we are taking our first cruise,and have so many questions. We hope that we dont bother anyone with them. I guess to start what is this sign and sail card, and are we allowed to carry our own luggage to our room or do we have to check it in?


thank u for your help

Ann & Bob

Hi Ann and Bob, and welcome to Cruise Chat.

Don't worry about asking questions. Everyone was a first time cruiser at some point! After one cruise, not only will YOU be the experts, but you'll be addicted, as well.

What ship and itinerary are you doing?

The Sign & Sail card is a credit card-looking card you get when you check in for your cruise. It acts as your cabin door key, your ID on the cruise for getting on and off the ship in the ports, and is your "credit card" that you use for purchases on the ship. We have had many discussions of the Sign & Sail card, some of which you can access here.

Also, we have some answers to questions in our Frequently Asked Questions section, at the very bottom of the Cruise Chat home page. But do feel free to ask whatever questions come to mind.

Sandy

You'll like the western Caribbean itinerary. It's a good combination of days in port, days at sea, ocean or beach activities, and some shopping.

Sandy

Hi atrok3, welcome to Cruise-Chat. You may carry you luggage to your room, but it will have to go through a scanner, just like at the airport. We normally drop off everything but a carry-on with a change of clothes, our medicines, toiletries, and camera. So far, our luggage has been delivered to our room well in advance of dinner, and usually before the muster drill. It's just nice to not have to hassel with it. If you're on a short cruise and can fit it all into a small suitcase, then it might not be much of a hassel. My hubby, believe it or not, always has more luggage than I do Please don't hesitate to ask anything, we'll do our best to find the answer for you! Best wishes and once again, welcome aboard!

Also, with regard to the luggage, normally the passenger on a cruise would check-in their large "Checked-baggage" at curb side, outside in front of the ship. This would be handled by the porter who would approach them (customarily a tip would then be given to the porter). Then the passenger would carry just their carry-on baggage with them to their room.

However, I suppose it would be possible for you to carry all your baggage to your room. Provided that it is not allot and all the baggage is small enough to fit through the X-Ray screening machine at the checkpoint.

Remember, all purchases onboard the cruise ship are made with the Sail and Sign card. No other form of currency is accepted (no cash, credit cards, checks, etc.). Of course cash is accepted in the casino while gambling. Also, cash has always been accepted by crew members as gratuities (tips).

Hi Ann & Bob aka atrok3, and Welcome to Cruise-Chat!

Penny and Frase hit the nail on the head about the luggage! There are luggage restrictions on most cruise lines. If you carry it yourself it has to fit through the scanner and adhere to the size limits.

quote:

we are taking our first cruise,and have so many questions. We hope that we dont bother anyone with them.

No need to worry about bothering anyone here. All of us on Cruise-Chat enjoy helping other fellow cruisers. There are no stupid questions. We all took our first cruise and had plenty of questions.

Welcome aboard,

Dwayne