Swifster
Forum Member
I've been on one cruise thru the eastern Caribbean which included St. Thomas, Grand Turk, Tortola and Half Moon Cay. This was on Holland America over Thankgiving in 2006.
1) Don't hesitate to be early getting there, or hanging around when getting off. You can't get 2000 people on a ship in ten minutes. The earlier you get there, the earlier your vacation starts. I drove the 4 hours to Ft. Lauderdale and I stayed on the ship until the hallways and food places were almost empty before driving back.
2) This should be obvious, but have your passport handy at all ports of call. Our cruise was one of the last that it wasn't required, even in Grand Turk and Tortola. Some ports have to run you thru customs, either before you leave the ship or when you return. Be prepared.
3) Cruise ships have casinos. The age on most is 18, but some are 21. Check before you go and make sure you have cash if you want to play.
4) As mentioned, have reading material.
5) I don't get sea sick so it was never an issue.
6) Eat in moderation. Remember, the buffets are usually 24 hr so the food won't run out. Very much like Vegas.
7) Seating assignments for dinner are usually set by the ship. And you may get seperated from some in your group. And I mean all the way across the room or even a different time. Don't get upset the first night if this happens. See the purser in the morning to get everyone at the same table and time. They can be switched.
8) As mentioned, the captain will have a couple formal dinners. Be dressed for the occasion. Or not! You don't have to attend if you'd prefer not to. All the other restaurants are still open. I skipped the second one and grabbed a burger and hit the casino.
9) Have a friend by some liquor at duty free and take it to your room. I doubt anyone will say anything. But the mouthwash bottle is a good idea for the first day or two.
10) As mentioned, nothing on ship costs you anything until you get off the ship. But I like the idea of pay for the excursion directly instead of going thru the ship to save money.
11) Watch the traffic when on the islands! They normally use British rules and drive on the left side.
12) If you want to call someone on your cell, try to do it in the USVI.
13) The last night of the cruise, they will be taking your bags down during the night. You'll need to having everything except yourself and your purse outside your room. You also need to think about tipping the guy who makes your room up every day. And they like cash.
14) Some cruiselines have their own islands. For Holland America, it was Half Moon Cay. They also have places at the dock that take the ship's card for payment. These are just places to fill out the schedule and to relax on a beach.
15) Every so often check the sites over the water if the ship is sailing during the day. You may see dolphins and whales pacing along the side of the ship.
Have fun!
1) Don't hesitate to be early getting there, or hanging around when getting off. You can't get 2000 people on a ship in ten minutes. The earlier you get there, the earlier your vacation starts. I drove the 4 hours to Ft. Lauderdale and I stayed on the ship until the hallways and food places were almost empty before driving back.
2) This should be obvious, but have your passport handy at all ports of call. Our cruise was one of the last that it wasn't required, even in Grand Turk and Tortola. Some ports have to run you thru customs, either before you leave the ship or when you return. Be prepared.
3) Cruise ships have casinos. The age on most is 18, but some are 21. Check before you go and make sure you have cash if you want to play.
4) As mentioned, have reading material.
5) I don't get sea sick so it was never an issue.
6) Eat in moderation. Remember, the buffets are usually 24 hr so the food won't run out. Very much like Vegas.
7) Seating assignments for dinner are usually set by the ship. And you may get seperated from some in your group. And I mean all the way across the room or even a different time. Don't get upset the first night if this happens. See the purser in the morning to get everyone at the same table and time. They can be switched.
8) As mentioned, the captain will have a couple formal dinners. Be dressed for the occasion. Or not! You don't have to attend if you'd prefer not to. All the other restaurants are still open. I skipped the second one and grabbed a burger and hit the casino.
9) Have a friend by some liquor at duty free and take it to your room. I doubt anyone will say anything. But the mouthwash bottle is a good idea for the first day or two.
10) As mentioned, nothing on ship costs you anything until you get off the ship. But I like the idea of pay for the excursion directly instead of going thru the ship to save money.
11) Watch the traffic when on the islands! They normally use British rules and drive on the left side.
12) If you want to call someone on your cell, try to do it in the USVI.
13) The last night of the cruise, they will be taking your bags down during the night. You'll need to having everything except yourself and your purse outside your room. You also need to think about tipping the guy who makes your room up every day. And they like cash.
14) Some cruiselines have their own islands. For Holland America, it was Half Moon Cay. They also have places at the dock that take the ship's card for payment. These are just places to fill out the schedule and to relax on a beach.
15) Every so often check the sites over the water if the ship is sailing during the day. You may see dolphins and whales pacing along the side of the ship.
Have fun!
