Ultimate tip to a princess 1st timer

[Cruisin' Lisa]

Here's my 2 cents worth:

1. take an extra electrical cord because your cabin won't have enough outlets, or it will be in an awkward place (on my Dawn cruise last month, the only electrical plug was right below a hanging picture and I didn't have ebnough room to plug in the box that housed the batteries to the digital camera---so unfortunately , we couldn't take any pictures all cruise.

2. take a yellow marker to highlight your patters and what you want to do

3. take medications like Ibuprofen even if you're sure you won't need it. Again on my last cruise, I remembered all the meds for the kids, but didn't take any Advil type stuff for me. I then tripped on luggage when waiting to embark and had a "munched" knee all weekend (FYI, they sell 4 Advil for $1.79. . .I ended up needing to buy 12-14 pkgs of the 4 pack Advil and spent about $23. . . I could've bought literally thousands of pills from Sam's Club for that price!)

3. Enjoy the afternoon tea. For dinner, be daring, order 2 entrees or 2 desserts.

4. Dress up to the hilt on formal nights, its your honeymoon! Spurge and buy some (lots!)pictures.

5. Get free packs of cards from the purser.

6. Don't tip automatically. Tell the purser you want to tip on your own. Bring envelopes to put your tips in and write personal notes to each of your staff (eg steward, waiters etc). Tip extra if you think they deserve it.

7. Get $2 bills ahead of time from your local bank and use them for tipping the bellboy, porter, etc. If you're creative, fold them into origami swans first and then use to tip.

8. Spurge and get a massage.

9. Tell your steward and Princess that it is your honeymoon beforehead, so that they serenade you at dinner one night, and decorate your cabin door.

10. Bring scotch tape just to have on hand to tape notes to mirrors or doors, etc. Bring some plastic grocery bags, ziplock bags , etc.
Bring Woollite.

11. Join your CC rollcall board if you want to get to know some of your fellow passengers beforehand.

12. If you want privacy, reserve a table for 2 for dinner, if you want to meet people , sit at a table for 8. For lunch, eat in the dining room a few times, and meet other people.

13. Have people take LOTS of pictures of you and your honey all through the cruise for your album later. Heck, be adventurous! Bring a photo album or large journal and have people you meet/get to know write you their biggest "secrets" to a wonderful marriage.(come on, go for it. . .even ask the captain to do it, or your steward, or? --it'd make a wonderful momento)

14. Have fun. Don't sweat the small stuff. You're starting the rest of your life with the one you love on a wonderful Princess Cruise.

Lisa

If you are sailing on the Caribbean Princess August 21, come post on the following roll call thread:
[url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=4763056957&m=108109851&r=296106412#296106412"]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=4763056957&m=108109851&r=296106412#296106412[/url]

Caribbean Princess 08/21/2004
Dawn Princess Repositioning Pacific Coastal Cruise 05/07/2004
Carnival Ecstasy January 2004
Carnival Ecstasy April 2003
Star Princess (Mexican Riviera) Christmas 2002
Royal Caribbean January 2000
NCL Windstar(Alaska) August 1995

[bcs819]

Wow...I thought my list was pretty basic stuff... I got kudos from Chris, I feel so special [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
Our upcoming cruise will be the first on the Dolphin deck and while I am game for some balcony activity, DH may chicken out on this one. Hoewever, we were on an extended balcony on the Pride with friends right next door and, um, did it [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img] It was late, and it was dark and DH had his hand over my mouth the whole time...it was like high school all over again [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] On our last princess cruise, the guy on the deck below us insisted on coming out naked everyday to brush his teeth and that was much more disgusting to me than catchng two people in love making whoopy [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Bernie


"so many cruises, so little vacation time"
Diamond Princess - September 2004
Grand Princess - March 2003
Carnival Pride - June 2002
Carnival Victory - June 2001

[vikry]

You guys are so unbelievably helpful thanks for taking time to reply this will all be really useful in pre-cruise planning and on the cruise itself. Please feel free to keep them coming. i'm so glad i chose princess cruises and even more glad that i found these boards, thanks again. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[MauiLuvr]

A couple of my favorite tips:

1. Take post-it notes and a pen and keep them on that little shelf with the mirror just inside the door (I call it "the message center"). If you're going to the galley tour and he's going to the casino, you can leave little notes to one another about where to meet up afterward. This may not be so crucial for a couple who may spend most or all of their time together but I travel with a group of friends and it can be very helpful--even helped when I cruised with my Mom because we spent time apart doing what we enjoyed and then would meet up.

2. If having dinner in Sabatini's or the Sterling Steakhouse is important to you, and especially if doing so on a particular night is important to you, make your reservations the day you get on the ship. There will be a guy at a table outside Sabatini's on embarkation day who will take your reservations.

3. Ditto #2 if getting a massage or using any other spa or beauty salon services is important to you. Get those appointments made up front and then relax!

4. Carry your patter to dinner with you so you'll have a list of the evening's entertainment, where each is being held, and when each start, so you can discuss over dinner what you'll do the rest of the evening.

5. Waiters in traditional dining may hold dinner for people who are late. Please be prompt AND, if you're having dinner elsewhere one night, please let your waiter or tablemates know the night before so they don't wait for you to start dinner.

6. Ditto #5 if, for some reason, you decide partway through the cruise to switch from traditional to PC. Last year, 2 of our tablemates switched from trad. to PC after the first night but didn't tell anyone. We happened to run into them in the elevator the next day and they told us. That night, the waiter started to hold dinner for them, and I told him that they weren't coming back. Both the waiter and the maitre'd were unhappy that they hadn't been told of the switch.

7. Use the "You Made a Difference" cards that you're furnished in your cabin to recognize one or more employees who gave you great service. This is more than just a pat on the back...from what I understand, these cards can help make decisions about promotions and such.

[B]Golden Princess 5/2004 (Southern)[/B]
[B]Golden Princess 3/2003(Eastern)[/B]
[B]Grand Princess 5/2002 (Western)[/B]
[B]Grand Princess 5/1999 (Eastern)[/B]

[DoniaG]

This is a tip on tips from this and other boards. For the past few weeks, I've been copying anything I find on these boards that I want to remember into a Word file. I just cut what I want, then paste it into the new file. When I get ready to leave, I'll print out all these wonderful suggestions and take them along with me. That's the only way I'll manage to remember all of them!
Have a glorious wedding and honeymoon.
Donia

[vikry]

[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] oops! did i just bump this [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[sue d. miller]

LOL!! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Sue
7 days on Star 10/24/04
GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY
GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL

[mary4165]

We take two way radios so we can keep in touch. My sweetie likes to get up early and go to breakfast while I like to sleep in. When I get up I call him on the two way and then we hook up.

Take some clothes pins for hanging wet suits and weighing down the shower curtain (they stick to you).

Absolutely pack a outlet strip, there is only one plug in the cabin. The hair dryers on board are very weak, I always bring my own.

Get a combination radio, clock, alarm and white noise unit (Breakstone). It will help you sleep and keep the noise down from the hallway. Kids love running up and down the hall and some late night revelers can be noisy when going back to their cabins.

Do NOT try to get a tan on the first day-you will just get a bad sunburn-leaving you miserable (and your new husband). Caribbean sun is very intense, pace yourself (I know I live in Florida).

In your carry on pack one set of clean underwear, a bathing suit and cover up in case of baggage snafus. This way after lunch on the first day you can go directly to the pool.

Ask your room steward to leave two copies of the Patter so if you do separate you both know what activities are available.

[verwirrt]

Mary,

All good advise. Might I suggest also packing a smart casual outfit in the carryon? This way if your luggage arrives late you will still have an outfit to change into.

We live in Oklahoma and cruise in Oct/Nov. By then it's cold here so we wear jeans on the flight. I just don't like to wear 'em on the ship.

BUT - before this very informative thread degrades - I don't mind if others do! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Sharon

[imsulin]

I always pack my 10" X 10" fan...the white noise puts me right to sleep! I also roll up an empty duffle bag in my checked luggage - to haul home the junk I buy, and I can use it as check-in luggage on the way home. It usually contains my dirty clothes, though. God help the TSA agent who picks that duffle bag at random!

[sue d. miller]

LOL!! I would love to be there to see his face!!! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Sue
7 days on Star 10/24/04
GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY
GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL

[imsulin]

You wouldn't be able to see much of his face, because he would be pinching his nose with both of his hands! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]. Then...he would resign in disgust!

[DoniaG]

Some really great ideas here. Let's keep adding them.

[vikry]

Thanks guys i thought i would just give a nudge.

aren't these new boards great

[jeniceglassman]

[FONT=Palatino Linotype]Our credit union sells "Mad Money" $26 for a vinyl covered book of 25 new dollar bills. We pick up a couple for cruises because they are perfect for vending machines, quick tips, and bartering stash.[/FONT]

[trepid]

Hi Vikry
We also brought a night lite for the bathroom so we can navigate in the dark:)
Have a beach bag for when you get off the boat to carry stuff in, bring a copy of your passport with you when you get off the ship in case.
Two hi-liters in different colours so you can each read the patter and choose what you want to do.
All the tips so far are really useful.
Pat


Navigator of the Seas 09/06/2003

[aggieastrosfan]

A suggestion to the "gamblers" that I plan on using for myself...

To avoid spending cash in the casino, give yourself a "gift" of casino chips. This way, you won't gamble away any souvenir money, and you'll already have paid for a portion of your spending money before you get on the ship.

[California<=^==^=>Cr]

Having spent last year cruising on our honeymoon my tips are . . . .

Make use of the balcony. ;)

Pack 3-days worth of clothes (including formals) in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost. We were caught in the New York blackout and received our luggage 4 days late. Best advice we got from CC.

Make use of the balcony. ;)

Meet new people, that experience can take you to new places around the world (We're going to visit New Zealanders we met on our cruise).

Make use of the balcony. ;)

[California<=^==^=>Cr]

[quote name='DoniaG']This is a tip on tips from this and other boards. For the past few weeks, I've been copying anything I find on these boards that I want to remember into a Word file. I just cut what I want, then paste it into the new file. When I get ready to leave, I'll print out all these wonderful suggestions and take them along with me. That's the only way I'll manage to remember all of them!
Have a glorious wedding and honeymoon.
Donia[/QUOTE]

Attach this Word file so we can take advantage of your scavenging . . .

[mii]

After taking 6 princess cruises, I have found out one thing is to absolutely relax, do not sweat the small stuff, if you forget something so be it. On our first Princess Cruise we were as green as could be and had the best time. Now I am not saying that I have had a rotten time since our last 5 cruises but we have tended to be more particular on what deck we stay, what cabin, is the balocony big enough?. We are trying really hard not to be fussy about the these little things. Let the good times roll.


Marilyn

[Guest Grey's Girl]

[quote name='aggieastrosfan']A suggestion to the "gamblers" that I plan on using for myself...

To avoid spending cash in the casino, give yourself a "gift" of casino chips. This way, you won't gamble away any souvenir money, and you'll already have paid for a portion of your spending money before you get on the ship.[/QUOTE]
This is our first Princess cruise, so I never heard of this before. What a great idea! How do you do this and can you pre-pay on the slot machines??

[aggieastrosfan]

Grey's Girl,

My first Princess cruise is in December, so I don't have a whole lot of info! I just happened on this link when someone posted a similar link to pre-purchase liquor for your cabin.

I don't know if you can pre-pay slots, but you could probably just buy the chips, and then cash them in to take to the slots! Here's a link to order chips:

[url="http://www.princess.com/onboard/sendagift/casino.html"]http://www.princess.com/onboard/sendagift/casino.html[/url]

I'm thinking if I order myself one $25 chip a month, that should (hopefully!) pay for my craps addiction for a week :D .

[Guest Grey's Girl]

[quote name='aggieastrosfan']Grey's Girl,

[url="http://www.princess.com/onboard/sendagift/casino.html"]http://www.princess.com/onboard/sendagift/casino.html[/url]

I'm thinking if I order myself one $25 chip a month, that should (hopefully!) pay for my craps addiction for a week :D .[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the link...I'll definitely check it out! Hmmm, one $25 chip a month x 6 months?? I wish! :D

[jennat]

A bungee cord to hold open the balcony door (do you need this on Princess?), I have a little knit purse (probably 6x8 inches) that I carry for my sea pass card, book and lip stick (I would be lost without it), definately an extra outlet, a night lite and clock.

Remember to ask for loungers and robes when you get on and tip accordingly.
Get on the ship early, don't wait for the time your papers say (once again, can you do this on Princess), this is the beat day of the cruise, when the ship feels empty and all yours.

Definately, get on a roll call board for your sailing and chat with others onboard. It increases the fun and anticipation and even if you don't plan on spending alot of time with others, it gives you lots of friendly faces on board.

Remember that everyone on a cruise ship is there to have fun. Don't feel self conscious dancing to Grease Lightning, hand motions and all (with a fake mic), sing Karioke (sp), get involved. It's all about having a good time so leave all pretense behind and have corny fun.

Have a great honeymoon,
Jen

[daboo]

Wow, I have started my own Word document of all the tips I have found here (I'll have to edit later). Thanks to everyone that contributed! I have cruised 3 times before, but a lot of these tips still never came to mind.
I too am going on my honeymoon on Princess (Tahitian, March 13, 2005) and I look forward to making the trip even more complete with all the tips I have found here. Thank you everyone. :)