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Omg booked my first cruise

Moolie19

By Moolie19,
in First Time Cruisers

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Moolie19

Moolie19

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It has taken nearly 25 years of us being together for my husband to try something different for a holiday but we are booked to go next September with P&O one the Azura to the Norwegian Fjords.

 

I am really looking forward to a slower pace of holiday and seeing the beautiful scenery as well as trying something new (our usual holidays are always to either Disneyland Paris or Walt Disney World.)

 

If anyone has any hints and tips for two 40 year old first timers then I would be really greatful.

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Sixtytwo

Sixtytwo

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Welcome to Cruise Critic and your new addiction! ;)

 

Check out the ports of call thread to get an idea about what things there is to do in each port. I would also see if there is a roll call for your cruise and, if so, jump into that and see what fellow cruisers are doing. You will get some good ideas for pre-cruise things as well on the roll call.

 

Other than that, just read, read, read and plan on a very relaxing and enjoyable cruise!

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iahawkfan21

iahawkfan21

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Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Congratulations on booking your first cruise. Once you have taken it, you will be hooked on cruising.

Check out and ask questions about P&O and the Azura at this link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=38

 

This is very true. My wife wasn't so sure, now it's all she wants to do for vacation. My best advice is have a basic plan but be flexible. We went all out our first couple cruises and have since learn to relax and go with the flow. And by all means, ask away with questions. Use the boards both for your cruise line as well as the ports of call, they are amazing resources.

 

Also, check to see if there's a roll call for your cruise. It's a great way to meet others who are onboard.

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Moolie19

Moolie19

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This is very true. My wife wasn't so sure, now it's all she wants to do for vacation. My best advice is have a basic plan but be flexible. We went all out our first couple cruises and have since learn to relax and go with the flow. And by all means, ask away with questions. Use the boards both for your cruise line as well as the ports of call, they are amazing resources.

 

Also, check to see if there's a roll call for your cruise. It's a great way to meet others who are onboard.

 

I can't find a roll call for my cruise, I did look but couldn't work out how to add one. I think we will try and have a basic plan for the port days and then go with the flow for the rest based on what's on.

 

The boards here have been really helpful so it's just a case of keep reading.

Edited by Moolie19
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StephenD1967

StephenD1967

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I can't find a roll call for my cruise, I did look but couldn't work out how to add one. I think we will try and have a basic plan for the port days and then go with the flow for the rest based on what's on.

 

The boards here have been really helpful so it's just a case of keep reading.[/QUOT

 

When I first joined, I didn't see my roll call, either, so I posted it. After a couple of days, whoever runs the site listed it with the others. Mine was Royal Princess Roll Call - September 2, 2017. So far, I am the only one on there!!! I hope somebody else posts something...lol

 

Steve

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LocStar320

LocStar320

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My wife and I just had our first real vacation in twenty years and it was a cruise. We had the best time! One of the highlights was no social media, cell calls, etc. The data charges are crazy expensive. Be ready to become very addicted to it! We did!! I booked next years cruise as soon as we got back and I booked another one yesterday for March.

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nemonikh

nemonikh

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It has taken nearly 25 years of us being together for my husband to try something different for a holiday but we are booked to go next September with P&O one the Azura to the Norwegian Fjords.

 

I am really looking forward to a slower pace of holiday and seeing the beautiful scenery as well as trying something new (our usual holidays are always to either Disneyland Paris or Walt Disney World.)

 

If anyone has any hints and tips for two 40 year old first timers then I would be really greatful.

Congrats!! My wife and I just completed our first cruise and I can relate to your excitement. You have many months of exciting planning to do (assuming you like planning stuff)

 

Keep an eye on the cruise website and emails from your cruise company -- since you have many months before you sail, you have enough time to receive several offers wrt dining / beverages / excursions etc.

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wassup4565

wassup4565

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You will be travelling in a luxurious floating hotel no matter what line you chose. There will be many entertainment choices and dining/eating options included in your ticket price. So already, you can't lose.

 

As for the ports, take the time and do your research. You've never been to these places before, so just getting off the ship and walking around, or hiring a taxi for a couple of hours' tour will give you a good taste of these places. Don't feel you have to pay to see the most fabulous fantastic sight. You haven't seen any of it before, right? So start simple.

 

Above all, reach out to your fellow passengers. Introduce yourself, no matter how shy you are. Just put your hand out, say your name and your home town, and a conversation will begin. Next thing you know, you'll be having a meal together or sharing a taxi, and being friends.

 

You will have a wonderful cruise. Go for it!

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SquishTheWhale

SquishTheWhale

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I read those packing lists of what to bring on a cruise, and on our first cruise I took an over the door shoe hanger, magnets, highlighters, bungee cords, duct tape, clothes pegs, extra hangers .. all sorts of stuff. Did we use any of it? Hmm, well maybe the magnet to pin the daily to the cabin wall, but if I didn't have it there was lots of other places to stash it! What a waste of packing space, you are going on a luxury cruise, not a 3rd world camping holiday. Everything you need is there in the cabin! I didn't bring a power strip and there was 4 sockets in the cabin- who needs to charge more than 4 devices at once? When I told my seasoned cruiser friend all the stuff we took with us he couldn't stop laughing!

 

Oh the one thing I would reccomend bringing is a little coffee flash- like the ones you get in starbucks. Then you can fill it at the buffet and take it around the ship with you to find a comfy spot.

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jerry2457

jerry2457

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Been on 10 of these so a few tips: Carnival will take pictures, pictures, pictures all week but do not feel obligated to buy them. It adds up fast and I recommend on a night when you are dressed up to get several taken and pick one you might want to take home to frame. Usually its around $20 or so and if you find a good one its a good keepsake, otherwise take a good digital camera and take lots of your own pictures. 2. For shore excursions, research your ports via your library or book store travel books. What is it you want to do when in port or do you even want to do anything? For example why pay the ship $40-$45 to go to a beach when you can walk off the ship and take a taxi there for $8-$12 and have the same experience? You can check what your ship offers and costs and also look at options via a company called Shoretrips (both are escorted tours for a price) but you might find that, what you want to do, you can do the same thing for less money and not over pay. Don't let people scare you with the myth "if you don't book an escorted tour you could get left behind" just research what you want to do, stay on ship's time and then allow enough time to do what you want and get back to the ship. 3. Take advantage of the free shows, movies at the pool deck, and Carnival activities. They usually have a "hairest chest"contest that is fun to watch and later in the week a ice sculpture carving around the main pool. Most ships also have a Serenity Deck that is adults only with hammocks and day beds usually on the top deck of your ship...less hectic quieter area. 4. On sea days start your day off by going to the fitness center and make use of the steam room or the coed sauna. It helps open up your pores, gets rid of the toxins if you have been drinking, and gets the day off to a good start. I get in a bathing suit then shower in the respective locker room (steam is gender specific only via locker room but sauna area is shared wear a swimsuit). I found that by using this in the morning then shower in the locker room I was awake and ready to go for the day. 5. Sometimes food wise the food is better at breakfast in the formal dining room while for lunch & dinner the buffet is a better deal. Portions for dinner have shrunk over the years in the formal dining room. If you really want a great dinner experience book a reservation at the supper club $35 per person a a long slow 2.5 hour dinner but fabulous food. Enjoy your trip hope the tips help!

 

Jerry

11 Cruises and counting

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Clovelle

Clovelle

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It has taken nearly 25 years of us being together for my husband to try something different for a holiday but we are booked to go next September with P&O one the Azura to the Norwegian Fjords.

 

I am really looking forward to a slower pace of holiday and seeing the beautiful scenery as well as trying something new (our usual holidays are always to either Disneyland Paris or Walt Disney World.)

 

If anyone has any hints and tips for two 40 year old first timers then I would be really greatful.

 

Hello Moolie! :)

 

I've just jined this forum today - and we've just booked OUR first cruise too - exciting isn't it?

 

And we too normally holiday at WDW or Orlando in genera,l and wider Florida and USA.

 

My hubby wasn't keen on the idea of cruising to start with but now he's totally onboard (you see what I did there? :D )

 

Please to meet you!

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