Page 1 of 1

Cruise tips

Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2015 11:49 am
by bigboots
Melanie and I are leaving Friday on our first cruise.Just wondering if anybody had some tips for first timers.Any areas of concern or places not to miss.Also is sea sickness a big problem?We are going to the Bahamas. Can't wait to get back ,to start getting ready for the tournament.Thanks for any help..

Re: Cruise tips

Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2015 1:11 pm
by Mongo
I am certainly not a cruise "expert" but can give you some insights from a cruise I took last year to the Bahamas (the one before that was 27 years ago!). If your wife is prone to sea sickness, I strongly recommend purchasing a pair of those pressure point wrist bracelets for that purpose. My wife got sick at the first meal. Free Dramamine from the ships doctor but did not help. Purchased those wrist things out of desperation on the boat and she did not have any further problems (a lady from New Zeeland at our dinner table recommended, said they worked wonders for her). The winds were gusting to 60 on the way back no problem. Even though it was rough on the way over the seas were very calm once we got behind the islands.

Shore excursion will probably be non-impressive (reminds me of a glorified flea market) unless you plan on hitting the casino. Don't be surprised if you get approached to buy drugs or other "bargains" while on shore. Stay on the main tourist areas and you will be alright.

No need to be shy when ordering meals on the boat. We had Maine lobster and prime rib one night. I ordered three lobster dinners and two prime rib dinners along with two desserts. Be prompt for your dinner times because they operate on a tight schedule.

They make their money on photographs, alcohol and shore excursions. Just keep that in mind. You can sometimes get bargains on drink refills if you prepurchase.

Entertainment is usually decent so would try and catch a few shows. Just nice to layout by the pool and be pampered for a few days. :A1

Re: Cruise tips

Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2015 7:01 pm
by ctoles86
Royal Caribbean to caymans and keys. Bucket of beers (5) = 15 usd. Foods plentiful just beware of obvious tourist rip offs. Shore excursions can be fun just do something your not use to as you are probably use to water activities. I just drank ate and enjoyed the scenery you will have a great time. I also bought Cubans and cheap top shelf alcohol and just bring back on boat if your not scared of getting caught. Beware security is tight getting back on the boat and don't miss departure they will leave your a**.

Re: Cruise tips

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 12:02 pm
by bigboots
Thanks for the info.

Re: Cruise tips

Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 9:32 am
by BackCast
It's been 21 years since we cruised to the Bahamas so nothing I remember is likely to apply now.

The food was pretty good and you could run up a pretty hefty tab on alcohol. We did the regular tourist Cable Beach thing and I confirmed that I hate crowded beaches. Renting a jet ski was kinda fun and the guys renting them will negotiate a lot! Taxi drivers would also negotiate costs on the way from the ship to the beach but will laugh at you when you try to negotiate the return trip. DUH! Snorkeling was great and actually stimulated me to get my dive certification.

If I were doing the trip again I'd research things to do and pick a couple as far from Cable Beach and the casinos as possible. The Bahamas are beautiful islands, with beautiful water, but too many people can screw up anything.

Re: Cruise tips

Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 1:45 pm
by bigboots
Had a great time.The crew and our cabin were awesome.Melanie has a new addiction,she loves the slot machines.She even ended up over a 100 dollars ahead,and is already making plans for another trip.

Re: Cruise tips

Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2015 4:57 am
by fishinbug
Glad to hear you had a good time. What was the best part of the trip for you, bigboots?

Re: Cruise tips

Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2015 6:35 am
by bigboots
Watching my wife enjoying herself on the slot machine,like a little kid.

Re: Cruise tips

Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2015 12:11 pm
by fishinbug
bigboots wrote:Watching my wife enjoying herself on the slot machine,like a little kid.
:lol: