways to let you know how much you spent. This is a good method so you dont have to worry about having cash onhand 24/7. Also, your tipping charges are billed to this card too, but they can be adjusted at the desk if you wish to tip your cabin steward, waiter, etc... personally. I have no idea what a pool pass is, and i dont think Holland America uses them. I hope this helped!

Kristina

[capgirl]

Thank you, this helps!

[Ginnie315]

This is a tongue in cheek reply for the first time cruiser.

Bring half the clothes and twice the money, and you'll have a great time.

Ginnie

[Fruitcake]

The pool pass would be the pass to use the pool in the spa area.
You can get one by the day or for the length of the pool. I believe they are purchased at the main spa desk.

The Oosterdam is a great ship. I sailed on her a few years ago, in the Caribbean.

[newie]

A few more ideas to consider.....bring two cheap handie-talkies so that you can communicate with each other throughout the ship. Be sure to have good glare free sunglasses, a hat with a brim, and broken in comfortable shoes! I try and bring clothing centered around one color, as it makes life much easier! Don't forget the SPF what ever your skin neeeds, as you can burn real easy in just 1/2 hour (I know this from experience).
If you're a real adventurer, you can do the Mexican cities on your own. I love to walk and see the llocal sights, but sometimes a guided tour, especially on your first cruise, may help get you oriented.
Finally travel with an open mind and a smile--it will be a much more fun cruise that way.

Newie from K.C.