Help for a newbie?

[judgemom]

I have been reading all week on here and still would like some guidance, and even personal thoughts as well.

 

My dh decided LAST FRIDAY that we should go on a Western Caribbean cruise out of Galveston (close to home) on RC Voyager of the Seas. 7 nights,

Coz, Roatan, Progresso. I had to book today because of filling up. FIRST CRUISE....

 

This is all overwhelming to me as I like to study and know everything!!

 

My hubby and I are professional people, BUT....very casual and laid back..... My hubby more than myself....He is comfortable in jeans and a polo, even for dinners..... He will wear dockers, shirt, and light jacket. Will we be allowed in the dining room or will we end up in the burger joints? Would he be uncomfortable wearing jeans and jacket in the dining room?

 

We do not have time to get passports as first my hubby has to obtain a certified copy of the birth certificate.

 

At the ports, are there any suggestions of adventures? In Roatan I am looking at snorkeling, and Coz, we are looking at the harley ride. Has anyone taken the harley tour? Should we book our excursions through the RC website or wait until we get there? Particular procedures....

 

Any help or advice would be so much appreciated.....

[tomko2]

The only port you named we have been to is Coz. We love the beach at Playa San Francisco -- inexpensive cab ride $10.00; two lounge chairs and an umbrella for shade $20.00. We usually as soon as we are onshore (9:30) and return to the ship around 1:00 in time for a late lunch.

Photos in link below.

Jeans in the DR are a push on the first night which is the most casual because not all passengers have received their luggage.

Kathy:)

[cb at sea]

Don't worry about the passport thing--cruise passengers don't need them, yet. And the ports don't require them--it's a U.S. thing.

If you know the excursions you want, go ahead and book. Since this is your 1st time, I'd go with ship's excursions--absolutely nothing to do on your part, except have fun! You can book in advance on RCI's website, or wait until you board the ship.

Get to the ship early, (bring or wear your bathing suit (if weather permits) and get started on your vacation! Enjoy! This WON'T be your last!

[bcs819]

he will be fine in the dining rooms in dockers/khakis and a collared shirt. He will NOT be fine in jeans - they are not allowed, except for the first night when not everyone has their luggage. He will not need a jacket, unless he decides to dress that way for formal night. Formal nights for gents are usually suit with shirt/tie, although I have seen the blazer thing, as well.

 

As for burger joints, Voyager has a Johnny ROckets which is an extra charge, so I wouldn't go there unless you have a serious burger craving.

[househunter]

Jeans and a collared shirt are perfectly fine for the casual nights. Some people would prefer that they not be so they say they are not allowed. RCI has no restrictions against jeans and you will see plenty of people wearing them on casual nights especially out of Galeveston.

 

Formal nights however require a suit or tux. You can always eat in the buffet or order room service if you don't want to participate. The buffet serves alot of the same items as the dining room so you definatly will not be eating burgers unless you want to.

 

Have a great cruise!

[JerseyGem]

RCL's dress code has certainly relaxed over the past few years. In fact, it's now referred to as "Suggested Attire" (not as "Dress Code"). Your DH will be fine in decent jeans for every night except "formal" night. Dockers, dress shirt (that is, one with collar) and a casual jacket will be fine for that night. However, he may see people who wear jeans on formal night, but depending on how picky the staff is (on that particular ship, on that particular night), those wearing jeans or even shorts may be asked to change or eat in the buffet.

 

The buffet is much more than just a burger joint- many people prefer eating all their meals there so that they can eat whenever they choose, rather than the set early or late dining times.

 

Shore excursions: snorkeling in Roatan (through the ship) would be a good choice. If you're going to "do your own" excursion, Cozumel is the place to do so. We just go to Paradise Beach every time we visit. Check out the Cozumel Forum for all your options. If you decide to do the Harley ride, I would book it online before you cruise since it probably only takes a limited number of passengers. (This would be a good way to see more of the island,too.)

 

Although passports are not needed (at this time), you will need to prove both your citizenship and your identity. A government issued ID (with a picture), such as your driver's license, will prove your identity. Your certified copy of your birth certificate will prove your citizenship. Obviously, the names must be the same, or very similar, on both documents. (Don't worry about middle names or common changes like Antonio on the BC and Anthony on the DL).

 

Have a wonderful cruise!

[bcs819]

Jeans and a collared shirt are perfectly fine for the casual nights. Some people would prefer that they not be so they say they are not allowed. RCI has no restrictions against jeans and you will see plenty of people wearing them on casual nights especially out of Galeveston.

 

Formal nights however require a suit or tux. You can always eat in the buffet or order room service if you don't want to participate. The buffet serves alot of the same items as the dining room so you definatly will not be eating burgers unless you want to.

 

Have a great cruise!

 

Maybe the tolerance is different for sailings out of Galveston. When we were on Voyager, we saw people tuned away from the DR in jeans...

[98Charlie]

Maybe the tolerance is different for sailings out of Galveston. When we were on Voyager, we saw people tuned away from the DR in jeans...

We sailed out of Galveston several years ago on another line. This was when there was a dress code.

 

There was an announcement in the daily program that because of the origin of the cruise (Texas) jeans were acceptable attire at any time in the dining room. As I recall that included formal night with a tie and jacket.

 

You may want to check in on roll calls from recent returning cruises and see what their experience was.

 

Charlie

[clackey]

I'll try to help with the port questions since I have no taste when it comes to attire. Here in northern AR you don't have need for ties. Funerals and weddings are the only reason for a tie. I think it is because there is little differance between the two.;)

 

Since this is your first trip and if you don't mind spending the extra money, you could book tours thru the cruiseline. However, it is very easy to do anything in Roatan or Cozumel by taxi. Grab a cab in Roatan and go to Tabyana Beach for great snorkeling. There are several good snorkeling spots, but this seems to be one of the top spots. We did West End, but I would try TB on the next trip.

 

Cozumel has gobs of stuff to do. If you take the Harley ride, please be careful. The taxi drivers in Coz are wild. :eek: I've seen several close calls in town, not only with people in cars or on scooters, but with pedestrians. If you insist on riding a bike of any sort, be sure to buy travel insurance.

[judgemom]

Thank all of you for your advice on clothing and ports.

I am sure by the time we leave, I will have him convinced ;) in leaving the jeans behind.

 

As I read more on drivers in Cozumel the more I am convinced a harley may not be the wisest choice. Maybe a jeep, or hiring a driver to show us around.

 

I will have to give Roatan more thought before I make a decision on booking through the cruiseline or hailing a taxi. Just not knowing what to expect I guess..

 

Looking forward in reading more comments on the ports...

 

Again, Thank you for your guidance and suggestions

[Fredr]

Hello,

 

From Cozumel there is some very interesting excursions to Tulum. The ferry ride to Playa Del Carmen is fun, and sit outside on the ferry.

 

You can see Grand Cayman on your own, and make sure you leave some time to see downtown where every major (and many minor) bank has a branch. You can go to the beach in Grand Cayman by taxi (but get the price of the ride before you get in the taxi).

 

You will be making a big mistake by not participating on formal night, as these nights are part of the romance and tradition of travel by sea. Your husband will look great in a tie and jacket. This does not mean a dark suit or a tux but as a professional person he probably has something that he wears on those rare occasions that calls for a jacket...physician meetings, court appearances by lawyers, CPA meetings, school board meetings, or meetings with bankers if he owns a ranch. Your husband will appreciate your getting dressed up and you will appreciate his efforts (a little romance dosen't hurt a marriage).

 

Formal night on a cruise ship is a special night, full of great food, special shows, music. It is like going to a very nice New Year's eve party.

On all of our cruises (24) you see a few people who are not dressed up with a look on their faces that says...everyone looks so nice and happy and here we are, carrying our tray in the buffet.

 

As for jeans, he will be able to wear jeans to breakfast and lunch in the main dining room, and anywhere on the ship or in port. Possibly, he won't be able to wear them to dinner in the main dining room but being a cruise out of Galveston the ship may well relax the rules in order to accomodate their Texas customers.

 

Hope that this helps.

 

Fred

[househunter]

Sorry but RCI allows jeans in the dining room for dinner on all intineraries not just those out of Galveston. Every cruise I have been on, people have worn jeans, myself included. I pair mine with a nice top and heels and look alot more dressed up than the women wearing polyester pant suits with tennis shoes.

 

I just hate it when people give new cruisers the wrong information. There are several threads on the fashion boards on this subject as well and it looks like all but Celebrity are allowing jeans in the dining room on casual nights.

 

Have fun!:)

[JerseyGem]

Sorry but RCI allows jeans in the dining room for dinner on all intineraries not just those out of Galveston. Every cruise I have been on, people have worn jeans, myself included. I pair mine with a nice top and heels and look alot more dressed up than the women wearing polyester pant suits with tennis shoes.

 

I just hate it when people give new cruisers the wrong information. There are several threads on the fashion boards on this subject as well and it looks like all but Celebrity are allowing jeans in the dining room on casual nights.

 

Have fun!:)

 

Yes, this does seem to be the situation for the "mainstream" cruiselines (RCL, NCL, Princess, HAL, Carnival, Celebrity, Disney) (but not necessarily the upscale lines). When I cruised HAL (three years ago), they were a little stricter than the other lines. However, even they may change eventually. Fashion styles change over time- I, for one, am glad that women no longer have to wear the corsets and bustles of yesteryear. And as happy as I was when pantyhose were invented (goodby girdles), I'm even happier now that women are permitted to be out in public without any stockings!

[Fredr]

Hello,

 

Wear your jeans anywhere even on formal nights on a cruise ship because you have every right to do what you want, go where you want to, and wear what you want. One of the great aspects of a cruise is that no one really cares what you do so long as it does not adversely affect passenger and crew safety.

 

After 24 cruises and a cruise on RCCL's Splendour of the Seas (we were on the Dawn Princess in March of 2008) as recently as November of 2006, I try to answer pleas for help as factually as honestly as possible.

 

If you reread my post I tried to tell our friend that her DH could wear jeans at any time, except possibly on formal nights. I also mentioned that he did not have to purchase a tux or dark suit because he probably has everything he needs in his closet.

 

I want our friend (jugdemom) to go on a cruise, because I sense that she and her DH will have a wonderful time.

 

Hope that this helps.

 

Fred

[UtterCaro]

(we were on the Dawn Princess in March of 2008)

 

Impressive. :::looking at calendar and arching eyebrow::: ;)

 

Caro

[NCTribeFan]

Hello,

 

Wear your jeans anywhere even on formal nights on a cruise ship because you have every right to do what you want, go where you want to, and wear what you want. One of the great aspects of a cruise is that no one really cares what you do so long as it does not adversely affect passenger and crew safety....

Fred

 

Ah, yes. The ubiquitous "do what you want because you're on vacation" reply. :rolleyes:

 

Despite what some people seem to believe, it is possible to be comfortable and enjoy your meal when you're wearing nice clothes!

 

You'd probably get some good answers on the RCI board, since those folks know those ships best.

 

Yes, you can wear jeans on most mainstream cruises. Yes, most still have dress codes. I imagine RCI has their's posted on their website. No, many of the "rules" are not strictly enforced, at least not on Carnival, or are sporadically enforced, depending on the ship and the maitre d' (if you're talking about dress code).

 

You don't have to eat in the dining room on formal night should you chose to dress ultra-casually.

 

For me, dressing for dinner is one of the fun things to do while cruising. Thankfully, I don't have a DH who "won't dress up" to deal with! :D

 

I also recommend doing some reading on the Ports of Call boards. It can be overwhelming as there are so many options. On our upcoming Glory cruise, I'm definitely going cave-tubing in Belize and zip-lining in Roatan, while we're just going to book at Playa Uvas (all-inclusive with snorkeling from shore).

 

Have a great time! I bet you'll be hooked on cruising!

[celbercrz333]

You can always opt to do casual dining any night instead of the regular dining room. Now for some things you didn't ask, but should know. Make sure all luggage and even your carry on bag are all ON WHEELS. You will be so glad they are. Make sure you put something on your bags to make them stand out in the port building when you go home. Seeing an entire ship's worth of luggage in one huge, gigantic room is overwhelming. Our luggage is navy blue and we have neon green shoe laces tied to the handle. Bring along a small zippered pouch with a wristband. When you only have to go down to the ship's lobby or just up to the pool for a second, it's handy to have to put your room key in. Oh, yes, the room key looks like a credit card. Buy yourself a cheap watch in Target or Walmart that is waterproof and has an alarm on it if you want to go swimming at the beach and want to know when to go back to the ship. Mine was about $8 and has been invaluable.

[judgemom]

Thank you all for your help and imput.

 

Please don't get me wrong, my DH not wanting to dress up on formal night isn't anything I am having to deal with.....I feel that it is at his descretion as to whether or not he wants to participate.... He would dress however I insisted, but it is his vacation as well...

 

My husband attends various business meetings within the natrual gas industry and even at those meetings, he wears either dockers or nice pressed jeans with a jacket......As he says, this is me...take it or leave it...

My DH normally isnt a vacation person.....I am...lol...He wants to take this cruise to relax, get away from the headaches of running a gas plant, and enjoy himself....That simple....

 

That is why I asked if he would be forbidden in jeans in the dining room..... He does have slacks he will pack....We will just avoid being seen on formal nights if necessary ;)

 

As for excursions, I believe I have made up my mind on Roatan so far. Ships exc to Tabyana, once I find out a little more about it. (like does it provide snorkel vests and is there anything else to do there...)

 

Coz, well undecided, but harley tour is out...Dh isn't happy about it but I don't want to take that chance on a bike over there.....

So unsure now on what to do there....

 

Progresso no clue.....

I will post on the ports of call with those questions....

BTW, Not a real beach type person. We live 1/2 mile from the Gulf....:rolleyes: .... But of course our water isn't clear like what we will experience on the cruise.....

 

I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Fredr]

Hello,

 

If you will allow me to place a retraction here...our most recent cruise was in January of 2008, not March of 2008!

 

Our next cruise will be a transatlantic on the Emerald Princess, in mid April of 2008.

 

And finally...your husband has an especially stressful and very important job. Hope that he has a wonderful cruise vacation, and I hope that you emphasize the adventure and romance aspects of a cruise.

 

Fred

[bcs819]

Thank you all for your help and imput.

 

Please don't get me wrong, my DH not wanting to dress up on formal night isn't anything I am having to deal with.....I feel that it is at his descretion as to whether or not he wants to participate.... He would dress however I insisted, but it is his vacation as well...

 

My husband attends various business meetings within the natrual gas industry and even at those meetings, he wears either dockers or nice pressed jeans with a jacket......As he says, this is me...take it or leave it...

My DH normally isnt a vacation person.....I am...lol...He wants to take this cruise to relax, get away from the headaches of running a gas plant, and enjoy himself....That simple....

 

That is why I asked if he would be forbidden in jeans in the dining room..... He does have slacks he will pack....We will just avoid being seen on formal nights if necessary ;)

 

As for excursions, I believe I have made up my mind on Roatan so far. Ships exc to Tabyana, once I find out a little more about it. (like does it provide snorkel vests and is there anything else to do there...)

 

Coz, well undecided, but harley tour is out...Dh isn't happy about it but I don't want to take that chance on a bike over there.....

So unsure now on what to do there....

 

Progresso no clue.....

I will post on the ports of call with those questions....

BTW, Not a real beach type person. We live 1/2 mile from the Gulf....:rolleyes: .... But of course our water isn't clear like what we will experience on the cruise.....

 

I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

He doesn't need to avoid being seen on formal night. Many people get dressed up, eat, and then change into casual clothes. I personally don't understand it, but we saw people in their pajamas in the casino and on the way to the midnight show on formal night.

 

If he's bringing Dockers or nice pants, he could easily wear a black or navy pair on formal night with a shirt and tie and blend right in. Very few wear tuxes on any cruise that we've been on, mostly suits, so he would just look like he took his jacket off...