cruise???

I'm going on the Royal Caribbean to Jamaica in 2weeks... I've never been on a cruise before and would like to know what clothing I should bring??? and any other suggestions to bring on the cruise---

I also had unexpected surgery 2weeks on my leg and hope that I will be able to walk somewhat--- unfortunately we didn't purchase insurance and we don't want to lose money so my bf and I are going to go... any suggestions on activities in case I'm not allowed to walk or have limited mobility---- It kind of sucks since this will be my first time on a cruise but I do want to make the best of it so any suggestions would be helpful.

Re: cruise???

if you're looking to do excursions through the cruiseline, the advertisment they give you on board will indicate which activities have lots of walking or swimming or accomodate wheelchairs (that should be on royal's site too, if you want to check it before you go) ...

Re: cruise???

I'm sorry about your surgery!

Definitely check out Royal Caribbean's website. If you sign in with your booking number, etc. you can review the excursions for each destination and there will be symbol for the activity level for each.

Also, there is a FAQ page,which may help you.

Clothing all depends on what you intend to do. DH and I are crusing in March on RCCL also. We are skipping the formal nights this time - this will be our 5th cruise. So we're not bringing dressy clothes - suit(s) for him and dress outfit for me, we're keeping it casual - khakis, golf shirts, or short sleeved button down for him for not formal dinner nights and capris, sandals, nice blouse/sundresses for me for dinner. If you don't want the sit down dinners - there is always the Windjammer cafe - very very casual - shorts/tshirts. I don't know which ship you are going on - but there are other casual places to eat - pubs, etc. But shorts or capris, t shirts, I brought a cover up to wear to the beach and the pool. I would bring two bathing suits, if you have them.

Also, either plan on wearing what you have on when you board to dinner, or bring a change of clothes in a carry on, or anything you may need before dinner, medications, toothbrush,e tc. Chances are your bags won't show up to your room until dinner time.

If you have any other questions FM me! Have a great time!!

Re: cruise???

You should have something from RCCL indicating how many formal/informal/casual nights there will be on your cruise, which is important if you want to eat in the dining room. If you don't, I would contact your travel agent or go online to find out. (If you don't plan on eating dinner in the dining room, it won't be an issue).

Also, contact the cruiseline because they sometimes have wheelchairs or those mobility scooters that they will allow you to use while you're on the ship (in case your worried about getting around the ship). Contact them asap. We recently traveled with someone who would have benefited from this, but because she didn't contact the cruiseline prior to sailing she wasn't able to use the scooter.

As far as excursions, you can go onto RCCL's website and, if you look at the excursions, they will tell you which ones require lots of walking. Or, you can wait until you're onboard and talk to the excursion people on the ship.

Sorry to hear about your leg, but don't worry, you will have a great time nonetheless.

Message edited 2/7/2011 4:58:30 PM.

Re: cruise???

I just got back from a 5 night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas. I had am AMAZING time. I can't wait to book my next cruise. I also, was a first time cruiser.

Knowing now what I didn't know as a first time cruiser, my only regret is not packing MORE clothes. I ended up UNDER packing because I was scared of being weighed down by extra luggage (I ended up checking 1 bag at the airport since I flew to Fort Lauderdale to meet the ship). I only brought 4 t-shirts, I should have taken at least 6 because I changed my outfit at least 2x/day.

I also took 3 swimsuits and ALL of them were used (you need at least 2 because it will take at least 1 day to dry a wet swimsuit).

Other things to pack:

(1) Alarm Clock (the rooms only offer Wake up Phone calls),

(2) Extra outlets (the rooms only have 1 outlet in the vanity and it only handles 1 device).

(3) extension cord (makes life easier if you need to do stuff in the bathroom).

Cash (for excursions and tips), flip flops and sandals, comf walking shoes.

The cruise boards at CruiseCritic.com are pretty good with those details..

Have fun!

Re: cruise???

Thanks- very helpful information- going to the doctor today to see how my leg is progressing but prob will reserve a wheelchair/scooter to get around easier---

Re: cruise???

Thankfully I'm able to walk a bit using a cane... so ready to leave tomorrow for the cruise could not come at a better time... soooo excited!!!!

Re: cruise???

Make sure you pack your bathing suit in your carryon bag! You don't get your luggage for awhile so when you get on the ship you want to be able to sit by the pool and start enjoying your vacation!