First Time Cruiser - What to Expect

[jthoward]

My fiance (wife at the time of the cruise) are going on the Conquest 5-9-04. This is our first time and this will be our honeymoon. We are both very excited. Any tips, suggestions to make the cruise more enjoyable?

How is money handled? Do I need to bring cash for offshore activites? Can we use more than one credit card?

Any information would be greatly appreaciated

[ralmyers]

There is a poster on this board with a really informative website. I think his name is Chris, check it out: www.cruisingislife.com (http://www.cruisingislife.com)

You will love the cruise, I have not been on any other vacations where I feel so relaxed. I also went for my honeymoon, and am on my way back for my 5th anniv. Good luck and Congrats!

Triumph
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&timezone=GMT-0500">

Fantasy - 94
Imagination - 95
Ecstasy - 99
Triumph - 04

[NikkiFer]

Congrats on your wedding!!! You must be sooo excited!

You have chosen my favorite ship! The Conquest is wonderful. Make sure that you take a ton of pictures! When you fill out your boarding pass info you will notice a page for the sign and sail account. All purchases onboard are done with your sign and sail. You can use cash to pay towards it, or a major credit card. You will want to bring cash for your offshore excursions. Bring lots of ones and fives, they don't like to make change. Also you can use more than one credit card, just towards the end of the cruise you will head on over to the pursers desk and they will assist you.

Chris's website is very informative, you can spend a day just going through all of his info!

Once again, congrats & have a super time http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Nikki
(O.A.T.C. & Proud of it!)

<marquee direction=right width=45%>Mariner of the Seas 09-19-04!</marquee>
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Carnival Miracle 02-13-05!
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Triumph 09/08/01, Holiday 04/17/02, Inspiration 01/19/03, Triumph 05/10/03, Ecstacy 09/15/03, Conquest CONQUESTADORS!! 01/11/04

Check out my pictures!
http://community.webshots.com/user/nikkifer

[Ronath]

We'll be on the Conquest on 5/9 also. It's a great ship. You can use either a credit card of cash for your sail & sign card (for all shipboard purchases and tours purchased through the ship). If you use cash, you have to give them a payment in advance; if you use credit card you'll get a statement at the end of the cruise letting you know how much you spent. For anything off the ship you should have cash, but you can also use your credit card at most stores. Below are some pix from our Conquest cruise last year.

Check out our pictures: http://community.webshots.com/user/natron24

Premier Royale 7/87
Sovereign of the Seas 11/90
Enchanted Seas 4/91
Ecstasy 11/91
Celebration 6/92
Crown Princess 11/92
Enchanted Seas 12/92
Tropicale 6/93
Crown Princess 11/93
Enchanted Seas 12/93
Celebration 6/94
Regal Princess 10/94
Enchanted Seas 12/94
Tropicale 4/95
Regal Princess 10/95
Enchanted Isle 5/96
Enchanted Isle 8/96
Crown Princess 10/96
Nieuw Amsterdam 4/97
Enchanted Isle 9/97
Celebration 10/97
Enchanted Isle 4/98
Norwegian Star 7/98
Celebration 11/98
Enchanted Isle 12/98
Norwegian Sea 5/99
Enchanted Isle 11/99
Enchanted Isle 5/00
Destiny 11/00
Inspiration 5/01
Celebrity Century 11/01
Explorer of the Seas 11/02
Carnival Conquest 5/03
Rhapsody of the Seas 11/03
Carnival Conquest 5/04
Sun Princess 11/04


http://www.animationlibrary.com/Animation11/Animals/Fish/Fishes_kiss.gif

[jthoward]

What about taking a video camera? or is it better to take a good digital camera with you?

Thanks for all the info folks, really looking forward to it.

[jerrymac]

We just got off the Victory and we took a digital and a camcorder, took over 400 pics and wish we took more!

4/4 Victory cruise
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[fascination 5/10]

Nikkifer..

great shots! Your drink of the day would be good education for another thread where someone was inquiring... a pic is worth a thousand words!

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;5;10;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Fascination 5/12/03

[halos]

What you can expect is to have such a great time that you'll become instantly addicted like the rest of us junkies here.
Congratulations and have a great time!

I believe in Miracles
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[hstrybuf]

1) Expect to have a good time and go with a great attitude!

2) Don't sweat the small things, in the end they don't matter.

3) And don't try to do everything. Pick out what looks good so you don't come home from your vacation needing a vacation!

4) Be sure to read the boards and post a new topic when you have any questions. People around here are very helpful and knowledgeable.

Congrats on the upcoming wedding! Have a great cruise! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

http://www.bensleyraceteam.com/Ani_Gif_Images/bookworm2.gif

Navigator OTS 10/04
Legend 04/04
Grand Princess 09/03
Dawn Princess 01/03
Enchantment OTS 10/02
Destiny 01/02
Sensation 08/99

[celbercrz333]

Congrats on getting married, JT!!! Here's a tip for your wife. Tell her to get a small clear changepurse on a keyring and get a (telephone wirelike) springy wristband and attach them together. When on board or going out on the town, this is great for your ship's card (which is linked to your credit card on board) and it allows you back on the ship. You can also put some small bills and coins in it and you can easily see what's in it. I used mine like crazy on our first cruise last year to Bermuda for our 25th anniversary. Second tip: just try to enjoy yourselves!
--Joanne
Celbrity Zenith 10/2003
coming fall 2004: Fascination

[celbercrz333]

Ronath,
Wow you have been on a lot of cruises. What is your favorite ship and what is your favorite destination?
-Joanne

[Ronath]

Joanne, our favorite destinations are Hawaii (several land vacations), Cozumel, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Barbados and most all of the Southern Caribbean. Not much variety, huh? As far as favorite ship, I can't say. A few years back the Crown Princess and Regal Princess were our favorites. Before that it was the Sovereign of the Seas. But they are really all great in their own ways. One of our biggest favorites was a small, old ship, the Enchanted Isle. The crewmembers treated you like family. The Explorer of the Seas was a real nice ship too, and of course the Conquest. I see you're from Maryland. I grew up on the Eastern Shore (St. Michaels).

Ron

Check out our pictures: http://community.webshots.com/user/natron24

Premier Royale 7/87
Sovereign of the Seas 11/90
Enchanted Seas 4/91
Ecstasy 11/91
Celebration 6/92
Crown Princess 11/92
Enchanted Seas 12/92
Tropicale 6/93
Crown Princess 11/93
Enchanted Seas 12/93
Celebration 6/94
Regal Princess 10/94
Enchanted Seas 12/94
Tropicale 4/95
Regal Princess 10/95
Enchanted Isle 5/96
Enchanted Isle 8/96
Crown Princess 10/96
Nieuw Amsterdam 4/97
Enchanted Isle 9/97
Celebration 10/97
Enchanted Isle 4/98
Norwegian Star 7/98
Celebration 11/98
Enchanted Isle 12/98
Norwegian Sea 5/99
Enchanted Isle 11/99
Enchanted Isle 5/00
Destiny 11/00
Inspiration 5/01
Celebrity Century 11/01
Explorer of the Seas 11/02
Carnival Conquest 5/03
Rhapsody of the Seas 11/03
Carnival Conquest 5/04
Sun Princess 11/04


http://www.animationlibrary.com/Animation11/Animals/Fish/Fishes_kiss.gif

[Ronath]

jthoward, we always bring our digital camera. Since it's your first cruise, and your honeymoon, you may want to bring the video also.

Check out our pictures: http://community.webshots.com/user/natron24

Premier Royale 7/87
Sovereign of the Seas 11/90
Enchanted Seas 4/91
Ecstasy 11/91
Celebration 6/92
Crown Princess 11/92
Enchanted Seas 12/92
Tropicale 6/93
Crown Princess 11/93
Enchanted Seas 12/93
Celebration 6/94
Regal Princess 10/94
Enchanted Seas 12/94
Tropicale 4/95
Regal Princess 10/95
Enchanted Isle 5/96
Enchanted Isle 8/96
Crown Princess 10/96
Nieuw Amsterdam 4/97
Enchanted Isle 9/97
Celebration 10/97
Enchanted Isle 4/98
Norwegian Star 7/98
Celebration 11/98
Enchanted Isle 12/98
Norwegian Sea 5/99
Enchanted Isle 11/99
Enchanted Isle 5/00
Destiny 11/00
Inspiration 5/01
Celebrity Century 11/01
Explorer of the Seas 11/02
Carnival Conquest 5/03
Rhapsody of the Seas 11/03
Carnival Conquest 5/04
Sun Princess 11/04


http://www.animationlibrary.com/Animation11/Animals/Fish/Fishes_kiss.gif

[L2J]

I'm sure this has already been said but it's worth saying again:

Attitude is everything!

Go expecting less and you'll leave feeling like you've gotten more.

Treat the crew as you would expect them to treat you.

Relax and enjoy!!

Liv...Winds are 15 knots and holding....the whole world is a drop zone!
http://heathersanimations.com/military/newparach.gif



http://www.bigotis.com/saintsinners.gif
http://www.bigotis.com/valorvampires.gif

NCL Sky 2/02

[Cotton]

Congrats on your marriage! YES, by all means, take your camcorder! I take both types of cameras, and although I truly love my many photos, there's just nothing like watching, listening, and almost re-living the video!

I posted yesterday about my video from my last cruise. I have some gorgeous footage of dolphins frolicking alongside the ship in the ocean, flying fish - amazing. The sights and sounds on the islands, as well as on the ship, are almost as good as being back there!

I don't think you'll regret taking the camcorder.

Festivale 1987
Carnivale 1988
Mardi Gras 1989
Pacific Princess 1990
Norway 1994
Holiday 2001
Holiday 2002
Holiday 2003

[Jasonsterling]

Since it's your first cruise I'll warn you up front that there's usually a long line and a bit of a wait to board the ship. It's all the worse because of the anticipation of boarding and really can't be helped- after all 3000 people are trying to get on right after 3000 people have just disembarked but keep it and everything in focus. The wait is really not much longer than the average wait to board a water ride at an amusement park and this ride last a whole week!

Also be sure and explore the Conquest well. There are little out of the way areas (Like Alfred's bar) that are really well done and not terribly crowded that you may want to find. As well the internet cafe is tucked away there. And be sure and try the Point Resturant- It requires reservations in advance (I would make them as soon as you board if you have a specific night you'd like) and the atmosphere will definitely be conductive to romance. The food is fantastic there as well! I absoluetly love the ship and will sail her again when she's doing a different route. It's a beautiful vessel and I hope Carnival continues in that direction- I greatly admire their treatment of this ship.

Anyway, congratulations and have a great cruise!

Sensation Feb 2002
Conquest Feb 2003
Elation Sept 2003

Destiny- May 2004!!!

[celbercrz333]

Ronath,
Having grown up near the bay is why I think my hubby and I didn't get seasick on our first cruise. We grew up with "sea legs". LOL. The first night of our cruise we hit the side of tropical storm Marty and had (we are told) 11 foot swells. People couldn't eat and we were like, show us the menu!!!! By the way, most of our early experience was on boats only 17 or 18 feet long.
-Joanne
Celebrity Zenith 10/2003
coming: Fascination Fall 2004

[jthoward]

What about shots? Do we need to get them?

[fascination 5/10]

Shouldn't need shots, though I like to be sure I'm current with tetanus in case I cut my foot on a rock or something while on shore...what are your port stops?

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;5;10;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Fascination 5/12/03

[celbercrz333]

JT,
Where are you going on the Conquest? I agree that tetnis (sp?) shots might be a good idea. Don't go overboard with planning your trip. I think I took everything but the kitchen sink, lol. People suggested I take duct tape for those quick all purpose fixes, but I didn't need it. Glad I had it anyway. I did find a long list of everything you could possibly need for a cruise on another site, but can't remember the name of it......above all, enjoy your trip!
--Joanne

[fascination 5/10]

I think there are all kinds of packing lists on **************. There's some great info on that site too!

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;5;10;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Fascination 5/12/03

[fascination 5/10]

oops....forgot. It's the cruisediva website...I think it's legal to say that.

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;5;10;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Fascination 5/12/03

[Ronath]

The Conquest goes to Montego Bay, Jamaica, Grand Cayman & Cozumel. Just don't step on the stingrays in Grand Cayman.

Check out our pictures: http://community.webshots.com/user/natron24

Premier Royale 7/87
Sovereign of the Seas 11/90
Enchanted Seas 4/91
Ecstasy 11/91
Celebration 6/92
Crown Princess 11/92
Enchanted Seas 12/92
Tropicale 6/93
Crown Princess 11/93
Enchanted Seas 12/93
Celebration 6/94
Regal Princess 10/94
Enchanted Seas 12/94
Tropicale 4/95
Regal Princess 10/95
Enchanted Isle 5/96
Enchanted Isle 8/96
Crown Princess 10/96
Nieuw Amsterdam 4/97
Enchanted Isle 9/97
Celebration 10/97
Enchanted Isle 4/98
Norwegian Star 7/98
Celebration 11/98
Enchanted Isle 12/98
Norwegian Sea 5/99
Enchanted Isle 11/99
Enchanted Isle 5/00
Destiny 11/00
Inspiration 5/01
Celebrity Century 11/01
Explorer of the Seas 11/02
Carnival Conquest 5/03
Rhapsody of the Seas 11/03
Carnival Conquest 5/04
Sun Princess 11/04


http://www.animationlibrary.com/Animation11/Animals/Fish/Fishes_kiss.gif