Have you been on a cruise?? If so please give me some tips, and advice. I have never been but going very soon.

Question

Any cruise lines you liked, or destinations would be great too. Maybe some mistakes I should learn from....All info would be great.

Answer 1

I'll try to give you the highlighted tips and advice:

1) All meals are included with the price of the cruise, including room service.
2) Drinks, outside of water (not bottled water however) and usually like a punch or lemonade are extra. Alocholic drinks are very expensive.
3) Keep your room key/ship card with you at all times.
4) When going off the ship at a port, take photo ID with you (drivers license) as you will need to show that along with your ship card to gain entry back into the port in most ports.
5) If going on a first time cruise, book your shore excursion with the cruise line as they will basicaly hold your hand getting you to the excursion and back without any problems (this can also be a safety issue at some ports).
6) The basic amount you should plan on spending while on a cruise is $100/day ($700 for a 7 day cruise). This is on the high side if you don't drink a lot or shop a lot, on the low side if you are a big partier and love to shop - everything on the ship is not "sale priced", rather on the high price side.

As far as cruise lines, there is a big difference between cruise lines; Carnival for less expensive and like to party late, Norwegian Cruise Lines for a little extra frills, somewhat like to party but pay a little extra; Caribbean Cruise Lines, Princess Cruise Lines for extra service and frills but not big in partying late.

Destinations: Caribbean if you like beautiful beaches and warm water to snorkel or lounge around a beach (either Western or Eastern - Eastern will costs more due to distance and locations), Alaska if you like beautiful sites, but not warm or a "water" destination, Hawaii if you like going to a nice place, warm and good place to see a lot of islands with stops most day, cruise at night (with some exceptions depending on cruise line and length).

The biggest mistake is falling for all the hook and bait sales pitches cruises do with merchandise and items available on the ship (just because they take your picture doesn't mean you have to buy it, etc.). The ultra mistake is using your ship card for betting at the casino as you quickly lose track of what your winnings vs. loses are (do the "gamble money in the left pocket - when it's out, I'm done" deal - yes, you can gamble with money on the ship, you do have to use your ship card to charge everything else (unless you use a "cash down" ship card charge account)).

The BIG advice: Get a Passport if you don't have one. You will need one after January to get back into the United States. There is an exception until 2008, but don't do it. Get a Passport because if you don't and use a birth certificate you will be put into the "let's have a talk" line instead of the "wave through" line when you have to present ID at ports and when getting back to the US.

Answer 2

My favorite cruise line is NCL. They have a program called Freestyle Cruising, which basically means, do what you want, when you want. If you wanted to have dinner at 1 in the morning, you could find a resteraunt. Or if you didn't want to sit by other people when you eat, you don't have to. It makes it a lot nicer to visit the ports because you don't have to come back on schedule to eat. Most cruise lines assign you a time when you have to eat and if you aren't back at the ship, you're out of luck. Some advice I would give you is get to the starting port as early as you can. That will be helpful to you so if anything with baggage comes up, you won't be in a big hurry. Also, make sure you know what time zone the port is in. I live in Mountain Time Zone and one of my cruises started in another time zone, so I almost didn't get there. My favorite destinations are Alaska, Bermuda, and Hawaii.

Answer 3

I've been to a cruise with NCL.
Shore excursions are outrageous, so chose well. They are pretty interesting, but considering how much they charge and what they promise, they all fall short. Always expect less than what is promised. If it is describes that you will see a waterfall, don't expect you might swim in it, you might actually need binoculars to see it well. If you are traveling with other people consider seriously renting a car. Specially if you are interested in going to town for shopping or to some beach. What they charge just to take you over is a lot of money. You might be able to rent the car in the port. I regretted not doing that.
Don't expect much from their drinks. I didn't have one drink I though was good. They may say you can't bring alcoholic beverage, but nobody inspects your luggage (I was told). Check their tipping policy. Most cruise lines will automatically charge you tip on your inboard account. The cabins are tiny, so don't bring extra clutter that you won't use. The shop on board, although I though it would charge way too much, wasn't expensive at all. I bought a couple of items and I think they were fair market price. One pashmina was actually cheaper than I've seen on regular stores. Having food available all the time was definitely fun, although not too good for the figure. There was this late night cafe with the most delicious desserts, including a cheese cake that was to die for...

Answer 4

PH gave some great advice and hopefully, I can add. I went on Royal Caribbean twice and loved every minute of it. RCCL is wonderful because they have a great kids program. That can mean a lot because you don't want bored kids running around the ship bothering you and acting up. I have heard that Carnivals kids program is not that great, thus kids are acting up and running around bothering the adults. As for suggestions...

1. If you are into soda, ships may offer a program where you can get unlimited soft drinks out of the fountain for around $50 a week. That is my one vice (I drink very little alcohol) so it was worth it for me. (You will have to pay for soft drinks if you get it with room service for they give you cans) However, the ship offers FRESH squeezed juices, water, coffee and tea free.

2. I actually would not recommend the excursions. I found them to be very expensive and I didn't like the "booze cruise" I took when I went. Save your money.

3. WATCH YOUR EXPENSE ACCOUNT! Before you board, you get your room keycard but they also ask for a credit card. You essentially don't need any money onboard. Your keycard acts as your room key AND charge card. The problem is that when you are drinking it up and having a good time, you may not pay attention to the bill you are racking up. Your room has a tv that can also access your expense account and I suggest you check that everyday.

4. If you are into getting lubricated, don't get the mixed drinks. They put very little alcohol in it and charge an arm and a leg. Buy beer or wine.

5. Before you board, you leave your luggage with porters that take your luggage to your cabin. If you want to get the party started, pack some bottles of liquier or wine. If you buy booze on a destination or on the ship for cheap, they will hold it for you until you finish your trip. When you leave the ship for an excursion and come back, you put your stuff through an x-ray machine. I saw a couple put a bottle of vodka in a thermos and I think they got through.

6. Tipping..... Unless service absolutely sucks, tip well. The servants only get $50 a month. They live on the tips. Your ships guide will tell you how much to tip each servant. You have to tip your room attendant, waiter, asst. waiter, and Matre'd. They work their tails off for you so it is only fair. What I do is you can purchase gift certificates for the recommended amount of tips and if the service is excellent, I will add like 20-40 dollars extra. Believe me, you won't mind doing it.

7. If you want a deck chair, get out there EARLY! People fight over the deck chairs. That is why I always opt to get a balcony cabin. I can sit outside and enjoy the ocean in my private world.

8. I prefer going to the eastern caribbean over the western caribbean. Even though you get dumped off on tourist traps, I did not like mexico at all.

Hope that helps you. Also, a great site is www.cruisecritic.com.
Check it out and happy cruising.

Answer 5

Bring money (youre going to need some) credit card and passport. Be sure to check whats included in the fare and if you are eccepted to pay extra for tip or airport fees. Be sure to check if you need some visas or if youre not american, get a multiple re entry visa if youre going to or from usa. Choose a big well known cruise line and pay for as big cabin as you can afford. For a first time cruise be sure to pay for an outside cabin. Check and double check your cruise ticket so that you get the correct ship and cabin. Also check any airline tickets and vouchers you get so they are correct.

As for first time cruisers I would reccomend vest india (carribia) or medditeranian sea and a 7 to 14 day cruise in high or almost high season. Medditerranian is best in the summer. Johan

Answer 6

Heather - we cruise four times a year. Many cruise lines cater to a younger crowd, i.e. carnival. Royal Caribbean is my personal favorite! They have something for everyone! We love the Caribbean, and in the West Indies St. Kitts is my hands on favorite!! Bermuda was the place of our honeymoon and we've been there more than a half dozen times. We've been to St. Thomas, St. Martin, Barbados - love Nassau, you might say we're the jelly of the Caribbean when it comes to spreading outselves around. No matter where you go - even Alaska, we've been there four times, you'll have a blast!

Answer 7

I would recommend that you check out the web site crusiecritic.com. Their message boards are the best. They are full of seasoned cruisers of all ages and activity levels who have been on nearly every cruise line known to man. They also have awesome links photos of the actual ships, cabins, and ports of call. They are a judiciously friendly bunch who are always willing to answer any questions.

Answer 8

I agree with Kenneth's tips. Also, calculate how much money you think you will need for the cruise, the DOUBLE IT. There are alot of pitfalls you fall into(I fall every time) to spend money.

Try to pack light. Most staterooms do not have the best storage to keep your stuff.

If you do drink, make friends with one bartender. Give him/her a little extra and they will take care of you!

I strongly recommend you visit cruisecritic.com. You will be an expert before you even get onboard.

Answer 9

I have been on MANY MANY MANY cruises. I suggest the Alaskan Cruises. They are very relaxing. (And not to mention fun.)UMMMM. If you get sick easliy, I would bring a barf bag. (Sorry, but my husband figured that our the hard way.) I also think, that you should not eat ANYTHING that upsets your stomach. It can be painful when on a cruise.

Answer 10

Carnival is the absolute best my parents take me and my brothers every year you would def. love the east carribean i take you to mexico, jamacia, and cayman island its 7 days or try a 3day to the bahamas The best tip would be just to relax and dont overeat its just to much food no to mention the 24 hour pizzeria lol