My 1st Cruise... any info/ideas helpful. Thanks *-*
 

Sorors,
I am heading on my first cruise in April. I am too excited. I will be on the Celebrity Line (Galaxy) in the Southern Carribean.
I would love to hear any ideas and comments on past cruises, any suggestions, etc.
The islands I will visit are: Puerto Rico, St Croix, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Thomas. IF you have visited any of these, can U suggest a place to visit or hang out?
Thank so much!
Soror Ant.
Richmond,VA

My advice is to pack lite and take along bottled h2o. It is available on the ship but at $6.00/20 oz. bottle.
I would also take 2 complete changes of clothes with you-- in a carry on bag--aside from the clothes in those in your luggage.

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IVY in my HAND-- AKA in my HEART

I went on a cruise a few years ago two of the stops were San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. San Juan had some of the most beautiful rainforests and waterfalls I've ever seen and St. Thomas has really good deals on jewelry and clothes.

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"Only passions, great
passions can elevate
the soul to do great things"

--Diderot
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Make sure you take something for sea sickness-Bonnie(less drowsiness) or Dramamine(sp), just in case. I didn't think that I would get sick, but I was sick for the 5 hours to the Bahamas and 5 hours from the Bahamas. Those nice little barf bags and I got acquainted quite well. Also, if you are having meals on the boat, be prepared to tip and I'm not talking 15%. My first cruise was my last, but others have had good experiences. So, I hope that you have a good one.

WELCOME TO THE FORUM AKANVA http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif!!!! ITS PEPPERNFERN72!!!!!

I had a great time when i went on my family cruise. We did it one year in lieu of Thanksgiving at someone's home. Matter of fact, my husband and I are looking into going on a cruise this year too, hitting alot of the same islands you will.

St. Thomas is defintely a place to get your jewlery.

Enjoy lady! Too bad you will be leaving Richmond as I will be coming...but we will catch up the next time.

Bring your $$$$ lots of it 'cuz they charge the hell outta ya!!!

Also, bring some sort of sunscreen 'cuz they charge the hell outta ya!!!

Moreover, don't eat for a week or longer, 'cuz the FEED the hell outta ya!!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif

That's just my experience...

Oh yeah, that reminds me, you also use money to play the slot machines if you gamble... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/cool.gif

Cruise!!! oh i am sooo happy for you. I hope to go on my first cruise this year as well. have fun!!

Sorors,
THANKS & Keep the suggestions coming.
Again, thanks so much!
Soror Ant.

Sorors,
Thanks for the info...KEEP IT COMING!!!
Getting good stuff.
Soror AKAnVA

Bring a nice after 5-ish outfit...
normally, there is a dinner "with the captain"...

Bring $$$ for the pictures, pictures, pictures... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

Enjoy!

My next vacation.
 

Ok everyone, I did a search,and really didn't find any good answer to my question.


I am going on my 3rd and last vacation of the year in September, to the BAHAMAS. YAAAAAAAAAY WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

My mother and I will be flying there. (a birthday gift from me to her :D ) I would like to know, if anyone has been (and I know some of you have) and where are some good hotels or cottages with the low low prices at? We will be going to Nassau. I believe september is right after peak season, but right before all of the storms. Most of the hotels there are sky high, and YOU KNOW a sista is on a budget. I was just wondering does anybody have any suggestions on accomodations, and places to visit???

Strobelite, when in September are you going?

The second week in september.
Why do you ask?

Remember the ship doesn't use cash, so plan on having them set up your ship account with a credit card. Take some bottled water if you can, the bottled water in the cabin it too expensive.

Keep an eye on your complimentary beach towels (if provided)....you are responsible for them and if they aren't returned at the end of the cruise, you will be charged for them. The professional pictures can be expensive, so only choose the ones you are really going to like. You aren't obligated to pay for them all.

When booking the cruise---always choose the second seating, it will give you more time to get back to the ship from the island and get ready for dinner. Otherwise, if the ship offers open seating, you can go at your convenience.

If you are planning to take advantage of the ship spa, make your appointment first thing when you board the ship, that way you will have the best choice of appointments. (I recommend you set your appointment for a day that you will be at sea---Ships usually sail at night, but when returning, sometimes you have at least one day at sea).

Be sure to pack one change of clothes in your carry-on bag, once you get to the dock, you will be separated from your luggage and there will be no way to determine when it will be placed outside you cabin door before departure.

The Virgin Islands are great for silver, Mexico is great for turquoise , don't buy any fruit or vegetables, You can't bring those on the ship.

Also, usually you are only allowed to bring back 2-4 bottles of duty free liquor, but check with the ship steward before you buy
any liquor.

Finally, you are "expected" to tip all service people at the end of the cruise (matree d, waiter, cabin steward, etc) since they serve you the entire cruise...(assuming you are seated at the same table for dinner every night) Check with your travel agent to confirm whether gratuities are included in your cruise package.

If your interested in a good chartered cruise, check this one out, unfortunately the 2003 7 day Carribean cruise info is not available until August.

http://www.festivalatsea.com/

I know that was a lot of information, have fun, as you can tell I love cruising!!:) PM me if you like!

I will be cruising to Nassau the third week in September!! We'll just miss each other Strobelite :( Has anyone been on Royal Carribean Soverign of the Seas????

The Delta SF that commented on cruising it hit all on the head! Especially about nt seeingyour lugguage for a while, so better safe to take a spare with you in your carry on.

My husband and myself cruised for our honeymoon last September on a 5 day cruise to Mexico on Royal Carribean, and we we absolutely loved it! No complaints at all.......The food was always good, and if it wasn't they took it back and brought you anything else off of the menu or made you whatever you wanted. The food is availible 24/7.........But do make sure you watch the drink charges they'll catch up with you. Have a great time! After I drop my load, I'll be planning my next cruise this time with the family.

Duh, how about I didn't realize the first post was in 2001? Anyway, I hope the info helps someone......:)

21st Birthday Plans
 

I decided to reactivate this thread since I plan on taking my first cruise August 2004.

Here's the scenario:

I've never been on a cruise before and decided that I'd like to celebrate my 21st B-day on one. Does anyone have any suggestions on what cruise line/boat and most importantly where I should choose? I'm trying to keep the price less than $800 and around 3-4 nights. All suggestions and comments are appreciated! Thanks

I had a great experience on Norweigan Cruise Line. It was a one week cruise to Florida and the Bahamas leaving New York City.

Re: 21st Birthday Plans
 

I don't know much about the cruise lines as I always fly (just faster lol) buuuut I am biased being from the Bahamas, I must do my duty as a good citizen & say cruise to an island in the Bahamas:D

My one cruise has been on the Big Red Boat (spring break. Senior year college...ah the memeories! Me, my best firend and Bugs Bunny.) but have been told that Norweigian and Royal Carribean are wonderful. Better than Carnival, more expensive but worth it. The Bahamas is a great destination, that is where we went. Also, many make several stops so you may pick one that has a few different ports of call. As someone else pointed out, always be conscious of the fact that they do not use cash on the boat and it is easy to spend a lot of money when you are just charging it to your room! The bill at the end can be a big wake up call.

So Many Cruises, So little Money!!
 

Ok, I am looking into a cruise/vacation for 2005 and found a lot!! Including one from our soror, TJ Butler.

There is the NPHC Cruise, Labor Day Cruise, TJ Butler Cruise, Rio De Janerio Cruise but, I am thinking about the Essence Festival in New Orleans as well. Since I have only a few weeks to decide, can someone please tell me if they attended any of these events, if so, what did you think of them?

My cruise to Hawaii, August 2004
 

I took a cruise to Hawaii this year in August. In my opinion, if you have never been to Hawaii, this is the best (most economical) way to maximize the number of islands you can visit while minimizing the cost of your accommodations.

For a 7 day cruise to Hawaii, you will probably visit at least 4 islands...(fly into Honolulu, sailing to Oahu, Maui, Kuai and Hawaii---ie the big island). The good part is your room and food accommodations are on the ship, so you don't have to spend money on expensive fly-overs or room accomodations for each island. The downside is the airfare to Hawaii is expensive for peak flights.

Still note, Hawaii is EXPENSIVE....there are plenty of tours...but most are only available through the ship. Tour activities include, horseback riding, parasailing, tour of the islands, snorkeling, volcano tours (by copter, bike or hike), etc. However, Hawaii is BREATHTAKING....especially Maui, you will enjoy it if you go.

I had a ball, but stay away from Norwegian Cruise Lines for a Hawaiian cruise, they took their maiden voyage in July, 2004, and they have not had good ratings from the passengers. I believe Princess and Carnival cruise there.

Thank You Virtual Violet
 

Virtual Violet,

Wow! That sounds like too much fun. I would like to take a cruise but, maybe after I have a hubby. But it sounds really romantic.

I think I have it down between the ESSENCE festival and the NPHC Carnival "Fun Cruise" that will be held on Memorial Day. I am actually leaning toward the NPHC Cruise b/c I figure this will be my first Cruise, it will be short and I can see if I want to take another that will be longer. But gee, I have to admit, I wish that I could visit 4 islands in Hawaii!!

Re: Thank You Virtual Violet
 

You're welcome....no luck on the "hubby" for me... It was a trip with friends. But you can have fun even if its not as a couple. I took a charter (www.festivalatsea.com), so it was fun to meet other people, even if NCL sucked.

I was thinking about the NPHC cruise or an cruise being put on by some Alphas, but I'm undecided. I like cruising 7 days or more. 3-4 days doesn't seem like enough time.;)

Cool...Thank you for the website. I actually was thinking about the Alpha Cruise but we will see. :D

ttt

thanks....A'91...this thread answered some of my questions...
@Paradiseor anyone do you speak patois?