Help Please! Complete and Utter Cruise Newbie!

$600 with 15 months to save it. that is just $10 per week. Tell your DH to take lunch to work once a week. :)

We started cruising with inside cabin, then moved to OV, then THE BALCONY! Both Hubby and I will never go back . . . the balcony is quite worth the view. Have never gone concierge or above....Save our $$$ for other parts of the trip. If you can swing it....change to balcony! Just sayin'

Paul, he already takes his lunch

every day. Last year he was laid off from a (good) job that he had for 31 years, was off for 12 months and took a job in February that pays 30% less. We've been on an austerity program for 18 months now and this cruise will be our first vacay since that fateful day. Any level that we do will be a treat and celebration!

Not trying to be Debbie Downer by any stretch, but I just had to laugh about the lunch comment. [emoji2]

We'll just have to find that money in other ways. If it's meant to be, it'll happen. [emoji106]

BethR - Bahama Mama

Paul, he already takes his lunch

every day. Last year he was laid off from a (good) job that he had for 31 years, was off for 12 months and took a job in February that pays 30% less. We've been on an austerity program for 18 months now and this cruise will be our first vacay since that fateful day. Any level that we do will be a treat and celebration!

Not trying to be Debbie Downer by any stretch, but I just had to laugh about the lunch comment. [emoji2]

We'll just have to find that money in other ways. If it's meant to be, it'll happen. [emoji106]

 

 

BethR - Bahama Mama

I know what you went thru. I was laid off at 51 in 2001. Just in time for the 9/11 attack and the collapse of the economy. Good luck

Cookie~ This really will be a well deserved treat, then . . . In that case don't stress over it . . . stay in the inside cabin. There is so much to do on the ship and in ports that you probably won't be in the room very much, anyway. Save your money to treat yourselves in other ways. PS: my hubby brings his lunch everyday, too. LOL.

Well, I've asked our TA to up our reservation to a balcony room. [emoji8] I would have been happy and content in the interior room, and my DH might have been as well. But he LOVES the water. Is a big swimmer, loves the beach, boogie boarding, and loves boating too. I know that he'll really love the balcony. It'll all be good. I'll have $400 a month budgeted for eating out and entertainment. I cut that back to $250 to save for the cruise. I'll just cut that back to $190. PLUS we chose the Eastern itinerary over the western so one less day off of the ship. Hopefully we'll save a few $ being on board.

Thanks for letting me ramble. You're sparing my DH and DFs. [emoji2]

BethR - Bahama Mama

You will love the balcony

Another layoff survivor here, of the tail end of the DotCom bust in 2003; out of the economy for 16 months but back to work full time in 2004; retired in 2013. I know what it is to scrimp and save so delighted you are giving yourselves a well-deserved treat.

Another layoff survivor here, of the tail end of the DotCom bust in 2003; out of the economy for 16 months but back to work full time in 2004; retired in 2013. I know what it is to scrimp and save so delighted you are giving yourselves a well-deserved treat.

Glad to hear that you also landed on your feet.

Comforting to learn that we're not the only ones who have had to face the adversity of a layoff, but have landed on our feet - albeit a little wobbly sometimes. We learned a lot while my

DH was off - not the least of which was becoming more disciplined about our money management. It will make enjoying a great vacation all the more sweet!

Hi All!

 

While I am very familiar with the invaluable resource of message boards, I'm a complete newbie to cruising. I've been looking over these boards for the past week or so and am ready to put my toes in the water - both in regards to cruising and these boards.

 

I am wondering if there are any kind of step by step guidelines on how to go about planning a cruise vacation.

 

I think that I know what cruise line I'm interested in, and I think that I know a ballpark time of when we'd like to go. I have an idea of where we'd like to go, and I know that I'd like to get the best price that we can (kinda obsessed with that one.) I know that I like to handle my own planning (vs a TA - but would be willing to use one if I could end up with a better price or value.) But now I have no idea how to proceed.

 

I have done a search on these boards, but have not been able to find such a list/guideline.

 

I'm sure that the experts here can point me in the right direction.

 

TIA!

 

 

BethR - Bahama Mama

You are starting off great! This is what I did before my first cruise. I researched for a year, documents needed, supplies needed, how to pack, excursions. Everything needed and I am one to plan my own trips and not go to an agent. Your not going to get any better deals then you would by doing it yourself.

My suggestions:

As far as when: You will find the cheaper rates will be in January - March. The price rises as you go into April, May and June. The most expensive is June, July and August and it has to be said the busiest with kids. lol....

Your better off if you choose to do more cruises to stick with the same cruise line because there bonus points as you add each cruise.

I do book on smart cruiser. com. I find that they give me the best deals and since I use them the price continues to drop. I typically go in January out of Baltimore.

As far as packing.

Pack then take half the stuff out and leave it at home. I made that mistake the first time. Everyone doesn't do this but most do. Typically what you wear the night before you wear in the morning for breakfast, then shower and go about your day either excursion or pool.

Pack- Tylenol, personal items like pads, hair ties, even Imodium, cold meds, aspirin, tooth picks, even things you don't think you will need, bring them. A two pack of Tylenol if you have a head ache is $15.00. Go to the dollar store and pick up a rain cape and toiletries. Bring one pair of sneakers, flip flops, one pair of heals for formal nights. q-tips, rubber bands, pins, pen and paper. Also at the dollar store I picked up a over the door shoe hanging thing. We put all our items in there and put it in the bathroom or in the closet. It was very convenient, I put brushes, deodorant and everything in there so it is accessible.

Don't bring a lot of jewelry as you don't wear it often.

Legal stuff

Passport

drivers license

birth certificate with raised seal

people are going to disagree with me on this one. Typically a passport is sufficient, however you never know what authorities will ask or if there is a problem with your passport even minor you will be covered and there would be no need for you to be denied boarding.

3 days before leaving do the following

check in online

print out luggage tags

cruise tickets

Money

bring small bills- never show any one you have 20's, you will not be able to reduce the price at the stores if you do. It's always best anyway to have 1;s and 5's.

Get the drink package if you can afford it. It gives you soda and alcohol. 12-15 a day. Even if you don't drink alcohol at least get the soda package. It's worth it.

Tipping on cruise

only tip stewards and waiters the day prior to leaving the ship. Typically I give $20.00 per person. There is typically 2-3 waiters you have all week at dinner and 2 stewards. If they don't do a good job I give them less. Don't tip bar tabs because they already put %15-20 every time you get a drink.

If you can get someone to drop you off at port you will save $100.

Try to pack one carry bag and one luggage. You get off quicker if you take your bags on and off with you but it's up to you.

I forgot also at the dollar store I picked up a laundry bag. it was nice to have in the room until we pack to go home. Kept things neat.

Phone

Unless you have a plan, turn your phone to airplane mode, turn it off. Bring a camera so you don't miss anything. As soon as you leave port international charges kick in.

Step 1

Pick a cruise, cruise line, pay deposit.

Step 1 B

Begin to get documentation needed- passports take 6-8 weeks.

Step 2

Pick excursions

Step 3

Make list of personal and clothing list you will need

Step 4

go shopping for items

Step 5

pay off total of cruise unless you paid in full

Step 6

Pack- even if it's a week prior

Step 7

Check in online

print out luggage tags

cruise tickets

I always bring proof that I paid-I print out the final page of the website I use so it shows I paid and what I paid for.

I hope this helps.

Christina

Wowzer, caulder60, that's what I call comprehensive. Useful guidelines and sense of scope.

I'm a newbie, too, but have not broken it down as well. Also, because of frequent travel (although not yet frequent cruising), I confess to a certain laissez faire approach to all those matters that follow cruise selection and payment, e.g., packing, reserving (or not) tours, dinner spots, etc.

Because the size of stateroom matters a great deal to me, I likely never will land a good deal. And, that's OK, I can live with that. I already know I'm a smallish ship cruiser but not too small (e.g., Seadream Yachts); after that I look for a balance between destinations and available roomy suites. Which means planning ahead, way ahead.

Disagree with Caulder 60:

the cheapest time is usually after Labor Day to right before Christmas.....you can check yourself; Caribbean cruises are at an all time low now!

You don't need a birth cert if you have a valid passport. That is just bringing important stuff out of the house and country for no reason.

I personally don't think a drink package is worth it at all. It depends on you.

I don't print out luggage tags or even a ticket. I just show my passport and get on the ship. But do them if it makes you feel better. Believe me, they dont care if you have a printed ticket or not; they know who is going and on their list.

Don't BRING sneakers, wear them. invaluable. Or your most comfortable walking shoes. The rest of the things Caulder says to bring are good ideas, if you use them. Don't forget SUNGLASSES. Pack lighter than you want. You will buy T shirts and things. BEST Wishes!

Wonderful thoughts and tips Christina and Josey! Thank you so much.

BethR - Bahama Mama

Disagree with Caulder 60:

 

the cheapest time is usually after Labor Day to right before Christmas.....you can check yourself; Caribbean cruises are at an all time low now!

 

You don't need a birth cert if you have a valid passport. That is just bringing important stuff out of the house and country for no reason.

 

I personally don't think a drink package is worth it at all. It depends on you.

 

I don't print out luggage tags or even a ticket. I just show my passport and get on the ship. But do them if it makes you feel better. Believe me, they dont care if you have a printed ticket or not; they know who is going and on their list.

 

Don't BRING sneakers, wear them. invaluable. Or your most comfortable walking shoes. The rest of the things Caulder says to bring are good ideas, if you use them. Don't forget SUNGLASSES. Pack lighter than you want. You will buy T shirts and things. BEST Wishes!

I printed out luggage tags because we checked our luggage the first time. We only carried one carry on and gave the rest to the luggage men outside of drop off. I print out the tickets because if you have everything you get on the ship faster. In Baltimore you need the cruise ticket before they let you stand in line.

Christina (caulder60) gave some generally good advice in the post several above this one. I could quibble here and there, but I won't bother.

Two items I have more substantial disagreements with:

bring small bills- never show any one you have 20's, you will not be able to reduce the price at the stores if you do. It's always best anyway to have 1;s and 5's.

You probably don't need to bring that many small bills. You can get change as needed from Guest Services (or the equivalent), from the casino, and possibly from kiosks for ships that have those.

only tip stewards and waiters the day prior to leaving the ship. Typically I give $20.00 per person. There is typically 2-3 waiters you have all week at dinner and 2 stewards. If they don't do a good job I give them less. Don't tip bar tabs because they already put %15-20 every time you get a drink.

Most of the major cruise lines have mandatory tips of around $12 per person per day that covers the stewards, waiters, and many of the people who make cruises worthwhile but you never see. These can either be prepaid or added to your account on the ship. There's no obligation to tip any more than this, but you can if you want.

Also, I've heard that giving tips in advance can motivate people to provide service above and beyond the norm. I haven't tried it, but I leave it out there for your consideration.

Thanks all!

Went from "holding" to "booking" our cruise today. This just might happen. :D

YEAH Cookie!!!!! I know that it is still a ways off, but I can't wait to hear what you think of crusin'

Thanks Deenie. I haven't joined the Roll Call for our trip 'cause I'm a very superstitious person and I feel like if I'm too "out there" about this, the Cruise Gods will see me and put some kind of stop to it. I know, I know - ridiculous! But it's how I roll.

BethR - Bahama Mama

Thanks Deenie. I haven't joined the Roll Call for our trip 'cause I'm a very superstitious person and I feel like if I'm too "out there" about this, the Cruise Gods will see me and put some kind of stop to it. I know, I know - ridiculous! But it's how I roll.

 

 

BethR - Bahama Mama

As crazy as your logic may be, if it works for you, go for it. :)

Christina (caulder60) gave some generally good advice in the post several above this one. I could quibble here and there, but I won't bother.

 

Two items I have more substantial disagreements with:

 

 

 

You probably don't need to bring that many small bills. You can get change as needed from Guest Services (or the equivalent), from the casino, and possibly from kiosks for ships that have those.

 

 

 

Most of the major cruise lines have mandatory tips of around $12 per person per day that covers the stewards, waiters, and many of the people who make cruises worthwhile but you never see. These can either be prepaid or added to your account on the ship. There's no obligation to tip any more than this, but you can if you want.

 

Also, I've heard that giving tips in advance can motivate people to provide service above and beyond the norm. I haven't tried it, but I leave it out there for your consideration.

I would like to clarify the tip! This is on top of what the gratuities are added in. I always give extra at the end of the week. I always pay gratuities. Sorry if I confused anyone.