Comments on: Scrap Your Trip Adds 47 Items – What Should I Do As A First-Time Cruiser?

By: Evelyn Kelsey

Evelyn Kelsey — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:10:23 +0000

My resolution is to complete my scrapbook for the three week trip I took to Italy in September 2005. I worked tirelessly for the past month and now down to the last 4 days of the trip in the book and counting. My niece who went with me, had her camera, computer and digital discs stolen from her home the month after we returned, and since her camera was better than mine, many times in Italy I said “there is a good shot” or “take one with your camera since mine isn’t good in low light.” Well, I think I was more depressed then her at the loss of the many photos, so just put my scrapin’ on the shelf. Now that I am planning a three week trip to China in September 2008, I must get the Italy book complete. Thanks for all the Italian pages and stickers, and thanks for the ones I have already bought with an Oriental theme.
My best to all the scraping group and to you and your family. Cruising can be fun by the way. Sorry your experience wasn’t the best.
Happy and Healthy 2008.
Evelyn

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:49:06 +0000

Don’t be alarmed when you see the size of your cabin, you hardly spend anytime in cabin, there are tons of things to do, even at all seaday.

If the ships is rocking a lot, go to the middle of the ship, that’s usually where the bars are. The ship doesn’t rock as much.

Read those newsletter that are left on your bed. They alert you to deals on the ship and gives an iterinary for the next day.

Pace your eating. Its very easy to eat too much on cruises, the food on Royal Carribean is yummy. Take your camera to the grand midnight feast, you will get some great food snapshots for your scrapbook.

Enjoy!

By: Anne from NH

Anne from NH — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 22:24:12 +0000

One thing I noticed was when we got back on shore, I
rocked” for a few days. I was really unsteady!!! Amazing how quickly you adapt to being on a ship!
Be assured, the early seating is probably better with children. It may cut in on your shore time but I found the excursions were always back in time for the early dinner. The menus are great~lots of choices; always chicken, beef, fish, vegetatian choices as well as plainer fare if something seems too “unusual” for you. The waitstaff was great with our kids. The head waiter came right over when he saw my daughter struggling with cutting her meal! He prepared her entire meal for her! He even wanted to fix my lobster!!! Being from New England, I would’ve beeb embarrassed to have him fixing my meal! Also, if there is more than one item that appeals to you, you can go ahead and order two! We laughed about it but there were so many choices one night that deciding was hard!
Once again, enjoy!

By: Christine Rivera

Christine Rivera — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 07:40:03 +0000

1. book your excursions online before you leave. it saves time and it is guarenteed.
2. take a clock/alarm for your room.
3. take water bottles with you.
4. have sea sickness medicine just in case.
5. suggest late dinner to maximize time during the day for activities.
6. have cash on hand, especially small bills, when you are off the boat–you can’t bargain shop with a credit card or $20 bills.
7. take underwater cameras with you.

By: Luv2cruise

Luv2cruise — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 21:56:13 +0000

We took our first cruise WITH our son this past spring (my husband and I had cruised before). What he liked: rock wall, active excursions (jeep riding on the beach, exploring rain forest/caves, power snorkeling), the pool, rollerblading, video games/kids club. We booked all of our excursions before we departed — a must to make sure you get the ones you want and saves time on board! Early dinner — important, especially if you are booking early in the morning excursions. We asked our son (and helped him) keep a journal which he wrote in every night — this was a great addition to our cruise scrapbook as it reminded us of funny things that had happened during the day, and the trip from his perspective. We also purchased a group photo of our table (formal night photo) and on the last night of our cruise, we asked each of our tablemates to sign it and write a note to our son — what a treasure! Relax, enjoy! and, if you have time, have your husband rent his tux and shoes for formal night(s). Saves time and luggage space! Enjoy and don’t forget the sunscreen — you will be amazed at how fast you/your kids will burn nearer to the equator.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 20:21:30 +0000

I love cruising. Make sure when you go to the islands to get waterproof cameras because the water is so clear and you get great pictures. Also, don’t overpack. This is a hard one for me, but I’m learning. You think after the day in the sun you are going to change out of your bathing suits, but you’re not going to. Also, do the late dinner seating. I found out that I have more time on the islands with the 8:00 dinner because when it’s time to get ready, the ship is already pulling out of port so you won’t miss a thing. Do however, plan on chagning after the formal nights. As for the midnight buffet, just go early to look at it and then leave before it officially opens. Have fun!

By: BarbeFisher

BarbeFisher — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 20:12:56 +0000

You are all cruising the wrong lines!! Regent Seven Seas may cost a little more, but the ships are smaller – about 720 passengers – and it is all inclusive. you have a free mini bar in the room with water, pop and beer. Water is provided free at every port for you to take on your excursion(it is right at the gangway) all beverages are free, including pop and alcohol. Two wines with dinner. NO assigned seating – you have 5-6 dining options plus free 24 hr room service. they have hand sanitizers all over the ship for you to use (and they work) and they have laundromats on each deck – free. And NO tipping policy. It is included in the cruise fare – saves all that little tipping.!!! We leave the maid a tip and usually the wine steward.
We have done 5 cruises with Regent , just returned from a Thanksgiving Caribbean cruise, and booked another for next Fall while on board.

Sea bands – are the bracelets you can buy for everone and they work. Any drug store should have them. We have had a few rough cruises so I take the patches of scopalamine with me. They work well, but make you VERY thirsty, so carrying water with you is a must.

I pack everything in large Ziploc bags. You can put a whole outfit in one bag, socks undies and all – the kids can just pull a bag out of their suitcase and go. It gives you more room, makes the suitcase neater and speeds up things at the airport security.We also pack an outfit in our carryone, along with our medicine and toiletries, just in case the airline slips up!

Take the kids for the Bridge tour or kitchen tour if they offer it. Very fun to do even for an adult.

Most of all – have fun and relax. Enjoy each others company. It will be a great adventure!

By: Linda Mattus

Linda Mattus — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 19:51:14 +0000

I’ve been on several cruises to Alaska, Bermuda, the Panama Canal and Caribbean. It’s so relaxing and the best part is you can empty the suitcases and you are on a floating hotel. Since you have kids, would recommend the first seating for dinner; unfortunately, this will mean less time on shore. There is so much to do on a cruise ship you will never get bored and your stomach will never be hungry.

The worst part of a cruise…packing everything the night before you dock and trying to figure out what to keep out that you will need in the morning. Plus, trying to find your luggage once you are off the ship.

Overall though, I would cruise again without any hesitation.

By: Gilly Bell

Gilly Bell — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 18:18:32 +0000

Wow!

Although I’m an intrepid Brit traveller and have been to many areas of the world, I’ve never cruised, even though my sister has raved about it for years.

Guess what though? You people are so enthusiastic. I’m going to have to try it!

By: Sharon

Sharon — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:06:04 +0000

I loved cruising, we went for the first time in July of 2006 for our 20th Anniversary.

I saw some one say early seating for dinner, but we had wished for later seating for dinner so we had more time to do things. My husband wanted to stay up until after midnight ever night any way.

I did not have problem with seasickness, only a little dizzy and some dramine took care of that. Just remember you can get some at the conceriege desk (sp) and don’t have to buy it. Or that is what I have heard since I have been off the ship.

Go to the shows they were fun and we missed a few and really think we missed out.

Don’t over pack! Uff dah, did we over do it with the dressy clothes! We went to Alaksa though so we did need warmer stuff.

The most important thing! Have fun!