"I wish I knew before..."

[ballgown1]

A couple of things: the food is not gourmet. It's good and plentiful but we had heard everybody raving about the food on a cruise ship and how wonderful it was and how you gain so much weight so we had very high expectations. The food is like banquet food-good but not great. (I don't have to cook it or clean up after it so it's that much better to me!)

 

Don't bring so many clothes-nobody cares if you wear the same thing twice.

 

Board the ship as soon as you are able on the first day. It counts as a cruise day and you are paying for it so enjoy it!

 

Thank you for saying this about the food. I suspected as much, based on some of the pics of the menus I have seen. We are gourmands/foodies and could probably make a vacation of eating alone (and, if the food were good, would be quite happy). We are taking our first cruise in August and I was hoping for an 8-day gourmet extravaganza, but had kinda lowered my expectations when I read the menus :D. I am sure that the food is good, though.

[GlendaleCruiser]

Your dining table is assigned to you before you board and will be listed on your sign & sail card. On your first day on board, go straight to the dining room and check out the table. If it looks like you're going to be seated at a table for four or six go and talk to the maitre'd and request a table for two. The maitre'd is usually very good at accomodating your request. Before dinner you'll get a message in your stateroom with your new dining table assignment. AND if you'd really rather not deal with the formal dining room you can always eat at the buffet.

The poster said they have Anytime Dining. They won't be assigned a table in the MDR.

Poster, when you arrive tell the Maitre D' that you would prefer to have a two top. (table for two). You may have to wait a bit or you might not. You would not have to sit and wait for others to fill your table.

[jaycat]

To each it's own. I think cruising is wonderful for a person with children...guiltiless babysitters. You get to meet lots of people from different regions of the world. A lot of people do timeshare and alot of people do cruises, whatever makes you happy.

 

First time cruise tip.....if you think you will get SEA SICK, take whatever meds of your chioce. If not sure, take it with you and at the first indication, take it!!!

[kt3220]

this is the second person who has pounced on this reply. I agree money talks, but if you want to give them something small also, why not. Who cares what they do with it. Thought that counts and I am sure they appreciate being treated like human beings.

[yankeegrl]

This is seriously the best thread ever! I've become a CC junkie. We booked our first cruise 2 weeks ago and found such great info here. Thank you all for such great info. I feel so much better prepared! :D

[lightfello]

I leave in a week on RC to Mexico for my honeymoon. This thread has been extremely helpful!

[DarryDFL]

At a family gathering last night, all marveled at the treasure trove of lessons learned.

 

Both those of us who have cruised a lot and those of our extended family who are new to cruising have learned, modified or expanded their packing lists based upon postings here and other CruiseCritic threads. The unqualified sharing has made cruising so much more of an adventure for all of us.

 

We did consolidate, by category, the listings here and comments about ports at http://DarryD.com/CC because our Mom and the newer cruisers found the number of pages daunting. That does not reduce the need nor the effectiveness of this thread.

 

And we've continued to share our lessons learned with this and other threads.

 

Thanks to all those who have contributed and to those who will. Through sharing, we all gain perspective about other choices and, in some cases, change our belief systems about what's right/wrong, normal/not normal, good and bad.

 

This thread, then, has become an educational guide to cruising.

[DarryDFL]

We always book an inside cabin.

 

Yes, I know that the thrill of having a balcony and lots of room in a cabin is part of the allure of cruising; but, I suggest you first-time - and even experienced - cruisers consider an inside cabin for several reasons.

 

First, we were able to take a 7-day cruise on the RCI Legend of the Seas, out of Tampa, in December 2009, for $70-per-day-per-person. Try doing that with a balcony cabin. We're averaging 2 cruises using inside cabins for the cost of one cruise with a balcony.

 

Second, we spend very limited time in our cabins. Other than to change clothes and sleep, we're out and about all day. Between the pools, libraries, classes, ports and lounges, there is so much to do, so many people to meet, so many photo opportunities, why would we spend more time in the cabin?

 

Third, one has to be creative in consolidating packing, using "nested" suitcases; packing your clothes already on hangers so that 2-weeks of clothes can be hanged up in 7 minutes flat; and being creative in how you organize your cabin. (OK, being married to a retired, Army administrative Warrant Officer gives me an edge.)

 

Finally, having a smaller cabin encourages one to get out more. The result is meeting more people who introduce you to places you haven't been to - yet; finding our their "secrets" for cruising; and seeing more of the ships that are within themselves an attraction.

 

All I'm suggesting is that if you are traveling on a budget and want to see those budget dollars stretched beyond your imagination, try an inside cabin.

[Swells1]

So many great things have been posted already, so I don't know that I can think of 5, but here are a few things I wish I had known beforehand:

1. I read all the comments. I knew the time on my cell phone would be off. I chose not to pay attention. I haven't worn a watch in over 10 years! I figured I could calculate the difference in my head. :rolleyes: Nobody told me just how "off" my cell would be! I would check once, and it would be an hour ahead, 5 minutes later, it would be 2 hours and 38 minutes behind. DH finally broke down and bought a cheap watch onboard midway through the cruise. This is after he asked some random guy on the street (in Sydney, NS no less) for the time, and the guy offered him pot. Maybe "Do you have the time?" means something different north of the border?:eek:
   
2. Regardless of where you're going, get a good idea of taxi rates. When we were leaving the terminal in Boston, we didn't know that cabs didn't accept credit cards, and we had fairly limited cash. Instead of asking how much the fare would be, DH thought he would start off negotiating. Long story short- we paid $40 to get from the pier to the airport (well, the Embassy Suites at the airport). When we got home, I discovered that it should have been much less. :o
   

[jetn007]

1. Good Attitude

2. Large Stack of Money

3. Dancing Shoes

4. Bathing Suit

5. Deck Map of the Ship:eek:

[yankeegrl]

1. Good Attitude

2. Large Stack of Money

3. Dancing Shoes

4. Bathing Suit

5. Deck Map of the Ship:eek:

 

I have all of those with the exception of #2! Anyone want to loan me some? LOL

[UlvaZell]

If you had to list your top 5 points/tips that you wish you had known before you went on your first cruise what would they be? Examples, like binder clip for the shower curtain or that the first drink is NOT free, etc.

 

My friend is going on a cruise for her honeymoon and neither have been on one before and she just doens't have time to read these boards, wedding planning and all, so I thought I might compile a list for her. I tried composing one myself but found that I just kept forgetting things. Thanks for everyone's help!

 

Backpack backpack backpack. I use mine as my carry on and as the bag I use in port. I can haul lots of swimsuits, towels, soveniers and keep my hands free...

[DarryDFL]

If you had to list your top 5 points/tips that you wish you had known before you went on your first cruise what would they be? Examples, like binder clip for the shower curtain or that the first drink is NOT free, etc. My friend is going on a cruise for her honeymoon and neither have been on one before and she just doens't have time to read these boards, wedding planning and all, so I thought I might compile a list for her. I tried composing one myself but found that I just kept forgetting things. Thanks for everyone's help!

 

1. You don’t have to do it all.

2. Nobody cares if you’ve worn that before.

3. An inside cabin equals two cruises for every one with a balcony.

4. Create a packing list, follow it, update it.

5. Ask for & learn from advice from others.

 

By the by, we've consolidated many of the comments on this thread by category at http://DarryD.com/CC in a fact sheet called "Wish I Had Known."

[IndiansFan24]

I agree on the cabin situation. I don't feel that I'm in my room enough during the trip (nor do I prefer to be) to warrant spending the extra money on a room with a veranda/balcony.

 

JMO

[Brewgirl1]

What's the point of giving the cabin person tips early?

We were going to give ours a good tip at the end of our cruise

and we didn't even see her the last 2 days.( no one touched our room)

tipping is for good service not for bribes to get ice every day.

that is my opinion. this was Carnival about 5 years ago.

 

Our last cruise we did use our duct tape. (cooler got a hole)

I will bring a power strip on our upcoming cruise!!

and yes to night light and alarm clock.

[ariawoman]

So many great things have been posted already, so I don't know that I can think of 5, but here are a few things I wish I had known beforehand:

1. This is after he asked some random guy on the street (in Sydney, NS no less) for the time, and the guy offered him pot. Maybe "Do you have the time?" means something different north of the border?
   

 

Maybe he thought he said "do you have a dime" lol. (referring to a dime bag?)

 

I'm stretching but you never know!

[Sailingpeace]

1. always bring the patter with you on shore ( or write down the time you have to be back on board ). Once after a few days of different times having to be back on board ( added to time changes ) I started wondering if I was wrong and the 4 o'clock back time I had in my mind that day as beeing the right time was right or was it 3 o'clock ... not a good feeling when it is 3:15..... ( It was 4 , and I didn't need to go to the gym that day to get my heart rate up...)

 

2. There is a nice ambiance on top decks when the ship leaves a port. Get out and enjoy it

 

3. There are great sales on jewelery and ship stuff the last day. Wait until then to buy stuff.

 

4. Read your patter as soon as you get it and do read all the info you are given as soon as you get it. Some deals ( like extra minutes for Internet packages etc) are offered if you take them the first day. Some things only happen once and if you read about them too late...well too late... and especially for a first time cruiser those flyers and patters are your source of info. Not much if anything is posted elsewhere. So just in case : READ !

 

5. Don't be shy asking for services from your steward, cruises are for beeing pampered and they are really professionnal and efficient. They also know a lot. Just don't chat too long , remember they are working .

 

6. Bedspreads take a lot of space in the room at night when the beds are ready for the night. You can ask your steward not to put them on the bed for the whole cruise. He will usually be happy about that ( one less thing to do for him ) . Beds will look fine anyway and the cabin may even seem brighter with the white.

 

7. Be careful about forgetting to relax. There is so much to do and see, you have to accept that you can't do it all, so do put RELAXING on your list.

 

8. There are very good photographers on the ship. It may be a good time to get that special photo you will frame and keep forever. Saves having to go to a studio . Many portrait sessions are in non-ship decors and you can decide the next day if you buy the photo once you see it. Just plan it in your souvenir budget ( will last longer anyway than many T shirts)Talk to the photographers thay are usually really open to help you get something special.

 

No one had sailed before their first cruise, so everyone on board knows how a first time sailer feels. So do ask questions, they all had to learn too !

Edited July 18, 2010 by Sailingpeace

[DarryDFL]

We just posted a slideshow on our Top 10 Tips for your First Cruise at http://DarryD.com/CC for our family & friends. You're welcome to view it. With over 20 cruises, we've learned a few things that might aid you.

[LAH_abz]

fantastic thread, as a 1st timer this has proven a wealth of knowledge.

 

many many thanks

[TigerLady]

No kidding! We are going on our 1st cruise on NCL Dec. 14th and all this info is sooo helpful. I am nervous about booking an excursion with a private group rather than with the cruiseline due to hearing horror stories of the cruiseline not waiting for you if you are late whereas they will wait if you book thru them. My real problem is finding a park sleep cruise deal in Miami the night before we leave! If anyone has any info please please let me know. :eek:

La Quinta has this special, and includes shuttle to the port

[kgd123]

Pack an empty canvas tote, for your change of clothes on the last night, when your luggage needs to be out by eleven.

also bring an extra luggage lock, they are quite expensive on the ship , if you loose one!

[Travel_World]

When traveling, I scan all my important documents, passport, visas, prescriptions etc. I keep an extra copy of these items in my luggage and email a set to myself. If I ever loose my passport or any other document all I need to do is get to a computer to recover the information I have lost.

[SuitCaseBears]

Zip Lock Bags!!!

 

Pack things in them - they stay neater and then you have them to carry wet stuff back from excursions; put your camera in when on a tender or other boat; keep the tube of suntan lotion that sprang a leak in, rather than having to throw it out; save your necklace and clasp together when they break; bring a little sand back from every beach; make a waterproof wallet; etc. etc.

[shelle007]

Ive only been on one cruise but these are the things I would recommend.

 

1-power strip did come in handy due to many things we needed to plug in which included my husbands Oxygen concentrator.

 

2-small fan; not only was it good for white noise and for comfort but I used it in the bathroom to help speed up the drying of our hand washed laundry/swimsuits that were hanging in the shower I left it on from bedtime till morning.....almost everything would be completely dry.

 

3-Lysol- They make small trial size cans that are close to the size of a large test tube. I sanitized our bathroom with it when we arrived just to be safe....esp the shower floor. Also great for deodorizing the cabin and after using the toilet.

 

4- I used some clothes pins to hang up the hand washed clothes and swimsuits in the shower........could also use on curtains to hold them together.

 

5-small sewing kit-I made my own. I took a piece of cardboard and wrapped threads of colors I thought would be good to match our wardrobe. Two sewing needles, variety of safety pins and a couple of shirt buttons, also a tiny pair of scissors.Put in an altoids can to keep.

 

6-a banana hair clip to hold the hair off my neck to keep me cooler. Can also be used to hold the curtains if necessary.

 

7- puzzle books for my husband who is disabled and needs to rest alot. It gives him something to do while in the cabin.

 

8- Lanyard with a vinyl pocket to hold the sign and sail card and also held my casino card, my picture ID and a few dollars cash. Everytime I left the cabin this went right on my neck.

 

9-I buy 8X power lithium batteries. I used one set and took over 600 pictures! no recharging. Buy twice the amount of memory card space you expect to need.

 

10- pack at least two weeks before so you have time to re-evaluate and remove what you dont need. Last minute packing leads to cramming losts of "might need items" that you really dont need.

 

11- Ladies pack only the make up you really use. No need to have 10 different eyeshadows when one or two will do you. Same with lipstick......one or two is sufficient.

 

12- take into account that you will likely buy t-shirts in port and incorporate those into your wardrobe so pack a few less than you planned.

 

13- I took some of my rattiest underwear and at the end of the cruise, I tossed them which left a bit more room for those found treasure/

 

14- Be wary of buying jewelry in ports......unless you are a gemologist you dont know what you are really getting. I bought a ring in Juneau and a few weeks later I lost one of the stones and upon closer look at home I could tell it was not of the best quality. Just remember these business owners are not down the street if you have a problem with something......you are likely to be stuck with whatever you buy.

 

What I will do next time: insulated cup for coffee and other bevarages. I have a smaller pocket sized digital camera instead of my larger digital camera that that takes up too much space and is bulky. A small collaping cooler for keeping beverages cold.

 

One more thing......if you do not want to pay high prices for what is in the mini bar, have them remove everything in it, This way if you brought that bottle of wine or cans of pop you can actually fit it in the tiny fridge.

[snydermann]

A watch or phone with an alarm feature:

 

I can't count the number of times we've missed a shipboard activity because we got sidetracked doing something else. Set the alarm so that you won't miss the 4pm towel folding demonstration.

 

Plastic kitchen trash bag(s):

 

We've used these for laundry storage, emergency luggage, rain poncho, makeshift ice chest, tie straps, plastic wrap, barf bag (in trash can next to bed for sick kids), and of course, as a trash bag.

 

Plastic grocery bags:

 

We pack our luggage with like items in grocery bags. Shoes in one bag, underwear in another, socks in one, shirts, shorts (you get the idea) are all folded and slid into bags. Makes unpacking go easy and keeps items clean. The grocery bags often come in handy then during the trip. The bags may also isolate and protect items in the event your smuggled alcohol leaks.:p

 

Make friends with your room steward:

 

These folks live on the ship every day and we've found there isn't anything they can't get done or find for you, even if they ask one of their crew member friends. We've had broken eye glasses fixed, clothing mended, a high heel repaired, located a stapler, replaced a watch battery, found scotch tape, Superglue, limes, and had room problems fixed instantly. We even got help when we had a laptop glitch. We make a few easy requests (like limes to start) and a generous tip is included at the time of the request. A super-friendly attitude goes a long way too.

 

Packing:

 

We pack as much as we want that will fit comfortably in one bag per person. If we have the room in the luggage we might as well use the space. You never know when you'll rip or spill something on your one pair of dress slacks.

 

And last but not least:

 

Join the balcony club and renew your membership daily.