Going on a cruise.. tips?

In My Humble Opinion
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The missus has finally convinced me to take her on a cruise. I have booked us a Sky Suite (with walk out veranda) on the Celebrity Cruise ship Millenium for a 10-day Eastern Caribbean trip. The trip consists of two days at sea, five days of excursions, then two more days at sea. The stops include St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts, and St. Thomas. I have booked our excursions to include nature hikes, snorkeling with sea turtles, and other nature-type stuff. We have even gotten our passports (my first).

Lest you think I am gloating, I mention the above because though I am excited, I am also somewhat nervous, as I hve not only not been on a cruise before, but have never left the country (not counting North North Dakota, or as the natives call it ‘Ka-Nah-Dah’ ) :stuck_out_tongue:

I know we have some formal dinners, so I have bought a new suit (and she has gotten a dress), and for the informal/casual dinners, I have clothing to suit. Beyond that, I have NO idea what to expect while I’m on board or at our stops beyond the scheduled excursions. For anyone who has been on such a cruise, what should I expect via entertainment during the four days, what kind of tips are expected and for whom (I always worry about missing someone or tipping too poorly), is there anything else beyond the excursions to look forward to, what are the chances of us hailing a cab and the cabbie killing us in the middle of the rain forest for our wallets (I hear this happens in Mexico so I am very worried)? What other concerns should I prepare for? What should I expect via boarding (we have priority boarding, but I have no clue what that really entails)?

Sorry for the rambling questions, but though I want to have a great time, I always tend to panic a little bit in unknown territory.

Thanks, and please feel free to share any GOOD HAPPY cruise tales you may have had (save the bad ones for when I return) as we would like to take both sets of parents on an Alaskan cruise in 5 or so years.

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I used to work on board cruise ships (joining them to perform stocktakes in the onboard shops but travelling as a passenger).

You’ll have a great time, but be wary of con artists and pickpockets; often these will be found hanging around the port waiting to pounce on people as they disembark (often in a state of mild confusion/wonder).

Other than that, make sure that you allow plenty of time to get back to the ship at the end of your daily excursions; they won’t wait for you!

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what should I expect via entertainment during the four days

Shows (magicians, musical reviews, comedians), individual or small ensemble music, art auctions, wine tastings, swimming, gym/spa, ice sculptures…

what kind of tips are expected and for whom

Many lines now automatically charge daily tips to your account. You may add to or subtract from them as service suggests. If you
make special requests, you should tip additionally. If your line does not automatically charge tips, rest assured that they will supply you with “suggestions” about tipping in 6their materials, either before or after you board. If not, your dinner companions are a good source of information.

is there anything else beyond the excursions to look forward to, what are the chances of us hailing a cab and the cabbie killing us in the middle of the rain forest for our wallets (I hear this happens in Mexico so I am very worried)?

There’s always plenty going on on board if you choose not to disembark. There are always taxis waiting beyond the checkpoint. I’d read some travel guides for the countries you’re visiting–Rough Guide or Lonely Planet–to see what they recommend. I took the tours in Egypt and Turkey, got my own cab in Israel, where I knew my way around, and just walked off the ship in Puerto Vallarta, where I also knew what I was doing. Your ship will be full of (a) helpful staff to tell you how absolutely dangerous the world is, and (b) fellow travelers who will tell horror stories or dismiss them. If you hook up with people who know the area, you may be able to work out a cab-sharing deal with a larger and more knowledgeable group.

What other concerns should I prepare for?

(1) Try out Dramamine, Bonine, or Scopalamine patch before the cruise.
(2) Pack and travel defensively–wallet in the front or in a concealed waistpack, luggage locked, small bills, attention to your surroundings–the same as you would when travelling in the US.
(3) Learn about the ports of call beforehand. There will be informational lectures on board, but you’ll enjoy yourselves more, and be better equipped to interact with the people who live there, if you read on your own.
(4) Bring your own film. The cost is outrageous in tourist ports.

What should I expect via boarding

Expect a generally smooth and efficient process that nonetheless takes a while. You’ll yield up your luggage at some point (you’ll have tagged it following their instructions). You’ll stand in line. Have water handy if it’s a hot day. You’ll receive a boarding card that they will use to know if you’re on or off the ship; your photo will be taken and will appear on their screen.

I enjoy the people watching (on the cruise as well as on land). On my last cruise, with Princess, I was concerned about racism (overheard), antisemitism (some directed to me), and a general lack of awareness of class issues or cultural difference in relation to the people whose country we were visiting. However, this has not generally been my cruise experience.