We are going on a cruise!!!Any advice for a first-timer?

[poohandwendy]

Hi all,

We (me,DH kids 16, 14, 10) are going on a cruise in Jan (sil's wedding) and we have never been....very excited! I have no idea what to expect. Anyone have any links that can start me in the right direction? Like 'cruisin for dummies' or something? The only reason I didn't put this on the DCL Board is because it is Royal Caribbean (I have checked out their site).

This is all I know so far:
4 day Western Caribbean Cruise (Jan 15)
Enchantment of the Seas
Ports: Key West and Cozumel
2 staterooms in the Q category (there will be 70 family members attending)


So any tips or ideas you'd like to share for a cruising newbie?
I know nothing except from the DB that I had better bring formalwear...or else!

Thanks!
wendy

 

[Dodie]

Have you tried the Cruise Critic boards? They're not as friendly, or as active, as the DIS, but they are broken apart by cruiselines, so you can get some pretty specific information:

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic

 

[poohandwendy]

Thanks, I'll check it out!!!

 

[MerryPoppins]

Buy one of the hanging shoe pocket organizer things. The ones that several pairs of shoes can be stored on the back of a door. Get one with mesh or clear pockets. It's easy to pack and hanging in your room it's perfect for stowing everything from deoderant to sunscreen to hairbrushes. It was a lifesaver for our family of 4. We could all find everything at a glance.

 

[Deb in IA]

You should get documents from RC about a month before your cruise that you need to fill out BEFORE you arrive.

You should check and see if you will need a passport or birth certificate.

It is strongly recommended that you arrive at the port a day or two before embarkation. Flying in on the same day you are supposed to board the boat is just too risky (weather, mechanical delays, etc). They are NOT going to hold the boat for you.

If any of your family is prone to motion sickness, bring along Dramamine or Bonine, or those "sea bands".

And finally, bring a small can of Lysol for those, um, bathroom odors . . .

 

[Sandy51]

Just to reiterate what Dodie said, everything you need to know, you will find on cruisecritic.com A great site.

Sandy

 

[Kteacher]

We're going on our 8th RCI cruise next July Cruisecritic is a great website! One tip- bring half as many clothes and twice as much money as you think you'll need Seriously- pack as lightly as possible- I did a 3 nighter on the Sovereign this past April, and only needed a carry-on bag- and yes, I was able to pack a formal gown in there ( think knits, and roll everything ) pm me if you have any more questions- the only drawback to going on a cruise- after the first one you'll be hooked!

 

[Jeannie]

Wow! You are going to have a great time. We just got back from a Western Caribbean cruise and had a fabulous time. I think it would be so much fun to be with a large family group.

I posted a trip report in pictures if you'd like to see some of my shots from Key West and Cozumel.
http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/aspplay/tt.asp?appid=11


Have fun!

 

[kaseyC]

Pack a change of clothes and maybe even a swimsuit in your carry on bag. Your checked luggage may not get to your cabin until dinnertime or even after. You may want to change for dinner even though its usual casual that first night.
As someone stated earlier pack half of what you think you might need. I like to take seperates that I can mix or match and dress up or dress down. Like a really nice black skirt with a variety of tops or light sweater sets.
Relax and have fun. We usually cruise every other year, we do Disney on the non cruise years. FTP made it possible to do both this year, yeah!!

 

[Margie J]

You'll have a wonderful time on your cruise. They are so much fun. RCCL is excellent.

After 8 cruises it's second nature now.

* Fill out as much of your boarding documents as possible before going to the port. Have your birth certificate or passport, another photo ID and a credit card ready to go also. The credit card will be used to activate your on-board charge account.

* Fill out and attach your special color coded luggage tags to your luggage at the port or airport (after landing). These will be necessary to delivery your luggage to your stateroom. The tags will be included with your documents.

* A change of clothes in your carryon is also an excellent idea. Plus, pack sunscreen in your carryon and put some on ASAP. Many people get a nasty sunburn that first day out of port.

* Have a few dollar bills handy for quick tips to the bellman, etc that first day.

* The bathrooms are very small. Remember this when you pack things.

* Pack a pair of aqua shoes for the pool deck. The decks are HOT, HOT, HOT ..... and I'm not talking that song you will hear over and over again.

* Bring a fannypack and a waterproof document/key holder for the pool area and beach trips.

* If you start to feel seasick, go outside and watch the horizon. It will help to adjust your balance. If you don't have patches with you, the infirmary is prepared for this.

* Put all your purchase receipts in an envelope from the start. You will need to fill out a Customs form before debarking and this will make things easier for you. If you go over a certain dollar limit you will need to pay taxes before debarking.


Have fun!

 

[tigercat]

Another site to try is www.cruisemates.com I am taking a cruise with them in Jan. on the Carnival Spirit. The shoe holder is a really great idea. Some people also like to bring an extension cord or power cord. A clock and night light might be good in an inside cabin. Getting in the day before is also really good. I know we have always done that and we are relaxed and waiting to get there, the others are rushed. I think the only time we were a little rushed was on our Disney Wonder cruise. We stayed at Disney the night before and drove to the ship in time to get the ship. If I ever did it again I would actually stay in Port Canavral the night before. In Jan. we will be in Miami the night before. Sunscreen is also a must and a hat.
tigercat

 

[WDWAurora]

Ok, I'm pretty sure this goes for all cruise lines, but I've just used Carnival, so....The people outside the boat who will take your luggage to your stateroom do NOT work for the cruiseline, so therefore nothing is guaranteed. We had some friends who didn't get their luggage until LATE the first night. They couldn't go to dinner in the nice dining room because they didn't have appropriate clothing. Personally, I recommend carrying your own. It's not that hard, really. I'm a wuss and I managed. I was around your kids age the first time too (14 or so) and smaller clothes weigh less anyway!

Beware the toilet! Do NOT sit on that thing when it flushes, it'll suck you right down! hehe Just kidding, but it is a little scary the first time.

 

[poohandwendy]

Thanks for all of the great tips and web sites to check out. I guess I need to start researching!!! The kids are so excited! My DH is a tad grumpy about the flying part (not his cup of tea even before 9-11...that just gave him another reason to not like it, LOL), but I refuse to drive that far...he will get over it!