First Timer
 

My significant other and myself are going on my first cruise in April. We are starting small with the 3 day trip from LA to Ensenada, Mexico. Having been to most of Europe I consider my self a "seasoned Traveler". But I've never been on a cruise. I'm interested in what the web sites and travel publications "don't" tell you. We are going on Royal Caribbean, The Viking Serenade. Thank you.

Timothy: <BR> <BR>A 3 day cruise is a perfect way to introduce yourself to cruising. My husband and I took a 3 day cruise for our first one, because if we didn't like it, we wouldn't be stuck for a week. It proved to be absolutely the best time, and now we go for 7 days. We hope to do a longer one, when we get older. There are good and bad sides to a cruise versus land vacation. With a cruise, you unpack one time, while having the advantage of seeing more than one port. You will sit down to dinner, open the menu, and order what you want without any consideration to price. You will meet people of all ages and interests. Best of all, you can catch a beautiful sunrise while sipping your morning coffee or tea, and sunset while sipping a glass of wine. My husband and I definitely prefer to cruise. In Royal Carribean, you've chosen a wonderful line. To take a virtual tour of your ship, and other ships, go to mytravelco.com. It's an amazing website. Have fun planning and anticipating your trip, and, of course, have a wonderful cruise! <BR> <BR>Cathy

I just took my first cruise (RCCL), and am hoping to do it again soon. But here are some of the things they don't tell you: <BR> <BR>There may be a long wait to board <BR>Cabins can seem very small <BR>Lifeboat drill is boring <BR>Flushing the toilet can be frightening (always stand up first) <BR>You may not get your luggage until late the first night <BR>Cabins can be noisy <BR>It's really windy up on deck <BR>Remember to budget for tips (actually, I think they do put the suggested rates in the brochure) <BR>The beverages they're passing out when you board cost about $7 because of the souvenier "glass" <BR>A lot of the advertized activities and alternative dining may have extra charges <BR>You may get seasick <BR>You may get sunburned <BR>You may have to wait in long lines for shore excursions <BR>The last day, you have to be out of your cabin by 8:00, and you may have nothing to do for a few hours while waiting to debark <BR>You may want to do it all again very, very soon <BR> <BR>I jsut put in the possible negatives. It's much easier to accept them if you know in advance. There will also be some positive surprizes, but, with those, it's nice to be surprized so I won't mention them! <BR> <BR>Happy cruising! <BR> <BR>

Timothy: although there may be a few "hidden costs," I'm sure that you will see the great things about the cruise will far outway the few bad things. Royal Caribbean is a great line. I'm going back on a 7 day cruise in April on the Monarch of the Seas. I cruised on the Soverign of the Seas about five years ago and it was absolutely one of the best times I've ever had. If you are staying in an inside cabin, remember to take a nightlight if you are one who needs to get up in the middle of the night. The room will be pitch black!

My ideas and thoughts... <BR>Tips are high, but plan for it...usually service is good. Skip THEIR shore excursions and get out on your own- more to see and cheaper... Order two dinners, or seconds, as portion are small and ALL YOU CAN EAT, is part of the deal, even in formaldining (my kids mastered ordering 3 desserts)...If you are IN your cabin, you are NOT having a good time (ok, I can think of ONE exception)... participate in the activites- they may surprise you! Bring your favorite drink (alcoholic, or not) to enjoy in your cabin, as ice is always provided by your room steward.... HAVE FUN!