Basic Rules of Cruising

[Garn]

In March, we're going on the Sun with my wife and kids, my parents and my in-laws.

 

Now, my family did a 4-day Disney cruise, with my in-laws (who has been on a cruise or two before). But my parents have never been on a cruise and it took a LOT of convincing to get my father to sign on.

 

I wanted to set their expectations appropriately (without scaring them too badly)- and so I wanted to give them a couple of "basic rules" to keep in mind. I'd love everyone's input on whether you agree, and whether there's anything else I should add. Remember, I'm just looking for a few biggies. Everyone has already agreed that we'll eat where and when I recommend, and I've picked the excursions, etc., so they don't need to worry about "best time to eat, etc"

 

1. Cruising is uncertain. While we have a planned schedule, high winds, bad weather, mechanical failures, collisions, or medical evacuations could change it. It could rain the whole time, or be cold, or steamy hot. Chances are, everything will be fine, but don't count on anything except being together.

 

2. Cruise Lines are a business. They are in this thing to make money. We're getting a fantastic deal- 7 nights, all meals, transportation and entertainment in a balcony room (with an ocean view ;) ) for under $900 a person. But, the cruise line is going to try to make a profit through pictures, drinks, bingo, knicknacks, casinos, etc. Yes, they will probably be pushing stuff all the time, and they "nickel and dime you" on some things- but for such a small initial cost, you're still getting a heck of a deal- and you don't need to buy any of it.

 

 

It seems to me that the reviews I've seen from first time cruisers who had a lousy time generally fall into these categories of "not getting it". What do you think?

[salty dingo]

I would add: "Gourmet cuisine is subjective." So many people complain about the food, expecting four-star service and stunning appearance and taste. Those folks get disappointed. Much better to temper the expectations that whatever is served will probably be pretty good and at least you don't have to prepare it or clean up after.

[cruise4kicks]

Rule #1: RELAX. It's your vacation. Leave your Type A self at home! ;)

[BabsterA]

As a single person living alone (except for furry creatures), I look forward to cruising as a gift to myself. While there may be things that don't fall into the 'perfect' category, here are some of the things that make me happy:

• I leave my cabin for breakfast and come back to a freshly made bed. At home, the covers are still tangled and there's usually a cat asleep in the warm spot I left.
  
• Speaking of breakfast, somebody - who wasn't me - shopped, put away, prepared, served, and washed the dishes from all of the groceries.
  
• It's 20 degrees here in Atlanta - while it may be rainy or windy, I can sit on my cabin balcony and watch the world slide by the railing.
  
• Monday I will have to get up at 4:45, make my coffee, feed the cats and head for work. On the Monday of my cruise, I can sleep until noon if I want to AND somebody will still make my bed and cook my breakfast. OR I can ask for someone to bring me a Bloody Mary.

I think you see the pattern here - if you arrive on your cruise and leave the dock with the knowledge that you have no responsibilities for a whole week, things are pretty good. If I start to get irritated with something that isn't going GREAT onboard, I remember what I would be doing in my 'real life' and my happy cruising attitude pops right back up.

 

Togetherness? I was supposed to be cruising with my Mom on 3/30. She passed away unexpectedly on the 19th of this month. I would give up a year of my own life to be able to take that cruise with her. So, if it rains, or if it's stifling hot, grab a deck of cards, find a table somewhere comfortable and spend a couple of hours playing bridge, gin or even FISH. Tell stories. Laugh. Enjoy. Make a memory to last forever.

 

I wish you and your family the perfect cruise, but if things go wrong, remember - today you are stuck in traffic on an overcrowded bus. Today you are not shoveling a foot of snow off the sidewalk. Today you are surrounded and by people whose roles are to do everything they can to make you happy.

 

Enjoy!

[electricron]

I would add you must be willing to share the ship and crew.

 

There aren't one servant per passenger aboard these ships. You can't monopolize them.

There aren't enough seats and tables in the restaurants to sit every passenger at once. Someone has to dine earlier, someone has to dine later.

There aren't enough deck chairs for every passenger immediately near the pools. It's impossible to have that many deck chairs immediately near the pool.

There aren't enough chairs in the show lounge for every passenger. That's why there are two shows every night.

There aren't large tender boats that can accommodate every passenger. Not everyone will be able to get into the first boat. That's why there are more than one tender boat and why they make several trips.

 

You'll have much more fun aboard a cruise ship if you're willing to share the ship and crew with others, and just go with the flow.

[riddle]

Babster - your post brought tears to my eyes. I hope I have the privilege of cruising on 4/11/08 with others with your attitude. My sympathies on the passing of your mother. Your words to appreciate what we have while we have it are the truest ever spoken.

 

I have said it before and I will say it again...we are the fortunate ones who are able to take cruises, vacations, etc. I keep reminding my husband that we need to remember on our cruise in April that everything will not be perfect all the time.

 

I was waiting for quite a while for a rental car earlier this week (while ours was in the body shop after a minor accident on Christmas Eve) and kept telling myself that I was not getting irritated because my car was not ready, that I was practicing patience for our cruise where we might have to wait in lines and just needed to "not sweat the small stuff".

 

My best advice would be just that "don't sweat the small stuff". Let problems fall off your shoulders, adopt a smile for the entire cruise, and remember we are the lucky ones!

[lel5344]

You will find virtually every imaginable sort of person on your ship. Most will be extremely polite and courteous, but some will be downright rude. Just forget about the rude ones. You'll never see them again when you're back home with your great memories.

 

The staff of a cruise shp is there to take care of you. Treat them with respect and that respect will be returned.

 

Don't feel like you have to do everything that's offered. Enjoy what you see and do and don't regret what you might have missed.

[debberannne]

Wash your hands frequently.

 

If you leave the ship on an excursion, be back before it is time to leave.:D

[Cruise_More_Often]

Rule #1: RELAX. It's your vacation. Leave your Type A self at home! ;)

This is the best "helpful hint" I've read yet!

 

I'll add to that: Leave your "Me, first" attitude at home! There are over 2,000 "Me's" on every cruise, and we can't all be first.

[troyphoto]

The Joy of Freestyle is that you don't have to dress up for dinner. Most folks follow the posted "rule" of no jeans, shorts or t shirts in the main dining room. But a few sneak in anyway like that.

 

Don't worry about it. Dress however you are comfortable (within the very basic levels) and don't sweat it if the folks at the next table aren't dressed as nice as you are.

 

You enjoy your cruise in your own style, and let everyone else enjoy their cruise in their styles.

 

:)

[TonyFred]

Find a dark spot and take time to look at the sky at night when you are at sea. It is quite remarkable. It wont be long until you see a shooting star. I feel like I can see the whole universe when I am out on the water at night. And breath the ocean air. No smog, no smoke, no dust. I feel more in touch with nature when I am cruising more so than any other place I have been.

[mousey]

I will add this: Remember, once you leave port you are not in America anymore. Respect the the culture and differences of the people in the ports you are visiting. Don't expect things to be like they are at home, and you will have a great time. Also, most of the people on your ship will be from different cultures also. Don't get nuts because they don't always understand you, or speak perfect English. After all, do you speak their language perfectly? Follow the GOLDEN RULE at all times, and all will be well.

 

I hope you and your family have a really great cruise!:D

[CanadianTwosome]

What a great thread!! Tips on how to have a pleasant and positive experience!!

 

Garn, I think your primary rules are quite encompassing of most things a cruise passenger might have to accept and deal with, so you're definitely on the right track!

 

All the other suggestions have been great also, and I think they boil down to the general ideas of relaxing and feeling happy to just be there. There were so many times on my last cruise where I just had to stop and smile as I felt the warm sun on my face. Monday through Wednesday this week it was -52 here with the windchill, so sunshine is something I appreciate a LOT!!! Even though I was having a wonderful time doing so many things, I took those moments just to make sure to enjoy something that I wouldn't see at home for another six months. Little things like sun on your face in the dead of winter can make up for a lot as far as minor inconveniences go... and aren't they pretty much all minor on a cruise? :)

 

Babster, I just wanted to add that you have my deepest condolences. Enjoy your cruise for both of you, as your mother would want you to. :)

[Seago2]

I would say that Rule #3 is: Remember that your Mom and Dad are fully functioning adults who don't need you to micromanage their cruise for them. Cruising is about the easiest vacation you can take- look at all the 90 year old ladies cruising with their 93 year old best friends! The minute you start to dictate or "explain" the rules to them is the minute you become responsible for everything that goes wrong. Let THEM find their way around the ship, navigate their Freestyle dailes, meet people, etc. Considering that it took a lot of convincing to get your Dad to sign on, I would head for the hills the moment you embark. Let him find the joys of cruising on his own.

[elruth]

I would also remind your parents to have their Dr. RX the anti motion sickness patches that you put behind your ears or to bring some OTC Bonine in case of seasickness.

[garycarla]

Some good advice about each person doing their own thing, at least part of the time. I have seen "groups" or "families" wandering about the ship and nobody knows what to do, when to stop and do something, where to eat, etc. Everybody is waiting for somebody to tell them what to do, and it takes the fun out of the cruise.

 

We recently took my Mom (80) and made it a point to tell her she was on her own some of the time, especially early in the morning. Go find breakfast on your own. Feel free to wonder the ship without us. We spent most of the meals and some other events together, but did some on our own, which made everyone happy.

[bluesea777]

I will add this: Remember, once you leave port you are not in America anymore. Respect the the culture and differences of the people in the ports you are visiting. Don't expect things to be like they are at home, and you will have a great time. Also, most of the people on your ship will be from different cultures also. Don't get nuts because they don't always understand you, or speak perfect English. After all, do you speak their language perfectly? Follow the GOLDEN RULE at all times, and all will be well.

 

Also, don't complain if their prices are high - you are NOT in America and they are THEIR prices!

[janiceah]

Wow, this is a great thread that everyone should read before going and since this is our first cruise so important.

Babster-That brought tears to my eyes also. We are going on this cruise with my DB and DSIL and both couples are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversaries this year. It is also the 8th anniversary of our Dad's passing which was in a leap year (the 29th of February) so it will be while on the cruise. Our parents had a sad divorce before they were married 30 years and both of our parents died painful deaths from cancer. My point is that we feel so fortunate to one, celebrate this milestone of our anniversaries and two, that we are all healthy at this time in our lives.

I want to make sure to be in the moment on this cruise. I know I have a hard time not saying "wow, can't wait till we go on that excursion in Barbados in a few days". I read in a book where two friends were on vacation and one said "I sure can't wait to come back here" and the other friend said "we're here now". (I'm probably killing the quote but you get my point). Enjoy every moment, life is so short.

[BabsterA]

Some good advice about each person doing their own thing, at least part of the time. I have seen "groups" or "families" wandering about the ship and nobody knows what to do, when to stop and do something, where to eat, etc. Everybody is waiting for somebody to tell them what to do, and it takes the fun out of the cruise.

 

We recently took my Mom (80) and made it a point to tell her she was on her own some of the time, especially early in the morning. Go find breakfast on your own. Feel free to wonder the ship without us. We spent most of the meals and some other events together, but did some on our own, which made everyone happy.

 

 

You've made a really good point - everyone needs/wants 'me' time, I think. Something that might help, too, is the two way radios (walkie talkies) I've read about from other boards. I'm actually checking into them for the curise with my son and his girlfriend. They can be a little 'time challenged' and it would be nice to be able to 'call' them to find out where they are.

 

We don't want to use our cellphones and risk running up HIGH bills. Does anyone have any suggestions about what radios/walkie talkies to buy?

 

To everyone who has sent condolences and prayers, thank you so much. These are sad days, but your thoughts bring comfort. I particularly liked the posting about looking up at the stars - I know that one of them will be shining down just for me, my son, and his girlfriend.

[katier825]

Nice to see such a positive thread!

 

BabsterA - on our last cruise (Princess) we couldn't get the walkie talkies to work right ~ hearing other people's conversations, etc. Ended up not using them. They were good ones that hubby brought from work. All it did was take up space. We won't bring them this trip. Not sure if people have better luck with them on NCL. If they rent them on the ship, maybe they are configured better.

 

It helps to have a "plan B"...meaning we had a favorite spot

(Pizza place :) ) that we always checked when looking for each other.

[gemsm]

I just read each and every one of your posts and I was quickly reminded why I like to cruise and how lucky I am to be able to.

 

My #1 cruise rule...Have fun, relax, be yourself, and enjoy.

[hawaiilvr]

Here's one

 

Try some food you've never tried, or would every try at home. If you don't like it, you can get something else. Be adventurous in dining. You never know if you like curried butternut squash soup if you don't try it.

[Garn]

Thank you all for your feedback- some great information.

 

Babster, I'm so sorry for your loss. It must be so hard for you.

 

carlalena1, point taken about not taking responsibility for everyone, and that's one of the reasons I loved the idea of taking them all on a cruise. It's a great way to be "together apart", where everyone gets to do what they want without making it hard on the others who aren't interested.

 

On the othen hand, we didn't want to spend from 4:30-7 PM every night trying to decide where to eat, checking on reservations, etc. That's the one area where Freesytle with a group can be harder. Of course everyone will be free to do what they want, but if we have the expectation that the "group meal" will be at 6:00 in the Seven Seas, then there won't be hard feelings if we don't do what "they" chose. (Besides, having read WAY too many posts here, I am most certainly the expert of the group, with a lot of insight about where and what to eat- the others are happy to take my advice).

 

Fortunately, a lot of the "don't be a jerk" rules don't apply to my party- they tend to be considerate and thoughtful- just not sure of what to expect.

 

I guess the only real rule is this- if you choose to have a great time, you will- if you choose to be unhappy, you can do that too.

 

Thanks everyone.

[Stillfloatin']

I read in a book where two friends were on vacation and one said "I sure can't wait to come back here" and the other friend said "we're here now". (I'm probably killing the quote but you get my point). Enjoy every moment, life is so short.

 

I've made a vow to live "island style" on all my cruises. In other words, "I jus be in a cool, mon, no worries." :D :D

[Jeanne S]

In March, we're going on the Sun with my wife and kids, my parents and my in-laws.

 

Now, my family did a 4-day Disney cruise, with my in-laws (who has been on a cruise or two before). But my parents have never been on a cruise and it took a LOT of convincing to get my father to sign on.

 

I wanted to set their expectations appropriately (without scaring them too badly)- and so I wanted to give them a couple of "basic rules" to keep in mind. I'd love everyone's input on whether you agree, and whether there's anything else I should add. Remember, I'm just looking for a few biggies. Everyone has already agreed that we'll eat where and when I recommend, and I've picked the excursions, etc., so they don't need to worry about "best time to eat, etc"

 

1. Cruising is uncertain. While we have a planned schedule, high winds, bad weather, mechanical failures, collisions, or medical evacuations could change it. It could rain the whole time, or be cold, or steamy hot. Chances are, everything will be fine, but don't count on anything except being together.

 

2. Cruise Lines are a business. They are in this thing to make money. We're getting a fantastic deal- 7 nights, all meals, transportation and entertainment in a balcony room (with an ocean view ;) ) for under $900 a person. But, the cruise line is going to try to make a profit through pictures, drinks, bingo, knicknacks, casinos, etc. Yes, they will probably be pushing stuff all the time, and they "nickel and dime you" on some things- but for such a small initial cost, you're still getting a heck of a deal- and you don't need to buy any of it.

 

 

It seems to me that the reviews I've seen from first time cruisers who had a lousy time generally fall into these categories of "not getting it". What do you think?

 

 

We went on the Dawn in 2005 the cruise immediately after the "rouge wave" hit it portside. Yes our cruise was shortened to 6 days (the ship needed repairs in Charleston) but we had a wonderful time. I met someone via CC (Suseanjean) who is a CIA trained chef and she thought the food was great. - as we all did. NCL made the lost day up to us and Cruise Director Klaus and his staff treated us like royalty.

 

 

Have been on the Dawn twice and the former NCL Crown 3 times. Twice was with my parents (now in their 80's) who are not fazed by the Nickel and Diming - they just don't spend anything. Have also been on Radisson three times, whereby everthing is inculded, but you pay for this. Have been on many of the cruise lines (Cunard, Celebrity, HAL, Carnival, Windjammer, Costa, RCCL), but I must say that my entire family loves NCL. Every cruise has been memorable and we meet the nicest people who become friends (staff and voyagers).

 

We had a hard time getting Dad to sail with us back in 2002 (we took the Carnival Trimumph to Canada) as he had had some bad memories of being on a transport ship in the South Pacific during WW2 and was caught in a Typhoon. But he loved it. And he loved even more later cruises on NCL. We had a family cruise on the Dawn and also the Crown and my Dad thinks no one runs a better cruise line than NCL and I would have to agree.

 

I know you have a great cruise on the Sun! Family cruises are the best! I have never been on the Sun but I know you'll have that wonderful NCL care and service. What is nice about NCL is that you can basically eat whenever you want to, which is not the case on most ships. On Carnival we had to eat at 5:45 (wh had a toddler and needed to take early dining). On Celebrity, we had to dine every night at 8:30 (It was that or 6pm).

 

I can tell you that we have loved every sailing/cruise we have been on. If someone finds something lacking - send a letter to the hotel director (via the reception desk) - or ask to meet with him/her. If one complains nicely while on board, I have found the staff goes out of their way to make ammends.

 

How old are your parents? Its sounds like you have planned everything well. They should love crusing! When crusing with Mom and Dad on NCL we wound up going to the Seven Seas (the Crown) or the Venetian (the Dawn) at 5:30 when it opened for dinner as this is what Dad preferrerd (no lines). But that was fine - we just got back from the beach a little earlier in order to shower and be ready for dinner.