Trifter

You are on board! You’ve found your room and your dining seating.  You found the buffet and memorized the elevator button that will take you there next time.  The ship is sailing! Enjoy the view! Or join the crew for a farewell party.  Loud music, food and fun are usually involved. This is also a good time to explore because most of the passengers are on deck.

In your room you will find a list of events/lectures/games/classes/movies/etc you can attend.  It’s your daily compass and your friend.  Everyday you will get a new one. Everything you need to know is on your compass.  Every show scheduled for the day, when the ship docks, when to be back on board so you don’t get left, time of the sunrise and sunset, your get the picture! You might get overwhelmed because you don’t want to miss anything! It all sounds fun! You will learn quickly enough what you like and what you don’t want to do. 

Dining

You can dine anywhere that is open! Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be eaten in one of the buffets, the main dining room or in your cabin. On days we knew we would wake up to a new port we ordered room service (you can order breakfast the night before) or ate at the buffet so we could get off the ship quickly.  We also tried the main dining room for breakfast and lunch.  Good food, longer wait while it is being made.

You have the option of choosing an early or late seating for dinner. Early dinner is around 6:30 P.M. and late is around 8:30 P.M.  8:30 P.M. sounds late but what time is it at your home? 

Check your itinerary.  When does the ship leave port? If the ship leaves at 7:30 P.M. for most ports you may want late seating to squeeze all the sightseeing in you can. Or if you like your rest, early seating is for you.

You don’t have to eat dinner in the main dining room but who wouldn’t want someone to wait on them or miss the delicious food? Plus, this is a great time to catch up on everyones adventures of the day. If you have a seating assignment you will have the same waiter every night.  By the second night our waiter knew what we liked to drink and always recommended the chocolate desserts for me.

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 Alcohol and sodas are extra money.  If you order them the waiter will ask for your room card and charge it.  Many ships now have a soda card. You pay a one time fee and fill you mugs at the bars or drink carts.

If something is wrong with your meal, let the waiter know.  It is in their best interest to make you happy. And they sincerely want to make your dining experience fantastic.

There are usually other dining options that cost extra money.One of our ships had a hamburger joint and an elegant restaurant that both had a cover charge.

Shows

There are two main evening shows. The early show is designed for those who choose a late dinner seating.  The late show is for the early diners. You can go to either one.  Sometimes we were still in port and missed the early show.  But we were able to watch it later on the TV in our cabin. Some of the shows we have seen were magicians, musicals and comedians.

Most ships show movies throughout the day and sometimes night.  Some ships have huge screens outside by the pools. The movies and times are in your compass.  You can buy popcorn and speciality drinks too.  You need your room card to purchase the food.

Games and contests

karaoke, audience scavenger hunts, game shows, dances etc. Many of these are late at night and simultaneously.  It’s hard to decide where to go sometimes! Times and descriptions will be in your compass. We have also seen belly flop contests, basketball and dodge ball games.

Classes and lectures

During the day there are many classes to choose from! Cooking, yoga, wine tasting and ice sculptures are a few we have seen.  Some of the classes are free and some are extra money.  Time and details are in your compass.

Gambling

Most ships have a casino.  And I think all the ships have Bingo! It costs to buy your bingo cards.  You can win anything from money to a 7-day cruise. Sometimes the stores have sales the last day they are open.

Shopping

All ships have a few stores where you can buy the ship logo paraphernalia among other sundry merchandise like aspirin, suntan lotion or band-aids.

Art auctions

It seems every ship has one. It is fun to go to one and learn more about art.  You might even be able to get some nice art for your home.  The auction is free to attend (sometimes they even have free champagne to get you to show up). If you are the winning bid, you will be expected to pay.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions are a great way to see the ports.  You can book shore excursions through your ship or on your own.  Shore excursions are varied in price.

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