After reading the posts on this forum for a few months now, we have decided to take the plunge (no pun intended) into the world of cruising. Everyone seems to enjoy cruising so much, that we can't wait any longer to find out what we've been missing. My wife and I will be sailing on the Sovereign on Aug 25 to the Bahamas to celebrate our 15th anniversary. Our first cruise ever, for either of us.

And as if that weren't enough, we have already booked our second one on the Explorer to Bermuda next year (May 23), even before taking our first trip!

I just want to thank you all for the wealth of information you have provided with your knowledge, experiences, and opinions - we received most of the anwers to our questions (and there were lots of them) right here on this board.

Johnboy
Soon to be Newbie Cruiser

Hi Johnboy! Welcome to cruise-chat.

It is always a pleasure to hear that we helped someone take the plunge! I'm sure you won't regret it.

We'll probably pass each other in the airport since I am on the Sovereign for the 3-night cruise on August 22 and will be leaving the ship as you arrive.

johnboy, Welcome to cruise-chat! I hope you love cruising as much as the rest of us on here do. I believe you will. It was very nice of you to say such kind things about our little hang out. I hope you'll join in and chat some more with us. Especially when you get back from your 1st cruise. Can't wait to hear the details.

Cheers, Neil

You have become a cruising addict without ever cruising...I'm impressed.....off on my 20th to Alaska and some more this winter....You will love cruising..to me, it's the best value for the dollar....Happy sailing...

Bob E

Thank you all for the welcomes - I feel at home already.

Dave, we won't be hard to spot as you're disembarking. We'll probably be getting to the pier around 6:00am (too excited to sleep), just to be sure we won't be late! Just look for two people standing there like a couple of deer caught in the headlights - that'll be us.

I'm trying to attach a countdown clock to my signature and as you can see, it didn't work. I read in the posts that we shouldn't use the HTML code, but use the BB instead. I'll keep trying to figure it out.

I intend to post my experience as a first-time cruiser after I return, unfortunately I'll have nothing to compare it with.

Bob really nailed it - I'm addicted without ever cruising! See what power your posts had on me?

We did the Sovereign in March and are booked on it again in Oct. You will really enjoy it. Have a great time.

Bill, I thought I read in one of the posts that the formal dinner was held on the night we were docked in Nassau. Does that means we would have to choose to cut our sightseeing short to attend the formal dinner(we are set for the early seating)? The itinerary shows that we are docked until midnight on that day - thought we'd have a lot of time to explore Nassau.

Is my understanding correct?

Yes you would have to come back early for the formal dinner if you wanted to attend it. We skipped the formal night but only because I put my suitcoat in the garment bag but forgot the pants. You could always go back ashore for a bit after dinner.

There really isn't much else the ship can do as far as scheduling formal night. It has to be on the night in Nassau. Formal nights are not done on the first and last nights because of luggage related issues. The second night you are leaving Coco Cay and people don't want to rush around getting dressed up after a day on a beach, and then have to rise early the next morning for the arrival in Nassau at 7am.

The question you need to ask yourself is would you really prefer to be running around Nassau all day and night, or would you like to enjoy the ship? If the answer is the former, then you may as well find someplace to eat dinner ashore. Of course there is nothing to prevent you from going back out on the town after dinner is over. You'd still have 3 or 4 hours. Most passengers will be Nassau'd out by the afternoon and will probably return to the ship for dinner and stay aboard.

I personally plan to maximize my ship time when I am in Nassau next month.

Johnboy-Welcome to a whole different and more relaxing world. Endless hours of adventure and that most rare relaxation await you and yours!
Cruising is the only way to go! Once you try it you never look back! It is the best addiction! I got hooked at age 7-(Many moons ago!) - Mother Ocean always calls!

Bon Voyage,

BillyBuzzy

I agree with Dave. You will probably have had enough of the port by dinner time. Whatever you decide though I am sure you will have a great time.

In thinking more about it, you're right. We will have hit the streets first thing in the morning and by around 4:00, should have done everything we want to do. Even though my wife is an addicted shopper, we probably wouldn't be able to carry anything more than we'd have by then (just kidding, dear)!

Plus, we're looking forward to dressing up and having our picture taken aboard ship. We want to put it on the mantle at home to remind us of our first cruise.

Sounds like a plan!

The wife should find some good deals at the flea market. Don't buy the first thing you see and don't pay what they want. The locals want you to haggle with them.

Now I could have fun with THAT! Sounds like the same approach I use when buying a car, except the car salesmen prefer that you not haggle.

I also recall from the posts here that they only accept US dollars off the ship, no credit cards. How 'bout travelers checks? I would think that carrying as little cash with you is prudent, or am I getting paranoid?

Credit cards are taken in most stores and stand-alone shops. However in the places like the straw market in Nassau, and with the locals who set up shop on Coco Cay you will need small bills. Traveler's Checks are accepted by the same places that take credit cards although the checks are not very popular anymore. I haven't used them in years.

Thanks, Dave. As long as established stores accept credit cards, it's a non-issue. However, I will plan to take some cash with us as well, just to "bargain" with the small vendors. Sounds like fun and who knows, just might get some great deals!

Welcome johnboy!

I have to tell you a funny story about haggling at straw markets. When we were at Labadee in 1997, my husband purchased a gaudy orange picture. He liked it and managed to get the price down to like $15 or so.

Well, the picture was too big for our luggage. I suggested leaving it on the ship, but that didn't go over very big! So, when we got ashore after the cruise, we went to a Mailboxes, Etc. and mailed it home with a couple other things. It cost us $60 to mail his special bargain!

At the time, it wasn't real funny. But now, eleven years later, I realize it was worth the $75. We have had so many laughs and fun memories over his special purchase!

Have a wonderful cruise!

Nadine

Thanks for the chuckle, Nadine. Its a great story - and that has to be the best $75 you ever spent! I only wish I could have been a fly on the wall when you suggested leaving his prized purchase on board. That interchange must have been memorable as well!

Welcome to cruisin! Enjoy!