"I wish I knew before..."

[Shaz1970]

Wow, what a useful thread. My DH and I are off for our 20th wedding anniversary, kind of a belated Honneymoon (20 yrs later!!). These tips are just what I was looking for, I didn't have a clue what to buy, and was going to buy a whole new wardrobe, but maybe not now!!

No kids, no worries, just realxation and fun. I can't wait, 67 days to go.

Thanks everyone for your input ;)

[mmcm18]

First of all, let me say how awesome this thread is and how much it has helped me orgranize! I am reading a lot about tipping several of the different crew members. What exactly does the "prepaid gratuities" cover? I definately want to do this right.

[sealady1]

Just Beautiful!!! you go girl!!!!

I'm counting down the days for my 1st cruise as well!!

Thank you so much!! Wow! there are so many very nice people on these boards. Where are you going on your cruise? From your countdown clock, I see that you will be celebrating your birthday. so let me say ahead of time...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY and HAPPY CRUISING!!!! Enjoy.:D:D:D

Debbie

[sealady1]

We are going in April (actually exactly 60 days from today!!! But who's counting), How do I add a countdown clock? I see them, but don't know how to add one myself.

Looks like someone beat me to the answer. See, this is what I mean about these boards. So many wonderful people all willing to help one another and enjoying a common bond...

... a love of cruising.

I hope your cruise will be all that you dream it will be and then some.

Take care,

Debbie

[sealady1]

Wow, what a useful thread. My DH and I are off for our 20th wedding anniversary, kind of a belated Honneymoon (20 yrs later!!). These tips are just what I was looking for, I didn't have a clue what to buy, and was going to buy a whole new wardrobe, but maybe not now!!

No kids, no worries, just realxation and fun. I can't wait, 67 days to go.

Thanks everyone for your input ;)

Congratulations on 20 years!! I don't know about you but I like to have at least a few new outfits to take on vacation. It always feels good to have new clothes to wear. So my advice to you is, if you can afford to do so, go ahead and spurge on a couple of new outfits that will make you feel beautiful and wonderful for your long awaited honeymoon. My best to you and your husband. Go have the time of your lives!!!

Debbie

[tricy99]

I love these threads! Keep'em going!

[flgirl1964]

If there is a flea market near you, you can often find the pop up hampers there, for a few bucks.

[jorstad]

we are celebrating our 10 yr anniversary

 

we are flying and have thought about doing carry on luggage because of the luggage fees

 

what do you do about the airline rules about liquids

 

hair products, sunscreen, etc

 

we are going to be gone from the house for 9 days

 

should we plan to find a walgreens in ft lauderdale to buy the stuff then

[Mikayla's Mom]

we are celebrating our 10 yr anniversary

 

we are flying and have thought about doing carry on luggage because of the luggage fees

 

what do you do about the airline rules about liquids

 

hair products, sunscreen, etc

 

we are going to be gone from the house for 9 days

 

should we plan to find a walgreens in ft lauderdale to buy the stuff then

If your not checking bags you will have to. You will need more sunscreen than they will allow.

[SuitCaseBears]

1. Cruise lines are very different. A lot of what's been said may be true for one cruise line but not others (eg: Alcohol is expensive... true unless your cruise line includes alcohol) so compare prices based on everything you'll want to add in.

 

2. People are very different. Take everything everyone says with a grain of salt and some knowledge about yourself.

 

3. Enjoy yourself. If you're not enjoying yourself it's not the fault of the cruise line, or the noisy kids down the hall or the rain. It's your fault.

 

4. Ask questions. Ask questions here before you leave. Don't worry about sounding silly - we were sillier when we were new. I still feel very new after 4 cruises. Ask the staff questions when you cruise. Why miss out when you could just ask "where are all those people going?" or "what does this mean here in the daily newsletter?"

 

5. Smile and say hello to everyone you see. It's amazing how catching a smile is.

[rogerwaters]

love all the tips! thank you all!!!

[hutt90]

Here's a crazy question. Do the cruise ships have ATM machines on them? Planning on taking some cash but wondering how to get more if needed? Thanks for help:p

[jenigirl4]

I don't think this has been asked yet.....

We will be leaving our 5 year old at home for our first cruise (Carnival) and are worried if something happens to her we won't be reachable. We will have our Iphones on airplane mode and check them a few times a day for messages just in case there is an emergency. We use AT&T and will be going to Cozumel and back. So the question is does anyone know if the cruise ships have emergency contact info for people to call if something happens, or is there a type of prepaid phone we could bring that would work in Cozumel and on the waters?

 

I hope that made sense!

Thanks!!:D

[Mikayla's Mom]

Here's a crazy question. Do the cruise ships have ATM machines on them? Planning on taking some cash but wondering how to get more if needed? Thanks for help:p

 

I have read on here that there are ATMs in the casino but the fees are outragious! Like $11 and many people have had issues. Most suggest getting a cash advance from the pursers desk. Try doing search...

[Mikayla's Mom]

I don't think this has been asked yet.....

We will be leaving our 5 year old at home for our first cruise (Carnival) and are worried if something happens to her we won't be reachable. We will have our Iphones on airplane mode and check them a few times a day for messages just in case there is an emergency. We use AT&T and will be going to Cozumel and back. So the question is does anyone know if the cruise ships have emergency contact info for people to call if something happens, or is there a type of prepaid phone we could bring that would work in Cozumel and on the waters?

 

I hope that made sense!

Thanks!!:D

I also asked this... Was told there is a ships number but it's like $10 a minute. But in a emergency do you really care?! Should be in your docs I would think or maybe contact your cruiseline.

[mjtsmami]

My friend and I leave for our first cruise on Saturday...I'm so glad I found this thread!

[mjtsmami]

I also asked this... Was told there is a ships number but it's like $10 a minute. But in a emergency do you really care?! Should be in your docs I would think or maybe contact your cruiseline.

 

In my documents from the travel agency there's a number they can call, but it's $7.95 a minute. I'm not activating my cell for use on my cruise, but we're taking a laptop (and we're going to see if we can get Skype to work) and plan on checking my email once a day. I worry that something will happen to my boys while I'm gone, but the day before we leave, I'm having 3 letters notarized allowing both of my parents and my fiance to have medical say over my children while I'm away if something happens to them. I've already contacted the insurance company, the pediatrician as well as my oldest's teacher, main office and school nurse telling them I'll be out of the country and unreachable, and they all said with the letter that my parents and fiance should be fine in case of emergency. I trust them to make the best decisions for my kids.

[SuitCaseBears]

I don't think this has been asked yet.....

We will be leaving our 5 year old at home for our first cruise (Carnival) and are worried if something happens to her we won't be reachable. We will have our Iphones on airplane mode and check them a few times a day for messages just in case there is an emergency. We use AT&T and will be going to Cozumel and back. So the question is does anyone know if the cruise ships have emergency contact info for people to call if something happens, or is there a type of prepaid phone we could bring that would work in Cozumel and on the waters?

 

First call AT&T and see what kind of service they have in Cozumel. You may already have a roaming plan or may need to arrange for that. No need for a special phone.

 

Second, call your cruise line, and ask about cell service on board. Some cruise lines have satellite feeds which connect in to many cell phone services.

 

Third, there is always ship to shore phone - which although it is expensive, is your bottom line safety net for communications.

 

When you get your cruise documents, you will be given the ship to shore calling information, as well as instructions for family at home so they can call to have you contacted.

[CptSticky]

I don't think this has been asked yet.....

We will be leaving our 5 year old at home for our first cruise (Carnival) and are worried if something happens to her we won't be reachable. We will have our Iphones on airplane mode and check them a few times a day for messages just in case there is an emergency. We use AT&T and will be going to Cozumel and back. So the question is does anyone know if the cruise ships have emergency contact info for people to call if something happens, or is there a type of prepaid phone we could bring that would work in Cozumel and on the waters?

 

I hope that made sense!

Thanks!!:D

The price you pay for your cell service in Mexico and on board the ship are both set by your carrier, so call them first. Ask if they have a plan you can turn on. I don't know about ATT, but Verizon, for example, can turn on a "ship" plan for nothing (the calls will still cost, but be less) and a "Mexico" plan for like 12 bucks for the month. When in port, make sure your are far enough away from the ship so that you are not "captured" by their cell site. RCL turns off their site when in port, but I have seen it still on. Also, be very carefull with your type of phone. When it goes to it's data functions, the international rates can add up very fast. We have heard of people being charged hundreds of dollars when they got back. Hope this helps.

[jenigirl4]

Thank you all so much for your help! We will plan to just turn our cells off, as long as there is an emergency # my mother can call if something happens then thats great! If it is an emergency surrounding my daughter the cost doesn't matter!!

Thanks again for all the tips!!:D

[elcuchio24]

I have read on here that there are ATMs in the casino but the fees are outragious! Like $11 and many people have had issues. Most suggest getting a cash advance from the pursers desk. Try doing search...

 

I don't think this has been asked yet.....

We will be leaving our 5 year old at home for our first cruise (Carnival) and are worried if something happens to her we won't be reachable. We will have our Iphones on airplane mode and check them a few times a day for messages just in case there is an emergency. We use AT&T and will be going to Cozumel and back. So the question is does anyone know if the cruise ships have emergency contact info for people to call if something happens' date=' or is there a type of prepaid phone we could bring that would work in Cozumel and on the waters?

 

I hope that made sense!

Thanks!!:D[/quote']

 

I have AT&T and have had ROAMING coverage in every area I have been in the eastern and western carrib. Expect to pay 4+ bucks a minute, but I have always had reception.

[elcuchio24]

1. Get to the port the day before, don't let a flight delay/flat tire ruin your vacation. Instead, extend your vaca an extra day. $150 spent on a room and dinner the night before is well well worth it to have a stress free start to your cruise.

 

2. Take a million pictures. Take so many you feel silly. You will be looking at them all the time until you have the chance to hit the sea again.

 

3. Don't fall into the old "if I need it I'll buy it onboard" trap. EVERYTHING is expensive on the boat. Underwater camera: $6 at walmart, $18 (no lie) on the ship.

 

4. If your cruise line allows any alcohol (carnival, 1 bottle of wine per adult), take advantage of this. If you are a heavy drinker you should either get ready to mortgage your house or sneak on the hooch. If you want to save $, bring the aformetioned wine, hit the past guest/captains receptions, and book shore excursions with free drinks! This should satisfy your binge drinking without tapping your 401(k).

 

5. I am going to sound like a snob. Get a balcony if you can afford it. It is soooo worth it. Having a private balcony overlooking 100 miles of ocean and some of the most beautiful ports in the world, being able to sit by yourself out there and eat breakfast, drink, it's worth it.

[canuckcruiser00]

1. Get to the port the day before, don't let a flight delay/flat tire ruin your vacation. Instead, extend your vaca an extra day. $150 spent on a room and dinner the night before is well well worth it to have a stress free start to your cruise.

 

2. Take a million pictures. Take so many you feel silly. You will be looking at them all the time until you have the chance to hit the sea again.

 

3. Don't fall into the old "if I need it I'll buy it onboard" trap. EVERYTHING is expensive on the boat. Underwater camera: $6 at walmart, $18 (no lie) on the ship.

 

4. If your cruise line allows any alcohol (carnival, 1 bottle of wine per adult), take advantage of this. If you are a heavy drinker you should either get ready to mortgage your house or sneak on the hooch. If you want to save $, bring the aformetioned wine, hit the past guest/captains receptions, and book shore excursions with free drinks! This should satisfy your binge drinking without tapping your 401(k).

 

5. I am going to sound like a snob. Get a balcony if you can afford it. It is soooo worth it. Having a private balcony overlooking 100 miles of ocean and some of the most beautiful ports in the world, being able to sit by yourself out there and eat breakfast, drink, it's worth it.

 

I love all of your tips - except the last one

(and that's because I can't afford it :p)

[CptSticky]

I have AT&T and have had ROAMING coverage in every area I have been in the eastern and western carrib. Expect to pay 4+ bucks a minute, but I have always had reception.

Ouch! With Verizon, you can turn on International rooming and do the islands in the Caribbean for 99 cents a minute. I can't remember how much it was if you didn't call first. I just know that after I turned it on, my DW would hop off the boat on every island and call all the kids. So, it cost me anyway :D

[wagboss]

Bring the speakers for the ipod/shuffle. Spring for the balcony. There is nothing that compares to dancing in the moonlight,on the balcony to the song you and your love danced to at your wedding 28 years ago.:)