News If You Want to Cruise (Part 2)

So we talked about some tips for your cruise preparation.  Hopefully, that was helpful.  Now let me tell you what to expect once you step on board.
If you have never cruised, the first sight of the inside of a ship is truly breathtaking.  You instantly enter a new world!
After you have received your SeaPass and gotten your security clearance, taking your first photo at the pier, it's time to settle in.  So here is my list of highlights for the first day on board:

- Depending on what time you arrived on the ship, you may have to wait a few minutes for your stateroom to be ready.  You should have a carry-on with your essentials (medications, camera, etc.).  The delivery time of your luggage is not definite, so be sure to have anything you may need during the first few hours on board.
- We often take advantage of the fountain soda beverage package.  We are soda drinkers, so it's worth the $90/person to have unlimited access to fountain soda all seven days of our trip.  If you are not a soda drinker, there are also water packages and juice packages for sale.  Tap water, tea and lemonade are always free.  If you purchase a soda package, you will receive an insulated cup that is yours to keep and refill with soda all week long.
- If your room is not ready, most people head straight to the Windjammer.  This is a casual, buffet style dining room.  But don't think Golden Corall when you hear the word, "buffet."  All the food is wonderful and highest in quality and freshness.
- Around 1pm, your room should be ready.  There you will meet your stateroom attendant.  He or she will be available to you throughout your trip to answer any questions you may have and clean your room twice a day! :)
- While you wait for your luggage, you may want to drop your stuff in your room and go explore.  An average stateroom is pretty small, so there's not much reason to hang around in there.  Grab your camera and check out your ship!
- Depending on your departure time, you will be directed to a mandatory safety drill, usually an hour before you set sail.  There you will muster in your assigned area and received instructions that are needed in case of an unlikely emergency.  This is usually brief and painless.  After the drill, head up to the pool deck and get ready to say, "Bon Voyage!"

I will be sure to touch on some other cruising tips soon, so check back often!
Happy sailing!