Many times we are intimidated by the sheer size of the ship we are on. Instead of just having your nose in the map of levels and locations - think about this... There are many chances to view art, and learn about artists while having a sip or two of champagne; free shows provided by talented bartenders and ship staff, you can enjoy liquor; wine, even coffees and teas during an informed 'tasting'. Also, the evening shows are varied and enjoyable. How about just hanging out at a great location and people watching. You can do it in a cafe' like setting, old time bar and grill, or perhaps lounging at a beautiful pool with great music. Don't rush to get off the ship when there are so many things to see and do on it. It's all part of the package, be adventurous on board, and enjoy what your ship has to offer! Bonnie

Posted By Bonnie Winkelman on February 3, 2011, 1:34 PM

Bonnie,
What an excellent suggestion...staying aboard at the next port and exploring the ship.
Now if you can reveal how to avoid the 'Dreaded Single Premium' imposed by the cruise lines that would REALLY be a help. Thanks.

Posted By Jack on February 7, 2011, 9:35 PM

I've been cruising since '98. I cruise with different folks -- friend, mom, husband, son, colleagues. Sometimes we've played a game -- Get Off This Ship Without Spending A Dime. It's hard, but doable. Anyone who eats even once at the buffet is cheating themselves; I never do it. (And I've never gotten sick on a cruise, either.) The dining room is all-you-can-eat, too, you just have to ask your server. You can try all the starters, all the desserts, if you want. On my last cruise (just last month), our waiter kept bringing us lobster until we were DONE. Anyone who thinks they need to shell out for a nice meal at a "specialty" restaurant on board must not be enjoying themselves as much as I do in the dining room each evening. (I suspect it's the same food, just in an even more dressed-up atmosphere free from tablemates and small children.) I go to the dining room or order room service. (It's included in your cruise fare, but I always tip a dollar or two, especially if I request something that's not on the standard menu, as I often do.) I don't consider losing money in a smoky, smelly casino part of my fun, so I don't. (In much of the U.S., you can gamble within a short drive of your home; why do it on a cruise?) I bring a cheap, no-one-would-want-to-steal-this disposable camera and take my own pictures instead of buying the ones made on board. (With great results; on-board staff members and other cruisers are more than happy to take a snap.) If we DO want one of the photos, we split the cost and make copies or upload to Facebook when we get home. I enjoy the steamroom and sauna and hot tub in the spa GRATIS, but spa appointments/treatments/products just take too much time and money; the hard sell on products takes the pleasure out of the facial. The only excursion I EVER booked through a ship was on my first visit to Rome, and I more than got my money's worth from a guide who was fabulous. I never, EVER use the ship's computers in the "internet" area. I take my own laptop and use it on land, in port, only when I HAVE to for work or family issues. It's a nice chance to sit in a local internet cafe for half an hour and, for the price of a cup of coffee or glass of wine, access the web. By that time, the crowds have thinned and I find a local taxi driver or tour guide who's ready at that point to cut their price for what amounts to a private excursion to EXACTLY where I want to go (and nowhere else) at a fraction of what the ship will charge and in a way that stimulates the local economy. On-board excursions seem largely populated by the elderly, the disabled, inexperienced and even timid travelers and those with kids, all of whom slow you down anyway. (Your waiter will be glad to tell you where the crew members go in port to check their own email cheaply, and the folks THERE can steer you toward a reputable and hopefully hungry and knowledgeable local guide.) If I HAVE to use a computer on board, I take my OWN to the Seattle's Best/Starbucks/Ben&Jerry's/Whatever (where they're charging people for fancy coffee and ice cream that those same folks could have delivered to their room or get in the dining room or at the buffet for FREE) and I use the Wifi hotspot there, where it is MUCH faster (meaning, cheaper) than in the "internet" area of the ship. And I never, EVER, use my cell phone on a ship to send or receive calls OR texts. My exception to what many might consider miserliness is tipping: I tip generously, in cash placed in an envelope with a personal note and given in person at the end of the cruise, and it has come back to me in spades in terms of what I call Travel Karma. Before the cruise, I send an email requesting the small things that make life nicer -- a pair of fluffy spa robes ready in the room when we arrive; late seating at a table alone with my party, so we can linger in port and get ready for dinner at a relaxed pace, watch the sunset, and avoid noisy families and rushed servers at dinner; and a balcony upgrade if I can get it and haven't booked it. (Never hurts to ask and yes, it's happened.) I bring a highlighter for everyone in my party, and we each read our daily cruise newsletter and highlight what we want to do, especially on sea days, so we don't miss anything. I shop for on-board souvenirs and goodies on the LAST day, when they get marked down. After the cruise, I join the cruise line's loyalty program (free), and I write a letter to the cruise line praising my servers. It is almost always deserved. So, yes, lots of stuff is offered, for a price, same as anywhere. You just have to say no, and that's easier to do when you've provided yourself with pleasant and less expensive (or even free) alternatives.

Posted By Toni on February 10, 2011, 2:13 PM

Hello! I've NEVER been on a cruise before but I can still tell you why I'm the best cruiser...

I'm afraid of going OVERBOARD on speed so I like to let CRUISE CONTROL take over!

Posted By Clarice on March 15, 2011, 12:09 PM

Hello! I've NEVER been on a cruise but I can still tell you why I'm the best cruiser...

I wouldn't want to go OVERBOARD on speed & miss any detail of my trip, so I'd like to let CRUISE CONTROL take over!

Posted By Clarice on March 15, 2011, 12:13 PM