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!
News If You Want to Cruise (Part 2)
News If You Want To Cruise (Part 1)
I have been away for a while but much has happened since I first started. My whole summer was a countdown to our cruise vacation on the Freedom of the Seas! We cruise every September and this was our fifth time on the high seas! So I thought it appropriate to use this post to give some practical tips for those who are new to cruising.
We are loyal cruisers with Royal Caribbean International. There are some great cruise lines out there, but with our enrollment in their Crown and Anchor program, it seems to make more sense to continue cruising with a company we love! If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Here are some things to know before you cruise (based on our own experience):
- We book online. If you are not website savvy, contact a travel agent or call RCCL directly. You can also use travel sites like, Orbitz, Expedia, etc. RCCL's website is very user friendly. They often have sales and offer discounts on some cruises to military, public service personnel and senior citizens. Check the website often as prices do fluctuate. RRCL will always honor the lowest offered price. Most of your booking questions can be answered on their website.
- You do not NEED a Passport, but it make things a little easier. You can use a marriage license or birth certificate. Always check current passport regulations and requirements.
- Parking is expensive at the pier, so look into an off-site location that is safe an secure. We parked at a Raddison Hotel this year and took a taxi over the pier. It was the smoothest process we have ever had. Parking for a 7 night cruise at the pier is $15/day. The off-site location was only $8/day. Huge savings!
- Being a member of the Crown and Anchor Program put us at the front of the line, making our check-in time at the pier about 5-10 minutes!
- Upon check-in, you will receive a SeaPass Card. This card is your money, your ID and your room key while on the cruise. It's very important, so don't lose it! Your SeaPass card is connected to your credit card OR you can choose to pay off the balance (should you incur one) at the end with cash.
- Your cruise fare includes all your meals, lodging, shows and most amenities on the ship. There are some optional items that cost money. Alcohol, soda, specialty restaurants, shopping and spa treatments are some of the main items that cost you money. There is plenty to do on the ship without spending money, but it's nice to have a little extra cash.
- Be prepared to pay gratuities to your stateroom attendant and your wait staff. This is about $90/person for a 7 night cruise.
- 7 night cruises include two formal attire dinners. So when your are planning on what to pack, be sure to set aside a wardrobe budget and do it up right!
- Bring lots of sunscreen if you enjoy sitting by the pool.
- Wear water socks if your stop at Labadee, Haiti.
That's all for now, but in my next post, I'll talk about what to do while you're on the ship!
Until next time,
Mindy
