Question of the Week: What is your best first time cruiser tip?

Take a shore excursion offered through the ship. They may cost more than some of the private tour companies but the ship is required to wait for ship-sponsored tours if the bus is late getting back. If you take one through a private company, they are not required to wait.

Simon, we both posted the same question - it looks like yours was posted shortly after mine, but please feel free to remove or lock my question. We don't need two the same, on the same day, LOL.

...don't let it ruin your entire vacation!

It won't look like the brochure, you may run into a jerk or 2, the room will be too hot, and something served a dinner will be cold. Everything won't be perfect, but don't let it ruin your vacation. Right this second...I'd be willing to accept 1 room cleaning per day, no Serenity deck, a line at the Lido Buffet, and a rude bartender, as long as I was on the ship!!

Ask a lot of questions.

As a rookie, I asked lots of question of what I should be watching for from the cabin steward, my wait staff, the excursion desk, the purser desk, the maitre d and his support staff.

Do your homework...... Get all your questions asked and answered before you go. Call the cruise line, Your agent, Your mother in law. Just so you don't say "I Didn't know " when something goes wrong.

Yes, but I posted mine 20 minutes before Simon, LOL

My first time cruiser tip is to become familiar with the itinerary you are choosing and factors that might impact that itinerary - weather and time of year being a key factor. There is a big difference between going to the Caribbean than going to Mexico, or going to Alaska versus going to Hawaii. All places are great but offer many different activities.

Wow - Good minds think a like Bonmike & Simon post same question!

1.To avoid disappointment read the contract that you say you have read. 2.If you must fly into the port of embarkation, go a day early to avoid the stress. 3.Relax and have fun.

Sorry I couldn't leave to just one.

Know the difference between port time and ship's time, and be aware that the ship will leave without you.