How in the world did we ever....

[Boozebabe]

How in the world did we ever go on our first cruises without Cruise Critic? I have been a member of CC since 2000 but I've been cruising for over 20 years. I had no idea what to expect on my first cruise. But I knew it would be perfect and it was. All I knew is what I found out from the beautiful color brochures I used to pick up at the travel office, so I had nothing to compare it to.. I figured out on my own what to wear. I waited until I got the menu to figure out what to eat. I wasn't worried about seating arrangements in the dining room. I waited until I got on board to sign up for excursions. I never once thought about bringing liquor on board with me, let alone try to "smuggle" it on board. Heck I don't drink that much that I was afraid they would run out. I wasn't curious about the comfort of the beds or the size of the balcony. Come to think of it, back in those days I had inside cabins and didn't know what a balcony was like until my 4th cruise. I had no idea that I should be comparing cruise directors.. I was excited to see the shows and thought they were all spectacular. The least of my worries was about the quality of the toilet paper and I had no expectations of what if any ammenities would be in the cabin. And I was sure there would be enough room for my "stuff" without bring an over the door organizer, and there was. I don't recall chair hogs. I would rather be in the pool than in a chair anyway. I didn't worry about underwater cameras, or the best digital camera (not sure they were even available then). I just brought the camera I had and about 10 rolls of film.

 

And yet in spite of it all we had the best cruises. Sometimes I think the element of surprise is the best. Don't get me wrong, I love CC and visit here almost daily even if I'm not planning a cruise. But now I know what to expect around every corner and every port. I like the excitement of discovery in port and that element has been removed since I've read all about it in advance, not to mention seeing pictures of it.

 

So I ask you all how in the world did you do it before CC?

[golfadj]

Survived but did it for more money and made less friends on our cruises

[Harrier1961]

I totally agree with you Boozebabe.

I don't understand the people that bring "everything" from home or want every single moment scheduled.

They bring all of their electronics, a fan, an extension cord, cooler, 14 pieces of luggage, 8 cases of pop (soda to everyong outside the midewest, Coke for you Southerners) etc, etc, etc.

Not to mention all of the booze they smuggle; like they have to restock the bar.

It is vacation, go with the flow I say.

Be free people, be free!

 

Andy

:p

[Fergus]

We didn't even plan our first cruise at all - my husband actually won it at his company's Christmas party. We showed up and went, having no idea what to expect, what our accommodations would be, etc. It was on the Mardi Gras, the waiters danced thru the dining room with flaming baked Alaska on their heads. But we had such a great time, I knew we would try it again eventually. It's been total addiction since then..........and the planning is part of the addiction!

[loubetti]

How the heck did I ever do my aircraft flight planning in the 70s and 80s before computers took hold? How did I navigate without GPS?

 

My first cruise with with a male buddy in 1985 was on Costa Riviera. His aunt was a travel agent and suggested it, and we had a great time on what was around a 30,000 ton ship (former ocean liner too). Those were really the good ol' days! The ship had been newly converted from its days as the Guglielmo Marconi for Lloyd Triestino and she looked sharp! Food great, service great, and aside from drinks, no nickle and diming. Of course, not cheap, maybe $1000 per head in a small but upper grade outside cabin. Heck, we got a free galley tour, steam turbine engine room tour, and one night got a personal tour of the bridge when we ventured up there! No regrets.

 

I always wanted to try a cruise, despite my love of aviation, and I did it with that cruise and never looked back. Along with aviation, ships became a love of mine.

Edited June 13, 2014 by loubetti

[jmcancruise]

I have never cruised without cruise critic. The site was suggested to me by my TA. Whatever that is. Actually I fell in love with cruising before even setting a foot on a ship thanks to cruise critic. Actually DH and I were even planning our second cruise before ever setting foot on a ship thanks to cruise critic.

 

Could I have cruised without it? Probably. Would I have been a lot more nervous about what to expect? Absolutely.

[forwardcabin]

Like others' experiences, we too have cruised without any advance knowledge or advice from others. But, we are glad to have found Cruise Critic--especially in these most recent years of cruising--and we are glad there is a medium for free expression of advice--positive, negative, or otherwise.

 

Thanks, Cruise Critic...and thanks to all who have contributed to it.

[OCruisers]

Somehow we managed and got along fine without knowing everyone's opinion on every single thing about cruising! :rolleyes: ... :D

 

Seriously, CC is a wonderful place to get information. Always especially enjoy reading what others have actually done in ports of call.

 

LuLu

[kona_wahine]

Didn't. :) but my first trip to Hawaii was before trip-advisor. The Internet has really enhanced the travel experience. I learned so much on CC about cruising, what to know, making sure I don't miss something.

[YB Nrml]

We went on our first cruise without a clue, found out about CC from a fellow pax during that cruise. We've sure learned a lot of info on these boards over the past few years that has helped us. But... we don't like to plan out every minute, know what's on the Fun Times before we even board, or scrutinize the menu weeks in advance. We don't care if the ship is decorated a certain way or the best way to get to the DR or Lido from our cabin. We sit wherever they put us in the dining room. We like the unknown, to be surprised and go with the flow, we explore and relax.

[meatball_nyc]

Agree with booze babe.

First cruise we knew nothing at all. Didn't know about CC. All I knew was that we had been given a balcony cabin (had booked an OV) because the trip wasn't sold out. I didn't know we had a balcony light.

Didn't know anything about the menus or the decor or where the pool was until we boarded.

Never thought to study deck plans at all!

We had the best time ever.

Now we do too much planning and I'm afraid that when I board the ship this summer, I will feel like I've sailed her already. Have to stop reading reviews and looking at pictures and studying deck plans!!!

 

Be Free and Go with the Flow!

 

P.S. Learned soooooo much from everyone on CC the past 8 months or so, so thank you!!!!

 

 

 

Robin

Norwegian Breakaway July 2014

Carnival Miracle 2010

Carnival Legend 2006

Every Day at Sea is a Great Day

Edited June 13, 2014 by meatball_nyc

[kona_wahine]

Yes, a big thank you to everyone who comes here and answers questions. I can answer some but even after three cruises I'm still learning. Especially on new ships and new ports. (Mostly) everyone here is friendly and helpful. We are like a group of stranger friends with the same obsession. :D

[Not_Done_Living]

i watched the Love Boat as a child, and Cruises always struck me as a snobbish rich persons vacation. When my wife decided to book a cruise for my 40th Birthday -- i did everythng in my power to try to convince her to book an AI resort -- and when THAT failed -- i turned to CC to guide me through the process and prepare me for what to expect.

 

i probably would have been miserable if it were not for CC -- so thanks!

[Tapi]

How did we do it before CC (or the internet)? We'd go to a.......TRAVEL AGENT! :eek:

 

I started cruising in the 80's as a child, and I have very vivid memories of our family (including grandparents) gathered at our local travel agency, to learn all about our first cruise vacation (aboard the 16,000 ton Cunard Princess).

 

I remember being there for hours, going through tons of brochures, sitting on a sofa with my siblings, while the adults spoke to the travel agent who'd make phone call after phone call.

 

We'd go back a few more times to finalize our travel plans. I also remember the day that we'd make that final drive to pick up our cruise documents!

 

As efficient and easy as the internet has made cruise planning, I do miss those days. There was something truly special about the process. When I go back to my hometown and I drive by where that travel agency used to be (inevitably gone out of business and now occupied by a Subway) it still triggers very fond memories of my early years of cruising. :)

Edited June 13, 2014 by Tapi

[cb at sea]

That's right! A travel agent was who gave you info you needed! Nowadays, you don't need one...the internet has become our "agent of choice".

 

But...sometimes too much info can be had! I loved our 1st cruise, as we discovered things on our own! I mean, some folks pre-plan so much (which way will my doorknob turn????...is the ice cubed or crushed?.....is the bottom sheet fitted or flat?....etc...etc...)

that it takes all of the fun out of it!

[JasonV1]

The only real change for me is that I do almost all my own excursions and I am very careful what cabin I book.

 

Everything else is about the same, although I do search for "ship secrets" as well.

 

I even still use a travel agent, just for the perks though.

Edited June 14, 2014 by JasonV1

[crzndeb]

That's right! A travel agent was who gave you info you needed! Nowadays, you don't need one...the internet has become our "agent of choice".

 

But...sometimes too much info can be had! I loved our 1st cruise, as we discovered things on our own! I mean, some folks pre-plan so much (which way will my doorknob turn????...is the ice cubed or crushed?.....is the bottom sheet fitted or flat?....etc...etc...)

that it takes all of the fun out of it!

 

I am just cracking up over this. Isn't it the truth? People are cray cray over the silliest things.

 

I started cruising in 1980, and I did just fine. Considering that CC has a very small percentage of actual cruisers (I've read 10% or less), people are still doing just fine without message boards.

 

Personally, I like to read about cabins that are hidden gems for solo cruisers. I also think CC people get the jump on new itineraries coming out. I remember my repo to Australia on the Spirit in 2012. We were telling TA's and PVP's it was available.

[Boozebabe]

That's right! A travel agent was who gave you info you needed! Nowadays, you don't need one...the internet has become our "agent of choice".

 

But...sometimes too much info can be had! I loved our 1st cruise, as we discovered things on our own! I mean, some folks pre-plan so much (which way will my doorknob turn????...is the ice cubed or crushed?.....is the bottom sheet fitted or flat?....etc...etc...)

that it takes all of the fun out of it!

 

Our first 4 or 5 we used a TA. When we were ready for #6 thats about the time internet booking got really big. And to think I really wanted to go into travel. I almost did, then another opportunity came along and now I sell wine/beer/liquor. Internet would have done me in. I agree with you about peoples compulsion to know everything. Its like sneaking and opening a Christmas present and re-wrapping it. And the things they want to know about is crazy. I'll bet they didn't give nearly as much consideration before the got married, bought a house or had kids. I love the serendipity of cruising. The finding of something totally unexpected whether it be on the ship or in a port.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Been on eight cruises before ever hearing about this forum. We would read the pamphlet that came with our cruise docs. We would also look at the cruise line website.

[GlendaleCruiser]

I remember getting glossy brochures from the travel agent, and relying upon her to tell us what to expect. She told us a lot but there have been about a thousand things I've learned since then. She brought the tickets to our house and I gave her a check. Nothing online then.

 

We didn't book excursions beforehand and they were sold out once we got around to it onboard (didn't know they would fill up fast). We walked off the ship in Mazatlan and got on a rickety bus for a bus tour (one of the BEST I've ever been on, LOL).

 

We did know that we needed to dress up for formal night (it was formal back then) and my husband and son brought dress shirts, ties, and blazers.

The kids and I wandered the ship a lot. We had fun. My husband spent most of his time in the casino. We checked the "Capers" (pre-Funtimes) every night and went to the shows.

 

Had fun but it's easier now.;)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Before CC and the Internet -- we just went to the library and read up on ports there. Also picked up books at AAA.

Sure did spend a lot of time researching.

[TPFKAH]

How in the world did we ever go on our first cruises without Cruise Critic? I have been a member of CC since 2000 but I've been cruising for over 20 years. I had no idea what to expect on my first cruise. But I knew it would be perfect and it was. All I knew is what I found out from the beautiful color brochures I used to pick up at the travel office, so I had nothing to compare it to.. I figured out on my own what to wear. I waited until I got the menu to figure out what to eat. I wasn't worried about seating arrangements in the dining room. I waited until I got on board to sign up for excursions. I never once thought about bringing liquor on board with me, let alone try to "smuggle" it on board. Heck I don't drink that much that I was afraid they would run out. I wasn't curious about the comfort of the beds or the size of the balcony. Come to think of it, back in those days I had inside cabins and didn't know what a balcony was like until my 4th cruise. I had no idea that I should be comparing cruise directors.. I was excited to see the shows and thought they were all spectacular. The least of my worries was about the quality of the toilet paper and I had no expectations of what if any ammenities would be in the cabin. And I was sure there would be enough room for my "stuff" without bring an over the door organizer, and there was. I don't recall chair hogs. I would rather be in the pool than in a chair anyway. I didn't worry about underwater cameras, or the best digital camera (not sure they were even available then). I just brought the camera I had and about 10 rolls of film.

 

And yet in spite of it all we had the best cruises. Sometimes I think the element of surprise is the best. Don't get me wrong, I love CC and visit here almost daily even if I'm not planning a cruise. But now I know what to expect around every corner and every port. I like the excitement of discovery in port and that element has been removed since I've read all about it in advance, not to mention seeing pictures of it.

 

So I ask you all how in the world did you do it before CC?

 

Simple. Besides scouring that brochure, once i got the EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW pamphlet, I went through that also. It was ALL there in black and white. Basically everything was included, and you could freely bring your booze on.

 

And actually, I like surprise. I didn't need to know anything beforehand. Had no intentions of even getting off the ships in port, although we did. On board purchases were with cash or you could have an account.

 

And a thing you didn't know? So much info on board, either by reading or at one of the talks, which were always sprinkled with entertainment.

 

But best was bringing a book and a Walkman. Expecting to use them during down hours. Turned out there were no down hours.

 

And chair hogs? They weren't cramming so many people on board back then, so it was non exisitant.

[sparky-elpaso]

I found CC before we went on our first cruise to Alaska - although I'm not sure how I found it. Probably did a search on something and CC came up. :)

 

But I've planned many other trips in those pre-internet days. Library - travel magazines (circle the numbers on the little postcard and send it in). I don't think we ever went to a travel agent. I like doing the research myself. And when we were first married all of our travel was by car so we weren't getting airline tickets.

 

But the internet has made planning, reserving, etc. sooooo much easier.

 

I love being able to look down on a town using Google Earth. Much better than a map. I've been able to decide we don't need an excursion in places because I can see that the dock in right in the town and that there's plenty to see right there.

[dorisis]

Thanks for one of the best posts I have eer seen on these forums. You summed it all up beautifully!

 

Our first cruise was in 1968 and most here have no idea of what cruising was like back then They had started converting ocean liners to cruise ships. What a long way the industry has come.

 

No Cruise Critic back then. Heck, no internet back then. A whole other world.

[sail7seas]

We started cruising before we had Internet and we and the couple with whom we traveled had no idea what to expect. It was all fun and exciting and the discovering of all the features and facets of cruising was a wonderful experience.

 

We had done a huge amount of travel before we ever cruised and we took to it immediately. :)

 

I love CC and clearly spend lots of time here but I also loved the experience we had when we had no idea what to expect.