Navigator of the Seas JAN 2007 FIRST CRUISE

[marblecupid]

Hi

My husband and i are going on our first cruise in Jan 2007. This will be the honeymoon that we never had, and our first ever cruising experience we are so excited!!

We are doing a back to back cruise, with the Eastern Carribean, then the Western Caribean the next week.We are from the UK and would love to hear peoples tips on cruising and especially people from the UK's experiences.

I am a little worried that we may feel a little out of our depth,with things like tips etc although we have pre-paid gratuities in the price of the holiday.

NOt having cruised before could any one give me their recommendations for the amount of spending money they think is adequate for two adults for 2 weeks?. We are not planning on doing all the excursios but maybe the Stingray encounter and a dolphin experience would be good.

[Seafaring Ted]

Hi Marbelcupid,

We can't help you yet but we go this October doing a Western then Eastern back-to-back. We are also from the UK and are unsure what to expect re tips etc. We have also pre paid gratuities.

This is actually our honeymoon so we are also very excited about the whole trip!

The Cruisechat people have all been very helpful with answers to our worries!

When we get back we will be sure to let you know our thoughts. Only 9 weeks and counting and we still can't decide which excursions to book!!

[EnjoyLife]

If you have pre-paid you tips, then you have covered most of the bases. Here a couple of places that tipping is expected (and not covered in you pre-paid gratuities): Taxi drivers (10 - 15% of total fare); Porters at pier - luggage ($1-$2 per bag); Salon/spa services (15%); Room service ($1-$2 per person order). Then, any service that you feel was special and worthy of recognition - at your discretion and optional. By the way, do not tip the bar staff - an automatic 15% gratuity is added to your bar tab, which is also the case if you order wine at dinner.

[CruiseDiva]

What a great honeymoon! You will only use cash while in port. Everything on the ship (including shore excursions) is charged to your onboard account. The only place you can use cash on the ship is at the casino.
Sherry

[Marian]

There really aren't all that many places you have to have cash. If you purchase clothing or jewelry in the ports, most stores will accept credit cards. Only the small native shops need cash. It's a good idea to bring small denominations for tipping and the little shops.

[marblecupid]

Many thanks for your help, it has been helpful

Cruiser in anticipation

Tracy

[marblecupid]

Just another quick question, we are thinking of doing a couple of the snorkelling excursions. Does anyone know "are you allowed to take your own snorkelling equpment to use".

Tracy

[Oggy Boy]

Welcome to Cruise-Chat.com! Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling equipment and I would suggest that you do, as the masks that the snorkel operators offer are less than adequate.

Regarding tipping, EnjoyLife has just about nailed it. Since you have prepaid tips, you won't be required to tip for the basic services on the ship any further. Print out EnjoyLifes message and put it into your travel file. It covers everything.

Have a great cruise...the Navigator is awesome!

Tom