I went on my first cruise 2 years ago and I am planning my next one. First thing don't plan a lot of excursions.

we had excursions planned for 2 of our 3 ports... we were getting up at the crack of dawn, and doing strenuos atheletic type of activities until 4 pm. Rushing back to the ship so that we could shower and get ready for dinner. and then you were so tired, you went to bed early... or had an early call for the next day's excursion.

I really didn't have time to just lounge around and enjoy the ship's amenities.

Next cruise, I will do one excursion only. The rest will be site seeing etc.

The food at the included dining rooms are to die for. It was excellent.

I would not worried about getting diarrhea from the ships food. Just be careful when you go onshore and eat the local cuisine. Just pick a cleaning looking place etc. just like you would do in the states. Don't eat there if the people don't look or smell clean.

The alcohol prices were on par as going to a club or a restaraunt for drinks.

a balcony room is nice if you plan on staying in your room all day. otherwise it is a waste of money. I had a balcony room. I was there for about an hour first night... and I had breakfast on morning there. The other 6 days... I wasn't out there for more than 5 minutes. Much more fun to go on deck where there are people and music etc. Just choose a window room because it IS nice to take a quick peek out of the window to see the water and I have been told it helps with your equilibrium if you are able to see outside often.

Look at your ship's daily iteneriary (sp?) daily. You will get the times and places of all kinds of shows, musical performance, comedy shows etc and can plan ahead so you don't miss out.

Don't bother with internet cafe except if you just HAVE to check email. The download times are slower than dial up. You will waste your minutes looking at the little triangle spinning around (or whatever icon they use) instead of actual surfing the web.

turn your smart phones/cell phones to "airplane mode" once you head out to sea.

Your phone will automatically look for a tower to make/receive calls once you are out of your network. In addition to running your battery down, if your phone does find a signal with an international tower and then someone calls you, text you, etc you will be charged by the minute... and it is some ridiculous amount... I dunno ... maybe $28.00 a minute??? Something outrageous like that.

At the airport someone found out their calls were made as international calls and they were going to be billed hundred of dollars. I was so worried that I called my carrier... because I did use wifi while in Jamiaca. But I was okay because I had my phone on "airplane" mode... and only turned on wifi when I was in that free wifi cafe.

Have a great time.

[Edited 9/28/11 12:29pm]

I think I spent about $1000 on alcohol for a 6 night cruise.

JerseyKRS said:

I think I spent about $1000 on alcohol for a 6 night cruise.

I was amazed at how many people stayed at the bar all day on the cruise I went on. I understand you're in the middle of the ocean...but jeez....

JerseyKRS said:

I think I spent about $1000 on alcohol for a 6 night cruise.

for just you? or you and Erin?

I think I spent about 500 bucks on drinks in 7 days..that's tips included, and I'd buy a round for my family and stuff...but so did they. I was drinking bud light most of the time...around 6.50 a beer...so yeah a bit on the expensive side. They get you to buy those buckets claiming you save money but..you pay an extra like 5 bucks for the bucket..which you get back when you return it but...it's still a little shady I think.

Shorty said:

JerseyKRS said:

I think I spent about $1000 on alcohol for a 6 night cruise.

for just you? or you and Erin?

I think I spent about 500 bucks on drinks in 7 days..that's tips included, and I'd buy a round for my family and stuff...but so did they. I was drinking bud light most of the time...around 6.50 a beer...so yeah a bit on the expensive side. They get you to buy those buckets claiming you save money but..you pay an extra like 5 bucks for the bucket..which you get back when you return it but...it's still a little shady I think.

no beer, all liquor.

probably 90% me.

BlackAdder7 said:

JerseyKRS said:

I think I spent about $1000 on alcohol for a 6 night cruise.

I was amazed at how many people stayed at the bar all day on the cruise I went on. I understand you're in the middle of the ocean...but jeez....

I felt the same way Alcohol costs way too much but please, one can go without just fine or go to rehab!! There's so many things to choose from. Swimming pool, gym, dance classes, games... or just gazing at the ocean...

We picked four excursions, two were really cheap.

You guys are always soo helpful, thats why I love the org.

I'm going with my man....as our first big test if we can be in confined spaces together for a long time so we'll see.

[Edited 12/5/11 8:03am]

Shorty said:

JerseyKRS said:

I think I spent about $1000 on alcohol for a 6 night cruise.

for just you? or you and Erin?

I think I spent about 500 bucks on drinks in 7 days..that's tips included, and I'd buy a round for my family and stuff...but so did they. I was drinking bud light most of the time...around 6.50 a beer...so yeah a bit on the expensive side. They get you to buy those buckets claiming you save money but..you pay an extra like 5 bucks for the bucket..which you get back when you return it but...it's still a little shady I think.

Jesus, that is nearly as bad as a baseball staduim beer.

I did an all-inclusive trip to Mexico resort that included alcohol. Makes a huge difference. I wonder if any cruises include alcohol.

pasquerto said:

You guys are always soo helpful, thats why I love the org.

I'm going with my man....as our first big test if we can be in confined spaces together for a long time so we'll see.

Are the clubs super lame? Or should I look forward to them (I'm 24 he is 27)

the clubs are pretty lame. the comedy club is ok.

will I be able to pretend I'm in Vegas?

[Edited 12/5/11 8:03am]