Tiger Cruise or Family Day Cruise

Comment

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on June 29, 2013 at 12:47pm

I did not have a chair....for two days you are pretty busy and any down time we spent in my son's shop where we had plenty of seating....

Comment by Betsy (mom of CTT on Stennis) on June 29, 2013 at 12:46pm

I didn't realize that you were going on the Atlantic cruise, it may be different than what we did.   

Comment by James Rhodes on June 29, 2013 at 12:35pm

Should you bring a folding chair for the shorter cruise... I plan on packing light...

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on June 29, 2013 at 11:58am

just remember there is a difference between the longer Pacific cruises (Hawaii to San Diego) from the shorter Atlantic (Florida to Virginia) cruises so plan accordingly

Comment by Betsy (mom of CTT on Stennis) on June 29, 2013 at 11:50am

Also, if you have one of those collapsible sports chairs, take it with you.  They may have entertainment in the hangar bay each night and there is NO WHERE to sit.  They sold chairs on my son's cruise, but by the time we went to buy them, they were sold out.  They will set up tables each day in the hangar bay with items to buy, but as the week goes on, they will reduce the prices as well.  I would watch the prices each day, because I bought my hoodie for $30 the first day and by the end of the week, they were selling for $12, lol.  

Comment by Betsy (mom of CTT on Stennis) on June 29, 2013 at 11:46am

I just returned from a TC on the Stennis in May and here are the things that I would pass along.  If your TC is on a carrier, prepare for some down time.  You will be able to get pictures during those times.  Even though they most likely will have a lot of tours and events planned for your enjoyment, there will also be times where you won't have anything going on.  My husband and I woke up very early every morning and met in the hangar bay to go down for breakfast.  Following that, we would go up on the flight deck (as long as drills weren't being done) and up in the island.  We were able to get the most beautiful shots at that time.  In order to avoid the very long lines at mealtime, we were up by 5:00a.m. for breakfast, would eat our lunch around 10:30a.m. and have dinner by 4:00p.m.  Remember that the sailors are eating at the same time as you, so the lines for the mess halls will be very long.  

Since we were working on getting our "Tiger Warfare pin", for the first 3 or so days, we were going on many tours on the ship.  You will be waiting in lines for a some of the tours.  We waited in line for the brig tour, talking with pilots, getting a ride on the elevator, etc.  When we were in new areas and had time, we would speak with sailors about their jobs, the equipment they were running, etc.  We learned so much about the jobs and the day to day workings of the ship, that I am amazed at how much I know now.  :)  That kept us pretty busy.  After about 3 or 4 days, you will probably have most (if not all) of your warfare pin packet signed off and you will have finished all the requirements to earn your pin.  The last day or two of your cruise, you will find that you will have more down time.    It was during that time that we took a lot of pictures.  We didn't miss any of what was going on and yet still, between my husband and myself, we ended up with over 600 photos.  Remember to get email addresses and phone numbers from those that you befriend while on board.  We met some wonderful people, who are now good friends and we have sent each other cd's of each other's photos.  Just because you may not have taken the actual photo, remember that you were there to experience each moment.  During the air power demonstrations, you will be watching more than clicking away, but I was able to get some great photos from a new friend who took many pictures.  

The weather on our cruise started out warmer at the beginning of the cruise (it started in HI) and did turn cooler the closer we got to San Diego.  They will probably be selling many souvenirs and clothing on board, so take lots of cash.  We bought some great ribbed hoodies with our son's ship's logo on it.  My husband also bought coins and shirts from the Strike groups.  The rear admiral on board actually asked me where I got my hoodie, because he wanted to buy one too, lol.  We did tend to wear jeans and t-shirts, but in the evening you will need a jacket.  Even in the hangar bay, it is cold in the evenings.  

Be totally aware of your surroundings and look at the ground while you are walking around the ship.  We did talk to quite a few of the people who said that they had tripped on lines or bumped their heads on things.  Luckily I didn't hurt myself.   

Enjoy your cruise!  When people ask me what it was like, the only thing I can tell them is that it was truly the best vacation I have ever had.  I have a whole new respect for our sailors after seeing how hard they work day to day.  The sailors on my son's ship were so respectful.  I would do it again in a minute and I am 57 years old.  :)  

Comment by Forrest Glass on June 29, 2013 at 7:20am

Thank you Paul!!

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on June 28, 2013 at 8:42pm

I'd still take a zillion, but my point was to make time for the other things as well!!!!  Do not sacrifice the experience just to get digital images......

Comment by Forrest Glass on June 28, 2013 at 7:57pm

Paul, Thank you for that advise.  That's what I want to do, but everyone has been telling me to take a bunch of pictures.  I'll take a couple with my phone and be done with it.  I want to experience it all...

 

Comment by Ray Jones on June 28, 2013 at 4:47pm

I agree about ther is better things to do than take pics all the time while onboard. I have been on 2 TC's and took about 300 pics between them. I have been on this site and have Google send me notices about pics concerning the Stennis. I have pulled much better pics than I could possibly take off these sites. Enjoy the time with your sailor and take in the views for your memories held in your head as you will look at those more than any others. Also, post any superb pics for all to see on this site.

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