penumbra

Gotta take a break from all the news today, so thought I'd post something in a happier vein.

My wife and I are going to celebrate 30 years (bows to the applause) of wedded bliss (well, mostly bliss) by taking a cruise to sunny Mexico. After consultation with cruise-experienced friends and family, we settled on an 8 day Holland America Sea of Cortez trip later this month. The trip makes stops in Cabo, Mazatlan, Pichilingue (La Paz) and Loreto. Have already decided on the following shore excursions: a scuba trip in Cabo, a clambake in Loreto, and a kayak trip in Mazatlan.

Have read a number of Cruise FAQ sites on the web and just finished reading the book Cruise Ship Blues.

I think we're pretty well prepared and know what to expect, but always interested in more info, advice, etc.

Just so you know, neither one of us has ever been on a cruise before, or been to Mexico (although I have a vague, alcohol-shrouded recollection of leaving Ft. Ord sometime in 1968 on a 3 day pass with the intent of hitchhiking to Tiajuana - the results of that effort, though, are a matter of some speculation).

Any comments, suggestions, insults, sarcasm, bad jokes?

Kinross

Well if your anywhere aroung 6' or above you may be uncomfortable. Seriously all the furniture, sinks, beds. ect are shrunken to make the place look more roomy.

Godless Dave

Skip the art auctions, they're a ripoff.

Walross

Damn, I thought this thread was going to be about who to tip on a Cruise ship, and how much. Now that I think about it though, that's something you might want to look into penumbra. Have fun on your trip and congratulations on the anniversary,

Walross

Babylon Sister

Tips from a veteran cruiser:

1. Eat everything you want. If you've never had escargot, have some. If you want 2 lobsters, have them. If the steak isn't perfect, send it back.
2. Always try at least one of the featured drinks of the day (if you imbibe that is).
3. Get all dressed up for the midnight buffett and eat one of evrything. (But be careful. The chef gets cranky if you scoop into the butter swan.)
4. Have your picture taken at every opportunity.
5. Talk to everyone. Even if they don't speak english.
6. Spend an evening dancing at the night club.
7. Order a hamburger from room service at 4 am just for the fun of it.
8. Have fun! Have fun! Have fun!

But seriously:
Wear your sunscreen!!! If you aren't used to "the little lattitudes", you might supprised what kind of burn you can get even through 8 days of SPF 15. (This is the voice of experience speaking.)

penumbra

Good tips so far!!

Re: tipping the staff - HA has a "no tipping required" policy that I have been told really works, although I am going prepared to reward good service.

Re: sunscreen - I'm cheating, going to a tanning place a couple of times a week right now, just to avoid become a boiled lobster myself!!!

Re: room size - thanks, I''l expect that (I'm 6'), even though we've booked a verandah suite (after 30 years you gotta splurge a little!)

Appreciate the tip on the art auctions - I expected as much.

BioBeing

We looked into a cruise for our honeymoon (5 years ago Friday), and the travel agent suggested that we go on practice cruise first to see if we liked it. How's that for a tip for you!

(We ended up going to the BVI, and NOT using a travel agent!)

Never

I haven't been to the areas you are going to, but have been on 2 cruises.
On our shore trip to Mexico to visit ruins at Tulum (and I KNOW I spelled that wrong), we were nearly eaten alive by mosquitos. Use bug repellant if going anywhere like that.
One evening of one trip, the waves were so high that the water was swishing out of the pools and it was hard to walk. Some were getting seasick. I had trouble sleeping because of the movement.
Be prepared. My daughter came down with a fever one night and luckly I had packed Tylenol and such. The gift shops were closed by then.
We didn't realize on the first cruise that we had to dress up for every dinner.
Have a great time!

Dark Jedi

Here's one from the wife:

If you get seasick, go sit in the hottub for a while. The motion of the ship is greatly buffered, and you adjust to it much faster.

(She gets motion sickness from the earth rotating, sometimes... )

Jane Bovary

Beware of exorbitant laundry fees. On my one and only cruise they charged 10 dollars to wash one pair of jeans...so either bring plenty of clothes or be prepared to wash clothes yourself in the tiny sink and then find somewhere to hang them in the tiny room.

Unless you're rich and can afford it...in which case don't worry.