Preparing for our first cruise EVER

[jollystomper]

Don’t be so sure. There’s nothing like waking up and going onto your balcony in the morning and watching the sun glint off the waves. Or watching as you arrive or depart the ports.

I understand. However, we aree willing to take the chance. DW and I are often up before sunrise in the course of our daily activities, and on other vacations (like Hawaii) have found no issue going out to see the sun come up. Quite honestly, we will probably be too excited to want to sleep late, wanting to experience as much of the ship as possible. So I am not concerned about this. In fact, DW prefers being out on deck for this sort of thing, she likes to be around other people.

In addition, since we are not drinkers, we are not worried about hangovers from the night before that might keep us from waking up early . Of course, dancing is a potential impact, but we can still quickly recover from that .

 

[Koolau]

We only did one cruise and picked a very inexpensive room. We slept there and used the facilities. Other than that we were on deck or in activities or on shore expeditions. If we could have had a nice state room with a balcony for the same price, then, sure, we'd take it. But basically we just wanted to take advantage of what was available on the ship. It's a 50:50 chance anyway that your room will be on the side where you could watch the docking process. So, a relatively inexpensive room makes a lot of sense to me. YMMV

 

[chemEguy]

We only did one cruise and picked a very inexpensive room. We slept there and used the facilities. Other than that we were on deck or in activities or on shore expeditions. If we could have had a nice state room with a balcony for the same price, then, sure, we'd take it. But basically we just wanted to take advantage of what was available on the ship. It's a 50:50 chance anyway that your room will be on the side where you could watch the docking process. So, a relatively inexpensive room makes a lot of sense to me. YMMV

Port and Starboard. So named for a reason.

 

[Koolau]

Port and Starboard. So named for a reason.

So, let me guess. Since people want to watch the docking, the Port side is more expensive??

 

[chemEguy]

So, let me guess. Since people want to watch the docking, the Port side is more expensive??

Definitely not.

 

[RetiredHappy]

When we book a cruise, we book it for the entire experience, which also means the biggest stateroom that we can afford. Regardless, having the right attitude will make any cruise a great experience.

 

[disneysteve]

Port and Starboard. So named for a reason.

Except it doesn't work that way for cruises. They don't always dock on the same side. It depends on the port, what other ships are there, which berth is open, etc.

 

[disneysteve]

So, let me guess. Since people want to watch the docking, the Port side is more expensive??

No, because ships don't always dock on the same side. It varies.

 

[1242Vintage]

Our first cruise years ago was actually the best!!! It was a three day out of Miami, stopping at a beach club thing and then an overnight in Havana. Ship left late and we skipped the beach club and instead spent a long weekend in port in Havana.

We enjoyed shows at clubs in Havana both Friday and Saturday nights and afterwards music at bars until the wee hours of the morning. Awesome time!!!

The rum and the local version of a CocaCola was good … but made finding the ship after a fun night a bit of a challenge.

Make some memories and enjoy your voyage!!

 

[CaptTom]

OK, now you've gone and done it...

The word originates from the Old Norse stýriborð (steering-board), combining stýri (rudder/steer) and borð (side/board). This is cognate with the Old English steorbord.

Both terms described the same physical reality: early vessels (including Viking longships and Anglo-Saxon boats) were steered by a large oar mounted on the right side of the stern. This placement accommodated right-handed helmsmen. Over time, the Old English steorbord evolved phonetically into the modern starboard, while the Nordic equivalent remains styrbord in Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian today.

So, if you had a big steering board (or stýriborð) sticking out of one side of the boat, you had to tie up the other side to the dock, or port.

Luckily cruise ships don't steer with a stýriborð, so they can tie up either side to the dock.

I do try to figure out what sort of scenery might be on each side of the ship during crossings, or coming in to ports, and pick a side based on what I want to see more of. You can even factor in prevailing winds, and the direction of sunrises/sunsets, but that does get a bit complicated.

 

[Koolau]

OK, now you've gone and done it...


So, if you had a big steering board (or stýriborð) sticking out of one side of the boat, you had to tie up the other side to the dock, or port.

Luckily cruise ships don't steer with a stýriborð, so they can tie up either side to the dock.

I do try to figure out what sort of scenery might be on each side of the ship during crossings, or coming in to ports, and pick a side based on what I want to see more of. You can even factor in prevailing winds, and the direction of sunrises/sunsets, but that does get a bit complicated.

What I recall of docking our ship on the one cruise we took: The ship had side screws which made if fully capable of docking itself with out the assistance of tug boats. BUT because of union rules (or some such) the ship usually docked with tugs doing the w*rk.

Returning you now...

 

[FIYes]

Our first cruises were in the least expensive interior staterooms that we could get. We enjoyed these cruises and an added benefit was that it encouraged us to get out and participate in the life of the ship. Only recently have we started booking balcony staterooms. We are now in our Blow the Dough years as we realize that our time to travel is running out faster than our money.

 

[Aerides]

So, let me guess. Since people want to watch the docking, the Port side is more expensive??

Not at all. You have no idea what you're going to see when docked in a typical 3000+ cruise ship until you get there. The dock might be the most attractive thing, or the least. It might be a view of concrete and buildings. Or a view of 17 other cruise ships lined up next to you. And freighters sharing the space even.

The act of docking is also going to vary on schedule. Might be 6am, or 8am, depends on the port. Not all that interesting, but one time sailing into Bermuda I got to see the local guides sail out to meet us and board the ship, with both moving at regular speed in pretty rough seas, that was kind of cool.

Smaller locations that only allow for a ship or two, it can be the difference between looking at a dock or looking out to barrier islands or ocean, or the bay.

 

[chemEguy]

I greatly enjoy having my morning latte on our balcony while the islands of the Caribbean float into view. It’s one of the things that keeps me coming back to cruising.

 

[CaptTom]

What I recall of docking our ship on the one cruise we took: The ship had side screws which made if fully capable of docking itself with out the assistance of tug boats. BUT because of union rules (or some such) the ship usually docked with tugs doing the w*rk.

Not only thrusters (sideways-facing propellers) but most now have propulsion pods which rotate 360 degrees, rather than fixed props and rudders. The ships are extremely maneuverable.

It's not so much union rules (although that wouldn't surprise me) that require tugboats. The tugs are mostly there in case the ship were to lose propulsion (think, Francis Scott Key Bridge.)

I greatly enjoy having my morning latte on our balcony while the islands of the Caribbean float into view. It’s one of the things that keeps me coming back to cruising.

Just being able to open a door and step out to enjoy the ocean going past is a treat! But the inside-cabin proponents will remind us that there are plenty of other places on a ship where you can do that. You do you!

 

[Koolau]

Not only thrusters (sideways-facing propellers) but most now have propulsion pods which rotate 360 degrees, rather than fixed props and rudders. The ships are extremely maneuverable.

It's not so much union rules (although that wouldn't surprise me) that require tugboats. The tugs are mostly there in case the ship were to lose propulsion (think, Francis Scott Key Bridge.)


Just being able to open a door and step out to enjoy the ocean going past is a treat! But the inside-cabin proponents will remind us that there are plenty of other places on a ship where you can do that. You do you!

We on our cruise were told explicitly that it was because of "rules" protecting the j*bs of the tugs. Nothing to do with "just in case." Some places our ship did dock, all by itself. No tugs in sight.

 

[Sunset]

We prepay for gratuities and don't feel guilty about not adding additional tips. The only area perhaps for this aspect is getting alcohol drinks, which are minimal for us.

I don't prepay for gratuities as I always felt it would make it simpiler if I needed to cancel.

This past Spring, I learned another reason. We were offered $200 credit for the current cruise if we booked a future cruise while onboard a cruise. So I did and the credit offset some of the gratuities on our ship bill. People who had already prepaid their gratuities, got the $200 credit applied to the future cruise.
Reserving a cruise cost $50.

Should we cancel the future cruise, we actually profit by $150, others will just lose their $50.

 

[hmrambling]

Good plan to see how the inside cabin works for you. Some people manage to find a few "special" places on board that they can go hang out in lieu of a balcony, and for them it would be a waste. I think balconies appeal to homebodies who like to hang out in their own space. I'm not always that way, but I do like having the option. And, of course, it's a lot easier to just open a door than to put on shoes and go walkabout to see if your favorite places are uncrowded enough to relax in one.

Our upcoming cruise will be in a cabin with a balcony. I'm fully expecting the Lido deck to be bustling and for some folks to reserve the loungers. With the balcony, I won't be competing for a lounge chair and will be able to enjoy being outside. However, I plan to pop up to the Lido deck for calypso and ice carving (if they have it). Some ships have a Serenity deck which is great for reading a book or just hanging out. I'll probably check out the Serenity deck, too. Also, part of the reason that I chose a mid-ship balcony cabin is because I'm hoping DW has a great experience and wants to cruise again. The cabin next summer is an oceanview cabin, though.

 

[chemEguy]

We’ve sailed in the Haven a few times. Loved that. I will say that you need to be in the Haven proper and not just a Haven room that’s outside the card access only area.

We’re trying Yacht club with MSC over the winter. Very excited for that.

 

[RetiredHappy]

We’ve sailed in the Haven a few times. Loved that. I will say that you need to be in the Haven proper and not just a Haven room that’s outside the card access only area.

We’re trying Yacht club with MSC over the winter. Very excited for that.

We have been cruising on Celebrity Cruises, and usually book a suite. Next year we are going on Azamara and have booked their largest stateroom on a golf cruise in Europe. It will be our first time on Azamara and we are looking forward to it.

 

[audreyh1]

I’m looking forward to the trip report.

 

[chemEguy]

We have been cruising on Celebrity Cruises, and usually book a suite. Next year we are going on Azamara and have booked their largest stateroom on a golf cruise in Europe. It will be our first time on Azamara and we are looking forward to it.

That’s sounds fantastic. Our cruise this summer is stopping at Bermuda and my son and I are bringing our clubs along. We played the same course there about a year and a half ago and I look forward to another round. Taking him along with me to knock balls around our local course when he was 7 or 8 was a great decision. He just finished his first year of college and a lot of his friends are fellow golfers.

 

[Sunset]

Our upcoming cruise will be in a cabin with a balcony. I'm fully expecting the Lido deck to be bustling and for some folks to reserve the loungers. With the balcony, I won't be competing for a lounge chair and will be able to enjoy being outside. However, I plan to pop up to the Lido deck for calypso and ice carving (if they have it). Some ships have a Serenity deck which is great for reading a book or just hanging out. I'll probably check out the Serenity deck, too. Also, part of the reason that I chose a mid-ship balcony cabin is because I'm hoping DW has a great experience and wants to cruise again. The cabin next summer is an oceanview cabin, though.

Lots of ships have side decks, under the lifeboats with lounge chairs in the shade and zero crowds.

 

[jollystomper]

We’re back!

Overall, we had a GREAT experience.

The executive summary for those who just want the TLR version ”):

- We were never bored, there were a lot of things to keep us busy (including dancing!)
- The inside stateroom worked out for us; we found it roomy (magnetic hooks helped A LOT in keeping things organized).
- We stayed healthy and never got seasick; in fact we had to go somewhere with a view of the ocean to remind us ourselves we were on a ship.
- The amount of people never felt overwhelming (it helped that (a) we both grew up in crowded cities, and (b) we can use stairs fine, and found it easier to walk up or down a few deck levels than wait for the elevator.
- People (including children) were very polite and well behaved. Everyone who found out this was our first cruise wanted to know what we thought; even if they had concerns themselves they still encouraged us to enjoy ourselves.
- Nassau port was okay. CocoCay was excellent
- DW is already researching our next cruise.

More details, if interested:
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Packing – we each packed a wheeled checked bag, wheeled carry-on on, and backpack. We did overpack, but not severely, and managing them was relatively easy. Packing cubes and plastic bags helped organize everything. After we emptied our luggage, the carry-ons and backpacks fit in the checked bags, which fit under the bed, so no impact to the room space.

Room – We liked the inside stateroom. We did not feel claustrophobic. The layout (bathroom in front; sofa table, and desk in the middle; bed at back) worked for us. Plenty of storage space for our items. We added magnetic hooks next to the closet and in the bathroom, and that really helped in organizing and keeping things off the surfaces.

Not much time was spent in the room. Our routine normally had us up and out between 6:30 and 7, stopping in again between noon and 1, and then out again to explore until around 4 to get ready for dinner at 5pm, then back briefly if we need to change for evening activities, then hang out doing stuff until midnight, then back in the room.

Ship – impressive. Too many things to do. Just walking around or sitting and people watching or trying various activities was fun. The adults only section quiet, great for eating (buffet here was much less crowded and we never had a problem finding a table) and getting deck chairs where we wanted (front of ship, looking out at the ocean). We only went to the pools in the general area the first day and one port day, and they were manageable at those times.

Food – the buffets and main dining room were fine with us. It was interesting that the entree servings in the main dining room were not large – I can see why they allow you to add a second one. I only added second desserts a few times . We did try one specialty restaurant, Portside BBQ – it was great, and the price was not much different than similar types of BBQ “fast casual” restaurants in our area.

Shows on the ship: No issues. I’m not a big Broadway musical person, so “Cats” was okay, while DW enjoyed it (though her knowledge of T.S. Eliot’s cat poems had her wondering at times “why are they doing that?”). “Aqua 80” was my favorite, incredible precision water choreography and a soundtrack that was 90% from my DJ days. “Frozen in Time” was good. We saw a few others that were “meh” to me. But, one can’t like everything, and it dd not take away from our overall enjoyment.

Dancing: there several places where we could dance, and it was fun. We had no shame in being the only people (or the oldest people) on the dance floor. We received a few compliments, which were nice.

Ports: We got off on port days but did not do any port excursions. Nassau was okay to walk around in, but the beach was too crowded. CocoCay – RC’s private island – was great. Even with another ship docked it did not seem crowded to us. We easily found a convenient shaded set of chairs and spent most of the day swimming and snorkeling, only getting out to get something to eat.

Dinner attire: We enjoyed the “special” nights – Latin (White Night), Caribbean, and Dress Your Best. My favorite was Latin Night, maybe because DW looked great in an all white top and leggings, especially doing the salsa. Ooh la la!

In sum: We will cruise again. A few minor things that we thought could have different were nothing to complain about. It was just a fun time for us.

 

[audreyh1]

Congrats! I’m glad you had such a great time, and thanks for the report.