First ever cruise... please help me!

[lakerman]

Hello all.

I have heard fantastic things about this site, so I've decided to 'join the gang'. I have a question... My first ever cruise is coming up on the 26th of March for 7-days to the Mexican Riviera (the week of Spring Break) and need tips on how to optimize my experience on the Oosterdam. I have no idea what to bring, wear, expect, etc.

I am surprising my girlfriend for our four-year anniversary and want to make sure I have everything in order. Any tips on what to bring? What's suitable for formal nights? What should I expect? Any suggestions at the ports?

We're in our mid-20's and I wanted this vacation to be relaxing... what is their to do for fun on the ship?

I'm very excited, but also nervous because it seems so overwhelming; I just want to be prepared and have a good time. My girlfriend and I also don't have passports, but have the other documents required to board the ship. Is this okay? Or should we fork out the ~$150 for an expidited passport?

Please give me all the advice, comments, etc. you have...

Sorry for throwing so much all at once...


Thank you everyone!!!

[Bill S]

lakerman: welcome to the HAL board and congratulations on your first cruise! If you are like the rest of us here, you will become addicted to cruising within hours of embaking on the Oosterdam, which by most recent reviews, is a great ship with a great crew.

Clothing: day-time it is entirely very casual-jeans, shorts, etc are fine. HAL has 3 basic dress code requests for the evenings: casual, informal and formal. For guys, casual nights are like khakis/chino slacks and polo shirt/casual shirt with collar, short or long sleeve. On a 7day cruise expect 4 casual nights, with the first and last nights definitely being casual nights.

On informal nights, HAL asks that men wear a jacket/sport coat, tie is optional.

For formal nights, HAL suggests tux or dark business suit, but even a sports coat with tie will be ok. The dress codes requested are for the entire evening in public venues. If you don't want to dress up for dinner on other than casual nights, you can dine up in the Lido Restaurant where is it always casual.

The daytime activities on HAL are varied and very laid back, ranging from trivial pursuit, art auctions, dance lessons, bingo or just kicking back and doing nothing. There is an internet cafe if you cannot stay away from the internet and the Oosterdam cabins do have ports for in-cabin connection but I have read that from cabins, access is pretty slow.

At sea, the casino will also be open and in the evenings there will be at least 3 lounges with a variety of live music for listening/dancing.

All in all, life on HAL is prettly relaxed, best described probably as "casual elegance"

Hope this helps you and again, welcome, and ask away!

[ekerr19]

Welcome to the boards!

Make sure both of you have proper birth certificates (no photocopies, with the State seal, etc.), if so - I wouldn't spend the extra for expedited passports for this trip, but you may want to keep it in mind to get them in the future. It will save a lot of headaches. If either of you have California birth certificates, make sure they are not the "short form" birth certificates, which were primarily issued in the 80's...

We frequently travel at Spring Break and I think you will pleasantly surprised at the demographics over this holiday.

Any more questions, just ask away!

[richnorto]

I can't tell you what to do in the mexican Riviera - not sure what that trip entails, but if there is a good place to snorkle and you like water, It could be a great thing to do with your girlfriend - fun, different and private time. Don't do the expedited passports, but plan to get them on your return. I've learned life and vacations can be more spontaneous if you have one. If you're doing the packing:D :rolleyes: :D ...check out the board on this website - I think it's precruise or something, and they have a packing list of everything you wouldn't think of but might need. Long listing board!!! Have a great time, kick back and create some really special memories!:)

[jhannah]

I would also suggest you visit the HAL website. There is a plethora of information on arrival, shipboard life, disembarkation, what to wear, etc. Also all their passenger policies. It will be worthwhile reading until your "Know Before You Go" booklet arrives with your cruise documents. Good luck, and welcome! (Oh, since you will soon have the cruising bug, do get passports as soon as you get back. That way you'll be ready to sail anywhere in the world.)

[dakrewser]

What sorts of things do you like to do on vacations - are you water rats, culture vultures, shop-til-you-drop, or ???


Also use the board's search function to search on "Oosterdam" and hope over the the Mexican Riviera section of the PORTS boards. You might also check to see if your cruise has been posted to the HAL Roll Call board...

[gizmo]

Check out the Mexican Riveria board under the Ports of Call on this site. There is some good info on Mexcian Riviera.

[doone]

Welcome to the boards and the wonderful world of cruising.

I would suggest you make reservations at the Pinnacle Grill. This is a dining option onboard. It will cost you $20 per person to eat here, but the food is fantastic. The first night onbaord the cost of the Pinnacle Grill is $10 per person. You can call ships servies and make your reservation for either the first night or any other night. I highly recommend it.

[mechcc]

Check out the thread posted by RevNeal. It is titled "Rev.Neal Photo from the Oosterdam" great pictures of the cruise your taking.

Relax, go with the flow and you'll love the experiance. Good Luck!!

hcc

[lgt]

For packing info, try www.***************. Linda has tons of general packing info for both guys and gals (and lots of things you would never think of). I know its a surprise, but you will tell her ahead of time, right. Not try to pack for her and take her to the ship, because you could have mutiny! Hve a wonderful time. There is lots of info on this board with many willing members to help you.

[lgt]

Sorry, forgot you can't mention other websites; didn't realize she was also an agent. She is a CruiseDiva however.

[lakerman]

WOW!!! Everyone on this website is so friendly and helpful! I have never been part of a community this friendly (and not to mention replies quickly)!

Thanks... I have so many questions and will be sure to ask them... =)

Actually... I have one; what are some of the 'charged' services that are worth spending money on? I heard of the Lido restaurant... but what else?

Thanks!!!

[dakrewser]

WOW!!! Everyone on this website is so friendly and helpful! I have never been part of a community this friendly (and not to mention replies quickly)!

Thanks... I have so many questions and will be sure to ask them... =)

Actually... I have one; what are some of the 'charged' services that are worth spending money on? I heard of the Lido restaurant... but what else?

Thanks!!!

We try to be helpful and friendly, but not everyone agrees with you :eek:

There's no charge for anything in the Lido, which is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, late night snacks and much more. You may be thinking of the Pinnace Grill, the "alternative restaurant" which is like the best steak house you've ever seen. Most agree it's well worth the $20/PP charge ($10 on the first night of your cruise). It's also frequently open for lunch (at $10/head) if you really want to tie on the feedbag.

[Cindy-Sue]

We're on the same cruise as you are! Cabo San Lucas has some great fishing. Also, the boat trip to Los Arcos is a must, at least one time! We're hanging at the beach doing the parasailing/jetski thing, since we will have three kids in our group. The adults are golfing in Mazatlan, while the kids go horseback riding and in Puerto Vallarta, 6 in our group are doing the dolphin encounter. You will love the cruise life, welcome aboard and...

BON VOYAGE!

Cindy Sue :)

[wallie5446]

When we did our 1st cruise, way back when, our TA let us watch a video done by the cruise Line about the ship we were sailing on. Watching it was one of the best things we ever did. If you are not going thru an agent your public libaray may have some. It will give you a better feel for the flow and activites on board. If there is not one on the Oosterdam, then any HAL video will work.

[Sinbad37]

We loved the Oosterdam so much that we would not get off!!!!

We did an "unplanned" Back-to-Back our first time on Oosterdam. We went into our cabin and DH says, one week is not enough! We enjoyed the ship, her crew, and our elegant service! Although we were unable to stay in the same cabin, Back-to-Back (SS that was alreay booked) the consultant made it possible for us to stay onboard in another cabin.

They helped us move to a smaller cabin. This was Eastern & Western Caribbean
and the second week was also a balcony.

So glad you signed on! Let us know about your journey!