I am going on my first cruise . . any advise?

Question

I am leaving San Diego on 11/17 and going to Cabo & Ensinada . . its a 5 day trip w. Carnival on the Elation boat. Any ideas what to do in town? I was thinking about renting Jet Ski's . . . do you know if I can rent them right at the marina where the cruise boat lets us off? Any help / tips would be great. I have never been on a cruise or to Cabo.

Answer 1

When we went to Cabo we loved the place. We didn't do a jet ski but went on a city tour that included a stop at a tequila factory. The factory tour was not that exciting but the free tequila was very good; came in all types of flavors that you could sample. There were jet skis in the harbor near our ship and also para-sailing so those activities are readily available.

Since this is your first cruise, let me give you a few items about what to expect.

The standard cabin that most people get (inside, outside, or balcony) is generally between 175 and 200 Sq feet, about the size of a 9 by 12 ft home bedroom. Your cabin will have two beds which can be made into a queen, a bathroom with a shower stall, a closet and some drawer space, a TV and telephone, a safe for valuables, a mini-refrigerator, and a life jacket for each passenger.

When you arrive at the port to check in you (each passenger) will have an on board charge account set up and receive a key card which will serve as your room key, charge card for anything you buy on ship (i.e.,drinks, souvenir, tours, photos, etc) and its also your pass to get on and off ship in each port. When you first board the ship the security personnel will have you insert your key card into a scanner and then will take a photo of you that is included in the magnetic strip on the card. Each time you get off ship you will need this key card and many times also a photo ID (passport or driver's license). This card allows them to keep an accurate track of all passengers entering and/or leaving the ship. The first order of business as soon as all passengers are on board and generally before the ship pulls out is a mandatory safety drill.

Each day of your cruise you will receive in your cabin a "newsletter" listing the time, place and particulars of everything happening for you on ship. There will be organized games and other activities around the pools. In the evenings there are generally shows, one show for those with an early dinner seating and another (same show) for those who eat late. There is always food available. Usually there is a place in ship where you can go get something. Or, you can always just pick up the phone in your cabin and order from the room service menu (food is free).

Some people worry about getting sea sick, but the ships being used these days have automated stabilizers which minimize the rocking. The larger ships cut through the water so easy that you don’t even feel like you are moving. When there is bad weather the cruise lines will steer around and away from it, sometimes changing the order of port stops. Also, the ships generally move overnight and dock in the mornings so you don’t feel much movement. Consequently, your chances of getting sea sick are minimal. There is generally less motion than on an airplane. If you do get sick, all ships have a doctor and they will dispense sea sick medicines. If you are prone to motion sickness, just get pills or a patch from your own doctor before you go, or go to a boating store and get a sea sickness bracelet. When we did our cruise to Mexico the sailing was as smooth as glass.

--- If you can, plan to fly to the departure port a day early so that you do not have to worry about missed flights and connections. If you are changing time zones it will give your body time to adjust and you time to rest from the long trip.

-- If your cruise included many connections, flying, train and bus, buy travel insurance and get it from an independent supplier, not the cruise line.

-Join the cruise club so that the cruise line will send you their specials and so that you can get discounts on future cruises with them. The discount will typically be $50 to $100 per person. If you will be celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday during the cruise, be sure to tell them, they will do special stuff for that.

- Cruise lines charge a lot for the photos they take so take your own photos around the ship when you get the chance, especially on the formal nights. Ask other passengers to take photos for you, they generally are very willing.

-Review the listing of tours offered on your cruise and decide whether you want to pay for a tour or go on your own. On most Caribbean islands you can get a taxi or tour in port for much less than the cruise ship tours. HOWEVER, the one big advantage of going on ship sponsored tours is THE SHIP WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU if your ship sponsored tour is late getting back to the ship. If you will be in a port for 12 to 16 hours you are probably safe to go on your own for most anything. But if you are only there for six to eight hours you may want to stay close to the ship or go on the ship tours.

- Take a 6-pack of water and/or soft drinks in your carry on for your cabin; provided you have time to get some after you get off the plane.

- take a cup or mug with a lid for cold drinks when you are around the pool, most plastic glasses on cruise ships are small.

-- Always take soft sided luggage as it stores better under the beds. Take a small carry-on bag for the last night of the cruise. On the last evening you will be required to put your luggage outside your cabin by about 2:00 AM so that they can start taking it down to the lower deck for offloading the next morning. So you will need a small bag for your toiletries and and your clothes that you sleep in.

-- Take a small bottle of hand sanitizer; many ships have some at the entrance of eating places but some times they are empty or don't work properly.

-- The dress on ship is casual all day until 6:00PM. So take swim wear, shorts, sandals, beach shoes, your snorkel equipment if you have it, sun glasses and sun screen, lotions, a cap or big hat for the sun, a book if you are a reader, your music player, sneakers and clothes to workout in if you like to use the gym, your camera, and other personal toiletries.

-- After 6:00 PM they request that you wear "sports casual" attire. That's attire that you would expect a person to wear in a business office, shirt with a collar, slacks, skirt, blouse, etc. You can still wear shorts and swim wear in the pools and spas but not in public areas like dining rooms and restaurants, show rooms, bars, casino, etc.

-- Your cruise will have a formal night when you can wear your best stuff and get pictures taken, and maybe meet the ship’s Captain. The formal nights are REQUESTED not required attire. But most people do dress up in a tux for men and a long dress (any color) for women. Some men just wear a suit and tie and some women wear a nice dress but not a gown. You will not be denied access to the dining room or anything else if you choose not to dress up.

Enjoy your cruise.

Answer 2

I have been on two cruises that stopped in Cabo. While I have not personally rented Jet Skis there, Jet Skis are available for rent there on the dock. In fact, next time I am there I just might rent a Jet Ski (I'll be there again in 2008 & 2009).

Cabo is a tender port. What that means is that the ship anchors in the harbor and you take a tender (one of the lifeboats) from the ship to the dock.

The last two times I have been to Cabo I have walked around the Marina (about 3/4 mile) and taken a water taxi back to the tender dock (about $2 to $3).

Another really good deal was a glass bottom boat tour of El Arco (in May 2004 it was $12 per adult) ...
http://americanindian.net/cabo/cabo7.jpg

Also very popular in Cabo is Cabo Wabo (a bar) ...
http://www.loscabosguide.com/nitelife/wabo.htm
http://www.stampinbuds.com/Events/MexicanRiviera/Photos/CabaWabo.jpg

Answer 3

Try the Cruise Critic's message boards. I found a lot of information on there from people who have been on many cruises.

Answer 4

You find plenty of activities in Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas or Allure of the Seas. :) Just have fun.

Answer 5

Bring a flashlight. If power ever goes out on a ship, it gets pitch dark inside.

Answer 6

google cabo
and talk to carnival.
also go to cruisecritic.com
cruiseclues.com
for more info on cruising.

Answer 7

wow i am going on the exact cruize jan 4th! it will be my second carnival cruise.

Answer 8

My main concert is not getting sick on a boat with tons of people. So get enough vitamins!

Answer 9

http://www.cruisediva.com/
She is the leading authority on cruising.
Dont worry you will have a blast!♥