First night, first cruise 4/27

[KatWC7501]

My husband and I are leaving on our first cruise this Sunday (Freedom to Western Caribbean). I've been learning a lot on these discussion forums and understand we should pack our swimsuits and dinner clothes in our carry-on bags.

Am I right in assuming that dinner the first night will be casual? Anything else we should pack in our carry-ons?

Thanks!
Kat

[Sandy]

Hi Kat and welcome to Cruise Chat!

Make sure you have sun block, any medications you may need in the first few hours onboard, and of course your SetSail Pass and passport. Dinner the first night will be casual.

Your first cruise will be memorable, especially on Freedom of the Seas. Have a great time!

Sandy

[RichC]

Originally posted by KatWC7501:
My husband and I are leaving on our first cruise this Sunday (Freedom to Western Caribbean). I've been learning a lot on these discussion forums and understand we should pack our swimsuits and dinner clothes in our carry-on bags.

Am I right in assuming that dinner the first night will be casual? Anything else we should pack in our carry-ons?

Thanks!
Kat

I wouldn't worry about sunblock especially since the airline limit you to small sizes anyway. Do pack any meds, passport, jewelry, money, cameras (anything you wouldn't want to have stolen). When you do arrive on board the ship you'll be so busy unpacking, emergency drill & looking around I doubt you'll have time to sit by the pool. Whatever clothes you travel with will be fine for dinner the first evening. (even shorts if you luggage hasn't arrived by diner time).

[penny3333]

KatWC7501, it's getting close now! Find out what time your muster drill is and make sure you have a drink in hand because they will close all the bars for the drill. You will have to bring your life jackets from your room to the drill and then take them back when it's over. Princess has the best ones. You meet in a lounge instead of at your lifeboat. You don't have to put on the jackets until instructed to do so. It's much more comfortable and organized. If you don't have a balcony room, make sure you're up on deck for the sail away. They will have a band playing by the pool. Great photo ops and a lot of fun. Dinner the first night is definitely casual. Make sure you explore the ship. It normally takes a couple of days to find your way around. Have a marvelous cruise, Bon Voyage

[Dave]

RCI tends to be a bit militaristic about the muster drill. You have to don the vest in your cabin and wear it down the stairs to your muster station. Try carrying it down and you'll be stopped and made to put it on - sometimes in a rather brusque fashion. Given the new life vests truss you up like a mummy, this makes descending the steps a bit interesting.

But it is an important drill and is over with in 20 minutes.

Yes indeed, be on deck when you leave Miami.

[Valeries220]

I bring a carry on with the clothes that I will be wearing that night. I make sure I have everything I need to take a shower & get ready for the evening. I always change because if you been wearing your clothes all day & it's hot & humid it feels good to get cleaned up & changed. It works out great!

[drlivingston]

Originally posted by penny3333:
Find out what time your muster drill is and make sure you have a drink in hand because they will close all the bars for the drill.

Penny, I am surprised at you. You know the rules stipulate that no food or beverage is to be brought to the muster drill.

[penny3333]

So that's why I get these dirty looks from crew members