First time cruise - Constellation Aqua Class

[stew737]

Hello all,

My husband and I are taking our first cruise ever. I'm apprehensive, he's excited. I'm apprehensive because we are both younger scuba instructors and normally have a very free style vacation. I also don't like crowds.

 

I think I found a happy compromise in AquaClass on the new rooms added to the 11th deck, and that we are only on a five night cruise. We have friends in both ports of call, so I believe that we will be able to cater our activities to ourself.

 

I think I've figured out our plan on drinks....but here's my question:

 

We have two days at sea. While I know the obvious spa and casino options...what else are we supposed to do? I really have no idea what to expect, which is very unfamiliar territory for me.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions to 1) relieve my apprehension and 2) suggest specifics about the Constellation that might be helpful?

 

For reference we are in cabin 1138 on the Dec 28th departure.

 

Appreciate everyone!

[Keith1010]

Often we all worry about things that are new but hopefully you will enjoy it.

 

I would recommend that you post your Celebrity related questions on the Celebrity Board.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=28

 

You will find that you will love the sea days. It will give you time to explore the ship and to partake in activities and just enjoy the moment.

 

There is the fitness center, classes to take the pool, taking a nice walk, going to lectures and a range of other activities.

 

Most first time cruisers want ports only because they think they will be bored. Most experience cruisers want more sea days because they know how special they are.

 

I suspect you will enjoy the mix which still will have more ports.

 

We've sailed Celebrity several times and they are a very nice Cruise Line.

 

Keith

[kitty9]

Every day you will receive a newsletter that will list the daily activities. Usually, there is so much going on that there isn't time for it all. Here's a short list: Dancing lessons, guest speakers, wine tastings, fitness classes, trivia games, cooking demonstrations, deck tennis, swimming, music venues, art classes and lots more.

 

There's never a shortage of things to do.

[cruiserking]

Hello Stu,

 

Cruising is one of the most exciting and relaxing ways to vacation. Sea days are very special because you are in another world. Many cruise ships like the Millennium are designed so that you feel as if there are only a few people aboard.

 

You are unlikely to encounter great crowds except on embarkation day or near the pool on sunny sea day. As Kitty9 mentioned you will receive a Daily Program called Celebrity Today, each night in your cabin that will detail the next day's events aboard the ship.

 

Here is a link to some sample Millennium Daily Programs:

 

 

http://www.beyondships.com/Celebrity-Millennium-Profile.html

 

We are trivia fans and love to play the twice daily Pub Trivia contests. Join the Roll Call for your cruise and meet up with other people aboard. Have a great cruise.

 

Jonathan

[stew737]

Thank you for the sample itinerary! It's already more than I anticipated them having during a cruise.

 

I took a train ride once across the country as a form of "adventure". One hour into my 3-day trek I realized that I had only brought a fractional amount of the books that I would need and that the train just simply was not as social me as I thought.

 

It sound like the shop may be what I was expecting from the train.

[Northern Aurora]

Thank you for the sample itinerary! It's already more than I anticipated them having during a cruise.

 

I took a train ride once across the country as a form of "adventure". One hour into my 3-day trek I realized that I had only brought a fractional amount of the books that I would need and that the train just simply was not as social me as I thought.

 

It sound like the shop may be what I was expecting from the train.

 

Interesting comment. I suspect that your experience on the Constellation may be much more to your taste than the train. I've always thought that folks who enjoy cruises tend to be those who enjoy meeting others.

[cibumcupio]

And don't forget the large chunk of time devoted to food. Breakfast, second breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea! But seriously, meals are serious business on cruises. Breakfast can be getting room service on your balcony or going to Blu. Lunch can be the main dining room for a sit down meal, the buffet, the aqua spa cafe, or crepes at Bistro on 5. Then some afternoon pastries at Cafe al Bacio. Then you dress for dinner, and there's a great show and then a nice leisurely meal. Highlight of the day. At least for me. Oh, and don't miss the beautiful brunch on one of the sea days.

 

On my first cruise I was very surprised by how much there is to do on sea days, even apart from eating. There are so many different bars, the pool, the other pool, the hot tubs, basketball and jogging, cooking demos, ship tours, trivia, games, entertaining lectures, scavenger hunts, dance classes. And if you're into these things, the spa, the casino, the gym, language classes. And also the daily evening show. At night, walking the decks, looking at the stars, music in the lounges. I remember there was so much going on that I only made it to the hot tub once.

[KKB]

One day we will hit trivia, then bingo, then a poker tournament in the casino, then a martini tasting, then dinner, then a show & then dancing.....

 

Another might find us lounging by the pool most of the day, a light sandwich for dinner, and drinks on the balcony, after which we snuggle in bed watching a movie.

 

And the third might be a combo of the first 2 days!

 

This is the beauty of a cruise--you can fill your days with activities or do nothing at all...or a little of both (as most people do)

 

If you like to socialize, I encourage a large table in the main dining room at night. Our first cruise had 6/8 of us at our table hanging out all week! Other cruises we have ranged from people we would rather not eat with again to very interesting table mates!

 

Enjoy!