JuicyG

wow! i have 68 days until my first cruise and i am so excited by reading this thread, some of your sentiments moved me to tears. i can only imagine what it will really be like. we have a promenade room and i long for the time we can get a balcony. it sounds truly amazing. i look forward the most to karaoke and the movie theater and ice rink and rock wall and hot tub and food, food, food. oh yeah. lets do this thing.

hi! mariner of the seas, cabo san lucas, mazatlan, puerto vallarta. we want to do the zip line and the all inclusive resort, but they are both in puerto vallarta. I didnt really see any excursions that looked amazing in cabo or mazatlan and the thought of getting off the ship and onto a bus doesnt sound like my idea of vacation. We would like to go to the beach and eat some good food, thats all! Being our honeymoon, it would be cool to do something special, but we are really on a tight budget, so i am all about finding the freebies and bargains, no shame!

bqkali-thanks for taking time to give such detailed answers. you're hired.

Fact is, before I began reading these threads, I imagined we would spend 1oo bucks onboard. Armed with ten pages of spending tips, my eyes have certainly opened! At least I am learning before the end of my first cruise with the final bill...

Gratuities- I would MUCH rather our money go to tip those providing excellent service than on an inflated bar tab. Although he and I are not drinkers, we are going on our first vacation in 14 years (and three kids later), so I imagine there will be some indulgence, just in a way that is smart. I will be mentally calculating each and every purchase, I have no choice, but this is not a bad thing. I could not enjoy our cruise if I had no idea what our bill would be after.

-Can someone please explain bringing our own wine aboard and paying corkage? That sounds legit, but potentially expensive?

It would be wonderful to read any opinions on a promenade room? I do want a balcony so badly yet it is our first cruise and we are on a budget. I have this feeling I am going to long for one though. As for the prescription, I am a Cancer survivor and have a couple of vitamins I keep in a M-F thing old school style, just wasn't sure how the embarkation process goes with luggage being checked. I figure I will be flying with everything I bring onboard, so it should be fine. Its not like they open each bag and stuff is spilling out all over the dock. My husband is teasing me for my new cruise obsession...I cant get enough! 83 days until sailing...

JuicyG in Napa

Thanks for sharing great tips on how to save. This will be our honeymoon and first cruise! We are absolutely on a budget and look to figure out the best way to enjoy without feeling like we're missing something great as a result of our spending restrictions. Here are some rookie questions:

• BEVERAGES
  
  • How much does a typical 'watered-down, smokey bar' cocktail cost (understanding they add an automatic 15%)?
    
  • I've read people say they bring their own bottled water and soda in packed luggage, is that allowed?
    
  • They have free coffee AND coffee at cost? pretend starbucks?
    
  • Can you buy liquor on board and take it to your cabin?
    

  [*]FOOD

  • Which trip night is best to choose a specialty restaurant-first port night, last cruise night, etc?
    
  • Is it worth the 40 bucks considering its our honeymoon?
    
  • What is the best way to avoid cattle call lines when it is time to ea?
    
  • Do they serve breakfast in the main dining room in addition to the windjammer buffet?
    
  • Early dining or late? We are 36 and 37 so look forward to checking out the 'night life' on the ship.
    
  • I've read late dining means missing shows and being full for midnight buffet?
    
  • This formal stuff. Is it just getting dressed fancy for dinner or are there parties to accompany the dress
    

  [*]TRAVEL

  • If I bring medications on board, do they give me a hard time about the container or prescription?
    
  • We live in Napa and plan to fly to LGB. Would it be safe to fly in that early morning and avoid a hotel room night before?
    
  • Any recommendations on where to stay in LGB?
    
  • Has anyone stayed in a promenade room?
    
  • I'm hoping promenade would give feeling of not so trapped with the 'window' overlooking the mall
    
  • Not sure though if I will feel like there is nowhere to 'get away' with my honeymooning husband and have heard the tips to close the drapes...
    
  • Most importantly, we are on a very tight budget and I have no shame about it. I would like to know ALL the best ways to have a great time while spending the least. I excitedly await your replies! I can already tell this is going to become a part of my blood...
    

Napa JuicyG:rolleyes: