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greytone · 08-07-2003, 05:45 PM

I have been on 6 (7 if you count a river cruise in China). The first was Carnival over a decade ago.

First, the alcohol is not included. It is on only a few of the very high end lines. On those expect to pay $400 a day per person. So you end up paying for it. They are way out of my price range.

Cruising is about the best deal in foreign travel. If you are flexible, you can find a very nice trip including food and entertainment for not much over $100 a day.

The bigger ships have something for everyone and you will have to choose what you want. You can veg by the pool all day and never go ashore. You can max out your time in port with expensive shore excursions. Often, you are better off doing things on your own and consider booking on-line before you go. I did that in Alaska last month and saved $40 on a railtrip into the mountains. In other ports you are better off with the guarantees from the cruise line. Do some research before you go.

Carnival uses the PA system constantly letting you know what going on around the ship. If you just want to relax, it will drive you nuts.

I understand that a lot of people choose to skip all the dinners in the dining room because they dont want to dress. You will miss out if you don't go for the big nights. Food on Carnival is OK, other lines put a little more into the food. Keep in mind that if you can't decide between two items on the menu, they will bring you both.

The cruise line is lucky to break even on your tickets. They make their money by what you spend on board. They want to sell you drinks and t-shirts and photos and spa treatments and they love to have you come into the casino. I do all of that, but on your first trip it can be easy to lose track, because you just charge it all to your room. Sodas are almost as much has beer, so if you can't live without it, see if they will sell you a Cola pass. On some lines you pay 3 or 4 bucks a day for unlimited fountain sodas at the bars.

Grand Cayman is great. It is beautiful and clean and very safe. There was a great place to snorkel right in town when I was there many years ago. I understand that stingray city is great too. I have never been to seven mile beach, but it was made famous in "The Firm."

I loved Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, if that is where you are docking. Bring a pair of the surf shoes you can buy any where these days.

Don't forget the sunscreen.

You have to put your luggage out at midnight the last night. So you will need a carry-on for what ever you wear that night. Don't forget to keep out your clothes to wear home. Every cruise has a few people disembarking in the robes they found in the room.

Figure out what the recommended tips are and bring the appropriate change with you in separate envelopes. You will not have the correct bills when you try to do this on your last night, unless you plan ahead.

Most of all, have a great time.

08-07-2003, 05:45 PM	#7 (permalink)
greytone Junkie	I have been on 6 (7 if you count a river cruise in China). The first was Carnival over a decade ago. First, the alcohol is not included. It is on only a few of the very high end lines. On those expect to pay $400 a day per person. So you end up paying for it. They are way out of my price range. Cruising is about the best deal in foreign travel. If you are flexible, you can find a very nice trip including food and entertainment for not much over $100 a day. The bigger ships have something for everyone and you will have to choose what you want. You can veg by the pool all day and never go ashore. You can max out your time in port with expensive shore excursions. Often, you are better off doing things on your own and consider booking on-line before you go. I did that in Alaska last month and saved $40 on a railtrip into the mountains. In other ports you are better off with the guarantees from the cruise line. Do some research before you go. Carnival uses the PA system constantly letting you know what going on around the ship. If you just want to relax, it will drive you nuts. I understand that a lot of people choose to skip all the dinners in the dining room because they dont want to dress. You will miss out if you don't go for the big nights. Food on Carnival is OK, other lines put a little more into the food. Keep in mind that if you can't decide between two items on the menu, they will bring you both. The cruise line is lucky to break even on your tickets. They make their money by what you spend on board. They want to sell you drinks and t-shirts and photos and spa treatments and they love to have you come into the casino. I do all of that, but on your first trip it can be easy to lose track, because you just charge it all to your room. Sodas are almost as much has beer, so if you can't live without it, see if they will sell you a Cola pass. On some lines you pay 3 or 4 bucks a day for unlimited fountain sodas at the bars. Grand Cayman is great. It is beautiful and clean and very safe. There was a great place to snorkel right in town when I was there many years ago. I understand that stingray city is great too. I have never been to seven mile beach, but it was made famous in "The Firm." I loved Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, if that is where you are docking. Bring a pair of the surf shoes you can buy any where these days. Don't forget the sunscreen. You have to put your luggage out at midnight the last night. So you will need a carry-on for what ever you wear that night. Don't forget to keep out your clothes to wear home. Every cruise has a few people disembarking in the robes they found in the room. Figure out what the recommended tips are and bring the appropriate change with you in separate envelopes. You will not have the correct bills when you try to do this on your last night, unless you plan ahead. Most of all, have a great time. __________________ I was there to see beautiful naked women. So was everybody else. It's a common failing. Robert A Heinlein in "They Do It With Mirrors"