Advice for a first time cruiser
Watch this postI am due to go on my first cruise in December and was wondering if any seasoned cruisers can give me any do’s and don’t advice?
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Hope this helps
2) The other thing that I found is that on a maybe longer cruise you DO GAIN WEIGHT with all that lovely food ! So I NUMBER THE CLOTHES and wear the fitted ones first ! ! I did this after one cruise where I couldn't fit into a new dress because I'd put WEIGHT ON !!!
3) I buy perfume tester cards on EBay as on a cruise you have a small amount of different perfumes to take for each night. Also small enough to take into the plastic clear bag that plane companies make you use.
4) I download programmes/ films from BBCiplayer etc onto my iPad so I have something to watch while on a plane, or onboard the ship. Also ebooks. That saves taking books , although the libraries are always good on ships.
Best thing.....ENJOY ! Once you've been on your first one...........BET YOU WILL GET "HOOKED"
It is difficult to advise without knowing which cruise line and ship you are sailing on. However, here are some general points and happy to be more specific if you want to say which ship you will be on. Orchid 10 has mentioned Allure which is a monster of a ship!
DRESS
You need to check if there are any formal nights on the cruise, usually there are and you would need to reckon on two on a seven night cruise. This means ideally dinner suits for men and cocktail/evening dresses for ladies. On ships other than Cunard, however, this applies only to the main dining room so if you don't want to dress up you can eat in the buffet.
If you are on Cunard then men need to wear a jacket every evening after 6.00pm (though a tie is not mandatory) and ladies wear cocktail dresses or evening separates on non-formal nights. Formal nights tend to be very dressy with ladies in full-length gowns.The dress code on Cunard is enforced and inappropriately dressed passengers are restricted to the buffet and one bar. Royal Caribbean/s newest ships, Quantum and Anthem of the Seas do not have formal nights.
GRATUITIES
The cruise line will add an automatic amount per passenger per day to your onboard account for gratuities. This usually ranges from around £4 to £8. You may be able to alter this or pay tips directly. Ask at the purser's desk.
Most ships will also add an automatic service charge to drinks, although some such as P&O don't. Others such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian will add 18%. It it non-negotiable. However, some cruise lines offer drinks packages which may be cost-effective for you.
EXCURSIONS
Some are very good but they can be expensive. You would need to be selective if you are trying to stay within a budget.
SPA TREATMENTS
Usually very expensive and remember they will also add a service charge "for your convenience". Check before booking!
TRAVEL INSURANCE
You should already have this but do ensure that it covers cruising as this is usually an add-on.
This may sound a bit structured but by and large cruises are hugely relaxing trips once you have got into the swing of things. The service is usually way above anything you will find in hotels and there is often food available 24x7. So, do pace yourself otherwise, as the old saying goes, you will join as a passenger and leave as cargo!
Hope that helps.