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I'm taking my first every cruise in April 2024. We cruise out of Miami, head to Nassau, then to Cozumel. We are on a celebrity cruise. This was all organized by someone else, as this is a 'working' cruise for hubby (and I get to tag along).
5 days: Sea, Nassau, sea, Cozumel, sea ending back to port.
We chose a room with a balcony, concierge class stateroom. Meals, wifi, drinks and tips included.
Looking for general tips - especially packing, what to avoid taking, best things to do on ship (I will be on my own on sea days, as hubby has conferences those days), what not to waste time doing. Just, how to make the most of this short trip.
I won't be bothering with pools, as I live in FL and have my own pool so sharing with 2,000+ other people doesn't appeal. I'm also not a gambler and find casinos to be sad, dreary places. All the 'spa' stuff is way over priced, so skipping that too.
Cruise ships schedule a HUGE array of activities to keep their guests entertained and occupied. In fact, there are so many inviting options that a day at sea can be almost as much fun (and as exhausting) as a full day of sightseeing!
The Solarium pool is adults only... and never crowded, relatively quiet and relaxing. I don't think you mentioned the ship's name. They're not all the same.
Clothing is casual to smart casual, but bring something blingy or a bit over the top for the evening. If you like the specialty restaurants, The Tuscan (Italian) is nice. The Martini bar is the 'happening' place on the ships. I prefer the sky lounge in the evening and the sunset bar. We usually do anytime dinning and generally the food has been very good. Dining room servings have gotten smaller. I usually save desert for the Oceanview Cafe'.
We done over 30+ cruises. I can tell you it's not for everyone and you'll either love it or hate it. Enjoy!
I enjoy the sea days. Find your ship and watch a you tube video.
Try https://boards.cruisecritic.com/
Pack as little as possible. You can get clothes washed but I would avoid that as it can be expensive.
Check your dress codes. Probably one or two "formal" nights for dinner. Now on some ships formal is not formal. Coat and tie for men. On some shirt with a collar will do. Check with the person arranging the trip to see if they have a dress code for meeting etc.
Have a passport.
Look for cruise line apps for your phone.
You will have to fill out boarding info a few days before you sail. Set up an internet account on your cruise line and check out their pre boarding requirements.
Figure out parking.
Consider driving to port city the day before.
Have any worn out clothing? Pack it and through it away after you use it. Gives a little space for stuff you might buy.
Have a carry on for meds etc. Your suite case can get lost. I have seen this a few times over the years. If each of you have a suite case pack half your stuff in each.
Put your phone on airplane mode.
You will need a credit card on file for day-to-day charges.
10+ years ago we took a 7-day cruise on Celebrity Infinity, a sister ship to Summit; however, ours was a Vancouver round-trip Alaska cruise. Like you, our accommodations at the time were Concierge Class, though we did not have (or need) prepaid drinks as we don't drink very much alcohol. We were impressed with the artwork onboard. NOT the art auction, but actual art such as a Chihululi glass chandelier.
We enjoyed participating in team trivia events and other games, whenever they didn't interfere with sightseeing. We enjoyed walking on the top deck of Infinity, and while we didn't swim, we did enjoy lounging around the pool, something we don't have at home.
We have a similar opinion to yours regarding casinos on ships, especially when the casinos are located where you have to walk through them to get to an event.
Make sure you take and use insect repellent if you are visiting any jungle areas, such as in Playa del Carmen or Cozumel. We were nearly eaten alive by bugs when visiting a ruin there. My husband enjoyed snorkeling in one of those two places. It was so hot everywhere we went (our 10-day itinerary also included Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Charlotte Amelie, US Virgin Islands (boat to St. John), and St. Croix. You don't need to pack very much.
Although it has been years since our last cruise, we came to prefer smaller, upscale ships, though we are considering doing a transatlantic on the Queen Mary 2.
Cruise ships schedule a HUGE array of activities to keep their guests entertained and occupied...
...and paying. Cruise ship passengers are a captive audience and they all have credit cards. I would wager that the typical passenger ends up dropping an additional several hundred dollars on unexpected fees and 'amenities'. Wealthier passengers are targeted for big ticket items like artwork or luxury goods, propped on the ship especially for them.
I'd go on a cruise if it was paid for, but - as another poster commented - I'd spend my time away from the crowds. reading books and day drinking.
...and paying. Cruise ship passengers are a captive audience and they all have credit cards. I would wager that the typical passenger ends up dropping an additional several hundred dollars on unexpected fees and 'amenities'. Wealthier passengers are targeted for big ticket items like artwork or luxury goods, propped on the ship especially for them.
I'd go on a cruise if it was paid for, but - as another poster commented - I'd spend my time away from the crowds. reading books and day drinking.
Savoy cruisers know this. It's the new cruisers who fall into buying stuff they don't need. You know cruise ships have a library and you can get drinks delivered or bring your own.
I get a free happy hour from 5-7 so well drinks and wine are free and not to mention I always have an "on-board" ship credit.
If you like a smaller amount passengers, a quieter cruise... a re-location cruise might suit you. In fact I'll be doing one in later April from Lauderdale Fl to Amsterdam, with a back to back to Norway = 21 days. In addition, I'll spend a few days in Amsterdam, before returning home.
Early or late season cruises are usually less crowded. Typically the weather is what makes the cruise less expensive and less crowded.
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