I took my very first cruise in May of 2010. It was all very overwhelming. What cruise line should I use? How long should I go for? How much money is it going to cost me? I knew absolutely nothing about cruising! Thankfully the good ole internet was there to help me.
Step one is actually choosing which cruise you want to take. This cruise was chosen for several different reasons. One, we wanted a shorter itinerary since we had just cruised in May. Two, I wanted to do some ports I had not done in the past. Three, this cruise was booked as a family vacation with our son and his girlfriend, and it was their first cruise so I wanted something that I thought they would enjoy. Four, I wanted to try sailing out of Port Canaveral. I have wanted to ever since August 2009. On a trip to Orlando, we drove to Cocoa beach for a day. As we drove pass Port Canaveral and the cruise ships I tried to explain to Tony's cousin's son Joey about how big ships were. I told him that they were like floating cities. He pretty well thought I was telling a big ole fib and then told me that I could have never been baptized because I was lying..lol.
A picture of the Kennedy Space Center as we drove through Port Canaveral. Ironically I did not take any pics of the cruise ships. I think it was because I was in too deep of a conversation with Joe.
I ended up deciding on a four day cruise to the Bahamas in August on the Enchantment of the seas. Which brings us to the next decision, choosing a cabin. I stress and research the rooms way too much. I know this, I admit this, but I also know I will never change. Tony and I have only cruised in suites so far. Our first two cruises, that was the only way we could have our own balcony. The last one was a score after I upgraded during a price drop. (I'll get into that more later.) We loved that suite and decided we didnt want to go smaller on this cruise since we would have two other people in the room with us. Even with booking a suite, it was still cheaper than I could have booked just a beach vacation for.
After deciding which category you want. (inside, oceanview, balcony or suite) You now have to decide what area of the ship you want. (forward, midship, or aft) I like midship and lower in the ship because you feel less movement if you hit rough waters. I gave all those up this time to stay in a suite. They were all forward and on deck 8.
But in all honestly, it doesn't matter which room you are in....just as long you are on the ship!!!!!
OK, now we are booked!! Now the long wait..lol.
This may be my fourth cruise but its my first planning for other people than just Tony and I. Along with Tabor and Loren, we also picked up two other travelers. Tony's brother Shane and our friend Brian. I always have a folder when we travel. Anywhere. So this trip I have two folders.
I made two because Shane and Brian are in a different room therefore they have their own paperwork.
I am a researcher. Before my first cruise I scoured the internet for any information I could get. One of the best sites I came across is Cruise Critic. The forums there were wonderful! The information I learned from fellow cruisers was invaluable.
I am still a huge fan of the site. I read it almost daily and love writing reviews of the cruises I take. Other peoples reviews have helped me so much I also feel like I need to give back...lol. I also still have things that I dont know about pop up, so I am still asking questions and getting answers. I love Cruise Critic.
Back to the planning. Once you have decided on your room there are so many things you now have to decide on.
Dining Time- You have three options. Early dining, Late dining or My Time dining. We went with the traditional late time dining this cruise. When its just the two of us we go for My Time dining. If we have cruising companions we like the late dining where we have the same table every night and the same waiters.
Ports- What are you going to do? This in its self is a whole other world of planning. You can pick something that is offered by the cruise line. Upside- if these excursions are late the ship will not leave you. Downside- they cost more than planning something yourself.
Soda- I dont drink pop, but Tabor and Loren does. So I did the math and decided to buy them the soda package where they will have unlimited pop the trip. I have never purchased this for Tony and I, even when we did drink Diet Coke like mad.
Packing- I have a list that I use every time I cruise. Because if you forget something you are not going to run to Walmart and pick it up. I made this list after our first cruise when I forgot to pack Tony's socks. oops. Thankfully the gift shop in our hotel we stayed at the night before had some, but I paid premium for them. So I start packing several days ahead of time and go over my list two or three times.
After all of these things are decided I basically read everything I can about the ship I am sailing and the ports I am visiting. I keep a list of things I come across that I dont want to miss or want to experience. This list will eventually go in the folder.
What else goes in the folder you ask? The first thing is our set sail pass when it is ready to be printed, which is after final payment. Then there is the luggage tags. We are sailing Royal Caribbean which will mail you your luggage tags if you are in a suite. If not, then you print them off your self. Either way..they go in there too. Next is any confirmations from any excursions you have bought and planned for at the ports. Other cruises my folder has contained the reservations for the hotel we are staying at prior to sail day. This time we are driving straight there. I let you all know how that goes when we get back...lol.
During the wait I also watch the prices. If the price drops before the final payment is due then you can get a refund of the price difference. If it is after then there is a chance you could move up in categories for little or no money. The last cruise I scored a great suite for only $100 more than the original room I had booked. This cruise I upgraded Shane and Brian to a ocean view from an inside for only $10!
Large Ocean View cabin
I had better get to packing...I will be back with a review of the cruise and I will let you know how my planning worked out.
