Tips for cruises

[Cavfan]

I did a shed load of research before we went and still found the first couple of days a little daunting! my husband who had done no research and very little listening to me( who'd have thought it) was totally 'gobsmacked' ! However he had visualised the cross channel ferry rather than the amazing ship we were embarking! I cant vouch for Costa though I imagine theyre are a great many similarities but the whole experience was fantastic.
For those naysayers who think theyre

1-too structured - cant do with being organised
2- too restricting - cant do with eating or being with people we dont know
3- full of old fogeys- having watched the BBC programme  The Cruise-which was full of old fogeys
4- Too claustrophobic- no where to escape

I can offer the following
1- opt in or out the choice is yours- even structured excursions offer freedom and flexibility
2- opt for anytime dining and ask for and be prepared to wait for a table for 2.
3- there are a number of elderly people who cruise but lets face it they have the time and generally the dosh . Equally there are many young folk and then people like us!
4- The promenade deck on our ship was used by runners as 3 times around it was a mile. We were on the highest passenger deck -14 and there were 3 decks of recreation facilites above us. These things are humungous! there is a whole deck of bars etc- we go to fewer in Calis!

[littlereddevil]

We had the all inclusive drinks package on the Thomson cruise - what I liked about it was not only could I work my way through the alcoholic coffees, you had the good stuff!  None of this local drinks only stuff.  You were treated exactly the same as any other customer. 

You will be converted once you have done a cruise....we love them!


Didn't convert me! I hated that claustrophobic feeling, even though we had the best suite on the boat. I just didn't like being confined. We went from Singapore all around Malaysia and Thailand but decided cuises are not for us.

[Scunner]

Why have your photo taken with the Captain? I don't ask the pilot to pose with me on easyjet flights

[echogirl1]

Scunner, you are so   common

[tel]

LOL LOL Scunner.
You will probably need a plug adaptor if you take anything that needs charging. Sometimes available on board.
Some companies let you opt out automatic tipping charges when you board, so you can tip your own favourites.
Only been on six cruises but like others have said read customer reviews as they are very useful and research each port to find out what you really don't want to miss and look at the trips on the ships web site. Wine package on Costa is usually very good.  Enjoy

[Jacqui Harvey]

Why have your photo taken with the Captain? I don't ask the pilot to pose with me on easyjet flights

I am sure if you asked the Pilot would love to pose with you, particularly now you have that lovely auburn wig 

[farry]

Why have your photo taken with the Captain? I don't ask the pilot to pose with me on easyjet flights

Now that is a money making idea for the airlines!!  Cocktail party with compulsory very expensive photo with the pilot!

[farry]

When you check in, your luggage is usually taken to your cabin for you.  This can take a couple of hours before it arrives in your cabin.  Take anything you may need in the meantime with you in hand luggage.
Day at sea- always the busiest time on board, if you want a sunbed on deck, you will need to reserve one early as there are never enough!
If you are cruise only, and no flights involved, an extra holdall/ bag is useful for your duty free/ gift etc, also no luggage restrictions so you can take the extra clothes/ shoes you don't know if you will need or not!

[farry]

Some companies let you opt out automatic tipping charges when you board, so you can tip your own favourites.

I read on one of the cruise forums about a tour of crew quarters/ kitchens etc.  There was a list displayed of everyone who had opted out of the their tips.  This was referred to as the spit list!

[nichola]

I have become somewhat overwhelmed by the complexities of cruise sailings but appreciate all the tips none the less. I had no idea it was going to be such hard work   

It's going to take me a week to work out the cruise critic web site... It's not easy like the Çaliş Beach Forum