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Royal Caribbean International is a good choice for 'first timers.'
Photo Credit: Kevin Sweigard, Senior Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web |
1. Beauty Salon
Make your appointment as soon as you get on the ship because, appointment times fill up quickly. Service prices are parallel to those on land, and an array of services can be chosen from to include, but not limited to: typical hair treatments, pedicures, waxings of all sorts, and so much more.
2. Cashless Cruising
When on board you can set up an account linked to your stateroom and key card. You will have two options, cash or credit card. If you don't want to be as tempted to spend money on the ship--go with cash--otherwise, swipe the plastic! Every time you make a purchase at any location on the ship, your signature will be required. At the end of your cruise, a bill will be prepared and sent to your stateroom stating all the charges that you made on your account. Be sure to take care of the bill prior to the last day on the ship. The line of guest trying to clear their bills can be very extensive. Be Proactive!
3. Casino
The Casino on board is for your enjoyment. Photography may or may not be allowed in the Casino (on most cruise ships it is banned). If you are a novice or a little rusty at a certain game, casino floor workers are more than willing to help sharpen your skills at no additional charge. Royal Caribbean International Cruise Line abides by Nevada Gaming Control Board Regulations. Most table games have a $5.00 minimum and $200.00 maximum. If you play the slot machines, and win, just be aware that your winnings may be subject to WG-2 tax withholding.
4. Comment Cards
At the end of your cruise, you will be asked to fill out a comment card; please be 100% honest (do not hold back). The only way the company can improve, is if you share the truthfulness of your experiences and interaction on the cruise vacation. You may be hassled by your stateroom steward, and/or dining room crew to give them excellent or superior ratings--if that is what you feel they deserve, then give it to them. Do not let them pressure you into rating them as excellent, if your service was craptacular. Hopefully your cruise will be cruisetacular :)!
5. Daily Bulletin(s)
These are issued every day and can be accessed from the information desk, as well as in your stateroom (one should be delivered to your room every night). It will list all the activities going on around the ship at all hours of the day and night. When you return from dinner in the dining room, the next day’s bulletin should be in your stateroom (be sure to read it especially on sea days)! It will keep you from boredom (but let's face it, how can you be bored when you're on an innovative ocean-going vessel? If you are, something is definitely wrong)!
6. Gift Shops
The gift shop has everything that you may have left at home. Toothbrushes, cameras, and all kinds of snacks can be found in the shops on-board. The hours the gift shop is open will be posted outside the doors to the shop. Normally, they are not open when the ship is in port, or during the time when initial embarkation and final disembarkation occur.
7. Library
The library is a great place to retreat whenever you have the urge for a moment of solitude on-board. Small fees (that are refundable) may be required to check out books that are within the ship’s library. I recommend bringing your own books to save the hassle. Also, board games can be played in the library (they are free, but must remain in the library)!
8. Photographs
Professional photographers are all over the ship! From when you first embark the vessel, to the deck parties, to the dining rooms every night. They do not charge you up front to take pictures. They are on the higher end, with post card pictures beginning at over $10.00 a piece. In short, go get you picture taken, and if you do not like it keep sailing with the ocean! But take loads of pictures yourself, and ask the crew members to take your pictures with your digital. They are getting paid, and you are on vacation, so enjoy and capture every moment of it! Also, the cruise line will prohibit you from taking pictures with your personal camera of the photographs in the photo displays around the ship.
9. Reception/Information/Guest Relations Desk
Open 24 hours! Feel free to ask them any and all questions. If you lose something or need information about anything, just give them a shout!
10. Room Service
Normally, Room Service is 24 hours and is free, but a tip may be suggested for the stateroom steward that will be delivering the food to your cabin. Tip at your personal discretion.
Hopes this helps you novice cruisers! Your ship awaits, Bon Voyage!
*Some content used, was excerpted from the book, Cruising: All Questions Answered by Douglas Ward.
Ward, Douglas. Cruising: All Questions Answered. Long Island City, New york: Apa Publications Co., 2008.
