Tips for my mom-1st time (freaked out) cruiser

[melc0305]

Hello all,

 

My mom and dad are taking their 1st cruise next month. She is 66 and not very computer savvy. They are travelling with a group of seniors so it's not like they are on their own, but they still feel a little overwhelmed and unprepared.

 

I have only taken one cruise with Disney (loved it!). I've given her the tips I could think of. Any great tips you can share? Anything specific to HAL? Thanks!

[Frick_&_Frack]

Hi Melc -

 

My parents (until just this past year) only cruised on HAL and were terrified about "looking stupid" the first time they cruised (about 10 years ago) and they cruised alone.

 

My Mom is....shall we say..."directionally challenged" (she could get lost in her own house some days :D). I told them, before they boarded, just find out where the pool/lido food is and where the "purser's desk" (atrium) is and then they will know how to find other things (like their cabin, dining room) and if they got lost, they always went to find the pool, got re-oriented and then went about their way. They still use this tip to this very day (they are older than your parents).

 

Also, remind them of the "lips" in the flooring where fire doors are, bathroom doorways/shower stalls and *always* discuss the toilet flushing...:eek::D

[CowPrincess]

What ship are they on, and what itinerary?

 

On HAL, room service is free. (Nice to tip the delivery person, $2 for a light tray, more for heavier) Room service is available 24 hours.

 

In the cabin they'll find a folder type of thing with ship info. There's a small map of the ship -- it it GREAT for figuring out where you are and where to go

 

The bath products provided are free of charge. The bottled water and pop are items they WILL be charged for if they use them.

 

The phone has a clock (digital readout) :)

 

If she doesn't like a dish she is served in the dining room, she can request something else.

 

..... and extra veggies, or gravy, or whatever

 

(trying to think of the things that MY mother would have wanted to know :) )

 

Tell her to be AT her muster station for muster drill BEFORE the time it says (I started, on my first cruise, to go at the time it said, and found out that NO, NO, NO I should have BEEN there at that time) (several po'd people on that one :))

 

She can purchase a wine card, if she drinks wine, at a cost of 10 glasses for around $44 including gratuity. It's a good value if she doesn't mind "house wine"

 

Check the bible in the cabin -- often, previous travellers leave things for the next occupant(s) of the cabin -- a couple of punches on a coffee card, a few stamps, or similar.

[margretha]

Hey, I'm 66, have been a number of cruises and still get lost every time we go

on a new ship. The nice thing about HAL is that it is such a civilized and graceful line that even if you are hanging around the elevators trying to find an elevator no one laughs at you.

And remind that that on every floor there are several maps of the ship with a big YOU ARE HERE arrow so you can find things.

And when you check in at the pier you get a small folded version of the ship's layout which I find to be absolutely useful. On some first cruises I didn't realize what it was and left it in the room. Then I saw everyone using them.

And as someone said earlier once you find the Lido Deck and the dining room and the theater you can practically navigate blindfolded.

Thankfully too not only is HAL civilized but their ships are not the huge massive behemoths with malls down the middle and ice rinks and climbing walls and stuff like that. We love that there are so many nooks and crannies where you can sit and watch the world or the water go by. They have great libraries too.

Everyone - well, mayb 80%? - are disoriented on a new ship for the first day or so and then it starts making sense.

They will have a great time!!!

If your mother has any specific questions just post them here and we'll answer them for her. Oh - one more thing: don't overpack. I still do and so does everyone I know but I thought I'd throw that in for what it is worth.

margretha:cool:

[Starr Mtn]

Perhaps their TA can mail them several of those small,

fold-out ship maps ahead of time. It would give

her time at her leisure to check out various locations.

 

She should bring one or two highlight pens also.

One to highlight things of interest in the daily

program.

 

Another to highlight the location on a ship map.

 

And she can always get extra ship maps at the

Front Desk.

 

Just enjoy the cruise - best advice ! Everyone

is a first timer at one time ! ! !

[lazey1]

Have mom and dad together talk with their travel agent in person if they have one. If not, suggest they go into the nearest well established travel agency and discuss the cruise. (Even if this agency didn't book the cruise they should answer any questions in hopes of getting future business.)..Get all of the cruise brochures that apply for them to read at their leisure. Whatever they would wear out to a very nice dinner or wedding etc will be fine for formal night, or mom can wear black silk pants with a beaded top. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy. P.S. I am 67 so if mom wants to ask me any questions I will be glad to answer. Jane

[mamaofami]

Food is toward the aft (back of the ship). Entertainment is towards the bow (front). It would help to know which ship they will be on.

 

I used to download the deckplans or at least look at them on line to make myself familiar with each ship. Can you do that for them?

[Aunty Pat]

Don’t over pack. There are self service laundries on the older HAL ships and laundry by the bag on all HAL ships. You can stuff the bags full and for a fixed priced everything will be washed, ironed, put on hangers or gift wrapped in tissue paper and a gold seal in a wicker basket when it is returned to you. Fixed price is around $12. A small price to pay to go home with a suit case full of clean clothes.

 

You can get duplicate copies of the daily program at the front desk.

 

Afternoon tea is a daily occurrence. Check the daily program for time and place.

 

Aunty Pat

 

 

Barefoot Windjammer - Phantom ‘81

K&D German Rhine Line ‘84

NCL - Norway ’85, Pride of America ’05, Southward ’87, Star ’97 & ‘05, Starward ’92, Sun ’02 & Windward ’93

RCC - Song of America ‘89

American Hawaiian - Independence ‘98

HAL - Volendam ’99, Noordam ’06, Oosterdam ’07 & ‘09, Statendam ’02 & ‘08, Prinsendam ’03 & ’06, Westerdam ’09 & Zuiderdam ’04, ’06 & ‘07

Carnival - Spirit ‘05

Celebrity – Summit ‘05

Cruise West - Yorktown Clipper ‘06

Princess - Golden Princess ‘07

A & K - East Queen ‘07

Cunard - QM2 ’08

[AAL]

She should bring one or two highlight pens also.

One to highlight things of interest in the daily

program.

 

 

Every evening, I read the Daily Program and figure out my activities for the next day. You can miss a lot if you don't read the program.

 

Here are the other tips that work for me:

 

I usually walk all the way around the Lido before I get in line -- sometimes there are different things on each side.

 

I research and book my shore excursions before I leave home. That's part of the fun of the trip for me. There have been a few ports where I didn't arrange something in advance, and it doesn't turn out well.

 

If they travel with any electrical things - digital camera charger, CPAP, etc. -- an extension cord and/or power strip is handy.

 

I also pack some small bills - 1's and 5's -- for room service tips

 

I explore the whole ship on the first day or two -- it's no good when you find a favorite spot on the last day of the cruise.

 

I also prebook the Pinnacle Grill restaurant -- IMO it is well worth the extra charge.

 

There is a lot of storage space in HAL staterooms, including storage drawers under the bed.

 

If they like to cook, there are some free cooking demonstrations and

a few classes that cost $29 -- they should find out about those right away and book them ASAP if they are interested.

[Pokeynose]

We took our first cruise last June at age 72. I was very nervous because the ship was so big. I also can get lost if you just turn me around once.:D I memorized the elevators I needed to take back to the cabin from the Lido, etc. I did get lost one night coming back from the Casino, took a wrong turn and walked for almost a half hour without meeting anyone, of course it was after midnight. DH was already asleep. I was having too much fun in the Casino. I finally remembered what he said, we are aft, of course I answered him aft what:confused:. He gets so mad when I can't remember directions. I looked at the signs and followed the aft signs and got back okay.

Tell her she's not alone. At least they'll be with a group and can do things together. This is an adventure, lots of new things to enjoy. We are taking our next cruise in sept. and I can't wait. Yep, I'll probably get lost a few times again but this time I'll leave a trail of breadcrumbs.;)

I hope your parents have a ball. :)

 

I agree with another poster, don't overpack, I did but not the next time. The laundry I sent out came back so nice and neat.

[Frick_&_Frack]

Oh - one more thing: don't overpack. I still do and so does everyone I know but I thought I'd throw that in for what it is worth.:cool:

 

My Mom still overpacks....Dad says it's my fault (his motto on the topic is "it's *your* daughter's fault that you overpack" since I bring a lot of stuff - 2 people travel with a minimum of 6 pieces of luggage - but, no, none of us fly which is why my parents had to go to a different line until HAL is back in NYC) :D

 

They will have a blast! My DH didn't start cruising until his later 50s when he met me and won't do another type of vacation now. Plenty to do when they want and lots of places to relax when they want to just "people watch".

 

To the OP - I don't know how "mobile" your family is...if they cannot be as "active" as they like, remind them to go to the events - they can enjoy watching (which is what my parents do now that mobility is limited for them).

[O2B@C]

If she would like to become more computer savvy, she might enjoy taking one of the computer classes they offer on the ship.

 

All HAL ships have an outside deck on a lower level that goes all the way around the ship. It's a pleasant place to walk, and it's covered so there's shade.

 

If she's concerned about seasickness, tell her to ask her doctor if it's ok for her to take non-drowsy Bonine (like Dramamine but doesn't make you as sleepy). It's over-the-counter, but if she's on any other meds, she should check with an MD or pharmacist before taking it, in case of interactions.

 

She can also bring along some ginger candy or ginger tea, both of which are helpful for the tummy.

 

To avoid norovirus, wash hands often, with warm water and soap; use the Purell they provide at entrances to eating venues; and don't touch face or food with hands that have not been washed or sanitized first.

 

But mostly - relax and enjoy!

[melc0305]

Thank you for all of the great responses! My mom will be glad to know she's not alone in being directionally challenged. I keep telling her she'll have a great time. I'll print this thread and give it to her.

 

I don't know what ship she's on - I'll ask and then we can pull up specific info. They are leaving mid-Feb and going to Mazatlan, Puerta Vallarta, I think.

 

Melissa

[CruiseShelly]

Tell her to allow herself to be treated like and to feel like royalty. My first HAL cruise was overwhelming with the graciousness of the staff and the "can't do enough for you" attitude. I came off that ship a new person. It was hard to get used to at first, but after a week of being treated like this, it's wonderful! Can't wait for my Noordam Cruise this next Monday!