Cruise dos and dont's ?

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Italian Guy

Book at least 3 month in advance

If the spa is your thing, try to make your appointments on the first day, as the most popular treatments and times fill up fast
For the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your travel documents, a change of clothes, bathing suit, maybe workout clothes, and any medications you may need.

This will allow you to begin enjoying your vacation immediately, because you won't have to wait for your bags to arrive at your stateroom.shore excursions are fun, full of adventure and very popular, so they book up fast. You have 3 options: book them online (up to 10 days before departure), book them onboard the first day at the Explorations Desk or on your TV in your stateroom using your remote control. Book early so you won't miss out on any of the fun.

Cruises are an all-inclusive vacation.
Reality: Even the luxury lines are never completely all-inclusive (drinks and gratuities may be included in fares but spa treatments and shore excursions won't be), but the big-ship lines?

Your cruise fare includes a lot -- meals in the main dining venues, onboard entertainment, accommodations, use of pools and other recreational facilities, and a free cocktail at the captain's "welcome aboard" but you'll pay extra for a whole host of amenities.

Alternative restaurants, coffee and ice cream bars, drinks (from soda to wine and cocktails), shore excursions, spa treatments, and gratuities.

Not all cruise lines that encourage tipping recommend the same amounts, and the job titles of the crew may vary too. But most suggestions are in these ranges, per passenger per day:

Cabin steward/stewardess/attendant, $3 to $4; waiter/server, $3 to $4; assistant waiter/busboy, $1.50 to $2.50; headwaiter/head server, 50 cents to $1.

Smiley

For your first time, I'd suggest going through a local travel agent. There are lots of documents you need to be aware of and also they can help you with lots of information.

We just went on our first cruise as a family beginning of June and had a blast. Making plans for our next in a couple of years. We did a Disney Cruise well worth it.

Keep checking the travel channel, they show that show quite often. That's where I learned a few things before starting to check on cruises.

Have fun..planning is a big key in making it a great trip.

P.S. For sea sickness..the larger the ship the better. We only felt the ship rock one night and it was so little we only noticed when we were in bed.

cruise junkie

some really good answers have been given , but i too say go to a travel agent , they are really a god send for your first cruise because if you think you have questions now.. wait until your booked. it is really nice to just pick up your phone and get the answer from them.. they don't charge any thing to you for there service..as for the negative Nelly , for every one of them there is millions of of really happy story's..

oceanbreeze

try your search for cruises with "Amazing Tours and Travel"

http://www.ytbtravel.com/amazingtoursandtravel

I recommend booking 3-6 months ahead, longer if required. Make sure your passports are in order.

Here are some more tips:

Don't over-use the telephone inside your cabin to call home. It is quite expensive.

Do take the chance to see the sunset from your ship.

Do take enough funds for things not included.

Don't buy the fancy glasses they offer on the ship ...you can buy them cheaper at home.

Do take warm weather clothing as a carry on if you are from northern climates going to the Caribbean. (especially during fall and winter cruises) Your luggage could be held up for hours.

Do go with an open mind and open heart and anticipate a wonderful time. Also, do bring your own Pepto tablets, cold medicine and batteries

DO take plenty of film and an extra camera.

Notify your credit card company that you will be travelling...they could freeze your card otherwise.
Very embarassing!!

Don't sweat the small stuff.

DO pack more than one swim suit- It's not fun putting on a cold wet swim suit.

DON'T forget to get exact change for tips BEFORE the last night- and put it aside. Trying to get the correct change takes up time that you could be using for FUN!

DON'T pack away the outfit you plan to wear to dinner the first night. Who knows when you'll get your luggage and you don't want to get stuck wearing your khaki shorts, floral shirt, and flip flops in the formal dining room.

If you drink a lot of soda, DO get a soda card. It saved me quite a bit of money and actually 2 of us used it.

DO wear sea sick patches even if you dont think you will be bothered if your ship does any swaying, better safe than sorry.

DO enjoy yourself and you will be hooked after the first cruise.

DON'T try to do every activity offered - remember, you're on vacation - take it easy!

DON'T rush to get to the dining room 15-20 minutes early if you have assigned seating. If your dining time is 8:00 pm, then arrive around 8:05, those who get there early end up standing outside the doors for 15-20 minutes, you have assigned seating your table and chair will be waiting on you when you get there. DON'T arrive 30 minutes late either it is not fair to your waiter.

DO smile when coming in contact with your crew members, remember a smile goes a long way. A bad attitude gets you less than desirable service, and you get back exactly what you put out there.

Do stand up before flushing!

Do take the stairs, if physically able.

Do not smoke in a no smoking zone.

ROBERT B

go to http://www.cruiseasy.joystar.com they have a huge selection with 20 cruise lines and you can get personal service by clicking on request a quote or just book it yourself.good luck..Bob

pendleton4068

cruises.com nice site book at least 3-6 mo. in advance longer if you can i have a cruise in sept of 2009 thanks

cossette_maria

Try checking out this website; http://cruisevacationsworld.com

They have a wide range of choices of cruise vacations, destinations and cruise lines...

cruisedirector63

My suggestion would be to use a travel agent. They have access to discounts that you won't find online.
I would be more than happy to help you, just email me!!

Dannyboi

i know a great place.
http://www.cruises.com/
here's the site.

Violation Notice

I would suggest something other than a cruise. I just went on my first and it will be my last....I will never step foot on another cruise again. I went on a 7 day cruise and the entire group I went with was seasick 6 of the 7 days...And all the work and preparation that went into it. If you want to have a horrible time, take a cruise. If you want a stressfree vacation, take a week off and stay home or book something with a travel agent. Yes. The agent will cost extra money but it will be hassle free. I went thru cheapcruises.com. I don't know if all cruise ships are the same but STAY AWAY from Celebrity cruises....HORRIBLE!! Even though it shows they have a 4.5 star rating, I don't think it holds true. We were supposed to get on the ship at 8 pm...We had to wait until 12:30 AM to finally get to our rooms. There's not much for entertainment. They had one show and that was it...Unless you are REALLY into gambling or bingo, there's really not that much to do. The person that I booked the cruise with said there was a fitness center and a pool. There was no fitness center and the pool was nothing more than a hottub which you had to pay to use since it was for use with a spa package. The only redeeming quality was the food (which most of the people couldn't enjoy) and the room attendant was fast. Getting off the boat was an even bigger nightmare! I've never had a problem with seasickness before my cruise...I've been sailing on smaller boats alot. The stability rating was supposed to be "excellent" as stated on the web...It was to the point that if you didn't hold on to railings, you're on the floor. I kenw there would be some movement but it was to the point that you couldn't stand up without holding on to something! Just be careful what line you decide to cruise with!

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