DJ Cruise - Past Cruises and Advice

Yes! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget, from the cost-conscious to the most luxurious. Even more important, a cruise offers the best travel value for your money. Your fare includes all meals, your cabin, onboard daytime activities, nighttime parties and entertainment. So for once, you'll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. (Your only extra expenses will be drinks, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.)

If we could only predict the future. Officially, the National Hurricane Service states that hurricane season starts on June 1 and ends November 31st. That's 6 months of the year. However, history has shown us the the greatest concentration of hurricane and tropical storm activity tends to be between late August and mid-October.

Hardly. Being at sea gives you a feeling of freedom few places can offer. There's plenty of room. And it'll probably take you two or three days just to discover what's onboard. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring new and exciting ports of call. Cruise ships are like floating resorts with all the things fine resorts have to offer. You can be by yourself and lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing view. Or, you can join in exercise classes, dance classes, sports contests and other organized deck activities. Perhaps you can practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or shoot some baskets. You can go for a swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can see a feature movie, attend a lecture by renowned experts, play backgammon or bridge. And that's just when you're onboard!

Not really. The most popular cruise areas boast some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, advance availability of accurate weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort. There are also new wrist bands that work very well and can be bought at most drugstores. In the unlikely event that motion sickness becomes a problem, you have the peace of mind knowing that the ship doctor is available to give medications to alleviate those symptoms.

So much you'll have a hard time choosing! You can go off on your own. Or take a guided tour. You can search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, a bicycle down the side of a 10,000 foot volcano, or ride a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. See the birthplace of civilization or listen to steel drum bands. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a water-skiing boat. If there's still time (and you aren't ready to rest yet), enjoy a folkloric show. Play golf or tennis. Eat native foods. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some of the world's best beaches. Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel, or go scuba diving. Go to a nightclub or glittering casino. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs. In short, a cruise is the easiest way to see new places and do all the things you dream of. Cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of destinations that you may want to return to for another vacation...and you never have to pack and unpack the destinations come to you!

Well, then don't - although if everybody felt that way I think they would run out of transportation real fast. You can do what you want in port. You will either tender (small boat to shore) or dock. It depends on the port and how many ships are there. But if you tender it will usually be done efficiently.

You can take tours arranged by the ship, take your own tours (rent a car, cab, etc.), just walk into town, or stay on the ship. You can have lunch on the ship - you can always come back, even with tender, they run all the time. If it's an all-day tour, and they will usually include lunch. The half-day tours are timed to get you back for lunch (or leave after lunch).

They will review all the tours for you on the ship and you should go if you're interested. Even if you want to do it on your own, you may pick up some ideas.

In the Caribbean and Alaska you certainly don't have to take tours - but many people do and are quite happy with them.

Ship tours are usually well organized and usually well worth the money. We know sometimes you can do it cheaper on your own, but remember that you are also paying for a guide, admissions, etc. Not to mention peace of mind - the ship won't leave until all the tours are back. If you go on your own you may have to build in extra time to be sure you won't miss the ship.

On a cruise, you do what you want to. You can do everything. Or lie back and do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation.

32% of cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines make a special point of providing supervised activities for youngsters, especially during school holidays. If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies, and the adventure of new places, they'll love a family cruise. You'll find the kids adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The cruise staff will help keep them busy and entertained. Best of all, children generally travel at a substantially reduced rate.

At night, life aboard a cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing; live entertainment in nightclubs, discos and lounges; feature films; and parties with all your new friends. Most ships even have casinos. There are also many special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, the Masquerade Parade, the Late Night Buffet (just for one last bite to tide you over until breakfast). And the night can go on as long as you want. Even until the spectacle of sunrise at sea.

Never. On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover. No minimum. No charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live. The movies are first-rate. The variety is limitless.

A cruise ship is a great place to make new friends, because everyone's so friendly. The atmosphere is cordial, relaxed. And you'll have all kinds of things in common to talk about. At dinner. At cocktails. Around the pool. Or along the promenade rail. And don't be surprised if you find yourself making arrangements to meet them aboard ship again next year.

No matter what you've heard to the contrary, there's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All kinds of people take cruises...of all ages...from all walks of life...singles, couples and families. Passengers can vary from ship to ship and cruise to cruise.

Cruising is ideal for people traveling alone, because it's so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships have parties just for singles early on, so you can start to be involved right away. Most ships also have single cabins as well as single rates for double staterooms. In many cases, a cruise line will even find you a roommate to share a double if you ask them.

Believe it or not- there is a secret. It's called attitude. I believe that if you go in with a positive attitude - you will have a good time. This may be put to the test when the ship starts to sink - but even then you can get pictures and get rich selling them to CNN. :-)

We have found that a cruise is what you make of it. The cruise line provides the resources, and it is up to you how to use them. And recognize that everything can't be just the way you want it. With 1,000 to 3,000 people on board they have to keep everyone happy - more or less.

Get to know the crew members - dining room staff, cruise director and staff, your cabin steward, etc. I think it makes a difference it you show some interest and you might even learn something. I always find out where the people are from, etc.

Of course there are people who will never be happy - we've run into a few on cruises. Just remember, these people are HAPPY - being unhappy is their goal. I think some of these people may have a computer :-).

A good source might be your library - they may have guidebooks on cruising (Fodor's, Frommer's, Berlitz, etc.). Of course, you can also buy these right from our website.

There are magazines for the consumer. The most popular one is Cruise Travel. It comes out every other month and costs about $12/year. If you want to get just one, this is the one we would recommend.

Two others are Ocean Cruise News and Porthole. They are for the more serious cruisers. Ocean Cruise News is more like a newsletter (16 pages). No advertising, $28/year. Porthole has changed, unfortunately, and is now more of an industry magazine. (They may not agree with this assessment!). $20/year.

The one major complaint we hear over and over again is that cruises end far too soon! Beyond that, it's hard to find any negatives. After all, you don't have to run to make plane connections to get from one port to the next. You don't have the hassles of making dinner or nightclub reservations. You don't have the bother of packing and unpacking as you move from place to place. You don't get unexpected, expensive surprises at restaurants or nightclubs. You have a wealth of options for shopping, adventure, sightseeing, exploring, entertaining and sports activities. All you have to worry about is relaxing and enjoying your vacation. Most importantly, every crew and staff member onboard is dedicated to making your cruise vacation the best vacation of your life (until you top it next year with your next cruise!)

This year, give your family the all-inclusive fun of a family vacation. It's the sure way to please everyone!

For the kids, on all of the major cruiselines, offering all kinds of supervised high-energy activities for four age groups, from 2 to teens.

During the cruise, your kids will have tons of fun! As soon as your children come aboard, they'll find a special welcome from the counselors in the program designed just for their age group.

They will explore the ship, enjoy all kinds of games, parties, talent shows, participate in fun food events, arts, crafts, contests, movies and a whole lot more - all under the friendly and competent supervision of Adventure Ocean counselors. And, they'll make lots of new friends.

These super popular, year-round children's program has been designed to include a wide range of fun activities for every age group, from age 2 through teens. Every ship counselor is either college-educated in a related field, has professional childcare experience, or both. So, they're uniquely qualified and dedicated to make sure your children are safe happy and having the time of their lives!

They'll have a blast and you'll feel very comfortable knowing our counselors are carefully chosen for their education and experience in child care. Counselors can even provide baby-sitting services.

For the grownups, (when you're not acting like kids) there are glamorous Vegas-style shows with no cover or minimum, the lively action of a friendly casino, a choice of exciting lounges, an intimate piano bar and a late night dance club.

There are also many pleasures your family can enjoy together, including fabulous meals, fun sports and games, all kinds of entertainment and the pampering service these ships are famous for - all included for one low price!

You'll have the option of at least three pools, acres of deck space, many informal dining choices, even an arcade (if your kids let you join them).

Plus, think of the fun your gang will have snorkeling, shopping duty-free and exploring every new port of call.

Getting married is a joyous occasion - or at least it should be. With all the arrangements that have to be made and the coordination it involves, it’s enough to drive any bride crazy before the big event! Why not let the cruise lines take care of all your wedding needs? We can coordinate your ceremony, cater your reception and take care of your honeymoon! Join the more than 2,000 couples who combined their honeymoon cruise with one of their shipboard or shoreside wedding packages available in all of the US homeports and such beautiful ports as San Juan, St. Thomas, Grand Cayman and Catalina Island.

These affordable, all-inclusive packages include a civil ceremony, a decorated bridal aisle, a champagne toast with keepsake flutes, a wedding cake with topper, photography services and an engraved wedding announcement suitable for framing. Couples can also customize their wedding options with such value-added "extras" as post-ceremony receptions with open bar and hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, ice carvings, live music and videography services.

The first thing to remember is that you're on vacation and you are aboard the Adventure of the Seas is to have a good time. The second thing to remember is to travel light. If you keep those two things in mind, you should do just fine. Casual attire and resort wear is the order of the day both on board and ashore. Shorts, slacks, sundresses, blouses, etc., are in line for women. Clothing for men is just as casual. You should bring a pair of rubber-soled sandals or sneakers to wear on deck and a pair of good walking shoes. You might also want to consider bringing along a sweater or jacket for cool evenings and inexpensive rain gear in case of a sudden shower. Women may want to bring along a hat or scarf.

You'll have a chance to dress up on two nights during the cruise for the Captain's Cocktail Party and the Gala Farewell Dinner. We suggest either formal dress or a dark suit or tuxedo for men. On the other evenings you can dress casually for dinner. That includes sport shirts for men and slacks for women (no shorts, bathing attire, vests, or tank tops, please).

U.S. currency and travelers' checks are accepted in most ports of call. Though traveler's checks are safe and convenient, it's also advisable to bring a reasonable amount of U.S. currency for use on board and in port.

You may cash a personal check up to $250 on board when accompanied by your American Express card, $200 without an American Express. Visa, MasterCard and American Express charge cards are accepted in the larger shops in port.

All major cruiselines have onboard passes that allow you to charge all your purchases directly to your personal account for all on board purchases and in the Spa. Your card is not valid for some gaming or for waiter, cabin steward gratuities or purchases on islands. Registration with your American Express, Visa, MasterCard or Discover card takes place at embarkation or on board the ship at the Information Desk.

Guests who are non-citizens of either the U.S. or Canada must have a valid passport and a valid multiple re-entry visas (which is normally required for re-entry.)

Customs

Customs is rarely the ordeal many people imagine it will be. In fact, it's usually a brief but formal check of luggage and declared merchandise. If you keep everything in perspective, you can help make it all very easy. Just remember that Customs Inspectors are there to protect us from smugglers and illegal imports - not to harass happy travelers. Everyone and everything must clear Customs. Your cooperation will make it easier for everyone involved.

Claiming your luggage has been simplified by color-coding your baggage tags. If your bag has been given a green tag, you simply go to the area where green tagged luggage is being claimed. Easy? You bet! When you get a lot of bags together, it's easy to make a mistake and pick up the wrong bag. So, check and make sure that your name is on your bag and you've picked up the right one. If your luggage is left at the pier, it will be forwarded to you at your expense. Claims for lost or damaged luggage must be made in writing with our debarkation personnel before you leave the pier area.

Part of going through Customs consists of declaring merchandise you've purchased abroad and are bringing back into the country. You'll fill out your Customs Declaration Form while on board and present it to the Customs Inspector when actually going through Customs. The instructions on the form should be self-explanatory. However, you'll also find a thorough explanation of Customs procedures and debarkation procedures in the "Carnival Capers" on the last evening of your cruise. Your Cruise Director will also provide a debarkation briefing prior to the last day of your cruise. If you have any questions, please ask him. He's there to offer any assistance you may need.

You must declare all merchandise you've purchased abroad and are bringing back into the United States or Canada. That includes items you've purchased in "duty-free" shops and in port. It also includes items you have begun to use or are wearing. However, it doesn't include items which have been sent back, and will be assessed a duty when they enter the country.

U.S. residents are permitted up to $1200 (retail) of duty free purchase, including 5 liters of liquor per adult for cruises which call at St Thomas. Of that, no more than $600, including 1 liter of liquor, maybe purchased in other ports. Other restrictions may apply. This information is subject to change at any time, and should only be used as a guide. Specific information will be provided aboard ship. Non-U.S. residents must comply with customs laws in their country. Check with Customs for guidelines on current customs requirements.

A Special Note To DJ Cruise Passengers: We will be using small hand-held portable radios for communication on the cruise. We will be using the UHF radios that have 14 main channels, AND 38 SUB-CHANNELS. If you own a radio with the 38 sub channels, please bring it with you! We will let you know what the "official DJ Cruise" channel combination is just prior to the cruise.

PACKING
Remember to put any medications and your passport/birth certificate in your carry-on. DO NOT CHECK THESE IN! If something happens to your luggage can you do without your medication for a couple of days? Also, make sure to keep your meds in the original containers. If authorities see them, they want to make sure that the meds are legal and belong to you. If they are in the original containers, they won’t hassle you. Foreign jails are no fun!

Items to include in your carry-on:
Cruise documents
Passport, ORIGINAL birth certificate or other required ID
Medications in original containers, motion sickness aids
Money, traveler's checks, plastic
Valuable items (camera, jewelry, etc)

If you are going as a couple, split your items between two pieces of luggage. Put half of her clothes in his bag and half of his clothes in her bag. If your luggage gets lost or delayed, this way you have at least some of your clothes.

Talking about clothes, I found this on Hints from Heloise (it’s a little personal but it makes a lot of sense). If you have older clothes (including shoes, shirts, even undergarments), don’t throw them out just yet. Bring them on your vacation for one last wear. When you are done, throw them away instead of repacking. This way it is less to bring home, and you have more room for souvenirs.

You do not need to bring a hair dryer or shampoo/conditioner. These will be supplied for you on board the ship as well as some other amenities. If you forget something, the gift shop is pretty complete as well as getting some over-the-counter drugs in the ports - and it was a lot cheaper than here.

Whether it is perfume, or shampoo or medicine, pack all liquids in Ziploc bags. They are tossed around a bit while they are dispersing your luggage and it would be pretty bad if your special cologne got all over your clothes.

I also found out that they do have a mini-laundromat if you want to wash your clothes or you can have the ship do it for you.

Do not break in a new pair of shoes! It could ruin your week. On the same track, if you bought new clothes for the cruise, make sure to try them on before packing. Remember, there will be a lot of food so pack some real comfy clothes for the end of the week.

Pack little stuff inside big stuff to save room (socks into shoes, ties into pockets)

Remember, it will most likely be warm – approximately 85 during the day and down to a ‘freezing’ 60 at night. But bring a light-weight sweater or jacket for cool evenings on deck and inexpensive rain gear in case of a sudden shower. (I actually found a raincoat at the 99 cent store.)

TYPE OF CLOTHES

Formal Wear: tuxedo; suit and tie; sport coat, tie and slacks; evening gown; cocktail dress; pantsuit (There is at least one formal night. Check the itinerary).
Casual Resort Wear: sport shirts and slacks; dresses; skirts; pantsuit; Capri pants
NOTE: Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops and bathing attire are not permitted in the Dining Room during dinner. They are much more lenient during breakfast and lunch.)

For those not wanting to dress up, the Lido Restaurant is open nightly (with the exception of the last evening of the cruise), and have a casual dress code.

Keep this rule in mind: Day = Casual / Evening = Dressy

PACKING FOR EVERYBODY:

Personal hygiene care (deodorant, tooth brush, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss)
Hair care items (comb, brush, spray, gel, shower cap)
Sunscreen (SUGGESTION: whatever you usually use, consider a higher SPF. We will be closer to the equator and you can get burned much easier. Also, if you haven’t purchased sunscreen lately, get new. It actually loses the effectiveness after a year)
Sunglasses and Contact lenses (and extras)
Wind breaker or light jacket
Workout clothes, wrist/headband (they do have a complete gym and sauna)
Water shoes - helps prevent cuts on reefs!
Reading materials
Writing materials, address book or labels
Water bottle for excursions (Think about bringing an empty one in your suitcase so it won’t be heavy. This way you can always fill it up on the ship)
Hats, caps, visors
Fanny pack, tote bag, or better yet, a small backpack
Cameras (flash, video, panoramic) film and batteries (get extra film and batteries before you leave…it is very expensive on board and in all the tourist spots)
Underwater camera if you plan to snorkel
Ziploc bags for wet or leaky stuff
Snorkeling equipment - this can also be rented on board

PACKING FOR LADIES:
Shorts
Tops
Swimwear
Dinner attire (dresses, slacks, pantsuits)
Shoes (formal, walking, sandals) don’t go overboard – they are heavy and take up lots of room
Underwear (don't forget the strapless bra)
Pantyhose, sport socks
Nightwear (pajamas)
Cosmetics and skin care items (moisturizer, hair remover, razor)
Nail care items (clippers, file, polish, remover, KrazyGlue)
Hair accessories (scrunchies, clips, bands)
Belts
Perfume
Jewelry (necklaces, chokers, bracelets, watches, earrings, pins, rings)
Purses

PACKING FOR MEN:
Shorts
T-Shirts, tank tops, short sleeve dress or polos
Dinner attire (suit, shirts, ties, slacks, sport coats)
Tuxedo and accessories
Swimwear
Nightwear (pajamas)
Underwear and socks
Shoes (formal, deck, tennis, sandals)
Jewelry (watches, tie tacks, studs, necklaces, rings)
Shaving items (razor, blades, cord, cream)
Aftershave or cologne

TICKETS
Verify your information right away!

If there are any errors in your tickets LET ME KNOW AT ONCE!
Go to www.carnival.com/mycruise and click on FunPass Quick Check-In. It is very important that you go here before you travel. This will save a lot of time the day we board. They will ask for a booking number. It is located on the ‘FunPass Status Information’ card – DO NOT use the booking number on the top of your ticket packet. It won’t work.

FOOD
Dinner is reserved in the main dining room. Breakfast (7:45 am) and lunch (12:00) are less structured. But there is food served all day – so pace yourself. If you don’t think you will get enough food during the meal, they have 24 hour ice-cream and pizza. The room service is also available 24 hours a day at no extra charge – so if you want that midnight snack in your room, just call them.
More on food – want two entrees at dinner? No problem. Get the beef AND the chicken. There are no extra costs except for drinks (tea and coffee are free). Want something special? Shrimp cocktail every night? Tell the waiter or MaitreD’ the first night and you will have it!

ON SHIP
Look out for strange creatures on your bed at night. I’m not going to say any more – it’s a surprise – and for me, a highlight.
Gratuities: They automatically will add in $10.00 per day per person to your bill on the last day of the cruise. The break out will be in your cabin. If you want to change this, just go to the Information Desk and have it changed. We have found that sometimes the staff does exceptional work or some just ‘sit on their behinds’. Please understand - This amount is entirely up to you and the amount they put down is only a ‘suggestion’.

EXCURSIONS
You can look up and even book the excursions on line before you go. If you book on line, it can be paid off before you sail AND it will be easier to get those real popular tours. Keep in mind, you usually only have time go on one with a little time left over for shopping. Try and book your tours quickly…we would hate for you to miss something you really want to see. Just look over the times carefully when planning. If you have any suggestions, let me know.

IN PORT
When you go on shore, remember to bring a picture ID (passport or Drivers License) and your Sail & Sign account card with you. This is VERY IMPORTANT! You will need both of these items to leave and get back on board. They can refuse your return if you do not have them.
When you go out for the day, don’t forget your sunscreen. If you take a tour, you won’t always know if there will be shade.
When you are on a tour or just walking around in port - Bring a water bottle. Again, you don’t know where you will be able to stop for water (and if it will be drinkable).
You might want to bring a small backpack. It is helpful to carry water, cameras, souvenirs and other small items.
Carry small bills. It makes it easier to negotiate. If you tell the vendors you only have $5.00 and they are asking $7-8.00, they will usually sell it for $5.00. Get change on board before you leave the ship. Most shops will take credit cards also. If you are looking for something expensive, do not hesitate to shop around. Chances are there will be another shop that has a similar item for less (or at least tell them you found it for less and they will bargain.)

DISEMBARKING
Sometimes you are lucky and can get off right away. But usually you have some type of wait. Bring a deck of cards to play while we are waiting. It sure passes the time much faster and we don’t have to deal with the crowds in customs.

MISCELLANEOUS
If you don’t already have them, you might want to pick up some walkie-talkies. On our last cruise, we were able to keep in touch with each other very easily this way. Also, there will be some impromptu events and it would be great to just press a button and put a call out to everybody. They are not real expensive and can definitely be used for your business. They also can be used at events. We have the Motorola Talkabout T5720. It works great and has a range of about 5 miles. Make sure the radios support GMRS and have a 5 mile range. Anything lower is not worth it. Let Alan know if you have any questions on these.
Alcohol: Carnival allows you to bring one bottle of fine wine or champagne on board but no other alcohol. If you consume the wine or champagne at dinner there is a $10.00 corkage fee. If you still want to try and sneak some other booze onboard, keep in mind they x-ray all luggage and if they see anything that looks like a bottle, they will hold your luggage and make you come open it in front of them. Of course many people get those tiny bottles of booze and put them into various parts of their luggage (inside shoes, etc) - so I’m told! But if you buy it at shore, they will keep it for you until you disembark.

MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL – HAVE FUN!!

Age Restrictions On Board the "Fun Ships"

Customs