First Cruise? Let me reassure you.
When it comes time to take that first cruise, you might be a little uneasy about a number of things.
Will I get seasick? Probably not. A few people do, but it's hard to get motion sickness when there isn't much motion. Cruise ships are stabilized by fins that extend out from the hull below the waterline. The ships themselves are so large that waves hardly affect them at all. It takes a lot of energy to move 90,000 tons of ship.
What if I forget something I absolutely have to have? Pack your medicine and your bathing suit. Most of the stuff you need is provided. Cruise ships make stops in ports where shopping is a snap, so you can buy that sunblock, or whatever.
How much do I tip? Most cruise lines will offer guidelines for tipping, but it's mostly just common sense. How much would you expect if your cabin steward was the passenger and you were doing his job? How much would you tip your waiter on dry land? If you get a questionaire about service, be sure you fill it out and drop it off at the desk. It's very important to the crew.
Will I get bored? I'd say that is impossible. You will get a little "newspaper" each evening that tells about all of the activities the next day. There is so much to do, you will have to choose the things you like best. Or, if relaxation is your goal, just sit and watch the ocean. It changes constantly. If you like activity, hang out on the pool deck. A variey of live music is available there, and in lounges. Nightly shows are presented in the main theater in the evening.
What kind of clothing should I pack? The short answer is shorts, shirts and bathing suit. But some cruises go to cool climates, so you might need to take that into consideration. Most cruise ships have formal night a couple of times, so you might need to dress up. I never take a tux, mainly because I don't have one, but a dark suit is acceptable. The ladies know what formal means, so I won't have to suggest anything for them. You might want to note that shorts and jeans are not acceptable in the main dining room in the evening. Even if you are going to the tropics, take a light jacket or sweater. Air conditioning can make some areas too cool.
How can I find my way around a 900 foot ship? Maps are posted near the elevators. It's a good idea to explore the ship as soon as possible. Halfway throught the cruise is not a good time to discover a pool on the stern that is less crowded than the main pool. You might want to check out dining facilites, the movie theater, various lounges, walking/jogging tracks, outside decks on lower floors, the main lobby, the casino, shopping areas, the sauna, and exercise rooms. Most ships have a large lounge forward and up high where you can watch for whales and stuff. They usually have lots of windows and comfortable chairs. And you don't have to order drink.
Will those little staterooms give me clastophobia? They aren't really that small, but if that worries you, go for a room with a balcony. They cost a little more, but it's worth it. Cruise ships are big and roomy. Clastophobia shouldn't be a problem.
How can I be sure of seeing sea life? On one cruise, I saw a sailfish, sea turtles, dolphins, and flying fish while seated on my balcony. Sometimes you see whales, and sometimes you don't. I recently went on a two-week Pacific cruise without seeing a single whale. If you don't have a balcony, go to that big lounge where you are probably up higher than the captain. It's a splendid panoramic view.
What's the worst thing about a cruise? Sooner or later, it's over.
Will I get seasick? Probably not. A few people do, but it's hard to get motion sickness when there isn't much motion. Cruise ships are stabilized by fins that extend out from the hull below the waterline. The ships themselves are so large that waves hardly affect them at all. It takes a lot of energy to move 90,000 tons of ship.
What if I forget something I absolutely have to have? Pack your medicine and your bathing suit. Most of the stuff you need is provided. Cruise ships make stops in ports where shopping is a snap, so you can buy that sunblock, or whatever.
How much do I tip? Most cruise lines will offer guidelines for tipping, but it's mostly just common sense. How much would you expect if your cabin steward was the passenger and you were doing his job? How much would you tip your waiter on dry land? If you get a questionaire about service, be sure you fill it out and drop it off at the desk. It's very important to the crew.
Will I get bored? I'd say that is impossible. You will get a little "newspaper" each evening that tells about all of the activities the next day. There is so much to do, you will have to choose the things you like best. Or, if relaxation is your goal, just sit and watch the ocean. It changes constantly. If you like activity, hang out on the pool deck. A variey of live music is available there, and in lounges. Nightly shows are presented in the main theater in the evening.
What kind of clothing should I pack? The short answer is shorts, shirts and bathing suit. But some cruises go to cool climates, so you might need to take that into consideration. Most cruise ships have formal night a couple of times, so you might need to dress up. I never take a tux, mainly because I don't have one, but a dark suit is acceptable. The ladies know what formal means, so I won't have to suggest anything for them. You might want to note that shorts and jeans are not acceptable in the main dining room in the evening. Even if you are going to the tropics, take a light jacket or sweater. Air conditioning can make some areas too cool.
How can I find my way around a 900 foot ship? Maps are posted near the elevators. It's a good idea to explore the ship as soon as possible. Halfway throught the cruise is not a good time to discover a pool on the stern that is less crowded than the main pool. You might want to check out dining facilites, the movie theater, various lounges, walking/jogging tracks, outside decks on lower floors, the main lobby, the casino, shopping areas, the sauna, and exercise rooms. Most ships have a large lounge forward and up high where you can watch for whales and stuff. They usually have lots of windows and comfortable chairs. And you don't have to order drink.
Will those little staterooms give me clastophobia? They aren't really that small, but if that worries you, go for a room with a balcony. They cost a little more, but it's worth it. Cruise ships are big and roomy. Clastophobia shouldn't be a problem.
How can I be sure of seeing sea life? On one cruise, I saw a sailfish, sea turtles, dolphins, and flying fish while seated on my balcony. Sometimes you see whales, and sometimes you don't. I recently went on a two-week Pacific cruise without seeing a single whale. If you don't have a balcony, go to that big lounge where you are probably up higher than the captain. It's a splendid panoramic view.
What's the worst thing about a cruise? Sooner or later, it's over.
posted by Howard at 3:14 PM
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