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

[AKAnVA]

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

[loviest95]

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

[CarmelTreat]

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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[allsmiles_22]

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.

[darling1]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM AKANVA !!!! ITS PEPPERNFERN72!!!!!

[Diamon]

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.

[AKA_Monet]

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!!!

That's just my experience...

Oh yeah, that reminds me, you also use money to play the slot machines if you gamble...

[PositivelyAKA]

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

[AKAnVA]

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

[AKAnVA]

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

[AKA2D '91]

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

Bring $$$ for the pictures, pictures, pictures...

Enjoy!

[strobelitehoney]

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 ) 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???

[flyygyrl1908]

Strobelite, when in September are you going?

[strobelitehoney]

The second week in september.
Why do you ask?

[Virtual Violet]

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!