Never taken a cruise - watch options for the trip?

[RyanJ]

I'd wear the gold Day-Date and walk around the ship like a total bad ass.

[m j b]

LOL

Originally Posted by Tricolore66

It has been nearly 20 years since I've been on a cruise (Royal Caribbean) and as I recall it was more Walmart experience than the Pebble Beach Concours.

Ditto.

Just wear one watch for the entire trip. One (or three) less thing(s) to worry about.

[77T]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

I'd wear one watch and never take it off. Leave the others safely at home.
As said, the ship is full of young staff in and out of your room while you're away. Upon arrival you're separated from your luggage. When you're off the ship you're away all day. There's simply too much time away from your room where your valuable watches are unguarded. Royal Caribbean cruises are great but it is what it is.

That’s what we did. Just wasn’t worth the worry or potential hassle if something went missing.


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[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by bobernet

I’m going to spend shore days on shore doing things. I have no idea how I’m going to spend sea days. I’ve never been on a cruise. Am I laying in a lounge chair for 16 hours around a crowded pool? Definitely not.

I've been on a few caribbean cruises on multiple lines (prefer Royal Caribbean) and never once went into the pool on the top deck or eaten any meals at the buffet, preferring to make reservations at the several restaurants scattered around the ship. On the ships I've been on there is typically a small casino, a cigar bar outside, several bars inside, restaurants and shows at night. My wife likes to attend the wine and martini tastings. There's usually a themed art/artist display that they push. All in all its enjoyable for a short vacation. We always participate in the excursions into town or the private islands. I recommend renting a beach cabana for the service and the bathrooms. We usually get a cabin with a balcony and while smoking is not allowed on the balconies I do find it a relaxing place to read my kindle. I like the relaxed pace of the cruise. On sea days I get to relax and wander about without pressure to "see" anything. I've never been bored.

[donas]

Originally Posted by bobernet

I’m going to spend shore days on shore doing things. I have no idea how I’m going to spend sea days. I’ve never been on a cruise. Am I laying in a lounge chair for 16 hours around a crowded pool? Definitely not.

Cruising was our primary vacation prior to Covid, been on probably 25-30. For us, we cruise primarily Princess. Though we like Royal Caribbean ships the best the Princess crowd is more to our liking (generally older, less drunks and craziness).

I enjoy a regular rotation of watches at home and usually do the same on vacation. I've never taken more than three though. Yes, the room safes are dinky doozies and easily opened by someone with a little know how, but they "keep the honest people honest" we say. My opinion differs from many I have seen on this thread. You have the same room steward throughout and there are more cameras on a ship than you can imagine. It is a safe bet if someone enters your room, it's recorded.

As far as what will you be doing. We usually attend various activities such as art auctions, classes or briefings on misc this and that. Our favorite activity is to take our kindles to a public area read a little and people watch a little. A cruise is quite a melting pot, interesting stuff to see if you just sit back and watch. My skin is as white as they come, zero sun tolerance so I have never spent a minute in or around the pool except for "movie under the stars night" we rarely miss that, particularly on Alaskan cruises (our personal favorite). On Royal Caribbean, book your activities early, prior to even leaving. They are the only line that requires reservations for nightly shows etc. and are usually booked at the time of the event.

The tv sucks on every line. If you like relaxing with some shows before bed, I recommend downloading some from Netflix or something prior.

[Tri-Tip]

I'd be more concerned about the time off of the ship in Cozumel that leaving the watch in your safe on the ship.

I was on a Regent Seven Seas Cruise (pretty high end) a few years ago and the battery on my safe died. I called the desk and they sent up someone from management with a key that opened the safe. Not sure how many of these master keys are deployed on a ship.

I'm cruising to Hawaii in January and leaning towards just taking one watch, either my Sub or Explorer II.

[austinp]

Originally Posted by RyanJ

I'd wear the gold Day-Date and walk around the ship like a total bad ass.

I like this advice.


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[train-time]

Take a sport model for the days and the Ivory Pyramid Roman Day Date for the nights!

[jnelson3097]

I just got off a similar cruise on Royal Caribbean and I just took my Seamaster. In the past, I’ve also just brought my Sub and a Datejust for the dinners at night. I’m pretty sure going forward that I’ll just bring one watch.

[Vivalas]

Did a two week med cruise in august and took these two watches.

[DLRIDES]

Been on a few cruises in the past, mostly Royal Caribbean. IMO, one and done, BP Fifty Fathoms

[wesdaniel]

I've typically taken between 2 and 4 depending on the length of the cruise, what ports we'll be in, and whether there is anywhere I want to wear a specific watch.

We cruise on Princess and I've never had an issue with leaving them in our cabin safe. The room locks are computerized (if there's a theft other than a break-in, they can tell who went into your room), the watches are all insured, etc.

Take what you want to wear and have fun.

[Stud Screw]

I've been on cruises. Trust me, wear a Casio F-150 and you'll be overdressed.

[Lawman77]

Always good to plan a specific watch for hot tubbing and pool use only. Why have I never thought of this. Whatever one you choose, please only wear while engaging in said water activities.

[Gab27]

Originally Posted by wesdaniel

I've typically taken between 2 and 4 depending on the length of the cruise, what ports we'll be in, and whether there is anywhere I want to wear a specific watch.

We cruise on Princess and I've never had an issue with leaving them in our cabin safe. The room locks are computerized (if there's a theft other than a break-in, they can tell who went into your room), the watches are all insured, etc.

Take what you want to wear and have fun.

More than likely, you won't have an issue, but I do recommend checking the hotel safe to ensure that the hotel has changed the administrative/superuser password from its default. Otherwise, anyone can open it almost as fast as they can a drawer.

https://www.thrillist.com/news/natio...password-video

[bobernet]

Originally Posted by Lawman77

Always good to plan a specific watch for hot tubbing and pool use only. Why have I never thought of this. Whatever one you choose, please only wear while engaging in said water activities.

Some of us own watches that are great for daily wear, but not appropriate for water use. Didn’t think that was surprising or controversial.