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

[eyzwdeshut]

7) I packed a million little things that people suggested on here and used...NONE! The only things we know we will never go without are non drowsy Dramamine and Immodium. The ideas were all great, just not for us.

 

While i tend to agree there are lots of things most people can leave behind off these lists, there is one that i have found to be a necessity - the power strip for all your electronics!

 

Of course, that said, it depends on how connected you are on the cruise. We like our MP3 players & cameras & nightlight & cellphones, etc. So, it's very helpful to have additional outlets for our use.

 

Another thing i try to do it pack SMALL sizes of things - travel size, trial size, etc. No need to take up the limited space in the bathroom with the sizes of health & beauty products you use at home. Plus, it helps keep the weight down with your luggage!

[ILVMM]

While i tend to agree there are lots of things most people can leave behind off these lists, there is one that i have found to be a necessity - the power strip for all your electronics!

 

So, it's very helpful to have additional outlets for our use.

 

I totally agree with the power strip. On one ship (Volendam, i believe) we had only ONE outlet in the cabin itself!

[Harry and Lucille]

Here are a few simple things that have helped us.

 

Travel Insurance. On our first cruise the wife got ill. A trip to the Doctor and 4 hours later for Pepto Bismol cost $80. We pack a collection of 'drugs' now.

Imodium AD, Ex-Lax, Pepto, Asprin, Sea sick med., Cold and Flu, etc.

 

A high-lighter comes in handy. When the next days newsletter is delivered to your cabin, you can high-light the activities to schedule for that day. We take 2 colors because our interests vary. Makes it very simple. She may go to tea, I go to the casino. She may go to the show, I go to the casino. You get the idea.

 

Large travel mug. Cups and glasses on board are small. Cuts my early morning caffeen trips to two and works well at the juice bar during the day.

 

A sports/hiking/camping water bottle with filter is a good invstment. Saves paying up to $18 a gallon for bottle water on board. (probably just somebodys city water anyway.)

 

Buy your film and camera batteries at home. Cost a fortune on board and port calls when you can find them.

 

Packing lite is a great idea. After 8 cruises we haven't figured that one out yet. With only 2 or 3 thousand people on board, we don't want to take the chance that anyone will seeing us wearing the same thing twice.

 

I'm very anal about preparation. We cruise this December, have our airline & cruise tickets. All paperwork for citizenship done. Hotel booked for the nite before the cruise. Transportation arranged from airport, hotel and cruise port and travel insurance. I'll probably start packing in September. Once on board, the world just goes away and all is well. :D

[xras124]

some great tips for i first time cruiser are:

*don't be afraid

*don't plan and just do it

*enjoy every moment

*remember you can change the amount that they suggest for tipping

*wear sunscreen

*interact with others while onboard

[MoneyGuy]

Don't be a jerk and hog the chairs at the pool. The rest of us like to enjoy them as well.

 

Make a new friend on every cruise you take.

[Trvlr37]

Best FREE (or nearly free) tips for new cruisers:

 

- Take naps in the afternoon before dinner - helps you feel more rested and enjoy the evening activities on board.

- Do go to at least one show on board. The Ice show for those ships with ice rinks is a MUST!

- Walk around the ship at night and listen to the various music on board. You can always order a glass of ice water in the lounge.

- Beverage stations are always free at the buffet. If you are thirsty, walk to the buffet and get an iced tea or lemonade.

- If you want a beverage in your cabin - order tea, coffee, iced tea or juice via room service (but again, tip the deliverer a dollar or so).

- Many ships have ice cream free and coffee free (at the buffet) - you don't have to pay extra. Ice cream is pretty good in the dining room.

- Don't feel you have to "do a shore tour in every port." Sometimes it is nice to stay on board when everyone is in port as you feel you have the ship to yourself or just get off the ship and walk around to see the sights.

- Do eat in the dining room a few times - food is better than the buffet and it's nice to be waited on and meet new friends and share the day's activities. If you don't like your tablemates, discreetly ask the Matire'D to be moved. Also don't be afraid to try new foods or order more than one entree or dessert. Don't want to get dressed up, but want that lobster? Ask if you can order the dining room food to your cabin via room service!

- Do order room service at least once - it's nice to be pampered and on most lines, its free. Although, do tip the person who delivers your food!

- Do take some time out to watch a sunrise or a sunset at sea.

- Make a list before you cruise of one or two things free you absolutely must do (see a sunset, walk along the beach, read that book you have been wanting to read, swim in the ocean) and do them - this way you won't be disappointed (and BROKE) when you return home.

[ThePatientOne]

First timer cruise tips..

It is simple, once packed, remove half of what is there, you won't need it.. Most first time cruisers pack WAY too much.. (Me included:D )

The simple fact is, bring half the clothes and twice the money..

Enjoy your cruise...

(By the way, there are many, many good hints and tricks here, as well as in the rest of CC.. Keep reading those threads..)

[ThePatientOne]

Oh I forgot one other thing that I learned a little too late on my first cruise..

When at dinner, you are presented with a menu, just like in a restaurant.. You don;t have to order like you are in a restaurant.. If you see something you really like.. Order 2 or 3 or.... It is done all the time.. On surf and turf night, you want an extra steak or lobster tail, go for it, The service staff will gladly honor your request..

The cruise book that is in your cabin, if you like it and would like a copy of it, just ask.. The cabin steward will gladly give it to you..

I know, that was more than one..;)

Enjoy your cruise...

[Mammaof2girls]

some great tips for i first time cruiser are:

*don't be afraid

*don't plan and just do it

*enjoy every moment

*remember you can change the amount that they suggest for tipping

*wear sunscreen

*interact with others while onboard

 

How would you do that? I thought it was an "auto-tip" at the end? Wouldn't you only do that if you had horrible service? Thanks. :) (we leave on our first cruise tomorrow!)

[Sarae]

I have never taken an alarm clock but when I am on a cruise I really don't keep track of time. If you do plan on doing early morning excursions, I wouldn't count on the wake up call. You will be worrying all night if you get the call and you want to relax. A cheap watch with an alarm may be a good option as well.

 

 

For myself, I use the alarm on my cell phone. :rolleyes: Works everytime, I take with me on my excoursions, set to remind me to get to the ship. Just my opinion.

[mckinna]

We've always gotten wake-up calls- never had a problem. I don't take my Blackberry, or else I would end up working and answering emails!!

 

Ditto about packing light. We've always taken way too much clothes, and I'm determined this next trip to make do with one suitcase each, plus a small carry-on. I can send things to laundry mid-week if I have to- it doesn't cost that much. Pack mix and match things- I wear capri pants on casual nights, and I take more than one top to match. No one will remember if you wear them twice. Remember- what you pack you will have to unpack, then pack and unpack again!!

 

Best think to take is a great attitude and a genuine expectation that you are going to have a great time. Don't let the small stuff interfere with your fun!

[robwhite61]

3. Try a little kindness when dealing with your fellow passengers and crew members. Just remember' date=' 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.[/quote']

 

Of all the advice I've seen on multiple forums, this has to be the best piece yet. Thank you Cruisin' Chick!

[Sarae]

I have never taken an alarm clock but when I am on a cruise I really don't keep track of time. If you do plan on doing early morning excursions, I wouldn't count on the wake up call. You will be worrying all night if you get the call and you want to relax. A cheap watch with an alarm may be a good option as well.

 

Having just returned from my cruise to Nassau, here are my golden nuggets:

 

1. pack according to your priorities. for example, if you are a picture-taking fanatic, be sure to bring your battery charger (of digitcal camera) and a few extra waterproof disposables (in case someone needs to borrow 1) but don't feel the need to bring a full length gown if you don't want to when a silky sundress will do on formal night.

 

 

 

2. Do what you want when you want! You paid a lot of money to be where you are so make the most of it. Do not let other people's agendas stand in the way of your fun. I went to that island to get some conch fritters and I let the people I was with stop me and I regret that!

 

3. eat in the dining room at least once.

 

4. stay up late and get up early. you didn't pay all that money to sleep.

 

5. try to get some sleep before you leave!

 

Try this also.

 

 

I have 2 beautiful mumu type drss that I use, started this when i had to wear a back brace

[krystalkruzer]

Come onboard with an open mind and no preconceived notions :)