First Cruise...Advice Needed!

[Maiden_Voyage]

My husband and I will be taking our very first cruise in Feb. 2008. We will be aboard the Holland America Line's Westerdam. Our ports of call will be Grand Turks, Tortola, St. Maartin/St. Martin, and Half Moon Cay.

Any advice, tips, suggestions would be warmly welcomed. Thanks!

What to bring, what not to bring, what not to miss, what could be skipped, really any advice would be great...we are very excited about embarking on this adventure and want to get the most out of it. Thanks again!

[Orlandocruiser]

Try not to overpack! The trouble with having too much luggage is that you have to find it all in the terminal after the cruise - the items are grouped by disembarcation group but your suitcases won't all be together. Also mark them really well with colored masking tape (available at Michaels) or brightly colored handle covers.

I swear I won't take as much as the last time and always have more than I need. We drive to the port and so don't have to be particularly careful about how much we pack, but even when we have tried to cut back we have too much. Our last cruise was 14 days and(except for evening clothes) I took what I had taken on our last 10 day cruise and I still had things I didn't wear. You will need less day wear on the ship than you think. (and you don't really need all those shoes I know you are planning to take)

As for gadgets make sure you take a power strip for all those things you need to keep charged as there is only one plug in the rooms. I've never been on the Westerdam so I can't help you out there but I'm sure others can.

Oh best tip off all - RELAX and have fun.

[terrydtx]

Bring a great attitude and smiles on your faces and you will love HAL and have the best vacation ever!!!:D :D :D :D

If it is a 7 day cruise you will have 2 formal nights and the rest are smart casual for dinner. Don’t be intimidated by the formal dress, most men now wear dark suits and the women dresses or what they would wear for a nice night out on the town. If you are wine drinker HAL allows no limits on wine and champagne brought aboard for your personal consumption, you can also bring aboard your own soft drinks and bottled water. Take a bottle of wine to dinner and you pay only a corkage fee of $15 per bottle.

Finally let me welcome you to not only HAL but this board where you will find out almost everything you need to know about your cruise. There are a lot of cruise savvy and very experienced past cruisers here and most are more than happy to share with you about their experiences both good and bad.

[Maiden_Voyage]

Thanks so much Orlandocruiser. Power strip....genius! I tend to overpack...Always! I will definitely keep your words of wisdom with me as I am preparing to pack! And your comment about the shoes...it's like you know me :) Thanks again!

[Maiden_Voyage]

Thanks terrydtx. We are looking forward to our HAL experience!

[jtl513]

We haven't been there yet either, but we're told that The Baths on Virgin Gorda (an excursion from Tortola) is a must-see at least once. Unfortunately I've also been told it can get crowded if a couple of large ships are in Tortola at the same time. Ask me again in about 7 weeks! :)

[mamaofami]

You will love Half Moon Cay. It's a beautiful beach with the finest sand.

If you like the beach, we love to go to Magen's Beach in St. Thomas and Cane's Bay Beach in Tortola. The Baths in Virgin Gorda are lots of fun too, but we were there years ago and haven't felt the need to go back.

The best advice I got last year was to buy a plastic shoe bag that goes over the bathroom door. All those pockets hold lots of things, keeps the desk area clear, and it's easy to see what's in the clear pockets.

You might want to go over to the ports of call boards and look at what people have to say for each of the ports you will be going to. They are very good about answering questions about the different islands.

For evening, I try to keep my clothes color co ordinated so I can cut back on the number of shoes. And I do double up on what I wear at night. One pair of pants for two tops, etc.

If you haven't done so already, join your roll call and speak to other people who will be on your cruise. It's fun to plan with them.

I've never been on the Westerdam, but I've been on two other Vista class ships and I'm sure you'll have a great cruise. We stop at some of the same ports in February, but we leave from NYC. We'll be going to St. Thomas, St. Martin, and Tortola too. WHo knows, we could be in port together.

[traveler1980]

Welcome to the HAL board! Congratulations on your first cruise. We recently just took our first cruise to Alaska and have already booked for another Alaskan cruise in July!

#1 Relax and Enjoy! On a cruise there is no pressure to go go go....do life at your own pace!

On the day we boarded they had a ship orientation and we found that really nice to get to know the ship.

I really enjoyed buying a thermal spa pass for the week.

I also loved the mango margaritas!

It is also great on the cruise to just try new things.

You will have a fabulous trip! I look forward to your report!

[Solstice]

Lucky you! The first cruise and it's on HAL! You will have a blast.

All the advice you've received is good. You'll find more storage than you expect but the power strip will be very useful. Once you unpack you can store your luggage under the bed. There isn't much shelf room in the bathroom so you should each have one of those hanging toiletries bags.

If you bring sodas, water and wine on board, you can ask the room steward to remove the items you won't want from your little refrigerator. That way you'll have room for your own things. He'll bring you fresh fruit every day, too.

Getting around on the ship may surprise you in that a lot of walking is required. On my first cruise I had one pair of flip-flops and a few pairs of cute sandals with higher heels. After the first loooooong walk, I ended up wearing the flops the whole cruise. At least they have a few rhinestones on them so didn't look ridiculous with my formal clothes! LOL. My advice? Bring cute shoes that don't hurt! Walk from one end of your local mall to the other TWICE to test them out.

Take some time the first day to walk all over the ship and check out everything. We relaxed so fast on the last cruise and spent so much time with family that we didn't go exploring. On the next to the last day we found a bar we loved and wished we had been able to spend an evening there. Anyone who tells you they got bored on a 7 day cruise just wasn't nosy enough to find all the spaces available. There is truly something for everyone on board.

Ignore the signs that say 'crew only' on the doors that go out to the very front of the ship on deck 4 and 5. They will probably be closed off on At Sea days but you may still be able to get out there. Great for whale watching and sight seeing.

Enjoy your cabin steward and your waiter at dinner. If you treat them kindly instead of like servants they will treat you like royalty and help make your cruise really special. I'm sure they aren't all wonderful, but many of them are.

Bring binoculars!

Don't miss the bread pudding every afternoon or the raisin buns at breakfast.

Sleep in.

Order room service.

Life is good.

Enjoy!



Kate

[LegalSailor]

Congratulations on booking the first cruise! I am certain that you will have a blast, and here are three things to remember:
1. Bring a cheap battery powered clock for your room, if you want to know what time it is and if you need an alarm, its your best bet.
2. If you are the beach bum like me, Cane Garden Bay on Tortola (15 minute cab ride, about 8 bucks a person) is the best relaxation beach on the whole island!
3. Half Moon Cay is amazing! My favorite thing to do there besides the snorkeling, was to grab a clam shell on the beach and order a rum punch - you get a commemorative bottle, and its one of the best drinks you will have on the cruise!
Enjoy the Westerdam, she's a great ship!:D
Cheers,

[beachdreaming]

1) Have you checked out the Roll Call boards to see if one has been started for your cruise. Either start it or join the one the one that is already started. It's great to start meeting people that you'll be cruising with.
2) Also, once on board make and effort to meet others. That's one of the best things about cruising....all the great people you will meet.
3) If so inclined...join in on board activites. I was timid/shy my first cruise and stayed back and observed instead of joining in. Looking back, I wish I had joined in.....everyone was having so much fun and it could have been me.
4) Don't be afraid to ask questions....ask crew, staff, fellow passengers...everyone there can relate to being a "newbie cruiser" and would love to help you get addicted to cruising too!!!!
5) Please post a review afterwards to let us know what you thought.
6) Prepare to have a wonderful time and take lots of pictures for a constant reminder of tha amazing time you had.

Happy sailing!!!!

[sheephugs]

Congrats on your first cruise...you will be addicted!
1. I second Kate's suggestion of bread pudding and raisin buns. Also try the Muesli (sp?) at breakfast, it will make you feel virtuous about taking extra raisin buns.

2. Definately reserve a clam shell at Half Moon Cay. There is very little natural shade there & it is handy for the scattered passing tropical showers that might pop up. I also go to the local discount shop & get one of those cheap ($2.00) blow up rafts & float for hours. It is packaged flat & takes up very little room.

3. Get a cute thing to hang on your cabin doorknob. Not real big that it would cause problems. We usually go at Thanksgiving & I have a little stuffed turkey that is made to hang on doorknobs. I have also used stuffed flowers with the long wire "stem" & wrap it around. I used a plastic lei on Carnival & it was stolen on the second day. Well, actually it was ripped & I found two pieces of it tied to cabin doors down the hall (they were Einsteins).

4. Bring you own plastic cup if you don't intend to buy a soda card. The complimentary iced tea is delicious but it's not cold. So by the time you fill up the itsy bitsy glass with ice, very little tea can be accomodated. A plastic tumbler will limited your trips to the tea station, however it was a good way to walk off the trough of bread pudding I usually get.:D

Most importantly have a wonderful time & a positive attitude. I remember my first time fondly;)

[Harry1954]

welcome to the HAL board ...
to add to all the great information you have gotten, don't forget to bring dollar bills to tip those that should be tipped. On our first HAL cruise, we did not know this and had a heck of a time finding tip money. Room Service, Excursion personnel, and others such as this should be tipped each time they serve you.
harry

[osiebosie]

Here's what I tell newbies:

Bring binoculars (already mentioned).

Wait until the end of the cruise to purchase any photos. We have photos taken all the time and then pick one or maybe two at the end of the cruise. If you purchase too early, you will find one better later, and end up spending too much money on photos.

Bring an extension cord (already mentioned).

Use the unlimited laundry package ($70 for a ten day cruise on Maasdam). It is well worth it, and you can pack less.

If you are flying, go at least one day early. Fly out after noon if flying on the day of disembarkation.

We got a cabana on HMC and loved it. Pricey, but nice. No butler.

We also purchased online the water bottle holders, which were in the cabin when we arrived, complete with water. Very nice for ports.

If you think you'll snorkel and you never have, purchase an underwater kodak and take a self-portrait of yourself first while underwater. It's fun, and then you know which pics belong to who/whom.

We do not do ship excursions. Always go off on our own, either by renting a taxi and telling them what we want to do, or walking, or renting a car. Never ever had a problem in all of our cruises, mainly because we are responsible and don't push the time limit.

Wear your tightest clothes first, as they will only get tighter. Better yet, wear all stretchey clothes!

Have fun,

Shay

[terrydtx]

And be forewarned for some insane reason your dry cleaners will shrink your clothes after you get back from the cruise.:eek: :eek:

[Maiden_Voyage]

A big THANKS to all of you for your excellent tips, ideas, suggestions, etc. So many things that I would have never considered! Thanks again! :)

[MandyK]

Thanks so much for starting this thread Maiden! My husband and I are embarking on our 1st cruise ever in on Dec 2nd (also on the Westerdam), and I have tons of questions! We will be going to all the same ports you will, so I will definitely let you know how it was once I get back... you know, from one newbie to another!:D

There have been some awesome replies already, thanks to everyone who has contributed! I have started compiling a list of things I hadn't thought to bring yet... like binoculars and shoe bag for over the door.

Maiden, I hope you don't mind if I add some questions here, it just seems like the perfect place to put them...

1. I know on the HAL website, it mentions something about not being able to iron in your room. What about a travel clothes steamer? I'm assuming that would be ok? Are there ironing stations on the Westerdam since there are no laundry machines for public use on the ship?

2. When you bring cokes/water on board, is there a limit? Do you have to put them in your carryon bag when boarding or have them out so they can see them?

3. How much cash do you recommend bringing onboard? What all will I need cash for besides tipping?

Thanks so much for everyone's help.... I am so excited I'll be cruising a month from now!:D

Mandy

[terrydtx]

Thanks so much for starting this thread Maiden! My husband and I are embarking on our 1st cruise ever in on Dec 2nd (also on the Westerdam), and I have tons of questions! We will be going to all the same ports you will, so I will definitely let you know how it was once I get back... you know, from one newbie to another!:D

There have been some awesome replies already, thanks to everyone who has contributed! I have started compiling a list of things I hadn't thought to bring yet... like binoculars and shoe bag for over the door.

Maiden, I hope you don't mind if I add some questions here, it just seems like the perfect place to put them...

1. I know on the HAL website, it mentions something about not being able to iron in your room. What about a travel clothes steamer? I'm assuming that would be ok? Are there ironing stations on the Westerdam since there are no laundry machines for public use on the ship?

2. When you bring cokes/water on board, is there a limit? Do you have to put them in your carryon bag when boarding or have them out so they can see them?

3. How much cash do you recommend bringing onboard? What all will I need cash for besides tipping?

Thanks so much for everyone's help.... I am so excited I'll be cruising a month from now!:D

Mandy

Mandy,

Welcome to HAL and this board. You will love HAL and cruising!!

1) Not sure about iron steamer question, would assume steamer ok. Fire risk is the reason for no flat irons.
2) There is no limit on water and sodas brought aboard. You can check a case at the dock with luggage or carry on with you. We use a colapsable wheeled insulated cooler to carry on our beverages including wine. I will post a picture of this for you. We bought this at COSTCO for $30 and works great. Also use it to keep the wine at “room” temp with a little ice.
3) You will only need cash for tipping extra over the amount per day charged on you cruise account, like for room service and the specialty restaurant wait staff or others you feel deserve more than the $10 charge per day. Also need cash to tip luggage handlers dockside and shore tour guides.. We usually bring $200 in 1 dollar bills for tipping.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic and your first HAL cruise.

You will have great time.

[JDOUGLEJ]

Welcome to the best vacation in the world to Maiden Voyage and Mandy K. I certainly hope you enjoy your cruise as much as DW and I enjoy our cruises. There is already a ton of good advice on this thread. As for as cash, you will not need any on board since all charges go on your aboard account unless you use the casino where they will gladly accept your money. Other cash depends on what your plans are on shore, shopping, eating, drinking, etc. We take decent amount of cash but always leave most in our cabin safe when ashore. Also, any shopping is done with credit card except in Mexico where that negotiated bargain can easily become the regular price when you get your statement later. The best advice I can give you is intend to have a great time and do not let some little problem upset that intention. You will find almost every cruiser and employee of the cruise line to be great people. WE HAVE NEVER MET A CRUISE WE DID NOT ENJOY. one more thing, we usually leave rings in the safe when ashore also.:) ;) :D

[RuthC]

1. I know on the HAL website, it mentions something about not being able to iron in your room. What about a travel clothes steamer? I'm assuming that would be ok? Are there ironing stations on the Westerdam since there are no laundry machines for public use on the ship?

1) Not sure about iron steamer question, would assume steamer ok. Fire risk is the reason for no flat irons.
No, steamers are also not allowed in cabins for the same reason that irons aren't.

There are several alternatives to an iron/steamer. You can send clothing out to be pressed. You can also bring some Downey Wrinkle Release, or hang your clothes in a steamy bathroom. I understand that if you pack using dry cleanser plastic around your clothes the wrinkles will be minimized---or eliminated.
If all else fails you can start a new fashion of wearing wrinkles! :D

[beachdreaming]

Hey Mandy (we're cruising together - can't wait to meet you) and Maiden:

If you have an inside cabin - bring a plug in night light for the bathroom. It blinds you to have to go from a totally black cabin to the BRIGHT bathroom light - the nightlight helps you avoid this.

Bring a highlighter and sticky notes - highlighter to mark activities you want to do on the daily schedule you are given in your cabin and sticky notes to leave cabin steward a reminder or to let your cabin mate know where they can find you in case you're out and about on your own.

Extra large plastic bags (think huge) to take to the beach - when I get there, I put my tote bags, towels etc inside the large bag to avoid getting sand all over everything. Then when it's time to leave, I pitch the plastic bag and leave without to much extra sand. It's also handy to keep your stuff dry when a brief afternoon rain hits.

Terri

[MandyK]

Thanks so much for the awesome answers, now I'll have to come up with more questions! :D

Thanks for letting me know that steamers are not allowed, that's something I can cross of my shopping list. Downy Wrinkle Release? Great idea! I hadn't thought of that yet.. has anyone used these before, are they worth the money? Thanks for the other tips on how to get wrinkles out too!

Thanks for the picture of the tote for the cokes/water, that really helps!
And thanks for the answers on the cash situation... I now have a better idea of what to expect to spend cash on and not just put on my credit card.

Terri, I can't wait to meet you either, can you believe we'll be there in a month?!? Great idea about a big plastic bag, will definitely stuff a couple in my luggage! Also, thanks for reminding me of the nightlight, sticky notes and highlighter. Had heard about bringing them before, but hadn't put any on my packing list. They are all there now!

Thanks to all for all the advice, if you have any more advice to share for a newbie that hasn't been listed yet, please don't be shy!! ;)

[mamaofami]

MandyK,

I just bought travel size Downy dewrinkler at Walmarts. They seem to be one of the few places that has it. I tried it last year for the first time while cruising, and wow, even my cotton t shirts came out with no wrinkles. Just put it on the hanger and spray, and pull out the wrinkles.

I also pack my dressy clothes with those plastic bags from the cleaners and have not had a problem. I agree with Ruth., If all else fails, just go with a few wrinkles. Once you sit down once, you have them anyway.

[jtl513]

We pack most of our hang-up clothes in the suitcase with the light-weight plastic hangers still inserted. It makes it a breeze to unpack - one of us will take things out of the suitcases and hand them to the other standing at the closet. The hangars add almost no weight and very little bulk.

If you're in an inside cabin and you are early risers, you can use the TV as an artificial window. Tune it to the channel that shows the bow camera continuously, and leave it on all night. You'll wake up with a view of where you're going ... or are.

[beachdreaming]

If you are on a ship that uses disposable room keys/sail and sing cards that are like thin plastic credit cards - you can bring a lanyard from home or one of those plastic id badge holders that are on a retractable reel and the purser will punch a hole in them so that you can attach them to your lanyard or badge holder. Then you have an easy way to keep your room key with you.

[MandyK]

Great idea about the lanyard!

Bought my alarm clock and Downy DeWrinkler yesterday!

* Someone mentioned that there is only one power outlet in the room. Is this in the bathroom? Or is there a separate one in the bathroom?

* Also, are there plenty of clothes hangers supplied? Or do you recommend bringing some extra?

Thanks so much for the help!:D :D

[RuthC]

Mandy, the outlet is in the cabin---at the desk. There is also an outlet in the bathroom, but it's for shavers and an electric toothbrush.
And yes, there are more than enough hangers for most people. If you should need more just ask your steward and you shall have. I did take one very long cruise, and had a roomie, so had to ask for extra hangers. My personal best is a request for 30.

[Moerin78]

Congratulations on booking the first cruise! I am certain that you will have a blast, and here are three things to remember:
1. Bring a cheap battery powered clock for your room, if you want to know what time it is and if you need an alarm, its your best bet.
2. If you are the beach bum like me, Cane Garden Bay on Tortola (15 minute cab ride, about 8 bucks a person) is the best relaxation beach on the whole island!
3. Half Moon Cay is amazing! My favorite thing to do there besides the snorkeling, was to grab a clam shell on the beach and order a rum punch - you get a commemorative bottle, and its one of the best drinks you will have on the cruise!
Enjoy the Westerdam, she's a great ship!:D
Cheers,
Why do you have to bring a clock dont room have them

[osiebosie]

Couple of more thoughts:

We brought an over the door shoe holder, but never used it. No big deal, but the thing probably weighed a half pound. We just left it in the cabin when we left. The cabin was roomy and had plenty of storage.

No steamers. Mine has retired. I use the Downey wrinkle release, and I have also hung clothes in the bathroom and turned on the hot shower and steamed the wrinkles out of the clothes. In the future I will purchase the unlimited laundry and use the heck out of it. We did this last cruise, and it was worth every penny of the $70.

There were plenty of hangers. I actually packed some, just in case, because I have had to call and request more. However, there were plenty of the wooden ones that come in the closets, regular leftover hangers, and a couple of the fat, padded silk hangers.

Something someone mentioned on these threads that I brought on this cruise was travel-size packets of pond's face cleaner. It's really nice at the beach.

Have fun,

Shay

[beachdreaming]

osiebosie mentioned travel size stuff.....I buy a lot of things from www.minimus.biz - it's a great site that has lots of things in individual servings/units - food, tolietries, cleaning etc I wait until I have $20 worth of stuff before I order (or a combined order with friends) because then shipping is free. I order my individual fat free dressing packets from them and carry one in my purse for last minute eating out times. Check it out - you might be surprised what they offer.

Terri

[alonzo14]

I have never used a shoe rack on any cruise even an 11 day we took once. There is usually plenty of space especially using travel sized items. I did use the Wrinkle Release once but now I just steam the wrinkles out in the bathroom. With more restrictions these days it's best to take as little as possible.

minimus is a good site, but you can also get trial sized or travel items in most stores. If you have a Wallgreens or CVS you can go there. You can aslo go to Wallmart and you local grocery store. I go to at least two places as they have different things at each place.

If you use the mineral lines of make-up ( powerderd ) they can be put in your carry-on. They have expanded to concealer, powder, and eyeshadow as well as the foundation and blush.

Ponds travel size or regular size cleanser cloths are a good idea. They also can be carried in your carry-on. Also at the stores mentioned above as well as travel size items you can get travel size containers to put cleanser, lotion, face cream or any type of liquid item in it. They are usually 2 to 3oz. and depdending on what you put in your quart sized zip lock bag, you can also put these in too. Everything just has to fit in a zip lock type quart size bag.

I recommend taking 2 swimsuits so one can be drying. Coodinate you outfits. For example 3-4 blouses to go with 1 pair of brown pants. One skirt or dressy pants to go with 1 or 2 tops for formal nights. You get the picture.

Have plenty of ones for tipping stewards, room service, baggage handlers etc.
If you bring traveler's checks , the front desk can cash them for you.

You can leave a post it type note with your Room Steward in case you don't see him during the day and you need something. Notes of appreciation are well received too. You can take some post it note paper with you or use the stationary in your room if you have some.

Have a great cruise!!

[JimnKaren]

Much to my wife's chagrin, I seem to have a significant number of underwear that are less than super looking. They go on the cruise with me and never come back. An old t-shirt is great for a simple cover up to get to the pool, then leave it in the trash the last day. That leaves room for purchased memories.

Also, one never knows when a piece of luggage might "disappear" so it is best to pack a couple of day's worth of clothes in each suitcase. Some of each person's stuff goes into each bag. Then, if one is lost, all of that person's clothes are not lost.

PMA - positive mental attitude. This is vacation. Relax! You do not have to go everywhere and do everything, you will enjoy yourself so much that you will have the opportunity to return to many places again and again.

Jim

[beachdreaming]

I assume they are talking about the disposable one time use ones that you can get at WalMart for around $8.00 - a wonderful idea. You'll pay $20 - $25 if you get them on board or in port. I just bought mine today and have such fun with them at the beach.

Another tip is you are ever in a cabin with a tiny shower (no tub) is to clip clothes pins on the bottom of the shower curtain to weight it down a little to avoid the dreaded "attack of the curtain"

Hubby always takes duct tape - comes in handy to fix a variety of things. They sell travel size or just wrap a bunch around something you are already taking.

[JimnKaren]

It took us a while to figure this whole thing out. Please bear with me.

We always seem to add pounds to the total we carry when we cruise. We exercise, walk lots, try avoid more than three desserts, etc, but we always seem to gain weight. (Thus the hint about expandable clothes from earlier.) We eat the right stuff at home and only when we are on board do we have a problem.

Here is what we discovered...there is too much sodium in what is being prepared in the galley. We have a tendency to hold more fluids cause our bodies are not accustomed to that much sodium. I loooove the clear broths that they serve. I cannot duplicate that at home as much as I try. Loaded with sodium.

So, my hint to you is to take a diuretic with you. Only thing is, you cannot take a powerful diuretic if you are going on a long shore excursion. It would be OK on a sea day or a beach day where you can get to the facility very often. But, that should help deter some of the extra pounds that might accumulate while on that first cruise.

Jim

[beachdreaming]

Hubby & I are both in the medical field and think that a diuretic should only be used under the advice of a medical doctor. It could be very dangerous to self medicate with a diuretic - possible electrolyte imbalance causing cardiac involvement - not sure anyone would want to spend their cruise in the sick bay or the morgue.