We have just returned from our first cruise Boston to Montreal with Holland America and we did enjoy it but probably wont rush to do it again. We learnt many things about how it all works but here are some of my main points.
1. There are lots of hidden costs- things that were listed in the brochure yoga, wine tasting, pilates, cocktail tasting etc etc were all additional costs.
2. Shore excursions are rarely worth the money and its possible to do the same excursion with a local company for about half the price.
3. You can withold the service charge and tip individuals but then the other vital staff that you may never see don't get anything e.g. laundry, maintenance, cooks etc etc. so we opted in to the service charge.
4. The drinks bill will be enormous as hotel prices are charged and another service charge is ploncked on top.
5. The beauty/hair salon charges twice what you might expect to pay for a treatment at home and they will try to flog you endless products and further treatments.
The air conditioning in our cabin was fierce and was centrally complained. When we asked for it to be adjusted we were told it was just right for everyone- we slept in our bath robes and I caught a cold.
6. A cruise is very confining- our one sailed every evening so you had to dine on board - we would have liked to go out for dinner to one of the lovely restaurants we saw along the way.
7. Gala evenings don't seem to mean very much, few people dress up, many passengers opted for the less formal help your self buffet.
8. Smoking was allowed on board in the casino which you had to go through to get to the dining room.
I shan't go on- this is just an overview to help others considering their first cruise.
