First time cruiser who needs some help.

[rileylewis]

We are going to be going on a 7 day cruise with Holland America the end of February and this is our first cruise. We will be celebrating our 25th anniversary and also my husband's 50th birthday.

 

Ports: the ship's private island; Georgetown (Cayman Islands); Cozumel; Key West.

 

We have wanted to go on a cruise for about the last 20 years or so and have even booked 2 separate cruises (years apart) but had to cancel both of them due to circumstances beyond our control.

 

This time my husband said no matter what we are NOT going to cancel and WILL go this time!

 

So we had it all planned out how we were going to pay for the cruise and then his mother was diagnosed with cancer. We live several states away from his family so to go visit is a plane ride away. She became very ill and sadly, she passed away right before Thanksgiving this past November. Not only did this bring such sadness to our family, but it drained our cruise fund due to several airfares and other things related to this situation.

 

I was ready to cancel the cruise because of this family crisis while we could still get a refund but my husband said NO. We need this time together. We need some sunshine to help cheer the grief somewhat. We need a break since it has been such a hard year with all of it. I agree but now we are on a shoe string budget for this trip.

 

So, that brings me to ask some questions about how to reduce costs as much as possible but still enjoy the trip.

 

1) How can we spend like "zero" on the ship? We know: no alcohol (we don't drink anyway), no sodas (that's ok), no spa (no problem there), no special restaurants (ok). ***We have decided we will pay the gratuity fees even if we have to just charge it because these people rely on that income and my husband worked on commission for a while so he understands that concept.

 

2) Port questions:

a. private island: do we have to pay to say snorkel or have a

beach chair/umbrella or is just the water we swim in and the sand we

lay on free?:p Oh...are beach towels provided by the ship or do we

need to pack these?

 

b. Georgetown: we're planning to just look around the shopping

area that is supposed to be right by the port. We may plan to buy

something for our kids there. Will we have easy access back to

the ship to eat lunch or do we need to plan on eating on the island?

 

c. Cozumel: Here we are planning on going to Dolphinarius

because my husband has always wanted to swim with the dolphins and

we both want to snorkel. This is our one splurge for this trip. They

have this as a ship excursion but I found if I book with Dolphinarius

online there is a 30 percent discount.

If we book the excursion ourselves, how do we get there?

(Dolphinarius does not include transportation from the port)

 

d. Key West: Here we plan to just walk around on our own. I have

the same question about lunch etc. as I do for Georgetown.

 

3. Packing/suitcase question: I have read that many people like to just do carry-on luggage for the trip. We are driving down (my parents live in Florida, so we drive down to FL about 2 times a year. We will visit them, spend the night and drive to port that morning) so we don't have to worry about airline luggage restrictions.

Does checked luggage tend to get lost?

Pros/cons of carry on only?

 

I know I will have other questions, but thanks so much for any answers I may receive. Planning for this cruise has been a welcome distraction and is fun. My husband and I are really looking forward to it.

[crystalspin]

I only know a few of these:

 

Checked luggage AT THE PORT does not get lost, although sometimes it takes a while to get to your cabin. Tip the porter $1 to $2 dollars per bag when you drop it off. We only had carry-on sized bags and still gave them to the porter to avoid schlepping them on board.

 

You take your ship-issue beach towel with you to the beach -- be sure to bring it back!

 

You may be able to bring your own soda/sealed juice/bottled water on board. (The water on ships is fine to drink, and if you bring a bottle each you can refill, just use a glass to pour from the cold water dispenser in the buffet into the bottles.) Ask about the non-alcoholic carryon policy on the Holland America board, if it isn't easy to find on HAL's website... or just scan the board for someone else's Q&A.

[cb at sea]

The private islans is a beach day...you do NOT need to pay anything! Loungers are everywhere...no charge...and there are trees for shade! Bring your supplied pool towels from the ship...you may take the pool towels ashore at ALL ports! If you think you might want a float, bring a cheap, blowup one from home...they charge about $12 each for floats! Lunch is included on the island, or you can go back to the ship...your choice!

 

Can't help with the Dolphin thing....a guidebook will give you a good idea of transportation! And, ask the tour company! They are quite helpful.

 

Key West is a very easy DIY port! There are ample places for lunch....or, you can go back to the ship, but it will cut into your time ashore! Eat a BIG breakfast...maybe you can wait until later for a snack!

 

Once you put your luggage into the hands of the porters, you will get it on the ship! No real worries about luggage going missing...at least, not like on airlines! Cross pack...something for each of you in each suitcase...just in case! There are no real luggage restrictions, so bring what you want!

 

GC is EXPENSIVE! Since it's a tender port, getting back to the ship takes longer than a docked port....beaches are public, and there are buses that will take you there for $2.50 pp....again..bring your towels!!! There are chair/umbrella rentals, but they do cost a bit here. The shopping area is clean and nice, if you just want to walk about.

 

You already know about tips...you have to figure that into the cost of the cruise....just the way it is! And, when you see how hard those folks work for you, you'll think it's a bargain! Yes...tips for the porters ($1-2 per bag) is standard.

Edited January 9, 2014 by cb at sea

[elainemasey]

We bring individually wrapped granola / power bars or sandwich crackers with us when we go ashore to hold us over til we can get to the ship.

[cruisepro19]

Hi there,

 

It really isn't too bad/hard to not spend anything on the ship. If you are thirsty, because the cruise ship buffet is open for a good number of hours you can head to the buffet for whatever drinks are in the dispenser (often iced tea) and the buffet is usually just off of the pool deck. I would also recommend taking your own bottled water and case of pop onboard (I will warn you, some people have had issues with doing this in the past, but I've never experienced a problem). If there is a grocery store or convenience store pick this up close to your departure port.

 

As you said, avoid the "paid" restaurants, casino, bingos, and bars.

 

As "cb at sea" mentioned, the private island day is great because you can literally enjoy a great beach day and not spend a dime! Lunch is typically included on the private islands and supplied by the ship, there are loungers galore and typically lots of shade with palm trees and/or umbrellas. Bring your towel from the cruise ship. If you don't want to "rent" a snorkel, you can bring your own (we get ours from the Dollarstore). You will have a fab time!

 

Grand Cayman is a lovely port and you can walk around on your own and it is expensive. You can get back to the ship for lunch, but if you are tendering it may take a bit to get back onboard, have lunch and to get back off again. If you aren't in a rush to get off the ship when you arrive, I would recommend avoiding the rush to get off the ship by having a later breakfast so it can tie you over until dinner time. We do this quite often if we don't want to spend money on lunch or if we don't want to go all the way back just for lunch.

 

As discussed in another post, the Key West port is definitely an easy DIY day. There is lots to walk around and see. Lots of cute little shops, we walked to the "southern most point" which was quite a long walk but worth it. We also walked to the butterfly conservatory in Key West and it was awesome, I can't remember the price but it was really inexpensive. There are some great places to get some Key Lime pie and it is worth seeing Margaritaville. It is a very pretty port stop.

 

Cozumel is also a nice stop, but we've only done Chaukanab Park which has a beach. We took a cab ride there and there was an entrance fee. I would look on the cruise critic boards in the port section and find more information on the Dolphin excursion you are wanting to do. You may have to do some research to see if there are tours that offer transportation, if you can walk, or how much a taxi would cost to get to the tour operator.

 

In terms of luggage, I would pack a bag and drop it off at the luggage drop for the cruise line at port and also take a small carry-on bag. There are pros and cons to both as you said. If you take your necessary documentation, wallet, any necessary medications, a bathing suit, sunglasses, underwear, and 1 change of clothes that you can use for dinner you should be set. It does often take a few hours for your luggage to arrive. This is why we take our bathing suits in our carry-on bag so we can enjoy the pool when we get onboard. There have also been a few times when we haven't had our luggage by our dinner time so we've made sure we have clothes to dress appropriately for the dining room (but you don't have to... you can also go to the buffet). The only time we had bags missing was when the luggage got lost with the airline and my mom didn't have her luggage for 3 days.

 

Hopefully this information helps. Happy cruising!

 

Alexa (aka cruisepro)

[Crew News]

1) How can we spend like "zero" on the ship?

Bring a few dollar bills to pay for Room Service. Bring a thermos to fill with hot coffee from the Lido Restaurant before you retire. You will have hot coffee before you wander off for breakfast. I do recommend the free Room Service - for a $2 tip. Bring your own sodas, too.

2) Port questions:

a. private island: do we have to pay to say snorkel or have a

beach chair/umbrella or is just the water we swim in and the sand we

lay on free?:p Oh...are beach towels provided by the ship or do we

need to pack these?

Half Moon Cay is a free beach and towels are provided by the ship. There is also a free cookout on the island.

 

b. Georgetown:

See other answers

c. Cozumel:

Check with your roll call about taxis.

d. Key West: The ship is docked downtown so walking back for lunch is a snap. Note that you will be going through an onboard Immigartion Check before you can leave the ship. EVERY passenger will be checked before anybody can go ashore. Do try the local key lime pie.

 

3. Packing/suitcase question:

You drop off your luggage at the curb where it is loaded into the rolling carts that will be loaded on the ship sos it is very hard for any luggage to get lost. An option is to forget the large suitcase and take a few roll-on bags and backpacks that will fit through a TSA-sized scanner. Your room will be available when you board to drop off your luggage. Pack light and use the ship laundry service @ $7/day.

 

Here are the menus for your cruise, both lunch and dinner for the Lido Restaurant and Main Dining Room.

 

http://www.rogerjett-photography.com/?page_id=309

 

Enjoy your cruise and feel free to ask more questions.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Happy Birthday to your husband. Since it is your husband's birthday, you may want to tell the dining room manager which day it is -- they will see that you get a small birthday cake (free).

[rileylewis]

Thanks for the great replies!

 

I especially love the tip about packing granola bars/cracker packs for a light snack while at the ports as well as eating a heavy breakfast later!

 

I'm still wondering what is the benefit of packing just carry-ons instead of checking our luggage since there's no chance of it getting lost. ???

[sherilyn70]

I'm still wondering what is the benefit of packing just carry-ons instead of checking our luggage since there's no chance of it getting lost. ???

There is none since you are not flying. The people that travel with carry-ons only are usually flying and doing so to avoid baggage fees.

[MSN-Travelers]

Thanks for the great replies!

 

I especially love the tip about packing granola bars/cracker packs for a light snack while at the ports as well as eating a heavy breakfast later!

 

I'm still wondering what is the benefit of packing just carry-ons instead of checking our luggage since there's no chance of it getting lost. ???

 

I'm sorry for your loss.

 

I don't see the value in trying to cruise with just carry-on luggage, especially if you are driving to the port. You only save airline baggage fees and the odd tip to a porter with carry-on's. This is your first cruise, don't stress over how to pack. You should use whatever luggage you are most comfortable using.

 

The "photo's" taken at every opportunity the ship's photographer can create can be expensive and very tempting (especially for first time cruisers). Other than that, you can cruise and spend very little. We've done it for under $75 (excluding tips & excursions).

 

The website for Dolphinaris Cozumel has a chat window. They should be able to tell you how to get to the excursion site (it will be by taxi) and what to expect to pay for that taxi ride. Taxis on Cozumel are supposed to operate on a flat fee basis but that doesn't stop them from asking for more if they feel you don't know the established rate. Always agree on the fare before getting in the taxi. The chat folks at the Dolphinaris Cozumel website will help.

 

Enjoy!

Edited January 9, 2014 by MSN-Travelers

[AmberCascades]

I'm sorry for your loss. I agree with your husband though, after such a hard time and in celebration of your anniversary, you deserve this time. We only started cruising last August. It was our first vacation away since our honeymoon almost 24 years ago. We are leaving on our 3rd cruise in a few weeks (warning! warning! cruising can become addictive to some individuals!!!).

 

We were with Celebrity last summer but we couldn't contain our excitement at check in and mentioned that it was a belated trip for our 20th anniversary. They surprised us with a cake at dinner one night. Mention that and your hubby's 50th when you are checking in and/or when talking to the maitre d. Maybe they will surprise you with something.

 

Don't forget that you are also spending a week at a beautiful, floating resort. Lectures, shows, the gym, dancing lessons (or necklace making or what-have-you) are all included. You can spend a lot of time when you aren't in port doing lots of interesting things together that won't cost extra money.

 

And for sure, bring snacks from home. We didn't want to waste any of our limited time in Alaska doing something so boring as eating, LOL. There were things to see!! So we did the big/late breakfast thing and ate a granola bar to tide us over. Have fun!

[griffy116]

You've chosen a perfect itinerary to easily enjoy the cruise without added expenses.

 

The private island is great. Towels are furnished by the ship and if you are driving, you could bring your own snorkeling gear. My son-in-law always brings his because he hates using the rental gear and if you don't rent the gear, you can easily snorkel for free. Buffet is great and it's free. There are plenty of loungers right by the water and in the shade. The little shuttle that takes you around the private island is also free.

 

Grand Cayman is a wonderful port to just walk around and explore, try the free samples of the rum cakes in all the shops. Coconut is my favorite. We have taken the tender back to the ship, eaten lunch and then taken the tender back to shore and wandered a bit more because of my Mother on previous cruises and we've always had plenty of time.

 

Key West is a great place to just explore the island and shops (free). It's like no other little town. They will shuttle you to the best place for your walking around (free).

 

Cozumel is someplace we've been numerous times and now we just wander around looking in the shops. We always go back to the ship for lunch and it's easy to do.

 

We haven't used the particular Dophin experience you mentioned but you might check to see if they provide a shuttle from a central point. Often that's the case. If not, you might find a cheap taxi will work for you.

 

Stay away from the photos to save money. They are way overpriced.

 

The ship is going to provide so much entertainment (free). If you have to charge a few things, just remember that life is short. Make the most out of it and enjoy. You deserve it.

[rileylewis]

Thank you for all the supportive comments and helpful information. :)

 

Sent from my SCH-S720C using Tapatalk 2

[simplelife]

Once you pay the gratuities, (which you can usually pre pay) it certainly is possible to spend little or nothing on board or in port, especially if you do not buy alcohol or sodas. You will probably find that sightseeing in the ports will keep you busy and amused (no excursions necessary), especially since the ports will be new to you. We almost always go back to the ship to eat; sometimes we go back out and sometimes not. We have found that we really enjoy the ship on port days. We have done the upcharge restaurants a couple of times, but find we like the fare in the MDR and buffet just fine. Enjoy your cruise and have a relaxing, refreshing time.