Seriously, cruises are a great vacation for the money spent. I would avoid the excursions for the most part. Usually you can find excursions on the islands that are cheaper than the ones the boat offers. Just be sure to be back on the boat before sailing time; they wait for NO ONE.
At the breakfast buffet, there is plenty of fruit and granola bars, etc. that you can take with you if you are going to be off the boat during lunch and don't want to have to find a place to eat.
Also, if you want a private table for dinner, which we always do, you can go to the dining room as soon as you board the ship the first day and request a private dining table. There aren't many and they go fast. Sometimes it's not bad eating with others, but if they are bad, you are stuck with them for the entire cruise, as tables are assigned on most cruises.
The room attendants are SO attending that it's almost creepy. It seems that they're spying on you and every time you leave your room, they come in and clean it up. It's a nice gesture, but we always feel like we're being watched. So don't let that creep you out.
The casino's will rob you blind. The bars will overcharge you (unless your trip is all-inclusive, in which case, go crazy!), and I find most shows pretty boring.
There are great bargains out there. When figuring total cost don't forget to calculate the tips for the room stewards, waiters, etc. Each cruise line website has what they either suggest for tipping or require (charge automatically) depending on the line. For a four day cruise it should work out to probably less than $100 total for the tips.
If you have not cruised before you will enjoy just about any. If you have cruised before on one of the newer larger ships you will be spoiled and perhaps not as pleased with the smaller older ships used for most shorter cruises.
I love cruising as it is a great way to relax and unwind and eat lots of good food!
My best cruise experience was with Celebrity, next was Royal Carribbean and then way down on the totem pole was NCL.
. . .
Yeah, they have a lot of older ships. One night, I'm not kidding, they had to close the disco early, because people in cabins below us called and complained about the noise!
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
The casino's will rob you blind. The bars will overcharge you (unless your trip is all-inclusive, in which case, go crazy!), and I find most shows pretty boring.
Which leaves you with.....
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
This summer is our 40th Anniv and I'm considering a cruise. Have never been on one and most of my coworkers say everyone should go at least once.
So....cost is one consideration. Also departure point. We have a daughter in Orlando and she'll take us to those that leave from Port Canaveral.
Any absolutes....things to avoid, or things we should expect from the cruise.
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Originally Posted by Sherri
Avoid the casino, the bars and some of the shows.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RandyWayne
The casino's will rob you blind. The bars will overcharge you (unless your trip is all-inclusive, in which case, go crazy!), and I find most shows pretty boring.
RCL sells this "all you can drink" soft drink card. That saved a bundle. You have to ask for it up front when you sign on for the cruise, I think. I saw people carrying their liquor aboard in sealed containers so if you swing that way I guess there's no way around the huge mark ups unless you're truly creative.
They x-ray your baggage and carry on bags too. I was subjected to a humiliating search because the meds I was on at the time set off all of the alarms (We took a cruise to celebrate me not dying kind of thing).
You can order food in your cabin for just the cost of the tip. Or you can load up at the buffets and enjoy it anywhere. The evening meals are formal - though some nights are "Caribbean" where everyone wears a funny shirt and hat. You'll have the same charming Latvian waiter each night who will learn your names and try to ingratiate himself to you in exchange for a handsome gratuity or perhaps a brief marriage to gain US citizenship.
Be sure to have a ready cash reserve to avoid having to marry any of the crew. They are serious about the tips.
One of the things that I find most interesting is that the crew is from all over the world. By the end of the cruise, you are very connected with your waiters, taking pictures to remember them, etc. Many of them have left wife and kids at home, just trying to make some money for a few months to live on for the entire year. It's a very tiring life - when one group of passengers get off the ship, they only have a few hours until the next group gets on! There are no days off for them.
One of the things that I find most interesting is that the crew is from all over the world. By the end of the cruise, you are very connected with your waiters, taking pictures to remember them, etc. Many of them have left wife and kids at home, just trying to make some money for a few months to live on for the entire year. It's a very tiring life - when one group of passengers get off the ship, they only have a few hours until the next group gets on! There are no days off for them.
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