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Poor Fred.

Anyway, suffice it so say, we were both glad when the cruise was over. Here are some words of advice about going on your first cruise.

First of all, cruise ship lines all cater to a certain type of passenger. I let an agent pick a cruise for me. I was going in completely blind. The cruise ship I was on was well known to be preferred by the older set. At thirty-eight years old, I was about the fourth youngest on the ship. The average age was about sixty-five. There were over one hundred people in wheelchairs. There were ramps everywhere. The ship was built for primarily with senior citizens in mind. Two people on that cruise died of old age. Honest!

I found out later that there was a cruise ship line that was ideal for me. The average age was about 35 and they are party ships.

If you plan on traveling with a wife or significant other, then great. But if you plan on traveling alone I would strongly suggest you pay the single supplement and get your own cabin. I was under the impression that I would be placed with someone at least close to my own age. However, it does not work like that. You can choose a smoker or non-smoker. That's it. They will put you with anyone of the same sex without consideration to anything else. Keep in mind that the cabins are quite small for two people. So you want to make sure you are compatible if you are pairing up with someone. Leaving it up to chance that you will hit it off with a complete stranger is risky business.

Also, before you arrive at a port, they have a talk on that particular port of call. You should really go to those information sessions. Especially if it is your first cruise. It is important to really consider their advice. Like for instance, taking small bills and not a "Fred wad." He was an easy mark because he was being stubborn.

You should never get in any taxi until you have worked out a price with the driver. Most ports of call there will be dozens of taxis. You will get your best deal at the pier, not after you arrive at the destination. He knows you can just walk over to another cab if you don't agree with the amount he is asking. You are in a much better position to haggle for a fair price. The correct price should have been about twelve bucks return fair and not the forty dollars that Fred paid. He didn't negotiate first and flashed way too much money around later.

As for Fred's wonder dolls. They were probably worth about ninety-nine cents each. However, now that I think of it, they were probably worth every cent he paid. They were the high-lite of my trip. I wish I could be a mouse in the corner when his daughter pulls the string on the other one. Fred said he was giving it to her just to pay her back for shipping him out.

Actually, after a few days it was sort of fun having Fred around and I think all in all he enjoyed the cruise more than he let on.

As for myself, I have been on 14 cruises since my first and have loved every one of them. I have sailed out of New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco, New Orleans, San Juan, and Charleston.

I believe there is an amazing cruise out there for everyone. Hawaii, Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, the Caribbean, Asia, or Europe. The possibilities are endless. Just do your homework and your first cruise will be a fond memory for years to come.

Learn more about this author, Ray Fauteux.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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