Cruise Questions

i n c u b u s · April 2009

I'm checking off one of the items on my "Do before I die" list and going on a cruise exactly a week from today. I've decided to go with family and we're headed to I believe Cozumel, Costa Maya and Grand Cayman on a Royal Carribean ship (Grandeur of the Seas). Now I've never been on one before and I'd love some advice or some tips on how to make the best of this trip. One of my main concerns is that there won't be anyone close to my age coming along with me (20) and I don't really feel like going to a club with my sister or alone. Are the clubs even worth going to? Can I drink on the ship in international waters even though I'm technically not of age yet? If not can I bring some bottles on board with me? Any help/advice/tips are welcome!

Smurph · April 2009

They absolutely do not let you bring alcohol on board because they want to charge you $6 a beer at all the bars they have every 50 yards. Even if you buy booze at the duty free shop they keep it until you leave the boat. The "clubs" on the ship aren't really that fun so you wouldn't be missing much by skipping them. I think you can drink if you are over 18, but it is very expensive. I would say do your drinking on the islands since it will be dirt cheap and the atmosphere will probably be more fun anyway. I remember drinking $1 Heinekens all day, it was awesome.

oddment · April 2009

I'd bet that you'd find some people around your age. I went on the Independence Of The Seas for a 5 day cruise to Ireland (I live in the UK) as my fiance worked on board at the time, so got to stay for next to nothing. That ship has now gone to the Carribean I believe, and my fiance also worked on the Freedom Of The Seas which went to all the stops I believe you're going to. So heres a few tips from both of us.

As Smurph says, drink on the islands... its very cheap. You can find nice places a little off the beaten track if you ask some of the crew on the ship. Cozumel is meant to be especially good for places like this, if I remember rightly.

The Windjammer Cafe is fantastic. A huge selection of food, and its all free. I went every morning for breakfast, and a few lunches/dinner times for my meals. If they do the same stuff as on the Independence, the fruit punch is delicious! (Just a quick look at the deck plans for the Grandeur, apart from the main fancy dining room, it looks like thats the only place on board to eat... but damn its good!)

You'll probably find a lot of the people, especially around your age, hanging out around the pool area. There is also a video game arcade around that level, though the younger kids seemed to hang out there. Still, arcade machines on board is a plus, especially if you have some time to kill on sea days.

Make sure you check out the theatre, to see what it has going on. Sometimes they have some great stuff to go and see, sometimes it's aimed at the older crowd, so keep an eye out.

A heads up in case you weren't aware... they like you to tip, and in fact provide an envelope in your suite for you to leave a tip in at the end of your stay for your state room attendant and waiter/ess in the main dining hall. They even give suggested donation amounts, so keep some money handy for that.

Definatley make the most of the days on the islands... the Explorations! desk will have some pamphlets, and someone there to tell you whats good. You can arrange trips to various places from there too. They should be your first call for finding out all the best places to go.

No, I don't work for Royal Carribean! I just had a good time on my trip, even though it rained mostly (I DID go to Ireland afterall!). I think the main thing is just do whatever you think sounds fun, because for a lot of people it IS a once in a lifetime trip, and it can be a lot of fun both on and off the ship.

i n c u b u s · April 2009

That was an excellent response oddment, I really appreciate it. My goal is to try and keep away from my parents as much as possible the whole time but the cool part is that my grandparents are tagging along and I'd hang with them any day. My grandpa is the kinda guy that will go to a bar with me, buy me a drink, and spend some time scoping some chicks with me (so long as they're moms are single haha). The only downside to this is that I do have a gf so it looks like I'll have to play nice the whole week. =]

truck-a-sauras · April 2009

oddment wrote: »

As Smurph says, drink on the islands... its very cheap. You can find nice places a little off the beaten track if you ask some of the crew on the ship. Cozumel is meant to be especially good for places like this, if I remember rightly.

don't want to rain on your parade, but going off the beaten track in Mexico is not a good idea lately. Even huge tourist places like Cancun are having problems with the local drug lords feuding. It has been in the new a lot lately with stories of many deaths and kidnappings of random people caught in the middle of this.

http://gomexico.about.com/b/2009/02/27/is-cancun-safe.htm

that article has some relevant links.

seeing as you are young and your main concern in this thread is drinking I just want to ask you as an old fart to exercise some caution. Get some kind of group, even if it is random people you meet on the cruise. Don't go too far off the beaten path. Stick with drinking, do NOT go seek out drugs. Last thing you want to be another person on that Locked up Abroad show.

MichaelLC · April 2009

Don't be afraid to do one of the land events by yourself.

My family did a similer cruise like yours when I was in HS, and while my mother & sis went to pet dolphins or some shit, I did the ruins tour. Bus ride to the ruins, walk around, then enjoy a beach before heading back. Had a great time, had no problems being by myself - just don't miss the bus. Also bring some money, they usually stop at a "gift shop."

My sister was the only one who got dizzy when the ship was out to sea. Guess just bring some Drammimine and hope for the best.

oddment · April 2009

truck-a-sauras wrote: »

oddment wrote: »

As Smurph says, drink on the islands... its very cheap. You can find nice places a little off the beaten track if you ask some of the crew on the ship. Cozumel is meant to be especially good for places like this, if I remember rightly.

don't want to rain on your parade, but going off the beaten track in Mexico is not a good idea lately. Even huge tourist places like Cancun are having problems with the local drug lords feuding. It has been in the new a lot lately with stories of many deaths and kidnappings of random people caught in the middle of this.

http://gomexico.about.com/b/2009/02/27/is-cancun-safe.htm

that article has some relevant links.

seeing as you are young and your main concern in this thread is drinking I just want to ask you as an old fart to exercise some caution. Get some kind of group, even if it is random people you meet on the cruise. Don't go too far off the beaten path. Stick with drinking, do NOT go seek out drugs. Last thing you want to be another person on that Locked up Abroad show.

Oh, I know, totally got to think about the drug war thing. What I meant with 'off the beaten track' was more the places the crew would usually go to, not so over-populated with tourists, but still safe and with people from the ship around.

By the sounds of it, incubus, you're still wanting to spend time with family (well, with your grandad anyways!), so the alcohol on board thing shouldn't be as big an issue if he's buying, though I'm pretty sure Smurph is correct in saying you can drink on board at 18. There are some lovely bars, with some terrific views, so I'm sure you'll have a blast just sitting in those with a drink checking out the ladies. Sounds like the Viking Crown Lounge will be a good place to go, as it is at the top of the ship and so will have the best views. Apparently its also a dance club at night, so it may be worth checking out, even if you only go the once.

If you think of any other questions, I'll do my best to answer them, or see if I can get hold of my fiance and ask him for you. He spent a year on board a few vessels, and 6 months cruising around the Carribean islands, so he should be able to answer pretty much anything.

I hope you have an awesome time though! Let us know how it went when you come back.

OH! And totally go to the formal dining hall. I never got to go (my fiance couldn't really go as he worked there, unless he booked very far in advance, and I wasn't gonna go eat in there on my own!), but during safety training I got to see it, and it looked really nice. I hear the food in there is great too.

Which reminds me, another point, be prepared to grab your life jacket, find your assembly point and sit around for 45 minutes or so for the safety training. Your assembly point should be on the back of your state room door, so memorise it. You'll do that on the first day, an hour or two into the start of the cruise (i.e. after you leave the dock).

Anyway, I'll shut up now. HAVE FUN!!!

i n c u b u s · April 2009

I am well aware of whats going on down in Mexico which is why I'll probably stick to the beach and head back on the ship. I asked a lot of alcohol questions because they were the only thing that came to mind at the time, alcohol isn't my main concern. I think I'll be just fine with a couple beers on the beach instead of getting obliterated every night. I'm just looking for general cruise advice and experiences.

i n c u b u s · April 2009

oddment wrote: »

truck-a-sauras wrote: »

oddment wrote: »

As Smurph says, drink on the islands... its very cheap. You can find nice places a little off the beaten track if you ask some of the crew on the ship. Cozumel is meant to be especially good for places like this, if I remember rightly.

don't want to rain on your parade, but going off the beaten track in Mexico is not a good idea lately. Even huge tourist places like Cancun are having problems with the local drug lords feuding. It has been in the new a lot lately with stories of many deaths and kidnappings of random people caught in the middle of this.

http://gomexico.about.com/b/2009/02/27/is-cancun-safe.htm

that article has some relevant links.

seeing as you are young and your main concern in this thread is drinking I just want to ask you as an old fart to exercise some caution. Get some kind of group, even if it is random people you meet on the cruise. Don't go too far off the beaten path. Stick with drinking, do NOT go seek out drugs. Last thing you want to be another person on that Locked up Abroad show.

Oh, I know, totally got to think about the drug war thing. What I meant with 'off the beaten track' was more the places the crew would usually go to, not so over-populated with tourists, but still safe and with people from the ship around.

By the sounds of it, incubus, you're still wanting to spend time with family (well, with your grandad anyways!), so the alcohol on board thing shouldn't be as big an issue if he's buying, though I'm pretty sure Smurph is correct in saying you can drink on board at 18. There are some lovely bars, with some terrific views, so I'm sure you'll have a blast just sitting in those with a drink checking out the ladies. Sounds like the Viking Crown Lounge will be a good place to go, as it is at the top of the ship and so will have the best views. Apparently its also a dance club at night, so it may be worth checking out, even if you only go the once.

If you think of any other questions, I'll do my best to answer them, or see if I can get hold of my fiance and ask him for you. He spent a year on board a few vessels, and 6 months cruising around the Carribean islands, so he should be able to answer pretty much anything. I hope you have an awesome time though! Let us know how it went when you come back.

OH! And totally go to the formal dining hall. I never got to go (my fiance couldn't really go as he worked there, unless he booked very far in advance, and I wasn't gonna go eat in there on my own!), but during safety training I got to see it, and it looked really nice. I hear the food in there is great too.

Which reminds me, another point, be prepared to grab your life jacket, find your assembly point and sit around for 45 minutes or so for the safety training. Your assembly point should be on the back of your state room door, so memorise it. You'll do that on the first day, an hour or two into the start of the cruise (i.e. after you leave the dock).

Anyway, I'll shut up now. HAVE FUN!!!

Oh no no please go on, everything your telling me is pretty much new to me so it's good to know. BTW I know you may not have experience on my exact ship but does RC serve sushi at their dining halls or at least have a japanese restaurant?

oddment · April 2009

i n c u b u s wrote: »

oddment wrote: »

truck-a-sauras wrote: »

oddment wrote: »

As Smurph says, drink on the islands... its very cheap. You can find nice places a little off the beaten track if you ask some of the crew on the ship. Cozumel is meant to be especially good for places like this, if I remember rightly.

don't want to rain on your parade, but going off the beaten track in Mexico is not a good idea lately. Even huge tourist places like Cancun are having problems with the local drug lords feuding. It has been in the new a lot lately with stories of many deaths and kidnappings of random people caught in the middle of this.

http://gomexico.about.com/b/2009/02/27/is-cancun-safe.htm

that article has some relevant links.

seeing as you are young and your main concern in this thread is drinking I just want to ask you as an old fart to exercise some caution. Get some kind of group, even if it is random people you meet on the cruise. Don't go too far off the beaten path. Stick with drinking, do NOT go seek out drugs. Last thing you want to be another person on that Locked up Abroad show.

Oh, I know, totally got to think about the drug war thing. What I meant with 'off the beaten track' was more the places the crew would usually go to, not so over-populated with tourists, but still safe and with people from the ship around.

By the sounds of it, incubus, you're still wanting to spend time with family (well, with your grandad anyways!), so the alcohol on board thing shouldn't be as big an issue if he's buying, though I'm pretty sure Smurph is correct in saying you can drink on board at 18. There are some lovely bars, with some terrific views, so I'm sure you'll have a blast just sitting in those with a drink checking out the ladies. Sounds like the Viking Crown Lounge will be a good place to go, as it is at the top of the ship and so will have the best views. Apparently its also a dance club at night, so it may be worth checking out, even if you only go the once.

If you think of any other questions, I'll do my best to answer them, or see if I can get hold of my fiance and ask him for you. He spent a year on board a few vessels, and 6 months cruising around the Carribean islands, so he should be able to answer pretty much anything. I hope you have an awesome time though! Let us know how it went when you come back.

OH! And totally go to the formal dining hall. I never got to go (my fiance couldn't really go as he worked there, unless he booked very far in advance, and I wasn't gonna go eat in there on my own!), but during safety training I got to see it, and it looked really nice. I hear the food in there is great too.

Which reminds me, another point, be prepared to grab your life jacket, find your assembly point and sit around for 45 minutes or so for the safety training. Your assembly point should be on the back of your state room door, so memorise it. You'll do that on the first day, an hour or two into the start of the cruise (i.e. after you leave the dock).

Anyway, I'll shut up now. HAVE FUN!!!

Oh no no please go on, everything your telling me is pretty much new to me so it's good to know. BTW I know you may not have experience on my exact ship but does RC serve sushi at their dining halls or at least have a japanese restaurant?

Hmmm... Well, looking at the deck plans, I can't see one. Independence of the Seas had sushi, but that was because it had a little asian restaurant called Jade, which I can't see on the Grandeur. Here is the link to the deck plans, so you can take a look for yourself at what there is. You'll notice plenty of bars!

Do you know if your cruise stops off in Labadee? My fiance really liked that place. It's a Royal Carribean private resort... basically just a stretch of beach on Haiti, but it is fenced off from the rest of the island and patrolled by armed guards, lol. It is apparently beautiful though.

I can't think of anything else to tell you off the top of my head. Feel free to ask anything though!

You're making me want to go on a cruise now... if only I could afford it. I'd suggest to my fiance going on one for our honeymoon, but since he's worked on them for a year I don't think he'd want to go back... it would probably just remind him too much of working!

oddment · April 2009

Oh, something just came to mind. A lot of people on the ships just treat the place and the crew like shit. I know people are there to have a good time, but people seem to forget their manners! Not at all saying you are one of these people, but I thought I would mention that just general pleases, thank yous, smiles, etc, will brighten up a lot of crew members days. They work really hard to make sure people have a great time on board, so they appreciate people taking the time to be nice. My fiance saw his share of absolute arseholes on board, and would always go out of his way for someone who was nice to him. Some of the ones who can speak good English are up for conversation too, especially bartenders. I met some very funny bar tenders on board!

i n c u b u s · April 2009

oddment wrote: »

i n c u b u s wrote: »

oddment wrote: »

truck-a-sauras wrote: »

oddment wrote: »

As Smurph says, drink on the islands... its very cheap. You can find nice places a little off the beaten track if you ask some of the crew on the ship. Cozumel is meant to be especially good for places like this, if I remember rightly.

don't want to rain on your parade, but going off the beaten track in Mexico is not a good idea lately. Even huge tourist places like Cancun are having problems with the local drug lords feuding. It has been in the new a lot lately with stories of many deaths and kidnappings of random people caught in the middle of this.

http://gomexico.about.com/b/2009/02/27/is-cancun-safe.htm

that article has some relevant links.

seeing as you are young and your main concern in this thread is drinking I just want to ask you as an old fart to exercise some caution. Get some kind of group, even if it is random people you meet on the cruise. Don't go too far off the beaten path. Stick with drinking, do NOT go seek out drugs. Last thing you want to be another person on that Locked up Abroad show.

Oh, I know, totally got to think about the drug war thing. What I meant with 'off the beaten track' was more the places the crew would usually go to, not so over-populated with tourists, but still safe and with people from the ship around.

By the sounds of it, incubus, you're still wanting to spend time with family (well, with your grandad anyways!), so the alcohol on board thing shouldn't be as big an issue if he's buying, though I'm pretty sure Smurph is correct in saying you can drink on board at 18. There are some lovely bars, with some terrific views, so I'm sure you'll have a blast just sitting in those with a drink checking out the ladies. Sounds like the Viking Crown Lounge will be a good place to go, as it is at the top of the ship and so will have the best views. Apparently its also a dance club at night, so it may be worth checking out, even if you only go the once.

If you think of any other questions, I'll do my best to answer them, or see if I can get hold of my fiance and ask him for you. He spent a year on board a few vessels, and 6 months cruising around the Carribean islands, so he should be able to answer pretty much anything. I hope you have an awesome time though! Let us know how it went when you come back.

OH! And totally go to the formal dining hall. I never got to go (my fiance couldn't really go as he worked there, unless he booked very far in advance, and I wasn't gonna go eat in there on my own!), but during safety training I got to see it, and it looked really nice. I hear the food in there is great too.

Which reminds me, another point, be prepared to grab your life jacket, find your assembly point and sit around for 45 minutes or so for the safety training. Your assembly point should be on the back of your state room door, so memorise it. You'll do that on the first day, an hour or two into the start of the cruise (i.e. after you leave the dock).

Anyway, I'll shut up now. HAVE FUN!!!

Oh no no please go on, everything your telling me is pretty much new to me so it's good to know. BTW I know you may not have experience on my exact ship but does RC serve sushi at their dining halls or at least have a japanese restaurant?

Hmmm... Well, looking at the deck plans, I can't see one. Independence of the Seas had sushi, but that was because it had a little asian restaurant called Jade, which I can't see on the Grandeur. Here is the link to the deck plans, so you can take a look for yourself at what there is. You'll notice plenty of bars!

Do you know if your cruise stops off in Labadee? My fiance really liked that place. It's a Royal Carribean private resort... basically just a stretch of beach on Haiti, but it is fenced off from the rest of the island and patrolled by armed guards, lol. It is apparently beautiful though.

I can't think of anything else to tell you off the top of my head. Feel free to ask anything though! You're making me want to go on a cruise now... if only I could afford it. I'd suggest to my fiance going on one for our honeymoon, but since he's worked on them for a year I don't think he'd want to go back... it would probably just remind him too much of working!

The layout looks pretty good, looks like my room is alllllll the way at the back of the boat. Which reminds me, are there certain parts of the ship that "rock" more than the others? Also whats the age restriction on the casinos?

oddment · April 2009

Now... ship rocking... I was on the Independence, which had some kind of fancy stabalisers, so it didn't rock a whole lot. It was barely noticeable. I'm not sure what the Grandeur is like as it is an older ship, but I'm pretty sure all cruise liners these days have some sort of stabaliser. I don't think rocking is going to be a massive problem... a gentle sway perhaps.

As for the casino, I'm not entirely sure. As I'm from the UK, the legal age for gambling is 18, and as I'm 24 I didn't really think to ask. I'm going to guess that you should be okay though. If it is anything like the casino on the Independence (which was also called Casino Royale... a lot of the entertainment areas, bars and restaurants have the same names ship to ship) it'll be nice, and they'll hold poker tournaments and the like. I remember those being expensive to enter though.

i n c u b u s · April 2009

Sounds good, I appreciate all the responses oddment!

MichaelLC · April 2009

oddment wrote: »

Oh, something just came to mind. A lot of people on the ships just treat the place and the crew like shit.

"Have the boy lay out my formal shorts!"
"The boy, sir?"
"You. You lay out my formal shorts"

i n c u b u s · April 2009

MichaelLC wrote: »

oddment wrote: »

Oh, something just came to mind. A lot of people on the ships just treat the place and the crew like shit.

"Have the boy lay out my formal shorts!"
"The boy, sir?"
"You. You lay out my formal shorts"

Haha I can def see how people can treat the employees like this. Personally I try not to be impolite or rude in public at all times, partially because I'm very "socially awkward." It's a big pet peave of mine to not properly thank anyone for doing something for you.

Liquid Hellz · April 2009

What I have done many times in the past before I was 21 and even after I turned 21 was to put liquor into water bottles and then just put it in my luggage. I have done this for numerous cruises with multiple pieces of luggage and multiple bottles and have never once been caught. We once had 6 people with 8 pieces of luggage and managed to bring 30+ water bottles full of liquor on. I have friends who have just put the bottles of liquor(glass) or beer(glass) in their luggage and it got through just fine. Then you just fill your flask or cup up and go down to the drink station and put your free juice of choice in it.

Another thing is try not to miss the dinners, especially the formal ones. The food is amazing, try to get one of each dish or at least try everything. I love the dinners because I find new and amazing food I never knew I liked.

In Grand Cayman you should definitely try to make it out to Atlantis, just to say you went. Its a really nice place and has a casino if your into that.

Liquid Hellz · April 2009

Oh yeah, the liquor thing I did was with Carnival, though I don't see why it would make a difference, and have heard of it working for RC.

Scrublet · April 2009

i n c u b u s wrote: »

Can I drink on the ship in international waters even though I'm technically not of age yet? If not can I bring some bottles on board with me?

No. Right off the bat, a bunch of cruise lines (including this one) won't let you reserve unless you're with an adult above a certain age. This killed a cruise plan one of my friends intended on going on, as the group was aged 19-22 and everyone 19 and 20 years old had to bail. Even once you're on the boat, the whole international water thing is kind of a farce as far as cruise lines go. From the Royal Carribbean site: short answer is NO, you will not be drinking legally under 21 on the boat. This isn't the end of the world because it is insanely expensive.

As far as smuggling liquor onto the boat, I have no idea how often they catch people doing it, and from people in here it sounds like you might get away with it. Be aware though that IF they catch you doing it, they are fully within their rights to kill your ticket, no refund. I believe security falls under the TSA, and I can say that during my skiing flights and a couple work flights in the past year, my bags have come back with that "this-bag-was-inspected" note much more than I would have expected.

Liquid Hellz · April 2009

my bags have come back with that "this-bag-was-inspected" note much more than I would have expected.

This has happened to me but only upon exiting the ship to come back to U.S. soil.

MichaelLC · April 2009

Yeah.... don't try to smuggle booze onto the ship.

The rewards are minimal, and the cost, either a) you sitting a the port while your family leaves, or b) your family loses the entire trip, no refunds, or c) B plus jail/burly man time.

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