New to Cruising

[freedom417]

Hi everyone I have been reading this site on and off and would like to thank you all for the great info that has been given out :D

My wife and I are going on our first ever cruise Thomson Celebrations 2nd March flying from Glasgow to Funchal, anyone there at the same time :confused:

I have read on here that tips are included which is fine but what currency do people take on the boat ie GBP or Euro for extra tips and as we have never done a cruise before what would anyone recomend tipping the staff and would you do this daily weekly or whatever. Although we dont drink a lot and the prices seem reasonable I just did not want to get a rather large bill at the end of the week.

We are thinking of doing 2 excusions the horse riding in Morrocco and the Fire mountain in Lanzarote any info on these would be great also.

Thanks in advance we are getting nervous and excited at the same time.

Should we take medicine in case of sea sickness or anything due to the boat swaying about ? Any help deeply accepted.

Freedom

[aligarter]

Hi Freedom417

 

We did the fire mountain trip in yanuary and thought it was well worth doing, it even includes a short camel ride which i was really happy about as we couldnt get to Morocco due to bad weather. we also did a trip in La Palma which had a short walk though the forest and banana plantation. Hope you enjoy your first cruise as much as we did.

 

As for tipping we gave a little something to our waiter etc on our last night, I think we used euros for that.

[capasamari]

We only tipped a token amount as tips are officially included. Each of us put £5 in a card for each of the four staff who had personally served us most i.e. stewardess, waiter, assistant waiter, wine waiter. This was in sterling and we gave it to them on the last evening.

 

Your bar bill will be included in your on-board account, as is all other spending e.g. excursions, salon services, shop purchases, photos, and is usually settled by credit or debit card at the end of the cruise. You tell them at the start which card you wish to pay with and the bill is paid automatically, you get a statement to check so you know before you leave how much will be deducted. Although I think you can settle in cash, I believe you have to put an amount down as an up-front payment. You get an interim statement half-way through the cruise so you can see how it is adding up! You might need cash for the casino, hopefully someone else will advise as we never use it so I don't know.

 

"Stugeron" is the tablet most often recommended for sea-sickness, my friend needed some last December and they worked wonders. Available at a chemist before you go. If really poorly, the ship's doctor can administer an injection (for a fee). So far we have never suffered, we just go with the movement rather than try and fight against it and find it quite soothing to be rocked to sleep at night!

 

Have a fabulous cruise!

 

Carol x

[jenny wren]

If you want to tip extra it is traditional to do so on the last evening for the restaurant staff or the last morning for your cabin steward. We always tip in Euros if we're in Europe so they can spend ashore if they want to.

 

Remember that tips are included in the cost of the cruise so none are expected and the staff give the same excellent service regardless. It is really up to you what you feel like giving for the service you receive.

 

As regards seasickness I take Stugeron (available in Boots) with me just in case but in 11 cruises I have only ever taken one tablet when we were crossing the Bay of Biscay in rough weather! If it is a bit choppy stay in the middle of the ship if you can and go as low as possible. We always eat in the restaurant rather than the buffet as they tend to be lower down.

[Smee]

If you find you have to be sick over the side make sure you know which way the wind is blowing........:D:D:D

[sagalout1954]

Don't over-tip. Tips are included in the cost of the cruise for a reason, there are MANY people who do not directly 'serve' you, yet work just as hard as those that do.

 

Thompsons method of all inclusive tipping is fairer and it's a shame to divide the staff into those who are going to get even more and those who aren't.

 

Having said that, we did give a SMALL amount to a few of the staff, but made a point of using the "who's delivered exceptional service" card things that you'll get to complete when you leave giving the names/location of those who had really gone the extra mile.

[freedom417]

Hi all thanks for the information I will keep everything in mind we are so much looking forward to having our first cruise and not got long to go anyone like to drop us any info off the whats and nots to maybe expect or anything that could stand us in good stead that would be great if not then thats not a problem either I will relate any info after our cruise so if any newbie is looking for info please let me know and I will try and answer the questions when we get bank.

Thanks again and happy cruising:D:D

[john_l]

Hi everyone I have been reading this site on and off and would like to thank you all for the great info that has been given out :D

My wife and I are going on our first ever cruise Thomson Celebrations 2nd March flying from Glasgow to Funchal, anyone there at the same time :confused:

 

Hi Freedom, the wife and I will be on the cruise at the same time, although we dont board till the 6th March. I am also looking forward to it. Never done this cruise before but have been on other Thomson cruises and they are always great. Dont worry, you will have a great time.

[scareyness]

Hi freedom and John

 

My hubbie and I are also joining the ship on the 6th. Really looking forward to it. Our 3rd cruise but 1st with Thomson, im sure its going to be fab!:D

[freedom417]

Hi John and Scareyness I am sure it will be great you both boarding from tenerife on the Friday I presume ? Hope we get some good weather. We will probably bump into each other at somepoint I would think as supposedly the ship is not that big allegedly ha ha, not long to go now eh counting down the days, really looking forward to doing our first cruise. Ships Ahoy

freedom

[scareyness]

Hi freedon

 

Im sure you'll have a great time. I would recommend you try to find out as much info as you can about each port if you intend going ashore. We always do DIY trips, cheaper and more fun we find. I have read some dissapointing threads on here about Agadir but have had 2 very positive feedbacks from people I know on Trip Advisor so am looking forward to going there now!

We are going on this cruise mainly for a chill out as I have been very over worked lately, my advice is to go with an open mind and to just enjoy. Any thing else is a definate bonus!

It's great just enjoying cruising!:D

[freedom417]

Hi Scaryness yes been looking at the trips and so far we have decided on Horse riding in Agadir and The fire mountain in Lanzarote. We might go ashore when in Gran canaria but thats probably about it although we are open to change so see what occurs when in rome so to speak.

We are looking forward to it very much just the flight for me as I am not a great flier but you have to fly to get anywhere so fingers crossed.

Freedom

[4160GOLF]

hi freedom417 we are newbies and we are taking the same ship in april so anything that you think would be usefull when you get back we would be pleased to hear about especially agadir .... so bon voyage! and have a great trip.

[mtt]

If you like shopping Gran Canaria has a large shopping centre a short walk from the port and it has a mcdonalds, burger king, a c&a, body shop and lots more