Newbie Having Panic Attack, Please Tell Me I Did The Right Thing

[zotzer]

she'd rather have a steak. She doesn't care for chicken fingers or fish sticks, she'd rather have pasta or something along those lines. Will there be any problem with her ordering off the adult menu?

 

She can order whatever she wants. :)

There are "standard" items on the menu every night...chicken, steak, and fish.....and on the changing nightly menu, there is always a pasta selection. So, she can have steak and pasta every single night if she wants.

 

No worries...you will have a great time. The hardest part for you will be waiting a year! :)

 

T

[FR926]

Welcome You are sentenced to a lifetime addiction to crusing so just go and enjoy:D What cabins are you in? if they are down and in the middle you probably will not know you are at sea unless you look out.If they are Balcony cabins you will be spoiled and not want anything else. Cruising is what I use as a motivator when I need something to get out of bed and go to work. So I always have on planned. As soon as I return from a cruise I start planning the next one. Using CC and all the experienced cruisers as a sounding board and a reference is a smart move!

[Jimbo]

Dawn

Welcome to the boards, and cruising. DW and I started cruising in 2004 on Mariner, so can empathize with your feelings. We're now hooked, (as you will be) and have 9 more booked within the next year and half or so.

You'll have a blast on your cruises.

 

 

Wow your my new Hero, My wife and I will have to meet you next October while onboard Serenade of the Seas to Hawaii and learn how to take that many cruises and still have a job when we get home.

 

I don't think I have ever read of someone having 9 Cruises booked in the next year and half :eek: and you live in Alaska too, those air flights can't be cheap either.

 

I take it these cruises aren't to Alaska either are they? ;)

 

Jimbo:)

[VA CDC]

The big thing to do now, is get your passports. Starting Jan 07 you will need a passport oft each traveler. They are good for 10 years, so get them early to make sure that you will not have any problems with processing delays.

 

On the soda card - We get it on each cruise (I don't drink alcohol or coffee, but need my coke each morning :) ) It is $6 per day for an adult and $4 a day for kids. They will give you a special insulated coke cup and put a sticker on your sea pass. You can take the cup or show your pass at any ship bar and get a soda refill, no charge. At Dinner, just show your card and the waiter will bring your soda. After the first day our wait staff always remember what we drank and had it waiting for us. They would even bring 2 cokes for me at the beginning, because I go through them fast.

 

Make the most of the meals . Try new items. My DW and I often would split an extra appetizer and desert that we thing sounds interesting. Sometime even an extra entrée.

[skybuffalo]

Dawn,

Sorry but be warned that after your first cruise you, and your family, will have a severe case of Cruiseitis. But do not worry, Royal Caribbean has developed a 15 step program for us cruise addicts:

1. Alaska

2. Western Caribbean

3. Eastern Caribbean

4. Southern Caribbean

5. Canada/ New England

6. Great Britain and Ireland

7. The Mediterranean

8. Greek Isles & Turkey

9. Canary Islands

10. Barcelona To Istanbul

11. Greek Isles & Venice

12. Hawaii

13. Mexican Riviera

14. Panama Canal

15. Transatlantic

 

You made a good choice and will have many years of great memories by sharing it with the family.

 

Ron

[Aldeya]

The only "danger" you will not be able to avoid is that you will be absolutely positively forever hoplessly hooked on cruising!:D

 

We all on these boards know this! You know how? We all been there!:D

 

I was on the cruise this May, came home, had a SEVERE case of OCD (Obcessive Cruise Disorder):D , gave up and immediately booked another one for this August!

 

Go on the cruise, enjoy it and don't forget to report back after you return!:p

[dorothyh]

I'm not sure how to do the quote thing, so, I will have answer this way for now. Anyhow, Theron, I booked directly with Royal Caribbean. Was this that a mistake? But, I do thank you for your price reduction information, I never would have known! I just want to clarify one thing, now that we're under deposit, our prices cannot go up? That is what the reservation agent told me.

 

That is right; it cannot go up. But like others said, check the rate frequently, and if you see that it has gone down, call RC and they will credit you the difference! I think they may only do that up until final payment; I'm not sure.

 

And, now, yet another question. As I've reading the boards, I keep seeing Soda Cards being mentioned. Can you explain how this works and, is it strictly for children or may adults buy one too?

 

Adults can get them too. I think the price is $4 a day for children under 18 and $6 a day for 18 and over. You buy them on the first day; you will see people set up selling the soda cards(actually a sticker that goes on your seapass)

 

Also another huge concern is the food, my niece, the 10 year old is an extremely picky eater. She usually wants to eat off the adult menu, as the children's menu usually doesn't offer anything to her liking. She's not the typical child, she doesn't care for hamburgers or hot dogs, she'd rather have a steak. She doesn't care for chicken fingers or fish sticks, she'd rather have pasta or something along those lines. Will there be any problem with her ordering off the adult menu?

 

NO problem at all! When we booked our first cruise, a friend of mine advised me to have my kids order off the adult menu - why limit them to chicken nuggets and grilled cheese when they could have steak or lobster? All of my kids (ages 4 and up) ordered off the adult menu - it is such a great opportunity for them to try new foods!! Steak is on the menu every night, as is a different pasta dish. My 9yo discovered that she liked shrimp cocktail - and our waiter brought her THREE shrimp cocktails every night after that!!!

 

 

I guess my last question, at least for now, is....what happens now? Is there anything I need to do? We have a year until our first sailing on Explorer but, are there any tips like how to book shore tours (I'm not even certain I can do it this soon).

 

Keep reading the cruise critic boards, and you will be a pro in no time! Also, join your Meet and Mingle and find your board for that too - makes it fun to have others waiting with you!!

[jtmalt]

I guess my last question, at least for now, is....what happens now? Is there anything I need to do?

 

As VA CDC said, there's one thing you should definitely do....if you don't already have passports, you'll need to apply, since passports will be required for cruise travel in the Caribbean in 2007. They're currently taking 6-8 weeks to process applications.

 

Passport fees are $97 for adults and $82 for kids under 16, plus the cost of your passport photos. Unfortunately, another expense you need to budget for, but once you have them, they're good for 10 years.

 

You can find information and application forms at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

[Cincy-David]

Found this under the FAQ thread, but it is chalk full of useful data presented with a little bit of humor. Have a great cruise.

 

Yes, you can wear jeans (or shorts) in the dining room, but preferably not on formal nights.

Yes, you can smuggle alcohol on board.

No, it is not necessary to pre-tip the cabin attendant.

The aft balcony will fit lounge chairs. Regular balconies will not.

Yes, aft cabins are great. Yes it’s a long walk. No, you can’t hear noise from the club/Windjammer below/above. (ok maybe a little) It is not necessarily better or worse for movement. It’s all about the view.

Yes, hump cabins are great. No, you don’t hear noise from the elevators. Yes, some balconies are (slightly) bigger.

If you reserve pool lounge chairs, people will be upset with you and might move your stuff.

Yes, the ship may rock. The ocean is not under RCI’s control. Some people get seasick…most don’t.

Fly in a day early just in case. Don’t book a return flight too soon after disembarkation.

Yes, you can board earlier than the “scheduled” time.

Sometimes you can get a bathrobe if you ask.

The weather in the Caribbean in winter is good (despite forecasts of rain). That’s why we go there.

Choose the early seating if you have children. Stay home if they are under 2.

Read the Ports of Call board if you have excursion questions.

Yes, you can book excursions outside RCI. Most people do, for less money.

Yes, most ships have smoking areas. No, it won’t bother you unless you sit there.

No, you cannot remove balcony dividers.

No, you can’t skip the muster.

Yes, all the rooms have ice buckets, hair dryers, soap, coat hangers and safes.

Yes, Royal Caribbean customer service is a nightmare.

Bring duct tape, bungee cords, Ziploc bags, magnets, less clothes, more money.

Buy the drink of the day to save money.

There is a (slim) chance of being upgraded at the pier.

Yes, Chops and Portofino’s are worth the extra $20.

Buy lanyards and disposable cameras at Walmart/Target/Kmart, not onboard or in port.

Yes, people disappear from cruise ships, some on purpose I suspect.

You can’t take a cruise and not have a good time.

NOT ALL CABINS have a safe.

And I think that you forgot that Johnny Rocket's charges $3.95 per head, but C&A members get a coupon for one free visit, and the soda card doesn't work in there.

OH, you forgot the long, boring, detailed description of soda cards/stickers/cups AND the fact that it's stealing to share.

THERE ARE NO IRONS ON ANY RCCL SHIP

Bring a pen and some Post-It notes (for leaving notes)

RCI does not owe you a refund of your cruise fare if a port is missed for reasons beyond their control....

The cabins have shampoo.

Your baby/toddler/elderly parent cannot go in the pool even with swimmy diapers.

The Solariums are not for children except during certain hours during inclement weather.

RCI does not have a topless/nude sunbathing deck.

You can have "nookie" on your balcony, but sometimes other people can see you.

Sodas/bottled water/alcoholic beverages are not included in the cruise fare.

RCI does not have self-serve laundry or ironing facilities.

You can smuggle an iron onboard in you really want one.

The hair driers do not have much power.

Children under 3, even if potty-trained, are not allowed in Adventure Ocean.

RCI coffee does not taste like Starbuck's (or anything else drinkable!).

RCI does not serve lobster during formal night on 3 or 4 night cruises.

Quest is fun, but it's a secret why.

You can order more than one entree, dessert, soup, etc. during dinner.

You can get a price reduction on your cruise if the price drops and isn't a happy hour special.

Book your own air if you are concerned about stops, flying day of departure, certain airlines, etc.

The ship does not wait for you if you are late boarding unless you are on an RC excursion.

You can get cash from the casino using your Sea Pass.

The internet is not free onboard.

Passports are the recommended form of ID.

If you are a woman using your married name, sometimes they ask for your marriage certificate with your birth certificate, sometimes they don't. No one knows why. See above.

Sometimes the itineraries change without notice. Again, no one knows why.

Travel during hurricane season at your own risk. RC cannot control forces of nature (yet).

Buy insurance.

Not all ships have safes, and on some ships you have to have a card that has a magnetic strip. Bring an expired gift card that can be left in the room.

No candles

Yes, you can hear noise from your neighbors.

no, four adults cannot fit comfortably in an inside cabin

no, elevators do not get you from aft to forward

yes, RCI excursion have first tender priority

yes, carlos n charlies has reopened in Cozumel

cozumel, costa maya and grand cayman ports of call are often cancelled due to rough tendering conditions

tip your servers even if you eat in the Windjammer every day

keep your butt in your poolside lounger or let someone else use it

if you think no one's watching...there's probably a camera

yes, take your mints out of the bed before going to sleep

yes, check your account daily (especially if you have teens or a gambling spouse!)

no, sea lice, bed bugs, jellyfish, botfly, mosquitoes & sand fleas are probably not going to affect you

yes, tip your friendly bartender a little extra

no, the production shows are not Broadway quality

no, the food is not worthy of any Michelin stars, but you're not gonna starve

no, you're not going to find an authentic Picasso for $10 at the art auction

people can be rude...ignore them and focus on your own fun

if you sign up for your M&M, go to it!

no, you cannot fish from or barbeque on your balcony

if you get too drunk or spend too much money it is not the cruise line's fault

last but not least, remember the golden rule.

Only a Wonka-vator (Willie Wonka and The Chocolate Factory) can get you between fore & aft or between port & starboard. I don't think this cruise line has installed them yet on their ships

No jr. suites do not get perks....just two cruise credits

No you cannot bring friends or relatives into the concierge lounge if they haven't booked a suite.

The concierge may or may not email or call you prior to the cruise to set up spa appointments etc - and no one knows why some get a call and some don't.

The pina coladas they "serve" in the windjammer on sail-a-way day are not free.

You can request a small table for your family or party....but there is no guarantee.

No the elevators DO NOT go from bow to stern (front and back) of the ship

Yes there is dry cleaning services

Yes there are ATM's BUT a very high sur-charge applies

Think twice about blowing into that Whistle on your Life Preserver

Yes they do connect beds to make a queen size bed

No you will not FALL through the cracks in between the 2 beds

Yes you can fall overboard (voluntarily or if you p...off someone maybe pushed)

Yes if you are Scottish or want to be it's ok to wear Kilts to the dining room (going commando is your choice)

And last but not least HAVE FUN!!!

Yes there is a Doctor and a Nurse on board

Yes you can order room service (Full Menu)

Depending where the ship is and who your carrier is, you might be able to use your cell phone.

You can use your laptop in your cabin, but it costs extra.

No you can't "Drive" the ship

Yes the ship has Auto-Pilot

Those funny things that help keep the boat stable, well they are called Stabilizers

Yes there are lots of Photographers on the Ship

Left Side of Ship is called PORT

Right Side of Ship is called STARBOARD

Rear of Ship is called AFT

Front of Ship is called BOW

[TennisLover]

You will love cruising! We do it every year with extended family because there is something for everyone! Grandparents, active people (my DH), the kids -- everyone! It works for us because we don't plan to spend every minute together. On the ship -- we are always together for dinner. We generally do port days together.

 

I had to respond about your question:

 

Also another huge concern is the food, my niece, the 10 year old is an extremely picky eater. She usually wants to eat off the adult menu, as the children's menu usually doesn't offer anything to her liking. She's not the typical child, she doesn't care for hamburgers or hot dogs, she'd rather have a steak. She doesn't care for chicken fingers or fish sticks, she'd rather have pasta or something along those lines. Will there be any problem with her ordering off the adult menu?

 

My son (just turned 11) is extremely selective.... rarely tries anything new (although he is getting a little more "adventurous" lately). For each of four cruises, he has generally only eaten penne pasta with butter for dinner. That's it. No matter how much we ask him to try something new (and then get the penne if he still wants it), he has refused. Not worth ruining a vacation over. On the first night of each cruise, we nicely explain to our waiter what his preference is (and nothing green, like parsley, as garnish, please). Since we do that, he gets exactly what he wants. Some waiters have been better than others -- they pretty much have it waiting for him as soon as he sits down (can't wait through 2 or 3 adult courses after all the activities all day). My daughter always tries things... and if she doesn't like them, the waiter has been happy to bring her a pizza or grilled cheese or something else. They are very, very accommodating! (I've only been on Carnival so far, but I would expect they'd be just as accommodating on RCCL).

 

Have a great time! Two cruises booked! I'm jealous!

 

(By the way, check out the First-Time Cruisers section of CC. I'm sure you'll find a lot of great info there, including answers to questions you haven't even thought of yet.)

[megr1125]

No you are not crazy. I am about your age and my mom is about your moms age.....(uh, 39 again and again and again...for both of us)

 

email me at cruisermeg@hotmail.com

i just got back from the 5 day EOS a couple weeks ago...let me know if you have any questions....follow the link in my signature to see my pix of EOS (and AOD and NOS if you want).

 

 

http://www.cruiseliberty.com

 

is great for info about the pier.....very accurate pix.

 

 

You probably won't need half the stuff on the packing lists......the nice thing is you are not flying so you can buy as much stuff as you can carry.

 

RCIs customer serive isn't that bad!

 

Get the drink of the day in a regular glass to save more money.

 

if you love it, book another on board.

 

You can mix and mathc clothes...like a nice pair of khakis for dinner with 2 shirts....just skip a day or 2 in between.

 

on EOS more people wore jeans in the dining room than prior cruises....they ask that you do not but i didn't see anyone turned away. most wore slacks outfits or capris.

 

steak and pasta are always available. i didn't see any kids with kids menus.

 

take an open mind....most inportant thing to pack!

 

keep planning and researching........that's half the fun.

 

no the price you paid will not go up...yes it may go down.

 

breathe, relax. you have some time to gather your thoughts...but you are doomed....to never wanting to take a vacation in the future unless you are on a moving ship.

[CruisinMommas]

You are going to love cruising. Parking at this point and time parking at Cape Liberty is $15.00 a day do not know if they will have a price hike between now and then. You pay with cash or credit card when you enter. It beats the heck out of flying to a port. Once you get on the NJ turnpike you are about two hours from a wonderful vacation. Keep reading these boards.