First time cruiser (as in ever). Any tips and tricks?

[BroadwayHermione5]

You know what else is a bad idea, a 3D movie. Made that mistake once.

Oh noooooo

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

Cruising is not like other vacations. Most of the "work" is done for you. All you really need to do is decide on excursions and whether you want to try an upgraded dinner.

I'd say the only thing to "brace" yourself for is the crowds - a surprising number of people seem to have no self-awareness or believe they are **especially special**.

A few of my personal rules:
- don't use the elevator except during embarking/debarking. There aren't enough and less mobile people need them. I'm blessed.at 70+ to have good health and need to work off the calories anyway.
- no need to stand in line before dinner. Your seat is reserved. But don't be late either. You throw everyone's timing off.
-don't sit/stand on the steps (or allow children to). No running except on running deck.
-use inside voices inside the ship, especially residential floors.
-no saving pool chairs for hours if you are not in them. You move your feet - you lose your seat.

Mainly, just relax, be nice and enjoy.

All basic rules I believe in anyway (I’m a theatre person being early is on time, on time is late and late is just really late

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

Take a refillable water bottle that you can fill at the buffet and bring back to your room. Have a day bag packed for embarkation because your room won’t be ready right away. Have all your travel documents squared away. The medical office actually keep packs of motion sickness medicine just sitting in a bin outside the door so if your forget to pack some just go there (found this out because my daughter slammed her finger in the shower door and we needed an ice pack). Use the app - it’s wonderful for figuring out what’s going on. Take a tour of the ship at the beginning of your cruise if you can. Try to catch the shows. If there’s anything you’re having trouble booking (ex dining) just go to guest services. Have fun!

I’ve heard about the day bag and water bottle but never the basic first aid bins! That’s genius!

 

[sponica]

You know what else is a bad idea, a 3D movie. Made that mistake once.

It might actually have been in 3D....I don't remember