on the 1st night?

[smackalec]

is there a full line up of entertainment on the 1st night of a cruise? or is it more a case of getting your bearings?

[paul929207]

Yes, there is entertainment the first night. The Cruise Director will introduce the staff and there will be a performance.

[leaveitallbehind]

With the exception of the casinos which are not open in port, basically everything else is - including the restaurants - so that your cruise begins the minute you board. Plan it that way and spend the first couple of hours exploring the ship, finding your dining room table, getting lunch, etc. Also, your luggage will normally take a few hours (sometimes more) to catch up to you, so wear your comfortable clothes on to the ship and also bring anything (always medications) that you need with you that first day in a carry on - don't plan on getting something you'll need from your luggage until that evening.

[Solo Cruiser]

I have friends that always board the ship in their swimwear and cover ups with only a small carry on containing meds, cameras, jewelry, etc. They sit poolside when they board and take turns hitting the buffet or the grill to get lunch, then spend the rest of the afternoon in the hot tub or pool.

 

I like to get lunch, get a cocktail (not necessarily in that order :rolleyes:), explore the ship until cabins are ready and then change. It's a matter of preference really but yes, pretty much everything but the casino and shops are open when you board and everything is full schedule after you leave the port. Have a super cruise!

[98Charlie]

is there a full line up of entertainment on the 1st night of a cruise? or is it more a case of getting your bearings?

The first evenings entertainment is usually a "dog and pony show" of a lot of the entertainment you will see over the course of the cruise. It's a great way to see most of the entertainers and staff members.

 

Charlie

[eh2zed]

On HAL its usually the CD introducing various staff and a shortened stage production by the onboard troupe.

[cruiserbryce]

its not as much as othernights but things are happening and there is a welcome aboard show

[ATL2LAS]

The casinos usually open 1.5-2 hours after departure. Have to be in international waters. Use the hours before departure to explore the ship and make note of where things you want to visit are when the ship set sail. That is entertainment in itself when its your first cruise. Find your dining room and table. See the Maitre'd if you need to change. Enjoy it all.

[Sekhmet]

The first evenings entertainment is usually a "dog and pony show" of a lot of the entertainment you will see over the course of the cruise. It's a great way to see most of the entertainers and staff members.

 

Charlie

 

I was going to reply with the same kind of answer until I saw your post. Just for my own curiosity, can you explain why such a show is called a "dog and pony show" - it's not a term I've come across over this side of the pond?

 

Thanks

[98Charlie]

"Dog and pony show" is a reference to a small circus. Often the term describes a business presentation meant to sway a customer to your product. The term can be either derisive or respectful. In my case it was respectful.

 

Since the opening night often contains elements of the entire cruise (band, dancers, comedian, singer, introduction of some officers and staff, etc.) in short presentations I used the phrase to indicate that there wouldn't be a full show but many snippets of the evenings to come.

 

Charlie

[UlvaZell]

The only other first night difference is that the dress code in the dining room is more lax as many people's luggage has not yet been delivered to their room...

[eggypann]

UlvaZell - I'm really jealous! I took a Greek Isles cruise about 9 years ago and it was absolutely the best!!! Have a totally incredible time and don't worry about all of us cruisers that still have WAY too many days before we sail!!;)