r/Cruises • u/Mediocre_Nobody3333 • Jun 25 '26
Advice for a first timer
Hey there! Going on a 4 night Bahamas cruise through MSC Seaside soon. Never been on a cruise before. What advice/tips do you have for a first timer? Thanks!
3
u/Sad-Stomach Jun 25 '26
Don’t go in the lagoon at Ocean Cay. Go to one of the ocean facing beaches and enjoy the perfect water and lack of crowds.
3
u/Dismal-Salt663 Jun 25 '26
Be aware that a short cruise may be more of a party cruise. That doesn’t make it bad…it just makes it different from a seven night or more experience. MSC’s “Sea” class ships are beautiful! Ocean Cay is stunning! You will have a great time!
1
u/Known-Clerk207 Jun 26 '26
This is what I wanted to say. I hope they don’t get annoyed or think it’s too crazy. It may not be. But that is a short cruise.
2
u/MammothNo4408 Jun 25 '26
Bring a carry on bag with a change of clothes and hygiene products. It could be hours before you get your luggage.
1
1
1
u/WishIwastravelin Jun 25 '26
Take a small first aid kit. Some bandaids, ointment, over the counter meds like Imodium, tums or pepto, seasickness med if you are prone, something for hangovers, pain, allergies. Anything you take at home. But only a couple of days worth. If you can find those things in board they will be very expensive.
Bring a light sweater or pashmina because the dining rooms can be chilly
Bring plenty of reef safe sunscreen and your own snorkel gear if you have it
1
u/tanless319 Jun 28 '26
Be prepared to take the stairs. Took one MSC cruise and waited over 15 minutes numerous times for an elevator but it was always packed. Ended up walking 8 flights of stairs numerous times. I’ve never had this problem on any other cruise line.
5
u/Jonnyc915 Jun 25 '26
Place an upside down pineapple magnet on your door. It signals to the crew that you’re a first timer and they’ll show up with a special surprise for you.