Cruise Tips PLEASE!

[kimber62372]

Soooo, I am off next Thursday and was wondering if anyone had any last minute tips for me since this is my very first cruise. PLEASE help me decide on beverage packages if you are an avid cruiser...lol. Is it worth buying my 8 yr old son a beverage package at $22.42 PER day for 10 DAYS?? For 3 people that will be $672.60 ... eww! And that's not including alcoholic beverages! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[debidoo]

Uh sorry never been on a cruise but the beverage packages sound expensive - but then I wonder if without them you will be paying much more?  Hopefully someone with cruise experience will answer your question - as for me I am no help except to wish you guys a happy, fun and safe cruise.

[linderlizzie]

I've only been on one cruise. Everyone in my group ate WAY too much.

The beverage package you mentioned sounds absolutely ridiculous. You won't want him drinking that much stuff.

Watch out for the photo packages. You can "ten dollar" yourself into some major debt after several days. My "extra" expenses for things like that made my total expenditure vastly different than what I originally thought it would be. They give you a convenient "credit" card for that. 

I really disliked the boarding process. It's nothing like you see in old movies. You will feel like you're in a cattle drive and you're the cow.

I don't mean to be a bummer. Sorry.  I just wanted to give you some warnings from my experience. Have fun on your cruise.

Make sure you actually go out and see the sea sometimes (especially at night to see the stars  ) because you do NOT feel like you are actually cruising on a ship unless you do go out and check. That is, of course, you count the first night in your cabin trying to sleep when you can feel the movement and it's a very different feeling. Not bad; just different.

[southernhorizons]

I've never been on a cruise, and don't want to go. I love the ocean, but there's always terrible stomach viruses that go around on the cruise ships, and why would I pay all the money to get sick? It's pretty much inevitable, because you have thousands of people all thrown in together on one ship for days or weeks. I'd love to find a small private cruise, if I could afford it.

[Nancy5]

I have been on a few cruises and sorry....have no idea what a beverage package is.  On my cruises all beverages, except alcohol, were free.  Also, like the last person stated don't fall into the picture trap.  You will be shocked at the prices, not to be cheap - take your own pictures.  Don't stay on the ship when it docks, get off and tour the places.  The boarding process can feel like a cattle run, but after that it is a lot of fun.  Remember when you are at the pool, you are in the middle if the ocean with water on all four sides, you can burn very very fast.  Be sure to take lots of sunscreen.  You will have a great time, enjoy and tell us all about it when you get back!

[aflyingmonkey]

My advice is to take Sea Sick medication, if you get sick on board without it, it's pricey.   

I've never heard of a beverage package on a cruise ship, beverages have always been free. 

[yikes77]

Depending on the cruise line, you CAN bring your own soda/water on board with your carry on.  I would suggest to find out with the company as to how much you can bring. It will definitely help you cut down on expenses.

[aggie49]

i have been on a couple of cruises and enjoy them my favorite is carribean cruise lines or disney cruise lines they both have great deals with a package deals check them out

[killers2]

Cruises are THE best.  Be prepared for tons of food and tons of activities.  You will not have any time to be bored.

[jmc1070]

You can bring on some water and pop with you, but it must be sealed. Milk, water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and juice is available usually on a drink bar at the buffet. Pop, bottled water and alcohol are for purchase. We bring insulated mugs and get tea at the drink bar to carry with us to drink. Also, we pack swim suits in our carry on bag so we can enjoy the deck until our cabin can be entered

[lostmaeblleshire]

I've never been on a cruise, but I've heard it's worth investing in a pair of Sea-Bands for everyone. I recently bought a pair to keep in my purse for general motion sickness, but haven't had occasion to use them yet -- but a lot of people swear by them.

[colbtrist]

I have been told you can take your drinks on board with you, that might save some money.