Just booked a cruise ! first time ! any tips ?

[POF]

Thanks everyone,

I will have some followup questions .... you all will be TIRED of me .. bt great advice ! POF

[Thipu1]

I agree about the books.  Although  the RC ships we've sailed on were lovely, the libraries were pitiful.  Possibly, this is because they never seem to have a staff member in attendance. 

If you like Romance novels in Dutch, you might do all right.  If not, you could have a problem. Bring your own books. 

We also agree with the advice about the billing.  We keep all our receipts in a baggy and call up our bill every few days. 

We also agree with the advice to bring underwear and socks that are good for only one more wearing or two. 

[Morticia]

You will have formal nights on board. You will wish to decide how to handle them. (not everyone observes formal night, and on the cruise board, you don't want to even post about this question because there are two armed camps on the subject). Reading up on RCL's what to pack FAQ will be useful.

Room service is free except between midnight and 5(?)am, but it is customary to tip room service in cash. It is a good idea to bring ones for this purpose (or you can get change for larger bills from the cashier in the casino, or at guest services).

[wx4caster]

Posting to see any and all updates.  We just booked our first cruise as well -  RC Navigator of the Seas (Eastern Mediterranean).

[Thipu1]

Two years ago we took the Navigator from Rome to Fort Lauderdale. 

You'll love it.

[Cz. Burrito]

Posting to see any and all updates.  We just booked our first cruise as well -  RC Navigator of the Seas (Eastern Mediterranean).

I loved the Mediterranean cruise I went on!

[Thipu1]

Formal nights on ships need not be a problem for women because there are so many interpretations of the term 'formal'.

I make do with a set from Travelsmith.  It's a pair of black, pull-on pants, a black shell and a black jacket.  All are in a fabric that you can ball up and throw in a corner of the suitcase without damage.    I usually don't wear the jacket but add a colorful jacket I already own and an inexpensive necklace to the other pieces.  The result is perfectly acceptable for a formal night and it's as comfortable as an old bathrobe.

Also, on ships you will almost always encounter the 10 dollar sale.  Evening bags, shawls and jewelry sets are staples.  It's an easy way to dress up an outfit for formal nights and doesn't break the budget.

For formal nights, men are expected to wear at least a jacket, tie and long pants.  Since the air conditioning on ships is often fierce in the public rooms, most men don't object too much.   

[KenveeB]

I love the formal nights. It's one of the few chances I get to actually get dressed up these days. Plus, you can go pose for all the different photographers and see some really pretty pictures of yourself in front of different backdrops. I don't always buy them -- usually I buy one or two photos a cruise -- but they're nice to see!

[katycoo]

My comment on the library was with respect to taking books in addition to a kindle.  If my kindle failed, I'd make do with library choices.  I found the library on my ship had enough to amuse me.

[POF]

Formal nights - I'l pack a basic black sleeveless dress with a dressy wrap.

DH - slacks and sports jacket or slacks and shirt and tie ( he doesn't want to go whole hog on the suit )

DS's - dress slacks and shrits and ties

I really doubt I will get them all in sports jackets - but they look really good in shirt and ties !

[Morticia]

OP, I am not sure how old your kids are. If they are not adults, there are kids' clubs they will enjoy very much. Don't expect to see a lot of them.  If they are adults, one of the nicest areas on the ship is the adults only Solarium. It has cantilevered hot tubs, a pool, many loungers and a bar.

[Thipu1]

I believe the OP mentioned that her DS just turned 16.  He's just the right age for the Teen Club.  We've met people on RC sailings who have teen children.  Both the parents and the young people thought the program was wonderful. 

The teens have a club area of their own that has a certain sophistication.  The only difference between that and an adult lounge is that no alcohol is served and entry is restricted to members of the club, members of the youth staff and adults authorized by parents of club members. Little kids are kept out unless an older sibling brings them in. 

  Teens can engage in sports, programs about the ecology of the sea,  language study related to ports the ship will visit and much, much more.  Several evenings, usually on formal nights, a Gothic themed room used as a Disco is devoted for a few hours to the Teen Club. The teens we met thought that was really cool. 
   

[AmethystAnne]

POF, have fun! There are so many things to do. You would be busy doing something 24 hours a day!

DH and I went on our first cruise in April 2012. I would go again in a heart beat.

I took those wristbands that ward off sea sickness, and Dramamine. I didn't have a problem.

I took several crochet and knitting projects. It was very pleasant to sit on deck and Work on them.I saw several other crafters doing their thing. I remember striking up a conversation with a lady working on a pretty green knitted lacey shawl.

[Thipu1]

Another thing. 

Don't just check the daily program for activities.  Often, near the front desk, there will be a bulletin board where passengers can ask for others who would like to get together for activities like board games.

On our last cruise, a rather large group of needleworkers met in one of the lounges every morning to chat while they worked on their projects. 

[Morticia]

On cruise critic, there are roll call threads where you can "meet" fellow passengers before you sail. If there is sufficient enrolment in your cruise, RCCL provides a Meet'n'Mingle for your group.