1st time going on a cruise

[Rike]

Originally posted by: rh71
We finished a cruise to Alaska last September. It was the best yet and we've been to the Caribbeans that had better weather, but those didn't measure up as far as overall experience. As you cruise through Glacier "Park", you need to be outside (in raincoats) and take it all in. It's breathtaking and such a unique feeling being in the middle of it. Sometimes, with the help of binoculars (must bring a pair for Alaska), you'll see brown bear cubs running around with their mom - you realize this is actually their natural habitat and go about life like this as if humans don't exist. Bald eagles too - not so rare up there. We did a kayaking excursion in a lake overlooking a glacier which was something out of a postcard. To be there in person is better than any exotic tropical location anywhere in my opinion.

Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway

Stopped at those too and Ketchikan was probably the biggest "touristy" place. Skagway is an old mining town and we did a downhill biking trip there while viewing all the mountains. Not much there, but they'll tell you a ton of stories though. Oh look for a store in Skagway very much in the same vein as Old Navy but they have everything for tourists. Juneau was really dreary that day - but it added to the affect on that lake while kayaking - I think this is a must-do, and not dangerous at all. BTW, don't they still have the electricity problems or some such?

Dawn Princess

We didn't go on Princess for Alaska but did use them for Eastern Caribbean... they are probably top 2 in our book. Great experience and it's supposed to be personal-choice dining. We prefer not having to sit with other people like on Royal Caribbean though we met a nice couple. But we just like time to ourselves.

Thanks for the heads up. I just put binoculars on the list of things to bring. And we are already signed up to do the downhill bike trip in Skagway. I figure I'll get some great pics. And the the bridge webcam for the Dawn Princess is showing a very dreary Juneau right now. I guess I know what to expect.

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
We have never sat with other couples that we didn't know. When alone, we always request a table for 2 and get it.

My wife says that we requested a table for two when we signed up, so we should get it considering we booked in June of last year.

 

[akshatp]

Originally posted by: Rike

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
We have never sat with other couples that we didn't know. When alone, we always request a table for 2 and get it.

My wife says that we requested a table for two when we signed up, so we should get it considering we booked in June of last year.

Advance booking will have no bearing on whether or not you get a table for two. Its not like they are going to put your name on a specific table in the dining room.

It all depends on availability at the time you go to dinner and whether or not you are prepared to wait for a table and/or how long you are prepared to wait.

 

[Lola]

Originally posted by: akshatp

Originally posted by: Rike

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
We have never sat with other couples that we didn't know. When alone, we always request a table for 2 and get it.

My wife says that we requested a table for two when we signed up, so we should get it considering we booked in June of last year.

Advance booking will have no bearing on whether or not you get a table for two. Its not like they are going to put your name on a specific table in the dining room.

It all depends on availability at the time you go to dinner and whether or not you are prepared to wait for a table and/or how long you are prepared to wait.

Ok, first off, if you are going on a Princess cruise, I am not sure if they have open dining or not. so, akshatp, you are incorrect in some of your statement.

Advanced booking WILL have some bearing on the table you get if you have a set dining time. A lot of factors play into what type of table you will get. The earlier you book, the better the chance of getting a table you want. Also, it can depend on the status of "repeat pax" you are and the type of cabin you have. (yes, sorry to say, this is true and I have proof) Out of the past 6-7 cruises we have been on, the two times we did NOT have a suite, we were not lucky with table assignments. The other times we had a suite, I got the EXACT table number I wanted (window table), number of seats and dining time.

There are some secrets I have found that will increase your chances of getting a good/preferred table but call me selfish, I don't want to share them so if anyone wants to know... PM ME!

IF Princess has open seating, then it is a crap shoot because normally you will be assigned a specific table and dining time.

Don't worry about meds for sea sickness. The infirmary/purser will have free meds if the seas are rough. I do suggest taking ginger caplets with you. Start taking two per day about three days before sailing. Continue taking them throughout the cruise. They really do work and will not have the side effects that the patch or other pills will have.

Call me crazy, but OP, if you can fit it, take clorox wipes with you (they have travel sizes). When you get to your cabin, wipe down all the hard surfaces including door knobs, toilet seats, etc. Most might think I am crazy, and cruise lines do a phenomenal job cleaning, but I like to be safe. Again, in all my travels, I have not gotten any sort of sickness and I attribute that to my "methods".

enjoy yourself, try new foods as much as you can on board, take advantage of the activities while at sea.

One final thought for the OP: Surprise your wife by ordering a bouquet of flowers and Champagne and strawberries. They will be delivered/in the cabin when you arrive. Use the food and drink for your own sail-away party Also, the first night, tell the matir'e D that you are celebrating your Anniversary. They will provide a cake and sing to you the first or second formal night. It is very sweet and your wife will be surprised.

Have a great time! I miss cruising.

 

[FlashG]

For our 40th anniversary my wife and I are going on our first ever cruise. October 7-Day Canada & New England, Round-trip Philadelphia on the Norwegian Majesty. I?m looking foreword to seeing the Bay of Fundy and Halifax.

 

[ShotgunSteven]

Originally posted by: Rike

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: Rike

Originally posted by: djheater

Originally posted by: Rike
So my wife and I are going on a cruise to Alaska next week. Neither of us have ever been on a cruise before and I'm looking for general advice. What to do, what not to, noob mistakes to avoid, etc.

Hey Congrats!

It's out 10 year anniversary too and we're ALSO going on a cruise for the first time.

No advice to give, but cheers, have a great time!

Check out here

And to you as well! Thanks for the link.

I like the idea of spending the vast majority of the money for the trip up front. I hate feeling like I'm being nickeled and dimed to death while on vacation.

That wont change. Just you wait

Though, it's still cheaper than your average vacation.

One major expense we won't have is alcohol. Neither of us enjoy it, so I think we get a pass on that one.

Originally posted by: ShotgunSteven
Mosquito repellent is your friend.

Hadn't thought of that one. I'm assuming that Alaska specific, not that cruise ships have mosquito problems.:laugh:

It depends on how close you are to land. The mosquitoes have taken to using whales as aircraft carriers. :Q

This is my preferred brand of mosquito repellent when visiting Valdez.

 

[DrPizza]

Congrats & good luck with the cruise. My high school has a group of students/teachers/families that go to Alaska each summer; hopefully I can swing the time and $$ next year.

 

[Rike]

Originally posted by: ShotgunSteven

Originally posted by: Rike

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: Rike

Originally posted by: djheater

Originally posted by: Rike
So my wife and I are going on a cruise to Alaska next week. Neither of us have ever been on a cruise before and I'm looking for general advice. What to do, what not to, noob mistakes to avoid, etc.

Hey Congrats!

It's out 10 year anniversary too and we're ALSO going on a cruise for the first time.

No advice to give, but cheers, have a great time!

Check out here

And to you as well! Thanks for the link.

I like the idea of spending the vast majority of the money for the trip up front. I hate feeling like I'm being nickeled and dimed to death while on vacation.

That wont change. Just you wait

Though, it's still cheaper than your average vacation.

One major expense we won't have is alcohol. Neither of us enjoy it, so I think we get a pass on that one.

Originally posted by: ShotgunSteven
Mosquito repellent is your friend.

Hadn't thought of that one. I'm assuming that Alaska specific, not that cruise ships have mosquito problems.:laugh:

It depends on how close you are to land. The mosquitoes have taken to using whales as aircraft carriers. :Q

This is my preferred brand of mosquito repellent when visiting Valdez.

Well at least they're hard to miss!

We're in the car tomorrow to go to San Fransisco and board in the afternoon on Wednesday. Still lots to do.

My thanks to everyone for the tips and well wishes. If anyone else still has useful tips, I'd be happy to hear them!