Going on cruise for the first time. Advice?

Ken

Platinum
Jan 1, 2002
13,884
495
83
Cruise Line: Pullmantur Cruises
Ship: Horizon
I booked it through Archy Immobilaria (sorry if spelled wrong).
Thank you Frank for good advices!
And im not in a lower deck stop hating!

Open this link, then click on see more details under the names of the ports you will be visiting. On the window that opens up, you can click on "cruise tours" for each port and see what is offered in the way of excursions. Or you can click on Itineraries & Excursions on the left side of the page.

http://www.pullmantur.es/en/crucero...ibe/caribe-tropical/la-romana/abril-2014.html
 
Last edited:

santiagodude

Member
Nov 25, 2012
513
2
18
Do not know about your cruise but Carnival formal nights all had a photo op, which you could later purchase. Make a great souvenir. Also, when I took the cruise some years ago, the bulk of passengers dressed up in formal wear for a show and dinner. It was actually a fun time to see other passengers in a different light, so I would recommend attending if it is available.

Also, recommend a portable electric hand blender for mixing in room drinks. Typically, drinks are not included and makes for a good in room party, as you can buy alcohol while in port, duty free.
 

ROLLOUT

Silver
Jan 30, 2012
2,198
35
48
Understand, that while pretty much your meals are included, the alcohol is where they nail you. It can be a huge part of your cc bill. I tend to take one of two bottles of listerine, Wash thoroughly, and fill with your fav beverage. It will defray the cost of your liquor bill significantly. As other posters have stated, the ship sponsored tours are typically costly, and average at best. Do some research in the islands you are going to, and check out some of the local tours. For example, when they let you off at St Marten, take a taxi to one of the local outdoor grills on the French side (Boo Boo Jams come to mind). They also have very popular nude beaches.Then, trek over too the Dutch side to the Sunset Beach Bar at Maho. It sits at the very end of the runway, and the daily attraction is to watch the unsuspecting tourists get blown into the water by the jet blasts of the KLM, or Air France 747s upon takeoff.
Happy cruising
Roll
 

rice&beans

Silver
May 16, 2010
4,293
374
83
Understand, that while pretty much your meals are included, the alcohol is where they nail you. It can be a huge part of your cc bill. I tend to take one of two bottles of listerine, Wash thoroughly, and fill with your fav beverage. It will defray the cost of your liquor bill significantly. As other posters have stated, the ship sponsored tours are typically costly, and average at best. Do some research in the islands you are going to, and check out some of the local tours. For example, when they let you off at St Marten, take a taxi to one of the local outdoor grills on the French side (Boo Boo Jams come to mind). They also have very popular nude beaches.Then, trek over too the Dutch side to the Sunset Beach Bar at Maho. It sits at the very end of the runway, and the daily attraction is to watch the unsuspecting tourists get blown into the water by the jet blasts of the KLM, or Air France 747s upon takeoff.
Happy cruising
Roll


Are you fu-king kiddin me?

You actually do this ON VACATION?

I wouldn't tell too many people that story.....


I'm all for savin a few bucks here and there,

But man, ya gotta pick your spots!!
 

rice&beans

Silver
May 16, 2010
4,293
374
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Yepper. Po' folks gots po' ways.


I highly doubt you're poor, if you're going on a cruise,

More like cheap,

You should watch that show on TV,

Extreme Cheapskates,

You might pick up a few tips!!

But hey, different strokes.......

No probs,

Have a great night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

suzannel

New member
Jun 7, 2006
366
10
0
Jessica, If you are going on the Horizon out of La Romana, this is an all-inclusive ship. Your drinks, food and all tips are included in the fare. You do not need to bring fancy clothes, just a nice dress and do bring a sweater the dining room is cool. You will enjoy the ship very lively. It is usually sold by CDF (Croisiere de France) but also Pullmantur. No need for iron, you can have your cabin boy do it. If you are going with a boyfriend he needs to bring long pants (not only shorts). The cruise is laid back and fun, just enjoy....
 

Ken

Platinum
Jan 1, 2002
13,884
495
83
I highly doubt you're poor, if you're going on a cruise,

More like cheap,

You should watch that show on TV,

Extreme Cheapskates,

You might pick up a few tips!!

But hey, different strokes.......

No probs,

Have a great night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you were paying prices they charge on the ship for liquor, you might be bringing your own bottle of "Listerine".
 

Sosua Sonny

New member
Dec 30, 2013
280
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If you were paying prices they charge on the ship for liquor, you might be bringing your own bottle of "Listerine".

The day I feel the need to smuggle booze hidden in a bottle of Listerene is the last day I drink! Amen! :bunny:
 

rice&beans

Silver
May 16, 2010
4,293
374
83
If you were paying prices they charge on the ship for liquor, you might be bringing your own bottle of "Listerine".


I doubt it,

I've been on plenty of cruises, just the thought of doing that makes ME feel cheap,

And I'm not the one who does it!!

Anyone who feels the need to do the "Listerine thingy" while on a cruise, probably really CAN'T afford to be on vacation....

IMO

I mean, who rolls like that??


Whatever!! Do whats ya gutta do to make you happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Luperon

Who empowered China's crime against humanity?
Jun 28, 2004
4,510
294
83
I was going to post a comment but decided it was too crude. Good luck on the cruise and let us know the details when you return. How the food was, the accommodations, did you get lucky....etc?

LTSteve

great minds think alike
 

LTSteve

Gold
Jul 9, 2010
5,449
23
38
Love, shiny and new. Get on board, we've been waiting for you. The Dominican Love boat, making another run, the love boat.....

Sorry, I got inspired to break out in song.

LTSteve
 

DRob

Gold
Aug 15, 2007
8,234
594
113
So if I understand, you are not allowed to bring your own favourite tipple on board for in your cabin?

That's the actual issue. On most cruises, you can bring a limited amount of beer or a bottle of wine on board, but the rest has to be purchased on-board The reason is that liquor sales and casino action represent the largest profit centers for most discount cruise lines (think Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and the like.)

There are no issues with buying liquor while in port, but they will store it for you and give it back during the last night of your cruise. Many people "smuggle" liquor on board in water bottles and other containers.

I don't do it because I don't really drink all that much, but for those who do, the savings can pay for one of those overpriced excursions (or three, if you get plastered as much as beanie.) :glasses:
 

DRob

Gold
Aug 15, 2007
8,234
594
113
So if I understand, you are not allowed to bring your own favourite tipple on board for in your cabin?

That's the actual issue. On most cruises, you can bring a limited amount of beer or a bottle of wine on board, but the rest has to be purchased on-board The reason is that liquor sales and casino action represent the largest profit centers for most discount cruise lines (think Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and the like.)

There are no issues with buying liquor while in port, but they will store it for you and give it back during the last night of your cruise. Many people "smuggle" liquor on board in water bottles and other containers.

I don't do it because I don't really drink all that much, but for those who do, the savings can pay for one of those overpriced excursions (or three, if you get plastered as much as beanie.) :glasses: