Would you rather Know or be surprised?

[cdamion]

Um, I've been reviewing Cruise Compasses with the same itinerary as my sailing on FOS and have been adding events to my TripIt itinerary. Like when the casino opens, when the movies are, when's tea time, etc.

 

In my experience, if you don't know about it, there's a good chance you'll miss it. And while it's fun to just relax and do nothing, I have regretted not experiencing "x" when someone mentions it as we wait in line to disembark, kwim?

 

I agree with this completely. I do tend to know everything I can about any destination I go to just to know what is available. I may even plan out a rough sketch of what I am going to do, but I don't stick to it like a strict schedule - I stay very flexible to do what I feel like once on board.

 

I don't like spending time once I get on board (or to a land-based place) trying to figure out what to do. I'd rather know everything available and go with what I feel like at the moment.

[NotTheBatesMotel]

I have it, its called OCD for cruise ship reviews, videos, images deck plans etc etc also Cruise Critic :eek:

 

Ditto. Once I put a deposit down I'm absolutely hooked. I spend about a month after the deposit obsessing. Frequent daily trips to CC, youtube, searching pictures, deckplans, ports, excursions, etc. I eventually burn myself out for awhile. Then 2 months or so pre-cruise I find myself obsessing again.

[sparky-elpaso]

Even though you look at photos and plans the actual ship is still a surprise. Our first cruise was on the Radiance and I thought I had a handle on how big the ship was - 2 football fields long, etc. But that first look when we hit the dock still blew me away. And pictures never do it justice.

 

I like having an idea of where things are in the public areas so I don't spend the first couple of days wasting time trying to figure out where I'm going.

[WeLove2CruiseRCI]

All of the cruises before the next one we have booked in November for our honeymoon I have looked and done some research. I find with this once since it is the OASIS, I can't get enough!! The more I read and the more pictures I see the more excited I get!! I don't feel it will ruin any surprises on board. Being on the ship is not the same as looking at pictures, completely different feel. I will still have the WOW factor when I board!!

[bbbearden]

I am of the opinion that some knowledge is a good thing but you can over research things to: I like to know simple things like:

 

What does the ship look like?

How big is the ship?

What is my cabin like?

What are the dining and entertainment options?

What are things can I do in port?

Where was the ship built?

Who is the God Mother of the ship?

How much power can it generate?

What is the chef’s name?

What do ALL the reviews say?

Where can I find MORE pictures and videos that I have not already found to put in my huge three ring binder?

 

OK I ADMIT IT I HAVE TO KNOW EVERYTHING. I OBSESS OVER IT FOR MONTHS. WHEN I BOARD THE SHIP I CAN TELL YOU MORE ABOUT IT THAT SOME ONBOARD STAFF WHO LIVE ON IT.

 

The Scene at the “Self Help Meeting” Ok, I need help, Hi my name is Burt B. and I am addicted to travel/cruising. I have been addicted for many years. Now that I think about it I have no intention of changing so I am now going to blow this meeting and board a ship, one I know EVERYTHING about.

 

Seriously, knowledge is power. I have gained so much from my travel by knowing ahead of time what to expect. My research has helped me get multiple upgrades, find great deals, avoid tourist traps and go off the beaten path, and to know the best things to do once I get there. I think research is what differentiates between tourists and travelers.

 

Whatever your choice, Happy Cruising!

[hazeleyez3]

In the past, I have been one who was reading everything about the ship I was planning to sail on.

 

At this point, I've been on enough cruises to know the basic logistics of the ships. I'll be on the Oasis in December, and although I haven't been on the boards for a few months, I am finding I already know enough info. I've seen pictures, read some reviews, and seen some tips. No need for me to keep reading about the ship. I'll take what I know and learn the rest after I board.

[Rick-n-Lisa]

I think that no matter how much you research and learn, no matter how many pictures you look at you will still be completely amazed when you step on board. Even my 3rd time on the Mariner I was still amazed when I got on board. For me, pictures just don't do it justice. Have a wonderful cruise!