So, who here has been on a cruise?

My family just decided to go on one this summer and I'm extremely excited. I haven't gone on vacation in close to five years and it's about time. I've been trying to convince my parents to go on a cruise for about ten years and it finally took. It's gonna be my parents, me, my aunt, uncle, three cousins and my cousins friend. So, it's going to be quite nuts. I've never been on a cruise before, although I have been on large ships for day trips and things of that nature. It's going to be seven days to Bermuda out of New York.

So, I'm basically asking those of you who have been on cruises before for your advice. Anything specific I should make sure to bring? Things I should make sure to do while on the boat/on the island? Anything you'd like to offer I'm happy to hear. Thanks!

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I have been on a couple in the bahamas, they are awesome!

Cruises are a lot of fun! I just went on one at the end of March.

When you get off the ship in a dock, there are usually stalls (or something similar) that sell local crafts and unique things like that. I found that it was pretty similar to what was being sold in the stalls further in on the islands, and the prices were about the same. However, taking a "taxi" on the islands is a pretty interesting experiance. Their taxis are way different from American taxis. The fare is also pretty cheap... I think it was something like four dollars per person round trip (to the local shopping area and back). You also get a glimpse of the culture on the island... how buildings are arranged, how people dress, if walking is more common than driving, etc. It was an interesting experiance. But if you don't have enough time to explore the island, you can still buy more or less the same stuff in the stalls by the ship.

Heh, sorry for making that kind of long. Have fun on your trip!

I've been on 9 to all different kinds of places. They are the most amazing vacation. I would be happy to answer any specific questions you have. Make sure you bring lots of books and music. It is so relaxing. The last cruise I went on I think I read 3 long books in one week. Also, have your music for when you are just sitting around. Also, the shows at night are interesting. They usually have a Broadway night where they do a Broadway review so look out for that. Have fun!

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NEVER NEVER NEVER GO ON CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES!!!!

It is a total rip off, bad food, ****ty drinks, HORRIBLE entertainment.

The ONLY reason I would ever suggest it is for a character study of what white trash does on the high seas.

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Good for you.

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Okay then. I was worried that an adult was excited over free soft serve ice cream. Knowing you were only 11 makes sense to me now.

And, I was typing my post before you posted yours Elizabeth, so don't think the negative comments were aimed at you. Hell, I don't even know you..

Hello!

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I went on a Royal Carribbean Cruise and my hunch that I was probably not a "cruise person" proved correct. On the at sea days I wanted to kill myself out of sheer boredom. You, however, might be a cruise person if you enjoy:

* being in a floating mall with no way out
* crap shows
* crap food
* automatically answer the question "Are you having a GREAT time?" affirmatively by every staff member until you are convinced that it must be true
* really don't want to explore new places on your own

It's the vacation equivalent of fast food.

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Ok. Here is my advice. Bring some Lysol disenfectant. Cruise ship hotel rooms are notoriously unhealthy ( Prime Time Live, 20/ 20 have both done stories on this). Do not buy any of the ships excursions. They are available for less than half the price at most ports and usually by the same company. Bring your own booze. Wrap it up in your luggage.. they don't care. You can order mixers from room service for free. Be careful how you spend your money on the ship. There is no real cash. They give you a card that you use throughtout. Lots of people forget that it is money and on check out days find themselves with $3000.00 charges. Make sure that on the first day you bring your evenings set of clothes in your carry on. When you check your luggage in you never know what time it will make it to the room. Sometimes it is right away and sometimes it isn't till the evening. And always tip yor stewart. Always!

Also.. do bring a good book. Just in case you discover it is not your thing.

All the cruises I have been on have been gay. I would imagine I would be miserable at s straight trip.

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Updated On: 5/21/05 at 11:03 PM

Most wonderful thing is a room with a balcony in which you sit at night and stare at the sea while enjoyingg your 420 and a drink.

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Updated On: 5/21/05 at 11:07 PM

I confess I have never been on a cruise, and I've stayed away because I (rightly or wrongly) believe that I'm going to pay all this money to sleep in a shoebox - are the rooms spacious at all?

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I got a first class cabin with a view and it was as big as a walk in closet.

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Namo - you are exactly the kind of passeger we just loooooved to have on board. YES, peleeeze, for the sake of all the hardworking officers, staff, and crew, do go somewhere else. :)

And don't even get me started on you saying that the shows are crap...

Updated On: 5/21/05 at 11:46 PM