Can anyone give me tips for a first time cruiser and flyer?

Question

My cruise is the end of Sep. and its 8 days. I have never flown before and have never been on a cruise. Ive already applied for my passport and just want some good tips for a newbie cruiser and flyer. Thanks?

Answer 1

I hope you get your passport in time because their is such a demand for them that they are getting way behind and it is taking a terribly long time to get to you.

Make sure that you arrive at the airport at least an hour and a half before your flight leaves. You can also check in online, and to keep up to date if your flights are delayed or not. Don't wear anything metal, and be careful if you decide to wear a belt. I would also recommend something comfortable as you might be on the plane a while, and it is very confined. Also I would wear flip flops, because you have to take off your shoes, or something that slips on and off really easy. Also when you go thru security make sure you tell them about cameras and laptops that you are traveling with. Try to avoid anything with metal on it, and be careful what purse you are taking. Also, make sure that you don't have anything more then 3 oz. in a reclosable Zip lock bag. THAT IS A MUST... Also... take a decent sized carry on, because you need your travel documents in that. Also take stuff that you would need for the first day of the cruise. Sunblock, sunscreen, swim suit, medications, travel documents, and other stuff like that. You are allowed to have one personal item and a carry on. So I would wear jeans and a t shirt and flip flops or a skirt and nice shirt. Something that you are going to be comfortable in for a while. Be patient.

First time Cruiser:
On the last night of the ship you are required to put your luggage outside of your cabin door, so it can be collected so you can reclaim it during the embarkation process, so keep a set on clothes in your carry on and other things that you will need until you get your luggage back.

There is usually only one outlet in the room so bring an extra power strip, but depending on what cruise line and the destination I dont know how much service you will have on your cell phone. Also if you bring a curling iron or flat iron you will need an extra power strip for sure. I would bring one as they come in handy for everything that needs recharging or plugged in. Also I would bring a little tote thing that you can put on the back of the bathroom door so you can put shavers, toothbrushes, and etc. in without cluttering up your bathroom space. Bathrooms on ships are extremely small. You could probably buy one of those bathroom storage catties for a few bucks at walmart. They come in handy, trust me, as a frequent cruiser.

Also don't overpack. This is a common mistake by many people. No body is going to care if you wear the same shirt twice or the same pair of shorts twice. Or even the same formal dress twice. No one is going to notice. I would say that you are going to need day outfits depending on where you are going, like t shirts and shorts, or slacks, or whatever you want to wear during the day. Also you are going to need 2 formal outfits, like a nice suit for men, or a cocktail dress for women, and 2 semi formal outfits, like slacks and a dress shirt and tie for men, and a skirt and nice blouse for women, and then the rest are casual which is slacks or khakis and dress shirt or polo for men, and skirt or slacks and blouse for women. It doesnt matter if you wear the same thing twice, and you can pack less, and save more room for souvenirs.

Rooms are tight, so put your luggage underneath the bed to save room. You're not going to be in your room very much, so it will just make things easier for you and the other person in the room.

I would generally tip more depending on the service. If it's not already added into your cruise fare.

Make sure you have IDs, and your ship card when you get off at ports of calls.

Finally enjoy yourself. Don't forget film and cameras and extra disks and batteries, and chargers.

Answer 2

Might be too late but the most important tip I can give you would be to make sure that you schedule the flight & cruise departs & arrivals on separate dates in case of travel problems. Also, don't allow anyone to convince you that you have to do the excursion trips through the cruise line. You can usually make arrangements directly with the same tour guides your cruise line will use. Have fun!

Answer 3

If you do an excursion, do it from Calica - Cozumel is fairly easy to do on your own. Suggest you get a guidebook on caribbean ports of call, or on the Yucatan Peninsula for ideas, or borrow one from the library. My favorite Cozumel day would be to take a cab down to Chankanaab Park and spend the day there. It's a national park with a fantastic snorkeling area (rent or bring your own equipment), restaurants, a museum, a great botanical garden, and lots of area to just relax.

Answer 4

for the plane:
be prepared to be airsick. i'm lucky and don't have this problem but if you are prone to seasickness or carsickness, you have a chance of being airsick. most planes provide bags but if it would embarass you to ask, bring along a plastic bag.
be prepared for turbulence. It freaks out a lot of first time flyers but it's completely normal. it feels like the plane is about to crash but it just means you are going through a cloud.
plane trips can be boring, especially if you don't like the movies they are showing. Bring an ipod or book or something that can keep you entertained for however many hours. they usually show more than one movie though, so chances are you'll like one of them.
check what your airlines rules about food are. some lines don't let you bring food on at all whereas some might let you. if you can, it'd be worth it to bring a bag of pretzels or something small that would keep you from starving until you land incase you don't like the food. airline food isn't horrible but it isn't that great unless you are in business or first class. if you are in either of those though, you will probably be fine.

for the cruise:
same as for the plane, prepare to be seasick. i don't have this either but i know that it isn't pleasant. some cruises sell wristbands that press on a nerve in your wrist that is supposed to help. some ships also sell medicine that can help.
don't be afraid to ask for something from the cruise staff. the staff on cruises are spectacular. they really make you feel special even though they have to make hundreds of complete strangers feel like the world revolves around them every week. they are super friendly and are more than happy to help you with something.
enjoy the food. with all the cruises and crossings i've done, the food is prepaid and included with the total cost of the trip. if your trip is set up like this, take advantage of it. get lobster or steak or something you wouldn't normally get. and don't be afraid to ask for seconds or 2 of something. the waitstaff are also very very friendly. on some of the trips we did, we would have a set table and the same waiter for the whole week so we got to know them a bit.
be outgoing and enroll in some activities. most cruises have lots of activities like craft activities and scavenger hunts and bingo. if there are performers on board, like singers, actors, or dancers, they usually offer workshops. i've done several of these and they are really fun. it is a great way to meet other people on board. i still keep in touch with a friend that i met on a cruise ship about a year ago.

hope this helps and have a great trip!

Answer 5

As for information on the cruise, I highly recommend going to www.cruisecritic.com There is a wealth of information on that site

Answer 6

well a flight can be very boring at times. so you should take somethings to entertain you. like a book, an ipod, or handheld games.if you dont like plane food then you should take a few snacks. have FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!