cruise tips for a couple

[mentionME]

I know this isn't exactly a dirty 'how to...' question (unless you waant lol) but umm... anyone have tips for a couple going on their first cruise?

 

[Cattypuss]

Um...don't forget your passports, and um... enjoy yourselves?

 

[mentionME]

thanks. I was told I dont need my passport because I am going to the bahamas on a closed circuit cruise or whatever. However, should I bring walkie-talkies? is it usual to not spend the whole time with your significant other?? just basing this off tips i've seen in articles

 

[Cattypuss]

I dunno. If it were me, I'd just go with whatever seemed right for me and my partner at the time. Hope you get the advice you seem to be seeking.

 

[CoyoteTales]

Vacation, Location, Vacation.

A lot of unanswered details that will help folks help you...

1) How long have you two been together?
Short term ('new') relationships have different dynamics than long term ('proven') ones. If your goal is to be together, then no, you don't want to split off from each other. You're going away as a couple, effectively, and you should be doing things together more often than not.
2) Is this a monogamous relationship?
If this is an open relationship or you have multiple partners (though from your brief description of yourselves as a 'couple' I'd suspect not), then spending some time with the locals might be a thing. If not, however, you really want to be social as a couple to create some solid shared activity memories.
3) What do you have in common?
Cruises are chock full of activities that can be done both individually and together. Plan on things you want to do as a couple, and then if there are things you want to do on your own, only do them if your partner has something they'd like to do in the same time slot.
4) What do you -not- have in common that you're really into?
Yes, it is permissible to do stuff on your own, as long as it doesn't leave your partner at loose ends for hours in a row. Remember that you are the only person (s)he knows on the trip.
5) Why are you going on this cruise? Who chose it?
If they chose it -- ask them what they are most going for. Is it being out on the ocean? Is it island hopping? Listen and plan accordingly.
If you chose it -- can you find things to do that include your partner, and did you plan on bringing them along -- or are you bringing them because it was a 'twofer' sort of deal?
Communications is key.
6) What were two things that you remember most from your previous vacation together?
I always like to put in some reminders of past trips as a way of reinforcing the coolness factor of stuff I've done in the past -- plus it's an easy way of finding something you know you both enjoyed the last time.
If this is your first vacation together -- you definitely do not want to split up very often. Because this is a learning experience not just about where you're going, but of each other.

Some general advice:
- Bring sunscreen. Wear it liberally and often. My ex got torched badly on her first day of a vacation in Hawaii and we lost two days hiding indoors because she had burned badly enough to raise blisters. A hat is good too. And a good pair of sunglasses. Seawater reflects sunlight, and a lot of cruise ships are white.
- Plan meetup points BEFORE you split up. Preferrably using the meet point as the starting location: ('meet back here at 2pm'). Walkie talkies (the somewhat inexpensive ones) have horrible range, and are only good if you're going to be within about a mile or two of each other. If you have cellphones, find out from your provider if they work in the countries you'll be visiting.
- Prepaid phone cards are handy if you're not sure if your cellphones will work. Have a third party contact back home you both can call if you're lost.
- What's the native language in the place you'll be going? If it's not English, a pre-vacation thing to do would be to get a hold of an English-(language) dictionary and practice some common phrases ("I am lost," "can you speak English," "Do you have a bathroom," directions (street/compass/etc), currency (know their denominations and your exchange rates so you don't pay $20 US for a newspaper)
- Make friends with the cruise concierge. They usually have tons of brochures and suggestions on things to do.
- A passport may not be -required-, but they don't hurt to have.
- Split up your cash into more than one spot, so if someone steals your wallet or you lose your jacket, you're not suddenly out of cash and depending on your partner.
- A portable umbrella. We ended up paying $35 for one big enough to double as a parasol. Granted, it was a very pretty one, but....ouch.
- If you're going to a place that has beaches, closed toe boat shoes are better than sandals -- I sliced my toes up on some rocks in flip flops and was limping for a few days.

Hit a bookstore locally for:
- A restaurant guide for the area. Being able to know which restaurants are rated decent
- A travel guide for the area. Attractions, maps that are better than what a rental car place will give you, and other fun advice. If nothing else, try AAA.

Hope this helps...
-CT

 

[buxxxom]

thanks. I was told I dont need my passport because I am going to the bahamas on a closed circuit cruise or whatever. However, should I bring walkie-talkies? is it usual to not spend the whole time with your significant other?? just basing this off tips i've seen in articles

You don't need a passport on closed loop cruises, or cruises that are returning to the same port they left from, but you cannot fly back to the USA in the event of an emergency without one. I'd recommend one. They're only $150.00 or so and good for 10 years.

Walkie-talkies are a good idea, but keep in mind that 500 other people are going to have that same good idea, and channels are limited. You'll be able to hear a lot of conversations that aren't your own, plus a lot of static. We've taken them, but never really gotten much use from them.

On the ship, it's easy to do your own thing. My husband I frequently choose different activities. In port, however, totally different story. I don't recommend going off alone, in case of accident or emergency. Plus, once you're off the beaten path, some ports aren't really safe for tourists.

We're avid cruisers, and if I can answer some of your questions, I'll be happy to help.

 

[Derya]

great thoughts

A lot of unanswered details that will help folks help you...

1) How long have you two been together?
Short term ('new') relationships have different dynamics than long term ('proven') ones. If your goal is to be together, then no, you don't want to split off from each other. You're going away as a couple, effectively, and you should be doing things together more often than not.
2) Is this a monogamous relationship?
If this is an open relationship or you have multiple partners (though from your brief description of yourselves as a 'couple' I'd suspect not), then spending some time with the locals might be a thing. If not, however, you really want to be social as a couple to create some solid shared activity memories.
3) What do you have in common?
Cruises are chock full of activities that can be done both individually and together. Plan on things you want to do as a couple, and then if there are things you want to do on your own, only do them if your partner has something they'd like to do in the same time slot.
4) What do you -not- have in common that you're really into?
Yes, it is permissible to do stuff on your own, as long as it doesn't leave your partner at loose ends for hours in a row. Remember that you are the only person (s)he knows on the trip.
5) Why are you going on this cruise? Who chose it?
If they chose it -- ask them what they are most going for. Is it being out on the ocean? Is it island hopping? Listen and plan accordingly.
If you chose it -- can you find things to do that include your partner, and did you plan on bringing them along -- or are you bringing them because it was a 'twofer' sort of deal?
Communications is key.
6) What were two things that you remember most from your previous vacation together?
I always like to put in some reminders of past trips as a way of reinforcing the coolness factor of stuff I've done in the past -- plus it's an easy way of finding something you know you both enjoyed the last time.
If this is your first vacation together -- you definitely do not want to split up very often. Because this is a learning experience not just about where you're going, but of each other.

Some general advice:
- Bring sunscreen. Wear it liberally and often. My ex got torched badly on her first day of a vacation in Hawaii and we lost two days hiding indoors because she had burned badly enough to raise blisters. A hat is good too. And a good pair of sunglasses. Seawater reflects sunlight, and a lot of cruise ships are white.
- Plan meetup points BEFORE you split up. Preferrably using the meet point as the starting location: ('meet back here at 2pm'). Walkie talkies (the somewhat inexpensive ones) have horrible range, and are only good if you're going to be within about a mile or two of each other. If you have cellphones, find out from your provider if they work in the countries you'll be visiting.
- Prepaid phone cards are handy if you're not sure if your cellphones will work. Have a third party contact back home you both can call if you're lost.
- What's the native language in the place you'll be going? If it's not English, a pre-vacation thing to do would be to get a hold of an English-(language) dictionary and practice some common phrases ("I am lost," "can you speak English," "Do you have a bathroom," directions (street/compass/etc), currency (know their denominations and your exchange rates so you don't pay $20 US for a newspaper)
- Make friends with the cruise concierge. They usually have tons of brochures and suggestions on things to do.
- A passport may not be -required-, but they don't hurt to have.
- Split up your cash into more than one spot, so if someone steals your wallet or you lose your jacket, you're not suddenly out of cash and depending on your partner.
- A portable umbrella. We ended up paying $35 for one big enough to double as a parasol. Granted, it was a very pretty one, but....ouch.
- If you're going to a place that has beaches, closed toe boat shoes are better than sandals -- I sliced my toes up on some rocks in flip flops and was limping for a few days.

Hit a bookstore locally for:
- A restaurant guide for the area. Being able to know which restaurants are rated decent
- A travel guide for the area. Attractions, maps that are better than what a rental car place will give you, and other fun advice. If nothing else, try AAA.

Hope this helps...
-CT

These are some excellent reminders and suggestions! I am an avid traveler (though not cruises 'motion sick puppy') and I gained some thoughts to remember or said to myself 'oh yeah'....take some of this in for sure. CoyoteTales gave some real insight to offering advice...that's a great benefit. Momentarily I am multi-tasking with my Lit review, but gonna try to think in a bit of any thoughts I could offer/add, but did want to just compliment great way to focus on some things easily missed that enhance travel and the thoughts on how to celebrate the trip 'two-gether' so to speak...excellent

thanks for sharing!

 

[PublicAffection]

My biggest cruise tip is a simple one: WASH YOUR HANDS! Mutated colds and flus are passed around the ships like nobody's business, so make sure you wash your hands frequently to help avoid picking something up.

 

[cromsgirl]

2 suggestions

My first suggestion is to make sure you ave something to occupy you in case you get locked in your room. The cruise we went on had a GI bug explode and the locked several dozen people away from the rest of us. They will bring you anything at all that you want, but you can't leave the room.

The only other comment I have is that don't waste your money on the massages offered. It may have been a fluke, but My husband and I got a couple's massage and it sucked. It was definitely not worth the $300 we paid for it. I surmise that since they don't have to have repeat customers, they just don't bother to do well. It is also possible that I am just incredibly picky about massages. The only person I've ever gotten one from is my husband, but he had been rubbing me for about 8 years at that point, so he knows exactly how to work my muscles.

On the other hand, if they have an Alpha Capsule (a pod that does massage, gentle music, scent therapy, and I don't remember what else), it is totally cool.

Hope this helps.

 

[mentionME]

Thank you everyone for your great advice so far! To elaborate, I will be on the cruise as a honeymoon/going away to boot camp-type trip. My fiancée (the girl version has 2 e's right?) and I have been together for four years, and are very much monogamous. We both enjoy relaxing, each other, and the beach. I imagine we'll do a lot of gambling, water activities, and each other, but as I am more of a lounger than she is it's good to know that walkie talkies are kind of hit or miss on the ship.

definitely glad someone brought up making sure we have something to do in the room because a lock-down would be awful!

I've done some more research and i'm pretty excited. I doubt my passport will come on time however, the Bahamas doesn't have nude beaches and liquor on the cruise and the private beach we're being taken to will probably costly enough where I wont be ignorant and sloppy.

 

[TristanEugene]

I went on my 'first cruise' once. I had all the same questions. I went, had a good start on a data base with MORE questions. After my 3 rd cruise, I know mostly how not to do it. I've noticed there seems to be 2 kinds: Those that like cruises and those that don't. I like it. Q's 1- Is there formal, arranged dining or open dining? Or mixed? Open is where you go to eat during meal times and try to find a table. This is fun because you can meet a lot of new people. After a day or so, you can choose to continue to eat with them, or just do whatever. Arranged dining is where you are assigned a table as well as a dining time. I don't prefer this type. So, ask more questions about this. 2- Smoking is a REAL problem for me. Fortunately (for me) Smoking is greatly controlled now. For me, even people that smoke on their balcony is out. Some lines offer to where smoking is not allowed on the balconies. 3- The arranged excursions can be a real problem. You have to pay extra for them and it is expensive! Seems the overall quality of these trips is lacking. Kinda like an assembly line type of thing. Quality is hit and miss. 4- Tips are included in the trip cost. I mean you have added to your cruise bill a tip amount of about 12 bucks a day. Since it is a gratuity and not an actual trip cost, you have the option to opt out of having this cost tacked onto your bill. you can, instead, pay tips as you go. Be advised though, the way they do this tip thing is somewhat,,, well, they almost force you to pay tips.

My input.

 

[talismania]

If you don't have a passport, be extra careful in the Bahamas (or any other port) to NOT miss your ship! They really will leave without you if you're not back on board in time. If you make any shore excursions, arrange them through the cruise line--because they DO wait for any of their own shore excursion groups. Yes, arranging them on your own can be cheaper and maybe even better, but I wouldn't recommend doing this if you don't have your passports.

Also, while it's delightful to have sex on your balcony, should you have one, it's worth remembering that some cruise ships are equipped with cameras that see along the sides of the ship as a liability precaution. Why? Because people do dumb things on balconies that cause them to fall overboard. You, of course, will be too smart to try to have sex on the railing, but the cameras can sometimes provide views of the balconies sufficient for seeing whatever you do. Just so you know you might provide a bit of amusement for the crew.

Also, bring a supply of smaller bills for tips. I like to tip my cabin steward for small services rendered. Your cabin steward can be your best friend. Generally you won't need much cash on a ship, but tips are an exception. Cruise lines will inevitably ask you to tip your staff at the end of the cruise, so keep that in mind when you plan your cash.

 

[mentionME]

thanks again everyone! so many good points have been brought up. I will definitely just stay on cruise excursions, because after watching heartbreak kid that no passport struggle just doesnt look fun. In regards to clothing, how necessary is the formal wear? Is it just for dining or have y'all experienced cruises with other use for formal wear such as shows or nightlife?