First Time Cruisers

Welcome to the First Time Cruisers Page. This page is here to answer Frequently Asked Questions, provide Helpful Tips and More

CRUISE TIPS

TIP #1
Travel Documents

Make sure you know about and have the proper documentation for your cruise with in 60 days before your tip. This will give you time to order a passport or a birth certificate.

TIP #2
Explore

When you board the ship, spend some time the first day exploring and finding your way around. This will make it easier later when finding the dining room for dinner or the casino for a little action.

TIP #3
Muster Drill

With the exception of Disney, cruise lines have gone to an electronic muster drill. Gone are the days of standing in the heat or sitting in a crowded room.

As soon as you board, you will visit the muster station listed on your boarding pass or cruise line app.

Watch the video on the cruise line app and watch the demonstration from the crew member at the muster station.

Once they have finished they will scan your boarding pass or cruise line app and you are on your way. Should not take more than 5 minutes.

And remember, the ship cannot leave port until everyone has attended the drill.

TIP #5
Carry On Bag

When you arrive at the port you have the option, and its recommended you take it, to drop your luggage with a porter. They will get your luggage on the ship and to your cabin.
But your bags might not arrive until later in the day. So pack a carry on with things you will want like a swimsuite, sunglasses, sunscreen and maybe some bathroom items if you want to freshen up. Most importantly, make sure your travel documents are in your carry on. The last thing you want to do is chase down a porter to get your bag back. I can tell you, I have seen it a few times and its not pretty.

TIP #4
Take the Stairs

Taking the stairs if possible is crucial in being comfortable and better for time as well. You will eat so much during your cruise so the stairs will help burn off some of those calories.
Also, the elevators can be slow on embarkation days and at busy times on the ship so why wait for an elevator and climb to the fun.

TIP #6
Lunch

As soon as you board lunch will be available. Now most people head to the Lido Buffet so it can get crowded. If you have not been to your cabin yet, grab a daily program or use the app and check out other options. For example, on the Carnival Vista there is Guys Pig & Anchor Barbecue or the Red Frog Pub. On Royal Caribbean most ships have the Park Cafe. Embarkation day can be hectic so this is one way to lower the anxiety.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is included in the price?

Of course your cabin, for the most part food and entertainment. Lets dig a little deeper.

The scrumptious food in the main dining room is included but some cruise lines will have an up charge menu available

There are a lot of outstanding dining venues around the ship which are included as well. Example Guys Burgers on Carnival or the International Cafe on Princess
Brewed Coffee, tea, lemonade and ICE CREAM. Disney Cruise Line includes Soda but no one else does, at least that I know about.
Entertainment in the lounges, the comedy clubs and shows are included.
Use of the fitness center and sometimes other parts of the spa
And of course pure relaxation whether in the pool, in your cabin or tucked away on a lounge chair.

Some of the additional expenses

Gratuities are optional but is expected. Typically you will pay around $12-$15 per day per guest in the cabin. These will be added to your on board account but can be adjusted or removed per your wishes.
Specialty dining is very popular on ships now. They range from Steakhouses to Tapniyaki. These will have a fee for dinner but could have free options for lunch.
Alcoholic Drinks and soda. Unless you get a beverage package.
Shore excursions. If you decide you want to do a tour whether it be with the cruise line or a third party, you will incur and expense there.
Bottled water. You do have to pay for bottled water but most cruise line have added options to purchase it a head of time and have it delivered to your room. I do it all the time on Carnival and its only $4 for a 12 pack.

What you spend is completely up to you. It would be pretty easy to go on the ship and not pay a dime (except gratuities) and have a great time. Its all about your budget and what you want to do.

What is the best time of year for price?

The time of year really depends on the destination but for the most part, Fall and Winter and the least expensive.

Caribbean - September into Early November and then January into March. The 1st week in December and End of April can be really good times as well.
Alaska - The Season is May-September so the least expensive time is May and September.
Europe - The season can run April-November so the beginning and the end of the season are really the best for price.
Canada / New England. the Season can run during the summer and fall, depending on the cruise line. The Fall of course because of the color will carry the highest prices.
Like anything its not really the price its the value. I can help you find the best value for your vacation dollars.

What documentation do I need to cruise?

A passport is always recommended but not required for most cruises. A birth certificate and Government Issued Photo ID is required.
There are a few exceptions to this though.In these cases, a passport is required

Sailings to Cuba require a passport and Visa. You can get the Visa through the cruise line.
If you are disembarking in a different port than you are embarking in.
If you are embarking or disembarking in a foreign port.
If you are flying into or out of a foreign port.

Orf course part of the planning stages of your cruise with me is talking about proper documentation. Its always a good idea to consult the cruise line and the Department of State Travel Page for up to date information.

Where do I park?

Parking is available at each of the ports for a fee. Usually there is a per day price and can vary by port.
In some ports you will find private parking lots but they mostly will need to be reserved ahead of time.

What about Internet Access?

Internet access is always a big question I get. Its nice to stay in touch with friends and family at home. the cruise lines have internet packages allowing you to use your phone. Some are per minute and some are per day depending on the cruise line. Princess for example sells packages based on time. Carnival and Royal Caribbean see packages per day and vary in price by the amount of access you have.
It is not always the best so don;t expect the same speed as at home but it is functional. Royal Caribbean boast the fastest with VOOM.

Will I get bored?

A cruise is what you want it to be. You can be as bored or as active as you want. If you want to relax on deck chair and read a book or see how many times you can ride down the slide, its up to you. Matching up the cruise line to your personality and what you want in your vacation is important.For example, if you want activities all day and late into the night, Holland America may not be for you. Its all based on you.

Can I bring an iron?

No, irons are not allowed to be brought on board with you. But most ships have a laundry room as well as laundry service available to the guest