Hello, (first post) we have never cruised before!

[silverwillow]

Hi I live in Western Australia and I'm an absolute newbie! But, yay, I have finally convinced my dh to take our first cruise! It's so funny I have been dreaming of cruising for about 6 months now and he only agreed to let me start saving for a big European cruise in a few years as we are both studying at the moment and are trying to reduce the mortgage. I couldn’t convince him to go sooner because we are flying home to New Zealand for a month for xmas 2010. Well then I found a cruise that ends in New Zealand with an itinerary he couldn’t resist and taught my toddler to say “daddy O I would wuv a cruise” lol. Wallah, I am now a potential starter for two cruises! Yippee! Can you tell I am excited?

I know it’s not for ages but I am going to try and learn and plan as much as I can so he won’t change his mind.

I hope you guys don’t mind a few questions this will be our first cruise and I did have about thirty questions but after reading for a few days I have narrowed them down a bit, I am sorry if you have heard them all before.

Given that we are on a budget we are most likely going to go with the cheapest cabin on the Diamond Princess, so inside, but may upgrade in that category to avoid noise or a bad cabin. (I don't fancy a tiny cabin with a young child who can't sleep because of the noise). Can anyone tell me if there are cabins to avoid or point me in the direction of the place to search if this has already been discussed? I can’t seem to find a search button for the forums?

Can anyone share their experience with being in a quad or triple cabin with young children? I know it would be fine for just dh and I but not sure how we will go at night when said child is asleep. Is it worth that bit (or more like a lot) extra to get a balcony so dh and I can go and talk out there at night?

On the Diamond Princess is there any area on the ship that you can sit indoors, relax and have a view of the ocean, ports, scenery ect? I don’t mind having an inside room as long as I can still enjoy the view from somewhere else on the ship.

Are there always places you can find that are not crawling with people? My husband would go mad if it was like a busy city/shopping centre all the time and we might be better to get a balcony in that case.

Do I pay the tips at the end of the cruise? With cash? Or do I need to give money to everyone who serves me? We are in Oz where we don’t usually tip.

Is the yoga or exercise classes free or extra cost?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Silverwillow.

[cruiseryyc]

Welcome to Cruise Critic. I can't answer any questions regarding the cabin and sharing it with little ones as I've never travelled with kids. While parts of the ship will be crowded (especially the pool area on sea days); there are always quiet spots that you and your husband can find to sit. Regarding tips, Princess adds a daily amount to your shipboard account so you only need to tip extra at the end of the week if someone has gone above and beyond in their service to you.

Have fun in your planning.

[alabama ghost]

Hi Silverwillow!

I'm glad you're so excited about your first cruise and love what you taught your child to say to your DH! I'll try to answer some of your questions, but can't give you many specifics since I've never been on the Diamond Princess.

1. TIPS - You're usually set up for auto tipping where so much is charged to your account each day for your room steward and dining room steward and assistant. If you don't want them to do that you go to the purser's desk and change that.

2. There are generally lots of places you can watch from, on the Lido Deck, outside or usually on the Promenade deck there are couches and tables by the windows on most ships.

3. I love balcony cabins, but for many years had inside cabins, to save money. My thought was that I didn't spend that much time in the cabin anyway. With an inside, that's true! With a balcony you find yourself spending more time "at home". Our most important thing is finding something relatively midship because my DH has motion sickness problems and it's less rocky there. (Although Princess ships really are seldom rocky!)

4. I use the gym on board all the time at no charge, usually treadmills, ellipticals, bicycles and various weight machines. Some exercise classes cost; others don't, just watch your "Princess Patters" for information.

Have a wonderful trip!
Pam

[jacketwatch]

1st of all welcome to CC and the wonderful world of cruising!!
We have had 3 adults in a cabin B4 though its been a balcony cabin. Its a bit crowded but overall its fine. we have not noticed any problems really.
Princess will charge $10.00 pp per day automatically for tips. Auto-tipping became a practice some yrs. ago due to some folks, I suppose too many really, not following ghe tipping traditions. We usually laeve it on and add a bit in cash person to person at the end of the cruise to those we think did a nice job. Some folks remove the auto tip and give according to the level of sx. they have received so it depends on you really. Please note that service workers depend on tips as a major source of their income.
There are plenty of places up top to sit and view outside. You can do so from the pool deck or even from lounges next to windows.
We were once on the Diamons sister ship the Sapphire. They are beauties. You should enjoy her.
I think yoga is free but call Princess to be sure. The gym is free and IIRC you have to sign up for the yoga classes.
Have fun. Larry

[TuxedoMan]

Originally Posted by silverwillow

On the Diamond Princess is there any area on the ship that you can sit indoors, relax and have a view of the ocean, ports, scenery ect? I don’t mind having an inside room as long as I can still enjoy the view from somewhere else on the ship.


Are there always places you can find that are not crawling with people? My husband would go mad if it was like a busy city/shopping centre all the time and we might be better to get a balcony in that case.

Is the yoga or exercise classes free or extra cost?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Silverwillow.

Plenty of places to sit and watch either the ocean or people: outside of Explorer's Lounge, @ Carooner's Bar, in the Wheelhouse Bar, etc. There are lot's of other places as well, this just gets you started.

That being said, a balcony is a real treat to have your own oasis to hide out in, but part of being on a ship is all the fun of being with other crusers. Night conversations with your DH w/o kids waking up though does make a balcony seem logical.

I think most of the actual cruise organized exercize "classes" have a fee attached to them...but plenty of other options for exercize w/o a fee.

You are goiong to LOVE it!!!

[Toto2Kansas]

Glad to hear your 'little one' talked your DH into cruising. lol Good planning.

As for the stateroom question. Of coarse inside cabins will be less expensive, but when traveling with a little one, keep in mind you will all three be in one very small accomodation.
If the little one goes to bed early, you will find it difficult to carry on a conversation without waking them. A balcony (although quite a bit more expensive) will give you space where you can relax and talk when the little one is sleeping, and honestly if you can swing it, I would highly suggest it.
The balcony stateroom will extend the living space in the stateroom and give you that extra area where you are not distrubing your child. (nothing worse than a cranky child because they didn't get enough rest).

Welcome to cruise critic, and hopefully all your questions will be answered in time.

[GAPeachessweety]

May I also suggest getting your little one used to sleeping with some noise in the room. Get a noise machine and start turning that on at night for him/her. It really is quite soothing to us. We have a small travel size one that doesn't take up much room at all. If you and your DH got used to having one as well you'll all sleep better because every little noise outside your stateroom won't disturb you.

Princess is a fabulous cruise line and you won't be disappointed.

[caribill]

Originally Posted by silverwillow

I hope you guys don’t mind a few questions this will be our first cruise and I did have about thirty questions but after reading for a few days I have narrowed them down a bit, I am sorry if you have heard them all before. You have come to the right place. Many experienced cruisers will be most happy to answer any qiestions you may have and make your first cruise a memorable one.

Given that we are on a budget we are most likely going to go with the cheapest cabin on the Diamond Princess, so inside, but may upgrade in that category to avoid noise or a bad cabin. (I don't fancy a tiny cabin with a young child who can't sleep because of the noise). Except for the handicapped cabins, all inside and ocean view cabins are the same size. Balcony cabins are the same size inside. You have to go to a mini-suite to really get more space.

Can anyone tell me if there are cabins to avoid or point me in the direction of the place to search if this has already been discussed? I can’t seem to find a search button for the forums? On the page that lists these threads, near the top just below the page numbers it says "Search This Forum"


Can anyone share their experience with being in a quad or triple cabin with young children? I know it would be fine for just dh and I but not sure how we will go at night when said child is asleep. Is it worth that bit (or more like a lot) extra to get a balcony so dh and I can go and talk out there at night?


On the Diamond Princess is there any area on the ship that you can sit indoors, relax and have a view of the ocean, ports, scenery ect? I don’t mind having an inside room as long as I can still enjoy the view from somewhere else on the ship.

Are there always places you can find that are not crawling with people? My husband would go mad if it was like a busy city/shopping centre all the time and we might be better to get a balcony in that case. Skywalkers Nightclub is an excellent place to relax and have a great view during the day.

Do I pay the tips at the end of the cruise? With cash? Or do I need to give money to everyone who serves me? We are in Oz where we don’t usually tip. Although tipping is not an Australian way of life, it is on an American owned cruise ship. The major part of the income for the waitstaff and the cabin stewards is from tips. A daily charge of $10.50/person (including your toddler) will be added to your onboard statement listed as a hotel charge. This is divided up among many people who serve you, some of whom you see and some who work behind the scenes. If you choose to lower or eliminate the daily hotel charge, you may give tips in cash, but your room steward and restaurant wait staff will have to put that cash into the overall tipping pool. ($11.00 per person in suites and mini-suites.) In addition, any bar drink (including soft drinks) will have a 15% tip automatically added to the bill. If your child is in the Chrildren's Program, the people who run that program are not included in the tipping pool, so a tip at the end of the cruise is suggested.



Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Silverwillow.

See answers above

[Cruising from Mississauga]

Hi Silverwillow, congrats on enlisting your little one, but just be careful what you wish for! My daughter has been on more cruises than I have (thanks to generous grandparents). She was two on the first cruise we went on, and we had a room with a porthole. Even with the stroller and accompanying paraphenalia, we managed fine. Now that she's older, I find the balcony necessary as it gives me a venue for a strategic retreat when the dresses and makeup start flying. IMO, you'll be ok with the inside, but it's really the cost vs. value equation. Money saved on not taking a balcony room will be available for on board spending, so your call, but it's a win win either way.
Have a blast!

[Bizzie07]

Our daughter was three when we first cruised. I did not want a balcony as I would worry in case she got out while I was in the shower. We used to collect her from the kids club at ten and all go back to the cabin to bed. The kids club will keep them later than ten for a fee $5 per hour. All of you will have a great time no matter what you decide.

[Billy and Charlie's Mum]

Welcome to Cruise Critic. There are some very generous people on these boards that are a mine of information. All you have to do is ask......

You can also go on the Australian boards.... it is under P & O Australia, however, they also include Princess cruises. You will probably find other Aussies who will be travelling on the same cruise with you on the Diamond.

If you would like to email me it is eileenjs @ bigpond dot net dot au.

[silverwillow]

Thank you all for your replies, I am even more excited now!

Silverwillow.

[Kruzkrazy]

Hi Silverwillow,

You are going to have SUCH A GREAT TIME! Your first cruise is an experience you'll never forget. I'm willing to bet you have no idea how gigantic that ship is. It's going to feel like you stepped into Fantasyland. My first cruise many years ago, I didn't even want to go. My girlfriend, now wife, all but had to drag me onto the ship (the old Fairsky of Sitmar Cruises, later absorbed by Princess). "Eh, who wants to do that?" I said. Ten days later, she had to all but drag me off! Your DH will change his tune quickly, I'll wager.

One word of caution: Take loose clothes and tighter clothes, and WEAR THE TIGHT THINGS EARLY IN THE CRUISE, leaving the looser clothes for later. I failed to do that first time around, and after the cruise I actually had to fly home with my pants unzipped! True story.

Have fun!
KK

[gozzieboy]

Hi Silverwillow We are West Australianans and will be on Diamond on the 21st Oct. going from Bangkok to Beijing. We live south of the river in Perth so if you have any questions just fire away and I will try and give you the answers when we get back on the 10th Nov. You can contact us direct on mj2@optusnet.com.au Regards Maurice Lamberth.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Originally Posted by silverwillow

Hi I live in Western Australia and I'm an absolute newbie! But, yay, I have finally convinced my dh to take our first cruise! It's so funny I have been dreaming of cruising for about 6 months now and he only agreed to let me start saving for a big European cruise in a few years as we are both studying at the moment and are trying to reduce the mortgage. I couldn’t convince him to go sooner because we are flying home to New Zealand for a month for xmas 2010. Well then I found a cruise that ends in New Zealand with an itinerary he couldn’t resist and taught my toddler to say “daddy O I would wuv a cruise” lol. Wallah, I am now a potential starter for two cruises! Yippee! Can you tell I am excited?

I know it’s not for ages but I am going to try and learn and plan as much as I can so he won’t change his mind.

I hope you guys don’t mind a few questions this will be our first cruise and I did have about thirty questions but after reading for a few days I have narrowed them down a bit, I am sorry if you have heard them all before.

Given that we are on a budget we are most likely going to go with the cheapest cabin on the Diamond Princess, so inside, but may upgrade in that category to avoid noise or a bad cabin. (I don't fancy a tiny cabin with a young child who can't sleep because of the noise). Can anyone tell me if there are cabins to avoid or point me in the direction of the place to search if this has already been discussed? I can’t seem to find a search button for the forums?

I think there is another part of CC that addresses cabins:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=207
but you would have to look thru it a bit to see if the Diamond is mentioned (if you find the Sapphire, look at that as they are sister ships and have the same layout)

We have only had inside cabins on Princess, and that's for the three of us. In some cabins that will take a third or fourth passenger, there's pulldown beds (from the ceiling or wall) with a little ladder. The cabin steward will bring it down for you as part of the turndown service when you're at dinner and put it back when making up the cabin in the morning. When my daughter was younger, hubby took the upper, but on the last couple of cruises when she was 7 and 8, she happily took the upper. It has a rail.

Some cabins may have a sofa bed instead, but I'm not sure which categories.

If you find a cabin that's available that you want, you may want to mark your booking "no upgrade" or make sure your TA will ask you first if you want to change. Not every upgrade is a good one for everyone.


Can anyone share their experience with being in a quad or triple cabin with young children? I know it would be fine for just dh and I but not sure how we will go at night when said child is asleep. Is it worth that bit (or more like a lot) extra to get a balcony so dh and I can go and talk out there at night?

If your child is at least three and potty trained, she can take part in the kids' program. The Pelicans will have their own room and there's a lot of activities for them. Especially if there are a lot of kids. If she's old enough, that will give you plenty of "alone time." As noted above, you can give the counselors an envelope on the last night that they can split among them. My child has been on six cruises so far (first three on Carnival when she was 23 mos., 3 and 4 yrs, Princess at age 5, 7 and 8) and really enjoys the experience.


On the Diamond Princess is there any area on the ship that you can sit indoors, relax and have a view of the ocean, ports, scenery ect? I don’t mind having an inside room as long as I can still enjoy the view from somewhere else on the ship.

Are there always places you can find that are not crawling with people? My husband would go mad if it was like a busy city/shopping centre all the time and we might be better to get a balcony in that case.

There are plenty of spots that you can sit down and watch the sea go by. Both inside and outside.

The Diamond will be big enough so you won't feel too crowded. That's what we felt about the Sapphire. Sometimes, tables are set up in the atrium to sell things like gold by the inch or some logo items. You can ignore them if not interested. I have seen photos of the new Royal Caribbean ships (the mega ones) and it looks like a major feature is their shopping area. If your husband doesn't like crowds, he may want to avoid the Champagne Waterfall and the Captain's Welcome party (or check it out to see if you want to stick around). Free drinks...lots of people.


Do I pay the tips at the end of the cruise? With cash? Or do I need to give money to everyone who serves me? We are in Oz where we don’t usually tip.

We always leave on the autotip. Makes it a lot more easier than the old way of stuffing envelopes on the last day of the cruise. Also if you remove the autotips, any cash you hand to crew members has to be turned into their supervisor to be divided among their pool. Really decreases their tip. You can always give extra by getting tip envelops at the front desk. Also if there's any crew members that you think are very wonderful (they go out of their way to do something for you), there are "made a difference" cards at the front desk that you can fill out with their name (often first name is enough if you have their country and what area they work in). Each crew member will have an id badge they wear (eg. Carlos, Mexico, Skywalkers). Each card will help toward a promotion.
Is the yoga or exercise classes free or extra cost?

Some classes do carry a cost. I think spinning, but I'm not sure which other ones are free or have a cost. I've only used the gym equipment, which is free.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Silverwillow.

Hope I helped with some of your questions. Don't free bad about asking some more.

[silverwillow]

Look at my signiture isn't it awesome! lol I love my dh he moved things around and now we are sailing in January 2010 instead of January 2011 as I first thought we would have to.

I am so excited!

Thanks all for the great answers too!

silverwillow

[bad973]

Welcome silverwillow! You will find this board full of amazing information
and as your time gets closer, post all your questions here for timely,
true answers. Here are a couple hints:
1. Do lots of research on your ports of call and consider doing independent tours on your own. Princess' excursions are very expensive
and you spend lots of time getting on and off buses with 40 of your
closest friends!
2. Go to the 'roll call' section and see if anyone has started a roll call
for your cruise. Sometimes you can hook up with others to do some
independent tours.
3. You will find your room steward very accommodating. They will take
good care of you and fill your requests quickly, if its a reasonable request.
4. With a little one, you would probably be better off booking the early
dinner in the dining room. The waiters really take good care of little ones.
And with fixed dinner time, you will meet nice table mates (usually!) Or
you can opt for the any time dining option.
You will have an amazing time, no matter what you do.
Barbara

[Colo Cruiser]

Welcome to CC. Post often!

[Bemidji Ty]

Welcome. We've been cruising for over 20 years and started when our kids were about 6 and 4. One of our favorite family cruises was an inside cabin with all 4 of us tucked in. We managed just fine, didn't spend a lot of time in the cabin. It's more than possible. I didn't find the inside cabins to have more noise than outside.

Cheers

[billet]

Some exercise classes and all the equipment (except the spin bikes) are free. The free classes tend to be early morning stretch and aerobics at 7:30 to 8:30 and maybe an evening aerobic class too. Yoga, spin and pilates have a nominal charge. You can also pay for an hour with a personal trainer to create/review your exercise program.

On the Diamond and Sapphire there are a number of quiet areas to sit and relax which have windows so that you can escape the inside cabin. I would suggest SkyWalkers (during the day!0, Deck 7 forward near the Wheelhouse Bar, and the Atrium.

To improve the feel of the inside cabin I tend to leave the TV switched to the webcam channel, turn down the sound and put a towel over the screen. When daylight arrives it is like a window in your cabin with curtains drawn.

I do not think there are any 'bad' cabins but for a more comfortable ride I would suggest a midships cabin. If you choose near the elevator it might make the toing and froing with your little one easier. I have never noticed any significant noise from around the elevator area in any of the cabins I have been in.

I have no doubt you will have a wonderful time. The Diamond Princess is a lovely ship!