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| Reviewed By: Hossain, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 16th Jan 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Crystal Cruises |
Times cruised before: 1-2 |
| Cruise Ship: Crystal Serenity |
Sailed:
August,
2004 |
| Destination: Hawaii |
Age: 26-35 |
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My first trip aboard an ocean liner was during the spring of 2004. I was years - decades- behind my other family and friends who already discovered the secret to a unique and complete vacation- take a cruise!
Cheap cruises on luxury ships are now very affordable. The costs have gone down hundreds of dollars and quick get away weekend cruises are very popular.
I had no idea what to expect, except what I read about cruises from other web sites and bits and pieces of discussions from family and friends. So, after my journey, I wanted to gather my thoughts for others planning their first or next cruise.
As a cruise-virgin, I was overwhelmed!
This extended weekend cruise began on a Thursday afternoon, leaving from the San Diego, CA dock at 6pm, docking in the Ensenada, Mexico port for a day and a day in the ocean.
We returned Sunday morning and were promptly encouraged to leave the ship by 9:30am. One last, quick, breakfast on board and off the boat to San Diego.
Staterooms with balconies feel more open, especially during long cruises. It was a great feeling to wake up in the morning with the curtains open and see the Mexican flag flying in Ensenada. can only imagine (hopefully, not for long) to enjoy awakening to other ports of call. The shipped docked for the day and our family wandered the streets of Ensenada visiting the stores and a stop at Senor Frogs, a wild party place.
Back at the ship, everything in the stateroom needed is close to hand- a TV with channels of ship videos, taped network shows, music and a ship web cam on both ends of the ship.
A small refrigerator stores a for-charge bar, but can be used to store any of those amazing leftovers.
I was concerned about "rocking" but was not even phased at all by motion sickness or even the feeling of being on a ship.
The casino was open 24 hours when out at sea. I had left the disco at 4am and it seemed like one shift for the crew was getting off work- so the party was going to continue into the dawn.
Just staying up to the midnight buffets was a struggle. There was no lack of food, or things to do. A daily newsletter provided activities every minute of the day
This is a way to save some money with a cheap cruise rate- just ask for an "obstructed balcony." I'm told that a room without a window or a small peep hole is not a good choice unless cost is a factor or you don't plan to spend much time in the room. But a nice stateroom does make the difference. It is like a hotel room, but smaller- much smaller. But, one does not go on a cruise just to spend it inside the room.
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