Carnival Paradise ship: All advice! What to Expect? Prep? Warning?

Question

I'm going on a Carnival Paradise Cruise from June 4th to 8th -friend's cruise wedding (Long Beach to Catalina Island to Ensenada, Mexico and back). I've never been on a cruise- Any advice about the cruise itself? excursion advice? warnings? sea sickness (i'm sensitive)? must do's?

also- how long would you recommend to be there in advance before boarding? how long does this take? difficult? hassle?

help! i'm nervous and NEED to have an awesome time!

Answer 1

I have been on the Fantasy and the Inspiration.  They are both the same class ships in the Caribbean.  The food is great.  The atmosphere is casual.  You can be as busy or bored as you want to be.  When I leave out or Port Canaveral or Tampa, the scheduled departure time is 4:00, but I usually arrive around 11:30, to hit the lido dining room for lunch.  After that, I eat all meals in the dining room.  I am there to let them pamper me.  The service is better, it is quieter, and more relaxing.

Answer 2

I'm going on that cruise too! Exact same one. Maybe we will bump into eachother.It will be my first one, so I don't have much advice, but I hope you have a blast!

Answer 3

Though I have not sailed on the Carnival  line, I have sailed  cruises on the Dawn Princess, a smaller ship than the Carnival line.

First, please don't be nervous, you will thourouly enjoy your cruise.  

Each morning in the mail box outside your room you will receive a newsletter telling you of the daily events.  Plan your day using the newsletter.  There are things gallor to do aboard ship, and you will not be bored.  

Food 24 hours a day, plan to lose a few pounds before you leave, because you will gain about 1 lb a day.  It is just too tempting.

Plan ahead for any excursions at the different ports.  If you wait too long you may not see what you want to see.  Review the cruise book you recieved from Carnival to help you make your choices.

If you think you will get sea sick, buy one of the wrist bands with the magnet.  They are also available aboard ship.

Emaking and debarking take a lot of time and you will stand in line for quite awhile.  I would plan to be there at least an hour or two early.

Do not use any credit cards at any of your ports.  Instead take travelers checks with you and cash them at the pursor's desk before your excursion.

If you drink alcoholic beverages plan on having about $50 a day for onboard expenses.  Unless you drink a really lot of soda, do not spend the $50 for unlimited soda drinks, that are offered with a coca cola travel cup.

Travel light, because you will want to bring home a lot of soveniers, and you are limited to how many pieces of luggage you can take.

There is a casino aboard ship, if you gamble you may want to take extra money.  You cannot use your onboard account for gambling.

Near the end of the cruise, there will be sales on items sold in the shops aboard ship.  I bought beautiful bracelet watches for only $10.

I think I have said enough for now.  Have fun on your cruise.  I am going to alaska this year.