FH surprised me with a cruise for my bday, 9/12. We leave on the 11th for ft lauderdale. We're taking royal carribean's monarch of the seas from ft lauderdale to key west to cozumel, day at sea, and back to lauderdale. Any hints/thoughts/ideas? What do I wear? Thanks girls!
Karen62794
Posted:
Member since
Re: Any advice for a first time cruiser?
Congrats! Cruising is so much fun. Be prepared for non-stop eating.
For a 5 day cruise, you will have one formal night, known as Captain's night. This is the night when you get all dressed up (women normally wear gowns or dresses, men in suits). There is a ship photographer who will take formal shots of you on this night and you have the option of buying them.
All your food is included, however alcohol is not. Be prepared to spend about $5-6 a drink.
Bring money for the casino if you like gambling.
In Cozumel, be sure to hit Carlos n' Charlie's bar.
Have fun!
Sassy
Posted:
Member since
Re: Any advice for a first time cruiser?
Monarch of the Seas is a beautiful ship !!!! You'll love it !!!! Also be prepared to tip, they have recommended tips for each service (on these cruises, their only pay is our tips)
Besides that, book your excursions early, and have fun !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Make sure you're on deck for sunset/sunrise, it's so beautiful to watch !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Liz
spel
Posted:
Member since
Re: Any advice for a first time cruiser?
you'll have a blast! if you're interested in excursions on the islands, book them right away, they book up very quickly.
drjenn10
Posted:
Member since
Re: Any advice for a first time cruiser?
The best web site is www.cruiseopinion.com, I was addicted to it several weeks before I went on my cruise 2 years ago. Very informative!
princess99
Posted:
Member since
Re: Any advice for a first time cruiser?
First off, I highly recommend seabands snd Bonnine. The anti nausea pills they give on the boat is not too great. I also recommend a simple black dress, comfy dress shoes. Also, after dinner we would change into more comfortable clothes so we can go to the casino and be comfy or the shows. Be careful on spending, I was consevative with the spending and ended up raking up a 500.00 on board charges, which i heard is not too bad. Also, bring your cell phone if you want to make calls when you get to land home. Good luck! I heard that the cruise line you are going on is fantastic. Let us know what happens!
Jen_n_Dale
Posted:
Member since
Re: Any advice for a first time cruiser?
I went cruising and loved it. The best advice no one gave me when I went on mine, learned it after the fact.... If you get seasick, DON'T stay in the room if you have an inside cabin. I did that and it made me worse. Make sure you go to the top deck and see the horizon. You will feel way better. You will have an awesome time though.
aug9bride
Posted:
Member since
Re: Any advice for a first time cruiser?
You will have a great time. The first time I went I totally overpacked and there was no room for anything in the cabin. I never even wore half of the stuff. The drinks add up really fast. Since you don't carry cash around you don't realize how much you are spending. Usually they have a drink special of the day but they try to give it to you in their souveneir (sp) cup which costs more than a regular cup so make sure you tell them you want it in a regular glass. Also, take the seasickness pills in advance. I waited until the last minute and felt terrible the first 2 nights.
Have a great time, and as someone else mentioned. Don't miss Carlos and Charlies. It's a blast.
