Biggest mistake 1st time cruisers make.

[cherylandtk]

These are all really good comments. I suppose the one I might add is not really a mistake, but it would be that first time cruisers seem to always be in such awe of everything that they simply don't notice the little things that seem to bother some people on subsequent cruises. So I would say that they need to know that the first cruise is always the best.

[Chosen One]

Not to imply that anyone on this tread doesn't tip well but we overtip the stevedores (sp?) and our bags make it to our cabin before we do. We have never had to wait for luggage. The Stevedores are not cruise employees and are union (and usually alittle drunk to boot). They really notice a decent tip and will fall over (sometimes literally) to show their gratitude.

[Reneek]

When leaving the ship at foreign ports, always take your Shipboard card, an ID and worthy credit card. IF you miss the ship, get thrown in jail, have a medical emergency,etc. you at least have some hope of catching up with the ship or at least catching a flight home. Sometimes life throws up unexpected curves.

[98Charlie]

Not to imply that anyone on this tread doesn't tip well but we overtip the stevedores (sp?) and our bags make it to our cabin before we do. We have never had to wait for luggage. The Stevedores are not cruise employees and are union (and usually alittle drunk to boot). They really notice a decent tip and will fall over (sometimes literally) to show their gratitude.

I'm not sure that the tip would have anything to do with the time of arrival of your luggage. The porters on the dock only take the luggage to the waiting "luggage crates" and place them there. The cages are taken by fork lift to the side of the ship where different people (possibly cruise line employees) ever so gently hurl (I've seen it and it's not pretty :eek: ) your bags on to the ship. From there crew members take them to the various decks and on to your cabin.

 

Charlie

[lynwar]

My husband can add one that deflated his balloon. Don't get cocky in the Casino. He went in everyday and won something everyday-more than usual. On the last day, thinking he could double up bets and win, he lost it all back and more. The dealers can be nice to you all week, but on Friday, they do what they need to do, and slots seem to tighten up, too. He also bought 2 watches, a bracelet and other stuff the last day thinking he was getting bargains. DON'T IMPULSE SHOP!!!! Remember, every item you buy, you have to pack and/or carry. A marble chess set can get very heavy in line! Lynne

[blackpool belle]

Not knowing about "meet & mingle". We have always signed up on our subsequent cruises and as a consequence have made some fabulous new friends.

[MGilly]

We've been on seven cruises (so far), and we spent the first night of one cruise listening to a lot of clanging metal. We realized what it was the next morning. Ever since then, we've always hung up clothes on at LEAST every other hanger in the closet. When those hangers clang against each other now, there's no noise!

[sultan_sfo]

Reminds me of the rough seas we encountered on the last night of the cruise with our closet empty because we had put out our luggage. The hangers kept clanging away! /Sultan

[Cat-Nik]

Not knowing about "meet & mingle". We have always signed up on our subsequent cruises and as a consequence have made some fabulous new friends.

 

What is meet and mingle?

[blackpool belle]

Meet & Mingle is when you register on the roll call website before your cruise along with other people who are on the same cruise. If you manage to get together 25 or more the company puts on a small private party for everybody once on board so you can put a face to the names that have all been corresponding on line prior to the cruise.

 

Having said that I thought the original thread/question was posted on the RCI website and not the Princess site. A senior moment I'm afraid:o