Originally Posted by klt1986
Wife and I are going on our first cruise next month and just looking for a few tips. We had talked about trying one for years and finally found a good deal a few months back, so we booked it. Price wise it is much less than going to our favorite beach for a week, even with tips and excursions factored in. Looking for ideas on what to do and what not to do, for that matter. It is a 7 day cruise visiting Nassau, Grand Turk, and the Dominican Republic. We do like to drink some liquor every now and then but the drink packages are ridiculous. Looks like a lot of people try and smuggle their liquor on board. Not real sure I want to go that route but I'm open to suggestions. Any suggestions on tips for getting any type of room upgrade at the last minute?
klt -
The wife and I rediscovered cruising after a 23 year gap between numbers 1 and 2. Since our rediscovery we've sailed 14 times since 2010 and have 3 booked in the next 12 months. Here are some thoughts
1. Since your calling on Grand Turk, I believe that the only lines that call at GT are Carnival lines. This would be Carnival, Holland and Princess (Carnival CORPORATION owns additional lines, but I don't believe they call at GT); these lines are all owned by Carnival Corporation. I'm taking a guess that you're booked on a Carnival ship. The cruise center at GT is owned by Carnival and it's always a beach day for us. You indicated that you've already booked an excursion. The ship docks literally feet from the beach, after your excursion ends, you can visit the beach. Also if you have time, Jack's Shack is at the far left end of the beach (about a 20 minute walk) as you look at the shore from the ship. Good food, cheaper drinks and Topher, the owners dog. Check out Jack's Shack Facebook page.
2. Nassau is a stay on the ship port for us now. I'm sure what you booked you'll enjoy.
3. Dominican Republic - I assume this is Amber Cove. This is another Carnival owned/developed port stop. We've only been there once and that was shortly after they opened. Can't provide any other details.
4. All ports - You'll find vendors along your stops and at the beaches can be kind of pushy. They will take no for an answer and move on. Just be firm. Taxis are NOT metered. Be sure you negotiate and understand if the fare is total or per person before you get in the taxi. I lot of ports now have fixed rates to common attractions. Go the the ports talk on ship and ask about taxi fares.
5. I've sailed almost all the Carnival ships that sail 7 day itineraries. If you post ship name I can give some ship specific suggestions.
6. Food #1 - In the dining room you can order as many appetizers, entrees, and desserts as you wish. Don't be shy!
7. Food #2 - Just because food is available almost constantly, it doesn't mean you need to eat constantly. It not unusual for new cruiser to put 5-10 pounds on in a 7 day trip.
8. Food #3 - Treat you and your wife to a meal in the steakhouse one evening instead of the main dining room. It's an upcharge restaurant on Carnival ($38pp) but rivals most land based steakhouses I've eaten in at 2-3 times the price. If you book first night you get a free bottle of wine.
8. Don't try to do everything listed in the daily schedule. Take some time to find a quiet place and just watch the ocean go by.
9. Don't overthink it.
10. If you haven't yet, consider purchasing travel insurance. I buy it specifically medical coverage and if, god forbid, either one of us needs to be medically evacuated back to the States for care. I don't insure for cost of the trip, just medical and evacuation. Visit
www.squaremouth.com for different policies. Expect to pay under $100 for a medical only policy.
11. If you of your wife are subject to motion sickness, see if your doctor will write you a Rx for meclazine. It's the Rx strength generic version of Bonine, but you need to begin taking before symptoms start.
12. Carnival ships sail full. I believe the last annual report stated as a corporation, the ships sail at 102% capacity across all lines. There will be no pier side or upgrades available on ship. If your interested, now is the time to proactively call and see if anything is available at a price your willing to pay.
I agree with a lot of what the other responses cover. Visit the forums at
www.cruisecritic.com. Although be warned, a lot of cruisers there suggest bringing a lot of things you really don't need.
Happy cruising. Don't be surprised if you get hooked.
CB
