Cruising Hints and Tips for Newbies

[Megagirl]

My wife and I will be sailing on our 1st ever cruise on Pac Sun next month and looking forward to it.

 

Just a couple of questions.

Alcohol pricing - is it expensive, can you pay in cash so you don't get a surprise at the end?

 

Ross

 

Hi Ross,

 

No, you can't pay cash as you go. All purchases onboard with the exception of the casino are placed on your cruisecard. But you can check your balance anytime at the Pursers desk to keep an eye on the total.

 

We'll be fairly limited with spending our next cruise (23 sleeps) so I think we'll just put cash on the cards to start with and if it runs out, then we'll be happy to drink water for the rest of the time. But haven't told hubby that yet.:eek::eek:

 

Jenny

[MargnGrah]

Going on the PD, can you take an electric toothbrush?

 

I don't think there is a powerpoint in the bathroom, only one at the Dressing table....:confused:

[cavil09]

Thanks Jen

 

So if we want to do the snorkeling thing then do we need to book tours or do we just make our own way to the beach and go from there?

 

What about the adult deck, is there a cost involved with using this facility?

 

Ross

[CanRaiders]

I don't think there is a powerpoint in the bathroom, only one at the Dressing table....:confused:

 

well my brush will have to sit on the dressing table. have not used an old fashioned brush for years:D

[MargnGrah]

well my brush will have to sit on the dressing table. have not used an old fashioned brush for years:D

 

I can't see why you cannot clean them there...just have a glass of water and a washer with you.....:o

[MargnGrah]

I can't see why you cannot clean them there...just have a glass of water and a washer with you.....:o

 

That was just a blonde moment...hehe.I do know that they only sit in the charger !!!:D

[Megagirl]

Hi Ross

 

I don't snorkel myself but the places you are going to are perfect for it from what I've read. The tenders take you ashore and you just wander into the water and snorkel to your heart's content.

 

I believe there is a charge for the adults only deck ($10/half day??) and that includes water and ice cream?? all day.

 

Some snorkellers are sure to give you some inside tips on the best spots.

 

Jenny

[cavil09]

What is meant by "Tender" is this the transport from the ship to port?

 

And what is the process to get on board?

 

Ross

[Kiwi_cruiser]

What is meant by "Tender" is this the transport from the ship to port?

 

Yep

 

And what is the process to get on board?

 

What normally happens is in the morning you go to one off the lounges (It should say in the daily the previous night which lounge to go to), & Then you get a ticket with a number & then they call out a number & when your number is called you head down to your Tender.

 

Hope this helps :)

[Belle4]

Thanks for this, found it really helpful as we are new to cruising,

especially car parking info in Sydney :)

[Storeman Norman]

I've taken tips from variuos threads and made one list for ease of use.

Hope it can be of use to all.

PDF file is attached.

 

Norman

Check List and Things to Pack.pdf

[leggyliz]

I've taken tips from variuos threads and made one list for ease of use.

Hope it can be of use to all.

PDF file is attached.

 

Norman

 

 

Awesome Norman!!! How kind of you to do that. I've printed it out and also sending to my other friends that are cruising with me.

 

Thanks again Liz:D

[strawberrypatch81]

I've taken tips from variuos threads and made one list for ease of use.

Hope it can be of use to all.

PDF file is attached.

 

Norman

 

Thanks Norman, Great idea! I will definitely will look at the list when I pack next year on my cruise. :)

[seagull48]

Hi

I am new to cruising and am so excited about going on my first cruise in August. I was just wondering with the four course dining, are you able to have three courses then watch the show and then come back for the dessert???

 

Thanks Deb

[Megagirl]

Hi Deb

 

I don't think you can go to the dining room for just dessert, but of course you can visit the buffet and have as many desserts as your little heart desires.:D:D

 

Who knows, maybe you can go just for dessert, i've just never tried.

 

Jenny

[seagull48]

Thanks Jenny,

Maybe the buffet is the way to go,

Deb.:):):)

[Travel.Lover]

Hi all!

is anyone going on the 21st July 09 Pacific Dawn cruise for 10nights?

This will be my second P&O cruise, ive travel alot overseas but by plane, so if anyone has some great advise with the dawn cruise id appreciate hearing about it. I would like to know about the dining, entertainment and how some of the islands are like.

My last cruise was the Pacific sky 10night and loved it!

[bellyrox]

Hi all!

is anyone going on the 21st July 09 Pacific Dawn cruise for 10nights?

This will be my second P&O cruise, ive travel alot overseas but by plane, so if anyone has some great advise with the dawn cruise id appreciate hearing about it. I would like to know about the dining, entertainment and how some of the islands are like.

My last cruise was the Pacific sky 10night and loved it!

 

Hi Travel.Lover! Im going on the July cruise too, and definitely looking forward to it! There's quite a few people on here that are going, come and join our official roll call and introduce yourself to everyone, the link is http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=826499

[ichook]

Hi there,

That was a great list but 2 things- can men wear jeans on casual nights and can you take hair straighteners?? This is our very first cruise and we are cruising on Pacific Dawn 31 Aug 09 can't wait we are so excited!!:D

 

Michelle

[Megagirl]

Hi Michelle

 

Yes to both those questions.

 

Have a great cruise. Watch out for the karaoke nuts onboard.

 

Jenny

[baker65]

Thanks so much for taking the time to put together some great ideas and information. We are cruising for the first time in October(never been out of Queensland let alone overseas) so it is good to have some insight into what we might expect

[SerendipityLulu]

Thanks so much for all the fabulous information.

 

I can't drag myself away from reading it all. Isn't this an amazing site!

[Lotty]

This will be my first cruise and i am travelling with 3 friends, we are going on the Pacific Dawn in June of 2010. Is there anything we should know or take with us since it will be the start of winter?

 

Lotty:rolleyes:

[jaffahunter]

Our family are first time cruisers and will be on the Isle of Pines on Christmas day. We would like to take gifts for some of the children on the Island. We were wondering if that would be appropriate and if things like balls and textas would be a good idea or would something else be better?:confused:

[floatie]

Hi Jaffa

I've only been to Isle of Pines once and the children there do not seem to be as bad off as on other islands and thus may appreciate something different??

They do get a lot of cruise ships stopping there but of late it has ceased because of swine flu fears. It may well be all clear come December though?

Maybe if you post this question as a "topic" in the main P&O forum area it might bring some suggestions?

Welcome to the addictive world of cruising!! Hope you have a fantastic time.:)