First Time Cruisers looking for suggestions

[jamicinc]

My husband and I have booked a cruise in July to the Bahamas. We are taking our two adult children with us. Any suggestions...hints...things we need to plan in advance for....we have NO CLUE! We are in the process of getting our passport cards however. That's the one thing I think we need to do first LOL.

Pam

[FoghornLeghornGal]

I have just planned my second cruise.
I found reading the "boards" extremely helpful. From packing tips, to shore excursions to information about the ship - being well informed is a must.

The packing list section gave me ideas of things I wouldn't have thought of. Some of the things listed, I did not take and would never use. I feel I am on a cruise and on vacation and that is a time to treat myself. Spend a few extra bucks for something or service, instead of taking too much and the kitchen sink.
PACK LIGHT. One afternoon do a load of laundry, if necessary.

Buy a coke card
Take a highlighter
Sticky notes - to leave notes for family members or the room steward
Small battery operated travel clock
A dollar store over-the-door organizer
Different sizes of zip lock bags
Back pack for shore excursions
Order some chocolate covered strawberries, or something, to just treat yourself in your room or on your balcony.

I utilized room service quite a bit. Wonderful - especially when I was having some health issues.

Enjoy as much as you can with your family - do as much, or as little as you feel like - memories are the BEST thing to bring home with you.

Enjoy! and give us an update when you get back

[Phil&Liz]

Originally Posted by jamicinc

My husband and I have booked a cruise in July to the Bahamas. We are taking our two adult children with us. Any suggestions...hints...things we need to plan in advance for....we have NO CLUE! We are in the process of getting our passport cards however. That's the one thing I think we need to do first .

Pam

Perhaps knowing what ship we could add some info unique to that sailing, like location of laundry services, excursions etc.

If you use room service be sure to tip the delivery person a few $.


Phil & Liz

[jamicinc]

We are going in July on Monarch of the Seas. We are excited. But I still feel like there is so much I need to know. Tipping is my one big question. Do you tip as a couple or individual, or what?

[dina]

Hi,

Tips are $10 per day per person and it goes on your card.

I'm not sure what kind of cabin you have booked. Take an extension cord because wall sockets are scarce.

[jmaul99]

Get a passport book, not a card. You can not use the card for air travel and if something bad happens or you just miss your boat you could get stuck in the Bahamas with no way home. I did almost miss my boat one time in Grand Cayman because I fell asleep on the beach and was traveling solo with no one to wake me. Luckily, I found a MANIAC taxi cab driver that ran over sidewalks etc. to make sure I didn't miss the last tender.

[richstacy]

Get separate cabins and a balcony if you can afford it. That makes cruising more enjoyable. Since you are all adults, make it easy on yourself and get second seating for dinner. That way when you get back from a long day ashore, you will have plenty of time to clean up, change for dinner and have a nice tropical drink for the sail-away. early diners almost always miss the sail-away which is , IMHO, one of the best parts of any cruise.

Passports are a book and they are good for ten years.

Enjoy You are in for a great time Bon voyage