First cruise ..... starting to wonder if I have made a mistake.

[pandvsmith]

I think you get 20kg on Virgin.

 

Have to take my CPAP machine, then there is my Computer, Tablet and Camera Gear. That will account for most of my luggage allowance. SWMBO will take the toiletries and her clothes. I will wear mine over and have a few other things used as padding around the important stuff.

 

CPAP is medical device...I have never been charged for it and was not counted against the limit of baggage.

[hancock]

I believe that the prices will include the tip on RCCL cruises sailing out of Austrailia.

[S.A.M.J.R.]

Can someone explain what SWMBO means?

 

As far as your concerns OP, we've only been on two cruises and haven't watched a movie. The theater shows should be available now (they're not going to change very much), the headliners change every so often I believe, but you should be able to find out who's on board right now.

 

I don't drink much, but did get 2-3 cocktails a day. I still didn't get the drink package. Just paid a la carte. While I did see ONE obviously intoxicated cruiser, it wasn't that bad.

 

As far as luggage, I agree with the PP who said your camera gear, laptop, and any valuables should be in your carryon luggage (they make special backpacks for camera gears and laptops that should work) leaving you room in your checked luggage for clothes.

[Clarea]

Can someone explain what SWMBO means?... .

She Who Must Be Obeyed.

[S.A.M.J.R.]

She Who Must Be Obeyed.

Thanks!

 

You are truly a fount of information.

[Clarea]

Thanks!

 

You are truly a fount of information.

I'm married.

[S.A.M.J.R.]

So am I, but I've never seen that abbreviation. lol

[legaljen1969]

It does seem that there is a big case of buyer's remorse. As a SWMBO, let me say that cancelling the cruise will likely result if far more remorse than whatever you may be experiencing at this moment as you ponder the "extras."

 

Join the Roll Call for your cruise and get to know some of your fellow cruisers. I found that it helped to boost my excitement at the times I was wondering if I had made the right decision. You may find that some of them have either sailed on this ship or done a similar itinerary. They may be able to offer suggestions you had not considered, as far as things to do.

 

My husband and I are not big drinkers, and neither of us gets rolling drunk. We did a drink package on our last cruise and found that it was worth the money- as the "tips" are included in the cost of the package. That said, many people still tip a little something extra from time to time if you get a really good server. We would each have probably 4-5 drinks a day. If you have 2 glasses of wine with dinner, a poolside frozen concoction and something to tip back at the end of the evening in one of the bars or the casino- you are at 5 drinks. It sounds a lot, as you are probably not used to drinking that much on a daily basis at home. It's spread out over the day though, so most people are not falling down drunk. Short 3-4 day "booze cruises" seem to corner that market. As a rule of thumb-the longer the cruise, the more mature the passenger manifest.

 

Also, if you find yourself doubting your decision- take a break from Cruise Critic. There are a lot of very helpful people here. There are also a lot who take the CRITIC part very seriously- and believe it means only to CRITICize. Find some like minded people. I usually read through- and weed out the reviews that say there is NOTHING wrong with the ship and weed out the ones for "worst cruise ever." The ones in the middle usually give you a fairly good idea what most people perceive about the ship.

 

If you've paid your final payment- just know you are going on holiday and enjoy yourself. Don't worry about it. There is so much to do that is "fee free" on the ships, you don't need to worry that much about the added costs. Sure, you can try to stay within your budget. I bet you will cruise again and have a MUCH better idea of how you want to spend your money then.

[brillohead]

It does seem that there is a big case of buyer's remorse. As a SWMBO, let me say that cancelling the cruise will likely result if far more remorse than whatever you may be experiencing at this moment as you ponder the "extras."

 

 

^^Quoted for TRUTH!^^ :D

[impatientlywaiting]

I also don't drink instant coffee but I think I have seen that the cafes on board are operated by Starbucks. Maybe I am wrong here and there is other options. I fully agree with the Adam Hills when he says that "Going to Starbucks for coffee is like going to prison for sex. You're going to get it but it aint going to be pretty" So if it is just Starbucks then it will be a coffee free voyage as well.

 

I will be the first to admit that I don't like the taste of Starbucks coffee (too bitter for my taste) but your comments are just rude.

[chawkjewel]

Since you are in a JS, you will have a coffee maker. I bring my own coffee pods (not K cups) because I find what the ship provides to be too strong. A friend of mine makes her own blend of coffee so there were no ready made pods available. She just bought the smallest filters and brought her own blended coffee. You'll figure it out, I'm sure. Enjoy the cruise!

 

We were on Radiance in August. A great ship!!

[Cruise_Christy]

Relax. Carry on your CPAP and pack some clothes. Find out from Virgin if you can pay for an extra suitcase. Don't stress yourself out trying to do a 16 day vacation with just the clothes on your back! But this is going to be an issue it seems wherever you go on vacation with a flight, so isn't really relevant to cruising. You can work around it though. Hit up youtube and search for packing bags / packing tips - you would be amazed how many clothes 20kgs is! Pay for laundry on the ship if you're that worried.

 

If you're in a suite on a 16 day cruise I'm going to guess you've paid several thousand dollars each. Does it matter what the movie is? Really? Are you going to be sitting in your cabin watching TV? You mention computer - so you have a laptop I assume, and can bring a whole host of your own movies for that if you wanted. As for the shows, assume that they are standard low budget entertainment. Personally I have never had a cruise line where I thought the shows were "amazing" but they're usually entertaining if you're bored. I'd rather sit out on the deck next to the waves than in a theater myself.

 

The drinks are a downer I'll admit. I hate the prices and I hate the packages even more. But you can take 2 bottles of wine on with you and then you're better off just buying 1 drink a night and enjoying it and stop worrying about the price. You're on vacation, stuff costs a premium, it's a pain, but it is what it is, don't let it spoil it.

 

There's little hard sell on board. Yeah, there are optional extras, but they're not pushy other than running specials and demos which you don't have to go to.

 

All of these things are just little worries that you're letting yourself get stressed about when you need to be thinking about how awesome it is going to be - the experiences, the new places, waking up every morning somewhere different, the views, the sea, the wildlife, the people you'll meet, the food you'll eat... you'll have a good time if you just let go. For sure, be proactive with your worries and find solutions to make it a good holiday, but don't let the tiny things overwhelm you so much you're thinking about cancelling.

[nbsjcruiser]

Relax. All that stuff will be made apparent to you when you get to the ship and most of what you'll discover will be just that, a discovery. In this day and age sometimes we can stress a little too much when it comes to planning and information gathering. Our first cruise was in 2001, the infancy of the internet age. Finding information then was in glossy catalogues and for a few of us, through Usenet - a thoroughly uncensored, stripped down version of cruise critic. When we went on the cruise, I still had very little idea of what was awaiting me but we had a great time anyway and we learned a lot for our next trip.

 

So relax - go and enjoy the unknown. Pretend its 1995. :D

[ZoeyVictoria]

Can someone explain what SWMBO means?

 

I just Googled it. So cute, hope my SO thinks so too. I find "girlfriend" to be kind of silly for couples in their sixties, but SWMBO would work for me :D

[tlatrice]

I had the same pre-cruise jitters before my first cruise. I was literally on the verge of tears the night before. I came on here and posted how I really wanted to cancel but couldn't because it was my son's birthday trip and I couldn't let him down. I didn't even care about the $2700 loss I would have taken. That's how frazzled I was.

 

The wonderful people here on CC talked me down...And I had one of the best weeks of my life. :D And, like so many others, I didn't want to leave the ship on the last day.

 

Looking back I realized that I was just nervous because I'd NEVER done anything like that before and I didn't know what to expect and that scared the hell out of me!

 

Joining the Roll Call will be a good idea to connect with some like minded people and get some ideas and perspective. You've gotten some really good advice from others already as well.

 

You're going on a 16day cruise?!?!? I can't wait till I can do that! Lucky duck! You're gonna have a ball!

[ColleenFL]

I to think you are worrying too much over little things. I am not much of a drinker I don't buy the beverage package when I want a drink I just buy one at the bar. You should be able to bring 1 or 2 bottles of wine onboard. Packing... On our 11 night cruise in Europe I had no problems packing I even had 11 pairs of shoes in my suitcase, 5 evening dresses, I packed about 5 pairs of slacks with several blouses, I had my hair dryer and flat iron in there as well as bathing suits, shorts, etc. I packed a lot in bags and took the air out. I was 4 lbs over weight and the airline let it go. I did pack a foldable bag for things I bought to bring home as a carry on. I never had to do any laundry. I flew from USA to Barcelona. I am a big coffee drinker I had no problems getting coffee and if you order room service for breakfast they bring you a full pot. Like someone said carry on your camera and laptop, that's what I did.

You are going to have a wonderful time. Enjoy your cruise and start getting excited now. Be sure to let us know how your trip was.

[Cabansail]

Thanks for all the replies and tips.

 

Some have been very useful and others, while well meaning, have me more apprehensive than before. It may be better if my leave is not approved and I have to cancel.

 

Yes .... I am a bit weird. Things other people really like don't do it for me. Sitting by the pool is nice for about 20 minutes or so and then I will have had enough for a long time. Night Clubs and Dancing are things I will actively avoid. While it's nice to eat out occasionally after a couple of days I am itching to get beck into the kitchen and do some cooking, especially when travelling.

 

The other realisation that has occurred, and should have been obvious much earlier, is that the whole experience seems geared towards US tastes. I generally do not like US culture. The individuals I have met have been fine but I have a problem on a bigger scale. I looked up The Quest, which some have said is "not to be missed" but just the bit online was enough.

 

Maybe when I get there it will be OK, fingers crossed.

[Tyler_Cruises]

Honestly, if you are that worried about going and nothing seems to be able to make you happy, just don't go. I would hate to be seated at a dining table with you if you're going to freak out about everything or run into you in a common area. Cruises are a time to get away from the norm, have fun, and relax. It shouldn't be this stressful.

[AnonomissX]

Thanks for all the replies and tips.

 

Some have been very useful and others, while well meaning, have me more apprehensive than before. It may be better if my leave is not approved and I have to cancel.

 

Yes .... I am a bit weird. Things other people really like don't do it for me. Sitting by the pool is nice for about 20 minutes or so and then I will have had enough for a long time. Night Clubs and Dancing are things I will actively avoid. While it's nice to eat out occasionally after a couple of days I am itching to get beck into the kitchen and do some cooking, especially when travelling.

 

The other realisation that has occurred, and should have been obvious much earlier, is that the whole experience seems geared towards US tastes. I generally do not like US culture. The individuals I have met have been fine but I have a problem on a bigger scale. I looked up The Quest, which some have said is "not to be missed" but just the bit online was enough.

 

Maybe when I get there it will be OK, fingers crossed.

 

Concentrate on ensuring a great time for SWMBO, and you will come out alive, possibly entertained and relaxed, on the other end. You have control :)

[jayblue]

Okay. I agree with everything everyone here said in favor of cruising.

 

I will only add that if you seek more info on your cruise, go to YouTube and Beyond Ships.

Because if you rely on the RCCL website to tell you, you might as well unpack and stay home.

 

When I first cruised (all those years ago), I only had a travel book, a brochure, a video, and word of mouth to persuade me. And, if I had relied on my first cruise experience alone, my next one would only be my second cruise.

 

It is the ultimate of whatever you want it to be. If you are into touring, then you can definitely do that. R&R? There are plenty of opportunities for that.

 

I am okay with Starbucks, as long as I don't have to pay extra for it (Replenish package). However, if you hate it, then Seattle's Best is really good, despite it being owned by Starbucks. I buy that at home and (once I switched to the medium roast) never have a bad cup.

 

And you are in a junior suite. I've only ever had the semi-adequate inside cabin. A suite has to be a hundred times better, especially with the length of your cruise.

 

I can't really say about the luggage as I was a chronic overpacker on my past three cruises. I will only fly Southwest Airlines (U.S.) as they offer the first two bags, under 50 lbs, free. I have managed to scale my luggage down to a mid-sized suitcase and a carryon for my four day cruise to Nassau.

 

I have used the laundry service and was pleased with the result and the price.

 

On my last cruise, in the 90s, I managed to have a drink or two every day, go on excursions, and get a spa manicure and kept my bill under $300 for 7 days. Fast forward 18 years, and I expect to do the same for my 4 day cruise in two weeks (allowing for inflation), with the help of the non-alcoholic drink package.

 

So, in the end, I say: try it! The worst that could happen is that you'll hate the experience. But, you will have had the experience and be able to say "never again". Or, alternatively, you'll love it enough to get hooked on cruising. Somehow, I believe the latter will be true. Either way, I hope you come back here and relate your experience.

Edited October 20, 2015 by jayblue

[Cabansail]

The money has been paid. Apparently it was almost cancelled and to re-book would have been twice the price plus over a thousand more.

 

It will be an experience either way.

[MOcruiserman]

Maybe I am just feeling painted into a corner and will love it when I get aboard, but I am having serious reservations. Maybe my leave will not be approved and I can back out and save face.

 

When you return from your cruise you'll look at your post and laugh - how could I have been so worried? The fact is a cruise is the ultimate relaxing, low stress vacation. Unless you're in a ship that's just wrong for you (for instance a Disney cruise would be the WRONG ship for me), you'll have a great time.

[champagne123]

Thanks for all the replies and tips.

 

Some have been very useful and others, while well meaning, have me more apprehensive than before. It may be better if my leave is not approved and I have to cancel.

 

Yes .... I am a bit weird. Things other people really like don't do it for me. Sitting by the pool is nice for about 20 minutes or so and then I will have had enough for a long time. Night Clubs and Dancing are things I will actively avoid. While it's nice to eat out occasionally after a couple of days I am itching to get beck into the kitchen and do some cooking, especially when travelling.

 

The other realisation that has occurred, and should have been obvious much earlier, is that the whole experience seems geared towards US tastes. I generally do not like US culture. The individuals I have met have been fine but I have a problem on a bigger scale. I looked up The Quest, which some have said is "not to be missed" but just the bit online was enough.

 

Maybe when I get there it will be OK, fingers crossed.

 

After reading your updated post, I have to say, (and perhaps other posters will not agree with me), but I don't think you should go.

 

Your fears, apprehensions, negativity and all of your dislikes, just leads me to believe that not only will you have a terrible time, but your partner will also. That would be a darn shame. I don't know too many people that would spend $$$$ to gloat and "can't wait to go home".

[nelblu]

Thanks for all the replies and tips.

 

Some have been very useful and others, while well meaning, have me more apprehensive than before. It may be better if my leave is not approved and I have to cancel.

 

Yes .... I am a bit weird. Things other people really like don't do it for me. Sitting by the pool is nice for about 20 minutes or so and then I will have had enough for a long time. Night Clubs and Dancing are things I will actively avoid. While it's nice to eat out occasionally after a couple of days I am itching to get beck into the kitchen and do some cooking, especially when travelling.

 

The other realisation that has occurred, and should have been obvious much earlier, is that the whole experience seems geared towards US tastes. I generally do not like US culture. The individuals I have met have been fine but I have a problem on a bigger scale. I looked up The Quest, which some have said is "not to be missed" but just the bit online was enough.

 

Maybe when I get there it will be OK, fingers crossed.

 

If you have that much of a concern and as you said weird in some ways--just cancel and be done with it. I'm concerned from your presentation that you will not have a good time, plus you are hoping that your "leave" is not approved. The best part of cruising is relaxing/veg out, entertainment, mingling with others, restaurants, etc. Concern about movies--you've got to be kidding. Maybe, to relax, you should ask the Hotel Manager if you could help out in the kitchen to ease/relax your mind. LOL

[Starry Eyes]

My DH was sure he would hate cruising. His family was sure he'd hate it. Some of his reasons sound a bit like yours, along with his own concerns. I really wanted to try it. So, when a conference was canceled we replaced it with a 4 night cruise at the last minute (with the promise that if he disliked it he'd never hear about cruises again). Ship was an older one. Weather was stormy, and itinerary had to be altered. Cabins was basic. And yet we both had a great time. His family was shocked. Cruising is his go-to choice now after many, many cruises.

 

One does not have to go to quest or nightclubs. One can sit by the pool or find something else to do. Cruising suits a variety of people....it does not suit everybody, though. As your partner wants to go, if your leave is approved, then give it a try. If not, you'll have to cancel...if that happens, perhaps consider a short cruise sometime to try out cruising. Less expensive, less planning, less worry for a shorty, and yet you will learn if you both like it or not.