Cruising for advice - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

08/17/2004 06:30:56 PM · #1

Some friends recently talked my wife and I into going with them on a 7-day western Carribean cruise. Iâ��ve already made the reservations for the flights, the cruise, hotels, etc. So, now Iâ��m trying to pickup a little info about cruise ships, and also trying to decide what photo equipment to bring along. The only cruise Iâ��ve ever been on was on a large aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean during the Vietnam War. Iâ��m really hoping this cruise will be a little different, but I really donâ��t know what to expect. For instance, whatâ��s the etiquette for taking photos on the ship? Do staterooms have any lockable storage for my expensive camera equipment? Should I bring a laptop for storing and viewing photos, or just a bunch of CF cards, or what? Is there anything else I should take with me? Any advice at all will be appreciated.

Flash

Nikon D700

08/17/2004 06:37:49 PM · #2

Consider NCL, Norweigian Carribean Lines. Sport Coat/Suit will do at either of the "formal" dinners. Consider how you prefer to "vacation". Lots of action and go go go, then plan an itinerary with lots of port calls. More leisurely, kick back and enjoy, then plan a trip with fewer ports.

Camera gear will likely be with you. Cabin stewards are generally very dependable and trustworthy. Their "wage/tip" depends on you. They really try to make it very nice. You will likely feel like Royalty, whether you are or not.

Choose a ship with stabilizers. And many feel that the best value is in an "inside" cabin.

Message edited by author 2004-08-17 18:40:42.

08/17/2004 07:11:05 PM · #3

Originally posted by Flash:

Consider NCL, Norweigian Carribean Lines.

Thanks for the advice Flash. Actually, the friends that asked us to go along had already decided on the destination and the ship. The ship is Carnival's Elation, and it's a 7-day trip departing from Galvaston, with stops at Progreso, Cozumel, and Belize.

teknon42

Sony DSC-F828

08/17/2004 07:18:09 PM · #4

storage should probably be your biggest concern. if you don't take a laptop, make sure you have an equivelent photowallet (i use a 20 gig archos gmini120 mp3 player and have been very happy with it on trips). try to take little enough gear that you can fit it all into a backpack for daytrips. happy cruising!

Olympus 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital ED

08/17/2004 07:28:09 PM · #5

Originally posted by teknon42:

A photowallet mp3 player eh? I've never used an mp3 player. I guess I assumed they were just for music. Are they like stand-alone harddrives, or what? I guess I'll have to look into them.

I suppose I could just grab one of the laptops here at work. But, I'd really rather not drag a computer around on vacation. although, having a larger screen to view the pics with would be nice.

Thanks!

annasense

Olympus E-500 EVOLT

08/17/2004 07:36:11 PM · #6

I went on a cruise in May, and didn't take my laptop (even though it goes everywhere with me in my normal life). I thought it was neat to go home, download and see what treasures awaited me then, it sort of made the vacation last longer. I was on Royal Caribbean, but again, the stateroom attendant was awesome and trustworthy. There was no storage in our cabin-- although they are available in some of them. Etiquette-wise, you can pretty much take photos anywhere (even in the casino, in our case). I bought an Aquapac waterproof carrier (from REI) for my camera for use at the pool or beach, just in case water splashed on it. You could apparently completely submerge the camera, but I was too chicken to try. If I were you, I'd just take extra cards (or the MP3 idea was good). Less is more in the tiny staterooms, let me tell ya.

Oh, and have a great time!!

Message edited by author 2004-08-17 19:36:34.

drydoc

Canon EOS-7D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

08/17/2004 08:08:47 PM · #7

Michael,

I was going to offer some serious tips about the realities of cruise travel and all the hidden dangers. That was before I read your Bio. Seeing such a colorful background, I felt I would be wasting my time since you have been rigorously tied and tested by your past!
I have taken cruise and also traveled the Carribian to various scuba diving sites. . . and never without a camera (including an underwater camera). On my last cruise I debated taking a laptop but finally opted for only my camera, three compact flash cards (a 256, a 1 gig and a 2 gig), extra batteries and the charger, and only one lens. Whenever, we left the boat the camera was with me. Someone suggested the back pack. Totally agree. I also carried a small camera bag to switch to for short jaunts around and off the boat. Found all of this to be more than suitable. They are goining to keep you very busy each and every day. The pictures you will most likely end up taking will be the usual tourist snap shots. I found it was easier and more fun to view and sort them at home. Don't take your camera to the table or bar. (And I'd stay away from the kiddie pool with your family history!)
Remember: Cruise ships are usually owned by a company but may not be of U.S. origin; the ship may be registered in annother notion for legal reason, crew members are usually of another national origin; ports of call are in another national domain. Then you have maritime law and national law. My point is, if you have to make a claim for stolen or damaged property, you could be doing some serious paper work. Did I trust the cabin stewart? Yes. Be he did not clean the rooms. And any number of people have master keys to your room. To make a long story short. Travel light and enjoy the cruise!!!

redmondson01

Pentax K50

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

08/17/2004 08:22:40 PM · #8

LOL... Just read your Bio. Is that verbatum dr. eeeeeevil?

Flash

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

08/17/2004 09:49:56 PM · #9

Originally posted by micknewton:

Originally posted by Flash:
Consider NCL, Norweigian Carribean Lines.

Thanks for the advice Flash. Actually, the friends that asked us to go along had already decided on the destination and the ship. The ship is Carnival's Elation, and it's a 7-day trip departing from Galvaston, with stops at Progreso, Cozumel, and Belize.

Carnival has a reputation for a bit more of a "party" atmosphere and typically will have a more exhuberent passenger list. The 3 port itinerary is my favorite. Gives you enough time to relax but still be active in the ports of call. Passengers have been (on my 3 cruises, twice to the carribean and once to Alaska) quite international. Meaning not only will their beachwear possibly be different than you're used to but their politics may be at odds as well.

Most of all, enjoy your trip.

Lafaminit

Nikon D80

08/17/2004 10:18:27 PM · #10

I've actually posted a couple of cruise critiques (western & eastern Carribean) on my site. Feel free to puruse. I'm not an expert by any means, but I did pick up quite a few tips.

//www.hathcote.com/cruise.htm

08/18/2004 01:33:27 AM · #11

Originally posted by annasense:

Thanks for the reply Lori. My 1G CF card holds quite a few shots, even in RAW format, and I've been wanting to get another CF card anyway, so I may just do that instead of the laptop.

08/18/2004 01:49:28 AM · #12

Originally posted by drydoc:

Oh contraire. While it is true that I have done many evil things in the past, I have never been on a cruise ship. It's no wonder too, judging by the response I received when I asked for the 'Evil' cruise. Thank you very much for your helpful reply.