Carnival Cruise 7/23/07 to Western Caribbean 5days, from New Orleans....Help!!!!!!!?

Question

My boyfriend and I are going on a cruise for the first time and we really don't know what to expect

~we know about the $10 p/d per person for gratuity

~we'll be sitting with strangers at dinner

~not really sure what to wear for the formal night, is it more "prom-ish or churchy"?

~on days out at sea, what is there to do??? we're 21 and 22

~what is considered resort wear for women????

~we've already booked a shore excursion for snorkeling in Costa Maya...any other suggestions????

~haven't booked any for Cozumel yet because there's a larger selection.....any ideas of some good ones???? preferably inexpensive, but accepting all

By the way, my boyfriend is in the US NAVY and will be going to Japan in August for 2 yrs, so I want this to be very special for us!!! If u guys have any ideas about how i can make this a great "going away event" for him too, please write any suggestions that u may have!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

You are apparently going to be on the Fantasy which is the same ship that I took my first cruise on 20 years ago. I did not have a very good time so I did not cruise again for 18 years. I was then given a cruise as a gift and took the Carnival Conquest out of New Orleans and had one the best vacations of my life. What was the difference...I found out what was going on and went out and did it. On my first cruise I was only a little older than you are and was hesitant about asking questions and seeking answers so I missed a lot of the activities. Take advantage of the fact that you will be dining with strangers. We made friends with six other people with whom we still exchange emails. We are even trying to plan a "reunion cruise" for next year. So meet new people. The cruise ship provides all guests with a newsletter called the Carnival Capers. Read it as it will not only tell you all the on board activities but will alert you to specific talks about excursions and shopping. Take the time to attend these as you will be able to better choose what you would like to do, and don't be hesitant about talking to the cruise director to get information. It is his job to make you happy and he will do his best to insure that. The formal night is really just an occasion to get dressed up. It is a formal event so it requires an evening dress for the women and a suit for the men. If this does not interest you then don't go. There are many other places you can go to eat besides the dining room. When you first get on the ship you should take a walk around it to get your bearings. Go to the Lido deck where the pools and outside entertainment are. Most of the alternative dining is here so you will want to check that out as well. They always have a buffet going so you can grab something to eat. Then be sure to check the three decks in the middle of the ship. (the empress, atlantic and promenade) The empress deck is where the shore excusion desk is so you can get any question you want answered as well as purchase an excursion  (you can also purchase excursions in you room remotely on your television)The purser's desk is also located there (This is like the front desk at a hotel) as well as the lounge (Where the "Las Vegas" style shows are)The Atlantic is where the shops and dining rooms are and the promenade is where the bars (there will be many) and the casino are. Now that you have at least familiarized yourself with the boat you are now faced with the hard part. There will be so much to do you may have a hard time fitting it all in. Just pick out what you want to do and go do it. Try different things and enjoy yourself. On final thing, remember you are on vacation and the price of your cruise includes food. So try different things, if you don't like it ask for something else. That is not an unusual request and your waitstaff will do it for you. We always get a "backup" dessert in case we don't like something. (expect to put on a few pounds) If you just let yourself have a good time you will. Enjoy.

Answer 2

#1- On the cruise we went on we didn't sit with anybody besides our own family

#2- On the formal night wear a nice dress and you boyfriend should wear a suit or tux

#3- You can hit the spa, go rock wall climbing, go gambling, or enjoy the view poolside

#4- Dresses

#5- That should be good for the whole day

#6- Para-sailing!! Not too expensive but a great experience!

Answer 3

In Cozumel, take a taxi to Chakkanaab Park.  It is excellent snorkeling there.  You can either take your own equipment or rent theirs.  It is only about a 10 minute taxi ride from the pier.

If your ship goes to Grand Cayman, take the shore excursion to swim with the stingrays at StingRay City.  It is the most awesome adventure (100% safe) you have ever had.

Answer 4

I have been on this same cruise.

Formal night--  some go promish and some just wear "church" clothes.  I wore a long black skirt and silver metallic top.  Some ladies were dressier and some were more casual than I was.

Resort wear is nice shorts, capris, or sundresses. You cannot wear shorts in the dining room.  

In Cozumel try the jeep trip.  Can't remember what it is called but you ride thru the jungle and end up on a private beach for a few hours. Something like Eco Jeep Excursion.  Or if you like horses do the horse riding trip, but this is tiring.

Edit to add:  After the excursions in Cozumel take a cab into the city.  There you can shop and eat. You should have time to do this. We did both times.