potentially my next trip

[seasparkle]

HI FOLKS! So myself or my husband have never cruised before and need some basic advice.

My husband and I are in our early 50's, but young at heart, ready to paaaarty! Just a few things about us.. We love great meals, cool bars, chatting with new people around the pool over cocktails, exploring ports, shopping, tours, shows, casinos.. I was thinking Oasis of the Seas because it's the "hot ship" right now, and looks beautiful with everything we could possibly want. But who knows, maybe there's another ship out there that would best suit us. My concerns are the cabins. I'd like to know if an upper level or lower level is better, is a corner, or middle cabin better, we definetly want a balcony and are there any concerns I should have about that.

Seasickness? I turned green once on a gambling ship a couple miles off the coast of Florida, (the seas were really rough tho) will I be ok on a cruise? I'm not a sickly person by any means. Will the patch do it for me? I don't want to miss out on the frosty cocktails and yummy eats or anything else for that matter because I'm seasick!

What to pack? Are dressy clothes required or is it mostly casual cruise wear? Are there things the ship will provide that I don't have to pack?

We haven't booked anything yet, but I'm leaning towards this Spring, maybe April..

I'm sure I'll have a million more questions, but just wanted to ask the experts some basic questions for now.

Thanks Cruisers! :)

[alexspepa]

Welcome Seasparkle - you have come to the right place. Many of your questions can be answered by using the Search button on the top right of this page. Type in a question and you will be directed to threads containing your phrase.

 

I don't think you need to worry too much about seasickness, but others may disagree.

 

I personally love aft balconies - looking out over the wake is fantastic.

 

I hope you find all your answers and have a great cruise - sounds like Celebrity or Princess might be right up your alley...

[CaroleSS]

HI FOLKS! So myself or my husband have never cruised before and need some basic advice.

My husband and I are in our early 50's, but young at heart, ready to paaaarty! Just a few things about us.. We love great meals, cool bars, chatting with new people around the pool over cocktails, exploring ports, shopping, tours, shows, casinos.. I was thinking Oasis of the Seas because it's the "hot ship" right now, and looks beautiful with everything we could possibly want.

the Oasis will have all of those and might be a great place for you to start.....not at the bottom end and not at the top end, but at a ship with LOTS of things to do!

 

But who knows, maybe there's another ship out there that would best suit us. My concerns are the cabins. I'd like to know if an upper level or lower level is better, is a corner, or middle cabin better, we definitly want a balcony and are there any concerns I should have about that.

I am sure you will LOVE a balcony. We like the middle of the ship, up and down; front to back. Is a nice convenient place, close to everything. Too far forward and you might feel the waves, too high and the sway might make you sick.

 

Seasickness? I turned green once on a gambling ship a couple miles off the coast of Florida, (the seas were really rough tho) will I be ok on a cruise? I'm not a sickly person by any means. Will the patch do it for me? I don't want to miss out on the frosty cocktails and yummy eats or anything else for that matter because I'm seasick!

I get seasick watching boats move on the TV!! BUT, I do quite well on cruise ships. They are big and designed for stability - but not much can overcome a huge storm. I doubt you will have troubles, but take something along anyway. Be careful of the patch. Some people have reactions to the meds in it. If you get it, I'd suggest you try one patch the week prior to your cruise to see if you have problems. You'd hate to miss out on the frosty cocktails due to a negative reaction! You can get meclizine at any grocery store/pharmacy. Also, ginger works almost as well and comes in some nice candies - just make sure to get high concentrated ginger candy, not just some artificially flavored stuff.

 

What to pack? Are dressy clothes required or is it mostly casual cruise wear?

Mostly casual wear will work with the exception of the Main Dining Room (MDR). Business casual for most nights, but on formal nights, you will be expected to 'dress' for the event.

 

Are there things the ship will provide that I don't have to pack?

Most cabins come with shampoo, conditioner, soap/body wash. You will probably have a robe.

 

We haven't booked anything yet, but I'm leaning towards this Spring, maybe April..

Pick a cruise and join the addiction!

 

I'm sure I'll have a million more questions, but just wanted to ask the experts some basic questions for now.

You have come to the right place! everyone here is eager to help! Ask away!

 

Thanks Cruisers! :)

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic......

Edited December 19, 2013 by CaroleSS

[RickT]

The first thing I would do is try to decide if Royal Caribbean is the right cruise line for (don't worry, IMHO they are all good, but some will suit your wants and desires better than others).

 

In addition to this board you might also want to check out Condé Nast to see a higher level overview of the different cruise lines and ships.

 

My DW and I are similar in age to you and we prefer Celebrity over RCCL but that's just a personal opinion based on our priorities. RCCL is certainly hot right now but some of the features on their ships do not interest us.

 

As far as inside vs. balcony, balcony is definitely nicer but we've cruised inside before and will again depending on price.

[GTO-Girl]

HI FOLKS! So myself or my husband have never cruised before and need some basic advice.

My husband and I are in our early 50's, but young at heart, ready to paaaarty! Just a few things about us.. We love great meals, cool bars, chatting with new people around the pool over cocktails, exploring ports, shopping, tours, shows, casinos.. I was thinking Oasis of the Seas because it's the "hot ship" right now, and looks beautiful with everything we could possibly want. But who knows, maybe there's another ship out there that would best suit us. My concerns are the cabins. I'd like to know if an upper level or lower level is better, is a corner, or middle cabin better, we definetly want a balcony and are there any concerns I should have about that.

Seasickness? I turned green once on a gambling ship a couple miles off the coast of Florida, (the seas were really rough tho) will I be ok on a cruise? I'm not a sickly person by any means. Will the patch do it for me? I don't want to miss out on the frosty cocktails and yummy eats or anything else for that matter because I'm seasick!

What to pack? Are dressy clothes required or is it mostly casual cruise wear? Are there things the ship will provide that I don't have to pack?

We haven't booked anything yet, but I'm leaning towards this Spring, maybe April..

I'm sure I'll have a million more questions, but just wanted to ask the experts some basic questions for now.

Thanks Cruisers! :)

 

We just sailed on the Allure of the Seas (sister ship to the Oasis) and it was amazing!!!!

 

Plenty of activities and shows to choose from. It was an awesome cruise!

[seasparkle]

Thanks a million! Great Information, I didn't know about Ginger, and I'm all for staying away from pills and medicines, rather go natural. And, ah, ha! that's what MDR means :)

I've got a lot to learn... I'm ready!

[seasparkle]

Hey Rick T, you've done some cruising and I think I can trust your opinion! You mentioned Celebrity may be better for us than RCCL. Just wanted to know what you liked about it. What makes you say that? I'm researching and appreciate your input!

thanks again!

[Scrapnana]

Seasparkle,

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

Visit us on the Cruise Fashion and Beauty forum. You will see lots of pictures of cruise clothes. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=182

 

I have cruised on Celebrity and was about your age when I did. I loved it but they do not have all of the options that a ship like Oasis has.

[Bookish Angel]

In addition to Cruise Critic, I would suggest chedking out different cruise lines' websites so you can obtain information about that specific line; what the staterooms offer and their square footage, is there a champagne bar, specialty dining you would like, etc.

 

Wishing you calm seas and blue skies.

Edited December 19, 2013 by Bookish Angel

[seasparkle]

just "WOW" : )

[JanineM]

Hey Rick T, you've done some cruising and I think I can trust your opinion! You mentioned Celebrity may be better for us than RCCL. Just wanted to know what you liked about it. What makes you say that? I'm researching and appreciate your input!

 

thanks again!

 

 

We've sailed on Royal and Celebrity and Given that you said you want to party a lot, I'd say you would NOT like Celebrity. Celebrity is a more sedate cruise line. Think quiet cocktails looking out over the sea - not dancing.

 

Carnival has the best 'party' atmosphere.

[GTO-Girl]

Go with the Oasis..... from the decription of what you enjoy it will have everything you are looking for!!!

 

Happy Sailing!!!!

[Sipsey]

I have done well with motion sickness pills. If I feel even the slightest twinge, I pop a dramamine. Cheap at your local drug store, easy to take. But everyone is different.

 

I like Royal, although I haven't been on the ship you are considering. But I have been pleased with others ships of theirs I have been on.

[John Bull]

We've sailed on Royal and Celebrity and Given that you said you want to party a lot, I'd say you would NOT like Celebrity. Celebrity is a more sedate cruise line. Think quiet cocktails looking out over the sea - not dancing.

 

Carnival has the best 'party' atmosphere.

 

My thought exactly.

Celebrity may be "better" but RCI or NCL - or even Carnival - suit your "party atmosphere" needs much much better, there's far more going on.

 

For stability, bigger ships are better than little 'uns whch tend to pitch fore-and-aft more in poor weather. And midships rather than near the stern - or particularly the bow - is much more stable (think of a gentle see-saw).

But up on a high deck, any side-to-side sway is much more noticeable.

So I'd go for the lowest balcony deck, around mid-ship.

 

Dressy clothes only in the dining room on formal nights, that applies to most cruise lines. If dressing up on formal nights doesn't appeal, there's no dress code in the buffets.

 

Basic toiletries etc supplied, if you have preferences bring your own(pack in hold luggage if flying). Shops at the ports for odd needs, or shops on the ship though they tend to be over-priced for oddment essentials.

 

You have used up 7 of your questions, you're only allowed a further 999,993. ;)

 

JB :)

[lakelorain]

Have you met with a travel agent? A good agent can advise you as to what cruise line and what ship would be best for you. They can also answer all your questions regarding cabins and entertainment. It doesn't cost you anything to book with an agent.

[OCruisers]

Go with the Oasis..... from the decription of what you enjoy it will have everything you are looking for!!!

Happy Sailing!!!!

 

Have to agree with the above!

We've cruised on Oasis and think it has EVERYTHING you want! :D

 

LuLu

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[seasparkle]

Well, we're booked! Allure of the Seas it is.. Sailing May 4th.. It's all I can think about, I can't wait!!!!!! YAY!

[OCruisers]

Great! Glad you're booked! :D

Thanks for taking the time to tell us your decision!

LuLu

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