Just got off the Carnival Glory (Eastern Carribean) and thought I would share some stuff. This was only my second cruise, so I am by no means "seasoned":

1) Consider carrying a lanyard (or similiar secure device) to keep your Sail/Sign card, soda card, picture ID). You access these often on the cruise and it is a pain to dig through your wallet each time.

2) Book a massage at the spa first thing. After a long flight/drive, plus the stress of real life - this will relax you and get you in a cruising state of mind.

3) Try things you wouldn't normally do at home. (New foods, parasailng, etc.) You're on vacation!

4) Talk to your tour guides on excursions about their experiences. As Americans we tend to have a very narrow and limited view of the world. You'll be surprised how much they will appreciate it.

5) There will be lots of opportunities for shopping on shore. However, if you see something on the ship you want, you may want to wait until the end of the cruise. Sometimes they have sales at the end because it's their last chance to squeeze your pockets. Just make sure they have enough of whatever you're buying so you don't miss out.

6) Leave your worries at home but please don't leave your manners.

These are just a few things off the top of my head. Take them for what you will. I'm sure more experienced cruisers will have some different ideas.

Have fun!

Firefighter-Welcome to cruise chat, you will spend many happy and informative hours here!
I will definitely second all of your recommendations! Your speak with the experience of a "seasoned" traveler-the rules of life apply to all adventures,not just to cruises! (Your suggestion regarding manners is priceless and timeless!)-Welcome aboard!

Bon Voyage,

BillyBuzzy

Hi Firefighter, welcome to Cruise-Chat. Thank you for sharing those valuable items. I can't wait to see what you select for your next cruise, I just know there will be another one Which was your favorite port? I am taking a guess that you tried parasailing, did you like it? Best wishes and once again, welcome aboard!

Thank you both for your quick responses.

Actually, I did parasailing on another trip. I was trying to convince a fellow traveler this time to get out of his comfort zone.

Will we go for cruise #3 ? Considering we were surfing the internet within hours of getting home....I would say that's a good bet!

Favorite stop this trip....St Maarten. I love the outdoors. Hiking the dry, somewhat rocky coastline of St. Maarten was great!!

You are now a cruise "addict"...welcome to the club....Happy cruising....and as you found out...there is no such thing as a bad cruise..some are just better than others....Welcome aboard...

Bob E

Hi Firefighter, Welcome to Cruise-Chat!

I particularly liked #6.

Welcome aboard,

Dwayne

I would also extend #4 to also get to know the crew onboard. Sometimes we shy away from folks who are a little hard for us to understand.

Yes, sometimes I have to say "I'm sorry...could you repeat that?" But it is well worth the effort.

Absolutely. Every cruise ship is a mini United Nations. Take advantage.

Ain't it the truth. I love meeting and talking with the crew. They often seem as interested in my life as I am in theirs. I still keep up with a few of them via email.

Dwayne

quote:

Originally posted by IslandCruz:
Ain't it the truth. I love meeting and talking with the crew. They often seem as interested in my life as I am in theirs. I still keep up with a few of them via email.

Dwayne

The only downside is that now I worry about them when disasters happen in parts of the world I wasn't really even aware existed before I met all these great folks.

Emme is from the Phillipines and when that ferry went down in the cyclone...I was so concerned about she and her family. (She is a karaoke host that we have sailed with twice and had an absolute ball!!..We call ourselves cruise sisters!!) I can only hope that she (and her family are safe). They probably are...but when things like this happens it brings them to mind.