Anyone have cruise tips for newbies?

[bar7700]

To anyone here that have been on a cruise can you give any tips to someone who has never been on a cruise?

Do you do laundry on board so you can take less baggage? How do you do money exchange for shore excursions? Are there computers on board to use to email home? Should you wait to see if you get sea sick or take something in advance just in case? LOL

I am signed up for the Scand/Russia quilting cruise. I figure I will spend a good bit of time being lost!

Thanks in advance!
Barbara

[Stinki]

The cruise ship I was on had laundry facilities, but check with your travel agent to see if your cruise line has this service. More than likely they will have internet service, but it is so prohibitive monetarily that you might think twice about it. I can't speak to exchange rates as my cruise was not in international territories.

Carla

[Stinki]

Bar I am going on a cruise Feb 22 with McCall's it is a sewing cruise they have computers on the ship I take 1 suit case they can do lardry for you but it cost you put and cc card on your room and ever thing is charge to it you need cash for the tips at the end of the trip and when you go off the ship you need cash when are you going Happy

[Stinki]

Bar I am going on a cruise Feb 22 with McCall's it is a sewing cruise they have computers on the ship I take 1 suit case they can do lardry for you but it cost you put and cc card on your room and ever thing is charge to it you need cash for the tips at the end of the trip and when you go off the ship you need cash when are you going Happy

[judy1785]

I have been on different cruises--Holland America and Princess--they both had laundries and computers to send e-mail. It is expensive to send e-mails, but I just got on and "did my thing" and got off--they charge by the minute.

We were on a cruise in Europe and the money exchange could be easily done on the ship--however, they only would exchange in dollars and so we tried to use our leftover coins for tips and such for our land tours. Also, most stores will accept credit cards. My bank gave a tip that I thought was useful--call your credit card company before going and let them know you are out of the country and may use the card; otherwise, they might hold the card for a fraud alert thinking it was someone else using it.

Anyway, we found it easy to deal with the money even though we had to go back and forth between euros and pounds.

Have fun--nothing like a relaxing cruise!

[judy1785]

Most all cruise ships have laundry facilities - and many offer lanudry service for a fee. TIP - if you can wait until about mid-way through a cruise, several cruiselines offer "laundry bag" specials. The cabin attendant leaves a big bag - and for a fee (usually $15-20) you can stuff all you can into the bag and the next day it comes back laundered AND pressed. Can actually be a great deal if you are a good 'stuffer'

Deb Roberts
Worldofquiltstravel.com

[Judymc]

I've been on several cruises on Princess and Royal Carribbean. We always leave a credit card open for an onboard account. Gratuities were always paid this way--usually $300-$400 per cruise. The cruise line will usually tell you how much to tip per person per day. The only time I laundered onboard was on our 15-day cruise to Hawaii. The other times I just took enough clothes. If you like Diet Coke, be sure to buy a drink card, if offered, so you don't rack up a huge bill. My husband always wears the "patch" for motion sickness--it puts me to sleep! I only take 1/2 a Dramamine (bring it with you) if I need it. I've only needed it a couple of times going over the Pacific to Hawaii. The "patch" is prescription, so get the prescription several days before you leave--you'll need to put it on the night before you leave. You can also buy stretch bracelets with a pressure point on your wrist from the drug store. You can order foreign currency from your bank and receive it at the bank within a week or so. I always call the bank and let them know I'll be using my credit card out of the country and let them know your departure and return dates so your card number isn't used after you return home. We don't use the internet onboard or have our clothes laundered since the cost is so high. Another thing--the rooms usually have a safe for your cash and valuables. Hope this helps--have fun!!!

[sewengel]

Hi -- my tip for you is to get the patch, but don't put it on until you get on the ship. It made me sleepy for one day and then I was fine the rest of the trip. Watch out for soda -- it will bit you on the last day when you get your bill. We were shocked to say the least on the last day for stuff we ordered throughout the week that we thought were included in the trip. It added up, next time we will be better prepared.

Be sure to see if there are quilt shops in port. We went to Alaska and I found 3! It was awesome. Have a wonderful time.

Sharon

[Seesaw]

I've only been on one cruise, but it was wonderful. All the above advise is good. Just one thing. If you think you might get seasick, there is a product you can get at the drug store called Motion Sickness Bands. No medication involved. They are like sweat bands. You wear one on each arm. They have a large bead on the inside. It applies accupressure on the inside of your wrist and, voila, no seasickness. The secret is following the instructions and having them on properly. Most people don't wear them high enough on the arm. These are great because you can shower with them, etc. and they truly work. I'm terrbile about getting seasick. If you do wear the patch, cut it in half and you will probably not have any side effects. I'm all about no medication if possible. If you have an questions, send me an email. Hope this helps. Carolyn in Kerrville, TX

[bar7700]

This is funny..... I made this post a year ago! LOL
Thanks for the input and I hope others out there that have yet to go on a cruise find the posts helpful! I didn't get seasick. :-)

Barbara