Going crusing, need help from experienced cruisers.

[Quint]

So we finally decided on a vacation in Sept. We are going on a cruise to Grand Turk, St. Thomas, and somewhere else I can not remember.

We booked a room with a guarinteed balcony. Thing is that to save some money we did it like this. We do not have an actual room assignment till we get there. We are not on standby, we DO have a guarinteed room with a balcony. The thing that concerns me is this. Am I going to end up getting a room with an obstruction or overlooking a holideck, or worse yet...a shared balcony? Or are my chances of getting an oceanview pretty good?

Also. What is a good way to enjoy a cruise? Iv never been on one before. Since I do tour excursions for a living I know I want to stay away from the " walking tour " thing. What is there to do on a ship? Personally Iv always been the type to enjoy a vacation when I can just plop my butt down somewhere for a week and not worry about " going " anywhere. I have learned by living in KW that cruise ships do not spend to long in one spot. It seems like those people are always on the go. My wife wants to do the Captains dinner. How much dressing up for that do you have to do?

What has security been like latly? I know the ships in KW do not allow them to bring any food or drink back on board. All though I see people sneak it on easily all the time. What else can't you take? Is it as bad as the airline industry?

What breakfasts / dinners in your experience have been the best to sign up for? first or second serving?

Asside from drinks and what I buy in ports what other charges are there going to be that may surprise me.

I know from my questions it sounds like I am the last person who should go on a cruise. But I want my wife happy and she has been wanting to go on one for a long time. So experienced cruisers. In short... What is there for a grumpy, wants to enjoy privete time with his wife -- not other groups or couples, wants to NOT be cattle herded around, just wanting to relax and not be bothered or surrounded by moron tourists type person?

[CTParrothead763]

So we finally decided on a vacation in Sept. We are going on a cruise to Grand Turk, St. Thomas, and somewhere else I can not remember.

We booked a room with a guarinteed balcony. Thing is that to save some money we did it like this. We do not have an actual room assignment till we get there. We are not on standby, we DO have a guarinteed room with a balcony. The thing that concerns me is this. Am I going to end up getting a room with an obstruction or overlooking a holideck, or worse yet...a shared balcony? Or are my chances of getting an oceanview pretty good?

Also. What is a good way to enjoy a cruise? Iv never been on one before. Since I do tour excursions for a living I know I want to stay away from the " walking tour " thing. What is there to do on a ship? Personally Iv always been the type to enjoy a vacation when I can just plop my butt down somewhere for a week and not worry about " going " anywhere. I have learned by living in KW that cruise ships do not spend to long in one spot. It seems like those people are always on the go. My wife wants to do the Captains dinner. How much dressing up for that do you have to do?

What has security been like latly? I know the ships in KW do not allow them to bring any food or drink back on board. All though I see people sneak it on easily all the time. What else can't you take? Is it as bad as the airline industry?

What breakfasts / dinners in your experience have been the best to sign up for? first or second serving?

Asside from drinks and what I buy in ports what other charges are there going to be that may surprise me.

I know from my questions it sounds like I am the last person who should go on a cruise. But I want my wife happy and she has been wanting to go on one for a long time. So experienced cruisers. In short... What is there for a grumpy, wants to enjoy privete time with his wife -- not other groups or couples, wants to NOT be cattle herded around, just wanting to relax and not be bothered or surrounded by moron tourists type person?

My first advice to you is RELAX. You can do whatever you want on a ship. Some run from activity to activity (you get a daily newspaper with a complete timetable) and some just sit in a pool chair all day.

I don't remember ever seeing a balcony with an obstructed view. You might be front, back or mid-ship, but the view should be good nonetheless. There is no such thing as a shared balcony on the ships I've been on.

We prefer late seating at dinner, only because we then don't have to rush back from shore. However, some don't like to eat that late (like 8:30 or so), so sign up for what pleases you. Keep in mind that food can be found on almost any ship at any time of the day or night, so do not feel like you will be starving by 8:30.

As far as shore excursions are concerned, we gave up on them long ago. Do a little research and find the nice beaches, etc. where you want to go. Then just get off the ship and grab a cab. Then your not on a timetable. There are tons of cabs available to get back from popular spots. Just remember that the ship won't wait for you. Leave time to get back.

Have a great trip!!!!!!!!!

[CTParrothead763]

A couple of other things in response to your questions.

Security is fairly tight getting on the ship. At least on Royal Caribbean, you go through a metal detector and your carryons are xrayed. They do confiscate booze if found, but unopened food is usually allowed. For example, if you buy coffee in Jamaica, they will allow you to bring it on board. If you are bringing on liquor, try packing it in your checked luggage.

As far as charges, it's really under your control. Tipping is a normal charge. Apart from that you pay for gambling, drinks, massages, etc. Food, entertainment and the like are free (or at least included). There aren't any hidden charges. You can spend as much or as little as you want.

[narnianelf]

Actually, cruising is a very good way to go if you just want to relax. I've been on two and spent a lot of time on both of them laying in a chair by a pool with a book and a fruity cocktail. Pick the excursions that you really want to do, but take at least one port to just explore on your own. You never know what you'll find.

Some of the meals get pretty formal. On both cruises I went on (one Disney, one Costa), there was at least one meal where men were in suits and women were in cocktail dresses or gowns. But it's fun to get dressed up like that sometimes, at least for us girls!

Tipping is a definite extra expense to be prepared for ~ they want you to tip EVERYONE. Maid, waiter, etc. and the cruiseline usually has a suggested amount to tip.

Other than that - just relax and have fun! Nothing says you HAVE to have a booked schedule morning to night.

[Snowparrot]

Don't go when it is raining.
Don't take your 85 year old mother.
Don't try to bring any contraband (liquor or nail scissors or any other dangerous items) on board (Norwegian x-rays all luggage).
Don't go when it is raining or windy.
If you want to gamble but can't bear smoke, too bad!

No, I did not like cruising.

[sonofabeach]

I myself like the cigar bars, piano bars, and even a little dancing in the disco.
My wife loves the casinos and playing bingo.
I also enjoy the pools at night when there's nobody there.
There was also karaoke and a party on the pool deck at night.
The stage productions/shows are pretty good and worth going to.
We've done first and second dinner seating and there is no real difference.
It's just a matter of do you wanna go sonner or later.

We've never got a balcony room mainly bacause all we did in our room was sleep and.......ya know
Also never did shore excursions.
We usually just hop a cab somewhere or use Moe and Joe.
Nothing at all against shore excursions though, in fact I'd love the parasail on my next cruise.

[Coconuts]

An "obstructed view" balcony would just be one by a liferaft- you can see it, but it's in the corner and not blocking much, if anything. We had one on my cruise- I wouldn't hesitate to book another one if I ever go on another cruise. But just sitting on the balcony was my favorite part of the cruise. That and the food- you want to go to the Captain's Dinner, they have the best food that night.

[Marnin Grita Guy]

Yes to make it really good Shawn says MGG needs to be there too.



Have fun kids!

[jimsig]

That and the food- you want to go to the Captain's Dinner, they have the best food that night.

Don't forget you can order more them one item. You can always experiment with an item you have always wanted to try and if you don not like it order a second meal. On my cruise they had Beef Wellington, Lobster Tails, and Duck a l'Orange all on the same night. Needless to say I asked for the Surf and Turf and said I would finish with the Duck, as I had always wanted to try it. He brought the beef and lobster on the same plate and as I had just taken my last bite he cleared my plate with one hand and placed the duck down with the other.

[Quint]

Thanks all! You have given me alot to look forward to.

[Mon]

Not to mention the fact that there is a margaritaville on Grand Turk

[CapnK]

bring a fair amount of cash for tipping. I never carry a lot of cash and was running around the last day trying to get some cash to tip the wonderful staff.

[SuperTrooper]

We need more info...

What cruise line and which ship?

As far as the guaranteed balcony: since you are sailing in Sept the ship won't be full, so you will get the best available balcony after the others are filled and upgrades are given. Doubtful you will get an obstructed view.

[captainalex]

I never really spent much time in the room when I cruised. Basically it was a place to stash your goods, take a shower, sleep and if you were lucky a place where to perform *ahem* some grown-up activities.

I never tipped the glorified greeter in the dinning room. He was always slimy. Now our waiter and busboy and room steward deserved every penny and then some. We tipped them way beyond the recommended level.

Take everything at your own pace. do what you feel is fun. Eat and drink like you are royalty.

Have fun!

[OttoCal]

Also, check out the message boards and reviews at cruisecritic.com, great info on ships, cruise lines, ports of call, and tips on the best local tour operators should you choose not to book the cruise line tours.

Balconies are great for hanging out and reading a book or watching the world go by.

I prefer second dinner seatings for 2 reasons: fewer kids and more time to shower & relax before dinner after hanging out in the sun all day. If you are all sweaty and gross you will want a shower, nap, and some balcony time before dinner!

Cruise lines vary, but formal tuxedo night does not really have to be a tuxedo. If you love getting dressed up, go for it. If not, a suit or even a sport coat should be fine.

Check out Margaritaville.com for sites of the Margaritavilles in your ports of call. Maybe not your thing, but a good starting point and you know what you are getting into as far as drink prices and such. I have heard some of the Caribbean ones have fun water slides and other cool stuff, and I am looking forward to checking out the ones in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Cayman in January.

[Rum&aLime]

This has been really helpful; We're going on our first cruise ( just a short 5 day trip) in two weeks, so this thread comes at a great time for me!

One question: Is the "formal" dinner mandatory, or can we skip out? Getting dressed up on vacation is not my idea of a great time!

-Paul

[sonofabeach]

This has been really helpful; We're going on our first cruise ( just a short 5 day trip) in two weeks, so this thread comes at a great time for me!

One question: Is the "formal" dinner mandatory, or can we skip out? Getting dressed up on vacation is not my idea of a great time!

-Paul

No, you don't have to go

[captainalex]

The formal dinner is a nice way to relax and to eat some really great food. Do what I did. I got dressed up but work my sandles to keep me grounded in taking things laid back.

I liked the late seating as me and my buds would hang around and be the last men standing. One night we ended up hanging out in the deserted dinning room with six of the busboys.We all ended up having a few drinks and many laughs. That was a great aspect of the cruise. We got to meet the people and get to know them slightly better than we would have.

The stories the crew could tell about the hijinks and antics could fill a thousand Buba albums.

[Rum&aLime]

Thanks for the input!

[UpstateNYPH]

Not to mention the fact that there is a margaritaville on Grand Turk

I was there last week. I honestly think the place only does business when the ships pull in. Only head there if you like the drunk college scene, because thats all it is. I walked in for five minutes then left and went bonefishing