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Old 04-28-2008, 07:42 PM   #1
TheMercenary
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Cruises

Well against my better judgement we are going on our first cruise in June. My wife has always wanted to go on one, I on the other hand have fended off her request for a long number of years.

So does anyone have any experience on this kind of vaction? Tell me your stories. Do's and don'ts, advice, what ever.

Ours is a 7 day cruise on the Carnival Glory, Nassau Bahamas, St Thomas, and St. Martin.
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Old 04-28-2008, 08:08 PM   #2
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Old 04-28-2008, 08:30 PM   #3
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Don't try jumping up and down in the ship's elevator like a 12-year-old kid - you might stall the car and get stuck for 3 hours.
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Old 04-28-2008, 09:22 PM   #4
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what's wrong with a cruise vacation? I would think there's something for everyone. I'm envious.
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Old 04-28-2008, 09:30 PM   #5
TheMercenary
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Yea, I guess it is just the thougth of going on vacation with 3000 other people.
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Old 04-28-2008, 09:34 PM   #6
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no different than Disney World or Paris.

You can hide in the casino.
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Old 04-28-2008, 10:26 PM   #7
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Lots of free drinking - you'll have fun - Oh and there aren't many illegal immigrants on cruises - well that what Radar told me anyway.... :P
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Old 04-28-2008, 10:49 PM   #8
TheMercenary
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Lots of free drinking - you'll have fun - Oh and there aren't many illegal immigrants on cruises - well that what Radar told me anyway.... :P
No free drinking on any of them. That is how they make their money. Most of the workers are from other countries because the boats are not US flagged. But I hear you can sneak your own etoh on board and as long as you keep it in your room you are good to go.
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Old 04-28-2008, 10:50 PM   #9
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no different than Disney World or Paris.
Another reason that I would not go to either one.
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Old 04-29-2008, 10:43 AM   #10
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Prepare to enjoy yourself. I have been on quite a few cruise vacations in the Pacific, Caribbean, and Mediteranean. Just the right mix of enjoying entertainment and mellow relaxation.

Do you like:

Gambling? The casino will be open anytime you aren't in port. Have a blast.

Food? It is impossible to go hungry. There is always a kitchen or restaurant open somewhere. Make sure you hit the midnight pizza buffet for me. Most isn't the highest gourmet quality, but it is good enough. Make sure you hit the formal dining time at least a couple times, you'll have assigned tables and you'll meet new people to laugh with (or at). definitely go for the last night, the show is worth a few laughs.

Nightlife? There is always a bar/nightclub open. Want to dance? go to the danceclub. Want to hear piano music? Go to the piano bar. Want silence? go to the library. Want a show? The theater will have many choices of shows. comedians, revues, game shows.

Relaxation? Lay by the pool or hottub. Wife wants to show off the hooters? take her up to the topless sundeck. Sit under the stars on the deck sipping a beverage and listening to the waves. Go to the spa. Go to the gym. Learn to ballroom dance. Whatever your interests there is something.

I highly recommend that you arrive early so you can board ASAP. Get your gear into your cabin, relax, settle in, then head up to the pool area for some beverages and listen to the music. Usually they'll be playing beach-type party music. Did I mention that English probably won't be their primary language so it can be pretty funny. Just sit back and watch people.

Leave your cash in your room safe, everything you do on board (except the casino) will be charged to your room for you to settle at the end. Prices for beverages aren't out of line with what you'll find on land. I have alway lived by the BYOB system though. Grab some of your favorite drinks and load them in your luggage. Beware they can confiscate the bottles, but it's never happened to me. We usually pack a couple full size bottles of rum because you can get them in plastic bottles and just put them in with your toiletries. Whatever floats your boat.

Unless you are EXTREMELY sensitive you won't have to worry about seasickness. We encountered a REALLY nasty storm on one cruise but it felt like a couple bumps in the road, nothing more. ironically, you probably will feel a little dizzy about 5 hours AFTER getting off at the end of the cruise.


Oh yeah, you also can have plenty of fun in your ports each day.

have fun.

**treat your cabin steward well. They'll treat you well and entertain you. Keep some cash back and tip them discretely and directly - that is all they're likely to get. The company keeps your cabin steward charge that is applied to your bill. Same with your waiter for the formal dining room. Screw the maitre de dude - he's part of management and paid well.

We're going to Hawaii next month, but I would much rather go on a cruise. I loves 'em.
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Old 04-29-2008, 10:48 AM   #11
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Another reason that I would not go to either one.
well, I'm rather opposed to crowds at the mall, but for Paris, I'd make an exception. Disney World is really, really fun, too--worth fighting the crowds.

oooh, Lookout, I'm envious at you, too!
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Old 04-29-2008, 10:52 AM   #12
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Oh, and make sure you find a crew member (usually a bartender) that you see regularly and talk to. Ask them what the best things to do in each port are - they'll give you the real scoop.

Most of the on ship tourist packages you can buy are ok, but nothing great. You can do much better by just following your gut.
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Old 04-29-2008, 11:14 AM   #13
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Thanks LO. that is exactly what I was looking for.
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Old 04-29-2008, 11:23 AM   #14
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At most ports there is, inevitably, a bar that caters specifically to cruise partiers. Drunken revelry and wet tshirt contests almost guaranteed. But once you've seen that, you may want something more off the beaten path. Ask the bartenders.

And take lots of pics.
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Old 04-29-2008, 01:29 PM   #15
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I worked in the cruise industry for 15 years in sales doing new ship introductions, etc and have cruised all over. Alaska, Caribbean, Mexico, Italy/Croatia, South Pacific and Australia.

Lookout pretty much said it all. You have to go through the mandatory "how to jump off the ship as it goes down" to-do on the first day.

Definitely go to formal dining at least once. Formal night is the best time as that is Lobster night. And truly, if you want seconds/thirds, it's yours. Just ask.

They'll want to take your picture everywhere. Getting on the ship, off at each port, at dinner, on formal night, etc and then sell them to you. Head to the Lido Deck when you first check in for a buffet lunch. And yes, get there early. It'll give you time to acquaint yourself with the ship.

The shows after dinner are pretty good. Prior to dinner, find a nice bar that you like for cocktails ahead of time. Don't lose your cruise card as you will need it getting on and off the ship and for purchasing drinks to. It's a royal pain if you do.

Your room stewards are phantoms. You leave your room, forget something, come back in a short time and it's all neat and tidy. Hopefully you have a veranda. The only way to go!

The tips for drinks are already included on your bill so don't tip again.

And....have fun!!!
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