Is it easy to spot first time cruisers ?

[Essiesmom]

People who look dazed and confused aren’t always first timers.  Sailing for the first time on a different ship or cruise line can be quite disorienting.  Try going from one of Carnival’s Joe Farcus decorated ships to Cunard to MSC and they are quite different in both decor and layout.  EM

[clo]

A few years ago we cruised on Hurtigruten, one of their small Norwegian coastal cruises. IIRC of the 100 (!) pax there were only two other "Americans." And that mad it even better in our opinion. And it wasn't our first cruised.

[Aquahound]

On 12/23/2023 at 1:39 AM, Crestawave said:

Is there other things that might give us away ?

 

Honestly, don't even worry about it.  When I spot first-time cruisers and see the awe they are in, I actually get somewhat jealous, and I remember that feeling I had on my first cruise.  

[Crestawave]

4 hours ago, Aquahound said:

 

Honestly, don't even worry about it.  When I spot first-time cruisers and see the awe they are in, I actually get somewhat jealous, and I remember that feeling I had on my first cruise.  

 

4 days in and to be honest you really wouldn't have a clue who the other first timers aboard are.

Other than the unrivalled friendliness of the crew, the exceptional food on offer and the sparkling cleanliness of the ship, the thing we most like about being at sea is being able to sit outside and not being pestered by flies, wasps, mosquitos etc whilst eating.

We're all ready planning our next Viking Journey , Greek Odyssey in 2025 favourite so far.

[57redbird]

On 12/30/2023 at 6:19 PM, Mum2Mercury said:

Remember the old camp song too:  "Starboard shines green, and port is glowing red, I can see the barges far ahead."  

I know that song....Camp Sealth on Vashon Island, WA

 

[Mum2Mercury]

44 minutes ago, 57redbird said:

I know that song....Camp Sealth on Vashon Island, WA

Camp Occoneechee, rural NC.  The song's a classic. 

 

 

 

Edited January 16 by Mum2Mercury

[Cruiselover2025]

Just look for the most sun burnt ones, and you’ve found ur newbie

 

[delta1juliet]

On 2/8/2024 at 12:00 PM, Cruiselover2025 said:

Just look for the most sun burnt ones, and you’ve found ur newbie

 

Or at least the British tourists 😂

[Drumbeat16]

On 2/8/2024 at 11:30 AM, Cruiselover2025 said:

Just look for the most sun burnt ones, and you’ve found ur newbie

 

Not if they're Australians or Australian residents 

[ldubs]

Based on the way cruise critic has been going lately, I would say anyone seeming to have fun is a first time cruiser.  😄 

[john watson]

I remember a youngish newbie couple at Guernsey who got on the tender and the wife seemed to be a bit nervous. They sat next to me and we watched the tender pilot reposition a big fender  then walk back in and up a ladder to his driving position. The woman said "He hasn't got a clue what to do and he's driving" so I said to the husband "ohh, he's our waiter". Well he found it funny.

 

Regards John

[Mary229]

I use my lack of experience as a conversation starter and do I learn a lot.  If you are open and admit your lack of experience people will flock to give you advice and travel knowledge - so be careful about who you engage😉.   I have traveled a lot but am only moderately experienced in cruising and I prefer to always sail to new places.  Others love going to the same place year after year - those are the people I seek out. They can give you great tips

[DeclanAllen]

I've been on a few cruises myself, and I think it's natural for first-time cruisers to have these concerns. From my experience, there are a few things that might give away first-time cruisers, but they're nothing to worry about.

I think one common indicator is the excitement and eagerness to explore the ship and participate in activities. First-time cruisers often have a sense of wonder and enthusiasm about everything onboard, which is completely understandable!

Another thing is not being familiar with certain cruise customs or etiquette, like knowing where to find dining venues or how to navigate the ship efficiently. But don't worry, everyone starts somewhere, and the crew is always there to help if you have any questions.

As for standing out as Brits among mostly Americans, I think it could actually be a fun conversation starter and an opportunity to connect with fellow cruisers from different backgrounds.

Overall, I suggest embracing the experience and enjoying every moment of your first cruise adventure. Bon voyage!

[John Bull]

On 12/23/2023 at 10:04 PM, AussieOmni said:

I’m always concerned about being spotted as a Brit. Because I’m not one.

”oh I love your accent, where in England are you from?”

 

It works the other way round too.

On America's west coast I used to often be told "I just love your Australian accent". 😃

Not so much nowadays, because folk are generally much more travelled.

 

JB 🙂

[CDNPolar]

I feel that even some 'seasoned' cruisers are not necessarily taking advantage of everything. 

 

I have heard many people that have cruised with our favourite cruise line more than once say:  "I didn't know this or I didn't know that."

 

Take for instance a Galley tour or a Bridge tour....  on our favourite cruise line, these are not advertised per se but available if you go to Guest Services and ask.

[ldubs]

7 hours ago, CDNPolar said:

I feel that even some 'seasoned' cruisers are not necessarily taking advantage of everything. 

 

I have heard many people that have cruised with our favourite cruise line more than once say:  "I didn't know this or I didn't know that."

 

Take for instance a Galley tour or a Bridge tour....  on our favourite cruise line, these are not advertised per se but available if you go to Guest Services and ask.

 

I think that is very true and not just for less advertised things.  We have used Princess enough to have elite status, and yet have never attended a pub lunch.  We have yet to attend an afternoon tea on any cruise line.  Nothing against either.  We just haven't done them.  Maybe next time.