PLEASE give a first time cruiser any advise

[Zita]

you wish you had before you went on your first cruise. I already have the bunge cord! :-)

[penny3333]

Pack half of what you think you'll need. Take one pair of dress shoes with a purse that will go with all of your outfits. Bring plenty of sunscreen, smiles, and film (or memory cards). Make sure you have all of your documentation filled out, it will make boarding that much faster. Take a pair of water shoes, they're great for everthing. Take 2 swim suits, one can dry while the other one is being worn. Eat what you want when you want and worry about the diet when you get back. Don't try and do everything, pick items you really want to do because there's always so much to do. Be sure and take enough of any medication you're taking. Relax and enjoy yourself, it's your vacation. Have a wonderful cruise!!

[cruizinallthetime]

If you are in an inside stateroom, bring a clock you can read in the pitch black.

[Dave]

We also bring a nightlight.

[bobo22]

I too will be reading this to see what to take. Why the bunge cord?

[I love cruising!]

Do not save your most form fitting outfits for the end of the week--wear them at the beginning of the week!!! The is just too much food to eat and you will gain a few pounds, even if you go to the gym -- but don't worry it will come right back off again once you come home and start eating normally. Have fun!

[SanDee]

If you have a balcony cabin you want a bungie cord to hold the door open as most do not stay open on their own. What a great feeling to go to sleep or wake up to the waves hitting the ship and the smell of that ocean air.

[Dave]

Speaking as a former member of engineering, leaving the doors open puts a lot of stress on the air conditioning plants installed on the ships. It is the equivalent of leaving your refrigerator door open overnight, if enough passengers do it.

[LisaP]

Dave, I've often wondered about that. So, if I am in a standard oceanview, and enough pax above me leave their balcony doors open at night, could my AC be affected? (I've heard lots of answers on this one, but yours is the one I'll trust. )

As far as what I wished I had brought on my first cruise -- a journal! I started keeping them several years ago, and it's great to look back. Unfortunately, I do not have any from my first five or so cruises.

[gdjoslin]

If you have a balcony cabin you want a bungie cord to hold the door open as most do not stay open on their own. What a great feeling to go to sleep or wake up to the waves hitting the ship and the smell of that ocean air.

Won't a plain old wedge shaped door stop work?
BTW I agree with Dave, but we do open our door for a brief period of time.