Long story short, I got married last June, but wasn't able to go on a honeymoon because I was battling stage 4 kidney cancer. I am doing much better now, and my beautiful wife and I decided to go on a cruise. Neither of us have ever done it, so we would love some tips. I hear that there is actually a lot to it to make it nice. I hear room placement to............ God knows what will determine how good the experience is. Since this is our honeymoon, I don't mind spending if it makes a difference. I just want to have a nice cruise/honeymoon.
Any help would be very much appreciated.
I won a cruise about 10 years back, and my room was the "owner's suite" that overlooked the Lido deck.
Long story short, it may have been nicer to have been in the belly of the ship, away from the noise.
I don't know where you're going, but excursions are key. If possible, get off your bum and go on a few.
I've been on a couple cruises. I really enjoyed both. Our rooms were interior rooms. We didn't spend much time in them, but they were sufficient. Of course, a couple of newlyweds might be in there a bit more. .....
I'd work with a travel agent. I don't bother to with airfare or hotels because I can handle those myself, but so much more goes into a cruise that it pays to work with someone whose job is to know how to get you the best value and experience possible on your budget.
I've been on multiple cruises. It's become my go to. It's so easy and convenient. You park, you get on the boat, you don't worry about anything else for the whole trip. No driving, parking, etc..
I've done interior, and suites with the balcony. The Wife won't let me go without the balcony anymore...
The food is awesome, you'll have at least one night where you are expected to dress up for dinner. On that night(s) they will usually have the best food (lobster tails and the like) YOU CAN ORDER AS MANY OF THEM AS YOU WISH.
If you're a drinker, that's where they get you. Some lines are now offering drink packages for alcohol. When we went in the Summer it was $55/person/day and there is a limit to the # of drinks. As long as you get your moneys worth it's worth not having to hassle with it or get the surprise bill at the end.
Because...there is no cash used on the ship except in the casino. You use your room key to charge everything back to the credit card they have on file. There is a fee to get cash for the casino, unless you charge some amount to your card in a slot machine, then cash out at the cage. Even then, they eventually will shut you down from that...
When you board, take what you'll need for a few hours as it may be a while before your bags are delivered to your room.
Most lines allow you to take some amount of soda and wine onboard. Carnival lets you order 1 liter bottles of liquor ahead of time for an exorbitant amount but, still cheaper than buying single drinks.
Tips- they will charge you a certain amount per day for tips for all the staff that deals with you. You'll see a line of [BLEEP] at the desk asking to have them removed. That's lame, if you can't afford tipping, don't take the trip. It's like $12 a day for 3+ meals and bartenders, and maids, etc. Don't be a cheap [BLEEP]. The only people I have ever given any cash to on the boat was room service....which is available 24 hours a day.
You'll be required to go to crappy safety meeting. Telling you how not to die as long as you move in an orderly fashion. Won't be so bad for you if you go before the summer, standing on the deck in July heat for 30 minutes...sucks.
Try to find a cruise with a private island. We normally book a cabana and they have to run us off back to the boat.
If you aren't sure about your sea legs, bring something for sickness. Or get drunk quickly.
Some people feel a room towards the bottom is better because you feel less rocking, some people like a window or access to fresh air so keep that in mind.
Don't be the guy that's late or misses the ship when they let you off.
Have fun!
We've been on many cruises. The quality and experience will depend as much on the cruise line and the particular ship as it does on the details of your booking. In general, I would say get a room with a view (either a window or a balcony as Hard_Eight mentioned). Food varies greatly between cruise lines. Most lines offer "free style" cruising now which is basically much less emphasis on formal seatings for dining. Another fairly recent trend is "pay as you go" premium dining, which offers an upscale experience (I don't think it's that upscale actually) over the free meals that are included with your ticket. We have cruised on Carnival, NCL, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean. They are all different and Carnival and NCL in particular have changed significantly over the years. As a first time cruiser, I'd recommend you stick with a shorter cruise, maybe one of the standard Bahama cruises they offer from Florida. In fact, the Carnival ship that sails out of Jacksonville does 4 and 5 day cruises. Carnival tends to focus on "value" cruises but the shorter trips on that ship are really relaxing and although it's an older, smaller ship it's really pleasant in an understated way. I would recommend it as a very mellow, laid-back kinda cruise unless you're looking for a major party boat.
A couple other notes, don't forget your passport. Book excursions through the cruise line (these aren't necessarily the best excursions, but they ARE backed up by the cruise line and they guarantee they'll get you back to the boat before it departs). Also, you're highly unlikely to get sea sick. The big cruise ships hardly even twitch but you might want to take some dramamine just in case!
Edited to add: I just looked up..the ship out of Jacksonville is the Fascination, that's the one we've been on but they are replacing it soon with the Elation. Same class of ship but a bit newer so YMMV.
Since when do people leave their rooms when on their honeymoon?
Congrats on the nuptials and improved health!
A cruise can be as relaxing or eventful as you want it to be.
Unless you get a suite the cabins are pretty small. A balcony not only gives you much needed fresh air when nursing a hangover, it's a nice place to chill and have coffee in the morning, a drink or two before heading back out in the evening, or to smoke one of the fake cubans you bought onshore for $5. We prefer mid-ship or aft (rear facing) balconies.
Once we, meaning my wife, decides which pool we'll be lounging at (usually as soon as we get on board), I'll give the nearest bartenders $20 and make sure they fondly remember me. You really will get preferential treatment at the bar for the week. This will come handy when the pool bar is packed during sail days and you're not in the mood for the foo foo souvenir drinks the pool waiters are slingin'. Think of it as getting a Fast-Pass at Disney. Also, as 4-4 mentioned, room service is free, just make sure you have small bills for tipping.
Dinner in the main dining room can range from OK to excellent depending on the cruise line and ship, but all of the major lines have reservation only restaurants, usually a prime steak/chop house and an upscale Italian or French restaurant. Make reservations for one or both on your 1st or day, they will book up. Plan on "dressing" for those nights as well. If you like lobster, just don't make your reservation when it's lobster night in the main dining room. Also, if you and your bride like wine w/ dinner, get one of the wine packages and save a few bucks.
Funny story, but those photos they take of you all week to commemorate your fabulous trip are not free. Just ask my daughter what happened when she was 7 and innocently tried to walk out of the photo area w/ every picture of the family and all the photos of other passengers wearing dresses she thought was pretty. She's 21 now, and I still get mileage out of threatening to throw her in the brig.
cruisecritic.com is great resource of info for anything having to do w/ cruises
And don't forget the #1 rule: Pack 1/2 the clothes you were planning to bring and 2X the $$, especially if your going ashore (and you should)!
Quote:I've been on multiple cruises. It's become my go to. It's so easy and convenient. You park, you get on the boat, you don't worry about anything else for the whole trip. No driving, parking, etc..
I've done interior, and suites with the balcony. The Wife won't let me go without the balcony anymore...
The food is awesome, you'll have at least one night where you are expected to dress up for dinner. On that night(s) they will usually have the best food (lobster tails and the like) YOU CAN ORDER AS MANY OF THEM AS YOU WISH.
If you're a drinker, that's where they get you.
Some lines are now offering drink packages for alcohol. When we went in the Summer it was $55/person/day and there is a limit to the # of drinks. As long as you get your moneys worth it's worth not having to hassle with it or get the surprise bill at the end.
Because...there is no cash used on the ship except in the casino. You use your room key to charge everything back to the credit card they have on file. There is a fee to get cash for the casino, unless you charge some amount to your card in a slot machine, then cash out at the cage. Even then, they eventually will shut you down from that...
When you board, take what you'll need for a few hours as it may be a while before your bags are delivered to your room.
Most lines allow you to take some amount of soda and wine onboard. Carnival lets you order 1 liter bottles of liquor ahead of time for an exorbitant amount but, still cheaper than buying single drinks.
Tips- they will charge you a certain amount per day for tips for all the staff that deals with you. You'll see a line of [BAD WORD REMOVED] at the desk asking to have them removed. That's lame, if you can't afford tipping, don't take the trip. It's like $12 a day for 3+ meals and bartenders, and maids, etc. Don't be a cheap [BAD WORD REMOVED]. The only people I have ever given any cash to on the boat was room service....which is available 24 hours a day.
You'll be required to go to crappy safety meeting. Telling you how not to die as long as you move in an orderly fashion. Won't be so bad for you if you go before the summer, standing on the deck in July heat for 30 minutes...sucks.
Try to find a cruise with a private island. We normally book a cabana and they have to run us off back to the boat.
Empty out a bottle of scope, add your favorite clear adult beverage and some good coloring. ;-)
Quote:Since when do people leave their rooms when on their honeymoon?
If your honeymoon happens to be poorly timed...
I've been on numerous cruises. The first dozen or so were on big grey ships that offered free "food" and a nice bunk to sleep in. The price was right though and I got to see a lot of interesting places.
Regarding the cruise you are talking about, I've been on a few of those as well. From my experience, a 3 day cruise is too short and a 7 day cruise is just a bit too long. A 5 day cruise is just about right.
My advice is to go to the shows, especially the "after hours" or "adult" shows for some great entertainment if you are not offended by vulgar language. What my wife and I did was get a few simple "Thank You" cards and put a generous tip in them. At the end of the cruise we would hand them out to the various people that waited on us, especially the people that took care of our room.
I do recommend splurging a bit for a room with a balcony.
The most expensive part is going to be drinking, gambling in the Casino(s) and any shopping/souvenirs that you might purchase. The excursions that are offered are pretty good, or depending on which port you pull into, it's worth hiring a taxi driver to show you around. I wouldn't really recommend the latter if it's your first time in a foreign country, but sometimes you see more and do more taking this route.
The bottom line is to relax and enjoy yourself.
I don't think I could ever do a cruise. Maybe once to say I've done it, but I dunno, something like a hiking excursion in some majestic mountains, or just flying to Bora Bora would tickle my fancy.
Quote:I don't think I could ever do a cruise. Maybe once to say I've done it, but I dunno, something like a hiking excursion in some majestic mountains, or just flying to Bora Bora would tickle my fancy.
A cruise isn't just about the cruise.
My last 'cruise' I hiked Mayan ruins, went tubing through caves, and zip-lined through the rain forest canopy.
My beautiful bride and I leave tomorrow for our cruise. I have researched this thing tirelessly, and feel about as lost as I was when I booked the cruise. We did get a few good tips and are glad for those. I'll have a full report next week upon our return. I'll add my two cents about cruising and tips at that time. Thanks to everyone who helped out.
Quote:My beautiful bride and I leave tomorrow for our cruise. I have researched this thing tirelessly, and feel about as lost as I was when I booked the cruise. We did get a few good tips and are glad for those. I'll have a full report next week upon our return. I'll add my two cents about cruising and tips at that time. Thanks to everyone who helped out.
It's a vacation with your woman...stop worrying and just enjoy it!
If you can spare the cash up front, I'd recommend Sandals all inclusive and ditch the cruise. Disclaimer: never been on a cruise.
But there's something really cool about going, doing, drinking, and eating all you've already paid for. Takes away the anxiety and lets you relax. If you want extras, account for that as well. No hangover bill for things you've put on the "tab."
If you hear "iceberg!!", dress like a woman and climb into a life boat.
Quote:My beautiful bride and I leave tomorrow for our cruise. I have researched this thing tirelessly, and feel about as lost as I was when I booked the cruise. We did get a few good tips and are glad for those. I'll have a full report next week upon our return. I'll add my two cents about cruising and tips at that time. Thanks to everyone who helped out.
As for what do while on the ship, you should be able to figure things out as you go. Every day look at what the options are for that day and plan what you want to do. The part you should be concerned with the most right now is planning your itinerary for the port stops as that ultimately is the funnest part of the trip. Take advantage of the activities they offer, and bring binoculars... don't try to buy them on the ship. For that matter, you're probably best avoiding any shops that are on the ship.
In all, you're still going to spend more than you plan to, even if you plan a lot as every little thing costs money. Don't expect to get online at all as it's not worth the money to go to their internet area. At the bars they tend to be skimpy with alcohol, so to compensate order your drinks with diet soda. For instance, order a rum and diet Coke.
The room are tiny and mainly there to sleep and change clothes in. ...and of course for, you know. :thumbsup:<strong>
It's sort of like being in a small hospital room. If you can find a way to get liquor on board it's highly recommended, although you have to hide it well so they don't find it in your bags, or alternatively in your shopping bag on a port stop. We manged to sneak a bottle on board, and were so grateful we did, but they'll confiscate it if they find it and that includes the person who cleans up the room while you're out. </strong>
Can't wait to hear how it goes. We are planning on going on a Disney Cruise this year and looking forward to it...doubt it will have the adult activities yours is going to have, but I am looking forward to dropping the kid off and having some relaxation time!