Planning my very first cruise trip, need some help please!!

[mallowcreme]

Hi all, I am planning my very first cruise trip with my bf. I want it to coincide with my 30th birthday so it will be around April or May of 2017. First of all, and I guess most importantly is how far ahead should I purchase our tickets? I don't want to do it too early and have the price maybe go down and I definitely don't want to do it too late and risk not getting a decent cabin. Any tips on how many months or so ahead of time do this?

 

• Is a passport required, if we get to port and do not get off the ship?
  
• Neither one of us is going to gamble or drink much, if at all. How much money would you suggest is an ample amount to save for other on board costs?
  
• Has anyone experienced any flight delays? Should we get to the city of port a day ahead of time, or if the ship is leaving late afternoon would a same day flight be okay?
  
• Any hidden extra fees a first timer might not know about but should be aware of.
  
  
• Just out of curiosity, what are some ships spa services like? Is it worth the money if you have done this? Also please specify the cruise line if you have any feedback.
  
• I am assuming that there is no mobile data on the cruise, so is an internet package worth it? How do you post photos of your adventure as you go along on social media?
  

 

I am sure I will have many more questions as I think of them, because I want to make sure I am getting the most for my money and planning it right. Thanks to anyone and everyone who gives feedback, I look forward to your responses! :)

Edited September 15, 2015 by mallowcreme

[happy traveler69]

***a passport is absolutely best!! just get it and you'll always be ready to travel abroad! but no, it's not required on U.S. beginning cruises that also end in the U.S.

***the amount of money is personal preference. you'll need money for tips, shopping, shore excursions, incidentals, emergency money...

***fly in at the very least the day before! never chance the day of!!

***no extra fees, but if you want specialty coffee, a dinner at one of the specialty restaurants, snacks for the shows, fresh squeezed OJ, you'll need money for those things, for example.

***BOOK EARLY! the best discounts and rooms can be had the earlier you book. if the price drops, you would have to contact the cruise line for a price adjustment. my experience is that the price goes up, not down!! my 1/2/16 cruise on the oasis was $3323 for three adults in a balcony (booking made December 2014. now the price is $5134, for the same three people in a balcony

[mallowcreme]

Thank you so much for the quick feedback! I will definitely book early then. The earlier, the better I'm assuming?

 

Also how do tips work? I have seen some places that say the gratuities are included in the cost but then others talk about tipping extra.

[wally_bushy]

The easiest way is to find a travel agent (preferably a cruise specialist).

A good one will find you a better deal then you will find and they can answer all your questions.

Our TA provides all the information or finds out.

Have fun!

[train460]

book early thru a travel agent, put down the minimum and watch the price daily. it will go up and down and you can rebook. All 3 cruises I have been on we have called when price dropped. allowed to do this up until final payment is due, I think 90 days from sailing.

only fees on the ship is the gratuities that differ with lines but carnival and RC are about $12 per day per person so figure that in.

You really don't have to have ANY extra money for the ship activities unless you gamble, drink booze, buy stuff or give extra tips to staff or eat in an upgrade restaurant, but all these are optional. You don't have to spend any money in the ports if you choose. we book all our excursions via the web looking at reviews, you will save a few bucks that way but to me the way smaller crowds are a plus. We have been on a couple that only had 4 people on it while we passed cruise peeps with 50+ in the group.

just look thru the cruise critic threads. more info than you could ever read.

My 02

michael

[happy traveler69]

we like to prepay the gratuities! that way all of the spending money we bring is ours, not earmarked for tips. just ask them to add them on and you pay it like you would the cruise.

[paul929207]

Many of your questions have answers that will vary depending on the cruise line and itinerary you choose.

 

For instance, Passports. The US Governemnt does not require a passport if you are a US citizen taking a cruise that starts and ends in the same US port. However, some cruise lines o require them.

 

For all other itineraries, a passport is required.

[cb at sea]

If you pay the suggested tips (and most cruiselines nowadays add them to your bill as the cruise goes along), then that's all you need to tip. Those tips cover your cabin attendant, waiters, ass't waiters and head waiter. Any drink you buy will have 18% added to the cost for the tip. They make it easy for you!

 

There are lots of other ways to spend extra....specialty restaurants, spa, gambling, photos, shops, and EXCURSIONS.....get a guidebook and read up on your ports. There's seldom a reason to pay a guide to show you a good time ashore. If you know something about your ports, you can DIY easily.

 

On Caribbean cruises (closed loop) American's only need DL and BC to cruise. None of the Caribbean countries require a passport from cruise passengers.

 

Take your photos and post them to FB when you get home. Your friends don't need constant, by the minute updates! And, it's not good for folks to be able to see that you're not home! So just wait until you're back before posting your adventures!!!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

We always fly into the embarkation port at least 2 or 3 days early. We don't have direct flights -- and yes we have experienced flights delays and cancellations.

You really need to talk to a TA in your area. Ask friends or people at work who they would recommend.

[JF - retired RRT]

All the suggestions above are excellent.

Another tip: BUY CRUISE INSURANCE!!!

If anything goes wrong, you are covered.

Plane is late or doesn't get there at all

Suitcases get lost, stolen or damaged

Ship has to cut itinerary short due to engine malfunction

You get sick and can't go and it is past final payment

 

Insurance is cheap. Our luggage was damaged (fell into the harbor) and we were reimbursed $600+ for the damage. If we hadn't had insurance we would have gotten the maximum that the luggage handlers insurance covered (I think it was $150). The insurance cost us $80 each (15 day cruise).

Edited September 15, 2015 by JF - retired RRT

[John Bull]

Hi all, I am planning my very first cruise trip with my bf. I want it to coincide with my 30th birthday so it will be around April or May of 2017. First of all, and I guess most importantly is how far ahead should I purchase our tickets? I don't want to do it too early and have the price maybe go down and I definitely don't want to do it too late and risk not getting a decent cabin. Any tips on how many months or so ahead of time do this?

 

Assuming you're booking from the US, you can book soonest & then cancel & re-book just ahead of final payment day if prices have dropped. Or just plain cancel, & book another cruise line or an entirely different vacation. Some Americans book two or three cruises, then choose between them & cancel the unwanted ones just ahead of final payment day. I rate that as taking the mickey out of the generous penalty-free cancellation policy, but some do it.

• Is a passport required, if we get to port and do not get off the ship?
  Sorry, not my specialised subject. Not required on some cruises out of the US / San Juan, but if a passport is required you'll not be permitted to board without it. Ditto any visas, though I doubt this applies to any Caribbean cruises.
  
• Neither one of us is going to gamble or drink much, if at all. How much money would you suggest is an ample amount to save for other on board costs?
  In theory you can cruise without spending a cent on board. But allow for gratuities at about $12 per passenger per day. And you'll doubtless want to buy a few drinks etc.
  
• Has anyone experienced any flight delays? Should we get to the city of port a day ahead of time, or if the ship is leaving late afternoon would a same day flight be okay?
  Unless you book a cruise-air package (usually an expensive way of flying, but you're guaranteed to make the ship or get big-bucks compensation) you're best to fly in a day or two early. Especially if for instance this is a winter flight from the frozen north. Take the opportunity to explore the departure port for a day or two. Compared to booking flights through the cruise line, if you book your own flights the savings will probably cover your port hotel costs for that day or two.
  
• Any hidden extra fees a first timer might not know about but should be aware of.
  
  The one that grieves newbies, certainly those not used to the US tipping culture, is gratuities as I mentioned above. Unless you pre-pay, they're added to your on-board account. Be aware also of a surcharge (usually 15%) added to bar etc prices on drinks & other services aboard. Port fees (usually a pittance) will probably also be added to your ticket price.
  
• Just out of curiosity, what are some ships spa services like? Is it worth the money if you have done this? Also please specify the cruise line if you have any feedback.
  I don't consider them worth the money so have never used them, but different folks different opinions. Often available at a discount after you've boarded, usually for port days.
  
• I am assuming that there is no mobile data on the cruise, so is an internet package worth it? How do you post photos of your adventure as you go along on social media?
  

Very definitely take advantage of Wi-Fi hotspots or free Wi-Fi at bars & cafes in the ports (they'll have "free Wi-Fi" signs).

Crew members can probably tell you where hot-spots are.

If you use a bar or café, be aware that in some the signal can be really bad - to the point of being useless. So check that other customers are happily tapping away before you order a drink. Most require a password, which the server will tell you.

 

If you buy a ship's internet package

- it's even more expensive than it appears to be, because it's often slow. And I really do mean s.......l...........o.............w.

- connect only when you need that connection. So compose e-mails off-line before connecting.

- remember to log-out each time - or your airtime will all be wasted.

 

I am sure I will have many more questions as I think of them, because I want to make sure I am getting the most for my money and planning it right. Thanks to anyone and everyone who gives feedback, I look forward to your responses! :)

 

Cruisers are an amiable & helpful bunch. You'll meet plenty of experienced cruisers on the ship - don't be afraid to ask them even the simplest questions.

 

JB :)

 

Edited to add: on mass-market US cruise ships, grats aren't normally included - included only on some Brit ships, some up-market boutique ships, & some cruises out of Australia.

When tips are included, promotional material always makes this clear. Otherwise expect them to be added.

BTW, cruise prices quoted are per person & usually for those sharing a double cabin. If "free on-board spend" is offered, this is (almost?) always per cabin.

Edited September 15, 2015 by John Bull

[serene56]

when you are seeing gratuities are included that is for special deals. If you look at another sailing you will see that the "fare" is actually a tad higher to include the grats includes.

 

What we do is have the agent include the tips. Tips pay for the wait staff and the room steward (who cleans your room twice a day)

 

you want to fly in the day before. some people balk at the added cost of a hotel stay but really its 100 for arriving relaxed and refreshed for your cruise.

Most cruisers arrive the day of-- you will see an almost empty ship around 10pm because people are too tired to enjoy

[Teeara]

Hi all, I am planning my very first cruise trip with my bf. I want it to coincide with my 30th birthday so it will be around April or May of 2017. First of all, and I guess most importantly is how far ahead should I purchase our tickets? I don't want to do it too early and have the price maybe go down and I definitely don't want to do it too late and risk not getting a decent cabin. Any tips on how many months or so ahead of time do this?

 

BOOK NOW. You've already missed out on nearly 6 months of price increases. We booked our April 2017 cruise in May 2015. If the price goes down then you simply call the cruiseline, tell them to check to see if it has gone down. If it has then they will reduce your fare. It is very easy to do and I have never had any problems from the cruiseline doing so. As long as you haven't paid off your cruise, they will honor the reduced fare. As for a "decent" cabin, you need to decide what that is and book it now. It might already be too late. Our 4/24/17 cruise is booking up fast and a lot of the good cabins are already gone.

 

[*]Is a passport required, if we get to port and do not get off the ship?

 

I would get the passport. That will open your world of cruising AND it is a lot less stressful. You won't be worried about whether you have the right documentation, etc.

 

[*]Neither one of us is going to gamble or drink much, if at all. How much money would you suggest is an ample amount to save for other on board costs?

 

I usually budget $100 a day. We don't drink much or gamble either. I do purchase pictures (which can be $20 each) since I scrapbook. You also need to decide whether you want to prepay your gratuities. Frankly, I would rather prepay them before I get onboard the ship than have them added to my tab at the end of the cruise. Prepaying means I have more money in my pocket for shopping in the ports.

 

[*]Has anyone experienced any flight delays? Should we get to the city of port a day ahead of time, or if the ship is leaving late afternoon would a same day flight be okay?

 

Personally, I have not experienced any flight delays, but I ALWAYS fly in at least a day early. You never know what will happen and if you have ANY transfers that need to be made I would be a nervous wreck during my flights if I were flying in the same day. So if you can, definitely fly in a day early.

 

[*]Any hidden extra fees a first timer might not know about but should be aware of.

 

As mentioned above, anything you purchase onboard the ship will be "extra". Any drinks, any shopping, any specialty dining will be on your bill at the end of the cruise. Also, when you are ordering your drinks, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE RECEIPT TO SEE IF THEY HAVE ALREADY CHARGED YOU A TIP. Many times new cruisers don't realize that they have already charged a tip and then add another tip, so the server gets a double tip.

 

[*]Just out of curiosity, what are some ships spa services like? Is it worth the money if you have done this? Also please specify the cruise line if you have any feedback.

 

I have sailed on Carnival, Princess and am now loyal to Royal Caribbean and have used the spa services on EVERY cruise. I love them. But here is my suggestion. Wait until you are onboard the ship and see what the daily specials are. My personal favorite is a spa sampler package that usually runs about $100. You usually get 3 20 minute treatments of like a hand and foot massage, a back massage and something else. They are just lovely. They are a package so you get them at the one appointment by one spa tech. Another thing about the spa is that they are hard sellers of their products, which mean that after your calming massage they are going to want to sell you whatever products they have been using. If you don't like that idea, then when you first arrive and are given some paperwork to fill out, write on the form "NO PRODUCT SELLING PLEASE". I have done that on nearly every one of my spa services and have never heard a peep about products to purchase unless I specifically ask for it myself. Their products are EXPENSIVE, so be forewarned.

 

[*]I am assuming that there is no mobile data on the cruise, so is an internet package worth it? How do you post photos of your adventure as you go along on social media?

 

No. I have only used the internet package once and it was expensive and slooooooow. Also, why would you want thieves to know that you are away from your home while you are on vacation? Personally, I would never post ANYTHING on social media about my vacation until I was back at home safe and sound.

 

I am sure I will have many more questions as I think of them, because I want to make sure I am getting the most for my money and planning it right. Thanks to anyone and everyone who gives feedback, I look forward to your responses! :)

 

Keep reading the boards here on Cruise Critic and you will learn everything you need to know (and more!). Make sure that once you do book your cruise that you sign up for your Roll Call here on CC so you can start talking to others who will be on your sailing. There are usually a lot of people who have sailed before and can answer even more questions for you.

 

Good luck and happy sailing!

Edited September 16, 2015 by Teeara

[LA_CA_GAL]

It would be very helpful if we knew what country you are from, where you would like to cruise, what line or ships are you considering, your interests, etc.

[spookwife]

• Is a passport required, if we get to port and do not get off the ship? depends on ship, itinerary and other factor. a PP is the best form if ID specially if an emergency happens
  
• Neither one of us is going to gamble or drink much, if at all. How much money would you suggest is an ample amount to save for other on board costs? figure $12-15 pr prison pr day just for gratuities. souvenirs are always factor to consider.. do you collect $5 shot glasses or $2500 watches?!
  
• Has anyone experienced any flight delays? Should we get to the city of port a day ahead of time, or if the ship is leaving late afternoon would a same day flight be okay? under zero circumstances would we EVER fly in day of. i have never NOT had a flight delay.
  
• Any hidden extra fees a first timer might not know about but should be aware of.
  aside from the gratuities, room service should get a dollar ro two( about the only time you will need csh) everything consumable on board will incur a 15-18% surcharge. this includes specialty restaurants, fancy coffee, soda, and alcohol. there will also be the itms you can buy like ice cream sundaes or milkshakes
  
• Just out of curiosity, what are some ships spa services like? Is it worth the money if you have done this? Also please specify the cruise line if you have any feedback. seriously overpriced, with a very hard sell tacked on. get a massage t home before you go for half he cost.
  
• I am assuming that there is no mobile data on the cruise, so is an internet package worth it? How do you post photos of your adventure as you go along on social media? we unplug. prices range from stupid high to merely outrageous, with speeds and connectivity ranging from pretty decent to slower than molasses in January running uphill backward. I wait until i get home to download picture and post them.
  

 

 

as for when: best selection is as soon s the cruise opens. most no longer drop prices after final payment is due(45-90 days out) and nearly every cruise sails full. if price is the biggest consideration, book guarantee or wait until final payment. if cabin type is most important, book as soon as you can live with the price advertised. if it goes down before FP you can get an adjustment.

[SetU2]

as for when: best selection is as soon s the cruise opens. most no longer drop prices after final payment is due(45-90 days out) and nearly every cruise sails full. if price is the biggest consideration, book guarantee or wait until final payment. if cabin type is most important, book as soon as you can live with the price advertised. if it goes down before FP you can get an adjustment.

 

We are booked on a May 13th cruise, which we booked as soon as they became available. The price has now gone up over $300 for this one. Part of that is because the promotion changed but even without any promotion, it is higher.

[mallowcreme]

Thank you everyone for your wonderful replies and tips! Some of you pointed out things I never would have even thought of and you've been extra helpful in helping me plan my first trip!:D

[Underwatr]

***a passport is absolutely best!! just get it and you'll always be ready to travel abroad! but no, it's not required on U.S. beginning cruises that also end in the U.S.

Just a minor nitpick - if you're an American citizen a passport is usually not required on a cruise that starts and ends at the same U.S. port (also known as a closed - loop cruise) although some lines will have stricter policies.

 

But for example, on a full Panama Canal transit between Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles a passport is required.

Edited September 21, 2015 by Underwatr

[sparky-elpaso]

I think one thing no one has mentioned as far as passport requirements. If a passport is required for a port it doesn't matter whether you get off the ship or not. The ship is in that countries "territory" so if a passport - or visa - is required you would have to have it even if you stayed on the ship.

 

I look at my passport as my "ticket to the world" - I can go anywhere / anytime.

[Jimnbigd]

When to book: The sooner you book, the better your choice of cabin. Cabins at the very front or very back of the ship can be rougher than cabins towards the middle. And cabins directly below or above a public area can be noisy.

 

Passport: It does not matter if you got off the ship at port-of-call. When you go through US customs at the end of your cruise, you still "visited" the port and the foreign country.

Actually, you did not say -- Are you in the USA?

 

Tips: Bring some singles dollars and some five-dollar-bills for tipping bus drivers and porters before and after your cruise and bus drivers and guides on shore excursions.

Also, some some independent shore excursions (those not sold through the ship) might require cash.

Oh, and the ship's casino requires cash. Lots of cash. Cash you will never see again. :( Good thing you don't gamble.

 

Spa: Sometimes there are specials during ports-of-call. We've gotten half-price massages. But then as others have mentioned, the prices are highly inflated compared to what you can get back home. The only spa service we get is my wife having her hair done for the 2nd formal night. For this, we make the appointment as soon as we board, often before we go get lunch. Lunch is free ("included in the price") when you first board.

 

Flight: I recommend flying in the day before. First, this gives you some cushion should your flight be delayed. Second, you'll be refreshed to enjoy the first day on the ship.

Also, don't book the return flight too early. It varies depending on the port what the earliest return flight time should be.

Edited September 21, 2015 by Jimnbigd