What tip should I know for a first time cruise?

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Take something nice to wear for dinner; most people on cruises dress for dinner, especially on the last night of the cruise.

Good comfortable shoes -- lots of walking the decks.

Your medications -- they will have a pharmacy on ship, but it may be limited to sea sickness meds.

Lotion -- sea air can dry out your skin

Have fun -- cruises are great!!!

TLC

In addition to the other items suggested:

Take a 'beach bag' to tote items up to the deck when you lounge around. Flip flops or flat sandals - again for up by the pool. Two bathing suits (I hate to put on a wet suit), and some type of cover-up (it's air conditioned inside and it can get cold going from outside to your cabin.) Sunscreen - if you're going to the Caribbean, you'll get burned.

A light sweater or wrap.
Good book.

ipod - although they usually have bands.

Exercise clothes to hit the gym, treadmill, or yoga classes.

Aspirin (or the like), upset tummy meds (just in case you're not used to the really rich foods), band-aids (I always get a blister!), chap-stick, etc.

Make copies of your passport, drivers license, credit cards, prescription meds take one set with you, leave the others behind with a friend/relative. You can call from ships if you have a problem, but we usually do emails if you want to stay in contact with friends/family.

Lots of extra film for camera (or a 2nd memory card).

An extra bag to take home everything you purchase!! Like a gym bag that you can flatten to pack then stuff with ALL your purchases.

Julie T

In addition to the other great tips...

Mark the handle of your luggage with colorful yarn or plastic flag tape (from the hardware store). It will make it easier to find it at the claim area of the cruise terminal.

Pack twice the prescription meds than you normally take. Pack half in your carry on and the other half in your luggage.

Don't pack anything breakable/valuable in your checked in luggage. They handle the luggage pretty roughly and the luggage sits unattended for a few hours.

Get some of those XXL Ziploc bags to take home yucky, sandy clothes.

Be sure to take along $1, 5, and 10 bills to use in the markets and taxis in port plus to tip porters in the cruise terminal.

Have a great time!

shellyjonb

You will also want to bring extra cash for tipping your personal attendants (cabin steward, waiter, etc.) at the end of the cruise. There are usually about 4 or 5 people that you will be expected to tip. Celebrity lists the per day suggested rates as Waiter (3.50), Waiter Assistant (2.00), Maitred' (.75), Stateroom Attendent (3.50), Assistant Chief Housekeeper (.75), plus any tour directors, drivers etc. that you may use.

snapoutofit

Aloe lotion for when you get sunburned. I sat by the pool for 15 minutes and got a terrible sunburn, then had to pay $15.00 for some aloe sunburn lotion at the gift shop. Otherwise, I had a great time and hope to cruise again. Maybe take some bottled water since you will get thirsty and may have to pay a lot for water in the room "honor bar" type set-up. Then you can take the bottles on excursions or to the pool, too.

phantom_of_valkyrie

You didnt say where you are going and what cruise line (since dress code varies) but since its a short cruise--I'm assuming 3night--it will only have one dressy night. So you can just wear slacks the other nights for dinner.

Also as its January--bring something long sleeves and something with sleeves. A lot of people back just tank tops and if they get too much sun on their sun deprived skin, they have to buy something for the shoulders. And if you are staying East Carib, sometimes the Bahamas are quite chilly this time of year. I went in Dec and while St Thomas and St Martin was fabulously warm and tropical, the private island was a frigid day and I wore long sleeves and jeans the whole day. Plus if you go to the art auction that room is ALWAYS COLD no matter what ship.

*If you have your own snorkel equipment, don't forget that.
*Book your shore excursion asap--either as soon as you get onboard or online before hand if you can.
*Carry a bathing suit in your bag--that way you can go to your room and change HOURS before your luggage arrives and you can be lounging at the pool

and of course--the ever famous--"pack everything you think you need, then unpack half of it."

Have a great time! You'll love it.

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