The Unexpected

I finally joined the elite club of people who can proudly brag about their fantastic and lavish cruise vacation. The mere thought of it brings back the memories of a lifetime, the crystal clear blue ocean, the cascading sound of warm breeze on the shoreline and the picturesque locales in some of the most exotic places of the world. Thoughts can be equally scary of sea sickness, rough seas, bad weather leading to being indoor all cruise long and the pathetic food on the cruise lines.

For me, I was lucky enough to sail from the cold waters of Baltimore to the warm caribbean ocean and the beautiful island of Bahamas. A 7 day long cruise with my family and no tensions aboard of work, meeting deadlines and managing projects for team was the best thing that I was looking for. Equally important was the respite from cold that we wanted by heading south in the warm Caribbean waters.

Below are my thoughts that I have elaborated for first time cruisers like us who are always looking for some guidance and tips and overcoming their fear of cruising. I hope, I will be able to do justice from my experience and provide some insight of what to expect and what not to expect.

Cruise Planning

1) Plan your cruise in advance (at least 3-4 months if possible). This way you'll be able to get a decent pricing/deal on the cruise of your choice.

2) Don't out rightly book from travel websites or calling up agents. Yes, they do offer some good deals at times, but do your homework and check this website [Cruise Compete] I used them to gain the least possible rate for my trip and on my terms and conditions.

3) Once booked, complete all formalities relative to your cruise documentation early on. Don't wait till last minute.

4) Call cruise line a week or just 2 days before the date of departure and check for complimentary upgrades. If the cruise is not fully sold (hardly a possibility), they may upgrade you to a better room.

Getting to Cruise

1) Request a friend to drop you off to the port (save $$$) and have them pick up as well (will require you to bring some souvenir back from cruise)

2) Reach early at port and get all the required documentation completed (visa/passport etc). It's funny that even though we had Bahamas visa, the port authority did not even bother to check it (as if they really don't care to see who is going to Bahamas)

3) Once on-board, definitely go up to the higher decks to get an awesome view of the port and city.

4) Do not miss the safety drill (Yes, the cruise line won't depart from port if you aren't there)

5) Tip your Cabin Steward the very first day so that he can take care of you all along your cruise for any request even at 2 AM

On The Cruise

1) Eat, Eat and Eat a lot.... yeah that's what people say.... you will at least gain 5 pounds before you realize anything. I think it's ok if you start dieting or shed off the flab before the cruise.

2) Explore the ship the first day. Grab the ships detailed plan (map) and start marking areas that you want to explore. We headed to the Camp Carnival (Day Care for Children) to register our son.

3) Book the tours that you want to do on port of calls. Although expensive, sometimes it's convenient to get it on-board and not worry about transportation back and forth.

4) You don't have to book all the on-shore trips at once. Wait to get off ship at certain ports of call and you may get lucky in getting a better deal. Bahamas (Nassau) for example had offered $25 per person city tour which was offered at a much higher price for the same kind of transport.

5) Engage in as many activities that you want on cruise (Casinos/Discos/Games/Shows etc)

6) Definitely visit the spa. It's just so relaxing and refreshing. **Hint** - Try booking on a day when ship is at the port of call. It's cheap.

7) Definitely do the formal night dinner (at least twice).

8) Request for special meal (if required) a day before your dinner. This way, the chefs inside can cater to your request.

9) Definitely get posed in front of camera on formal nights. This is a once in lifetime experience and you don't want to miss it.

10) Relax and enjoy the sea. It's really amazing. Go to the top deck and just grab a chair and admire the calm winds and sound of ocean.

11) Put your kids in day care (as many times you want.. it's free after all) and enjoy the togetherness with your partner in a sensuous massage or just a stroll on the deck with the sun setting in front of you.

Ports of Call

1) Get out early from ship and spend the maximum time off the ship.

2) Plan ahead and stick to original plan (circumstances may change plans, but generally follow your thoughts....)

3) Do one or two things rather than everything at port of call (it's just impossible to handle everything in the limited time you have)

4) Obey the rules from Cruise line to return back to ship. Trust me, they will leave you behind if you are late.

5) Stack up on gift items. They are cheap and yes, people do haggle and bargain even in US (Port Canaveral)

The Journey Ends Here

1) Keep a close eye on instructions as provided for off boarding on television

2) If possible carry out your own luggage (instead of requesting a pick up). This will save you time while off boarding

3) Check your bill (might give you a sticker shock) when off boarding. All tips and other sundry expenses are added by default by the cruise line.

4) Last but not the least, capture the memories and good times that you have spent on cruise for a lifetime. I remember waking up the first morning still thinking that I was on cruise and had to go to deck 9 (Lido Deck) to have breakfast.

In all, our first time cruise was a remembrance, the thoughts of which will hardly be erased from our mind and heart. I wish I can do it again (not the same year), this time also with my extended family and or friends.

Happy Cruising!!!