Any advice for first-time cruisers?

[pachnik]

My husband and I are taking our first cruise later this summer.  We are going to Alaska - round-trip from Vancouver.  No flying since we live in Vancouver.   

I am really looking forward to seeing Alaska and our Inside Passage.  Neither one of us has been on a cruise before and I have a strong sense that there will be a lot to learn about cruising.  I joined the Cruise Critic forum as well.

If anyone has any advice/suggestions, please let me know.   

[KMMK]

PTF. That's the first cruise I want to do. I'll be interested to see how it goes.

[RWD]

I've done that cruise twice (a couple decades ago) and have been on four cruises total. Alaska is quite beautiful.

On our last cruise tips were included in the total price so you never had to think about tipping every individual which I felt was really nice for being able to relax. Avoiding the cruise-sponsered shore excursions is a good way to both save money and avoid the overly touristy locations. On one of our cruises to Alaska my dad actually rented a car at a port of call to explore more. I'm not sure I'd recommend that, but it went well enough.

Depending on the cruise line things can be very formal or rather informal. Some are geared more towards families with kids while others attract older/quieter folks. You should decide what type of atmosphere you want when choosing a cruise.

[Davids]

If you are drinkers see how much alcohol you are allowed to bring on board and whether or not your cruise line actually enforces the rule. Alcohol very expensive to buy on cruise ship and can add up fast.

[Ocinfo]

I've only cruised once but what I learned was to pay as many things upfront as possible. Prepay tips, get a drink package, book your excursions (not through cruise company), etc. I would rather the stress of spending money before I'm on vacation so I don't have to think about how I just spent $20 on a couple of beers while I'm supposed to be relaxing.


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[SnackDog]

On the first day shortly after you embark, your cabin steward will visit to introduce his or her self and ask if you need anything.  I recommend tipping this person $20 on the spot and thanking them in advance for the delightful service you know they will be providing you.  Very few passengers do this and it is guaranteed to get you preferred service the entire cruise.  Give another tip at the end as you see fit.

[fuzzy math]

lots and lots and lots and lots of hand sanitizer. it is not enough that the employees sanitize you at the entrance to the restaurants if you're all touching the buffet serving stuff and someone is sick. you have to sanitize again AFTER you've seated yourself in your chair to account for all the communal stuff you've touched. those boats only have 6 hrs on load / unload day to be fully cleaned and viruses get left over. I say this as a person who works at a hospital and occasionally forgets to wash my hands at lunch (i.e., I am not a germaphobe). I've been on 3 cruises and have gotten the norwalk (vomit) virus on 2 of them.

[pachnik]

PTF. That's the first cruise I want to do. I'll be interested to see how it goes.

I'll let you know.  I've always wanted to do this one and my husband is happy since we don't need to fly. 

[pachnik]

I've done that cruise twice (a couple decades ago) and have been on four cruises total. Alaska is quite beautiful.

On our last cruise tips were included in the total price so you never had to think about tipping every individual which I felt was really nice for being able to relax. Avoiding the cruise-sponsered shore excursions is a good way to both save money and avoid the overly touristy locations. On one of our cruises to Alaska my dad actually rented a car at a port of call to explore more. I'm not sure I'd recommend that, but it went well enough.

Depending on the cruise line things can be very formal or rather informal. Some are geared more towards families with kids while others attract older/quieter folks. You should decide what type of atmosphere you want when choosing a cruise.

We are going with Celebrity.  They will charge us each $13 per night as an overall gratuity.  So we won't need to do much tipping.   I agree with you and think this will be easier. 

 

[pachnik]

If you are drinkers see how much alcohol you are allowed to bring on board and whether or not your cruise line actually enforces the rule. Alcohol very expensive to buy on cruise ship and can add up fast.

That's a good idea.  My husband is more of a drinker than I am.   I am happy with a glass of wine at dinner and that's it. 

[lizzzi]

Be aware that when you dock at the end of the cruise it takes forever to get off the ship. It's not like you just walk off the gangplank and go home. Bring a good book. lol

[pachnik]

I've only cruised once but what I learned was to pay as many things upfront as possible. Prepay tips, get a drink package, book your excursions (not through cruise company), etc. I would rather the stress of spending money before I'm on vacation so I don't have to think about how I just spent $20 on a couple of beers while I'm supposed to be relaxing.


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We looked at the drink packages and decided we wouldn't get them.  IIRC, per day the basic alcohol package was $75.00.  There is no way I would drink that much in a week (even at inflated prices) much less in a day.    I am more of a 'one glass of wine with dinner' type.   

Also, we are planning on just getting off the boat at Juneau and Ketchican and walking around the town.   Maybe check out a museum and get lunch in the pub.   

[pachnik]

lots and lots and lots and lots of hand sanitizer. it is not enough that the employees sanitize you at the entrance to the restaurants if you're all touching the buffet serving stuff and someone is sick. you have to sanitize again AFTER you've seated yourself in your chair to account for all the communal stuff you've touched. those boats only have 6 hrs on load / unload day to be fully cleaned and viruses get left over. I say this as a person who works at a hospital and occasionally forgets to wash my hands at lunch (i.e., I am not a germaphobe). I've been on 3 cruises and have gotten the norwalk (vomit) virus on 2 of them.

Yikes!  I will make sure to pack some in my purse. 

[starbuck]

We looked at the drink packages and decided we wouldn't get them.  IIRC, per day the basic alcohol package was $75.00.  There is no way I would drink that much in a week (even at inflated prices) much less in a day.    I am more of a 'one glass of wine with dinner' type.   

On the one cruise we took, we would get a bottle of wine with dinner, drink what we wanted, and then they would keep the bottle for us for the next night so we could finish it. I can't recall if that's cheaper than by the glass, or if by the glass was even available. We weren't allowed to bring any alcohol onboard with us, although I did manage to sneak a bottle on board when we docked in France by tucking it in my jacket while they x-rayed everyone's bags. :) (I'm not a fan of cruises, one was enough!)

Also I believe there will be hand sanitizer dispensers every 3 feet. My in-laws cruise several times a year and one (or both!) of them gets sick probably once every 3 trips.

[pachnik]

We looked at the drink packages and decided we wouldn't get them.  IIRC, per day the basic alcohol package was $75.00.  There is no way I would drink that much in a week (even at inflated prices) much less in a day.    I am more of a 'one glass of wine with dinner' type.   

On the one cruise we took, we would get a bottle of wine with dinner, drink what we wanted, and then they would keep the bottle for us for the next night so we could finish it. I can't recall if that's cheaper than by the glass, or if by the glass was even available. We weren't allowed to bring any alcohol onboard with us, although I did manage to sneak a bottle on board when we docked in France by tucking it in my jacket while they x-rayed everyone's bags. :) (I'm not a fan of cruises, one was enough!)

Also I believe there will be hand sanitizer dispensers every 3 feet. My in-laws cruise several times a year and one (or both!) of them gets sick probably once every 3 trips.

I'll check if I can get one glass of wine at a time.  If not, buying a bottle at dinner and finishing it over two nights would work also.  On Celebrity, we can bring two bottles at embarkation so we'll probably just bring one.

Yeah, I'll see how much I like cruising.  :)

[REAL WORLD EXPAT]

We just got back from this exact cruise with Princess, loved it. We stayed a few extra nights in Anchorage too at the end.

My advise is don't skimp, yes the shore tours are a bit expensive but you may only be there once so book something to do at each stop. If you plan on just walking around town I don't think your getting the most out of your trip - the 3 towns you stop at are not big you have plenty of time to walk around after one of the tours. We missed out on one tour as it was fully booked before the boat sailed so my advise is book prior to getting on the ship. It all worked out for the best as we did a plane ride around Denali when we got to Anchorage - expensive, yes, but memory and experience that will last my lifetime and probably one I won't get the chance to repeat (so may other great places in the world to visit!).

Don't skimp
Bring trousers with elastic waist
Don't drink the urn coffee in the buffet
ENJOY!

[Fishindude]

Timely thread.  We are doing our first cruise, same one with princess in August.

[Spitfire]

The soft serve ice cream station is a wonderful thing.

[pachnik]

We just got back from this exact cruise with Princess, loved it. We stayed a few extra nights in Anchorage too at the end.

My advise is don't skimp, yes the shore tours are a bit expensive but you may only be there once so book something to do at each stop. If you plan on just walking around town I don't think your getting the most out of your trip - the 3 towns you stop at are not big you have plenty of time to walk around after one of the tours. We missed out on one tour as it was fully booked before the boat sailed so my advise is book prior to getting on the ship. It all worked out for the best as we did a plane ride around Denali when we got to Anchorage - expensive, yes, but memory and experience that will last my lifetime and probably one I won't get the chance to repeat (so may other great places in the world to visit!).

Don't skimp
Bring trousers with elastic waist
Don't drink the urn coffee in the buffet
ENJOY!

There is one tour that we want to take.  It is a hike at Icy Straight Point.  We will book it tonight.  My husband checked out the fishing ones but he didn't want to go on one.  And I am not at all attracted to anything involving small planes or helicopters.  I was in a helicopter once and didn't like it at all. 

Don't skimp is good advice for me because this is what I tend to do.   Point well taken.   But "No" to elastic waist trousers!!  Not going there yet.  :)

[pachnik]

Timely thread.  We are doing our first cruise, same one with princess in August.
[/quote

Let's one of us start a thread after our trip and compare notes!

[pachnik]

The soft serve ice cream station is a wonderful thing.

I will look around for one.    :)

[JoJo]

I've been on 3 cruises.

Recommend signing up for the forum at www.cruisecritic.com   There should be a tread for your ship & departure date.  You can meet others on your cruise and get tips of shore excursions that are bookable outside of the cruise ship's options, and usually half the price for a better/longer trip.  The cruiseline doesn't really like this because they lose out in 100s of booking fees, but that's your gain.

On one of the first days there may also be a cruise critic party on the ship.  You'll meet other members and some of the officers of the ship.  As a result of one, we got a tour of the bridge one afternoon (this is a treat, and not that common) as well as a special party on the helicopter landing pad leaving the shore one day in Norway.  So, nice little free perks for participating.

[pachnik]

I've been on 3 cruises.

Recommend signing up for the forum at www.cruisecritic.com   There should be a tread for your ship & departure date.  You can meet others on your cruise and get tips of shore excursions that are bookable outside of the cruise ship's options, and usually half the price for a better/longer trip.  The cruiseline doesn't really like this because they lose out in 100s of booking fees, but that's your gain.

On one of the first days there may also be a cruise critic party on the ship.  You'll meet other members and some of the officers of the ship.  As a result of one, we got a tour of the bridge one afternoon (this is a treat, and not that common) as well as a special party on the helicopter landing pad leaving the shore one day in Norway.  So, nice little free perks for participating.

I am signed on with the cruise critic forum and joined the roll call thread for our sailing.   

Actually, the boat we are going on has very mixed reviews on cruise critic.  There is negativity about things like the food and the decor in the cabins.  Then there are other people saying it is all fine.   So I guess I will see. 

[691175002]

Get comfortable with the ships layout ahead of time.  You can't really get lost, but knowing where you are will let you be more efficient.

A lot of the tours sound great on paper but when you are trying to wake up at 6am for the third day in a row it stops feeling like a vacation.  Judge what you expect to be willing to do, and remember you can cancel/refund tours quite easily.

[Socmonkey]

While I do encourage your to do excursions at each port I would not buy them through the cruise line. All they do is offer their guarantee while marking up the prices 30-50%.

Just check out tripadvisor or something similar and book direct, save some cash. I am pretty sure any company will also guarantee your activity too, for free. I have never had a problem on any cruise, even when the port call dates changed mid cruise. The company was still there waiting to pick me up the day the ship arrived in port.

[pachnik]

Get comfortable with the ships layout ahead of time.  You can't really get lost, but knowing where you are will let you be more efficient.

A lot of the tours sound great on paper but when you are trying to wake up at 6am for the third day in a row it stops feeling like a vacation.  Judge what you expect to be willing to do, and remember you can cancel/refund tours quite easily.

Good point about waking up at 6 a.m. and having to be somewhere.  That reminds me of being at work.

We have a vacation pattern no matter where we are:  something active in the morning like visiting a museum, out for lunch and then back to hotel for down time in the afternoon.  Then out again in the p.m. 

[pachnik]

While I do encourage your to do excursions at each port I would not buy them through the cruise line. All they do is offer their guarantee while marking up the prices 30-50%.

Just check out tripadvisor or something similar and book direct, save some cash. I am pretty sure any company will also guarantee your activity too, for free. I have never had a problem on any cruise, even when the port call dates changed mid cruise. The company was still there waiting to pick me up the day the ship arrived in port.

First time cruiser, so a bit hesitant on that.  I know other people have recommended this as well.  Thanks.

[JoJo]

While I do encourage your to do excursions at each port I would not buy them through the cruise line. All they do is offer their guarantee while marking up the prices 30-50%.

Just check out tripadvisor or something similar and book direct, save some cash. I am pretty sure any company will also guarantee your activity too, for free. I have never had a problem on any cruise, even when the port call dates changed mid cruise. The company was still there waiting to pick me up the day the ship arrived in port.

I've seen cruises mark up trips by 100%.  Then they give the scare tactic that only cruise line tours guarantee the ship won't leave without you.    Example:  In the Falkland Islands, there is a very expensive 5-6 hour trip by jeep over the peat bogs to see the king penguins on the beach.  Ships price: $350.  Price I paid: $180.  Only difference is the ship people got a ham sandwich and we got an egg sandwich.  Since there were 3 in our group we "saved" $510 in just this single day of the trip. 

I've probably done 20 shore excursions booked outside of the cruise line and never had a problem.  The local shore ex companies know the time to be back and take precautions.  but, if you want to pay 100s to have piece of mind to not miss the trip it's up to you. 

[Debts_of_Despair]

If you are calling at Juneau, make sure to check out Mendenhall Glacier.  There is a public bus that runs there for something like $14 pp RT. 

Agree that drink packages are a total rip.  With Celebrity, you can bring two 750ml bottles of wine onboard at the start of the cruise.  Beyond that, I usually have a couple drinks before getting onboard with then maybe one drink onboard.  A cruise isn't a good place to get drunk unless you want to spend tons of money.

[REAL WORLD EXPAT]

While I do encourage your to do excursions at each port I would not buy them through the cruise line. All they do is offer their guarantee while marking up the prices 30-50%.

Just check out tripadvisor or something similar and book direct, save some cash. I am pretty sure any company will also guarantee your activity too, for free. I have never had a problem on any cruise, even when the port call dates changed mid cruise. The company was still there waiting to pick me up the day the ship arrived in port.

I've seen cruises mark up trips by 100%.  Then they give the scare tactic that only cruise line tours guarantee the ship won't leave without you.    Example:  In the Falkland Islands, there is a very expensive 5-6 hour trip by jeep over the peat bogs to see the king penguins on the beach.  Ships price: $350.  Price I paid: $180.  Only difference is the ship people got a ham sandwich and we got an egg sandwich.  Since there were 3 in our group we "saved" $510 in just this single day of the trip. 

I've probably done 20 shore excursions booked outside of the cruise line and never had a problem.  The local shore ex companies know the time to be back and take precautions.  but, if you want to pay 100s to have piece of mind to not miss the trip it's up to you.

We've booked independently on previous cruises and had no issue and saved a lot of money, however we could not find any savings on any of the tours offered on our Alaska trip, we found the same tours at the same price as the cruise but no savings this time. Looks like there is a cruise monopoly in the cruise port towns in Alaska (or we didn't look in the right place to find savings!). Once we got into Anchorage - lots of choice but by then your cruise is done.

[REAL WORLD EXPAT]

I've been on 3 cruises.

Recommend signing up for the forum at www.cruisecritic.com   There should be a tread for your ship & departure date.  You can meet others on your cruise and get tips of shore excursions that are bookable outside of the cruise ship's options, and usually half the price for a better/longer trip.  The cruiseline doesn't really like this because they lose out in 100s of booking fees, but that's your gain.

On one of the first days there may also be a cruise critic party on the ship.  You'll meet other members and some of the officers of the ship.  As a result of one, we got a tour of the bridge one afternoon (this is a treat, and not that common) as well as a special party on the helicopter landing pad leaving the shore one day in Norway.  So, nice little free perks for participating.

 
Actually, the boat we are going on has very mixed reviews on cruise critic.  There is negativity about things like the food and the decor in the cabins.  Then there are other people saying it is all fine.   So I guess I will see.

Take online reviews with a pinch of salt - some of the rudest people I have come across have been on cruises (some people think that because most of the staff are from other countries they have the right to talk down to them and complain about EVERYTHING, some people just like a good moan!) - all reviews I've read about cruises I've been on are mixed but we had a great time - as long as you a "glass half full" type of person it will be fine, if you like a moan I'm sure you can find plenty to moan about if you look hard enough! Seriously I don't know what some people expect sometimes given the great value the cruise offers!

[Debts_of_Despair]

I've been on 3 cruises.

Recommend signing up for the forum at www.cruisecritic.com   There should be a tread for your ship & departure date.  You can meet others on your cruise and get tips of shore excursions that are bookable outside of the cruise ship's options, and usually half the price for a better/longer trip.  The cruiseline doesn't really like this because they lose out in 100s of booking fees, but that's your gain.

On one of the first days there may also be a cruise critic party on the ship.  You'll meet other members and some of the officers of the ship.  As a result of one, we got a tour of the bridge one afternoon (this is a treat, and not that common) as well as a special party on the helicopter landing pad leaving the shore one day in Norway.  So, nice little free perks for participating.

I am signed on with the cruise critic forum and joined the roll call thread for our sailing.   

Actually, the boat we are going on has very mixed reviews on cruise critic.  There is negativity about things like the food and the decor in the cabins.  Then there are other people saying it is all fine.   So I guess I will see.

Which Celebrity ship are you going on?  I would take all of those reviews with a grain of salt.  The people on CC are some of the biggest whiners I have ever come across.  As long as you don't go low end, I.e., Carnival, I think you are going to love cruising.  You are basically on a five star floating hotel passing by some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.  I would have a hard time finding anything to complain about.

[pachnik]

Thanks Debts of Despair and Expat for the reassurance re: cruise reviews.   I am definitely more of the 'glass is half full' type of person.  So is my husband.   

We are going on the Millennium.  And I am so looking forward to that scenery!!!! 

[Catbert]

While I do encourage your to do excursions at each port I would not buy them through the cruise line. All they do is offer their guarantee while marking up the prices 30-50%.

Just check out tripadvisor or something similar and book direct, save some cash. I am pretty sure any company will also guarantee your activity too, for free. I have never had a problem on any cruise, even when the port call dates changed mid cruise. The company was still there waiting to pick me up the day the ship arrived in port.

First time cruiser, so a bit hesitant on that.  I know other people have recommended this as well.  Thanks.

My personal "rule" on excursions, is that things like City Tour should be bought direct and not through the cruise ship.  However, if I'm getting on a bus to go 3 hours away I book through the cruise line.  If something happens locally I can always get back to the ship.  However, if I get stranded 3 hours away the ship will leave without me.  If booked through the ship they will wait for the late tour folks.

[Sailor Sam]

Pay attention during the emergency drills, and make sure you remember where your emergency station is located.

If you put your flotation on while inside, you'll float to the top and possible be unable to escape the interior.

If you go into the drink in AK, the cold shock might kill you within 3 minutes, while hypothermia will take upwards of an hour to render you unconscious. So huddle up with other people you find.

Suction from a sinking ship won't actually pull you down. That's an urban myth.

Have fun! Alaska is beautiful.

[Gray Matter]

Pay attention during the emergency drills, and make sure you remember where your emergency station is located.

If you put your flotation on while inside, you'll float to the top and possible be unable to escape the interior.

If you go into the drink in AK, the cold shock might kill you within 3 minutes, while hypothermia will take upwards of an hour to render you unconscious. So huddle up with other people you find.

Suction from a sinking ship won't actually pull you down. That's an urban myth.

You are so damned useful, among other things.

[pachnik]

Pay attention during the emergency drills, and make sure you remember where your emergency station is located.

If you put your flotation on while inside, you'll float to the top and possible be unable to escape the interior.

If you go into the drink in AK, the cold shock might kill you within 3 minutes, while hypothermia will take upwards of an hour to render you unconscious. So huddle up with other people you find.

Suction from a sinking ship won't actually pull you down. That's an urban myth.

Have fun! Alaska is beautiful.

Thanks for the tips, Sam!!!   Very practical stuff!   We are both looking forward to it very much. 

For years, I worked in a high rise across the street from the cruise ship pier in downtown.   On Friday afternoons in the summer, I would hear them blow their horn, turn away from the dock and sail away under the Lions Gate Bridge.  Now, it is my turn!   

[Cassie]

when we ere in Juneau the whale watching tours were super expensive through the cruise line. We got off the ship and walked right up to a booth and bought tickets much cheaper. We saw whales and it was awesome. If you walk around the towns you will just see stores with junk in them. Lake Mary said if we are going really far or have a tight deadline then we book tours through the cruise line. We book one at every port otherwise you don't get to see much. Alaska is beautiful-enjoy!  We have never gotten sick and we have friends that cruise a lot and are never sick either.  Hand sanitizer is everywhere on the ships.

[pachnik]

when we ere in Juneau the whale watching tours were super expensive through the cruise line. We got off the ship and walked right up to a booth and bought tickets much cheaper. We saw whales and it was awesome. If you walk around the towns you will just see stores with junk in them. Lake Mary said if we are going really far or have a tight deadline then we book tours through the cruise line. We book one at every port otherwise you don't get to see much. Alaska is beautiful-enjoy!  We have never gotten sick and we have friends that cruise a lot and are never sick either.  Hand sanitizer is everywhere on the ships.

Okay, I will do some research about what to see in Juneau and Ketchican.  We both enjoy museums very much.  Tonight we are going to book a hike at Icy Strait. 

Yeah, my parents go on a cruise every year and have done for at least 15 years.  My mom only got sick once.   

[UnleashHell]

on cruise critic check the ports of call section for ideas on what to do in town for each stop.
long trips might be worth doing through the ship. food will be fine. order new stuff - if you don't like it you can get something else and/or check out the buffet and other venues for late night snacks.

also on CC check out the member reviews. Also check how many posts the review has. its not unusual for people to do no research then sign up just to bitch and whine in a review.
theres also an option to click on the ships name in the cruise line section - do that and look at a few detail reviews there. it'll give you a good idea what to expect.

then relax and enjoy. They are as much fun as you let them be. find the positive and enjoy.

[Cassie]

You are going to love Alaska! Also we have never been disappointed on any of the tours in the 5 cruises that we have taken. I never expected to like cruising as much as we do.  It is nice to have all your food, entertainment etc in one easy location.  We just read the ship's newspaper and decide what we want to do. Sometimes we do things separately and we always meet great people to talk to, etc.   

[pachnik]

on cruise critic check the ports of call section for ideas on what to do in town for each stop.
long trips might be worth doing through the ship. food will be fine. order new stuff - if you don't like it you can get something else and/or check out the buffet and other venues for late night snacks.

also on CC check out the member reviews. Also check how many posts the review has. its not unusual for people to do no research then sign up just to bitch and whine in a review.
theres also an option to click on the ships name in the cruise line section - do that and look at a few detail reviews there. it'll give you a good idea what to expect.

then relax and enjoy. They are as much fun as you let them be. find the positive and enjoy.

Thanks UnleashHell.  I'm sure for us there will be a lot of positive.   

[pachnik]

You are going to love Alaska! Also we have never been disappointed on any of the tours in the 5 cruises that we have taken. I never expected to like cruising as much as we do.  It is nice to have all your food, entertainment etc in one easy location.  We just read the ship's newspaper and decide what we want to do. Sometimes we do things separately and we always meet great people to talk to, etc.

Yeah, I have been hesitant about going on a cruise but really want to go on this Alaska one.   My hesitation comes from not liking the idea of being herded around on bus tours.  I like to go slowly and take my time - not be dragged here and there.  We did register for a 2 1/2 hr. hike at Icy Strait Point so we'll see how that goes.   

I've heard from friends that cruises have 12-step meetings in the mornings for their passengers.  I will definitely check this out for myself (OA and CoDA).  Plus, just from looking at the Celebrity website, there is lots of stuff that interests us like wine tasting, dance lessons etc. etc.   And obviously watching the scenery float by.  :)

[Cassie]

Most of the time when we travel I hate tours. Cruises are different because you have a very limited time to explore.  Yes they have 12 step meetings.  My DH has joined a choir who did a performance at the end of the cruise, acting class, etc. There are so many things to do that you can't possibly do them all.  WE still do land vacations too but cruises are also fun. Both my DH and I are very happy, outgoing people so have an easy time connecting with others like us.