New To The Cruise

Cary177 · December 1, 2005

Hi All, I am brand new to this site as well as to taking a cruise; we are departing Miami on 10 December for a Western Caribbean cruise aboard Navigator Of The Seas.

Having never been on a cruise ship, and actually not every really interested in doing so, I must admit that I am leary of the crowds, and if indeed it is any sort of vacation. My husband is beside himself with enthusiasm and assures me it will be incredible fun, but he has never been aboard a 'floating hotel' either!

I would appreciate any feedback, information, suggestions, warnings. I look forward to reading your knowledgeble thoughts!

Suzila · December 1, 2005

Hi Cary177,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies! The only warning<] I have to give you about cruising, is watch out...it's addictive! Once you've cruised, that's the only vacation you're ever going to want to take.

Other than that, I would suggest you read the 'packing list', located at the top right of your screen...that will help. Start navigating around this website...there's a lot of very good info on here. Every one of us was a first time cruiser at one time, and had lots of questions. The very first time my hubby and I went on a 3 day cruise...we were afraid we'd get sick on the ship. We stood in front of the boat before it left, looked up, and both said, "What did we get ourselves into?"

The very first thing we did when we got off the ship was go to the travel agent and book another cruise!

Yes, it's crowded on a ship, but you can always find your own little space...take a book, lounge on deck, watch the ocean roll by. It's pure heaven. The worst part of the crowds is when you have to do muster in the very beginning of the trip. After that, everyone goes their own way...you won't all be together at the same time again, having to stand there, listening to the orders.

As fas as being on a floating hotel...once you walk onboard, you really won't know it's moving unless you go to a window, or go outside.

I hope you have a great time...I know you will.

cruisinmama · December 1, 2005

Hi Cary177

Nice to meet you..I've just Cruised for the 1st time in March and I too was worried about things...we did a short 4 day one just incase I couldn't handle it..

It was wonderful, the only time I found it crowded was during some meals at the buffet...and Formal night for pictures

The only time we knew we were moving was the 1st night when we were in the Theatre area. I took meds and was fine..

Our table mates were great friendly and we enjoyed our meals with them...To me everything was great.. It ended and I was sad..lol..

The Crazies here have TONS of experience but I will say YES you will get ADDICTED..we are now taking our kids on one in a few weeks..

and I'm on the look out for another one.

Glad you joined us, and as I've been told there are no dumb questions even if you think it might be..ask away!!!

:smiley:

JoeyandDavid · December 1, 2005

Hi Cary177,

Imagine, your self with a schedule YOU set, you sleep when you want , you eat when you want, you swim when you want, you sun when you want, you socialize when you want, you get pampered when you want, you get left alone when you want. If you can imagine that .. thats cruising! :grin: It really is cool

Hope you enjoy your first expierence!

Mebert · December 2, 2005

Cary177,

Welcome to CruiseCrazies!

I have to admit that I avoided taking cruises because I was afraid to be hemmed in by the crowd. After my first cruise in 2003, I wondered why I took so long to try it out. Now I'm totally and completely addicted to cruising.

There is plenty of space on the ship and large lavishly decorated public areas with lots of space. It will be like having a night at the theater or going to a disco or piano bar in some areas of the ship. You can also choose to stay in your room and order room service although the menu is limited. You have complete control.

You can also check out some of the cruise reviews by clicking the yellow "Reviews" tab on the upper part of the screen.

I can almost guarantee that you will be as enthusiastic as your husband by the time the cruise is over.

We love newcomers, so if you have any questions, any at all, no matter how simple you feel they are, your question may be helping someone else.

We look forward to seeing you posting and also look forward to your review.

Cary177 · December 2, 2005

Thank you for your reassuring words! Such a kind group of people! I was thinking, as I read through the replies to my worried post, 'if these are the kind of people who go on cruises, I have nothing to worry about!' Thank you so much! I feel better! A few more questions, forgive me for sounding like such an idiot, but...

.Clothing... do I need to take formal? What is the 'group photo?'

.Stops at ports: Do we always need to be signed up for something, or can

we veg and walk and look at the landscape/peoplescape?

.Meals: are they at particular times or can we come when we feel like it?

.Seasickness: I was seasick once in my life, and at that time, I wanted to hang my head over the side of the sailboat and wait for a shark to come. It would have been better than feeling so awful. Do many guests get seasick?

.How is the food

.How are the cabins? We've got an ocean view with balcony, but I think all the rooms offer the same.

.What goes on at the end of the cruise, more paperwork and waiting?

Thanks for your input! I'm looking forward to this trip now, instead of dreading it!

crazy4disney · December 2, 2005

Hi there, and welcome! I'm new here also, but not new to cruising, and what the others have said is exactly right -- you will be completely addicted! But oh what a sweet addiction it is. :)

And Joey described best, why that is. A cruise really is whatever you want it to be. I LOVE how I am free to go dance in a nightclub, sit and quietly read a book on my balcony, go play bingo, get involved in a lievly and fun game of dominos, or simply just lie in the sun up on deck and listen to the live calypso music. Or I can do none of that. Or I can do as much as I want to cram in a day. It's up to ME, and I can change my mind at any moment. It is SO freeing.

And while you're doing all that stuff, you're being pampered and treated like you're the only guest they've ever had! It's amazing. And need I say that unpacking once and basically having your hotel float with you to fabulous places is also pretty awesome? :)

Welcome to your new addiction, my friend. :)

-gina-

sailingrose · December 2, 2005

Welcome aboard!!! You'll love the Navigator! She is a beautiful ship!

There are 2 formal nights on a 7 day cruise. The suggested dress for the dining room is formal on those 2 evenings. You don't have to go the whole nine yards unless you wish to. Typically you will find dark suits and tuxes for men and dresses of every length for the ladies.

Group pictures are usually for large groups like family reunions, anniversary, wedding, etc.

As far as the ports of call, we all have a different opinion. Mostly is depends on the port itself. Some are very safe, others are questionable. If you just want to walk in town or go to the beach you can take a cab. You can also arrange a tour with a cab driver. If your going to Jamaica, I recommend taking a ships tour if there is something you really want to see.

There are at least 2 dining options on ships, dining room with a fixed time and the buffets that are open a set amount of time for each meal. The Navigator also has a cafe for light snacks and pizza or you could call room service and have it delivered to your cabin.

I personally don't get seasick but my son does. Green apples(available on the ship), ginger tablets, ginger ale and ginger snaps are some of the things he's done. He prefers the ginger ale and ginger snaps but everyone is different. Motion sickness pills are available at the front desk but be aware they will make you very sleepy. I'm sure others will chime in their thoughts too.

The food in general is pretty good. I hardly ever have a problem with dining room meals. I'm not fond of buffets at all so I eat very little there.

Having a balcony is wonderful! You'll love having your own private outside space.

The end of a cruise is always sad. There is a minimal amount of paperwork to be filled out. New luggage tags and a customs form would be about it. Tips also can be charged to your ship card so that would be additional paperwork if you choose that. Don't worry, they will tell you everything you need to know.

Relax and enjoy! There is nothing like a first cruise........

hamster92256 · December 2, 2005

I don't think that there is anything else that I can say except Welcome to Cruise Crazies. Oh don't forget to take the camera out every now and then to take a shot or two to show the folks at home how much fun you had!!