Cruise

[Mahone]

I will be going on a cruise next month; I've never been on one before, so it's very much a new experience for me. I guess really I'm just looking for any hints and tips about how to make the most of it, that can otherwise only be learnt through experience.

Thanks :)

[pam]

I'm jealous. Where are you going?

[Roseslipper]

Never been on one....But Watch out for the sun.....and have a great time!!!

[Just_A_Guy]

Visit the discussion forums at cruisecritic.com and read some of the forums regarding your particular cruise line/itinerary.

[MarginOfError]

I'm not sure what cruise line you'll be on, or if you'll see the same stewards regularly. But if you have a chance to develop a friendly relationship with your stewards, do it. Stewards on a cruise ship work ridiculous hours and have a very stressful job. If you can get in on their good side, they'll take much better care of you.

If you're on a monster cruise line, however, you might not get the chance.

My other big piece of advice...turn off your cell phone and computer and just enjoy being on the water. Spend as much time on the outside decks as possible. People rave about going to the coast to look out over the ocean, but that's nothing compared to looking over the ocean at the coast.

[mrmarklin]

Just completed my first cruise to Alaska. Gained 10 pounds in weight so I can say the food is great. There will be a lot to do on the ship, as well as your ports of call.

Haven't yet decided on the cost effectiveness of the cruise lines' port excursions, but we did two ports with the line excursions, and two on our own. Both were good experiences. Depended on where you are going there is not much time in port when you consider getting off and on the ship.

You're on a fairly crowded vessel, so be on your best behaviour.

[Guest]

I haven't been on one. We sent my in-laws on a cruise for their anniversary. They mentioned that on their particular cruise, all the food was free - and food is available almost all the time. But, the drinks aren't free except for tap water and coffee and some juices for breakfast. Also, they don't let you bring your own drinks to the ship anymore (I guess they used to allow you to take non-alcholic beverages with you onto the ship but they have changed their policy on it). A 12-ounce can of soda is $2 and big bottle of water is $4 or something like that.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is research the drinks policy for your particular cruise and make sure you budget for it.

[Truegrits]

Going to Naples next month to join up with the girls from the respiratory dept. of the hospital I worked in...and we are going on a cruise to the Bahamas, out of Miami. :) Am soooo looking forward to it. Not just the cruise, (only my second one) but being with all my friends again!

[prisonchaplain]

The cruise I went on had seating at large tables, so you inevitably meet new people. New friendships are very possible, if you are open to it. I still remember the elderly couple we sat with. They were in their 70s, rather thin and fit, and I, mid-30s at the time, thought, "Wow...I want to be vibrant like that when I reach my golden years."

[pam]

Going to Naples

Naples, Florida or Naples, Italy?

[Moksha]

1. Watch out for the edge

2. Be careful about some of those old ladies giving you the eye - you never know where its been.

3. Don't get hustled by any of those shuffleboard sharks.

Hope that helps...

:)

[Truegrits]

Naples, Florida or Naples, Italy?

Florida...:)

[Nelly]

Florida...:)

Florida!