We need your help.......

[Momof2Boys]

My husband and I are going on our 1st cruise in October and we are very excited. But we have soooo much to think about and consider (i.e. proper dress attire, tipping, excursions, what to pack, etc...)

 

Can anyone help us with a few questions:

 

1) We are going on to the Eastern Carribbean, does anyone know of any GREAT excursions that we should looking into taking?

 

2) Is it a good idea to buy drink coupons ahead of time? (for me, DH doesn't drink)

 

3) My husband is very concerned about having to be dressed up for dinner. Is a tie required on formal nights and in the emerald room? And does everyone stay dressed up all night, or can he change after dinner?

 

4) This might be a stupid question but... Is it chilly at night? Do we need to pack jackets?

 

5) My husband doesn't drink alcohol. He is planning on getting a soda card. Is it worth it? Is there are charge for soda in the dining room? If it is, does the soda card cover that? We don't mind paying, we just don't know what to expect.

 

5) We are hoping to bring some bottle water and some drinks for the room. What is the best way to get it on the ship? Should we pack it in our luggage or in a cooler?

 

6) Also, we have a balcony room. Is there anything that we need to know to bring/pack that would make our trip better? I saw that someone suggested bringing a bungee cord for the door and an alarm clock. Does anyone else have anymore suggestions for us? I am starting to get my list finalized.

 

Thank you so much in advance for your help.

 

Tracy

[staylor]

Here are a few answers:

 

1. Please tell what ship or ports you will be going to.

 

2. Don't know this one

 

3. Definately yes to a tie on formal night. We change after dinner on most nights.

 

4. I take a light sweater and a sweatshirt. You never know about the weather.

 

5. Soda card wasn't worth it for us. We take a 6 pack of bottles with us, just to get our Coke fix. We are fine with tea and lemonade.

 

6.We pack it in our luggage.

 

7. An important item for us is our backpacks. We use it as our carry on on the plane then use it for all of our excursions. I have the one with the water bottle holder on the outside (LLBean). It is nice. We use it to lug our snorkel gear around and there is plenty of room if we stop to shop after the excursion for our purchases. I have lugged a duffel around for years...let me tell you...there is NO comparison. Much easier!

 

P.S. you have 5 listed twice.

[jerrymac]

If you are going to St Thomas I strongly recommend Godfrey Tours, $20 per person go to his website and book he is the best!

 

Not a great benefit to buy drink coupons!

 

There are two formal nights, but husvand could get away with sport coat!

 

It iss chilly at night!

 

Soda card is a good idea!

 

Tracy you might want to smuggle some booze in your luggage to cut your cost!

[judyf]

My husband and I are going on our 1st cruise in October and we are very excited. But we have soooo much to think about and consider (i.e. proper dress attire, tipping, excursions, what to pack, etc...)

 

Can anyone help us with a few questions:

 

1) We are going on to the Eastern Carribbean, does anyone know of any GREAT excursions that we should looking into taking?

 

If going to ST. Thomas the Godfrey Tour was great! Check out the port section!

 

2) Is it a good idea to buy drink coupons ahead of time? (for me, DH doesn't drink)

 

Yes, it was for me I got I think $40.00 worth. It helps pay in advance and not such a high S & S invoice.

 

3) My husband is very concerned about having to be dressed up for dinner. Is a tie required on formal nights and in the emerald room? And does everyone stay dressed up all night, or can he change after dinner?

 

Can't help much I go with just 2 women but I've seen and been at the table with gentleman with just a jacket no tie.

 

4) This might be a stupid question but... Is it chilly at night? Do we need to pack jackets?

 

Sometimes I always pack a sweatshirt or ligh jacket. The AC can get chilly too.

 

5) My husband doesn't drink alcohol. He is planning on getting a soda card. Is it worth it? Is there are charge for soda in the dining room? If it is, does the soda card cover that? We don't mind paying, we just don't know what to expect.

 

You have to figure this one out. Find out how much each soda is and then how much the card is each cruise line and ship is a little different depends on # of days. Then we figure how many my Mom would need to drink each day to make the card break even and for her it pays to get a soda card. She drinks more soda on a cruise then at home.

 

5) We are hoping to bring some bottle water and some drinks for the room. What is the best way to get it on the ship? Should we pack it in our luggage or in a cooler?

 

I pack in my check bag.

 

6) Also, we have a balcony room. Is there anything that we need to know to bring/pack that would make our trip better? I saw that someone suggested bringing a bungee cord for the door and an alarm clock. Does anyone else have anymore suggestions for us? I am starting to get my list finalized.

 

I get an inside and I bring a alarm clock with a light button I need to know what time it is when I wake up in the middle of the night. I like a over the door shoe holder. Ziplock bags all sizes for almost anything these are great. I use one for my camcorded and digital camera so they don't get wet, wet cloths, food, I'm not a big over packer as some of the lists would have you do but these few things I can't cruise without.

 

Thank you so much in advance for your help.

 

Tracy

 

Hope this helps some. And don't forget to bag a foldable bag at the bottom of the suitcase to bring stuff back. I started this on my second cruise bought one on the first.

 

I couldn't figure out how to change the type to look different sorry it's hard to read!

[south bay cruiser]

DW and I just got back from the pride..

checked in a large rolling cooler with 1 case of diet soda and 1case of bottled water... no ice..

once on board have your room steward fill with ice...

 

on formal night, myself and other s did not wear a tie,

so it is not required, a nice shirt and kakkies are fine,so is a sportcoat/no tie..

 

 

optional to pack

 

a nightlite

duct tape

downey wrinkle release

powerstrip/ext cord

[staylor]

On formal night? You can't be serious.

[stripes]

was a time to "dress up" ... I would think a tie would be in order. And Kahkis ... I don't consider them "formal" either

[sha308]

The tie thing is a personal choice I would think on the Celebration in march saw lots of younger men (i had one with me)with a shirt and jacket to match with lighter pants didn't bother me in the least I wasn't looking at them any way was there to eat and enjoy the good time if someone had gone in in a bathrobe I wouldn't have cared. It's your cruise do your thing.Have a great time and don't spend your time trying to fit in you will be miserable

[herb]

1. Not quite sure where you're going in E. Caribbean so can't help you there.

2. Don't bother with drink coupons. Unless you're a serious drinker!! :D

3. Formal nights...dress as if you were invited to an evening wedding reception. We change after dinner, but that's a whole 'nother thread.

4. Some parts of the ship might have the a/c on a bit high but it sure feels good when you come in from the heat and humidity.

5. I believe the soda cards entitle you to get soda in a cup. Some soda fanatics don't like that, they want the can.

6. If you don't want them to notice that you've "smuggled" soda etc. onboard put it in your luggage and pray it doesn't open.

7. alarm clock, extra bag for all the goodies you'll buy on your cruise, bag for dirty laundry, lots of $$ and credit cards :D

 

enjoy your cruise

[south bay cruiser]

many cruisers believe Formal Night a jacket and tie ARE required........:confused:

 

NOT....it is suggested...:eek:

 

 

many gentlemen wear nice comfortable clothing....it is Their discretion

 

 

next cruise take a look around, and you will see many styles and levels of Formal

 

Now jeans are taboo on formal nights......but to each their own..

 

On the Pride, the "Upper Class Premium Supper Club" a jacket was

Required...

 

SBC

[Bunkie103]

Please Note: MANY men also wear a tux on Formal Night....so figure out for yourself what "suggested" means.

 

I also bring a thermal mug, so I can get my coffee and sit out on the deck early in the a.m. when it is quiet.

 

I bring a large manila envelope with a piece of cardboard inside so my purchased photos don't get bent.

 

There is a machine on the ship where you can buy soda. Wouldn't buy drink coupons again...no real benefit for us.

[staylor]

Bunkie- How much is a soda from the machine?

 

You aren't the Bunkie from Big Brother are you? I loved that guy!!!

[Bunkie103]

Sorry I don't remember how much the sodas were for sure...maybe $1.50. They will allow you to take a small amount on in your carry-on and depending on your ports you can replenish your supply there.

 

Nope, I'm just my DH's Bunkie!

[Momof2Boys]

Sorry, I left out some important information. We will be sailing on the Glory on October 16th. We will be going to St.Thomas, St. Maarten, and Nassua.

 

Thank you JerryMac and JudyF for your suggestion. We will definitely have to check out Godfrey Tours in St. Thomas.

 

Also, thanks to everyone for their help on our questions. The more information that we have before we leave --the better.

 

Like I said before, we are very excited!!!!

 

Thanks again,

Tracy

[judithdh1]

My husband and I are going on our 1st cruise in October and we are very excited. But we have soooo much to think about and consider (i.e. proper dress attire, tipping, excursions, what to pack, etc...)

 

OUR FIRST CRUISE WAS LAST MARCH.....

 

1) (EXCURISIONS)...WE JUST DID EVERYTHING ON OUR OWN, I FELT IT WAS MUCH MORE FUN.

 

2) (DRINK COUPON)...MAYBE IF YOU ARE A HEAVY DRINKING IF NOT THE SPECIAL PRICED DRINK OF THE DAYS ARE A GREAT CHOOSE. THE FIRST DAY BUY ONE IN THE SPECIAL TAKE HOME GLASS AND THEN TAKE THE GLASS WITH YOU AND THEY WILL CONTINUE TO FILL IT AT THE SPECIAL PRICE.

 

3) (FORMAL NIGHT)...MY HUSBAND JUST WORE NICE DRESS PANTS AND A NICE POLO SHIRT.

 

4) (JACKET)...UP ON DECK AT NIGHT IT DOES GET A LITTLE CHILLY WITH THE BREEZE AND NIGHT AIR, CASINO GETS A LITTLE CHILLY, SHOW LOUNGE IS ALWAYS COLD. I WOULD PACK ONE AND KEEP IT WITH YOU AT NIGHT.

 

5) (DRINKS)...WE ARE BIG SODA FANS ALSO, BUT FOUND THE TEA AND FRUIT PUNCH AND LEMONDADES TO SURFICE JUST GREAT. I DID GET A COKE IN THE DINING ROOM A FEW TIMES AND FOR A 1.75 FOR A SMALL GLASS WAS JUST NOT WORTH IT. IN THE MACHINE IT WAS 2.00.

 

5) (BRINGING DRINKS ONBOARD)...BOTTLED WATER AND SODA'S CAN BE JUST CARRIED ON. WHEN WE STOPPED IN SAN JUAN, WE GOT OFF THE SHIP LONG ENOUGH TO FIND A GORCERY STORE AND WE BOUGHT A 12 PACK OF POP JUST FOR OUR SODA FIX. WE CARRIED IT BACK AND GOT ON SHIP WITH NO PROBLEM. ASK YOU ROOM STEWARD TO KEEP ICE IN YOUR ROOM FOR YOU.

 

6) (BALCONY AND SUGGESTIONS)...DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE BALCONY THINGY CAUSE WE HAD INSIDE CABIN. BUT MY SUGESTIONS IS TO GO WITH AN OPEN MIND THAT YOU ARE ON VACATION SO WHATEVER HAPPENS IS AN ADVENTURE AND HAVE A GOOD TIME.

 

ENJOY YOUR FIRST CRUISE, I CAN NOT WAIT FOR OUR NEXT ONE

 

JUDI HENSLEY

[hstrybuf]

Congratulations on taking your first cruise! :)

 

1. On St. Maarten try the Golden Eagle Catamaran. I liked it so much I've done it twice and friends have done it three times.

 

3. Formal night is what you make it. Personally, I define that as a suit with tie or tux for men. DH usually changes after dinner because he's more comfortable without the formal clothes.

 

4. I've found that the Caribbean is usually warm and humid, but if the wind kicks up at night you might need a light jacket. Also the public rooms can be chilly so a shawl or pashmina works nicely for the ladies.

 

6. You're going to be spoiled by having a balcony! Enjoy it! Some people like to keep the door of their cabin open with a bungee cord. I prefer not to as it lets in the heat and humidity and may affect the AC in cabins not my own.

 

Have a great cruise! :)

[madelinerose]

Congrats! Our first is on Oct. 24!

 

IMHO, I think the cruiselines should totally eliminate "formal" night. Why call it "formal" night, if the attire is polos and "dress" pants/khakis for men? My DH will wear a black suit, tie, dress shoes, etc.

 

A case of water and soda? I had no idea they would let you board with all of that. Personally, I would never schlep all that stuff and we're driving to the port (15 minutes away) - maybe 1 or 2 bottles of water.

 

We don't do excursions. Too planned for us. We go on our own like the other poster. Just do your research first, find out what the excursions are and go yourself. We wouldn't want to spend 4 hours doing something that we may tire of after an hour. We like to create our own adventures.

 

We're also taking a small backpack (for DH to carry, of course ;) ).

 

I've read that there's only 1 electrical outlet in the cabin other than the 1 in the bathroom that the hairdryer is connected to. If you need to charge your cell phone or use a curling iron, etc., we're taking a power strip.

 

Have a great time. :)

[Momof2Boys]

DW and I just got back from the pride..

checked in a large rolling cooler with 1 case of diet soda and 1case of bottled water... no ice..

once on board have your room steward fill with ice...

 

on formal night, myself and other s did not wear a tie,

so it is not required, a nice shirt and kakkies are fine,so is a sportcoat/no tie..

 

 

optional to pack

 

a nightlite

duct tape

downey wrinkle release

powerstrip/ext cord

 

 

 

South Bay Cruiser,

Great Idea!! I never thought of bringing a rolling cooler on board. thanks..

 

If my DH could just wear a jacket, slacks, and nice shirt (NO tie), I think that I could get him to start looking forward to this vacation. He is dreading having to "Dress Up" on VACATION (personally, I am looking forward to it).

 

Okay, I understand all but one on your optional pack suggestion list...... Is duct tape needed on a cruise????

 

thanks again for all of your suggestions.. My "to do/to get list" in order to get ready for our trip is getting bigger and bigger. It is making this vacation ==> A REALITY!!!!! :) YaHOOOOOOOO!!! 2 1/2 more weeks to go!!! :cool:

 

thanks again,

Tracy

[south bay cruiser]

duct tape is cheap insurance..

 

our tablemates luggage got banged up when taken to his stateroom

one hinge/clasp was broken off.:(

 

at the end of the cruise, they filled it up and duct tape it closed..

 

there are other Threads with duct tape uses...do a search

 

I second a Backpack for the ports of call

[L2J]

checked in a large rolling cooler with 1 case of diet soda and 1case of bottled water... no ice..

 

on formal night, myself and other s did not wear a tie,

so it is not required, a nice shirt and kakkies are fine,so is a sportcoat/no tie..

 

What is this - the Clampetts go a cruisin'?

 

CCL does not say "required", they say "suggested". If my HOST (which CCL is your host for the time onboard) suggested that I wear a suit, I would take that as meaning "the required dress is.....".

[tef43]

To quote Carnival:

 

Depending on the length of the cruise, either formal dress or casual resort wear is required in the Dining Room. The dress requirement for children is the same. For those not wanting to dress up, the Lido restaurants are open nightly (with the exception of the last evening of the cruise), and have a casual dress code. Formal Wear: tuxedo (optional); suit and tie; sport coat, tie and slacks; evening gown; cocktail dress; pantsuit Casual Resort Wear: sport shirts and slacks; dresses; skirts; pantsuit NOTE: Shorts, t-shirts and bathing attire are not permitted in the Dining Room during dinner.

[GoinCruisin]

It is also "suggested" that you don't play on the railing... but feel free to do that as well :p

 

It's called formal night... not casual night, not jimmy buffett night... By calling it FORMAL NIGHT, you would THINK they would not have to say anymore... :rolleyes:

[TakeMeAway1001]

Hi Mom, I posted a message to you last week and invited you to join us (we are also going on the Glory Oct 16th) on the Carnival Roll Call board. I think the title of the thread is Glory Reunion Cruise.

We are doing the Godfrey Tour, booked it last year and really looking forward to it. Join us if you can on the other board :)

[TakeMeAway1001]

Oops, apparently my head is elsewhere, my cruise is Oct 30th and my wedding is Oct 16th. Thanks Krooze for pointing that out :)

[Cruisin'Susan]

Just wanted to add... The Godfrey tour is awesome. Cant beat it! Thats in St. Thomas. Bring a big collapsable cooler with wheels, fill it with drinks and check it with the porters. Thats what I do. The only time I get chilly is sitting in the shows with my Miami Vice. You really need to try one of those. Its a daquari, Its pina colada on one side and strawberry on the other...OHH it is good! You will have lots of ppl ask...what is that it looks good! You will have lots of fun. I have a shopping tip for ya. When u get to St. Maarten, you will most likely get on the water taxi. Get off on the first stop. Alot of ppl go all the way into town, and miss the shops with the BEST prices! These shops will be so happy to see you and will give you ALOT better deals!!! In st Maarten, we uses the beach at Great Bay. They have all kinds of water thingys to do, and they really take care of you there. Plus you are close to shopping and you can see the cruise ships. Its awfully beautiful! StThomas, we did Godfreys awesome tour then he dropped us at Coki Beach. That place is cool. You can snorkle right off the beach and rent snorkle equipment from them. Dont forget to try the Mango Daquari they offer you on the beach. It is the best!!! One last thing i like to do. I pack beach bags with towels from home and sunscreen and stuff so I can just grab a bag and not have to worry I got everything. I pack one beach bag for each day at the beach. Also, at Coki Beach when we snorkled. I brought a mask and stuff for my lil 5 yr old and packed it in the beach bag and I also brought some water wings. My daughter can swim but she enjoyed being able to float and look at the beautiful fish under the water. When u rent snorkle equip. they give you a BIG dog biscuit to feed the fish with and they will be all over you wanting some of it. Its awesome!!

 

Have a great time.

 

Susan