FIRST CRUISE..any advice/tips? Appreciated!!

AKAnVA · #1 03-22-2001, 06:38 PM

Greetings Fellow Greeks,
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!
AKAnVA
Richmond,VA
AKA Sorority - Since 1989

Allie_XO · #2 03-22-2001, 06:43 PM

One bit of advise I have is go to ALL the meals - there are like 5 a day and the midnight ones are SOOO fun. All the food is fabulous! Also, take lots of pictures and wear sunscreen. Live it up and meet lots of people! HOW FUN!

Allie

amycat412 · #3 03-22-2001, 07:21 PM

I was in Antigua last fall -- the most hopping beach area is Dickenson's Bay right by the Rex Halcyon and Sandals resorts. You can rent jet skis, etc there pretty cheap. See a guy named Mouse at the Rex's Surf Sport rentals area, he'll take care of you. Especially if you say Michelle and Amy from L.A. sent you...

If you have a whole day there--I recommend taking an Island Safari --for $50 they will drive you all over this gorgeous island in a land rover--you see the rainforest, beaches on the pacific and caribbean sides and its a total riot.

If you are there in the evening--check out Lashings down at the end of Runaway Beach. Much much fun!

Sunday nights -- steel band and bbq at Shirley Heights is a must for locals and tourists alike. Its crazy and so much fun!

[This message has been edited by amycat412 (edited March 23, 2001).]

Miami1839 · #4 03-22-2001, 09:19 PM

Thats great your going on a cruise. I've always wanted to go on one myself. I went to Puerto Rico for my brothers wedding(Aug 99) and it was so much fun. The wedding was at a cathoic church there and the reception was at the Ritz Carrolton and it was awesome. The San Juan Hotel is another good one close by and there are lots of great restaurants around there too. They have a restuarant there famous for their cheesecakes. Theres lots to do in Puerto Rico. They have this hotel there called The Conquistador and its this huge hotel. Almost like a Palace. I rooms there are definitely 5 star. Its got its own service where they can take you out to an island of theirs. Another thing is theres this place in puerto rico where theres green water. Something of the wall like that but I here its really cool, but havent got to check it out. The rainforests in Puerto Rico are cool too. I went on a hike there and its absolutely beautiful plus if you go there you'll want to bring a swimming suit to bath where the pools are around the waterfall at the base of the rainforrest. Plus around the island there are these singing frogs that go "cokee cokee". Theres lots of great beaches there, Old San Juan is awesome. Lots of shops......Hard Rock Cafe is another place in San Juan. Puerto Rico has one of the biggest shopping malls in the carribean too called Las Americas. You even see the Coast Guard ships nearby that port there. I can't remember but theres this cool historical landmark there too.

[This message has been edited by Miami1839 (edited March 22, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Miami1839 (edited March 22, 2001).]

AKAnVA · #5 03-23-2001, 03:23 AM

Thanks so much for the info...KEEP IT COMING!
AKAnVA *-*

PenguinTrax · #6 03-23-2001, 02:09 PM

Cruise veteran weighing in her opinion...

Packing tips depend on how long your trip is, but here are some generalities:

Pack light - noone but you will care if you wear the same shorts 2 days in a row. You'll never see these people again. Each item in your suitcase should 'go' with 2 other items minimum.

Bring twice as much underwear and socks as you think you will need - onboard laundry is expensive and the bathrooms are too small to have damp panties hanging all over the place.

If you don't really want to completely dress up for formal dinners that's OK - long gowns aren't required. If you are going to go all out - bring one dress to wear for both formal nights.

Bring bottled water OR at least a water bottle to take with you for field trips. They will charge and arm and a leg for small bottles of Evian. You can get as much ice as you need from your cabin steward.

Even though you have a cabin steward to clean up after you, don't be a slob. The level of service you receive will be in direct proportion to how much of a mess you make in your cabin. Yes, he/she will clean up your mess, but you might not get the same extra-special treatments as other guests in your area.

Bring cash for tipping - this is not an option. The folks that work on cruises are often from third world countries and make very little in the way of salary. More than half (sometimes as much as 75%) of their income comes from tips. You will need to tip the following: cabin steward, waiter, assistant waiter, and maitre' d. Don't forget about bartenders, etc. Tipping guidelines should be provided to you along with envelopes.

Be sure you remember to leave out a change of clothes the night before you return home - you will be required to pack and leave your luggage in the hallway by midnight the night before you dock. If you don't remember clothes you will be going off the gangplank in your pajamas. Remember a small duffle bag for your nightclothes and toiletries, too.

You will eat way more than you think you will - participate in the daily exercise classes or activities. These make a big difference. The last two cruises I went on had fantastic food - and I lost weight while indulging myself. Ask how many trips around deck make a mile - or use the walking track on board. Norwegian even offers prizes for participating in their Sports Afloat program.

Unless you are a millionaire with money to burn, avoid the casinos. This is where the ship makes it's money on the cruise.

Get to know the ship staff - they are interesting people from all over the world. Get to know your table mates at dinner - you will be seeing these folks every night, so it pays to be friendly.

Don't be stupid and take illegal drugs with you or buy them at your destination. You will be found out - they use dogs on your luggage (remember you left it out the night before?) and do a cabin-by-cabin check when you get into dock. On our last cruise, we were delayed by almost 3 hours because some idiot refused to respond to requests for her presence at the purser's desk. Later we got to see her being loading into a car belonging to Miami's finest.

Last but not least..have fun!

Barbara

AKAnVA · #7 03-23-2001, 02:33 PM

Barbara,
THANKS!!!
I am enjoying all the tips, advice ETC...
Everyone, keep it coming!
AKAnVA

CutiePie2000 · #8 03-23-2001, 04:25 PM

I have taken 2 cruises and would be happy to share my experience with you!

Bring exercise stuff (whether it be for pool or dry land)...the eating does not STOP on those cruises. My Mom took a cruise and gained 7 lbs!! (One for every day that she was away!). Aquasize classes in the pool are usually popular and very social...good way to get to know others on board!!

Bring sunscreen...the on-board shop can be expensive.

Bring Gravol/Dramamine (you probably won't need it, but nice to have just in case). There are also some sea sick bracelets called "Sea Bands"...it is a bracelet with a bead that presses into your wrist...to work like acu-pressure on your wrists....

Bring LOTS of film, thongs (the kind you wear on your feet...flip flops) and also a bathing suit cover up thingy, so you can walk from the pool to your cabin without feeling exposed.

Sign up for the 2nd (i.e. "later") dinner sitting....you'll have more time to relax in the day, and not to do a mad dash for dinner
(Dinner is usually 6 pm and 8 pm)

Every evening, the ship staff will put a newsletter under your cabin door...this will tell you the 5 W's of what activities that are happening for the next day, etc, so that will help you plan your day.

Tipping: Bring money for this...the staff work VERY HARD, have to put up with a lot of demands from passengers, and are often supporting family back in the Phillipines or other 3rd World countries. Their salary is next to nothing, thus they rely on tips. Also, the staff work till late late at night, and then have to get up very early for the breakfast service etc.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me or just post! If I think of anything else, I will post again! Have Fun!!!

P.S. Are you going to wear some AKA stuff on board? It might be interesting to see if you meet other Greeks, whether they be AKA, NPHC or other orgs! Let us know how it was when you come back!!!

[This message has been edited by CutiePie2000 (edited March 23, 2001).]

bucutie02 · #9 03-23-2001, 10:43 PM

Wow!! I want to go on a cruise now!!

Have fun AKAnVA!!

AKAnVA · #10 03-24-2001, 01:27 AM

CutiePie...THANKS SO MUCH. I am taking all of this great advice. You all have no idea how much this means to me.
I am will be wearing my AKA Letters on board. Out of the couple of thousand folks, there should be a few Greeks on board.
I will have a few questions to ask in a few days. I am sure that you & the others will be very helpful.
Thanks again!
AKAnVA

AEPhi-QTPie · #11 03-25-2001, 02:49 PM

Cruises are awesome! If you are concerned about seasickness, you should take one less-drowsy formula dramamine a few hours before you board, than take another when you set sail. This prevention method has worked for me in the past...no seasickness to speak of! You are going at a great time, too. Take some essential medicines with you, just in case. Tylenol, Advil, and Tums can cost a lot more on ship or in other places. Take an extra camera with you, like a cheapie 'funsaver' just in case. Have a blast!!

------------------
Phi Love,
AEPhiSteph

CutiePie2000 · #12 03-26-2001, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AEPhi-QTPie:
Cruises are awesome! If you are concerned about seasickness, you should take one less-drowsy formula dramamine a few hours before you board, than take another when you set sail. This prevention method has worked for me in the past...no seasickness to speak of!

Excellent Advice. Anti-seasick pills can make you zonk out....best to go with the non-drowsy type. For the most part, you should not have to worry about seasickness...those ships have stabilizers to prevent that very thing!

CutiePie2000 · #13 04-24-2001, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AKAnVA:
Greetings Fellow Greeks,
I am heading on my first cruise in April. I am too excited. AKAnVA

AKAnVA, since April is almost up, you must have been on your cruise, or coming back soon? So please tell us...HOW WAS IT?

Did you meet any Greeks on board?
Tell all!

Peaches-n-Cream · #14 05-29-2003, 12:19 AM

I did a search for cruises and came up with this thread. I am going on my first cruise on the Norwegian Cruise Line to the Bahamas and Florida in July for one week. I am hoping for some suggestions regarding what to bring, wear, and expect from cruise saavy GCers.

Thanks.

lifesaver · #15 05-29-2003, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by PnguinTrax

Bring cash for tipping - this is not an option. The folks that work on cruises are often from third world countries and make very little in the way of salary. More than half (sometimes as much as 75%) of their income comes from tips. You will need to tip the following: cabin steward, waiter, assistant waiter, and maitre' d. Don't forget about bartenders, etc. Tipping guidelines should be provided to you along with envelopes.

My additional info - Tipping is generally done the last day or night of the trip. You tip them at the end for the entire trip.