Top Ten Things to Expect on Your Cruise (longish)

[hokie78]

In just a few weeks, we’ll be sailing on the AOS from San Juan. On this trip will be myself, DW, DD and DS. In addition we will have an FDD (Friend of . . ) and an FDS. The “kids” range in age from late teens to mid-twenties and are all legal (on the ship), but only DS has cruised before. For the last several months I’ve been prepping them with various bits of information . . . or trying to. I’m a big research and detail type, so inundating is probably a better word than prepping in terms of stuff I’ve sent them, so I’m not sure how much of it actually got read. I thought as the sail date got closer, maybe I could summarize some key points to get them in the right frame of mind. So I put together a list for them that contained some advice, counsel and a little bit of humor. Then I thought it might be something of interest to those on this board, especially first-timers.

Herewith, my list of the “Top Ten Things to Expect on Your Cruise.”

 

Number 10:

There will be lots of people with you on this cruise, and you might get to know some of them pretty well while standing in various lines with them. It will start when we arrive at the pier on departure day. Expect a line to check in, a line to get on the ship, a line to get off the ship at every port, a line at the buffet, a line for ice show tickets and maybe some others. There are over 3,000 fellow passengers cruising with us and when it comes to lines, we’re all in the same boat (yes—pun intended). If you know this going in, perhaps it will be less frustrating for you. And if you encounter short (or no) lines, it'll be a bonus.

 

Number 9:

Speaking of lots of people, expect to find an internationally and ethnically diverse crowd on our ship. Remember we’re sailing from Puerto Rico, so just like there would be lots of Floridians with us sailing from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, or Texans if sailing from Galveston, expect to encounter a fair number of Puerto Ricans on this cruise. I’ve read where some people are put off by this which is quite confusing since we’re in their part of the world, not the other way around. Yes, Puerto Rico is an American territory but the native language is not English, so expect to hear PA announcements in other than your own native tongue. Despite popular belief, English is not the only language spoken in this world, so view this as an opportunity to learn something more than “Muchas Gracias.”

 

Number 8:

Still on the subject of people, expect to run into the occasional rude passenger. There will be those that complain loudly about the littlest things. Those with a “me first” approach to life who may cut in lines. Those who attempt to hold pool chairs by putting stuff on them when they go away for hours. Those whose behavior at dinner may leave something to be desired. Those who spend too much time in the bars and stumble into, or on, you while walking around. There will likely be lots of younger kids on this cruise as well who can be just as rude. Sometimes they’re just being kids (pushing all the buttons in the elevator), but sometimes they give the adults a run for their money. And if you confront them and threaten to find and tell their parents just remember, the acorn usually doesn’t fall far from the tree. This is YOUR vacation. Don't let these people ruin it for you. Take a deep breath, keep your thoughts to yourself and move on.

 

Number 7:

Expect to lose your luggage. Now this sounds pretty harsh and probably doesn’t happen very often. This is more about preparation than expectation. If you “expect” to lose your luggage, then you’ll likely be prepared by having a carry on that contains a change of clothes, a swim suit, toiletries, and other assorted items of interest and/or value that you simply cannot live without for a few hours, or maybe even a full day. As it is, luggage can be delivered to your cabin as late as several hours after you arrive so you’ll have to expect to live without it for a while.

 

Number 6:

Expect your cabin to be incredibly small. Closet small. Dorm room small. Smaller than any motel room you’ve ever stayed in. Now that you’re picturing the worst, it’s not THAT bad. While small, the cabins are also very functional. Everything you’ll need, and lots of drawers, nooks and crannies to put in all the stuff you brought. Its main function is to provide you a place to sleep, and that may amount to only a few hours a day so no big deal. Look at it as incentive to get out and enjoy eevrything the ship and ports have to offer. And if you end up thinking you’ll cruise again but only in a bigger cabin, you can start saving your pennies for the Grand Suite next time.

 

Number 5:

Expect to be nickel and dimed on this cruise. It sounds a little derogatory the way I’ve said it but for as much as is included in the price of your ticket, there’s just as much—or more—that’s NOT included. Your dinner is included, but not the picture of you eating it. Your coffee and juice is part of the deal, but if you want a shot of anything in it, expect to pay. You can watch TV in the cabin, but if you want to get on the internet, cha-ching! And when you go to the casino, that’s your nickel (or quarter or dollar). You get the idea. And know that no matter how much money you plan to bring it’s probably not enough, so bring more!

 

Number 4:

Given the above information, you may be giving thought to bringing along your own alcoholic beverage of one type or another. Feel free, but expect to have it confiscated. Here again, people do “smuggle” and stories of confiscation are few in my experience. But know that you don’t have a leg to stand on if they decide to do the spot inspection on your bag, and they find your friends Jack or Jim or Johnny hiding in your suitcase. You’ll be waving to the three J’s as you pull away with them still standing on the dock. If I was betting I’d say you’d be OK, but sometimes I do lose such bets so be prepared.

 

Number 3:

Expect to have plenty to eat on this cruise. I’ve said many times that you will definitely not go hungry. That said, do NOT expect to experience five-star gourmet dining. You may end up with some meals that you would rate at that level, but you may also have meals or snacks that you’ll moan were no better than the local fast food haunt. But there’s one thing for sure about eating on this ship. You won’t be asked to cook it, serve it, clear it or wash the dishes so you’re already ahead. Keep that in mind.

 

Number 2: This one is your climatological lesson. Hurricane season in the Atlantic and Caribbean runs from June 1 through November. We are sailing in the Caribbean starting on June 11. Need I say more? Despite all the advances in technology during your upbringing, they still haven’t figured out a way to exactly pinpoint when and where hurricanes—and other types of bad weather for that matter—will strike. And by that I mean the weather forecasters AND the cruise line. If we have weather issues we’ll all be disappointed, but it’s not the cruise line’s fault. Bad weather will not only impact the tan you’re working on while laying on deck, but it may also mean the cancellation of some excursions and maybe even the entire port of call.

I won’t ask you to expect not to go to ANY ports, but do expect there to be disruptions to the schedule. The weather and the captain will combine to decide what areas we’ll next visit. If it’s smooth sailing all the way (one last pun), then your expectations will have been exceeded and you’ll be a happy sailor.

 

And the number one thing to expect on your cruise . . .

 

Expect to have one of the great times of your life. As the advertising says, you can do it all or nothing at all. Your choice, and that’s what makes for a great vacation. Plenty of things to do both on the ship and on shore. You will eat, you will drink and you will be merry. And when the cruise is over, you’ll wonder where the time went, and you’ll kick yourself for not doing every possible activity offered. No worries – that’s pretty much impossible. Which is exactly why you’ll spend the first several days after your return to the real world figuring out how and when you can cruise again. And after this week, I’m pretty sure you will. Have fun, and anchors aweigh!

[idjaffe]

perfect for first time cruisers.....

[forthekids]

I believe Jack, Jim and Johnny will get to go on the ship no matter what. They just might end up sitting the week in time out. You will be reunited at the end of your trip even if you haven't been able to enjoy having them in your cabin.

[CallieS]

Your dinner is included, but not the picture of you eating it.

 

Best line ever...IMO. What a fantastic summary of cruising. You sound like a very cool parent...are you looking to adopt??

[AdamKnows]

What a great post!!

[frudutx]

This is by far one of the best posts I have read about what to expect while cruising. We're taking our family, DH, DS and his GF, DD and her BF on a cruise this summer. Would you mind if I cut and pasted it into a word document and gave it to them to read? I think it sums up what to expect. My family has also traveled together. They are also older, the youngest is my DD who is 21. My son has been in the military. But, nothing will prepare them for what you can and do encounter on a cruise ship. Thanks for putting into words what I've been attemping to tell them.

 

d

[vdv115]

Great post...gonna print out and share with my DW and DS.

[gratefulguy]

As a first-time cruiser (5/21/06), I thank you for a great summary of all the things I've been reading about for the last 4 months! You have captured the attitude I hope to take (and keep) on board.

This should be a "sticky" on CC, and on every cruise line's home page.

[TJ&Ace]

My first cruise will be in November and after reading this I know exactly what to expect.:p Your #5, especially, cracked me up.:D

Thanks for the information. ;)

[sicsinohio]

We are taking our son on a cruise for his high school graduation next summer (2007). I'm going to copy this for him to read, as he will be a virgin cruiser. Thanks for posting!

[bld16]

Awesome, I too will be showing this to my family who will be cruising with me for their first time later this year.

[Mike & Sue]

Our cruising experiences have been much better than what you describe (except for your #1). Believe you are setting the expectation level far too low. Young adults cruising for the first time will be mostly oblivious to all the little issues you mention- IMHO:D

[ciderapple]

Thank you for both making me laugh and warning me what to expect as a first time cruiser!

 

I think you put it all very well, I love your attitude :)

[Learning Conformity]

LOL! That was brilliant!

[jst4fun715]

What a refreshing and informative post. You have prepared them well!:D

[EggDropErin]

Thanks! I will be sharing this with my fam as well. Very well written!

[miksilver]

Very well written post :) It will certainly be shared with my first time cruises on my upcoming cruise.

[azjacque]

Great advice for a first time cruiser like me! I read these posts so often, that I wonder if I'm worrying about too many things. Like many have said, "I'd rather be on a bad cruise than no cruise at all".

 

Thanks again!

[KatWag]

Perfect for a first-time cruiser (and a nice reminder for those of us more experienced, as well). Thanks for posting.

[jeannejj]

Thanks for sharing your post! I agree with Katwag. It's a great reminder to us "seasoned", but hopefully not "hardened" cruisers...

:D :D :D

[Nliedel]

Excellent EXCELLENT post.

[horsefeathers75]

Although you will be nickeled & dimed to death as the original post says, just to let you know that our last cruise I only spent $198.00 on the ship. So you can still have a great time and not spend a lot of money. I bought $1,000 with me and took home $750.00.

 

I only tell you this to let you know you can stay within your budget. My husband & I went to the Purser's desk everyday to check on bill.

[Baseballkurt]

Bravo! This is great info. Kudos to you!

[demodawn]

I would add for the teenagers you will see your parents occ on the ship! Also if they are on your seapass you will be checking the bill daily!

Its a great list!!!

[Hobiecat01]

Thank you! This should be required reading for ALL cruisers. I think we all want and expect the perfect vacation, something we will most likely never get. Just like the perfect meal, perfect trip, perfect anything. Life just does not happen that way. But that should never slow us down, never stand in our way. Remember it is our vacation, WE make it what we want it to be.

 

We are 32 days from sailing the Freedom. With such a huge ship and not knowing what to expect in relation to lines, etc. on the Freedom, this was EXACTLY what I needed.

 

Kinda puts it all in perspective...

 

Thanks again.