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OK. Almost everybody recommends taking a power strip - this is because....??

 

 

We like a night light and they don't fit usually. The outlet behind the nightstand is taken with the lamp and hard to get to. The one on the vanity is often hard to access due to location and the odd size plugs that come with many chargers.

 

I don't use my cell phone or BBerry on the trip very much, but I turn them on to check for text messages once a day so they need to be charged. I charge everything up on the last night for the return trip.

 

The curling iron doesn't work in the bathroom, so someone can plug in a curling iron at the vanity and not worry about unplugging phones or laptops. Some people bring little fans for white noise if they have problems sleeping. Not me--but I've never taken a power strip and not used it.

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Think about "what if":

What if my luggage never arrives and I am left with only my carryon? Take 1 bathing suit, one formal outfit+shoes, a couple of daytime outfits (suitable to wear to dinner, too) and one pair of your shoes. Also your makeup that is not liquid. Then, if your luggage is lost or late, you will have enough to get by.

 

Another thing:

Consider taking half the clothes and taking the new Purex 3-in-1 strips. They are detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheet in one sheet and will pack so flat it's like they aren't there (a few in a zip lock bag). Then you are ready to take your quarters and run a quick load in the washers/dryers on board ($3 for each washer/dryer).

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I am a mom traveling with my two daughters and my daughter's friend (25, 16, 13). Is it safe to book excursions that are not linked to the ship? Also, while on an excursion such as snorkeling, are your personal items (money, passport, etc) safe?

 

Do most people hit the pool on the first day while the passengers are coming aboard? We board in Tampa...wondering if the weather will be that warm at the end of Dec?

 

Are there are full length mirrors in the rooms?

 

Do you usually come back onto the ship for lunch when the ship is in port or do you just get something while off the boat? In Grand CAyman, there is a tender to the port...wouldn't that be a pain to come back for lunch?

 

Anything to avoid in either Key West, Grand Cayman or on the ship (Grandeur of the Seas?)

 

Thanks for any and all comments.

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I am not flying. We are driving to the port. Is there even a slight chance that when I check in my luggage at the ship, it will never arrive in my room? Just wondering if I need to pack several things in my carryon.

 

also, do you think it is best to get the luggage tags in advance?

 

My cruise documents state that we board at 2....is that earliest I can arrive? When I booked my cruise, the person from RC said we could board at noon.

 

Also, I booked during a time when they had a special and I am supposed to get $50 on board credit. That is not stated anywhere on my cruise documents. Should I inquire about that now to ensure I get that credit?

 

Thanks!

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I am a mom traveling with my two daughters and my daughter's friend (25, 16, 13). Is it safe to book excursions that are not linked to the ship? Also, while on an excursion such as snorkeling, are your personal items (money, passport, etc) safe?

 

In many cases you are safe on independent excursions. I would consult the boards for the individual ports where CC members comment on such tours and make recommendations. Remember the ship will wait for delayed excursions booked through the cruise line, you are on your own on an independent excursion. I do not take a passport on shore with me, however that point has been hotly debated. Safety is pretty much up to you, leave wallets on board take id, cash, your cruise card and maybe 1 credit card. Inexpensive waterproof containers can be purchased that fill the bill nicely.

 

Do most people hit the pool on the first day while the passengers are coming aboard? We board in Tampa...wondering if the weather will be that warm at the end of Dec?

 

Good chance that it will be warm enough, allthough Tampa can have cool days in the winter. Varied answers possible here, many folks have lunch, get settled into their cabins and explore the ship. Some make a beeline for the pools (since the pools are adjacent to the buffet on most ships they combine that with lunch).

 

Are there are full length mirrors in the rooms?

 

All the ships I have been on have.

 

Do you usually come back onto the ship for lunch when the ship is in port or do you just get something while off the boat? In Grand CAyman, there is a tender to the port...wouldn't that be a pain to come back for lunch?

 

It depends on the port and what excursion we have planned. It would consume a bit of time to lunch on the ship on a tendered port. In a port like St. Thomas, USVI we generally do somthing in the morning (usually shop), lunch on the ship and then go to a beach,

 

Anything to avoid in either Key West, Grand Cayman or on the ship (Grandeur of the Seas?)

 

Never sailed on the Grandeur, however the time in Key West is usually short. We walked over to Mallory Square (about a block from dock) and caught the tour trolley that goes around the island. You can jump on and off at any stop. The drivers give a good narrative as you go along. After making a round trip and wandering around a bit, it was sailaway time.

Grand Cayman is a great port. I highly recommend a swimming with the sting rays excursion. Seven Mile Beach is a fine beach. You can also visit Hell while you are there. It is a silly thing but fun to tell everyone you were there.

 

Thanks for any and all comments.

 

Have a great cruise!!!:cool:

Edited by Doug R.
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We did our first cruise in September:

 

1. Half - Take half of what you think you will wear (wearing the same outfit to dinner twice is NOT a crime and no one will even notice!)

 

2. Relax - I was so nervous about all the last minute stuff and the what if's that I was way to stressed leading up to it!

 

3. Ask - If you want something ask for it...everyone really wants to make this a great trip for you.

 

4. Know - Get to know your room steward...you never know when you might need a little something extra!

 

5. Bring - Drinks or wine on board...it can save you a TON of money.

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No kidding! We are going on our 1st cruise on NCL Dec. 14th and all this info is sooo helpful. I am nervous about booking an excursion with a private group rather than with the cruiseline due to hearing horror stories of the cruiseline not waiting for you if you are late whereas they will wait if you book thru them. My real problem is finding a park sleep cruise deal in Miami the night before we leave! If anyone has any info please please let me know. :eek:

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Just returned from my first cruise two weeks ago (Ruby Princess)

 

1. Its true - bring fewer clothes. We did a load of laundry on the ship.

 

2. Tip well. We are just regular income people. So are the people serving you - treat them as you would like to be treated.

 

3. Bring more sunscreen than you think you will need and a higher SPF. If you are from a northern climate you'll be surprised how fast you burn in the Caribbean sun. Spray on is worth the extra money because you have to re-apply it often.

 

4. Be extra polite to the natives in port. Remember you represent your country and all tourists to them. In many cases they are very poor and see you as very wealthy. Try to make at least one locals day in ever port.

 

5. Remember vacations are for catching up on life. Have a blast and don't sweat the small stuff.:)

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Read the daily paper to know what's going on board the ship the next day.

 

Plan to catch at least one sunset and one sunrise.

 

Meet at least one new person each day.

 

As others have said, take half the stuff, twice (or more) the money.

 

Above all else, decide to have a good time before you even go.

 

 

Gordonchick- I just cut and pasted this onto my packing list. It's great advice, thank you!:)

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Nekhabet,

 

Did you have a nice time on your cruise?

 

What surprised you the most?

 

Did you spend more or less than your budget?

 

How was formal night?

 

Do you want to go on another cruise?

 

The reason for these questions is that I try to answer questions based on our (DW and I) 30 cruises. And it is always very helpful to hear from someone who has gone on their first cruise.

 

Thanks

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Don't Miss:

Formal Night

The boat when it's leaving a port

The ice show

Having a frozen drink in hand during sail-away

 

Don't...just don't

Buy every photo they take

break in line at the buffet

Knock people down trying to be first to get off at the ports

miss the waiters with the drinks around the pool.

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Oh man, I just love this thread.. It brings back many a memory of our first cruise.. All the stress about the unknown..

There is plenty of great advice here..

A few to add...

Remember you are on a cruise ship, some of the usual rules do not apply..

At dinner, DO NOT BE LATE!! It is considered rude to keep your table-mates waiting.. If you are going to be late or are not going to eat in the dinning room at night, just let your table-mates know..

You are handed a menu, like others have said already, if you want 2 of something, just ask.. If nothing on the menu floats your boat, ask for a steak.. It will be done.. They are there to make YOU happy..

The half the clothes, twice the $$ suggestion.. Yup I agree.. However we did do pretty good at the casino and payed off our sail and sign bill on Saturday so that was a big help.. (Can't guarantee you will do good at the casino though) We came off the ship over $500.00 up and only had a $53.00 S&S bill.. (For the charges after the pay off)

Smile at all the staff.. Even the guys and gals in the semi-dirty coveralls that work deep in the ship.. It does make their day..

Room service is great.. A couple of bucks each delivery works wonders..

On the ritual thing. An Irish Coffee every night on the balcony before bed.. A time to relax and reflect..

Make new friends.. We did and are cruising with them in October..

Keep an open mind while relaxing around the pool.. You will see things that you never thought you would see...:eek:

Above all, relax, don't stress, and do enjoy your vacation..

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Nekhabet,

 

Did you have a nice time on your cruise? We had an amazing time. It was like living in fantasy land for 10 days.

 

What surprised you the most? Well as awful as this may sound - I was very surprised at the number of guests that treated the staff as something like slaves. As a percentage it was probably a very small group. I witnessed this (for the first time) during the embarkation process. ( I thought it was very fast and efficient. I arrived at the terminal at 10:45 and was taking pics from my balcony at 12:15)

By the second incident (just of the gangway) I decided that I would not be one of those cruisers who expect to be treated like visiting royalty every second of the voyage. I believe witnessing a few tantrums actually enhanced my experience. I really enjoyed my interactions with the crew and staff - because I decided that Iwould!

 

Did you spend more or less than your budget? As this was a special occasion we planned to be able to spend a lot. We didn't deny ourselves anything we truly wanted. Having had one experience now I know that I could cruise with less spending money. We are simple people and enjoy the beautiful water and ocean air more than any entertainment.

 

How was formal night? We chose not to involve ourselves in formal night long before we embarked. Getting dressed up isn't a vacation to us. We planned to stay away from events on formal nights so that we wouldn't ruin the experience for others. For instance we ate dinner by the pool and did not go anywhere near the MDR.

I would do it differently next time. I can see now that formal nights add a little something extra to the overall experience.

 

Do you want to go on another cruise? Oh my god yes! In fact I spent a great deal of time when we got home looking at future cruises online. It was part of my therapy for the post cruise depression:rolleyes:

Thanks for taking an interest in our cruise experience - its been a pleasure to answer your questions.

 

The reason for these questions is that I try to answer questions based on our (DW and I) 30 cruises. And it is always very helpful to hear from someone who has gone on their first cruise.

 

Thanks

 

Hi Fredr:

 

I have posted my responses inline. Thanks for asking:)

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1 Bring your passport. (not a birth certificate etc. Your passport!)

2 Have lots of $1 and $5 bills handy,(about $250 worth), change them at your local bank a week before you leave.

3 Buy the underwater camera's at your nearest Wal-mart.

4 A few strips of duct-tape.

5 A waterproof case, that will go around your neck and will hold your ID, cruise card, credit card etc. while swimming/snorkeling in port.

 

2 more tips:

- Have fun, be open minded. It is what you make of it.

- Unfortunately, expect rude behavior from your fellow passengers, no matter what cruise lines you are on. Never, retaliate, you are better than them.

 

Enjoy.

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To Laweezy,

The use of duct tape is endless.

I usually tear off 5 or 6 strips which are as wide as the inside of one of my hard case suit cases. I just stick them on there. If and when I have a need, I know where to find it.

Imagine what you may have to hold together for a short period of time for whatever reason, (until a more permanent solution can be found) and you will see that the uses are endless. Think of all the things in your cabin, your stuff, your luggage, etc.

Try it and take some with you the next time you go on any trip.

Go ahead and rip.

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  • 3 weeks later...

5. Save all your change during the months/weeks prior to the trip

- trade it in for $1 bills just before you leave to use for extra tips and incidental spendng. I had over $150 last cruise from doing this.

 

 

I love this tip. Hadn't even thought about that. My husband saves his coins so he can buy a couple of snickers at work each day. Wonder if he'd be willing to give up his snickers for an extra drink on board? :D

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take your shoes off when walking ANY WHERE thats wet! Every pair of shoes I brought( way too many!) slipped! I even saw a waiter fall on their butt & you know they have shoes that arent supposed to slip!!!

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