Long cruise - Anything to be aware of?

[kamfan]

Hi, my wife and I have booked our second cruise and it is a 19 day cruise (repositioning from Seattle to Miami on the Pearl in September), compared to the 7 day Alaska cruise which was our first try. What I have been looking for is what are the differences to be expected on a cruise this long. The cabins are relatively small (we have booked a BB balconey), do you get concerned about taking enough clothes for that long of a cruise? Do you look differently at what you are packing (more extras, like books, games etc)? The optional formal nights, how many? Do people find that with a cruise that long that they pace themselves with regards to drink and excursions more than they would otherwise on a short cruise? Does the entertainment get stale after that long, or do they bring in new acts. On the Pearl I don't think I am concerned about getting bored or cabin fever, or anything like that, but I am curious if anyone has any direct comparisons between a short cruise and a long cruise. I am just trying to get an idea of what other people have discovered about cruising for a bit longer and to see if anyone has any suggestions as to what to keep in mind. I tried searching here and on the internet, but could not really find anything that helped out. Thanks in advance for any help that anyone is able to offer.

 

Shawn

[garycarla]

We have done long and short, and about to take the opposite of yours, going from Miami to Seattle, for 19 days on April 13th. You might want to visit the roll call from our cruise when it ends on May 2nd. See the link in my signature. Assume you have found the roll call for your cruise.

 

Some people do things different, but we find that we do less excursions. We do read more, and just take it easy. Take a few books, and look for some in the ships library. The food did get a bit old on our two week Med to Miami cruise, but we were okay. Did laundry half way through. Much of your pants and shirts can survive multiple wearings since you are not really out and about much. There will be more of the optional formal nights, but we cut back on how formal. We did not pace the drinks too much - just check our bar bill. Having that many nights in the casino can get expensive though, and the full days at sea.

There are not that many cruises over ten days, so it is hard to find much information. Under ship reviews you might find some. Look for Transatlantic or Repositioning cruises.

 

The Jade is in the midst of multiple long cruises right now.

[mbisson]

Hi GaryCarla-I'm waiting for the repo cruises to start booking for next year and hope that exact cruise you're going on comes up again (I've already got my PCC watching as well). The wife & I are interested so I look forward to seeing your experiences/opinion of it.

 

(btw-I've been lurking on a roll call for your sailing for a while) Looks like you put a lot of work into your page. I'll have to spend some time there-thanx

[lil buddy]

Kamfan

we will be on this same cruise and can't wait. Our only other experience with a longer cruise was doing a 12 nite. I was nervous about this long on a ship but OH was I wrong. We loved every minute and would much prefer longer cruises to the 7day ones. You will have much more time to really enjoy the ship and see every part of it and hopefully partake in food and drink from all venues and then have the time to repeat the ones you like best.

Sea days make for awesome, lazy, hang out in the room...induldge in room service, nap etc.:D

As for clothes, being NCL, it's not necessary to bring dressy clothes ( unless of course you choose to )...just have to get comfortable with wearing outfits more than once, which for me might be hard.

I think it will be a great experience.

See you in Sept

[snorklinbarb]

Lucky you! You will be one of the few people who will get to sample the full max of NCL's menus. I don't know how they handle it after 14-16 days though and whether at that point you might get a repeat or two?

 

Use the ship's library. By the time you sail they will have converted to a self-serve "honor" system with coffee and such out for your enjoyment.

 

There are a few self-service laundries onboard which would come in handy. Either take your own detergent along or buy it for $1 onboard.

 

Yes, they will bring on more entertainers, sometimes switching them out at a particular port, but I don't think any ship has more than 3 full production shows. I don't know how they'll space them out for you.

 

You will have a chance to sample all the restaurants, so if you're interested, budget that into your plan. I've tried them all on the Pearl and they are just wonderful.

 

On the 9 night GemTA as well as the 10 night Caribbean cruise, there were 2 "Dress up or not" nights. You will obviously have more. If you're the type to dress up, just throw in something slinky that folds up and packs into a ball. Or a pr of black slacks and a couple of sparkly tops. Some guys take a jacket along but you don't have to lug the formal wear unless you choose to. Resort casual is always acceptable everywhere.

 

On the TA one of the couples took "Sequence" along and we enjoyed playing. On other long cruises I've learned how to play dominoes, so sometimes people take them along (the ship's set only goes up to a low number). You will find checkers, cards, monopoly and a few others onboard, so take your own if you have another favorite.

 

On the TA there was a group of CC'ers who met several afternoons to play games.

 

It's also a lot of fun to plan a few activities with your roll call such as teppanyaki dinner, a bowling tournament, trivia groups, Italian dinner (or DR), martini or margarita clinic (on the Gem they did a private one for the CC'ers). Don't miss your Meet & Greet so that you can see some new friends around the ship.

 

Lots of time for R & R. Enjoy!:D

[trianon4]

My wife and I have done two 30-day cruises and are booked on the Jewel for another this Spring. Over time we have compiled a list of things to bring with us that I thought might be usefull to you. Note the importance of medicines (over and above the ones we normally take) because ships doctors are very expensive so self treat makes sense. The need for some items may not be obvious (i.e. Lamasil - if you use the pools and saunas) but this list is based upon our experience. Pick and choose what makes sense to you.

THINGS TO BRING ON A LONG CRUISE

1$ Bills (4 per day) – For extra tips (i.e. Room Service, porters)

 

Electric

Night Light (2) 110V&220V

Euro Plug Converter

Small Flashlight

Power Strip

Electric Extension Cord

NIMH Recharger & Spare Bat

CD/MP3 Player w spkrs

Headphone Extension Cord

Reading Light

Lap Top w Blank CD’s

 

Clothing

Hat/Sun Visor

Light Wind Break w Hood

Stockings

Shoe Horn

Shorts

Rain Coat

Bathing Suit & Cover

Beach/Water Shoes

Sunscreen

 

Medicine

Sleeping Pills

Antihistamine (Benadryl, Chlortrimetron)

Moisturizing Cream

Prescription Medicine (Hydrocortisone, Predisone, Antibiotic,Motion Sickness Patches, Bee Sting Kit, Hydrocodine)

Calamine Lotion

Neosporin / Bacitracin

Laxative

Diarrhea Pills

Metamucil

Lamisil Foot Cream

 

Misc

Sunglasses

Hair Pins/Rubber Bands

Umbrella

Clothes Pins

Clothes Line (15 ft)

Extra Clothes Hangers

Detergent

Sewing Kit

Scissors/Tweezers

Alarm Clock (Battery)

Cheap Watch w new battery

Yellow stick-um pad for notes

Binoculars

Camera w Accessories

Leatherman Tool

[snorklinbarb]

Interesting list.

 

OK, I'll bite. What's a "Leatherman tool?":eek:

[flashdog_1]

On a longer cruise you start feeling that the ship is home because you know your way around. you know how on a 7 nighter you say at the end, "I wish I'd had time to ....." Well, now you have time to. There's more time to take photos of every part of the ship they'll let you get into or onto, also.

 

There were more lectures (guest speakers) and movies in the theater. If that's not your cup of tea then you will know what you do like to do, and do it.

 

There is more time on board with more sea days so you get to "hang out" at any of the music venues without feeling you had to "do" so many shows or not. Just more relaxed.

 

Yes, there will be repeats, of food and some acts (actually may be a different act, but the same performers) but at least you'll get to try something on a menu you did not try first time that menu was handed out!

 

There is time for a midweek laundry, whether self or theirs. To save space in the suitcases, bring coordinating clothes so you can get a new outfit by recycling. If you are flying, just weigh those suitcases before you go so that you don't get surprised with a surcharge.

[trianon4]

Letherman tool is a combination of many – pliers, knife, screwdriver, can opener, saw, punch, etc. Good ones cost about $40.00 cheap ones about $10. They are about 4 in ling and ¾ in wide. Make certain you put it in your checked luggage because of the knife.

[retired rascal]

more 'leisure' time; more time to just 'hang out'---sitting on your balcony, taking a nap, reading, listening to MP3's [even old people now have ipods], etc. we found that on a 15 day were were glad we: bought internet packages; 'joined' the spa as it is a wonderful soothing beautiful places to spend time; brought books and went to the library; brought our own music; and most important, love to spend time together. i loved the packing list and concur with all the items. would add: ask your physician for both prescription anti-nausea meds if you get noro or similar virus AS WELL AS prescription anti-diarrheal. take neither for the first 24 hours. also ask for antibiotic for 'traveler's diarrhea' which is different. then you'll be covered for unpleasant contingencies. also a first aid kit....bandaids and triple antibiotic. :) you are soooo lucky. i wish i were going too.

[kamfan]

Thank you all for the quick and relevant respones. There are some great responses and exactly what I was hoping to glean from such informative people.

 

lilbuddy - I noticed you were in the roll call, I look forward to seeing you around.

 

trianon4 - your list looks very similar to the one that I put together for our last cruise.

 

garycarla - thanks for mentioning the roll calls and other information. I was already lurking on your roll call with full intention of staying until you get back and have hoped the forum would provide some valuable insight. We have already joined our own roll call and have every belief that it will a good one.

 

For those of you that mentioned the dressup nights, definately not for us, one of the major reasons we have choosen NCL. I am in a suit and tie every day as an accountant and really look forward to being able to keep those at home. No plans to even bring anything more dressy than resort casual.

 

For those others I have not mentioned, thank you. And keep the good information coming for us and others that may benefit from your experience.

 

Shawn