Join me on my first time real, adult, first-class cruise in the Caribbean. Although Lynn’s been on a good number of cruises, convincing me of the appeal was difficult to say the least. A boat? What’s there to do? How many passengers?….We settled on a 8 day introductory cruise to Cozumel and Belize. In this blog you will discover advice and insights for new cruisers and itineraries.
Planning my First Cruise
I am fortunate that Lynn has traveled extensively on different cruises in different regions of the world including: Tahiti, Denmark, Russia, St Thomas / St John USVI, Greece, Turkey, so Lynn coordinated the planning meetings and did all the booking and reservations! (She really wanted a February get-away somewhere sunny and warm.)
So with Lynn’s knowledge and expertise in selecting cruises we started planning my first cruise by answering these types of questions:
- Where do we want to cruise?
- Traveling February we want to enjoy some tropical sunshine so we selected a short list of cruises to Mexico & the various parts of the Caribbean.
- What is our total budget?
- Remember to include cruise fare, port taxes, flights, and extra spending money (drink / Wifi packages, port activities, excursions, extra tips, etc.) Meals at the main dining rooms, basic drinks, and entertainment are included in basic fare.
- Which cruise companies suits our style & budget?
- Celebrity Cruises (which is part of the Royal Caribbean Group) fits our profile of a premium vacation experience that merges “luxurious, modern design, elevated cuisine, attentive service, and geared to adults”.
- Which Port of Departure is most convenient?
- We travel with Allegiant frequently so Tampa, Sarasota or St Petersburg in Florida are convenient locations for us but getting to the Miami area is easy as well. Note there are various ports to start your cruise all across the US – Boston, New York, Galveston, San Diego, Seattle…There’s one out there that will be convenient for you.
- What choices do we have?
- For a 7-8 day cruise somewhere warm in Early February?
- ….we selected an 8 day cruise from Tampa to Cozumel, Belize City and Costa Maya with Celebrity Cruises.
Summary of Our 8 Day Cruise Itinerary
Day 1: My First Cruise Begins
Our vacation officially begins at Port Tampa Bay which is close to St Petersburg / Clearwater airport.
- The Terminal: Terminal logistics went smoothly and is well organized, we downloaded our cruise line app ahead of time for a faster check-in.
- The Ship: We took the afternoon to drop off your carry-on luggage, grab lunch at the buffet, and explore the ship’s layout before the mandatory muster safety drill.
- Super Bowl Party: As departed on Super Bowl Sunday the game was shown on big screen TVs in the Theater and on the 12th deck of the ship complete with stadium snacks and dinner as well as plenty of beer–all under a sky full of stars!
- 1st Photo Op: The ship will pass directly under the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It looks like the top of the ship will hit the bridge.
Day 2: The Sea Day “Learning Curve”
Our first day was about finding my sea legs (it was smooth all the way) and discovering what cruise life is like.
- The Vibe: What to do? Do as much or as little as you want. We chose to lounge by the pool with book in hand and chill.There are plenty of other activities going all across the ship – seems like something for everyone from games, to contests, reading, bingo, educational programs on ports of call, music, plenty of great food, a cassino, shows, a gym, yoga classes, and fun.
I was impressed with the choice of food and presentation in the Oceanview Café which is the general buffet style restaurant on board. The Oceanview Café is the primary, globally-inspired buffet restaurant on the Celebrity Silhouette. Located on Deck 14, it features made-to-order action stations, expansive charcuterie and dessert spreads, and 781 indoor and outdoor seats with wake views.
Operating Hours
- Early Breakfast: 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM
- Full Breakfast Buffet: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Late Breakfast: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Lunch: 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM
- Dinner: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Late Night: 10:30 PM to 1 AM (select stations like pizza and salad bar run until 1 AM)
Day 3: Cozumel, Mexico (Sun, Sand, and Tacos)
Cozumel is a staple cruise port and the perfect introduction to international travel for beginners because it is highly accessible.
The Top Shore Excursions at Cozumel
Spacious, clean beach area with abundant shade and white sand, frequently praised for attentive service and a lively atmosphere. Features a newly opened water park with slides and a guided snorkeling area, offering a well-organized all-inclusive experience. (Trip Advisor Review)
Too family orientated for us!
Off Road Adventure: Jade Cavern and Playa Mia
The “Off Road” Experience: You drive or ride in an ATV or buggy through bumpy jungle trails, ending at a “cenote” (natural underground sinkhole) called Jade Cavern. You can swim in the cool, clear water and jump from a cliff. Not for me thank you!
“The San Gervasio ruins are worth it if you want a short, peaceful historical excursion without leaving Cozumel. However, if you are looking for massive pyramids or sweeping ocean backdrops, you will likely be disappointed compared to mainland sites like Tulum”. Cruise Critic comment
Snorkeling in Cozumel National Marine Park
We pre booked a snorkeling trip with Windseekers Luxury Charters which was one of the highlights of the cruise and we can fully recommend the company staff that looked after us and the quality of service and food.
Highlights
1. Time-Savvy and Private
A four-hour itinerary designed to deliver a complete experience without rushing.
2. Nearby Reefs and Calm Waters
Snorkel in Cozumel’s accessible, family-friendly sites:
Paradise Reef: Clear, shallow water with gentle currents—perfect for beginners.
Dzul-Ha Reef: Easy snorkeling with abundant tropical fish just minutes from the marina.
Other nearshore reefs: Your crew will select the best locations based on weather and conditions.
Day 4: Belize (An Adventure in the Jungles and Caves)
Belize offers a completely different vibe than Mexico, shifting from relaxed beach culture to raw, beautiful nature.
- The Tender Process: Belize City does not have a deep-water pier. The ship will anchor a few miles out, and you will board a smaller boat (a “tender”) to get to the shore. Tip: Book your excursion directly through the cruise line to get priority boarding on the early tenders.
- What to Do:
- Cave Tubing: Float down underground river systems through sacred Mayan caves while wearing a headlamp.
- Zip-lining: Fly through the dense jungle canopies.
- Altun Ha: Tour ancient Mayan ceremonial structures.
We were not keen on taking the tender ashore and most activities appeared over active for us Boomers, so were happy to stay on board and relax enjoying the days sunshine and less strenuous activities like adjusting the sun lounger back rest!
Day 5 : Costa Maya
The Costa Maya cruise port in Mahahual, Mexico, offers activity options both directly at the pier and a short taxi ride away.
Popular choices include lounging at all-inclusive beach clubs in town, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, or enjoying the port’s massive Mayan-themed water park.
Day 6 and 7 : Fun Days at Sea
- Activities: Lynn treated herself to a spa treatment, I checked out the onboard art auction, and enjoyed the specialty dining venues for dinner.
- We can recommend the Tuscan Grille on the Celebrity Constellation which is a specialty Italian steakhouse. It is not free. It costs around $45 to $60 per person but was offered at promotional prices. You must pay for this meal in addition to your cruise fare. The restaurant serves handmade pastas, steaks, and seafood with a modern twist.
- The menu features prime meats, like a USDA Prime dry-aged 18 oz. NY strip. Think of this like a high-end, classic steakhouse, but with Italian spices instead of regular butter. The menu also includes appetizers like calamari and a big wine list.
Day 8: Home & Debarkation
Waking up back at Port Tampa Bay can be bittersweet.
- The Process: You can either opt for “Self-Assist” (carrying all your own bags off the ship early in the morning) or place your bags outside your stateroom door the night before to collect them inside the terminal.
- The Farewell: We enjoyed our final breakfast on deck before saying goodbye to my first-ever floating hotel.
Boomer Alerts: First-Time Cruisers
- Keep Your Phone on Airplane Mode: Connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi if you purchased a data package, but keep cellular roaming turned off to avoid surprise international fees.
- Watch the Ship’s Clock: Ships operate on a specific “Ship Time” that may not always match the local time of the port you are visiting. If you miss the all-aboard time, the ship will leave without you.
- Pack a Day Bag for Embarkation: Your checked suitcases can take several hours to arrive at your cabin door on Day 1. Pack a small backpack with your passport, medications, swimwear, and phone chargers so you can enjoy the pool right away.
Let me Break Down lessons from my First Cruise
Budgeting & Extra Costs
- Expect extra fees: Base fares cover lodging, main dining, and theater entertainment. Soda, alcohol, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions / activities cost extra.
- What to Prepay before sailing: Drink packages, Wi-Fi packages, and specialty dining can be cheaper if bought online before boarding.
- Understand automatic gratuities: Lines automatically add a daily per-guest service fee to your account. Prepaying this helps manage budgets upfront.
- Secure separate insurance: If you wish to protect yourselves against emergency medical costs or travel disruptions. It’s advised not buy it directly through the cruise line to save money.
Booking / Selecting State Room
- General advice is to book the cruise early for value, which we did. Get peak cabin choice. Catch major discounts during “Wave Season” from January through March.
- Pick cabins strategically: Avoid picking strictly by the cheapest price. Midship rooms on lower decks minimize seasickness. Avoid cabins directly under pool decks or nightclubs to skip noise. Some balconies are bigger than others.
Drink Packages on the Cruise
– Deciding on whether to buy the drinks package (for 2) is a personal choice based on your usual lifestyle and budget. The prices for beer and wine on the Celebrity Constellation when we cruised can been seen on the menu photos below.
Boomer Alert: If you decide to buy a drinks package wait until nearer the departure date as they can offer steep discounts, we got 30% off the original price.
Being on the Cruise
Smooth execution on board requires adapting to cruise-specific logistics.
- Pack a first-day carry-on: Porters take your large luggage at the terminal. Bags often do not reach staterooms until evening. Pack medications, documents, and swimwear in a daypack.
- Engage airplane mode: Turn off cellular data before the ship leaves the port. “Cellular at Sea” networks carry astronomical roaming charges. Rely strictly on ship Wi-Fi.
- Use the ship’s app: Download the cruise line’s app prior to boarding. Use it to book shows, track daily schedules, and view onboard spending.
- Watch the clock: Always follow the ship’s clock, not local port time. The “all aboard” time is usually 30 to 60 minutes before the official sailing time.
Dining / Where to Eat
The standard (included) dining choices are the buffet service at the Ocean View Cafe and the main restaurant San Marco.
The Ocean View buffet serves breakfast, lunch, and late-night snacks in a casual setting. In the evening, the space transitions to a sit-down, casual dining area rather than a self-serve buffet.
- Hours: Breakfast is from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Lunch runs from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
- Breakfast stations: You will find made-to-order omelets, an American breakfast station, a carving station for ham, a fruit area, and a coffee and juice bar.
- Lunch stations: You can visit the pizza station, a custom-tossed salad bar, pasta stations, and a daily international food section.
- Desserts: There is a large dessert bar with cakes, tarts, and a gelato/ice cream parlor.
Evening Options
If you are hungry at dinner time, the traditional self-serve buffet is closed. Instead, the space is used for Casual Dining, which requires a reservation. If you want a quick bite without dressing up for the main dining room, you can still grab slices of pizza or fresh pasta from the late-night serving stations.
The San Marco Restaurant is the two-level, complimentary main dining room on the Celebrity Constellation. It serves multi-course, artfully prepared meals for dinner daily, as well as breakfast and lunch on select sea days. The restaurant features grand ocean views, an elegant winding staircase, and a rosy glass ceiling.
Here is what you need to know about dining at San Marco:
- Dining Styles: You can choose fixed seating (early or late) or the flexible “Celebrity Select Dining” option.
- Cost: It is included in your cruise fare. You do not need an extra reservation.
- Menu: The menu changes daily and features a variety of American and French-influenced dishes.
- Dress Code: Smart casual attire is generally required. On formal nights, you can dress up more.
For example, a typical multi-course dinner feels like a high-end restaurant on land. You order an appetizer (like soup or salad), a main course (like steak or fish), and a sweet dessert, below is an example of one of our evening meals.
General Service by the Crew and Hospitality Staff
The quality of service in all areas of the ship was excellent, as was the cleanliness of the ship.
We attended a few shows at the theater which were entertaining, as was the music at the different bars and lounges.
Summary – Key Points to Consider for First Cruisers
Selecting Cruise Company and Ship: Some ships are geared to adult, other to kids / families. Shop accordingly.
Pack light: Cannot emphasize this enough. You will end up wearing things twice. And these days, informality and comfort is key.
Dress Style: On the same note: Smart casual is a good place to start over an old sweat suit.
Selecting Stateroom / Suite / Cabin: When it comes to room choices, you get what you pay for. We recommend avoiding a window-less interior room for one with a balcony. A suite is nice too but will jackup your costs considerably. The extra space the balcony brings, as well as the blue sky and ocean are well worth the extra cost.
Leave Non-Essentials: Leave shampoo, conditioner, soap, at home. These will be provided. If you forget tooth paste or a brush, though, the ship’s shops have a variety of things available.
Select & Book Plan Excursions & Speciality Dining Early: Do your homework on excursions available and book early for whatever is important for you to do or see. Don’t expect to be able to book the morning of an excursion, it most likely has been booked for a month. Also, if there is a particular restaurant you may be interested in eating, reserve ahead of time. Many of the specialty restaurants are smaller and unable to handle crowds and many cruisers know not to wait.
Tipping is important: These are dedicated employees working long hours. Many send money back home, many are getting through school, and they all are gracious, welcoming, and hard-working. We suggest having the cruise line add in gratuities ahead of time (probably 18%). And, as always, if there is any employee who goes out of their way to make your vacation better, feel free to tip a little extra. It will be greatly appreciated.
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