?'s abt longer cruises. . . 2wks +

[factoryfourteen]

I will be going on HAL's 2005 113 day world cruise, and as a 1st time cruiser would appreciate an advice/info/tips from anyone who has been on a long cruise (2wks +). . . Here are the questions I have so far, but feel free to add any details or knowledge you have that might be helpful. In particular, any policy info that may be different from the shorter cruises would be greatly appreciated. . .

1. Does hal have extended internet packages?(i.e unlimited or anything over 250 minutes) Or, on a longer voyage, can u purchase internet minutes in smaller increments, for example weekly or montly as opposed to up front for the entire trip?

2. What does one do about seasick med's on a longer trip? I am under the impression that you have to take the med's before you get sick and for the duration of the trip. Is this right? I don't really want to be on med's for the whole time. . .

3. Are there any very casual nights on longer trips? I enjoy dressing for dinner, but would like to know if i'll ever be able to dress down, in jeans, for example. . .

4. Are there any larger picture packages? All of the ones i've seen talked about seemed fairly small, and over this long i'd imagine i'll be buying a decent amount of pics. . .

5. This question might be silly, but is there a way to recieve mail ever?

6. I'm bringing all my medications with me, but if I bring a copy of my prescriptions, is it possible to get refills from the ship doc. in the event that I need more for some reason?

7. I know hal lets you bring wine in your checked luggage. . . Can you purchase wine/alcohol in ports to be consumed in your cabin? Will they let you carry it on in plain view? What about soft drinks(type they don't carry) or water bottles?

8. What happens if your luggage is delayed? Is there a way for it to "meet up" with the ship?

Can't wait to hear your responses! Thanks in advance for your replys!:D:D

[grannynurse]

We've been on 17 and 34 day cruises, most recent this summer on the Rotterdam. I had my pharmacist check on all my medications and give me an appropriate supply, but I also took copies of my scripts with me. Even my insurance company made allowances and allowed me enough to cover my needs.
If you know that you have "motion" problems and your doctor will agree, I suggest that you start with the "patch". If you apply it 4-6 hours BEFORE you sail, you may find it's all you need. It lasts for 72 hours, through showers etc. Depending on your sensitivity to motion, you may not need it after you get your "sea legs". Seeing it's your first cruise, you may be remembering "car" sick. At sea the motion is different and many people who get car sick and don't do well on small boats, do fine on cruise ships which use stabilizers.
I'm not saying that rough seas don't make a difference, of course they do, but a 100+ plus day cruise is awfully long to contemplate taking these meds. If you find you need them consistently, take them for prevention., not cure. Watch weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
I'm guessing that you won't need them throughout, maybe intermittently for rough weather. On my first cruise 20 some years ago, I started with 1 patch, took it off after 3 days, and have not needed it since. If you feel yucky, don't take to your bed, get fresh air, get something light in your stomach, try not to give in to it. IF you get really seasick, HAL gives out Bonine ( the generic form). There is ginger available also (from the yum yum man).
And By the way there are "Sea Bands" sold in WalMart etc for $6.95/pair that you can wear on your wrists that do seem to help with dizziness and nausea.

You can arrange to have your internet minutes renewed when they get low. I know they have big packages available.

I assume you'll be on Prinsendam. If a laundry package is not included in your fare, I suggest that you get one. They are worth it. We paid approx. $170 for 34 days, I won't go without one on a long cruise.
Perhaps some experienced prinsendam world cruisers will be better able to answer the rest of your questions. Hope this helps,
GN

[Krazy Kruizers]

We always make certain that we take enough medications along with us - we even take an extra week's supply just to be on the safe side. We also have extra presciptions written our by our doctor if something should go wrong. The doctor on board the ship will not be able to fill your prescritptions.

Hopefully your luggage won't get lost, but if it does, HAL will try to locate it for you and deliever it to the ship as soon as possible. Do not pack all your clothes in one suitcase and your boyfriend's in another. Mix them together just in case a piece of luggage does go astray.

Yes, the wine you buy on shore can be brought onto the ship without any problems in any port.

On casual nights, I usually wear slacks or a skirt and blouse to dinner. I don't even own a pair of jeans.

Internet packages - 250 minutes for $100 is the best deal that HAL has been offering.

No, there isn't any way that mail can be forwarded to you on the ship.

HAL does not offer large picture packages.

[sail7seas]

We have received Fed Ex mail on ships. It was sent to Port Agents and the envelopes were clearly marked with our name, ship, date we were expected to be in that port, cabin number. You can contact ship's services and they will either give you or refer you to where to get Port Agents names/addresses.

You do not have to pack your wine in a suitcase. You are permitted to carry aboard with you wine and champagne.

As to sea sick meds. You may wish to start bonine a day or two prior to boarding and continue it for some length of time until you think you will have your sea legs. You will become used to the 'motion of the ocean' and it is most unlikely you would have to take sea sick meds the whole time. You might not need them at all. Seeing as this is your first cruise, it is hard tosay. Sea bands are a non-invasive, non medication excellent choice for many. Some say they are fabulous; others claim they did not help them but there is absolutely nothing to lose by trying them. Use as directed and there is a good chance they will work great for you.

Lucky you to be booked for the World Cruise and to think this is your FIRST cruise. You sure to 'leap in with both feet'. Hope you have a wonderful time.

[elmorejj]

And you`ll qualify for three awards on one ship!!...jean :cool:

[localady]

Welcome to the HAL CC board! :)

If you check the roll call board you will see there are others that are cruising with you. You have chosen a cruise that not many of us have been on, yet many have dreamed of! It would be nice to get a few responses from those that have done the trip as to meds etc. For me, that could be difficult and expensive if my med. insurer wouldn't allow me to get my maintainance heart meds prior to the cruise. There must be someone at HAL, possibly ships services, that could help answer your questions.
I would hope that HAL would offer more extended packages for internet on the World Voyage. Would love to hear your review of the Prinsendam when you return as we are cruising on her this next summer!:cool:

[RuthC]

Most of your questions have been answered quite well. I'd like to add that you don't buy all your Internet time up front---you can buy the largest package, then re-new as needed. The set-up charge of $3.95 is paid once.

There will be many casual nights but jeans are never appropriate in public at night. You will want some "put-together" outfits (think resort casual) for casual evenings. You might also make some purchases along the way that will be perfect for casual nights.

The world cruise is a very special cruise. It is filled with experienced travelers---as opposed to tourists. There will be a feeling of community, of family, long before it is over. Many passengers will already know each other from previous world cruises.
To get your first medal on your first cruise is unusual to say the least!

Have a wonderful time, and please report back to us.

[DFD1]

Congratulations of your first cruise being the trip of a lifetime. Many of us dream of such a cruise and I, for one, wish you the very best possible experience. Please check in with us and share whatever you can of your cruise.

Oh, and at $70.00 per day credit card hold, be sure the bill is paid before you leave! LOL!

[Aussie Gal]

How wonderful to be doing a world cruise straight off. I hope you have a fantastic experience. I think you are crossing the Pacific, so be prepared for a bit rock and roll as the waves do not have a land mass for many miles and can be quite big. We have sailed the Pacific a few times so I do know what it can be like. The Prinsendam is a good sailor though and you should be fine.

We were on the Prinsendam only a month ago and we found that on casual nights most people dressed really well, not jeans or T shirts, but really nice mix and match pants and tops, short frocks with good jewellery etc. I would expect that the dressing on the World cruise would be even more upmarket so would plan accordingly.

Jennie

[Aussie Gal]

I tried to add a picture of the Prinsendam but must be doing something wrong.

Jennie

[factoryfourteen]

Thanks for all of your responses! It looks like we will definitely be purchasing the laundry package, and will be taking sea sick meds for at least the 1st couple days. . . good to know that we will prob. be able to stop taking them a few days in tho! We're thinking about purchasing the sea-bands, and if so, i'll have to post our experience with them. . . Also, glad to hear that fex-ex can deliver mail to the ship. Not that we are planning on using them, but comforting to know it's an option! Thanks for the packing tip!(fill suitcases with 1/2 his clothes & 1/2 mine) Seems simple, but I probably wouldn't have thought of it!! (And with my luck, it would have been all my clothes that would have ended up lost!) We're so excited to go on this trip, I will definitely be reporting back with info, stories, and pics when we return!!!! Thanks again!:D:D

[Starr Mtn]

Congratulations on a wonderful first cruise experience. You've selected a great cruise line also.

Another suggestion: contact your credit card company and advise them of your plans (including dates you will be away). Often credit card companies monitor accounts. If you appear to be having charges that are not consistent with your normal purchases - they may put a hold on your charge capability! Since you will not be at home to receive their telephone inquiry re your account - your card could have a hold put on it. Also, it's a good idea to take an alternate credit card along with you - just in case a problem arrises. And, make sure your card(s) have a high enough spending limit to accommodate your anticipated charges. Also, you should probably ascertain how to pay your monthly balance while cruising. And, of course, your "at home" expenses (tel., water, power, e-mail,etc.) Possibly someone will be collecting your mail and can be instructed to charge those expenses to your credit card for you (that's what we do) on a long cruise - but we've only cruised for about 30 days at a time.

Most of all: ENJOY YOUR CRUISE!

[LizB1]

When we went on the 2001 World Cruise a list of Port Agents was included with our docs so that mail could be sent to you c/o the Port Agent. Mail has to be sent very far in advance in order to get there in time, but they also advise you of that.

I think all of the other questions you asked have been answered. As RuthC said, no jeans are allowed during evening hours, however you will find folks wearing them during the day and ashore...even on the World Cruise.

Have done many four, five and six week cruises as well, but I believe the World Cruise is the only one where they actually give you a list for mailing letters to a passenger via the local Port Agents.

Good luck and have a wonderful cruise. It is an experience I will never forget.

[tlmlb]

I will be going on HAL's 2005 113 day world cruise, and as a 1st time cruiser.....

Hope you are sure that you will like cruising and its a good fit for you...good luck....

[sail7seas]

We have another poster here who will be doing the WC. They just returned from a short cruise on Carnival as their TA told them to get 'past pax status' from any of the Carnival Family of Ships and they would get the Mariner's Discount.


I think that Carnival cruise was their first!!! World Cruise will be their second.

I do agree it is a tiny bit 'brave' to book a 100+ day cruise as your very first. I salute you for being so adventurous. Hope you enjoy every moment of your incredibly voyage.

[kryos]

I will be going on HAL's 2005 113 day world cruise, and as a 1st time cruiser would appreciate an advice/info/tips from anyone who has been on a long cruise (2wks +). . .
Wow! First time cruiser and you're doing the World Cruise?!?!?! God bless ya!

Seriously, I really admire you. You like to jump in with both feet first, huh? :)

I hope you have a wonderful cruise ... and, I'll admit ... I'm more than a little jealous. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Kami's pal]

I assume you've checked with your travel clinic about appropriate shots. You might want to include a supply of powdered Gatorade. It works well as rehydration therapy if you succumb to some tourista bug. The length of the trip isn't a factor. I've had it twice on cruises and at least three times at home. It's at least as common a virus as the common cold, and like a cold, all one can do is allow your body to heal. My travel clinic set me up with a kit which included latex gloves, disposable syringes, (that way you know that the local doctor isn't attempting to reuse needles), and lots of information. Some countries want to see proof of certain vaccinations, so take that with you in your documents.

I'm thinking that the formal photo package will be very adequate, as you likely have your own cameras.

Homesickness will probably rear its head. I always think that one should miss home. It's a sign that you have a good one!

Bon voyage

[alsas]

We will be joining you on the whole world cruise, we get on the ship in LA. We have sailed the Prinsendam 3 times first time Sydney to Hong Kong and this year Hong Kong to Ft. Lauderdale, and Jan the whole thing. We are so looking forward to this trip, it is like family between the staff and the passengers it is all wonderful. The world cruise seems to be more luxurious than other trips as they go all out and spare no expense in entertainment and wonderful dining. It is more formal than other cruises, and If I remember correctly they send you an itinery before the cruise of formal, informal and casual evenings, also on theme evenings. The laundry package is great, and the computer room is wonderful with someone to help you if needed. We cannot say enough great things about the ship and staff. They also will be shipping luggage for you before the ship leaves so that it wil be in your state room when you get there, and the same happens at the end of the cruise, a great bonus. We know you will have a wonderful trip and I am sure we will meet up on the cruise.

[DFD1]

Alsas; You, also. Have a wonderful time and share whatever you can of your cruise with us when you return.

[tankerjo2]

1st cruise and around the World to boot...you are a brave one. My 1st cruise was 14 days and to be honest by the end of the 2nd week I was climbing the walls and ready to abandon ship. These days it's another story with a number of cruises under my belt and more in the future but even now the thought of 100+ days on a cruise ship still does not ring my bell.

Enjoy your trip....I have to believe the majority of CC'ers here would love to stow away in your luggage. As for myself 3 to 4 weeks would be my absolute limit.

[wander]

Regarding seasickness preventions. My longest cruise was 64 days, but even on shorter ones I take a goodly supply of pills (100 pill bottles are very inexpensive at WalMart). I take them for at least the first day whenever the ship leaves a port with a "bar" to cross or one that is known for being rough. Or, when the Captain warns the passengers of potential rough seas ahead. As a result I have never gotten seasick, when many others have. Of course, I do not take them unless I am concerned about a particular area, sea, etc.

For example, I have thankfully taken them: when leaving NYC for Bermuda, for one Tasman Sea crossing, going between Antarctica and South America, and going around "The Horn". Now, some such crossings are calm, but many are not and the waves can come up quickly. Then too there is luck involved. On one crossing of the Tasman Sea we had a very calm crossing while the QE2 (then new) was one day behind us and they had major problems, injuries, etc. We met some of their "walking wounded" in the Aukland Airport on the way home. Now, their ship was huge compared to ours (about 800 passenger size). We were lucky.

Of course, sometimes it is a lonely experience when you are one of the few feeling just fine.

Have a wonderful trip. I still hope to make the full World Cruise one of these years.

[Aussie Gal]

As long as you take your sea sickness medication in advance you will be fine. I envy you and would love to stow away in your cabin.

Jennie