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What was the best tip someone gave you before your first cruise?

Jenniell

By Jenniell,
in First Time Cruisers

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NOLAbebe

NOLAbebe

Posted
Posted

I have only been on on cruise so far, but I am DEFINITELY a planner/researcher. I read everything I could about the ship, the ports, the excursions, etc. This is just my personality, really, but I like to be prepared so that I *can* relax once I'm onboard.

 

I will say this in your defense: because of my planning, I found two AWESOME port excursion recommendations that fulfilled all of our desires (gorgeous, clean, uncrowded beaches; fantastic pools; no children; tropical paradise), and frankly stunned my fellow cruisers (we went with two other couples) into silence. They had no idea these places even existed, and it really made our cruise. If I hadn't done any pre-planning, we maybe would have been lucky, but after hearing other people complain about the very things we were looking to avoid, I feel quite confident that I went the right route with the extensive research.

 

I suggest you allow yourself some time to indulge- and then give yourself a cut-off date! The last month, allow yourself to relax, knowing that you did some planning and that it's more important that you all have a good time. Over-stressing about details will ruin your vacation in a heartbeat. You'll also ruin the trip of anyone else who has to deal with you in the preceding weeks and months. Plan a little, relax a LOT. Deep, slow breaths. You can do this!

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dljones

dljones

Posted
Posted

No one gave us any advice so we didn't know what to expect and had a blast. We like to book a few months out then have "cruise time" looking at videos, planning excursions, checking out google earth and so forth. For us, planning is half the fun.

 

Make sure you have your cruise documentation (passport, credit cards, etc.) lined out well in advance then double check and recheck on the day of departure that you have them well in hand. Getting to the port without your ducks in a row could make for a bad day. If you don't have a passport, get one. And don't step on foreign land without your passport and a credit card tucked away. Not to scare you away - just be prudent.

 

Then, once on board, relax and enjoy the ride. Explore the ship, take loads of pictures, eat till you pop, go on amazing excursions and don't complain.

 

Happy cruising!!!!

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Weeziblu

Weeziblu

Posted
Posted

1. pack less (I'm a notorious over-packer so for a cruise it was REALLY overkill.

 

2. do not worry about the food. there is plenty to eat and you can find food 24/7. if you find yourself hungry on a cruise, you are the world's pickiest eater. it may not be 5-star for every meal, but do you eat like that at home?

 

3. on your first morning, step outside, breath in the ocean air and prepare for an awesome day.

 

4. there may be crowds/lines at times. relax.. you are on vacation and so is everyone else. enjoy yourself and do not sweat the small stuff.

 

5. do not be afraid to join the fun. on our first cruise, my DH and I went to the Quest and the people sitting next to us were happy to invite us onto their team. we're a little shy about intruding on another party's space, but we had a blast with those nice folks playing the Quest.

 

6. catch at least one sunset and one sunrise at sea.

 

7. order the BLT and chocolate cake from room service. just because.

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Lydia B.

Lydia B.

Posted
Posted (edited)

The both a power strip (make sure it is in good shape ) and a bungee cord.

You can hook the bungee on your balcony door to keep it open. Nice to lay in bed and hear the ocean. But note the AC will turn off but still nice.

Have a great time and allow yourself to be spoiled.

Edited by Lydia B.
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sjn911

sjn911

Posted
Posted (edited)
1. pack less (I'm a notorious over-packer so for a cruise it was REALLY overkill.

 

2. do not worry about the food. there is plenty to eat and you can find food 24/7. if you find yourself hungry on a cruise, you are the world's pickiest eater. it may not be 5-star for every meal, but do you eat like that at home?

 

3. on your first morning, step outside, breath in the ocean air and prepare for an awesome day.

 

4. there may be crowds/lines at times. relax.. you are on vacation and so is everyone else. enjoy yourself and do not sweat the small stuff.

 

5. do not be afraid to join the fun. on our first cruise, my DH and I went to the Quest and the people sitting next to us were happy to invite us onto their team. we're a little shy about intruding on another party's space, but we had a blast with those nice folks playing the Quest.

 

6. catch at least one sunset and one sunrise at sea.

 

7. order the BLT and chocolate cake from room service. just because.

 

LIKE all above suggestions a lot...focus on UNWINDING on a darn nice budget sea cruise...food can be off and on,,but you always have something else to try...my expectations on an "off" week colored my options or thinking of them...Could have gone to Carving station in Lido???...tried above mentioned instead of a disorganized dinner that was bad and dessert stale and awful..just redo later with tons of options,,,,asking more early from the server station for a good time and mamagement serve crew suggestions after very bad first seat yourself first on as you wish dining. I let a second not so good food and service cruise build up instead of being calm and proactive. If done right little glitches do not grow and lemonade is made out of lemons....Most options are paid for too...you can get something else!!!

Edited by sjn911
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Buffettfan 225 "Live from...." Rare

Buffettfan 225

Posted
Posted

Ok my name is buffettfa and I am an obsessive cruise planner.

So where to start with tips:

1.)dilly,dally a bit when called for muster drill- first to arrive end up in the back being hot and stuffy (especially if you are height challenged like me) But make sure you go as mandatory.

2.)Print Two luggage tags per bag & laminate or cover with clear packing tape. Then attach to a top and side handle of bag- just in case gets removed, or one on outside and one inside suitcase.

3.)careful with wearing a lanyard- the wind sometimes catches them and I have seen Sail n' sign cards go flying.

4.)best to have lots of $1's and $5's for port shopping,tips and taxis. Casino cage can break bigger bills once on cruise.

5.)Use the luggage porter after cruise to gather bags and he will whisk you to a very short customs line. Worth the $. Or do "Luggage express" through ship- it is so worth not having to worry about bags until home airport and ship will print your boarding passes.

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Buffettfan 225 "Live from...." Rare

Buffettfan 225

Posted
Posted

Ok I can't resist my hints list I have compiled.

 

1.)Main dining room can order multiples and an adult can order off children's menu. Many don't know of the banana split,brownies,jello etc.

2.a portable battery clock to see what time at night as no clock in cabin.

3.)a night light for kids, or turn tv onto the carnival webcam page has time on it and a glow for kiddos.

4.)sealed snacks for off ship - granola bars,candy,pack of pretzels etc. (stuff that won't melt) for kids the breakfast cereal boxes are great. If they favor a certain type say like Fruit Loops grab a few early in cruise as some types run out.

one is not allowed to take good off ship that is not sealed.

5.)no need to pack beach towels - room comes with them, and if left out on bathroom floor will get replaced.

6.)watch slippery floors - lido Buffett area, open deck if wet.

7.)kids must wear a muster wrist band at all times. We found when son younger if allowed to put on his ankle as was more comfortable and better for family photos.

8).bring hair conditioner if need it - none on ship, same with stomache medicines like Tums,Pepto Bismol, if you ask for some they may think you have a contagious virus & quarantine in cabin. Just plan on packing a moms medical just in case kit- lots of sunscreen,certain ports need DEET Bug spray (preventative as some ports Mosquitos carry diseases. Waterproof band aids, Bonine for motion sickness just in case.)

9.)if beaching it- sand toys like shovels/pails from Walmart/Dollar store. If have a child - cheaper and can leave at end if wish.

10.) Put cell phone on airplane mode or off to avoid possible incoming call/text charges. Also do not count on cell being current time,not all auto correct.

11.)verify that all times are referred to as ship time, not what time it is in port.

12.)omelet station has its own line, and besides Omelets can also make eggs to order, or an egg white omelet.

13.)lanyards for kids sign n sail card. They can tuck under shirt to not lose in the wind (seen it happen to adults)

14.)sign n sail can have a spending limit set for kids daily for arcade.

15.)when refilling personal beverage bottles- use cruise cup to pour into yours for sanitation reason (there is usually a sign asking this) Bring an insulated,wide mouth bottle for this. Great for pool deck too vs. a cup.

16.)Hot chocolate machine on lido great at night for movies under stars

17.)bring an overdose or shoe hanger for more storage of items. Sometimes the couch in room the bottom pulls out for storage depending on the ship.

18.)Post it notes to leave messages for cabin steward, or a family member

19.)Door decorations- try and find command type sticky, or wall friendly - scotch tape stewards not fond of as they have to clean any residue off, same goes for the colored jelly window Clingons.

Oh the walls and doors I believe are metal - can buy cruise souvenir magnets and hang FunTimes up. Bring a high liter for FunTimes.

20.)check ship library hours, they have board games in library for families.

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Velvetwater

Velvetwater

Posted
Posted (edited)

1)You can order as much food as you like

 

2) Be up to Lido before 8.00 to get a lounger

 

3) Book Anytime dining

 

4) Bring a power strip (although the Room steward reported and took ours 3 days in...grrr)

Edited by Velvetwater
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amyh13

amyh13

Posted
Posted

All stellar recommendations. I prefer to overpack. We drive to the port and I like choices. Bring your allotted wine if you drink. Plan nothing on your first sea day. Anytime dining will make your life much easier. Send your kids to camp. They may claim they don't like it but I have taught enough Sunday school to know that kids are COMPLETELY fine about 30 seconds after the patents leave.

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adriennerm

adriennerm

Posted
Posted (edited)

Turn off your cellphone. This never crossed my mind when I was planning my first cruise. A friend told me about 3 days prior to my trip.

 

I can only imagine how much my phone bill would have been if it wasn't for her lol

Edited by adriennerm
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amyh13

amyh13

Posted
Posted
Bring a small first aid kit and any over the counter medications you may need for cold, fever, and upset tummy. Just in case.

 

 

 

These items are kind of expensive if you have to buy them in the shop on board.

 

 

Oh yes. In ziplock bags. Every Otc medication you ever thought about taking. Better safe than sorry. We always dig something out.

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