What to bring on first cruise.?

Show all answers

Barkley Hound

For a one week cruise if things do no fit into a single suitcase you do not need it. There will be 2 formal nights (3 on a 2 week, possible only 1 on a short cruise).

The basic cruise fare includes your room, meals in the regular dining rooms and buffets, room service, shows, and most ship facilities. Many ships also have free pizza, ice cream at various times. sushi, and hot dogs and hamburgers.

There are usually 3 choices for free dining. There is traditional dining where you are assigned a time and table for dining. They range from 2 to 10 seats and you have the same diners each time. There is anytime dining which allows you to go dine any time and you are seated with others dining at the same time. Both are held in large dining rooms with waiters. Then there is the buffet which is usually on the top deck. It is open to all and many people always use it for breakfast and lunch.

The extras are first tips. Figure about $10 per day per person for the tips to the room steward and wait staff. This is optional and some cruise lines automatically charge you. It can be adjusted or reversed at the end of the cruise. You should also tip a few dollars if you use room service. All bar drinks will have 15% added for a tip.

Many ships have alternate dining facilities that have a service charge of $15 on up. It may be a steak house or an Italian restaurant for example. There are also specialty coffee bars that have a charge. All bar drinks including sodas have a charge. The only free bar drinks are at the Captains Reception and the Repeat Cruiser Reception. Do not assume that the drinks being offered when you board are free. They are not. Bar drinks are $6 and up. Some ships are even charging for juice at any meal other than breakfast.

Some cruise lines sell a soda card for about $4 a day. It is only for fountain soda. Unless you have 3 sodas a day it is not worth it. You can also buy a specialty coffee card which gives you 15 for about the price of 12.

There is a charge for any personal service such as laundry, salons, private trainers, etc. Spa treatments are very expensive, $50-$100. There is also gambling which includes the casino, bingo ($10-$20 per session), and sometime deck games such as horse racing. A ship photographer will be taking pictures all over the ship and at special occasions. They cost over $10 each. Phone calls in the room are about $8 a minute. Some ships have cell phone service. You are charged for international roaming by your phone service at about $2.50 per minute. There is also a charge for using internet service on a ship but it is cheaper than phone calls.

Sundries are very expensive. Figure at least double the normal price. If you need a watch you will find no better prices anywhere.

Off ship excursions are expensive. They start at about $30 and can be in the hundreds. You can book them on the ship or go on your own. The ship will not leave without you if a cruise excursion is late. With one you did on your own they will not wait.

â‚ª É¦É™lÊžÉ¹Éq â‚ª

Keep your coins; I want change.

just bring one suitcase, make sure it isn't too big so you will be able to fit it under your bed for easy storage. bring one or two nice outfits per day, or just one pair of shorts/skirt for each day and two shirts, bring some nice outfits for dinners, one dress for formal, bring lots of mix and match things so you can get away with wearing them twice. bring lots of sunblock, more than one bathing suit, a hat, heavy sandals because if youre on the top deck and take them off to lay down on a chaise lounge, they will fly off the sides! my sister lost an old navy flip flop that way! drinks on my ship were between 2 and 9 dollars, but prob more if you get wine and stuff. bring a credit card so you dont lose a ton of cash

lmch

You should be told before you go how many formal evenings there will be so you can plan your 'posh' evening clothes. I always take too much with me but end up mix and matching trousers and tops so you could wear a few things twice. Plus if you're going somewhere hot and sunny like the bahamas you'd just need light summery clothes for the beaches etc.
Like others have said there are laundry services which you can use should you need to.
Have a great time, cruising is fantastic!

Question Guy

Well, you need a swimsuit!

love me!

bring me and ill pack ur clothes 4 u
but dont forget sunscreen

kheya

world tour
http://worldstour.info/

dave.greg

A change of clothes for each day, and semi/formal wear for the evenings.
Carry on a change of clothes, medications and documents.
How much $$ ? We spend approx 30 to 70 dollars per day each when in port and ZERO when at sea. I've seen other couples with thousands of dollars in bills after 1 week, It depends on you.
We went on a 3 week cruise and all of our clothes fit.
Take sea sick wrist bands and or patches. If you don't need them sell them, but if you do,,,,,, I've heard it's expensive on board.
Just have fun don't sweat the little things

Bedford S

Formal wear - fancy dress or sharp pants suit for two nights. Bring your own toiletries. swimsuit, jeans, sun dresses if you want. Outfit for semi formal nights. Most cruise ships offer laundry service at a cost, so you don't have to pack much. For a seven day cruise one large suit case per person is enough. Don't know much about mixed drinks but on other ships domestic beer is $6.00 per bottle plus 15% gratuity. For info on ship gon online and enter carnival sensation. It will give you all info you need. Everything you buy on the ship is charged to your credit card, including shore excusions, tips if you want them withheld. A good question would be how many souveniors are you bringing badk. Customs limit is $800 perf person. If your only port call is the bahamas for one day $400.00 cash would exceed any needs.

Birdie

Dramamine!

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: