First Time Cruiser - Thompson Destiny

[neptune]

Advice required on the big 10 DO`s and the big 10 DONTS for a first time cruiser.

What will the weather be like generally for the last week of May.

What should we bring in our suitcase ?

How did you rate the organised days activites on board ? what was the highlight of life on the ship for you ?

Are their nights where formall dress code must be followed ?

Any tips for off ship visits dont fancy spending 2/3 hours in a coach?

Yes folks your right I am really looking foward to bringing my wife off on this trip this is our 25th year together, and our firest cruise hence my enthuasism all replies greatly appreciated

[HW tenpin]

Hello David,
A hail and hearty welcome to hollidaywatchdog.
Most of the tips are already posted in the cruise forum, however just a brief outline of some of them again, as you are first time cruisers. (Click on Thomson cruise forum to the right of your post)
It looks like you are doing the Jewels of the Mediterranean, taking in Majorca, Sicily, Naples, Corsica, Marseille & Barcelona, so expect sunny weather even hot, be careful if getting a tan on the sea day, plenty of cream, the burn factor is far worse at sea, no fumes to block out the sun.
Packing, as a general guideline put what you want to take on the bed, then put half back into the wardrobe. There is a good laundry service on board should you require to have anything washed or cleaned.

Activities on board are plentiful depending what you like, the daily newspaper left in your cabin lists them, we find the quizzes great fun & nice for meeting other passengers. It is a matter of personal choice what you join in or watch most are enjoyable even as a spectator.
Show lounge tends to fill early up to 45 mins before shows, which last about an hour.
Most nights smart casual is accepted, polo shirt, shirt or jumper with slacks, most Ladies dress up a little each night, jeans frowned upon, although I have never seen anyone turned away from dining room, except on Gala night, Captain cocktail party, where minimum jacket and tie are requested. This is my highlight of the cruise, a chance to dress up a bit in my tux. About 50% still do this, but you will not be out of place with a jacket and tie.

Shore side tours on this cruise are easy do, either on your own or one of the ships tours, just be selective from the various tours on offer, again these are listed from brochure in your cabin, or from tour desk. Taxis, open top city tour busses are readily available dockside.
Buffet Magnifique worth going to, as with all cruises you can do as much or as little as you like, the choice is yours.
Hope this answers most of your questions, others can be found in the cruise forum, but any specific ones you have just ask, I'll do my best to answer them.

[motwed]

NEPTUNE

It was our first cruise last year aboard the Destiny for our 30th anniversary and we loved it.

1) Do take out an all inclusive drinks package. The alcohol and the soft drinks can be pricey.
2) We took organised tours, and they were great. They are expensive but we seen alot more than had we made our own way around.
3) Do attend the evening shows they are very proffessional.
4) Take a photocopy of the passports with you when you go ashore. On our crusie several, peaople had their pockets picked.
5) Attend the midnight banquets etc. and the family entertainment nights.
6) On our cruise the weather was poor on the first day and the wind was strong. As a result svereal people were poorly. Take Sea sick pills with you. The ships doctor was charging alot of money for treatment.

AND FINALLY ----ENJOY YOURSELVES!!!

We enjoyed the cruise so much we are going again this year.

We enjoyed ourselves so much I can not think of any dont's. Sorry