cruiserking Posted August 1, 2015 #1 Share Posted August 1, 2015 I love the whole cruise from beginning to end. But, one of my most favorite times is the very first day. I realize that the first day is included in the cruise fare, but, I always feel like those first few hours aboard before the ship steams away, are like a special windfall we've all lucked into. I love getting aboard the ship, exploring this wonderland and knowing there is a brand new adventure waiting to unfold and we haven't even left the dock yet. What's yours? Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chipmaster Posted August 1, 2015 #2 Share Posted August 1, 2015 Highlights the excursions in ports. We cruise specifically for varied ports and there is always one port and excursion that is the highlight. Of course the sitdown breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner on sea days is a thing we look forward to as quality time with family and no smartphones is also special Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Scrapnana Posted August 1, 2015 #3 Share Posted August 1, 2015 I always get a special thrill when I first set foot on the ship. The entire cruise is still ahead of me with all kinds of wonderful possibilities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiserking Posted August 1, 2015 Author #4 Share Posted August 1, 2015 Highlights the excursions in ports. We cruise specifically for varied ports and there is always one port and excursion that is the highlight. Of course the sitdown breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner on sea days is a thing we look forward to as quality time with family and no smartphones is also special Yes, excursions particularly in Europe can be very exciting. Big fan of the sit down breakfast. Just dreaming about some nice French Toast yesterday as I munched my boring cereal. ;) I always get a special thrill when I first set foot on the ship. The entire cruise is still ahead of me with all kinds of wonderful possibilities. Love that first day on board, it's so thrilling. It always feels as if it's just a continuation of the last great cruise, the adventure continues. Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dartmoordan Posted August 1, 2015 #5 Share Posted August 1, 2015 Leaving port for the first time, really feel excited. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul929207 Posted August 1, 2015 #6 Share Posted August 1, 2015 Walking up the gangway at embarkation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted August 1, 2015 #7 Share Posted August 1, 2015 I think boarding day is the best, as you still have your entire vacation ahead of you. It's surprising how fast the days of your cruise pass.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
packedandready Posted August 1, 2015 #8 Share Posted August 1, 2015 That first "ding" of the sea pass just never gets old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiserking Posted August 1, 2015 Author #9 Share Posted August 1, 2015 It seems unanimous. Most of us veteran cruise fans feel the same about the first day aboard. I suppose I should have asked what are some of your favorite things about cruising? I always love watching the ship arrive into port in the wee hours of the early morning. As we inch closer to shore the lights still twinkling as gradually this little dot on the horizon becomes a mountainous island. Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiserking Posted August 1, 2015 Author #10 Share Posted August 1, 2015 That first "ding" of the sea pass just never gets old. Yes, I love those dings. I can't listen to a symphony of those dings pre-cruise to get warmed up. ;) Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ger_77 Posted August 1, 2015 #11 Share Posted August 1, 2015 I love crossing the threshold of the ship and hearing the "ding" as my ship card is scanned for the first time. I always turn to my husband and say "Honey, I'm home." Smooth Sailing! :) :) :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtwingcpa Posted August 1, 2015 #12 Share Posted August 1, 2015 I always love watching the ship arrive into port in the wee hours of the early morning. As we inch closer to shore the lights still twinkling as gradually this little dot on the horizon becomes a mountainous island. That's my favorite...waking up early and watching the ship arrive from my balcony. :-) But maybe not such a thrill on the last day. :-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiseapril Posted August 1, 2015 #13 Share Posted August 1, 2015 On a Caribbean cruise, sitting on the sun deck relaxing in the ocean air. Going on interesting excursions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiserking Posted August 1, 2015 Author #14 Share Posted August 1, 2015 On a Caribbean cruise, sitting on the sun deck relaxing in the ocean air. Going on interesting excursions. I can't wait for that feeling of steaming along the sea without a care beyond what chilled soup will be served at dinner. Jonathan Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weinoh49 Posted August 1, 2015 #15 Share Posted August 1, 2015 My favorite is being at sea - nothing on the horizon but sea & sky. Sitting on an outside deck with the breezes going through my hair. :) :) :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted August 1, 2015 #16 Share Posted August 1, 2015 Checking in at the pier. Now I know the cruise is ready to start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiserking Posted August 1, 2015 Author #17 Share Posted August 1, 2015 My favorite is being at sea - nothing on the horizon but sea & sky.Sitting on an outside deck with the breezes going through my hair. :) :) :) Yes. I love this image too. I can just shut my eyes and dream... Jonathan Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiserking Posted August 1, 2015 Author #18 Share Posted August 1, 2015 Checking in at the pier. Now I know the cruise is ready to start. Absolutely. Checking-in is great, you're finally there not just dreaming. Another favorite part of mine occurs just before. That moment you round the corner and BAM, there's your ship gleaming in the sun. It's real now. It's cruise day. Awesome. Jonathan Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navybankerteacher Posted August 1, 2015 #19 Share Posted August 1, 2015 The first few hours are special: you are just starting out. You either refamiliarize yourself with a ship you have enjoyed before, or you explore a new one. Checking out the MDR to locate your table (we always request assigned at a large table). Sail-away is magical - always with a special drink. Then meeting your table-mates - we are both reasonably sociable (and lucky, I suppose - as we have always had interesting and enjoyable dinner companions --- and fortunately people who do not enjoy interacting with new contacts at dinner will have opted against traditional) --- we have never had a cruise without having at least two - often more - enjoyable dining couples. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YubaSutter Posted August 1, 2015 #20 Share Posted August 1, 2015 I like the feeling I get when they deliver my luggage to the cabin with the smuggled booze. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkacruiser Posted August 1, 2015 #21 Share Posted August 1, 2015 Favorite moment: Embarking and hearing a crew member say: "Welcome Aboard!" Other favorites: Returning from a tiring shore excursion and hearing a crew member say: "Welcome Home! The ship is enveloped in fog, the fog horn is working, I am seated in a deck chair on an open, maybe somewhat sheltered, deck, wrapped in a deck blanket. Room Service Breakfast, served on my veranda if I have one. And, of course, the magical time of sailaway! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Honolulu Blue Posted August 1, 2015 #22 Share Posted August 1, 2015 I'm unusual; the initial embarkation isn't one of my favorites. I'll explain why in a moment. Here's what did make my list (not in order): * The end of the safety drill. That usually means that departure is imminent and the vacation has truly begun. * Getting off in port * The rare moments when no one is chattering on the speaker, in the neighboring cabin, or out in the hall, and I can hear the ocean splash as we move across the sea * Reviewing the newsletter and finding something that's worth doing the next day * Looking at some advertising flyers and seeing something that's worth buying * Winning an Official Piece of Junk for knowing the right answers, or something similar OK, back to getting on the ship. Nice, yes, but... by the time I've gotten there, I've been traveling for several hours, stood in several lines, gone through security twice, had my ugly mug taken once, and stiff-armed the other photogs from taking another photo. I'm tired, grouchy, and hungry. I have to decide whether to unpack first, eat first, or take a much-needed nap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCruisers Posted August 1, 2015 #23 Share Posted August 1, 2015 Once the luggage is delivered and the muster drill is over, I'm totally relaxed and ready to enjoy cruising! :) LuLu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NMLady Posted August 1, 2015 #24 Share Posted August 1, 2015 Highlights the excursions in ports. We cruise specifically for varied ports and there is always one port and excursion that is the highlight. Of course the sitdown breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner on sea days is a thing we look forward to as quality time with family and no smartphones is also special I love the first sea day. Nothing scheduled. Totally relaxing day to wander the ship or to read or to take part in activities or to laze by the pool. That is cruising. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
searoses Posted August 1, 2015 #25 Share Posted August 1, 2015 The ding....so disappointed there was none on our regal princess cruise....sitting quietly on the balcony waiting for the ship to start moving.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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