Jenniell Posted March 13, 2015 #1 Share Posted March 13, 2015 I was told several times to quit over scheduling and planning and wait until we get on the ship and go with flow. Yes, I am the weirdo who stresses about scheduling relaxation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ray98 Posted March 13, 2015 #2 Share Posted March 13, 2015 Have an open mind. You read so many complaints if you browse the web many go in expecting not to like something, remember most are BS or are from hard to please people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOLAbebe Posted March 13, 2015 #3 Share Posted March 13, 2015 I have only been on on cruise so far, but I am DEFINITELY a planner/researcher. I read everything I could about the ship, the ports, the excursions, etc. This is just my personality, really, but I like to be prepared so that I *can* relax once I'm onboard. I will say this in your defense: because of my planning, I found two AWESOME port excursion recommendations that fulfilled all of our desires (gorgeous, clean, uncrowded beaches; fantastic pools; no children; tropical paradise), and frankly stunned my fellow cruisers (we went with two other couples) into silence. They had no idea these places even existed, and it really made our cruise. If I hadn't done any pre-planning, we maybe would have been lucky, but after hearing other people complain about the very things we were looking to avoid, I feel quite confident that I went the right route with the extensive research. I suggest you allow yourself some time to indulge- and then give yourself a cut-off date! The last month, allow yourself to relax, knowing that you did some planning and that it's more important that you all have a good time. Over-stressing about details will ruin your vacation in a heartbeat. You'll also ruin the trip of anyone else who has to deal with you in the preceding weeks and months. Plan a little, relax a LOT. Deep, slow breaths. You can do this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EZ4 Posted March 13, 2015 #4 Share Posted March 13, 2015 $2.00. I put their bag on the nearest cart. I hope they got it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
excitedcruzr Posted March 13, 2015 #5 Share Posted March 13, 2015 Pack your bags. Take out half of the clothes. Take a look at your cash stash. Double that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WLHyatt Posted March 13, 2015 #6 Share Posted March 13, 2015 Don't do everything in the schedule, you have to leave some activities for the next cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dljones Posted March 13, 2015 #7 Share Posted March 13, 2015 No one gave us any advice so we didn't know what to expect and had a blast. We like to book a few months out then have "cruise time" looking at videos, planning excursions, checking out google earth and so forth. For us, planning is half the fun. Make sure you have your cruise documentation (passport, credit cards, etc.) lined out well in advance then double check and recheck on the day of departure that you have them well in hand. Getting to the port without your ducks in a row could make for a bad day. If you don't have a passport, get one. And don't step on foreign land without your passport and a credit card tucked away. Not to scare you away - just be prudent. Then, once on board, relax and enjoy the ride. Explore the ship, take loads of pictures, eat till you pop, go on amazing excursions and don't complain. Happy cruising!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcelLucSell Posted March 13, 2015 #8 Share Posted March 13, 2015 Review Fun Times online from what others have posted and list out the things you wanna do through out the week. We found that we didn't have to try to do everything right away and could space out activities thru the week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liquorstore Posted March 13, 2015 #9 Share Posted March 13, 2015 You can't do everything on the first day. Have a relaxing lunch, explore, unpack as needed, read the Fun Time, then start planning (with NOTHING cut in stone) Enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weeziblu Posted March 13, 2015 #10 Share Posted March 13, 2015 1. pack less (I'm a notorious over-packer so for a cruise it was REALLY overkill. 2. do not worry about the food. there is plenty to eat and you can find food 24/7. if you find yourself hungry on a cruise, you are the world's pickiest eater. it may not be 5-star for every meal, but do you eat like that at home? 3. on your first morning, step outside, breath in the ocean air and prepare for an awesome day. 4. there may be crowds/lines at times. relax.. you are on vacation and so is everyone else. enjoy yourself and do not sweat the small stuff. 5. do not be afraid to join the fun. on our first cruise, my DH and I went to the Quest and the people sitting next to us were happy to invite us onto their team. we're a little shy about intruding on another party's space, but we had a blast with those nice folks playing the Quest. 6. catch at least one sunset and one sunrise at sea. 7. order the BLT and chocolate cake from room service. just because. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke gs Daddy Posted March 13, 2015 #11 Share Posted March 13, 2015 Rum Runners, how to smuggle! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kona_wahine Posted March 13, 2015 #12 Share Posted March 13, 2015 Study your ships deck plans. The first time on a ship you have no idea where anything is. Knowing where lido, GS, casino, restaurants are beforehand helps when you board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mzloolue Posted March 13, 2015 #13 Share Posted March 13, 2015 Have everyone show their identification before you start the car leaving home. If someone going with you says they have a birth certificate, check it out and make sure it is not a hospital certificate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lydia B. Posted March 13, 2015 #14 Share Posted March 13, 2015 (edited) The both a power strip (make sure it is in good shape ) and a bungee cord. You can hook the bungee on your balcony door to keep it open. Nice to lay in bed and hear the ocean. But note the AC will turn off but still nice. Have a great time and allow yourself to be spoiled. Edited March 13, 2015 by Lydia B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjn911 Posted March 14, 2015 #15 Share Posted March 14, 2015 (edited) 1. pack less (I'm a notorious over-packer so for a cruise it was REALLY overkill. 2. do not worry about the food. there is plenty to eat and you can find food 24/7. if you find yourself hungry on a cruise, you are the world's pickiest eater. it may not be 5-star for every meal, but do you eat like that at home? 3. on your first morning, step outside, breath in the ocean air and prepare for an awesome day. 4. there may be crowds/lines at times. relax.. you are on vacation and so is everyone else. enjoy yourself and do not sweat the small stuff. 5. do not be afraid to join the fun. on our first cruise, my DH and I went to the Quest and the people sitting next to us were happy to invite us onto their team. we're a little shy about intruding on another party's space, but we had a blast with those nice folks playing the Quest. 6. catch at least one sunset and one sunrise at sea. 7. order the BLT and chocolate cake from room service. just because. LIKE all above suggestions a lot...focus on UNWINDING on a darn nice budget sea cruise...food can be off and on,,but you always have something else to try...my expectations on an "off" week colored my options or thinking of them...Could have gone to Carving station in Lido???...tried above mentioned instead of a disorganized dinner that was bad and dessert stale and awful..just redo later with tons of options,,,,asking more early from the server station for a good time and mamagement serve crew suggestions after very bad first seat yourself first on as you wish dining. I let a second not so good food and service cruise build up instead of being calm and proactive. If done right little glitches do not grow and lemonade is made out of lemons....Most options are paid for too...you can get something else!!! Edited March 14, 2015 by sjn911 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Buffettfan 225 Posted March 14, 2015 #16 Share Posted March 14, 2015 Ok my name is buffettfa and I am an obsessive cruise planner. So where to start with tips: 1.)dilly,dally a bit when called for muster drill- first to arrive end up in the back being hot and stuffy (especially if you are height challenged like me) But make sure you go as mandatory. 2.)Print Two luggage tags per bag & laminate or cover with clear packing tape. Then attach to a top and side handle of bag- just in case gets removed, or one on outside and one inside suitcase. 3.)careful with wearing a lanyard- the wind sometimes catches them and I have seen Sail n' sign cards go flying. 4.)best to have lots of $1's and $5's for port shopping,tips and taxis. Casino cage can break bigger bills once on cruise. 5.)Use the luggage porter after cruise to gather bags and he will whisk you to a very short customs line. Worth the $. Or do "Luggage express" through ship- it is so worth not having to worry about bags until home airport and ship will print your boarding passes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Buffettfan 225 Posted March 14, 2015 #17 Share Posted March 14, 2015 Ok I can't resist my hints list I have compiled. 1.)Main dining room can order multiples and an adult can order off children's menu. Many don't know of the banana split,brownies,jello etc. 2.a portable battery clock to see what time at night as no clock in cabin. 3.)a night light for kids, or turn tv onto the carnival webcam page has time on it and a glow for kiddos. 4.)sealed snacks for off ship - granola bars,candy,pack of pretzels etc. (stuff that won't melt) for kids the breakfast cereal boxes are great. If they favor a certain type say like Fruit Loops grab a few early in cruise as some types run out. one is not allowed to take good off ship that is not sealed. 5.)no need to pack beach towels - room comes with them, and if left out on bathroom floor will get replaced. 6.)watch slippery floors - lido Buffett area, open deck if wet. 7.)kids must wear a muster wrist band at all times. We found when son younger if allowed to put on his ankle as was more comfortable and better for family photos. 8).bring hair conditioner if need it - none on ship, same with stomache medicines like Tums,Pepto Bismol, if you ask for some they may think you have a contagious virus & quarantine in cabin. Just plan on packing a moms medical just in case kit- lots of sunscreen,certain ports need DEET Bug spray (preventative as some ports Mosquitos carry diseases. Waterproof band aids, Bonine for motion sickness just in case.) 9.)if beaching it- sand toys like shovels/pails from Walmart/Dollar store. If have a child - cheaper and can leave at end if wish. 10.) Put cell phone on airplane mode or off to avoid possible incoming call/text charges. Also do not count on cell being current time,not all auto correct. 11.)verify that all times are referred to as ship time, not what time it is in port. 12.)omelet station has its own line, and besides Omelets can also make eggs to order, or an egg white omelet. 13.)lanyards for kids sign n sail card. They can tuck under shirt to not lose in the wind (seen it happen to adults) 14.)sign n sail can have a spending limit set for kids daily for arcade. 15.)when refilling personal beverage bottles- use cruise cup to pour into yours for sanitation reason (there is usually a sign asking this) Bring an insulated,wide mouth bottle for this. Great for pool deck too vs. a cup. 16.)Hot chocolate machine on lido great at night for movies under stars 17.)bring an overdose or shoe hanger for more storage of items. Sometimes the couch in room the bottom pulls out for storage depending on the ship. 18.)Post it notes to leave messages for cabin steward, or a family member 19.)Door decorations- try and find command type sticky, or wall friendly - scotch tape stewards not fond of as they have to clean any residue off, same goes for the colored jelly window Clingons. Oh the walls and doors I believe are metal - can buy cruise souvenir magnets and hang FunTimes up. Bring a high liter for FunTimes. 20.)check ship library hours, they have board games in library for families. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Velvetwater Posted March 14, 2015 #18 Share Posted March 14, 2015 (edited) 1)You can order as much food as you like 2) Be up to Lido before 8.00 to get a lounger 3) Book Anytime dining 4) Bring a power strip (although the Room steward reported and took ours 3 days in...grrr) Edited March 14, 2015 by Velvetwater Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcelLucSell Posted March 14, 2015 #19 Share Posted March 14, 2015 You can order the desert cheese plate for an app. Try it... 5-6 pieces of assorted cheese. Makes a great additional app better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amyh13 Posted March 14, 2015 #20 Share Posted March 14, 2015 All stellar recommendations. I prefer to overpack. We drive to the port and I like choices. Bring your allotted wine if you drink. Plan nothing on your first sea day. Anytime dining will make your life much easier. Send your kids to camp. They may claim they don't like it but I have taught enough Sunday school to know that kids are COMPLETELY fine about 30 seconds after the patents leave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adriennerm Posted March 14, 2015 #21 Share Posted March 14, 2015 (edited) Turn off your cellphone. This never crossed my mind when I was planning my first cruise. A friend told me about 3 days prior to my trip. I can only imagine how much my phone bill would have been if it wasn't for her lol Edited March 14, 2015 by adriennerm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonit964 Posted March 14, 2015 #22 Share Posted March 14, 2015 Bring a small first aid kit and any over the counter medications you may need for cold, fever, and upset tummy. Just in case. These items are kind of expensive if you have to buy them in the shop on board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistyinca Posted March 14, 2015 #23 Share Posted March 14, 2015 Piggy backing on tonit964s post. I have heard you do not want to go to the infirmary so the apothecary bag is a life saver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amyh13 Posted March 14, 2015 #24 Share Posted March 14, 2015 Bring a small first aid kit and any over the counter medications you may need for cold, fever, and upset tummy. Just in case. These items are kind of expensive if you have to buy them in the shop on board. Oh yes. In ziplock bags. Every Otc medication you ever thought about taking. Better safe than sorry. We always dig something out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martini Mom Posted March 14, 2015 #25 Share Posted March 14, 2015 "Just try it. You'll have fun!" Seriously, I could give you a ton of tips and tricks, but the number one place to start is just giving cruising a try. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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