First Ever Cruise - Questions

[arendale1]

Hi, we are a family of 5 going on our first cruise at the end of this month on Explorer of the Seas.

 

We have never cruised before, so competely clueless as to how things work.

 

Any tips/advice would be gratefully received, especially regarding boarding (how does this work, we have a teen with autism, is there any help with this?), dining - with 3 children worried about how 'formal' formal nights are, any less crowded areas for quiet time if needed and any other info that seasoned cruisers have, that a newbie cruiser would just not kmow.

 

On board, is cash accepted at all? Our children wanted their own spending money for little extras, such as in the shops. Can they use cash or is everything charged to our cabin?

 

We got free drinks packages when we booked, and also free gratuities - will this cover everything except for the additional activities/drinks not inc/speciality meals? Do we still need cash for anything else?

 

TIA :)

[Spurschick]

Hi, we are a family of 5 going on our first cruise at the end of this month on Explorer of the Seas.

 

We have never cruised before, so competely clueless as to how things work.

 

Any tips/advice would be gratefully received, especially regarding boarding (how does this work, we have a teen with autism, is there any help with this?), dining - with 3 children worried about how 'formal' formal nights are, any less crowded areas for quiet time if needed and any other info that seasoned cruisers have, that a newbie cruiser would just not kmow.

 

On board, is cash accepted at all? Our children wanted their own spending money for little extras, such as in the shops. Can they use cash or is everything charged to our cabin?

 

We got free drinks packages when we booked, and also free gratuities - will this cover everything except for the additional activities/drinks not inc/speciality meals? Do we still need cash for anything else?

 

TIA :)

 

 

Hope you have a great cruise.

 

Regarding your teen here is a link to their autism at sea page.

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/experiencetypes/product.do?pagename=onboard_prod_autism_friendly_ships

 

Cash is not accepted on board. Either your children can have their cards activated to make purchases, or you will need to buy for them. I have read elsewhere you can set a daily limit for them, but I have never tried.

 

Boarding day can be quite manic in the windjammer. We normally try and get on early and eat. There will be quieter places to wait. Normally some of the lounges are pretty quiet during this time until your cabin opens up.

 

Forgot to mention, if you call special needs at sea, they can give you more help.

Edited May 10, 2015 by Spurschick

[readyk]

Unless you want to tip, you will not need cash. your room key is use onboard. I think you can set a limit on your kids card if you like. Check in early if possible. Just remember room are not available until 130. Have fun and enjoy yourself.

[PompeySailor]

Firstly have a great cruise.

 

There will be plenty of great advice on here from seasoned cruisers:)

 

See link In my signature for all the info you will need for the kids, plenty for them to do.

All the hours of operation listed

You can sign kids up on embarkation day, there will be a desk where all the kids will be issued wristbands. There will also be an opportunity to sign them up in the evening of your first night sailing.

 

You can get in room sitting as well, if you like, last I heard it was $19 per hour

 

You can load credit onto their Seapass cards for activities in the arcades outside the organized Adventure Ocean.

There will be Red charging machines in the arcade, credit is loaded from your folio, of which the kids cards are linked to your account.

 

No cash needed or accepted, only required onboard for tips.

Everything else is charged to your seapass card.

 

All shops onboard charge purchases to your seapass

 

I am sure others will give you the answers you are looking for.

 

 

Edit: you will need cash for the casino

 

Have a great cruise

Happy Days!!

Edited May 10, 2015 by PompeySailor

[searoses]

Young children need only Polo shirts and nice shorts or khaki pants for older boys... maybe dresses for girls but nothing fancy is required....they could "bank" their money with the cc holder and keep track....you can't even buy a stamp with cash...you could call the special needs line and dIscuss your teen's needs....boarding can be crowded and noisy but special boarding is available....I hope you have a wonderful time....

[adjjb12]

If you need special boarding you can get it. There's a form/email address for special needs and just let them know and you'd be accommodated for all the assistance.

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/allaboutcruising/accessibleseas/home.do

 

Formal nights are pretty formal, gowns/suits/tuxes. You don't need to eat there, you can always do buffet and Windjammer instead or one of the a la carte's that are more casual if you want to skip the formal nights.

 

Quiet areas, the library area is pretty quiet. Solarium area.

 

No cash at all is accepted, your seapass card controls everything. You can put a set amount on their card so they can do their own purchasing. Ice cream/arcade tokens etc..

 

You'd need cash for tipping when you're off the ship. Any purchases etc when off the ship at the ports. Except Labadee.

Edited May 10, 2015 by adjjb12

[PompeySailor]

Here is the email contact details for special needs

 

special_needs@rccl.com

 

Happy Days!

[Jenhem31]

Room service is 24 hours. We always bring a bunch of ones and fives for room service tips. If you have a balcony, drinking coffee in the morning and looking at the sea is very relaxing.

We tip porters $10-20, many people tip way less. It's just what we do.

You can tip your steward and wait staff additional if you desire.

You have to request ice from your steward. Ask once and poof! Twice a day he will fill it.

You can order as many items as you wish in the dining room. You want 3 appetizers and 2 entrees? Go for it. They won't even blink.

A pop up hamper will come in handy.

Suitcases can be stored under the bed.

It's your vacation, don't feel bad if you don't have time to fit everything in.

Have a wonderful cruise!!!!!!

[Spurschick]

If you need special boarding you can get it. There's a form/email address for special needs and just let them know and you'd be accommodated for all the assistance.

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/allaboutcruising/accessibleseas/home.do

 

Formal nights are pretty formal, gowns/suits/tuxes. You don't need to eat there, you can always do buffet and Windjammer instead or one of the a la carte's that are more casual if you want to skip the formal nights.

 

Quiet areas, the library area is pretty quiet. Solarium area.

 

No cash at all is accepted, your seapass card controls everything. You can put a set amount on their card so they can do their own purchasing. Ice cream/arcade tokens etc..

 

You'd need cash for tipping when you're off the ship. Any purchases etc when off the ship at the ports. Except Labadee.

 

Whilst solarium is quiet, only 16 and over allowed in.

[Jenhem31]

Also, don't bother packing beach towels. Fresh ones are provided.

[sbbquilter]

Have a wonderful time- great time to share with your family. With our son we found it better to board after the early boarding madhouse was through (after lunch to avoid the crush in the buffet area) as crowd noise could lead to melt downs for him. We also prepared him with pictures of the ship as he did not like the unknown or sudden changes. He found the movement of the ship very relaxing and we had a great time.

[arendale1]

Wow! Thank you for your quick replies. :)

 

So, some small dollar bills would come in handy for any extra tips? We are cruising to the Fjords and plan on just looking around the ports, is it a good idea to have some Norwegian Krone beforehand, or just use debit card/atm?

 

Onboard, is it very obvious if something we order is an extra charge? Will we be told, asked to sign something? Do we get a seapass card each? I'm worried about the children overspending lol!

 

Apart from formal nights (if we do them), can we just wear jeans and tshirts, or is dinner expected to be a bit smarter?

 

Thanks again, I will definitely contact special needs, busy, long queues are something we try to avoid if possible.

 

Any other advice/tips would be much appreciated. :)

[Jenhem31]

We always use either cash or a credit card in port. We have only need sailed the Caribbean and they've accepted USD. I don't know about the Fjords.

 

It'll be obvious if there's a charge for items on board. You will always sign a slip. Sea pass for everyone. I believe you can put a cap on the children's limit, but I don't know 100%. Someone else will for sure.

Dining room attire is a hot topic. Yes, we wear jeans and a nice top. We don't participate in formal night. No shorts. Just dress like you would at a nice restaurant back home.

[reallyitsmema]

You should also discuss the muster drill with the special needs department. It is the lifeboat safety drill that is conducted prior to sailing and is required for all to attend. Your family will need to go to your assigned muster station and it is very crowded and also very loud when they sound the emergency signal. They do offer a special muster if that is something your teen would need.

[garycarla]

Good answers above.

 

My #1 suggestion for newbies?

 

Scan through posts from the past 2-3 weeks here. You will find answers to questions you did not even know you had.

 

Also, join your roll call.

[arendale1]

We always use either cash or a credit card in port. We have only need sailed the Caribbean and they've accepted USD. I don't know about the Fjords.

 

It'll be obvious if there's a charge for items on board. You will always sign a slip. Sea pass for everyone. I believe you can put a cap on the children's limit, but I don't know 100%. Someone else will for sure.

Dining room attire is a hot topic. Yes, we wear jeans and a nice top. We don't participate in formal night. No shorts. Just dress like you would at a nice restaurant back home.

 

Great thank you - hubby has to dress smart for work every day, so on holiday he likes to dress down a little.

 

You should also discuss the muster drill with the special needs department. It is the lifeboat safety drill that is conducted prior to sailing and is required for all to attend. Your family will need to go to your assigned muster station and it is very crowded and also very loud when they sound the emergency signal. They do offer a special muster if that is something your teen would need.

 

This is really good to know - thank you! My youngest son who's 10 has sensory issues, so this could also be an issue for him. I'm a little worried tbh, this situation sounds like it could be stressful for both my boys. :(

Edited May 10, 2015 by arendale1

[Barnaby100]

You don't tip the porters if you are sailing from Southampton. Not expected in any way. Last time we did Rc from Southamptn it was virtually a drive through- drop bags and then go and park. Better than p and o

Edited May 10, 2015 by Barnaby100

[Barnaby100]

Have you gone on the roll call forum for your cruise? The people there will have lots of trip advice

[arendale1]

Thank you Barnaby - I will have a look at the roll call. :)

[wants2cruise2]

I could repeat all the great advice but I will only add while it's true only your sea pass for charging on board is accepted, I always bring cash and lock it in my safe, i watch my on board account during the week, you could check every day or more if you want to, and pay down the balance toward the end of the trip at guest services, I don't like coming home to the bills.

 

I've never brought my own special needs child on a cruise, way to much work for me and he couldn't care less, but I tip my hat to you for doing it. (We do disney or local beach trips with him.)

[cparkerkite]

We cruised with a 2 year old in 2013. On formal night, I wore a nice church dress and my husband wore slacks, nice shirt and jacket (no tie). My daughter wore a cute dress. We had a great time and didn't feel out of place. Some people were in formal attire and others like us.

 

My niece has autism and my brother said they are very accommodating as far as special need. Enjoy your cruise!!!!

[ColoradoGurl]

You don't tip the porters if you are sailing from Southampton. Not expected in any way. Last time we did Rc from Southamptn it was virtually a drive through- drop bags and then go and park. Better than p and o

 

Just curious for future reference; is it considered rude and would it offend someone if a person were to tip a porter or waiter etc in Europe? I know it isn't generally done there and it isn't necessary since those workers are paid better wages, but if someone from America goes there and just feels better tipping because it's culturally drilled in to us, would it be offensive?

[Desert Cruizers]

Prior to your sailing, and approximately 90 days, you need to go into your bookings on RCCL and do your Online check In. There you will provide information on your family, Pass Port Information etc. There is another area for setting up your Acct. I prefer to use a credit Card, not a Debit Card. If during the cruise you wish to pay toward the bill you can go to Guest Relations and ask for a print out and put something toward the bill or leave it and pay off the Credit Card when you get your statement. If you do a cash acct then they start you with $500 and as that is used then you will need to add to it.

 

We bring $600 for a 2 week cruise to use in the Casino or in Port if we don't wish to use our credit card. Have a wonderful cruise.

[reney313]

Regarding currency in Norway, it is my understanding that the local places primarily accept NOK (Norwegian Kroner) although some might accept Euros. From what I have read (researching for my Fjord cruise later this summer), there are ATM's easily accessible at the ports and you receive a better exchange rate vs. buying at your bank. The ship also has some ability to exchange, but I'm not sure which currencies.

 

I agree with other posters to definitely contact the Special Needs department. Embarking can be stressful depending upon the specific time--and there is no way to know in advance when everyone will show up. Muster is the most troublesome as it can be very loud with a lot of people and then the horns sounding, of course. I have heard Royal does a great job with those that have needs during these times.

 

I haven't been on Explorer, but I would look up recent reviews to see what places are open for lunch when you embark. Windjammer (the buffet) area is often crowded and many people wait there until rooms are available. I'm not sure if special needs are able to arrange your room earlier or not, but it's worth asking. Otherwise, I would plan on visiting a different venue. If your kids like to swim and it's warm out, it might be worth it to pack their swimwear in your carry on. The pools aren't crowded during this time and could be a good distraction until rooms are available if you do board early.

 

Some great advice given for their seapass card and the ability to set limits and/or reload cards in the arcade. When we took my niece and nephew, they didn't listen to our self imposed limits and I know my sister wished she would have set them up properly at Guest Services (completed after your board the ship). My step son years ago even bought a necklace for a girl he met on board. He was 8!!!

 

Most of all, read over the dailies each day to see what activities you want to do and enjoy. This is a port intensive cruise so I imagine you'll be spending more time touring off the ship so try to relax a little in the evenings to gear up for the next day. The ice shows are excellent too.

 

Note that there might be more crowds on board when the shows get out. It might be best to wait in your seats until everyone exits or sit near the back to be the first "out" of the area. Elevator lines can be long at the first bank of elevators so I do advise to walk down the promenade to the other elevators if you are going up to your cabins or the top decks.

 

Oh...there are also parades that are fun on the Promenade. But they can also be VERY crowded. It's good to go early if you want to see them and find a seat somewhere. Starting about 20 minutes prior, it starts to get full. You will want to make sure everyone is there with you though. Saving seats in that environment is not advisable. We had been waiting once for around 30 minutes when my sister got up to go to the restroom. i must have had around 20 people call me names and argue with me over her chair. Seriously...she was gone a total of 4-5 minutes max.

 

I think those are really the main situations where it will fill crowded and to have some expectations set. The other 99% of the time, you should find it very relaxing.

[Spurschick]

Just curious for future reference; is it considered rude and would it offend someone if a person were to tip a porter or waiter etc in Europe? I know it isn't generally done there and it isn't necessary since those workers are paid better wages, but if someone from America goes there and just feels better tipping because it's culturally drilled in to us, would it be offensive?

 

Not offensive at all. Just check your bill carefully as some European major cities we have been to we have noticed they started adding gratuities to the bill automatically. Whilst not generally done, it is becoming more common, especially in tourist areas.