Clueless first-timer needs advice about cruises please

Hi,

My wife and I have traveled many places and done many things, but
have never taken one of these things. I know that many of you here
have to be old pros when it comes to this subject, so I thought I'd
learn from your wisdom.

The cruise that I'm eyeing is one from the Celebrity Line, which
is a 7-nighter. It departs from Ft. Lauderdale on 9-18 (haha, prime
hurricane season) and returns on the 25th. The ship's name is _Century_.
It will make seven stops along the route (San Juan, St. Maarten, etc.)
and they only have some interior rooms available at this late date, except
for the highest-end room type which we're not interested in. I think the
cruise for both of us is listed at about $1300.

I've tried to educate myself a little on this by reading reviews and
some generic advice for first-timers from a commercial site, but I'm
still a little unclear on it. We're not into flashy entertainment or
fancy dinners where you have to dress up to enter. We're more into
working out and relaxation in an environment different from our daily
round. This ship and cruise seems to maybe be for us. But I've read
that on this ship, there are two formal dinners per week, where formal
dress is required. Now I know that I must look incredibly uninformed,
but what do the people eat who don't want to participate in such a formal
dinner? Are there other alternatives? And as far as the roughly $20/day
tipping that I've read is to be expected from us, how does this work?
Some cruise lines apparently pre-charge the customer (at booking I guess)
for the expected typical gratuities, and there was another option that
was similar. Why not just tip as you go, as we do normally on land when
we get service for something? As you can probably tell, I'm totally in
the dark on this whole thing.

I know that there are lots of differect types of cruises attracting
different types of people. Have any of you ever been on this particular
trip with this line? Just what is the dress code, or am I making too
much of this? Are there lots of hidden charges I should know about
beforehand? Do most of these lines offer shuttles to/from the Ft. Lauderdale
airport? Anyway, I think we'd probably get a kick out of this, but I'm
just wondering if it's too much of a hassle for a vacation...
Many thanks for anyone with good advice.

--
Otis

Otis McNatt wrote:
Hi,


We're not into flashy entertainment or
fancy dinners where you have to dress up to enter. We're more into
working out and relaxation in an environment different from our daily
round.

Any of the newer Royal Caribbean or Carnival Ships would have better
workout facilities than the Century.

This ship and cruise seems to maybe be for us. But I've read
that on this ship, there are two formal dinners per week, where formal
dress is required.

Not really required but a suit of tux is suggested.

Now I know that I must look incredibly uninformed,
but what do the people eat who don't want to participate in such a formal
dinner? Are there other alternatives?

Yes, you can have dinner in the buffet restaurant casually dressed.

And as far as the roughly $20/day
tipping that I've read is to be expected from us, how does this work?
Some cruise lines apparently pre-charge the customer (at booking I guess)
for the expected typical gratuities, and there was another option that
was similar. Why not just tip as you go, as we do normally on land when
we get service for something? As you can probably tell, I'm totally in
the dark on this whole thing.

On some ships, tipping is customary on the last evening aboard. More
and more on others, tips are added to your shipboard account, but these
can be adjusted.


I know that there are lots of differect types of cruises attracting
different types of people. Have any of you ever been on this particular
trip with this line?

Yes. It's a nice ship.

Just what is the dress code, or am I making too much of this?

The suggested attire will be 2 nights formal, one informal (jacket and
perhaps tie, but not strictly adhered to), and the other nights will be
casual (slacks and shirt).

Are there lots of hidden charges I should know about
beforehand? Do most of these lines offer shuttles to/from the Ft. Lauderdale
airport? Anyway, I think we'd probably get a kick out of this, but I'm
just wondering if it's too much of a hassle for a vacation...
Many thanks for anyone with good advice.

No other hidden charges, but they do charge for alcohol and carbonated
soft drinks. Yes, they provide shuttle service for a fee, but you are
better off and will pay less taking a cab from the FLL airport to the
pier (about $13).

Howie

In article , Otis
McNatt wrote:

Now I know that I must look incredibly uninformed, but what do the
people eat who don't want to participate in such a formal dinner?
Are there other alternatives?

Howard explained the dress code but I would add that Century is not one
of those ships that has good alternatives to the regular dining room.
They do have alternative dining and a sushi bar in the lido area but I
don't recomend it.

--
Charles

"Otis McNatt" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

My wife and I have traveled many places and done many things, but
have never taken one of these things. I know that many of you here
have to be old pros when it comes to this subject, so I thought I'd
learn from your wisdom.

The cruise that I'm eyeing is one from the Celebrity Line, which
is a 7-nighter. It departs from Ft. Lauderdale on 9-18 (haha, prime
hurricane season) and returns on the 25th. The ship's name is _Century_.
It will make seven stops along the route (San Juan, St. Maarten, etc.)
and they only have some interior rooms available at this late date, except
for the highest-end room type which we're not interested in. I think the
cruise for both of us is listed at about $1300.


Actually, it only makes 4 stops - San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and
Nassau.


I've tried to educate myself a little on this by reading reviews and
some generic advice for first-timers from a commercial site, but I'm
still a little unclear on it. We're not into flashy entertainment or
fancy dinners where you have to dress up to enter. We're more into
working out and relaxation in an environment different from our daily
round. This ship and cruise seems to maybe be for us. But I've read
that on this ship, there are two formal dinners per week, where formal
dress is required. Now I know that I must look incredibly uninformed,
but what do the people eat who don't want to participate in such a formal
dinner? Are there other alternatives?


You will find nearly everyone on the ship participates in formal nights. A
suit or even
a coat and tie will do. It is also a big picture taking night (a cruise line
profit center).
But the women love to have pictures taken.



And as far as the roughly $20/day
tipping that I've read is to be expected from us, how does this work?
Some cruise lines apparently pre-charge the customer (at booking I guess)
for the expected typical gratuities, and there was another option that
was similar. Why not just tip as you go, as we do normally on land when
we get service for something?


You can not tip as you go, because it is a cashless society onboard. You
will be
issued a onboard credit card/room key which you will use to pay for
everything not
included. This card will be tied to your credit card at check-in. Drinks
bought onboard
will include a tip for the waiter. However, the kind of tipping you are
refering to is
for your maid, your regular dinner waiter, and his/her assistant.
This tipping is usually done at the end of the cruise, in cash. However,
some cruise ships
are now allowing/requiring you to charge it to your onboard account.


As you can probably tell, I'm totally in
the dark on this whole thing.

I know that there are lots of differect types of cruises attracting
different types of people. Have any of you ever been on this particular
trip with this line? Just what is the dress code, or am I making too
much of this? Are there lots of hidden charges I should know about
beforehand?

Things you pay for in addition to the cruise price (hidden charges):
Alcohol, wine
Sodas
Massages
Shore excursions
Gift shop
Gambling
Bingo
Pictures


Do most of these lines offer shuttles to/from the Ft. Lauderdale
airport? Anyway, I think we'd probably get a kick out of this, but I'm
just wondering if it's too much of a hassle for a vacation...
Many thanks for anyone with good advice.

Much less hassle than a land vacation. And if you like to sleep late -
interior rooms are great.

John

On 29 Jul 2004 12:15:58 -0700, (Otis McNatt)
wrote:

Hi,

My wife and I have traveled many places and done many things, but
have never taken one of these things. I know that many of you here
have to be old pros when it comes to this subject, so I thought I'd
learn from your wisdom.

The cruise that I'm eyeing is one from the Celebrity Line, which
is a 7-nighter. It departs from Ft. Lauderdale on 9-18 (haha, prime
hurricane season) and returns on the 25th. The ship's name is _Century_.
It will make seven stops along the route (San Juan, St. Maarten, etc.)
and they only have some interior rooms available at this late date, except
for the highest-end room type which we're not interested in. I think the
cruise for both of us is listed at about $1300.

I've tried to educate myself a little on this by reading reviews and
some generic advice for first-timers from a commercial site, but I'm
still a little unclear on it. We're not into flashy entertainment or
fancy dinners where you have to dress up to enter.

We're more into
working out and relaxation in an environment different from our daily
round. This ship and cruise seems to maybe be for us. But I've read
that on this ship, there are two formal dinners per week, where formal
dress is required. Now I know that I must look incredibly uninformed,
but what do the people eat who don't want to participate in such a formal
dinner? Are there other alternatives? And as far as the roughly $20/day
tipping that I've read is to be expected from us, how does this work?

On Celebrity, you can choose the option of just adding it to your on
board account. Tips for people who bring you drinks are added
automatically as a service charge. The main tips are for waiter,
assistant waiter, and you cabin steward. These are people you will
probably come to like so much you will be happy to tip them, but at
any rate, they get almost their entire income from your tips. So
about $3.50 per day per person for the steward and waiter, maybe half
that for the ass't.

Some cruise lines apparently pre-charge the customer (at booking I guess)
for the expected typical gratuities, and there was another option that
was similar. Why not just tip as you go, as we do normally on land when
we get service for something? As you can probably tell, I'm totally in
the dark on this whole thing.

I know that there are lots of differect types of cruises attracting
different types of people. Have any of you ever been on this particular
trip with this line? Just what is the dress code, or am I making too
much of this? Are there lots of hidden charges I should know about
beforehand? Do most of these lines offer shuttles to/from the Ft. Lauderdale
airport? Anyway, I think we'd probably get a kick out of this, but I'm
just wondering if it's too much of a hassle for a vacation...
Many thanks for anyone with good advice.

Well, a big attraction of Celebrity is the dinners, which ARE flashy
and fancy. YOu can dine informally dressed in the Ocean Grill (the
buffet area on the next to top deck) any night.

I'd say, all in all, try it and see how you like it. The price is
certainly right. I would suggest you take a suit and try one of the
formal dinners, though.


Mason Barge

"If this is coffee, please bring me some tea. If this is tea, please bring me some coffee."
-- Abraham Lincoln

(Otis McNatt) wrote in message . com...

We're not into flashy entertainment or
fancy dinners where you have to dress up to enter.

Of the mass market cruise lines, Celebrity is probably one of the
fanciest, if not THE fanciest as far as dinners go. Entertainment -
you can attend or not. If it's not your thing, just skip it. Easy
enough. There will be a couple of Vegas-style production shows while
you're on board, as well as a variety of other acts like comedians,
magicians, jugglers, headliner singers, etc. The onboard entertainment
is included in your cruise fare, so you can always try out a show, and
if it's not to your liking, you can quietly leave the venue.

We're more into
working out and relaxation in an environment different from our daily
round. This ship and cruise seems to maybe be for us.

The nice thing about cruising is that you can relax as little or as
much as you want. Many cruisers are on the go from morning 'til night,
and some don't participate in any activity. There's never any pressure
to join in - it's your vacation...do what you want, when you want.

But I've read
that on this ship, there are two formal dinners per week, where formal
dress is required. Now I know that I must look incredibly uninformed,
but what do the people eat who don't want to participate in such a formal
dinner? Are there other alternatives?

Formal dress is the "suggested" attire for formal nights and most
folks abide by the suggestion. There is a buffet available if you
don't want to dine in the dining room on formal evenings. However, the
meals in the dining room on formal nights are maybe the best meals of
the week. So, if you can muster up the energy to dress up a little,
you might find that you'll really enjoy yourself on these evenings.
Everyone in their finest really adds a lot to the festive, gala
atmosphere. I find formal nights to be fun. My work uniform is jeans
and tees, so I rarely get the opportunity to dress up in my everyday
life. I don't find it to be a burden. And, my husband looks HOT in a
tux, as most men do :-).

And as far as the roughly $20/day
tipping that I've read is to be expected from us, how does this work?

It's actually a bargain, if you think about it. The $20 (that's for
the 2 of you) covers your dining room waiter and assistant waiter as
well as your cabin steward. You'll have the same dining room staff
(dinners) and steward all week. In the dining room, you'll be enjoying
4-6 course meals every night and for the fantastic service you'll
receive, you'll only be tipping something like $3.75 per person to the
waiter and what...$2.50 for the assistant for each day? $3.75 goes to
your cabin steward who will, invisibly, make up your room twice a day,
refresh towels, ice, etc. and take care of any other requests you
might have during your week. Personally, I've always found the
suggested tipping amounts to be a bargain, compared to what I'd pay
for similar service at a land restaurant.

Some cruise lines apparently pre-charge the customer (at booking I guess)
for the expected typical gratuities, and there was another option that
was similar.

I find that having my tips added to my onboard account is a great
convenience. Means I have to take less cash with me, AND I earn FF
miles on the tip amount. I'm going to tip anyway, so it might as well
benefit me in some way. Even though I don't hand cash to my
waiter/steward, I do always write them thank-you notes, telling them
how much I appreciated their hard work during the week, and how it
made my cruise more special.

Why not just tip as you go, as we do normally on land when
we get service for something? As you can probably tell, I'm totally in
the dark on this whole thing.

Do you really want to carry cash around with you all the time? And,
what amount would you tip your waiter and assistant waiter each night?
A percentage of your bill? You don't get a bill!

Are there lots of hidden charges I should know about
beforehand?

Covered by others, but basically what IS included is your room & board
(some beverages, no alcohol or soda), entertainment in the various
venues on board, transportation to the various ports and back to FLL,
miscellaneous activities on board, use of the gym and some exercise
classes (some classes carry an extra charge - at least they do on some
cruise lines)...anything else is extra. Photos, bingo, alcohol, soda,
casino, shops, etc.

Do most of these lines offer shuttles to/from the Ft. Lauderdale
airport?

Airport and port are very close. Just take a cab.

Anyway, I think we'd probably get a kick out of this, but I'm
just wondering if it's too much of a hassle for a vacation...

Cruising is the opposite of "hassle" at least for me. When I need to
get away and I'm not in the mood to stress over details, planning,
etc., I pick a cruise.

Have a great time.

Lee

Otis McNatt wrote:
Hi,


We're not into flashy entertainment or
fancy dinners where you have to dress up to enter. We're more into
working out and relaxation in an environment different from our daily
round.

Any of the newer Royal Caribbean or Carnival Ships would have better
workout facilities than the Century.

This ship and cruise seems to maybe be for us. But I've read
that on this ship, there are two formal dinners per week, where formal
dress is required.

Not really required but a suit of tux is suggested.

Now I know that I must look incredibly uninformed,
but what do the people eat who don't want to participate in such a formal
dinner? Are there other alternatives?

Yes, you can have dinner in the buffet restaurant casually dressed.

And as far as the roughly $20/day
tipping that I've read is to be expected from us, how does this work?
Some cruise lines apparently pre-charge the customer (at booking I guess)
for the expected typical gratuities, and there was another option that
was similar. Why not just tip as you go, as we do normally on land when
we get service for something? As you can probably tell, I'm totally in
the dark on this whole thing.

On some ships, tipping is customary on the last evening aboard. More
and more on others, tips are added to your shipboard account, but these
can be adjusted.


I know that there are lots of differect types of cruises attracting
different types of people. Have any of you ever been on this particular
trip with this line?

Yes. It's a nice ship.

Just what is the dress code, or am I making too much of this?

The suggested attire will be 2 nights formal, one informal (jacket and
perhaps tie, but not strictly adhered to), and the other nights will be
casual (slacks and shirt).

Are there lots of hidden charges I should know about
beforehand? Do most of these lines offer shuttles to/from the Ft. Lauderdale
airport? Anyway, I think we'd probably get a kick out of this, but I'm
just wondering if it's too much of a hassle for a vacation...
Many thanks for anyone with good advice.

No other hidden charges, but they do charge for alcohol and carbonated
soft drinks. Yes, they provide shuttle service for a fee, but you are
better off and will pay less taking a cab from the FLL airport to the
pier (about $13).

Howie

"Otis McNatt" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

My wife and I have traveled many places and done many things, but
have never taken one of these things. I know that many of you here
have to be old pros when it comes to this subject, so I thought I'd
learn from your wisdom.

The cruise that I'm eyeing is one from the Celebrity Line, which
is a 7-nighter. It departs from Ft. Lauderdale on 9-18 (haha, prime
hurricane season) and returns on the 25th. The ship's name is _Century_.
It will make seven stops along the route (San Juan, St. Maarten, etc.)
and they only have some interior rooms available at this late date, except
for the highest-end room type which we're not interested in. I think the
cruise for both of us is listed at about $1300.


Actually, it only makes 4 stops - San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and
Nassau.


I've tried to educate myself a little on this by reading reviews and
some generic advice for first-timers from a commercial site, but I'm
still a little unclear on it. We're not into flashy entertainment or
fancy dinners where you have to dress up to enter. We're more into
working out and relaxation in an environment different from our daily
round. This ship and cruise seems to maybe be for us. But I've read
that on this ship, there are two formal dinners per week, where formal
dress is required. Now I know that I must look incredibly uninformed,
but what do the people eat who don't want to participate in such a formal
dinner? Are there other alternatives?


You will find nearly everyone on the ship participates in formal nights. A
suit or even
a coat and tie will do. It is also a big picture taking night (a cruise line
profit center).
But the women love to have pictures taken.



And as far as the roughly $20/day
tipping that I've read is to be expected from us, how does this work?
Some cruise lines apparently pre-charge the customer (at booking I guess)
for the expected typical gratuities, and there was another option that
was similar. Why not just tip as you go, as we do normally on land when
we get service for something?


You can not tip as you go, because it is a cashless society onboard. You
will be
issued a onboard credit card/room key which you will use to pay for
everything not
included. This card will be tied to your credit card at check-in. Drinks
bought onboard
will include a tip for the waiter. However, the kind of tipping you are
refering to is
for your maid, your regular dinner waiter, and his/her assistant.
This tipping is usually done at the end of the cruise, in cash. However,
some cruise ships
are now allowing/requiring you to charge it to your onboard account.


As you can probably tell, I'm totally in
the dark on this whole thing.

I know that there are lots of differect types of cruises attracting
different types of people. Have any of you ever been on this particular
trip with this line? Just what is the dress code, or am I making too
much of this? Are there lots of hidden charges I should know about
beforehand?

Things you pay for in addition to the cruise price (hidden charges):
Alcohol, wine
Sodas
Massages
Shore excursions
Gift shop
Gambling
Bingo
Pictures


Do most of these lines offer shuttles to/from the Ft. Lauderdale
airport? Anyway, I think we'd probably get a kick out of this, but I'm
just wondering if it's too much of a hassle for a vacation...
Many thanks for anyone with good advice.

Much less hassle than a land vacation. And if you like to sleep late -
interior rooms are great.

John

On 29 Jul 2004 12:15:58 -0700, (Otis McNatt)
wrote:

Hi,

My wife and I have traveled many places and done many things, but
have never taken one of these things. I know that many of you here
have to be old pros when it comes to this subject, so I thought I'd
learn from your wisdom.

The cruise that I'm eyeing is one from the Celebrity Line, which
is a 7-nighter. It departs from Ft. Lauderdale on 9-18 (haha, prime
hurricane season) and returns on the 25th. The ship's name is _Century_.
It will make seven stops along the route (San Juan, St. Maarten, etc.)
and they only have some interior rooms available at this late date, except
for the highest-end room type which we're not interested in. I think the
cruise for both of us is listed at about $1300.

I've tried to educate myself a little on this by reading reviews and
some generic advice for first-timers from a commercial site, but I'm
still a little unclear on it. We're not into flashy entertainment or
fancy dinners where you have to dress up to enter.

We're more into
working out and relaxation in an environment different from our daily
round. This ship and cruise seems to maybe be for us. But I've read
that on this ship, there are two formal dinners per week, where formal
dress is required. Now I know that I must look incredibly uninformed,
but what do the people eat who don't want to participate in such a formal
dinner? Are there other alternatives? And as far as the roughly $20/day
tipping that I've read is to be expected from us, how does this work?

On Celebrity, you can choose the option of just adding it to your on
board account. Tips for people who bring you drinks are added
automatically as a service charge. The main tips are for waiter,
assistant waiter, and you cabin steward. These are people you will
probably come to like so much you will be happy to tip them, but at
any rate, they get almost their entire income from your tips. So
about $3.50 per day per person for the steward and waiter, maybe half
that for the ass't.

Some cruise lines apparently pre-charge the customer (at booking I guess)
for the expected typical gratuities, and there was another option that
was similar. Why not just tip as you go, as we do normally on land when
we get service for something? As you can probably tell, I'm totally in
the dark on this whole thing.

I know that there are lots of differect types of cruises attracting
different types of people. Have any of you ever been on this particular
trip with this line? Just what is the dress code, or am I making too
much of this? Are there lots of hidden charges I should know about
beforehand? Do most of these lines offer shuttles to/from the Ft. Lauderdale
airport? Anyway, I think we'd probably get a kick out of this, but I'm
just wondering if it's too much of a hassle for a vacation...
Many thanks for anyone with good advice.

Well, a big attraction of Celebrity is the dinners, which ARE flashy
and fancy. YOu can dine informally dressed in the Ocean Grill (the
buffet area on the next to top deck) any night.

I'd say, all in all, try it and see how you like it. The price is
certainly right. I would suggest you take a suit and try one of the
formal dinners, though.


Mason Barge

"If this is coffee, please bring me some tea. If this is tea, please bring me some coffee."
-- Abraham Lincoln

Just a quickie. I know that a lot of people are taking a "Try it you'll
like it" attitude toward dress on Celebrity. I'd like to suggest a different
tack. If you can rethink this, you might consider a cruise on Norwegian,
Royal Caribbean, or possibly Carnival (depending on the ship) or on
Princess.

All of these cruise lines will let you be casual at dinner, and not feel
funny about it. I suspect with Celebrity you will either cave or feel a
little like a fish out of water.

All of these cruise lines will have good exercise and activity oriented stuff.

The ports probably won't be the same. How important are they?

Julie

In rec.travel.cruises Otis McNatt wrote:
Hi,

My wife and I have traveled many places and done many things, but
have never taken one of these things. I know that many of you here
have to be old pros when it comes to this subject, so I thought I'd
learn from your wisdom.

The cruise that I'm eyeing is one from the Celebrity Line, which
is a 7-nighter. It departs from Ft. Lauderdale on 9-18 (haha, prime
hurricane season) and returns on the 25th. The ship's name is _Century_.
It will make seven stops along the route (San Juan, St. Maarten, etc.)
and they only have some interior rooms available at this late date, except
for the highest-end room type which we're not interested in. I think the
cruise for both of us is listed at about $1300.

I've tried to educate myself a little on this by reading reviews and
some generic advice for first-timers from a commercial site, but I'm
still a little unclear on it. We're not into flashy entertainment or
fancy dinners where you have to dress up to enter. We're more into
working out and relaxation in an environment different from our daily
round. This ship and cruise seems to maybe be for us. But I've read
that on this ship, there are two formal dinners per week, where formal
dress is required. Now I know that I must look incredibly uninformed,
but what do the people eat who don't want to participate in such a formal
dinner? Are there other alternatives? And as far as the roughly $20/day
tipping that I've read is to be expected from us, how does this work?
Some cruise lines apparently pre-charge the customer (at booking I guess)
for the expected typical gratuities, and there was another option that
was similar. Why not just tip as you go, as we do normally on land when
we get service for something? As you can probably tell, I'm totally in
the dark on this whole thing.

I know that there are lots of differect types of cruises attracting
different types of people. Have any of you ever been on this particular
trip with this line? Just what is the dress code, or am I making too
much of this? Are there lots of hidden charges I should know about
beforehand? Do most of these lines offer shuttles to/from the Ft. Lauderdale
airport? Anyway, I think we'd probably get a kick out of this, but I'm
just wondering if it's too much of a hassle for a vacation...
Many thanks for anyone with good advice.

--
Otis

--
Julie
**********
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