What tips would YOU give to a first-time cruiser?

[EricaS]

So you've been there, done that in the world of cruising ... and now it's time to give your expert advice to those just starting out!

 

What expert advice do you have for first-time cruisers?

 

Submit your most useful tip(s) below, and stay tuned for Cruise Critic's next First-Timer's article -- you may see your tip (and your screen name!) in the story!

 

Happy Cruising :)

[romy]

There's a gazillion, but here's a start:

 

*Comparison shop for best rate

*Book early

*If flying, do a pre-cruise stay at least the night before (stay near the Pier to see your ship the morning of!)

*Research, research, research by bookmarking Cruise Critic (I'm not a newbie, but I still do it!

*Plan and do excursions independently

*Splurge and hire a limo for ride to the port

*Forget your cell phone (please!):rolleyes:

*Join the Roll Call for your sailing

*Don't sweat the small stuff!

 

Those are only a few I can think of right now, will add more as I think of them.

 

Happy Sailing!

[hajekfam]

Don't try to do everything that is offered onboard. Read your daily and pick out those activities that interest you. Don't feel that you have to run from activity to activity - take time to enjoy the ship and its amenities.

[Bequia]

Bring your wallet :D

[float]

float from middleboro be nice and show kindness to everyone you will have a great time let each moment take you breath away make friends marie who leaves this sat. on the massdam

[shark&minnow]

Be sure to eat some breakfasts and lunches in the dining room. People line up at the buffet, which is fine sometimes, when they could have a very nice meal in the dining room.

[Kennon4]

My advice:

 

1. Don't take the Boards too seriously. Use them as a tool, not something that might make you breathe into a bag and worry.

2. Go with the flow. Keep a positive attitude and your cruise will go smoothly. Consider everything that doesn't go exactly as planned as part of the great cruise adventure.

3. Pack light.

4. Pack light.

5. Pack light.

6. Pack light.

7. Did I mention to pack light?

[2PinaColadas]

1. If you think you might get sea-sick, get a patch or something. That will ruin your entire cruise.

2. Pack light.

3. Don't stress over the formal dinners. Go to one, take pictures then go casual the other nights.

4. Eat, but don't over do it. Remember all of those great drinks on board have calories too, but no food can lead to an ill feeling in the morning.

5. SUNSCREEN! I am medium to dark skinned and I use 8 to 15 SPF. Sunburns can ruin a cruise too.

6. Take loads of pictures. Take shots of everything--delete the ones you don't want after you get home. Sometimes the ones you almost deleted hold special memories.

7. Don't over do the excursions. Our favorite days were the ones we did things at our own pace.

8. RELAX AND HAVE FUN. Cruises are awesome.

[philsmom]

Perhaps my most significant suggestion is with regard to "possible" seasickness.

 

On our 2nd cruise (to the Caribbean), my wife and I received an upgrade from a middle-of-the-ship inside cabin on a lower level to a very-front-of-the-ship inside cabin on a very upper level. We were thrilled and felt special! A big OOPS!:(

 

Generally, it is in the FRONT of the ship where the vessel "breaks" the water, and where you might tend to feel the "motion of the ocean."

 

Although neither of us took ill gastrointestinally-speaking, we were very "off kilter" (unstable and dizzy) for the entire cruise!

 

Now, we know NOT to book a cabin at the front -- or the back -- of any ship! AND, just to head off the potential of any ill effects of the movement of the ship, we take non-drowsy Dramamine or Bonine for the first 3 to 4 days of our cruise, especially when there are days "AT SEA."

 

We feel that it is better to spend $7.00 than to ruin a cruise!

 

ENJOY CRUISING! It doesn't get any better!:D

[LOTT]

I NOTICE FIRST TIME CRUISERS ARE ALWAYS READY TO PARTY. THE DRINKS AND FUNS STARTS WHEN YOU BOARD. SO WHILE THEY ARE WAITING TO SET SAIL THEY HAVE LOTS OF DRINKS. SUPRISE!!!!THERE WILL BE A FIRE DRILL JUST BEFORE THE SHIP SAILS AND YOU HAVE A LOT OF STAIRS TO CLIMB OR GO DOWN. BEWARE ,SLOW DOWN UNTIL YOU SAIL!!!!!!!YOU WILL HAVE TO GO TO YOUR ROOM TO GET YOUR LIFE JACKETS AND REPORT TO YOUR SIGN STATION. WE ALWAYS GO 30 MINUTES BEFORE TIME AND THEN HEAD TOWARD OUR STATION TO BET THE MAD RUSH. IN THE SUMMER IT'S VERY HOT STANDING AND WAITING TILL ALL IS CLEAR TO GO.SOMETIME DRINKING AND A LOT OF PEOPLE STANDING VERY CLOSE TOGETHER IN THE HEAT DOSE NOT MIX WILL .HAVE FUN CRUSING A 8 TIME CRUISER . LOVE THE 14 DAY CRUISE!!!!:p

[salethesea]

Hi, look at the color of the rug, port and starboard are different colors. it will help you get to the correct side of the ship.

 

the theather is always at the front of the ship, so when you are coming out of dinner walk forward.

 

Joyce

[bauerdogs]

We went out and bought suction cup hooks--pull the hook down and they lock in place on a smooth surface. We use them to hang our hats, belts, ties, camara case, anything that you want to keep out of the way. Not too many ships have hooks in the rooms--don't know why with all the wall space. Ron

[Cruisin' Chick]

1. If you're flying to your embarkation port, always go at least a day ahead of time. You never know when weather (even if your city is fine, other city's weather can affect the whole traffic pattern), labor or mechanical problems can cancel your flight. Also, it's nice to be able to relax and try out a restaurant in that local area. If you forgot to pack something, you'll have a chance to buy it there, rather than spend a lot more money to get the item on board (if it is available there, that is).

 

2. Try seasickness remedies before you leave. That way you can see how they affect you. If you're on medication, ask your doctor to make sure there's not a harmful interaction with your prescription. And bring more than one remedy just in case one doesn't really work for you in real practice. If prepared, you won't be at the mercy of strong waves and you won't have to pay the inflated prices in the ship's store.

 

3. Try a little kindness when dealing with your fellow passengers and crew members. Just remember, it's not your personal yacht. You're sharing facilities and support staff with maybe 1,000 or more other people who paid for their cruise too. Don't be unreasonable with your requests. And wait your turn. There's plenty of food for everyone, plenty of sea to look at, plenty of relaxing to do.

[Fortress]

Cruising today has changed significantly over the years as more and more people discover the joys of vacationing aboard ship. While travel agents do their best to answer most questions, passengers may find some surprises when they board a ship. Those surprises usually come from not knowing what questions to ask. Having good information will make your vacation that much more enjoyable.

 

Embarkation - As you arrive at the ship terminal, porters will transfer your luggage to the ship, to be delivered to your cabin sometime during the day. Prepare for the first of many gratuities (about $1 per suitcase). Once inside the terminal, cruisers may be faced with long check-in lines, especially on mega-liners with 2000 or more passengers. Most cruise lines reward returning customers with express check-in, so don't get upset when you see some passengers get in the very short line and breeze right through, while you are waiting 20-30 minutes to reach the check-in desk.

 

Although you have already pre-registered, you will need to present your cruise ticket and a passport or some form of certified identification (birth certificates, etc., NOT driver's licenses). NOTE: New US customs laws state that by 12/31/2006 all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will require a passport.

The cruise line will also need emergency contact information and a credit card for on-board purchases. Passengers without a credit card will be asked to provide a cash deposit (around $300-$500). If you are a single parent traveling alone with minor children, you may need custody verification or a notarized letter from the other parent. Check with your travel agent or cruise company.

 

 

After check in you will be directed to the gangway to board the ship. Some cruise lines will have your Sail and Sign cards and/or room keys ready at the check-in desk. Others may simply give you a boarding pass and room keys will be in your stateroom. In some cases, such as Carnival, your boarding pass, room key and charge card will all be the same plastic card.

 

Cabins - If you expect hotel room size accommodations, you will be disappointed. Average staterooms are about 200 sq. ft or less. Suites and penthouses are larger and vary in size from 300 to 1200 sq. ft., depending on the ship and the price. Since most people purchase average accommodations, expect small spaces. Beds are generally two twins or combined to make a queen size, but some lines offer king-size beds. Cabins configured for three or four passengers will have upper pull down berths or convertible sofas. The latter may be fine for kids, but it takes up valuable floor space.

 

Most cabins have a desk, stool, small table and a chair or loveseat. TVs are usually mounted on a hanging pedestal in a corner. Many cabins have small bar refrigerators.

 

Stateroom designers make the most of small rooms. Generally there is enough storage space in the closet, drawers and shelves for two people on a seven-day cruise. If your cabin accommodates more than two people, or your cruise is longer than 7 days, you might be hard pressed to find room for everything. Storing suitcases is also a challenge. Garment bags and some suitcases can be stored under the beds, but larger cases may take up cabin space, stored in the closet or on the balcony (if available).

 

Bathrooms are tiny, not much bigger than those in RVs, and showers range from miniscule to adequate. Most cruise lines provide bar soap, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion on a daily basis and have hair dryers in the cabins. If you have preferences about the products you use, bring your own. Cruise ships DO NOT provide toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant or razors, but they are readily available in the gift shop. By the way, the bottled water and/or cans of soda placed in your stateroom upon arrival are NOT FREE. Drink them and you will be charged for them.

 

Dining options - Traditional cruises offer two seating choices, early or late. Early dinner starts around 6:00 p.m. and late dinner around 8:30 p.m. (Times vary by cruise line). You will be assigned a table for the entire voyage. Every effort is made to provide the type of table (seating for 2,4,8,10, etc.) and time you requested, but this is not always possible. If you really don't like your seating assignment, you can go to the maitre 'd and request a change. Bear in mind, there are usually more requests for changes than can be accommodated, so don't be surprised if a change cannot be made.

 

Many ships are moving to freestyle dining (e.g. NCL and some Princess ships). Arrive at the main dining rooms any time they are open and you will be taken to the first available table. If you dine during peak periods or have a large party, you may have to wait, sometimes 20-30 minutes. Dress is resort casual (formal wear is optional), but most ships ask that shorts and bathing suits NOT be worn at dinner. (Some will not seat you if you do so).

 

Cruise ships also offer casual dining or buffet meals. There are grills, serving hot dogs, hamburgers, etc. and some ships have special deli stations and cultural cuisine available as well. You can usually find pizza and ice cream machines on most ships. All ships offer room service menus - some 24/7.

 

Extra expenses - many people believe that after they have paid for the cruise, everything is cost-free. Nothing could be further from the truth! As far as I am concerned a cruise vacation gives you the most value for your dollar, but there are added expenses you may not think about when budgeting your trip.

 

Specialty Restaurants - Many ships offer alternate dining rooms with special cuisine. Although the food in the main dining room, buffets and grills is included in your fare, the smaller specialty dining rooms require reservations and carry a cover charge ($5-15 pp on average) Entrees are different and are generally well-worth the extra cost.

 

Beverages - Your cruise fare does NOT include bar beverages. This includes soda and bottled water. This is probably one of the biggest surprises people find when they get on board. Many cruise lines will offer a soda package (around $30), which will allow unlimited soda during the run of the voyage. Bar drinks are pricey and sodas can run $1.50 or more per drink. Drinks purchased from the bar have a 15% gratuity added to each bill. While many cruise lines prohibit bringing your own soda or alcohol aboard, some are more lenient. Check with your travel agent. It may not seem like much, but a glass of wine at dinner, one or two drinks during the show or in the lounge can add up. Have a beer in the sports bar, 2 or 3 cokes by the pool and your bar bill can run $100 + by the end of the cruise.

 

For wine drinkers, most cruise dining rooms offer a large selection. Expect restaurant pricing, as the cheapest (e.g. Beringer White Zinfandel) will run $25-29 a bottle. Better wines are significantly higher. If you bring your own bottle to the dinner table, (perhaps you received a bottle of wine as a gift or were able to purchase one on shore and bring it back) you will be charged a "decorking fee" (approx. $5-10). If you don't finish your wine at one meal, your waiter will store it and serve it at the next meal.

 

Photographs - Most cruisers want to capture the experience with photos and videos. Cruise lines are aware of that and photographers will take your picture everywhere. The first picture is taken as you embark. Several will be taken in the dining room, especially on formal nights. Portraits (both formal and informal) can be taken. At each port, photographers will be at the gangway to snap a treasured memory. The photo gallery will display photos every day, hoping you can't resist buying them. Be prepared, photos are not cheap. 6 x 4s run about $8 each and portraits (8 x 10) are about $20 each. Some lines have videographers (Carnival especially) to capture every event, including some shore excursions. A video makes a nice souvenir, but be prepared to pay $25-$35 for a copy. Better idea, take your camera along and ask fellow passengers to take some shots of you. If you can’t resist the professional photos, look into photo packages that many cruise lines offer.

 

Shore excursions and tours - Your ship will offer a wide variety of different tours at each port. If you are not familiar with the port, and want to take a tour, I suggest purchasing it from the excursion desk or pre-purchase on-line with the cruise company. You get a very organized and safe trip; although you'll pay a little more than if you had booked it on your own. The cruise line will guarantee holding the ship if one of their tours gets back late, something you can't count on with privately purchased excursions. Tours run anywhere from $20 for simple sightseeing bus trips, to $500 for special tours such as helicopter/dog-sledding tours in Alaska. Depending on the itinerary, you will probably average $75-$100+ pp per port.

 

On-Board entertainment expenses - each ship usually has bingo games several times during the cruise. Sometimes they also have horse racing games. Bingo cards can run $10-20 per session and horse racing is $2-3 a bet. The former is usually charged to your shipboard account; the latter is usually cash only. If the ship has a casino, factor in your gambling expenses.

 

Gratuities - Cruise lines have changed from tip envelopes to charging your on-board account automatically. They add $10 pp per day to tip your room steward, dining waiter and assistant waiter. (This is actually pooled to cover all dining staff). The tips do not include your Head Waiter or Maitre'd. Since tipping is a personal choice, passengers may opt out of this auto posting by going to the Purser's Desk and asking that it be removed from their account and tip as they see fit. There are differing opinions on whether this is a good thing or not, but be prepared for an extra $70 pp on your account for a 7 day cruise.

 

Misc. - All purchases on board are charged to your shipboard account. This includes everything I've already mentioned, plus gift shop purchases, tuxedo rental, florist purchases, spa treatments, art auction purchases, etc.

 

As you can guess, you could spend hundreds or thousands more than the original cruise price by the time you finish your vacation. This is no different than costs incurred with land vacations, but some passengers seem surprised to find them on cruise ships. You can spend as little or as much as your personal style and budget allow.

 

I love cruising and although there can be some additional costs; there are still plenty of things to do that won't cost you more money. The Cruise Director's staff plans lots of activities, from pool and/or deck games to trivia and karaoke. You can see movies or live entertainment, go dancing, and check out the card room or library. You can swim or use the Jacuzzi, work out in the gym or use the jogging track. You can do a lot or do nothing - your choice.

 

If you travel with children, you'll find that most major cruise lines have separate programs and counselors for small children 2-12 and teenagers. Some ships have special areas set aside for these groups and schedule events just for them.

 

Now that you really know what to expect – Bon Voyage!

 

-

[Fortress]

Cruising today has changed significantly over the years as more and more people discover the joys of vacationing aboard ship. While travel agents do their best to answer most questions, passengers may find some surprises when they board a ship. Those surprises usually come from not knowing what questions to ask. Having good information will make your vacation that much more enjoyable.

 

Embarkation - As you arrive at the ship terminal, porters will transfer your luggage to the ship, to be delivered to your cabin sometime during the day. Prepare for the first of many gratuities (about $1 per suitcase). Once inside the terminal, cruisers may be faced with long check-in lines, especially on mega-liners with 2000 or more passengers. Most cruise lines reward returning customers with express check-in, so don't get upset when you see some passengers get in the very short line and breeze right through, while you are waiting 20-30 minutes to reach the check-in desk.

 

Although you have already pre-registered, you will need to present your cruise ticket and a passport or some form of certified identification (birth certificates, etc., NOT driver's licenses). NOTE: New US customs laws state that by 12/31/2006 all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will require a passport.

The cruise line will also need emergency contact information and a credit card for on-board purchases. Passengers without a credit card will be asked to provide a cash deposit (around $300-$500). If you are a single parent traveling alone with minor children, you may need custody verification or a notarized letter from the other parent. Check with your travel agent or cruise company.

 

 

After check in you will be directed to the gangway to board the ship. Some cruise lines will have your Sail and Sign cards and/or room keys ready at the check-in desk. Others may simply give you a boarding pass and room keys will be in your stateroom. In some cases, such as Carnival, your boarding pass, room key and charge card will all be the same plastic card.

 

Cabins - If you expect hotel room size accommodations, you will be disappointed. Average staterooms are about 200 sq. ft or less. Suites and penthouses are larger and vary in size from 300 to 1200 sq. ft., depending on the ship and the price. Since most people purchase average accommodations, expect small spaces. Beds are generally two twins or combined to make a queen size, but some lines offer king-size beds. Cabins configured for three or four passengers will have upper pull down berths or convertible sofas. The latter may be fine for kids, but it takes up valuable floor space.

 

Most cabins have a desk, stool, small table and a chair or loveseat. TVs are usually mounted on a hanging pedestal in a corner. Many cabins have small bar refrigerators.

 

Stateroom designers make the most of small rooms. Generally there is enough storage space in the closet, drawers and shelves for two people on a seven-day cruise. If your cabin accommodates more than two people, or your cruise is longer than 7 days, you might be hard pressed to find room for everything. Storing suitcases is also a challenge. Garment bags and some suitcases can be stored under the beds, but larger cases may take up cabin space, stored in the closet or on the balcony (if available).

 

Bathrooms are tiny, not much bigger than those in RVs, and showers range from miniscule to adequate. Most cruise lines provide bar soap, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion on a daily basis and have hair dryers in the cabins. If you have preferences about the products you use, bring your own. Cruise ships DO NOT provide toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant or razors, but they are readily available in the gift shop. By the way, the bottled water and/or cans of soda placed in your stateroom upon arrival are NOT FREE. Drink them and you will be charged for them.

 

Dining options - Traditional cruises offer two seating choices, early or late. Early dinner starts around 6:00 p.m. and late dinner around 8:30 p.m. (Times vary by cruise line). You will be assigned a table for the entire voyage. Every effort is made to provide the type of table (seating for 2,4,8,10, etc.) and time you requested, but this is not always possible. If you really don't like your seating assignment, you can go to the maitre 'd and request a change. Bear in mind, there are usually more requests for changes than can be accommodated, so don't be surprised if a change cannot be made.

 

Many ships are moving to freestyle dining (e.g. NCL and some Princess ships). Arrive at the main dining rooms any time they are open and you will be taken to the first available table. If you dine during peak periods or have a large party, you may have to wait, sometimes 20-30 minutes. Dress is resort casual (formal wear is optional), but most ships ask that shorts and bathing suits NOT be worn at dinner. (Some will not seat you if you do so).

 

Cruise ships also offer casual dining or buffet meals. There are grills, serving hot dogs, hamburgers, etc. and some ships have special deli stations and cultural cuisine available as well. You can usually find pizza and ice cream machines on most ships. All ships offer room service menus - some 24/7.

 

Extra expenses - many people believe that after they have paid for the cruise, everything is cost-free. Nothing could be further from the truth! As far as I am concerned a cruise vacation gives you the most value for your dollar, but there are added expenses you may not think about when budgeting your trip.

 

Specialty Restaurants - Many ships offer alternate dining rooms with special cuisine. Although the food in the main dining room, buffets and grills is included in your fare, the smaller specialty dining rooms require reservations and carry a cover charge ($5-15 pp on average) Entrees are different and are generally well-worth the extra cost.

 

Beverages - Your cruise fare does NOT include bar beverages. This includes soda and bottled water. This is probably one of the biggest surprises people find when they get on board. Many cruise lines will offer a soda package (around $30), which will allow unlimited soda during the run of the voyage. Bar drinks are pricey and sodas can run $1.50 or more per drink. Drinks purchased from the bar have a 15% gratuity added to each bill. While many cruise lines prohibit bringing your own soda or alcohol aboard, some are more lenient. Check with your travel agent. It may not seem like much, but a glass of wine at dinner, one or two drinks during the show or in the lounge can add up. Have a beer in the sports bar, 2 or 3 cokes by the pool and your bar bill can run $100 + by the end of the cruise.

 

For wine drinkers, most cruise dining rooms offer a large selection. Expect restaurant pricing, as the cheapest (e.g. Beringer White Zinfandel) will run $25-29 a bottle. Better wines are significantly higher. If you bring your own bottle to the dinner table, (perhaps you received a bottle of wine as a gift or were able to purchase one on shore and bring it back) you will be charged a "decorking fee" (approx. $5-10). If you don't finish your wine at one meal, your waiter will store it and serve it at the next meal.

 

Photographs - Most cruisers want to capture the experience with photos and videos. Cruise lines are aware of that and photographers will take your picture everywhere. The first picture is taken as you embark. Several will be taken in the dining room, especially on formal nights. Portraits (both formal and informal) can be taken. At each port, photographers will be at the gangway to snap a treasured memory. The photo gallery will display photos every day, hoping you can't resist buying them. Be prepared, photos are not cheap. 6 x 4s run about $8 each and portraits (8 x 10) are about $20 each. Some lines have videographers (Carnival especially) to capture every event, including some shore excursions. A video makes a nice souvenir, but be prepared to pay $25-$35 for a copy. Better idea, take your camera along and ask fellow passengers to take some shots of you. If you can’t resist the professional photos, look into photo packages that many cruise lines offer.

 

Shore excursions and tours - Your ship will offer a wide variety of different tours at each port. If you are not familiar with the port, and want to take a tour, I suggest purchasing it from the excursion desk or pre-purchase on-line with the cruise company. You get a very organized and safe trip; although you'll pay a little more than if you had booked it on your own. The cruise line will guarantee holding the ship if one of their tours gets back late, something you can't count on with privately purchased excursions. Tours run anywhere from $20 for simple sightseeing bus trips, to $500 for special tours such as helicopter/dog-sledding tours in Alaska. Depending on the itinerary, you will probably average $75-$100+ pp per port.

 

On-Board entertainment expenses - each ship usually has bingo games several times during the cruise. Sometimes they also have horse racing games. Bingo cards can run $10-20 per session and horse racing is $2-3 a bet. The former is usually charged to your shipboard account; the latter is usually cash only. If the ship has a casino, factor in your gambling expenses.

 

Gratuities - Cruise lines have changed from tip envelopes to charging your on-board account automatically. They add $10 pp per day to tip your room steward, dining waiter and assistant waiter. (This is actually pooled to cover all dining staff). The tips do not include your Head Waiter or Maitre'd. Since tipping is a personal choice, passengers may opt out of this auto posting by going to the Purser's Desk and asking that it be removed from their account and tip as they see fit. There are differing opinions on whether this is a good thing or not, but be prepared for an extra $70 pp on your account for a 7 day cruise.

 

Misc. - All purchases on board are charged to your shipboard account. This includes everything I've already mentioned, plus gift shop purchases, tuxedo rental, florist purchases, spa treatments, art auction purchases, etc.

 

As you can guess, you could spend hundreds or thousands more than the original cruise price by the time you finish your vacation. This is no different than costs incurred with land vacations, but some passengers seem surprised to find them on cruise ships. You can spend as little or as much as your personal style and budget allow.

 

I love cruising and although there can be some additional costs; there are still plenty of things to do that won't cost you more money. The Cruise Director's staff plans lots of activities, from pool and/or deck games to trivia and karaoke. You can see movies or live entertainment, go dancing, and check out the card room or library. You can swim or use the Jacuzzi, work out in the gym or use the jogging track. You can do a lot or do nothing - your choice.

 

If you travel with children, you'll find that most major cruise lines have separate programs and counselors for small children 2-12 and teenagers. Some ships have special areas set aside for these groups and schedule events just for them.

 

Now that you really know what to expect – Bon Voyage!

 

-

[nybumpkin]

Always smile and greet the crew members when you meet them - even if they're not assigned to your cabin or table. It's amazing what a smile and "Good Morning" can do!

[Cruising Chris]

Here are things I always pack for my cruises:

• Clothes pins – to hold curtains together to keep the light out; to hang at the bottom of shower curtains (to give weight) – the shower curtains that insist on wrapping themselves around your legs; to hang wet items
  
• Duct tape – to tape clothes hangers that insist on clanging together as the motion of the boat ‘moves’ them; to fix luggage; rather than bring a whole roll, just roll some tape around the cylinder of a highlighter, sharpie or pen (that way it doesn’t take up any space)
  
• Sharpie -both silver & black – to identify hotel keys (this helps to avoid the ‘you took my hotel key, I can’t find it’. Why silver AND black? Silver in case the key is black, navy blue, dark green etc.
  
• Pop up hamper – it’s always nice to have a ‘confined’ place to put the dirty clothes rather than the hamper being ‘all-over’ and/or ‘everywhere’
  
• Over the door ‘clear’ shoe organizer – on a ship in particular, there is usually very little counter space. This you can hang over the bathroom door (on the outside so everyone can have access to it) to put all your stuff that there is no ‘good’ place to store; like your room key as soon as you come in so you’re not always looking for it; anti-bacterial lotion; post it notes; camera; pens; sharpie; highighters; brush; comb; ipod; sunglasses; suntan lotion; etc. etc., you could even use it to store flip-flops, sandals and shoes!!
  
• Post it notes - it is helpful to identify a place (back of door, mirror) to leave notes for either your room steward or other family members about your whereabouts or plans
  
• Anti-bacterial lotion – Just to keep healthy and avoid catching a cold, flu or Norovirus
  
• Lanyard/plastic coil bracelet - can have a hole punched in your room key (which is used for purchasing as well) and attached to this so you are not always digging it out of pocket/purse (if you have one)
  
• Oust spray – some cabins may have an odd smell when you get there
  
• Shout wipes – You never know when you are going to spill!!
  
• Downey wrinkle spray – This really comes in handy if you just need a ‘wrinkle-touch up’ and don’t want to bother getting an iron
  
• Highlighter - highlight activities in the daily ‘what is going on throughout the ship’ newspaper

[njcruisingmom]

If you're not flying to your disembarkation point (and thus don't need to worry about the airlines handling your luggage) pack your dressy clothes in a lightweight hanging bag. On the trip home, pack everything in your other luggage -- hanging bag and all -- and use a collapsible bag to hold all your souvenirs! Same number of bags, better usage!

 

Bring an over the door shoe bag -- often found at the dollar store -- for lots of extra storage. If it's a cheap one, just leave it behind -- more room in the luggage for souvenirs.

 

Buy disposable cameras to take to the beach or anywhere you feel your regular camera would be at risk. They're cheaper at home than on board.

 

If traveling with kids, bring little treats to keep them occupied (love the dollar store for these too.) And buy each child an inexpensive journal or notebook. Older ones can write about each days activities -- younger ones can draw pictures. They're great keepsakes when the trip is over. Or download puzzles and coloring pages from their favorite web sites.

 

If possible, get a video or DVD of the ship you'll be taking or the ports you'll visit and view it with your travel group/family. It'll get everyone in the mood to cruise!

 

If you plan to snorkel, consider bringing your own equipment. This is especially true if you have children who want to try it -- some of the folks that rent snorkeling equipment have only a few child size models. If they're out, you're out of luck. (We had to go back to a beach in Bermuda three times before we lucked on to a set for our daughter.) You can find some less expensive sets and we think it's worth the room in the luggage. And if you want to try snorkeling and wear glasses, consider buying a mask with corrective glass. You'll see so much more, have a better time, and feel more secure if you can see what's around you!

 

Happy cruising.

[Fortress]

previously posted

[sauvichick]

1.If you book an inside cabin bring a nightlight(one that turns off when the lights go on).

2. Once you book a balcony you will never go back to an inside cabin. If you have never cruised sample a short cruise to determine if you can "deal" with the inside cabin. But don't judge a cruiseline on its 1 or 2 nite offerings because it does not compare.

3. Shop around. My last "shopping experience" for a cruise felt like I was dealing with car dealerships. It's very competetive and agencies can and will lower their price to get your business. Many offer incentives( a thank you for booking with them). I received 2 bottles of wine and a dinner for 2 at their specialty restaurantlast time and I never booked with them before.

4. Only do excursions that you abolutely are "dying" to do. We usually do our own thing. We've booked excursions only to cancel them because we are too busy relaxing & don't want to adhere to a schedule. The last "absolute excursion" on our NCL cruise in 2002 was swimming with the stingrays which was absolutely amazing.

5. Don't overpack. Daytime is usually casual( bathing suit, shorts etc.). Worry about evening only and it always doesn't have to be formal.

6. Join message boards for info but do not 100% believe the complainers.

7. RELAX.

[rogmc]

As an experienced cruiser, (21 and counting) take a backpack on your excursions. Just the thing to carry your cameras, raincoats, etc. ALSO, book your weeks excursions online BEFORE you get on the ship. You and your spouse have time to discuss them ahead of time, (price, activity level) and your 1st day on the ship can be spent in the hot tub or chowing down on the Lido deck rather than standing in a long line at the excursions desk.

[Azorian Babe]

I always remind first time cruisers to board the ship the first day in clothing they want to wear to dinner.

On my first cruises, I always planned to change before dinner; however, most of the time my suitcases had not yet been delivered; and with the life vest drill, there really wasn't time to change. Now I board the ship in clothing I want to wear to dinner, and feel so much more comfortable.

Happy dining.

 

 

Galaxy, Carribbean 1997

Galaxy, Carribbean 1998

Millennium, Europe 9/00

Dawn Princess, Acapulco to SF 5/01

Regal Princess, Alaska 8/7/02

Coral Princess, Panama Canal 2/4/03

Mercury, Mexican Riviera, 4/18/04 and 10/12/04

Sapphire Princess, Mexican Riviera 10/12/05

Monarch of the Seas Mexico,3/29/05

Infinity, Mexican Riviera 4/17/06

Millennium, Mediterranean, 8-29-06

Dawn Princess, Mexican Riviera, 2/16/07

 

 

 

 

[shopinful]

Been cruising for a long time and this is what I do and bring:

1. Bring Febreeze to freshen the room - sometimes there may be a funny smell.

2. Bring a sun hat that fits snuggly around your head

3. Sweat suit - just nice to lounge in and great to put on for a quick walk to the breakfast buffet

4. I always bring water bottles. Expensive on ship and the purified water on ship is better than in the bottle for filling up and using later

5. A cloth bag for shopping and putting purse items in instead of purse

6. Very comfortable sandals- I have flip flops

7. Sweat jacket - it does get cold sometimes on ship and this is casual

8. Don't overpack. You will mostly wear comfty clothes

9. Small little bottles of liquor for individual drinks

10. If you are taking a family you may want to all bring the same color shirt like black for a neat picture.

11. Don't bother bringing bath robes, they will supply upon request

12. Zip lock bags - to take snacks from the buffet for your excursions

13. Sea sick medicine - if in doubt - take it often and for sure before you get on the boat. Once you get sick it will ruin your cruise.

14. We bought Walkie talkies to communicate with each other on the ship - works great

15. Cloth necklace that has hook to attach cruise card. You will never lose it this way. Like the ones coaches wear for whistles

16. All ships will let you bring your on wine-I use it for those afternoon drinks on the balcony.

17. Magazines or books for those relaxing times around the ship

18. Do try at least one specialty restaurant. The cost is cheap and food and service is normally great

19. They supply hair dryers but I bring my own for the bathroom is VERY small and I use mine in the outer room while my husband takes his shower. The ships is attached to the wall.

20. Cards

21. Do not bring a suitcase that is larger than will fit under a bed. Two small ones are better than a very large one. There is not enough space in the room to sit it out.

22. Alarm clock for those early morning excursions

I make it a rule to never take an elevator unless I have heels on - this helps work off some of that extra food. Also, if I don't love the food - I pass.

 

Happy Cruising!!!!

[lbyarbro]

Consider bringing a power strip to handle all the electrical items you need to plug in. Most cabins have only one or two electrical outlets -- not enough to go around. Our family of four travels with a hairdryer, curling iron, phone charger, electric razor, camera charger, kids' game chargers, etc, so a power strip is a blessing.

 

Bring along a covered "commuter" coffee cup if you like to drink your coffee in your room. The restaurants/buffets usually only offer mugs, so it's difficult to walk around the ship without spilling. Your "commuter" mug will also hold more java.

 

When you first get on board, don't stress about the fact that your luggage (probably) isn't in your room. Instead, head to the top deck and start exploring. Cover each deck from front to back before heading down to the next deck. You'll become familiar with where things are in no time.

[MikeC1610]

My advice for 1st timers is to pick a cruise (preferably not more than 7 days) that has lots of ports and not too many sea days. If you've never cruised before you may find more than 2 sea days out of a 7 day cruise a bit boring. We've found this to be a common complaint from friends of ours that are first time cruisers.