First time cruise

[sianjane1]

Hello there

 

We are due to go on our very first cruise on the Azura in September and I for one cannot wait. It would be grate if anyone could give me some good advice to help us to get the best out of our experience[emoji3]

 

 

 

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[staygulf]

Go with the attitude that you're going to hate it. I mean what are you going to do stuck on a cruise ship for 1 or 2 weeks? That's what I did on my first cruise in 2001. I've been on another 20 or so since then!

 

You'll LOVE it. Enjoy.

[19woody19]

Don't OVERPACK, you can google several tips on what to pack and how to do it. I always take binoculars and it is amazing what you can see, even miles out at sea.

 

Check out all the excursions and choose which ones you like. Sometimes you can save a lot of money either by sharing expenses with other couples on excursions not through the cruise line. However, some first time cruisers feel more comfortable booking only through the cruise line.

 

You will have a great time and this will be the first of many more in the future.

[sianjane1]

Thanks that certainly helps as I was getting concerned about taking too much with us due to travelling down to Southampton.

 

The other concern is getting a cabin no one else wants as we decided to book early saver as two of our teenage children are coming (both working so paying for themselves) and we wanted to keep the costs down for them and I have recently read somewhere that P & O are likely to do this!

 

 

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[staygulf]

Thanks that certainly helps as I was getting concerned about taking too much with us due to travelling down to Southampton.

 

The other concern is getting a cabin no one else wants as we decided to book early saver as two of our teenage children are coming (both working so paying for themselves) and we wanted to keep the costs down for them and I have recently read somewhere that P & O are likely to do this!

 

 

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That's the problem with booking the saver fares. If your sons are in their own cabin there is unfortunately no guarantee that it will be anywhere near you or even on the same deck. And yes, you can end up with a cabin that is at one end or the other rather than in the middle, or under or over a noisy area of the ship.

 

None of those things would bother me now, but as a first time cruiser you might want to take these issues "on board" so to speak, as an adverse experience might affect your willingness to cruise again. I'm not saying you will have such an experience, probably not, but it is something to be mindful of.

 

The other thing to remember is that it's your holiday, you're there to have fun. Don't get into discussions with fellow passengers about how much you paid for the cruise. It's easily done and could end up disappointing you or them.

 

If you don't fancy anything on the menu don't be afraid to ask for an alternative. Likewise, if you can't decide between 2 starters or 2 desserts order both!

Edited March 14, 2016 by staygulf

[john watson]

Each take a different colour highlighter and mark up your "Horizon" daily newsletter on all must not miss items. I usually back this up with my alarm on mobile phone. If you are Freedom Dining aim to dine 20 minutes ahead of second sitting to get to the theatre ahead of those people and get good seats for second performance. Have a look at the itinerary and ports excursions. You can save money with independent tours like viator.com at some ports. I often do the beach at ports even if this is a place not famous for beaches. Internet will show distances and feasibility of local taxi.

 

I like a cooked breakfast and waiter service, again "Horizon" tells you which restaurant to head for early morning. There is also a lunchtime and teatime restaurant available with waiters. I avoid the latter as you cant do every meal offered but you can try an afternoon tea once or twice. I avoid the buffet by doing these MDR meals.

 

Give the casino a go; buy just twenty pounds of chips and play Blackjack; it's not like Vegas "keep your hands on show". The dealers are friendly and people also will help you with the way things work. Anyone can add up to 21 and dealer has to keep going until he/she hits a minimum level. You can stick under this and still win when they bust out. If you get up a bit slip the £20 chips in your pocket and just play on your winnings. What have you got to lose - £20 on the one day. You can sometimes be there an hour and win just £10 but it's very friendly, formal night is best.

 

Regards John

Edited March 14, 2016 by john watson

[staygulf]

Each take a different colour highlighter and mark up your "Horizon" daily newsletter on all must not miss items. I usually back this up with my alarm on mobile phone. If you are Freedom Dining aim to dine 20 minutes ahead of second sitting to get to the theatre ahead of those people and get good seats for second performance. Have a look at the itinerary and ports excursions. You can save money with independent tours like viator.com at some ports. I often do the beach at ports even if this is a place not famous for beaches. Internet will show distances and feasibility of local taxi.

 

I like a cooked breakfast and waiter service, again "Horizon" tells you which restaurant to head for early morning. There is also a lunchtime and teatime restaurant available with waiters. I avoid the latter as you cant do every meal offered but you can try an afternoon tea once or twice. I avoid the buffet by doing these MDR meals.

 

Give the casino a go; buy just twenty pounds of chips and play Blackjack; it's not like Vegas "keep your hands on show". The dealers are friendly and people also will help you with the way things work. Anyone can add up to 21 and dealer has to keep going until he/she hits a minimum level. You can stick under this and still win when they bust out. If you get up a bit slip the £20 chips in your pocket and just play on your winnings. What have you got to lose - £20 on the one day. You can sometimes be there an hour and win just £10 but it's very friendly, formal night is best.

 

Regards John

 

I would suggest you give the casino a miss. Gambling can seriously damage your wealth and your health, and could ruin your cruise. If you want to visit a casino you could always do so on dry land, why potentially spoil your holiday?

[P&O SUE]

Our first cruise was on Azura - I'll never forget our amazement when we first saw the ship! Even my husband (who's not normally very expressive) gasped!!

 

I gave this tip to a friend who cruised for the first time recently and she said she was glad I did, so - don't panic when you first get onboard and the buffet is a bit of a scrum. It's the only place for food when you first board so it can be very busy. Everyone soon spreads out the next day and if you want to go to the buffet try not to go at very obvious times,and it won't be so rushed.

 

On Azura the Glasshouse wine bar is a great choice for a sea day lunch (not as busy as the buffet)It's an extra charge but at about £5 for 3 tapas-style dishes very good value. We ate there in the evening too a couple of times - about £7 for a steak. Well worth the extra.

[sianjane1]

Thanks for that advice

 

 

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[john watson]

I would suggest you give the casino a miss. Gambling can seriously damage your wealth and your health, and could ruin your cruise. If you want to visit a casino you could always do so on dry land, why potentially spoil your holiday?

 

I cannot see how staking £20 on a cruise or any cruise you go on will ruin your holiday. This amount of money will be spent on a multitude of things when you go on a cruise, cruise photos for example and later be regretted. I still have a boomerang what was I thinking? I only go in the casino on board on some of the cruises I go on many others in there are of a similar way of thinking and are definitely not regular gamblers. If you go to a casino on dry land as you suggest, possibly locally where you live, you will likely ruin your life. You only go on a cruise once a year or so whereas where you live you could go every week. It's a bit like betting on the horses; putting a £20 bet on the Grand National is not like betting every week down the bookies.

 

Regards John

Edited March 14, 2016 by john watson

[ann141]

Have you joined the roll call for your particular cruise? Its a good chance to get advice from fellow passengers,perhaps share taxis etc and meet up on board.Enjoy your cruise!:)

[TinyDancer12]

We went on our first cruise last year on Azura and had a great time. I would recommend booking the Epicurean restaurant - the food and service was amazing! We went on the formal night and really enjoyed ourselves.

 

As people say - just go with the flow. Lifts can take ages, so use stairs mostly if you can.

[Barnum42]

The other concern is getting a cabin no one else wants as we decided to book early saver as two of our teenage children are coming (both working so paying for themselves) and we wanted to keep the costs down for them and I have recently read somewhere that P & O are likely to do this!

We've twice booked on the skin-flint program. First time we had a great cabin bang in the middle of the ship with cabins above and below so no intrusive noise. The second is coming up, and we've been assigned a cabin further forward, but still with cabins above and below so again we are happy.

[staygulf]

We've twice booked on the skin-flint program. First time we had a great cabin bang in the middle of the ship with cabins above and below so no intrusive noise. The second is coming up, and we've been assigned a cabin further forward, but still with cabins above and below so again we are happy.

 

Not a particularly apt turn of phrase. Everyone has their reasons for booking saver fares.

[Yesrock52]

Thanks that certainly helps as I was getting concerned about taking too much with us due to travelling down to Southampton.

 

The other concern is getting a cabin no one else wants as we decided to book early saver as two of our teenage children are coming (both working so paying for themselves) and we wanted to keep the costs down for them and I have recently read somewhere that P & O are likely to do this!

 

 

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We usually book a saver or early saver fare and have never been disappointed with our cabin. Going on Ventura shortly and received our cabin number last week, it is a HB grade which is a balcony almost midships on A deck. In a sense we do get what is left, but as not everybody will book a select fare I think a lot of cabins are available for the saver fares.

[nomadgirluk]

We are booked on a early saver fare for a cruise in May. How far in advance are we likely to be told our cabin number?

[daiB]

We usually book a saver or early saver fare and have never been disappointed with our cabin. Going on Ventura shortly and received our cabin number last week, it is a HB grade which is a balcony almost midships on A deck. In a sense we do get what is left, but as not everybody will book a select fare I think a lot of cabins are available for the saver fares.

 

 

Could well be a cancellation.

 

 

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[KirkNC]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

[Yesrock52]

We are booked on a early saver fare for a cruise in May. How far in advance are we likely to be told our cabin number?

 

We received ours four weeks prior to departure.

[Big Foot]

Hello there

 

We are due to go on our very first cruise on the Azura in September and I for one cannot wait. It would be grate if anyone could give me some good advice to help us to get the best out of our experience[emoji3]

 

 

 

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Hello,

 

Azura is a lovely ship so I'm sure you'll enjoy her.

 

It's very difficult to cover everything that I've found out from reading this forum & from speaking to fellow cruisers.

 

So I would say the following .... read as much as you can about the ship & look at video footage on the internet etc & then ask as many questions as you can.

 

I firmly believe that no question should be treated as a 'stupid question' no matter how many times it's been asked & answered.

 

Some questions re tips & embarkation will no doubt cause a bit of a 'stir' but if you don't know the answer that's the reason you're asking the question!!!

 

Remember that whilst there is a wealth of knowledge on this forum everyone on here was a 'first time cruiser' at some point & all this was new to them as well.

 

A little known fact for first time cruises & indeed maybe for some others is that on Azura & Ventura if you venture (sorry!) to the very front of E deck there is a door that leads out to the 'clam shell' (the bow of the ship) where you can walk around. The door is very heavy & not an ideal place to visit when windy etc but certainly a place to go at least once. Have a look at the deck plan & you will see what I'm referring to.

 

Depending on what electrical gadgets etc you're likely to take then an extension plug is a must. Remember though that you cannot / shouldn't leave anything on charge unattended in your cabin.

 

The walls of the cabin are magnetic so if you want to put a map or anything on the wall then you might want to take some magnets.

 

If you want to book the thermal suite for example then head to the spa reception as soon as you embark the ship as places are limited & can go very quickly.

 

Maybe have a nice formal family photo taken which you can view the following day. They aren't necessarily cheap, however, there is no obligation to purchase them, although one might be a nice memento of your cruise.

 

If you read this forum on a regular basis you'll hear lots of different things about the ship, food etc, don't let any negative reviews / comments put you off. Go with an open mind & enjoy yourselves.

 

Feel free to ask as many questions as you can as I don't feel I've covered nearly enough here. John's tip re the highlighter pen is very good & is a tip I've followed.

 

Finally, have a fantastic cruise; it's probably going to the be the first of many.

 

Joan

[sianjane1]

Just like to say that I am do please that I stumbled across cruise critic. It's really good to be able to get advice from people who have already been.

 

 

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[westie1490]

Lots of fantastic advice above , I'm sure you will love it .

One little word of caution - beware of your mobile phone charges , especially with teenage offspring around . When you are at sea your phone automatically connects to the Maritime network which is quite expensive compared to 'normal' networks on land . If you have purchased on add on from your phone provider this does not apply when you are connected to the Maritime network .

So what I usually do is turn off roaming when I get on the ship , in fact I turn off my phone completely until I'm back on dry land . I make sure that family / friends have details of the ship etc in case of emergency .

The internet charge on the ship is expensive and generally very slow , so unless you have anything urgent , I wouldn't bother signing up to this . Instead either follow the crew when they get off at each port as they usually know the best/cheapest or free wifi places ! Or just go and sit in a wifi cafe/ bar have a drink check your emails and watch the world go by !

Have a great time !

[staygulf]

Lots of fantastic advice above , I'm sure you will love it .

One little word of caution - beware of your mobile phone charges , especially with teenage offspring around . When you are at sea your phone automatically connects to the Maritime network which is quite expensive compared to 'normal' networks on land . If you have purchased on add on from your phone provider this does not apply when you are connected to the Maritime network .

So what I usually do is turn off roaming when I get on the ship , in fact I turn off my phone completely until I'm back on dry land . I make sure that family / friends have details of the ship etc in case of emergency .

The internet charge on the ship is expensive and generally very slow , so unless you have anything urgent , I wouldn't bother signing up to this . Instead either follow the crew when they get off at each port as they usually know the best/cheapest or free wifi places ! Or just go and sit in a wifi cafe/ bar have a drink check your emails and watch the world go by !

Have a great time !

 

Very sensible advice. Quite a few times I have come home to a horrendous bill when I haven't even left Europe, but been charged as though I was in the US.

[sianjane1]

Good to know as my son is always on his phone and although he pays for his own phone I really wouldn't want him landed with a huge bill.

 

 

 

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[amajaa]

We have booked early saver and late savers numerous times and have always been happy with our allocated cabin.

 

You will also be allocated an evening meal time and main dining room, early 6.30, late 8.30 or if you are lucky, freedom dining, which we much prefer as you can go anytime from 6 o'clock. If you have Freedom ( chances of getting this are quite high) or early sitting you can get in 3 different shows in 3 venues in the evening.

 

The Horizon magazine you receive each night for the next day's timetable will give you the main dining room for breakfast and lunch. Some people mistakenly think that if their evening allocated dining room isn't mentioned they can't go. Yes the dining room mentioned is for everyone to use and we much prefer this as waiter service and much more relaxed than the buffet. Some people also ask if they have to pay for this, no you don't it's all free as is the room service. There is also, on most ships, a pizza bar on the deck and also a burger type grill, these are also free. You just have to pay for the ice creams, drinks etc at the pizza bar.

 

Your room is made up twice a day, with the evening service turning down the beds and leaving little chocolates.

 

I also look at the ship's deck plan before we board so I know the layout before boarding.