Cruise Tips

[starstruck05]

Hi! I guess the title of this threads a little misleading. I am not the one who actually needs the tips...I'm gathering tips to give to my Besties for our upcoming cruise. I have my BFF who has cruise once. and cruising once with me is enough for her to know alot of what I already know. But I have two newbies coming (actually more but my other friend is going with her family and i have no idea how many are coming or have cruised before). Anyway since I love to dump as much information on people as possible, I decided to make up a list of cruise tips for them because I want them to be cruise pros like I am. Also because I don't want this to be the last girls cruise we take! This is our fist real vacation all together in the 9 years of friendship we all have had! So here are my tips so far. I'm looking for any tips I missed. (we all have inside rooms so no need for bungee tips)

 

 

- The drinks the waiters on the Lido coming around asking if you want one, are called Funship Specials. They are not free. They cost around $7.95 and do contain alcohol (side note - have to mention that last part because one of my friends doesn't drink)

 

- Always keep You sail and sign card on you. its you room key and you on board spending account. No cash is accepted onboard execept for tips and in the casino.

 

-Remember your room number and floor. your s&s card does not have it on it.

 

-the casino uses a onboard account for winnings. no tickets or coins. you set up a pin to view and add or remove funds. you can empty your player bank at anytime at the cashier cage.

 

-rooms open on embarking at 1:30, muster drills is soon after.

 

-dress is cruise casual. you can wear nice jeans in the dining room. you can wear longer shorts. Formal night is the only night you have to dress up. Nice pants and a nice top is fine or dresses. You will see anything from tuxes and ballgowns to sundresses. depends on the person.

 

-lobster is only served on formal night.

 

-you can order as much as you want of anything in the dining room. lemonade and ice tea and water to drink. anything else except cappicinno at dessert is ordered from the bar waitress and is charged to your s&s.

 

- a full hot breakfast is served in the lido but you can also order cold breakfast items (toast, cereal, etc) from room service. breakfast is also served in the dining room as well as lunch.

 

-for assigned dining (side note - my friend with family has assigned dining all the rest of us have your time) you do not have to go to the dining room as soon as dinner is startings. there is usually a crowd of people waiting to get in. wait a few minutes and the crowd will be gone and you can walk right in.

 

-i personally like to be on the ship as soon as possible. when means I'm at port between 9:30 and 10:30 (or I WANT to be at port at that time) but most people arrive around noon. you are directed to the lido is you get on anytime before 1:30

 

....thats all I have do far. I've answered alot of thier questions about onbord accounts and such so if you have anything you can add please tell me. anything specifc to the Triumph would be amazing since I've never been on it. I'm hoping it has an area similar to the conquest that had an upstairs area where no one was by fish and chips since I'll be telling them to meet there for breakfast in the mornings. thanks in advance!!!!:D

[dan40]

Hi! I guess the title of this threads a little misleading. I am not the one who actually needs the tips...I'm gathering tips to give to my Besties for our upcoming cruise. I have my BFF who has cruise once. and cruising once with me is enough for her to know alot of what I already know. But I have two newbies coming (actually more but my other friend is going with her family and i have no idea how many are coming or have cruised before). Anyway since I love to dump as much information on people as possible, I decided to make up a list of cruise tips for them because I want them to be cruise pros like I am. Also because I don't want this to be the last girls cruise we take! This is our fist real vacation all together in the 9 years of friendship we all have had! So here are my tips so far. I'm looking for any tips I missed. (we all have inside rooms so no need for bungee tips)

 

 

- The drinks the waiters on the Lido coming around asking if you want one, are called Funship Specials. They are not free. They cost around $7.95 and do contain alcohol (side note - have to mention that last part because one of my friends doesn't drink)

 

- Always keep You sail and sign card on you. its you room key and you on board spending account. No cash is accepted onboard execept for tips and in the casino.

 

-Remember your room number and floor. your s&s card does not have it on it.

 

-the casino uses a onboard account for winnings. no tickets or coins. you set up a pin to view and add or remove funds. you can empty your player bank at anytime at the cashier cage.

 

-rooms open on embarking at 1:30, muster drills is soon after.

 

-dress is cruise casual. you can wear nice jeans in the dining room. you can wear longer shorts. Formal night is the only night you have to dress up. Nice pants and a nice top is fine or dresses. You will see anything from tuxes and ballgowns to sundresses. depends on the person.

 

-lobster is only served on formal night.

 

-you can order as much as you want of anything in the dining room. lemonade and ice tea and water to drink. anything else except cappicinno at dessert is ordered from the bar waitress and is charged to your s&s.

 

- a full hot breakfast is served in the lido but you can also order cold breakfast items (toast, cereal, etc) from room service. breakfast is also served in the dining room as well as lunch.

 

-for assigned dining (side note - my friend with family has assigned dining all the rest of us have your time) you do not have to go to the dining room as soon as dinner is startings. there is usually a crowd of people waiting to get in. wait a few minutes and the crowd will be gone and you can walk right in.

 

-i personally like to be on the ship as soon as possible. when means I'm at port between 9:30 and 10:30 (or I WANT to be at port at that time) but most people arrive around noon. you are directed to the lido is you get on anytime before 1:30

 

....thats all I have do far. I've answered alot of thier questions about onbord accounts and such so if you have anything you can add please tell me. anything specifc to the Triumph would be amazing since I've never been on it. I'm hoping it has an area similar to the conquest that had an upstairs area where no one was by fish and chips since I'll be telling them to meet there for breakfast in the mornings. thanks in advance!!!!:D

 

Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=48388

[arpie05]

High tea is only served on sea Days

 

Sushi is served on sea days and is FREE!

 

Don't lose your beach towel, you will be charged.

 

Bring a lanyard, or get one in the casino - and they will punch your card.

 

Bring a flash light, rooms are dark! And an alarm clock - phone alarms won't work.

 

Don't ask people in port what time it is. People from the Dream will be on Eastern time zone and People from Conquest will be on Central. Ships don't usually change time zones to match ports - there are exceptions);)

 

Like the cute towel animals? Set them to the side. and maybe leave a note, do not disturb. Go to free towel folding lesson.

 

Are you all in one room -- Have everyone get jewelry organizers/makeup bags. I bought one at the $1 jewelry for $10. (Walgreens was $13 on sale) I usually clutter up the dresser with my stuff and it's just me and my son. Can't imagine sharing a room with other females. This way it's all in the organizer and if you need to go to the ladies locker room, easy to carry.

 

Bring Ginger candy, tablets for motion sickness.

 

Like two soups? order both! Did you really like the Lobster? Order another one, or you didn't like the Jerk Pork? Order something else!

[billie5]

DON'T arrive late for fixed seating. The waiter will try (within reason) to wait until everyone at the table is seated, as he would like to serve everyone at once. It is selfish to arrive late just to avoid standing in a line for a couple of minutes.

 

Consider getting a waterproof bag to put valuables in (including a small camera) when you are at the beach. You can risk asking someone else to keep an eye on your valuables, but they may leave before your return.

 

An extension cord has become controversial. Some lines are trying to prohibit them, but I want to be able to use my laptop on my lap -- in bed. There can also be more plug-in items than outlets if you have a number of them.

 

A light bag for your dirty clothing can be useful. There will be a laundry bag, but I prefer my own. Some people extol bags you can hang up or hang over doors, e.g., for shoes, but I do not use any.

 

A lot of people suggest duct tape.

 

A cheap ($10 say) waterproof watch, rather than your good watch.

 

Tivas (waterproof sandals) can be very useful.

 

A windbreaker even in the middle of the summer; protects against wind and rain even on a hot day and is very light to pack.

 

Hard candies (a couple in your pocket) for when your plane lands if you have any problem at all with congestion: cold, allergies, etc.

 

Business cards, especially if there are Europeans (who use them all the time) on the cruise; very useful for exchanging addresses.

 

Things I have forgotten on past trips: sunglasses, back-up pair of glasses, Medjet Assist or any other insurance cards you have, sun hat.

 

One half the clothing you are planning to take.

[billie5]

One more very important tip; I forgot it above.

 

Check out a copy of your bill toward the end of the cruise, but before the very last night when the bills are distributed to the cabins (and the whole world will be at the purser's desk). Mistakes in billing do happen, and these will need to be fixed before embarkation.

[Poomah]

Post it notes are great to leave room steward (or others) messages

[Delta Dear]

Glasses on the Lido Deck are very small. Bring an insulated mug for iced tea, lemonade or coffee. Saves you from making multiple trips for beverages.

 

Downey's Wrinkle Release works well since you cannot take an iron with you, but bring a couple of hangers that will fit over the door for when you want to spray your garments.

[Edmund DeWinter]

1. Don't bother bringing too many hangers from home, your Steward can get more for you if you ask.
   
2. Get a clear plastic "over the door" Shoe Organizer and hang it on the inside of your bathroom door. This makes an excellent storage area for people to keep all their toiletries as well as everything else that can clutter up a bathroom.
   
3. Bring a good supply of one dollar bills ($1.00) for tipping. You can keep them in your safe but it's very handy to have a few in your pocket.
   
4. You can use Room Service as a wakeup call every morning. Make sure you tip the waiter who arrives one or two dollars for the service.
   
5. Purchase night lights which do not have to be plugged in and situate them around your Stateroom. This way you can press them to turn them on to see, without having to wake up everyone in the room.
   
6. Odds are good you do not want to buy any Carnival shirts or merchandise until the very last day of the cruise, when it's put on sale.
   
7. If you have a Drink of the Day glass, take it back to the bar when you order another one. They'll give you a clean glass and discount your drink purchase.
   

[disneyden]

Downey's Wrinkle Release works well since you cannot take an iron with you, but bring a couple of hangers that will fit over the door for when you want to spray your garments.

 

You are SO right about Downy's wrinkle releaser...that is one AWESOME product! I don't know how I survived all those years before they came out with it!! I love it! :D

[patrice1]

• Order bottle of liquor from Bon Voyage to have in your cabin - no chance of going to the "naughty room" and will always have available for a drink in your cabin or on your balcony
  
• Once booked, order Funship $'s on your booking number & have your S&S paid in advance
  
• Research excursions on the port boards and book your own
  
• Book cabins in the Aft area - a little vibration, but alot less foot traffic and usually not too far from the laundry and elevators
  
• Always use the laundry special at the end of the cruise - so nice to come home with not-so-much laundry!:)