Can you help these CRUISE VIRGINS?

Question

Planning on a Carnival cruise in October to Freeport and Nassau Bahamas (4 nights). Any tips about the entire experience would be GREAT- certain things to bring that would come in handy... Rules/hidden fees of any sort. On and off ship ettiquette..excusrsions that should be booked or avoided.

Answer 1

You will have a great time!!  I would definitely go to cruisecritic.com  They have lots of great information for first time cruisers, As far as advice, I would say relax and try not to do too much in one day.  Definitely book your excursions early through Carnival's website.  My sister and I were going to do Nassau by ourselves and it was a bit scary.  We did the Yellowbird party boat and had a great time.  (If you are a drinker)  And as far as etiquette goes, it is the same as in every day life.  You will meet nice and rude people on your ship.But you will have a blast!!

Answer 2

do your homework first! if there is an excursion that you like, you can usually do it yourself for less money!

nassau has the straw market..be prepared to barter for goods. you can take a $1-2 jitney from town (port) into cable beach for the afternoon and rent jetskis etc. from local on the beach..just bargain!

a great lunch/dinner at the arawak cay "fish fry" ...on the jitney route or take a taxi for a few dollars and this local area is made up of many restaurants: i like twin brothers place ..had a lobster and conch dinner with wine for $25.

Answer 3

I did that cruise, on Carnival Fascination, about a year ago and had a great time.

Since it's your first cruise, you might like this "Introduction to Cruises" that explains what costs are included vs. additional, answers frequent questions like how to avoid getting sea sick, etc:

http://www.cruisesavvy.com/node/930

Also there's a "Know Before You Go" guide that covers stuff like what to pack, passport requirements, etc:

http://www.cruisesavvy.com/node/934

CruiseCritic can be good too, but sometimes it's hard to find the information I need.

A couple of highlights in the meantime:

- The big "hidden fees" are (1) Alcohol, soft drink and bottled water.  (2) Gratuities.  $10 per person per day will be added to your account, this covers the waiters, cabin stewards, etc. so you don't have to leave tips at the restaurant or anything. (3) Alcohol.  =)

- Definitely bring lots of good sunblock.  It'll be expensive on the ship and you want to use LOTS of it

- Scooters are the one "excursion" to avoid.  Don't rent them unless you are very, very accustomed to riding them back home.  A huge number of people get hurt every year.  My mom totaled a scooter her first day out, and in a separate incident a guy friend broke two ribs.

- Formal nights on Carnival are relatively relaxed.  Lots of people do wear tuxes and gowns, but if you'd rather wear a sun dress or khakis and a button-down, that's cool.

Have a wonderful trip!

Answer 4

I myself am also going on a cruise this summer for the first time. But I have checked good web sites. The one bellow is great for everyone.

www.cruisecritic.com

You can check your ship reviews, first-time guides, port guides and much more stuff for 'cruise virgins'.

Have a great time planning!