First Timers in need of TIPS!

[moflojo]

Ok people...my husband and I are going on our first cruise soon. Porting in Cozumel and Beliz.

 

TIPS please!

 

We need advice on everything! What to do at port...Do we bring cash on the ship? Do you recommend the Formal Dinner every evening? Who to tip? What to do on board???

 

I could go on and on! We dont know what to do....give us your BEST cruising advice!

 

Thanks

[CaptData]

First which ship are you going on?

 

AS for cash they use a cashless system. Your sea pass card is your money on board but you will need cash for land (US$). Join your roll call.

[Merion_Mom]

Advice:

 

Read these boards. Scroll through the topics, then read whatever catches your eye.

 

THEN ask questions.

[jackretired]

You need cash for the casino.

 

We put tips on our sea pass card AND add cash for the one person who really did a great job. Last two cruises that has been the cabin attendant.

 

When you buy something at a bar, you pay for it with your sea pass card. It has a tip built into what you are paying.

I am not a big tipper, but once I was so moved by the great service, night after night, by a person in the wait service in the theater, that I gave extra tip, but that went on the sea pass card.

 

If you buy anything ashore, cash or MasterCard. If you take a private tour, cash. If you take a ship excursion, you may want to tip driver or guide with cash.

 

The porters at your home port should get tip in cash.

 

If your roll call does a slot pull, cash.

[Trainman-2]

I use the $1 US Presidential Coins for extra tips!

 

I normally drink soda so I give the waiters at the bars, on the pool deck, and in the Windjammer one of these every time they bring me a soda.

 

 

When you buy a Soda Card, there is a tip built into the cost which is shared by all waiters on the ship. When you show the card and ask for a soda, there is no charge (or built in tip) and it takes the waiter away from serving a drink where they would earn a tip.

 

The coins help them to remember me and my service definitely improves.

[NorbertsNiece]

There will likely be a formal night but it's not every night and will depend on the length of the cruise how many there are. You do NOT have to dine in the Main Dining Room on formal night if you don't want to. Dress on that night varies widely any way IMO.

 

Please spend some time reading this forum. You will find the answers to many of your questions in multiple threads.

 

[NorbertsNiece]

I use the $1 US Presidential Coins for extra tips!

 

I normally drink soda so I give the waiters at the bars, on the pool deck, and in the Windjammer one of these every time they bring me a soda.

 

 

When you buy a Soda Card, there is a tip built into the cost which is shared by all waiters on the ship. When you show the card and ask for a soda, there is no charge (or built in tip) and it takes the waiter away from serving a drink where they would earn a tip.

 

The coins help them to remember me and my service definitely improves.

 

This is amazing! What a wonderful idea :D

[truffles2]

We had the opposite experience with the $1 coins. Most people didn't know what they were, thought they were getting a minute amount, and they were heavy as lead to carry around. Never took them again:rolleyes:

[windjamming]

Welcome to cruising!

 

1. There is a "Help create a new Royal Caribbean FAQ" sticky thread at the top of the boards. Read it. It has TONS of useful tips.

 

2. Based on your itinerary, I'm guessing you are on Liberty 5-day cruise out of Fort Lauderdale. Even if this isn't your sailing, look for recent reviews (either by the forum search or else under member reviews) of the Liberty. I remember several in just the last month.

 

3. Relax. You don't need to know EVERYTHING before you go on your first cruise. For the "must-do's" like tipping and disembarking, the cruise line will help you, and for the rest, part of the fun is figuring out what YOU enjoy.

 

Jump into the forums and don't be afraid to join threads. The more specific your question, the more helpful the answer will be to you.

 

Good luck!

[pjnj40]

Don't use credit card on land in other countries. you will be charges for extra 69 cents or more with the regular price.(international fee and it can add up if you do a lot). You will need cash for casino. So figure out how you want to spend in casino per night then add roughly $100 to $400 for souvenirs depending how much you need to buy. Any bills on the ship need be added to sea pass card (your room key). Have them add the tips on your sea pass card. The only time i paid these folk in tip cash is when i get lobsters.($1 or 2 per extra lobsters.)

[sparky-elpaso]

Forget the $1 coins or $2 bills. Stick to "normal" denominations - some places where the crew shops may not recognize the "odd" money.

[BecciBoo]

My son and DiL stayed poluted and slept late in their cabin every day on their first cruise 2 years ago. My best advice....don't! Try to pace yourself, read the Compass daily and go to bed at a decent hour, get up with the sun (watch it come up) and do not stay in your cabin....get out there....there's a world of things to do on the ship.:D

Nachi Cocom in Cozumel (or Mr. Sanchos (smirk)

Take an excursion to beach/snorkel on one of the Belize islands.

 

And pay close attention to everything these good folks tell you here!!!!

Bon Voyage, this won't be your last one...........;)

[Mysschevous]

We did Mr. Sanchos in Cozumel. It was nice. They have a romantic day package for $90 pp including a private cabana, massage for each, a rose for the lady (keep in mind you can't bring it back on the ship), and all you can eat or drink.

 

There is plenty to do there too. :)

 

We are going back to Cozumel in April, and going back to Mr. Sanchos.

 

ETA: My favorite was the swim up bar!

[missymatt]

Go to Paradise Beach in Cozumel, short taxi ride. Sit by the ocean or at the new pool. $2 for a bracelet and lounge chair. They like you to order something from bar or restaurant. There is a lady giving massages by the beach. It's like a dollar per minute.

In Belize, took a tour to Goff's Caye. Best thing we ever did. Boat ride out to the acre island, snorkel and then beach time. Free rum punch. $40 per person. It is just gorgeous. Online it is Belize Tour Excursions. They were great!

[magenta321]

I bring cash for tipping the room service folks. I like getting breakfast delivered. I put tips at the bars on my Seapass.

 

Formal dinner depends on your cruise length, but there are usually 1-3 formal nights, not every night. 3 is for a long cruise, like a Transatlantic! If you mean eating in the main diningroom, you are not required, but my husband and I prefer it. It is where you get to meet your tablemates, and they might become your friends for life. Some of mine have!

 

You will get a "Cruise Compas" delivered to your room each night. It has all of the activities on the ship listed. You can pick and choose what you would like to partake in. There is plenty to do on board, and when you're not doing that, you can enjoy the pool, or grab a snack in one of the many venues on board, or just take a nap :) You'll have a great time!

[moflojo]

We are on the Liberty RCC

[CharlesCutiePie]

I have to give another plus to Mr. Sanchos in Cozumel. My hubby and I love it. We did the regular all inclusive day and got a private cabana, personal waiter, great food, great water, and awesome swim up bar pool. At the beach we got to see a living starfish, stingray, and lots of different fish.

 

We have been to Nachi Cocom, Paradise, and Playa Mia. All are great but so far are fav is Mr. Sanchos.

[salboz]

Just curious as to why you prefer Mr. Sanchos over Nachi. Have been to Nachi but not Sanchos.

[SamFritz]

I'm trying to think of the most important things I wish I knew. Here are a few:

• you can order as many entrees as you like in the Main Dining Room. No extra charge.
  
• Port and Left have the same number of letters. If you are facing the front of the ship the port side is on your left, Starboard is on the right.
  
• There will be too much to do. Don't try to do everything.
  
• You can arrive as early as 10:30am, as long as the ships arrival hasn't been delayed. Make that first day count if you can.
  
• Don't miss the Ice Skating Show.
  
• Sign up for the Crown and Anchor Society, because you will be back!
  
• Participate in the Roll Call for your cruise. You will get to chat with people who will be on your cruise. Make sure they set up an informal Meet and Mingle, because your cruise isn't long enough for Roayal to throw you a party. (This was how I met Mr.and Mrs. Aquahound.)
  
• Get in vacation mode as quickly as you can. It will be over much sooner than you would like.
  
• Try new stuff. There's no need to be embarrassed, most of these people will never see you again.
  

I've been to Belize Twice. The first time we did the horsedawn carriage ride through the city. DW and I loved it, BIL and SIL hated it. You do go through some poor sections of town. There is lots of interesting history and sights to see. The second time we did the Belize Zoo and River Cruise. We loved it. Cozumel has something for everyone. The horseback riding is nice.

 

Enjoy every minute.

[kkdleon]

where can you get free booze because you can on carnivale so i think you probably can on royal carribbeann too but nobody is ansering my question.

 

Art Auction, Captain's Party and Past Guest Party I think are the only ones.

No carrying on beverages of any kind.

[Vonodin]

Try, Taste, Eat any and all food you would never pay for in a restaurant at home....

Cold soup, snails, etc... I have been amazed at what I have been missing.

On top of that, if you do not like it, no one will care... Oh yes, you can order two or more

desserts too. Just take the stairs more.....