newmoonmama Posted September 1, 2016 Report Share Posted September 1, 2016 Hey everyone! I booked my first cruise a quite few months ago (9/18/16 Freedom of the Seas) I am so excited! I am going with my husband for our 4th wedding anniversary. He's never been on a cruise either. So Ive really been researching what to bring, and how to make it easier. So glad I am now, because Ive already learned so many things I wouldn't have thought myself. Anyone have any tips or anything I should absolutely know before my first cruise? Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted September 1, 2016 Report Share Posted September 1, 2016 Welcome! You picked a great ship for your first one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted September 1, 2016 Report Share Posted September 1, 2016 Welcome ! I was on the Freedom in June/July. You are going to LOVE it ! ericreev 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ang73 Posted September 1, 2016 Report Share Posted September 1, 2016 Welcome!! I will be ending my vacation on Freedom the same day you will be beginning yours!! We took our first Royal Caribbean cruise 2 years ago on Freedom and loved it!! Can't wait to go again! Matt's podcasts, this site and Royal Caribbean's site will all have lots of great information for you. If you have any questions that come up just ask here. Everyone here is really helpful! Have fun!! I'll be wishing I was you as I step off the ship early on the morning of the 18th!! Angi Matt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCVoyager Posted September 1, 2016 Report Share Posted September 1, 2016 My tip is to arrive the day before. To me, it's a must that those without a lot of experience don't think of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fonemanbob Posted September 1, 2016 Report Share Posted September 1, 2016 Welcome to cruising. Things to know: RELAX, ENJOY. What to bring: Sunscreen, warm weather clothes, 2 bathing suits, 2 nice outfits. and an appetite for mainly relaxation. Leave all your cares and worries at home. Enjoy your cruise and hopefully many more to follow. It is a wonderful addiction to have. It is done by folks of all ages. You will not be dissapointed. Frredom is a nice ship as all of them are. HAPPY ANNIVERSAY WHStoneman and ericreev 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted September 1, 2016 Report Share Posted September 1, 2016 My tip is to arrive the day before. To me, it's a must that those without a lot of experience don't think of. I agree dejagatkins 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocLC Posted September 2, 2016 Report Share Posted September 2, 2016 Definitely plan to arrive the day before if at all possible, especially if flying in. Also, you'll need to complete online check-in and printing your "Set Sail" pass will expedite boarding. You'll need proof of citizenship to board the ship, so either make sure you have and bring your passport (recommended) or an original copy of your birth certificate (not a photo copy) and a government issued ID (only if you're a U.S. citizen, though). Most important, have fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted September 2, 2016 Report Share Posted September 2, 2016 In your hand luggage pack anything you may need before your cases are delivered to your stateroom. E,g, swim wear, medication, change of clothes etc. Cabins are usually available from 1pm but it may be a while before you get your case! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gina_e123 Posted September 2, 2016 Report Share Posted September 2, 2016 - cruise planner usage, as well as scheduled free time to take in the views - water shoes, as well as sunscreen and bug spray - multiple entrees, as well as multiple appetizers and multiple desserts enjoy your cruise...you both are going to luv it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcarney Posted September 2, 2016 Report Share Posted September 2, 2016 Pack less than you think you'll need - at the end of my first cruises I took photos of all the items I *didn't* use, so I wouldn't pack that much stuff again in the future. Because after your first cruise, you realize you will be taking many more! :) If you are flying out of DTW (I'm a fellow Michigander) use the Park & Fly locations to save $$ on parking. We live near Lansing, and for a Saturday cruise generally drive down after work on Thursday, spend the night at a hotel with Park & Fly, and then fly down first thing on Friday. If you don't have a passport you can get an Enhanced Drivers License that will serve the same purpose for cruises (but bring the birth certificate anyway). Pack your bathing suit and hit the pool on embarkation day. The pool fills up on sea days.Book a specialty dining restaurant for your honeymoon day to make it special! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firegal2539 Posted September 2, 2016 Report Share Posted September 2, 2016 As other people have stated, pack light, I always take too much, I don't need 6 pairs of shoes. Always pack a carry on with medication, a change of clothes, a swimsuit (until the cabin is ready) and something to read. I have never flown in a day early. Everyone advises that you do but I have never had a problem. I know some day it will happen, but I just don't want the expense of a hotel added on to the expense of the cruise and flight. Candie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FloatMe Posted September 2, 2016 Report Share Posted September 2, 2016 1st as mentioned before, arrive the night before your cruise. 2nd don't over think or over research your cruise. For me, the wonderment of our first cruise would have been ruined if I would have looked at dinner menus, cruise compasses, etc. before the cruise. Other than planning our shore excursions we had no idea what lied ahead and it was a magical experience! bcarney 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
packercruising Posted September 3, 2016 Report Share Posted September 3, 2016 How much time do we have. :) There are limited outlets in the cabin Bring some zip lock bags for wet things and other stuff. You may want a highlighter for the Cruise Compass, but we never have. The walls ad doors are metallic so you can bring magnetic hooks if you like. The empty luggage can usually be stored under the bed. Make sure your credit card company knows you will be gone Make a copy of your passport, embarkation docs, etc for you carry on and luggage. As others have said, plan on an extra day if you are flying. Enjoy your first cruise! It is exciting. :) dejagatkins 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted September 3, 2016 Report Share Posted September 3, 2016 listen to the podcast that matt puts out weekly. he has great tips from his own experiences as well as from other seasoned cruisers. I get tons of info from the listner question section Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RestingBird Posted September 7, 2016 Report Share Posted September 7, 2016 A waterproof/resistant watch comes in handy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcarney Posted September 8, 2016 Report Share Posted September 8, 2016 2nd don't over think or over research your cruise. For me, the wonderment of our first cruise would have been ruined if I would have looked at dinner menus, cruise compasses, etc. before the cruise. Other than planning our shore excursions we had no idea what lied ahead and it was a magical experience! I totally agree with this. I do think that some of the "magic" is lost if you look at some of the YouTube videos of, for example, the Promenade on Voyager and greater class ships. It was so much better to walk on Oasis and be blown away by the sheer scope of the area... Jeff and FloatMe 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjac Posted September 8, 2016 Report Share Posted September 8, 2016 I would recommend you book any excursions you want to take on line, before you leave for the ship. This also goes for any special dinners and entertainment. I learned this the hard way on my first cruise. Ended up standing in line only to find the excursions I wanted were sold out. Drink packages you can do on board as well as spa treatments. Enjoy your trip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa2609 Posted September 9, 2016 Report Share Posted September 9, 2016 If you like to snorkel take your own gear with you. The food is soooo gooood you will eat way to much so insread of using the lifts take the stairs to work off all the food you are eating! Have a ball Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCVoyager Posted September 9, 2016 Report Share Posted September 9, 2016 As far as snorkel gear goes, I bring my own mask and snorkel. I don't bring fins. Too big and not really needed for snorkeling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WHStoneman Posted September 9, 2016 Report Share Posted September 9, 2016 Anyone have any tips or anything I should absolutely know before my first cruise? Thank you! As with anything in life...you only should be concerned about things YOU have control over. That doesn't include the weather, airline departures, late sailings fog, etal. Relax and enjoy....accept everything as an adventure....not a life altering disappointment. You will have fun. Bring your luggage and leave your baggage at home! And for luggage...pack well and then take half out and leave it home...you won't need it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeK Posted September 9, 2016 Report Share Posted September 9, 2016 Like some have suggested it is good to get there a day early if possible. Proper ID is very important for checking in at the port. Having a passport would be the best but a birth certificate with raised stamps etc etc will do fine. If your name changed with marriage and different from the birth certificate have your marriage certificate with you as a back up, remember no photo copies. A few things that I do to combat the noro virus that sometimes spreads through cruise ships is to use the hand sanitizers (they are everywhere on the ship) I never pass one without using it. Also I use my knuckles to touch the deck numbers on the elevators. You dont need to be paranoid about this but it could make a difference if you follow a few health safety rules. Another important issue is time management. Dont be late getting on the ship to start the cruise or at the different ports. They will not wait for you if your late coming back! The ship will wait if your RC sponsored excursion is late. That is the only time I can think they will wait Most of all relax and have a good time ....I know you will......Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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