first time cruiser, lots of questions

[ute_fan]

Formal night question:

 

Depends a lot on the cruise line you choose. NCL has "freestyle cruising" -- their dress code is much more relaxed than the other lines. We've only cruised NCL, partly for that reason, and what you're describing sounds fine.

 

For some of the other lines, from what I understand, a tux is considered correct attire, so just research your cruise line and see what the individual requirements are. Some of the lines have 2 formal nights, and they are basically required formal if you eat in the dining room. NCL will normally have 1 formal night, and on the cruises we've been on, 1 dining room will be designed "formal" -- you need to be more dressed up to eat there, but the other one has remained resort casual.

 

It sounds like the activities you enjoy would fit right into a cruise. Do your research, find the appropriate line for your style, and try one. Lots of people would recommend that you start with a 4 or 5 day cruise to see if you're going to like it -- I'd actually recommend staying away from the shorter cruisers as you're more like to encounter the younger, heavier drinking, party crowd on those itineraries since the price is cheaper.

 

By the way, I didn't think I was going to like cruising either. As the amount of time I will spend on these boards testifies, I was REALLY wrong about that one :D . Cruising isn't for everyone -- our next door neighbor got so homesick on their Alaskan cruise last summer that he was ready to leave and come home at the first port -- but his wife got him to stick it out. My favorite thing about cruising is the food, but a close second is that I seem more able to relax on a cruise. No worrying about moving from one hotel to another -- just unpack your suitcase once and enjoy the week, with the ability to see something new every day.

[gambit57]

So what do you like to eat? No seafood is no big deal (I'm not that big a fan either and I've always been fine). I don't recall eating much steak (beef anyways) or pasta (cuz I consider it cheap and I'm trying to eat what the cruise ticket cost me). I take it you're not a very adventurous eater. If you don't like the entrees, you can always order more appetizers and soups. Those are usually quite good and varied.

 

Here's a website that has menus from a Princess cruise scanned. It's different from what I remember the Princess Alaskan menu was, but you get an idea.

 

www.cruisingthecaribbeanprincess.com/menus.html

 

If you stick to the more mainstream lines (Princess, NCL, RCI, Carnival, etc), a dark suit is fine for formal nights. You can probably get away with just a nice shirt underneath for those lines, altho you may look a bit different from all the other guys. Any particular reason you're against a tie?

[noobie]

i am not necessarily AGAINST ties. i just don't own any and don't own any shirts to wear with them. i don't go anywhere that requires them, so i have no incentive to buy them. only the preacher wears one at church, i have never had a job where anyone wore them, i don't even know where there are restaurants that require them. since i never wear them, i imagine i wouldn't feel comfortable wearing them simply because i am not accustomed to it. i would rather not spend the money to buy a shirt and tie (much less more than one) when i would never wear it after the cruise.

 

so i am not against them, i just hoped i could get away without spending the extra money on something that would get used once.

[gambit57]

Ahh, that's a legit reason. I think you'll be uncomfortable with a tie too. I don't recall seeing anyone not wearing some kind of tie, but maybe others have.

 

I can't really seem them being so strict as to not letting you in. Worse comes to worst, you can always try one of the other restaurants or hit up the buffet on formal night.

[happysinglemom]

I don't see how wearing a tie, even when you're not accustomed to wearing one, could be such a biggie. Considering how much you will spend on the cruise, a dress shirt and tie are pocket change. If you want to participate in the formal dining, then spend the money and participate properly. If you really cannot tolerate the idea, then simply bypass the formal dining, since dressing is part of the fun of the evening. There are plenty of alternative dining spots on the ships - sure to be something palatable even for the most picky of eaters. As far as the other stuff on your list - where did you get those ideas about cruising???

 

I am single, straight, and cruised with my son; certainly not a swinger, and don't know anyone who is - and never heard of such a thing on our cruise. I don't smoke, rarely drink, and did not go to a single show/club on the ship. For us, it was all about the excursions. The ship was nice, but I loved getting out to the islands and sightseeing and snorkeling. Instead of trying to find reasons to NOT go, why don't you start looking at it the other way. You sound like I did, frankly, before I finally made the decision to go. And I had a blast. You will too - I'm sure of it. ;)

[noobie]

since i originally posted this question, i have learned volumes more about the cruising lifestyle. i learned enough to know that i want to go and have booked a cruise already. i fully expect to enjoy myself from what i have heard.

 

now for the tie thing. it is not that big a deal to me. i simply wanted to know if i could go without one. if i can't then i will go to some other place to eat. i realize a shirt and tie is pocket change compared to the cruise, but the difference is this: i want to go on the cruise so i spent the money, i don't want to wear a tie so i am not going to spend the money. happysinglemom says dressing up is part of the fun, but i don't like dressing up and it would not be a fun thing for me. i despise dressing up. when i go to church i dress up and 2 hours later, i have those clothes off and something else on. dressy clothes are uncomfortable and something you would have to get used to in order to enjoy. it's kind of like drinking or smoking. until you can get past the fact that it tastes like crap, you aren't going to enjoy it. well, i haven't gotten over the fact that dress clothes are uncomfortable.

 

so in conclusion, i am not looking for a reason not to go. i am pretty sure i will enjoy myself since i have learned so much since my original post. i only wanted to know if i could go without one. some say i can, some say i can't. we will find out that first formal night when i show up in a coat and no tie. if they let me in, then i will be happy because i get to go in that dining room to eat. if they don't let me in, then i will still be happy because then i can go to my room and change into something comfortable.:)

[LHT28]

now for the tie thing. it is not that big a deal to me. i simply wanted to know if i could go without one. if i can't then i will go to some other place to eat. i realize a shirt and tie is pocket change compared to the cruise, but the difference is this:

 

:)

Hubby doesn't wear a tie either...the last cruise we went on Oceania and he didn't even take his sports jacket ...you can just wear a collared shirt to dinner no problem and there is always the buffet restaurant if you don't want to be in the Grand dining room.

I am not sure what line you booked with but if you decide you like cruising have a look at Oceania cruises.

 

enjoy your cruise

[wrp96]

My suggestion for you is go to the buffets or take advantage of room service on formal nights, you'll probably be more comfortable than if you wore a tie (which you obviously don't like to do). But if you decide you want to go without the tie, I've never seen the dining rooms keep people out for not conforming to the dress code (except for the no swimsuits in the main dining room rule).

 

As to the food, I can't have certain foods and my mother can't have most of the foods you listed as not liking, but I've never had a problem finding something that I would like to eat (and I don't mean just going for the old standard grilled chicken breast). At least on RCCI, I've always found that if you don't like what's on the menu, they will find something you do like if possible.

 

Go on your cruise and enjoy.

[celbercrz333]

Noobie,

My husband and I did our first cruise in October 2003 for our 25th anniversary. We don't drink much, but we did on board (lol), we don't gamble much and we are otherwise very much like you. We don't go clubbing or all those other things you mentioned. We do like to sit out by the pool on a ship and get a tan. We like to go to the shows on board. A comedy show on a cruise ship is a must for us. We live our lives way too serious and when down time comes, we like to get down and have a good laugh!!! We like to go south so we can go to a beach while on our cruise. We went to Bermuda and did 2 excellent beaches. My husband is a golfer and we did Port Royal, which is very expensive, but if you are going to Bermuda for the first time (and who knows if we'll ever get there again), then we just had to play a round. I have carpal tunnel, so I just rode in the cart. Shopping is a must for me on a cruise, and both in port and on board, I did it. Prices really aren't that bad on the ship. Depends on what you want to bring back. Walking is one of my hobbies and believe me after eating all those great cruise "foodies", I walked it off both on board and in port. You just have to make a list of what you normally like to do at home or on regular vacations and see what a cruise would have on your list. Go to all the cruise ship websites and read up. Do your homework. By the way, my hubby, who is slightly more lucky than I am won $327 on our last cruise in the casion on board. Our port was Nassau and we never made it there due to hurricane Jeanne. Being stuck on a ship, there is still plenty to do. They do have tvs in each room, with a limited amount of stations. Also, each ship has a daily newletter telling you about trivia games in certain lounges, bingo, afternoon teas, etc. You won't get bored even if you "get stuck" like we did.

Hope this helps you & happy cruising.

[Miki1979]

Seasickness prevention for a two year old?? Try a motion sickness band/bracelette. It's a little band with a bump on one side if I remember correctly. My mom use to wear one when we went on long flights. I would think you could find them in children sizes.

[dmndlil]

Noobie-

 

DH and I have cruised on RCCL four times and NCL once. I just thought I would put in my two cents. I hope you find it helpful.

 

Dockers and collared shirt are fine for you for the dining room. On formal nite your dark suit with collarless shirt is fine... that is what my DH wears for one nite. Or you can get room service or eat in the buffet. Your wife would be fine in a dress or dressy pant outfit that she would wear to a wedding or other event. Even capris with a dressy top are okay for dinner. Shorts are allowed in the dining room at breakfast and lunch only.

 

Room service is included...24 hours.... just don't forget to give the server a couple of dollars gratuity. These are not part of the gratuities given to your room steward and wait staff in the dining rooms.

 

As for activities... there will be a brochure placed in your room each night for the following day.... do it all or do nothing... it is YOUR vacation.

There is minigolf, rock wall climbing, game shows to watch or participate in, pool side games, buffets, bingo, casino, musical productions, comedians, musicians.. on the larger voyager class ships there is even ice skating.

 

The Solarium area(child free) on RCCL ships is quite relaxing... a pool and usually a couple of hot tubs....

 

When you decide on an itinerary... you can check out some the excursions offered for those ports off the RCCL website.

 

Bottom line is that it is your vacation... enjoy yourself and happy cruising! :D

[Cruisin' Chick]

Bf now hubby got me into going on cruises back in '94. Every vacation, except for our honeymoon in Hawaii, since then has involved a cruise. And my little girl (now 7) has been on five!

1. If you don't want to do formal, you can still go to the casual dining room or buffet (depends on cruiseline) for those nights. You'll find lots of others doing the same for various reasons.

2. I'm one of the pickiest eaters around but can find at least one thing on the menu to eat. Some cruiselines even let you order off the menu. You don't have to order each course, either. Sometimes I just have a salad (no dressing, my waiter usually gets to know me and brings lemons), entree and dessert. You can even order two of a course (if you don't like the entree but there's two appetizers you like, go ahead). My hubby was told he was borderline cholesterol so he tries to get the low-fat options. Probably even cruiseline has various low fat/vegetarian/low sodium choices on their menu or will try to prepare an item to your needs. You may want to check cruiseclues.com for sample menus for some of the ships.

3. We actually like a big table. Usually the better waiters are assigned to the big tables and we enjoy meeting people from all over. On the last cruise, our tablemates were a couple from England and a couple from Australia.

4. I always recommend short cruises for newbies (other posters have mentioned that too). That way you can see if cruising is for you. A couple of years ago, my mother went on her first cruise, the 4-day RCL Baja California -- Ensenada and Catalina-- at age 81. She had preconceptions about cruises but my sister talked her into it, and she really enjoyed it, especially the entertainment and her tablemates. We're now trying to talk our newly widowed mother-in-law into trying a cruise (she's going to see if any of her friends wants to go with)

5. You can choose what you want to do. The only requirements is the mandatory muster drill on the first day and the embarkation/disembarkation stuff. Other than that: you don't have to go to the dining room (room service, casual dining mentioned above), you don't have to go off the ship in the ports if you don't want to, you don't have to participate in any of the activities, you don't have to see any of the entertainment. Usually we go off the ship and just walk around -- sometimes we book an excursion but usually not. We (including our daughter) like the production shows. We try to get to the gym at least once to work out. We don't gamble or do bingo (only did the bingo once or twice early on but it was too boring).

6. Most ships limit the smoking to certain areas. I know Princess and Carnival banned the butt from the dining rooms and the entertainment lounges. We enjoyed our cruise on the Paradise when it was a no-smoking ship (you had to sign a pledge that you won't even possess tobacco while on the ship). From what I've read on the Princess board, some non-smokers had problems with smokers on the balconies. We get an inside cabin so that's not a problem with us and we never had a tobacco-y smell in our cabin from previous passengers (and believe me, I'm ultra-sensitive to the smell).

7. If you decide to take child with you in the future, he'll probably enjoy it as much as you. Our girl wakes up every day and asks if the fun zone is open yet.

8. I get migraines from booze so I usually avoid it. Hubby may have a wine or beer from time to time. I did have a couple of drinks at the Captains Circle Party (for returning Princess cruisers) on the last cruise and they didn't affect me at all - the freebie drinks are really watered down. But no one is forcing drinks on you. Unfortunately many lines charge for sodas but some offer a drink card for unlimited sodas. Carnival has free lemonade in the casual dining room, I remember.

9. You're at the right website for info. Ask whatever questions you have. Go to the rollcall boards and scan for your cruise and meet some of your fellow passengers. I can't wait to meet the people I have been corresponding with for next December. You want want recs for chick lit books for your wife, I never travel without 'em.

10. Have fun and let us know how your cruise was!

[sross6019]

My family sounds alot like yours. We have only been on the RCCl Rhapsody of the Seas but have loved every visit. We aren't too much the people person, so we book a room with a balcony. That way we can enjoy the ocean and many sites without being surrounded by many people. We like the Rhapsody because she is a "mid-size" ship and very friendly. There are many activites to do, but no pressure to not do any if you choose. The last cruise we went to some of the lectures (digital camera, Q&A about the ship,...) and enjoyed them. At Grand Cayman we did Sting Ray City through locals and found it not only cheaper but more enjoyable because they limited the amount of people they take out at a time. We have always eaten dinner in the dining room and even on formal night, my husband and sons, have worn dress pants and shirt without a tie for at least one of the formal nights. I know some don't like this, but this is "formal" for us and no one has said anything. Give cruising a try and I bet you will find that you enjoy it. Our biggest enjoyment is doing nothing and relaxing, then if we want to do something we do it. Very few time restraints. Main thing to remember is no cruise is perfect, and like life, what you put into it is what you get out of it. Have fun!

[Rose4hall]

Thanks for all the information. Alot of useful information.:)

[jerseyjohn]

The great part about cruising is that you are not locked into any life style. I drink (Unfourntunately much more than my wife considerers acceptable) She is a non alocholic drinker. Yet we have enjoyed the company of fellow guest that fit our individual needs. We have met gays, single couples, inter racial partners and sometimes just way out couples. There is some good in everyone, you just have to look for it. Almost any cruise line would be alright except, for you, Carnival.

[Totally Addicted]

my wife and i are thinking about taking our first cruise. the problem i am having is that everywhere i look/read, all i see are things that do not interest us. i know that we would like the destinations and enjoy lounging by the pool while at sea and getting some exercise on the track or gym. but it seems like everything else is for people not like us. i want to know are there other people like us who have cruised and what could they find to do?

 

we are a heterosexual couple

we are married

we are not swingers

we have one child who will not be on the cruise

we do not drink alcoholic beverages of any kind

we do not smoke

we do not dance

we are not looking to meet people

we do not "go clubbing"

 

i am sure some of you that read this will wonder why we want to go on a cruise, since it seems to me that the things listed above are the most popular things on a cruise. like i said, i know we will enjoy going to new places, going to the beaches, lounging by the pool, and getting exercise on the track or in the gym. i just don't want to have to deal with smoke being blown in my face, the smell of alcohol, etc. we don't consider ourselves prudes, we just don't enjoy some of the things that so many do.

 

can anyone like us help us with cruise selection or on-board activities?

 

Hi!

I found your post so shocking!!! About the only difference between us are I have 2 children and I do like to dance, although my husband doesn't really care to. It never occurred to me that there were others onboard that were any different than we are!! If I might offer a bit of advice (not to sound condensending) -- Book with Princess, don't go in the bars, don't go to the cigar bar, don't go outside and sit in front of anyone that might be smoking a cigarette (there are only certain places that someone can smoke), choose Anytime Dining, ask for a table for 2 (and don't flirt with another guy's wife::eek:, stop thinking you are so much different than the rest of us and go have the best time of your life!!!!

 

Barbara :)

[Joy2]

You sound as if you could easily enjoy a cruise - we've cruised on many lines and have yet to see a formal occasion with every man in a tux. A dark jacket with dark or light slacks with shirt and, yes, a tie (can be rented for use on the cruise - as can a tux - on most if not all lines) can be seen on many men.

 

Food: Celebrity has the best pizza I've ever had! They have a grill by the pool for hot dogs and hamburgers, and the pizza. There is also a spa grille for those keeping to lighter eating. Dinner does offer enough options that you would probably find something to your liking - if not, the idea of going for the appetizers, soups and perhaps salads works just fine. The nice thing is that it's your wishes that count. Speaking with your waiter about your likes and dislikes usually will bring suggestions of what might appeal to you - they want you to be happy.

 

I don't know if all ships follow this but Celebrity and Holland America are very good about restricting smoking to the port side of the vessel - and in most public rooms smoking is prohibited. In fact, on both Celebrity and Holland America we found that to be true.

 

The freedom comes in getting away from your usual environment and daily return and allowing yourself to be spoiled. If you didn't find a single thing in the daily schedule sheet which appealed to you, you would still have the wonderful ocean (or river should you decide to try a river cruise) to watch and although you aren't interested in meeting new people, you just might meet some people you'd like to know better. It is a very relaxed vacation - you don't need to do a thing you don't want to do, you could stay in your cabin the whole time and enjoy room service, or you could venture out and see what makes so many of us eagerly await our next cruise.

[tessa_59]

OK Noobie---- after all the posts, ideas, suggestions and campaigning for our various favorites in the ship - food - dining rooms - excursion departments; I am dying to know which cruise you booked? With whom and when?

 

For as much as you never planned to meet people - you have now "met" several here. Am I the only curious one? :p

[Joy2]

No Tessa, you're not the only one who'd love to know if Noobie takes a cruise - and what caused the choice of a particular line or ship.

 

BTW, it's nice to know you're close to another cruise but how about editing your signature and letting us know what ship and where! (You're not the only curious one!) ;)

[atlmagic]

At the risk of being blunt…..

 

we are a heterosexual couple

And? Who cares? Not to be rude but your sexual orientation should be tolerated no matter what you call yourself. If you don't PLAN on sleeping around on the boat, no one is going to drag you kicking and screaming into some kind of Roman Orgy

we are married

Congratulations. So are we.

we are not swingers

Hmmmm… have you been watching those love boat reruns again? We've been on a few cruises and outside of the occasional drunk, have never seen this sort of thing going on. If they are, they are discreet enough not to let the whole boat know. That's about all I can ask of anyone.

we have one child who will not be on the cruise

And why does this matter. It does not appear to germane to your question. Unless you are worried about calling home to check on little Semore!

we do not drink alcoholic beverages of any kind

Once again, it's about free choice. No one is going to jump you and make you drink. I assume you are both adults and have set your own standards. Don't worry about the rest of the world.

we do not smoke

This is a legitimate concern. I do, but I do know it's a nasty habit so I wont smoke where it bothers others. It doesn’t depend on if it's "allowed" not. But just learn where the non smoking areas are and if there is a problem report it to ship personnel.

we do not dance

OK…. That tears it. STONE THEM!!!! But seriously, I don't usually but DW likes to so I will occasionally. But again. No one is going to try to MAKE you do anything.

we are not looking to meet people

No problem. Me either. As a rule, I don't like people. But I know that so I keep myself amused. That's why I cruise with DW. She's all the company I need.

we do not "go clubbing"

I feel you on this one. After 24 I had more productive things to do with my time. But for those that do….enjoy.

 

i am sure some of you that read this will wonder why we want to go on a cruise, since it seems to me that the things listed above are the most popular things on a cruise

I am so glad you found this board. I think you might have a warped sense of what cruising is. YES, there are PARTY SHIPS and a few people that take things to the extreme no matter where you are. But we stay away from that. We enjoy laughing at them but that’s OUR form of entertainment.

 

Bottom line is that there is enough to do, see, eat and enjoy that you can't help but have a good time. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

Now, after sounding like a grinch, here's what we usually do (not in any particular order):

 

1. Eat. There is so much variety of food onboard that you can't help but find things that will suit your fancy. If you don’t see anything you like… ASK YOUR WAITER, ..they will be more than happy to find a way to accommodate you.

 

2. SLEEP. In cabin, on balcony, on deck, during lectures. I'm on vacation and if I want to sleep (and I'm VERY good at it) that’s what I'll do! (Ah…sorry about the snoring )

 

3. Movies. They aren't usually first run but I've seen movies I didn't have a chance to see before. Nothing X RATED, just good old family stuff. ( I do admit I loved seeing GALAXCY QUEST…but I'm a nerd!)

 

4. The beach, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and shopping in port.

 

5. We LOVE local tours, especially the ones we DON’T have to walk on. Hey...we're old people and proud of it. LOL A carriage ride with a pleasant tour guide makes for a lovely afternoon in port.

 

6. Trying new local foods. Nothing crazy but we like to sample a little.

 

7. Sitting and talking and watching the ocean go by. We have a great time anytime we're together. That’s why we got married. That, and she the only one that will put up with me.

 

8. We never miss a sunset together. It's the stuff of true romance.

 

9. And if I can get a good cup of tea first thing in the mornng to watch the sunrise, I'm in heaven!

 

OK… I'll get off my soapbox now. But don't worry, you'll have a great time.

[SailAways]

Deleted message. Sorry!! :o

[tessa_59]

No Tessa, you're not the only one who'd love to know if Noobie takes a cruise - and what caused the choice of a particular line or ship.

 

BTW, it's nice to know you're close to another cruise but how about editing your signature and letting us know what ship and where! (You're not the only curious one!) ;)

 

Just for you... and also because my clock shows only ONE MORE DAY! I edited.

We leave today at noon - have a great week people - I know we will 'cause we're

 

CRUISING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D :D :D :D

[patnjohn]

On most ships you will need to wear a tie on formal night. Invest in one, they are not too expensive. If you have to go to a wedding or funeral at home it may come in handy. Or you can rent a tux, with all the trimmings, on the ship. My pastor is very informal & I love him for that. But, he does have one suit, shirt, tie for weddings & funerals. If you are against dressing up in any cricumstances, then take NCL & use their alternate dining venues. A cruise is for fun & relaxation. Enjoy.

[ROCruiser]

We went on our first cruise 12 years ago when my son was 2. We will be taking our 7th this summer, not a lot comparing to other lucky people who gets to go 2 or 3 times a year. I must say that cruising is my favorite type of vacation. We don't have to pack and unpack every couple of days to travel from one place to another, yet the scenery changes every day. We don't have to do anything but we are taken care of from morning to night. We don't usually do anything on the ship or participate in any activities, we are spectators for the most part. We even went on the Yantze River cruise a couple of years ago. The ship was nothing like the mainstream cruise ships but we totally enjoyed that experience also. I think if you get a group of friends or relatives going with you it will be more fun.

[nurseshelly]

Hello Ute fan :)

we are leaving from Houston May 14 on the Sea also.

This is our first cruise and we are older newliweds

I am so excited -

you can email me @ shellyrafter@yahoo.com

Maybe we can have dinner together