Any suggestions for a 1st time cruiser? (ie: what to bring, how to save money, and how to have the most fun)

Question

Going on a Carnival cruise this month and would like to not spend too much money but still have a ton of fun.

Answer 1

I had the same questions before I went on the Carnival Ecstasy. I thought I was going to be surrounded by people who are really into the cruise type of vacation and I was a little nervous that I was not going to bring the appropriate clothing, etc. The ship was full of people wearing flip flops and regular  beach clothes (of course.. dah!! I don't know why I was nervous). On the elegant night, some people were not so elegant, I saw a few flip flops. At the restaurants you are required to dress casual, but people don't respect that and nobody tells them anything. Overall, by the way people dressed and behaved, it felt like I was at a cheap hotel. So don't stress, pack regular beach clothes, one casual outfit, a little dress and you will be ok. To save money, don't buy the excursions they sell you. Once you get to your destination take a taxi to the nearest beach. They tell you not to do that because there is no guarantee that you will get back to the ship in time, but there's tons of taxis everywhere! Every 5 minutes a taxi will depart from the beach and take you to the ship.

Let me share with you my personal experience:

I went on the Carnival Ecstasy departing from Galveston about a month ago.

The ship was old and it look like it has not been updated in 25 years. It was like a trip back to the 80's.

The food was very good.

The staff was friendly and the service was great.

The little bars were always half empty and sometimes I felt sorry for the musicians (they were good, but they were playing in an empty place)

The casino was nice, but I tried to stay away from it because I didn't want to keep losing my money.

The shows were just OK, the dancers need to learn more international dances. They just dance like plain cheerleaders. The singers were great. One night they had the guests perform. Unless you are related to them or friends with them, this really sucked. I could care less about some high school girls playing the flute or this other girl singing country music out of tune. Some people in the audience were very loud and I did not know if they were supporting the guests or making fun of them. The big theater felt like a huge low class family reunion. I left after a little while.

The pool was tiny and packed with people (yuck). I guess since it's on a ship it can't have a large heavy pool.

The ship was full of pre-teens.

Some of the activities were kind of dumb (I guess it's just not my type of fun) and at other activities that were kind of interesting they were always trying to sell you something.

The destinations were AWESOME. I went to Chichen Itza and one of the beaches in Cozumel and I loved it!!!! Mexican people are the friendliest people in the world!!!!!!! The guide in Chichen Itza was VERY knowledgeable.

I usually go to beach resorts and I always have a BETTER experience than this cruise. Better shows, better food (alcohol is included), better service, friendly people everywhere and it's even cheaper!!!!

If you have never been to a beach resort or a similar vacation, you will think the cruise is great.... but in reality they are not giving you what your money is worth. Also, cruises are more for families with pre-teens or teenagers. Parents can have fun without worrying where their kids might be (they may be out of sight but they can't go anywhere, they are in the same ship!), and those teens can go to the little teen parties that they have on the cruise.

As you can see, I personally prefer beach resorts over cruises. They are more fun and you can do a lot more!

Answer 2

what to bring:

appropriate clothes for your excursions (if you go on any)

carnival provides towels for you

formal wear and other nice clothes for dinner

a small backpack for ports would come in handy

save money:

be careful at the ports! people want to sell you a million things, the locals just want your money! there is some good shopping though!

dont get a fountain card you can get water or juice without it.

having fun:

go to every activity you want to, ask for a schedule of each days events at the front desk

be friendly and meet people! you'll probably never see them again!

don't stay in your cabin all day, go have fun

go to the shows

participate in games or dances

good luck, have fun!

Answer 3

to save money stay away from the pics they add up fast !! stay out of the casino, drinks add up fast too.  book shore excursions on line before you go , that way your port days are full and pre-payed. put some booze  in soda bottles in your checked bags..try not to worry about money too much as it will ruin your vacation..but make and stay in a budget if you must..

Answer 4

I went on my first cruise last March.

If you'd like to see pictures, read about my impressions, what to expect, some tips and some things we did here's a link to my Squidoo lens about our trip:



http://www.squidoo.com/Mexico_Cruise