SOME TIPS FOR FIRST TIME CRUISERS

 

How do I decide which cruise is best for me?

If you are going to take the recommendation of friends, be sure that they have the same interests as you!  If they are party-people and like to stay up until all hours of the morning, and you are more laid-back and enjoy more cultural things, you will not like the same ships.  Carnival, for example, tends to be lively with Las Vegas-type shows.  Holland America (which is owned by Carnival) is much more subdued.  Cruises by Royal Caribbean and Princess tend to be able to fit the needs of an across-the-board type of clientele.  One way to decide which would be best for you is to look at the kinds of vacations you prefer.  If you enjoy staying at a Four Seasons Hotel, or an Intercontinental, for example, you might want to look at Holland America, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, Silversea, or Seabourne. 

Next, one should look at the destinations offered.  Most first-time cruisers will look at a cruise to the Caribbean.  Is there an island which you have always wanted to visit?  Or is Mexico a place you have always dreamed about?  Of the week-long cruises, there are three basic itineraries (with variations, of course).  Cruises from Florida usually follow the Eastern Caribbean itinerary or the Western Caribbean itinerary.  The Eastern route often calls at ports such as San Juan, St. Martin, and St. Thomas.  Some cruise lines also include a stop at their private islands.  The Western itinerary usually consists of Cozumel in Mexico, the Cayman Islands, and Jamaica.  If you want to see islands further to the south, you will want to take a Southern Caribbean cruise, leaving from San Juan, Puerto Rico.  There are two basic itineraries from that port.  One will take you to Aruba, Curacao, the Virgin Islands, and possibly St. Martin.  The other will visit such places as Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, Dominica, or the like.  Three and four-day cruises will call at either the Bahamas or Mexico along with Key West.  Three and four-day Disney cruises are combined with a three or four-night stay at Disney World.  Disney also offers a seven-day cruise.

Other popular destinations are Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada/New England.  Still others include Europe, Asia, Australia, the Panama Canal, and South America.  Your travel agent will be able to answer any questions and help guide you to the perfect cruise for you.

The next important decision will be selecting the type of cabin.  Now that you have chosen your ship and destination, you must decide on the accommodations.  Your choice is between an interior cabin (one that has no windows), an ocean-view cabin (with either a porthole or a large picture window), or one with a verandah or balcony.  If you tend to be claustrophobic, an interior cabin is not for you!  Here, again, a good agent will help you in that decision.  It is important not to decide on the basis of cost alone.  An interior cabin on an upper deck will be only slightly less than an ocean view cabin on a lower deck.  And, by the way, NO cabins are ever below the water line!

Experienced cruisers will know the best cabin locations.  Ideally, one would like to be mid-ship from front to back.  In the unlikely event that the ship begins to pitch  (front to back), this is where the least amount of motion will be.  If a ship should begin a rolling motion (side-to-side), the lower decks are more desirable.(All ships now have stabilizers to counter-act this movement).  Yet, the higher the deck, the higher the price.  As ships get bigger and bigger, they are less likely to produce any motion so location may not be important.  Be aware, though, of what is nearby.  People congregate at elevators and, therefore, that area can be noisy.  If there is a disco directly beneath, or above, your selected cabin, you are likely to hear the noise.

           

The following questions are some that are typically asked by first time cruisers.  Perhaps they will serve to answer some of yours:

 

Do I have to fly to a port to pick up a cruise?

            More and more often you can find a port that is somewhat local and well within driving distance.  Many people do not want to fly, especially since 9/11.  However, remember that the further north a port is located means that it takes longer to get to the warm waters of the Caribbean.  The Atlantic is definitely not as calm as the Caribbean.  Winter weather also affects these ports.   However, ports such as New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Norfolk are becoming more and more popular as people look for ways to simplify the travel.  Some cruise lines offer bus transportation to ports some of these ports..

 

What kind of documentation do I need to take with me?

            All cruisers will need a passport if going out of the country.  Since most cruises, with the possible exception of a 7-day Hawaii cruise, do leave the country, you will have to get a passport.  You will need to have two 2x2 pictures (Ritz Camera, Sears, CVS, etc.), your birth certificate, and your drivers license.  Forms are available from many post offices, on line, and often from your travel agency.  You will then take these completed forms to a participating post office and they will process them for you.  It is important to note that you cannot go to Washington to get a passport.  The Passport Agency there requires (1) an appointment, and (2) proof that you are traveling within 14 days.  As of May 1, 2010, a passport will cost you $135.00; it is valid for ten years. 

 

What are transfers?

            When your plane arrives at its destination, you will go to baggage claim to get your luggage.  There you will see a representative from your cruise line.  He/she will have a sign with the name of the ship on it.  They will take your luggage to a waiting coach and you will also get on that same bus.  When you arrive at the port, you will go through the lines to check in and someone will take your luggage to your cabin.  Be aware that this process may take an hour or more.  It is advisable to have your overnight bag with you!  When it is time to debark, your luggage will be put off the ship.  You will claim it and take it to the assigned coach.  Then you will be driven back to the airport.  You are, therefore, transferring from the airport to the pier and back.

 

Do I really need insurance?

            We answer that with a resounding “Yes!”  Technically you are purchasing a waiver so that if you or a family member should get sick, you could cancel the cruise and get a refund.  If you should get sick or have a mishap while on the cruise, the waiver would take care of flying you to a hospital.  It would pay all of the expenses and give you back the portion of the cruise you did not use.  This waiver also covers loss or damage of luggage.  You are covered if there is a death in the immediate family and it interferes with your travel plans.  Each policy is different, so you should read the information carefully.  It does not cover you if you cancel for an uncovered reason.  If you must cancel, the cost of the insurance will not be returned to you.

 

 

What kind of clothing will I need?

            Pack as if you were going on a land trip to one of the destinations.  Remember, a cruise ship is really a floating hotel.  Towels, wash cloths, soap, and basic toiletries will be in your cabin.  Many cabins also have hair dryers in them.  There will be formal nights on most cruises.  How many is determined by the length of the cruise.  A 3 or 4-night cruise will have one formal night.  A 7-night cruise will have two formal nights, and a 10+ -day cruise will have three.  Cruise ships, like many land destinations, are becoming less and less formal.  Very few men will wear a tuxedo, but often a jacket and tie is required.  On these nights, women will wear a variety of outfits, from long, sequined evening gowns to cocktail dresses to pants suits, and everything in between.  Dress to your level of comfort, but within the guidelines.  On other evenings, men will be required to wear a collared shirt.  Shorts are not allowed in most dining rooms.  There are alternative places to dine on all ships.  If you do not want to be dressy, go to the buffet or ask for cabin service.  During the day you will want casual clothing, comfortable walking shoes, – and, of course, a bathing suit and a cover-up!

            Your luggage will be delivered to your cabin, but may not be there when you first arrive.  Therefore, it is wise to have a carry-on bag with a change of clothing, any medications, and any jewelry.  We advise you to not take expensive jewelry.  Even though many cabins come equipped with a safe, it is better to leave your valuables at home.

 

What about extra costs?

            A cruise is not an all-inclusive vacation, and with good reason!  Beverages not served at meals are not included.  This includes soft drinks as well as alcoholic beverages.  You would not want to pay for alcoholic drinks if you do not drink them!  For those of you who live on sodas, a soda card can be purchased on board.  Many cruises now also allow you to purchase a water or wine card. This allows you to purchase unlimited sodas or wine, and can be a bargain.  Generally, the costs of shore excursions are also not included.  Again, this allows you to pick and choose ones to your liking.  The other major item usually not included is tips (see separate section below).  Luxury cruise lines are sometimes the exception.  Amenities vary with each but may include gratuities, beverages, and sometimes even shore excursions.  The most inclusive cruise is Regent Seven Seas.

 

Now you are ready to get on the ship!

            First you will want to register.  For most cruise ships, this is done, prior to sailing, on the cruise line’s web site.  Look for the heading of “Immigration Forms”, “Before You Board”. “Cruise Personalizer”, or something similar.  You will need to know your booking number in order to register.  Once you have done this, print your boarding pass and carry it with you.  If you do not have a computer, ask your travel agent to assist you in this.

            Next, think about the shore excursions you will want to take.  Again, most cruise lines have these listed on their web sites and you can select them and pay with a credit card.  Because most people now do this, it is advisable to NOT wait until you get on the ship to make these decisions.  If you change your mind, you can cancel while on the ship.

            You will not find unlimited storage space in a cabin.  One rule of thumb is to lay out all of the clothing you want to take; then take half of it!  If you find that you are missing something important, there are many shops on each ship.

 

 

 

How do I pay for goods and services while on the ship?

            Most cruises work on a cashless basis.  You will need to register a credit card for your purchases.  However, at the end of the cruise, you can elect to pay your bill by credit card, cash or check.  Items on board are charged to your ship credit card account.  If you purchase a drink at the bar, a tip will also be added.  You will find that this system is very convenient for both you and the ship personnel.

 

What about shore excursions?

            Shore excursions are a good way to get an overview of the port of call.  They range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars.  You may find that, when you get to a destination, a similar excursion is being offered locally.  Be very careful, however!  Excursions offered by the cruise line are quality-controlled.  Others are not.  Additionally, one offered by the cruise line insures that you will be back on the ship in time for its departure.  Otherwise, if you miss the departure time, it is up to you to get to the next port!

            It is not always necessary to take an excursion.  Many cruisers will want to just spend the day at the beach or checking out the duty-free shops.  The main goal is to do what makes you happy so that you will come home with good memories.

 

Food, food, and more food!

            You can eat to your heart’s content.  The options are numerous, both on the dining room menu and with the many other restaurants on the ship.  If you have an allergy or are diabetic, for example, the ship will need to know that so that they can provide you with the proper foods.  There is always a formal dining room and a casual buffet restaurant as well as smaller bistros, pizza parlors, coffee shops, and room service.  Many of the cruise ships now offer an alternative dining restaurant.  This tends to be more upscale, with excellent food and outstanding service.  There is a charge for it and reservations are required.  The cost is usually between $20 and $30 per person, and most of this is for tips.  If you are watching your weight, remember that there are gyms on board.  Reservations are generally required.

 

Can I carry my own drinks on to the ship?

            This varies with the cruise line.  Some let you carry on a limited amount, while others will let you take nothing.  If you purchase drinks at any of the ports, some will let you use them on the ship; others will keep them until you get off the ship.  Check with the individual cruise line or with your travel agent.

 

Will I get bored on the ship?

            There are many different types of activities for both adults and children.  Most ships now have a kids’ club that is divided into age groups.  For the adults, the question is not whether or not there will be something to do, but which you want to choose!  You can also choose to do nothing except relax.  There are gyms, spa services, games, libraries, and many other things too numerous to mention.  Each evening will have some form of entertainment.  This is included in the price of your cruise.  Later, you may wish to dance the night away and, again, this is included in the cost.  But, remember that, if you purchase drinks, they are at an additional cost.

 

What about tipping?

            Tips are handled in one of two ways.  Many cruise lines will allow you to prepay them.  Others still use the envelope system whereby you place the appropriate tip, at the end of your cruise, in specially marked envelopes, for your cabin steward, your waiter, your bus boy, and sometimes the head waiter.  You can safely assume that each cruiser will pay approximately $10 to $13 per day in tips.  Therefore, a couple on a 7-day cruise can look at a minimum of $140 in tips.  If you have prepaid the tips and find you have had poor service, you can ask the purser to remove the tip.  Many cruise lines require the workers to register their tips.  In this way, they can be assured that the service is excellent.  If you feel that one of them, say your waiter, has done more than would be expected, certainly offer an additional tip, but be careful not to go overboard in this case.

 

What if I get sea sick?

            All ships are equipped with medical facilities and all medical facilities keep medicines for sea sickness in stock.  These items are also available in some of the shops.  Dramamine, Bonine, and others now come in non-drowsy formulas.  Sea sickness can usually be controlled with items that contain no medicine.  Notable among these are Sea Bands (you must wear two – one on each wrist) that work on acupressure.  Fairly new to the market are Relief Bands.  These are battery-powered and send impulses to the stomach to calm it.  You can find information on these at the following website: www.ReliefBand.com.

 

How and I keep in touch with friends and family?

            Your documents will contain information about making and receiving calls for emergency purposes.  Your cell phone now works on many ships.  Your travel agent can help you obtain the correct information about cell phones.  Many ships also have internet services, available for a fee.

 

 What about getting off the ship?

            Your ship docks in the morning and you will have breakfast as usual.  The night before, you will be asked to put your luggage outside of your door.  Here, again, you need that overnight bag for last minute items.  Then comes the waiting time.  Overnight, the ship goes through customs, but non-American cruisers will have to do this in person the next day.  In the meantime, your luggage is being taken off the ship.  When the custom check is complete, you will be called to debark in groups.  This may be by deck, or by airline, or whatever means the ship’s captain decides. Many cruise lines now let you disembark early if you are willing to carry your own bags.  Check with your travel agent.   Be aware that on re-entry to the United States, you may be asked to identify purchases made and list the costs of the same.  You may have to pay duty on some that are above the limits allowed.  But all too soon you will be on your way home, with a host of new friends, many pictures, and fond memories.