Taking a cruise in december on carnival to the carribbean?

Question

ok, im thinking of taking a cruise to the carribbean on a carnival ship. its my first time cruising and i was wondering if any past cruisers can help me out:

1. im going by myself and im single. what can i expect?

2. are the spas and meals very expensive?

3. I always read the carnival ships are known as the "party" ships with a lot of young adults. is that true?

4. should i pack a lot of clothes?

5. Is it easy to make friends?

6. Overall, were you pleased with your cruise, knowing of course there are good and bad to everything?

Thank you.

Answer 1

1) Expect to meet other singles. Going on a cruise is common for people to meet others. Go to the clubs at night.  You will be sure to meet someone or friends to enjoy the rest of the cruise with because guarenteed, you will not be the only single person there.

2) In my opinion, the spas are very expensive. I believe that you can't get anything less than $100. They are very very nice, but they cost a lot, at least in my opinion. There are many different types of treatments you can get.  Most of the meals are included. The main dining rooms are free and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The buffet is free, and anything outside near the pool would also be free. Room service is free, a small 1 or 2 dollar tip is customary.  The only food that you have to pay for is the specialty restaurants which have some foods that you can't get anywhere else on the ship. They're usually $20 per person.  You do have to pay for any kind of alcohol, and soda but most of the time juices and milk and coffee are free.

3) Carnival is known as the part ships, and does have a ton of young adults.  There are also the normal cruising people which included families and the elderly.  I would say if you're going on Carnival as a single, you picked the very best cruise line because the majority is young adults.

4) Yes yes yes yes yes. You obviously don't want to over pack, but definitely pack plenty of clothes.  I normally go through 2 tops a day.  Make sure you bring tops & bottoms that you can mix and match, plan to wear everything at least twice.  Keep in mind there are formal night(s)(cruises up to 7 days there's one and cruises 7+ have 2 formal nights), where you can dress up. Guys normally wear a suit or tux, and ladies anything from sundresses to cocktail dresses. They are very flexible with their dress code, they're still going to let you in if you're not dressed super fancy.  This night is also optional.  If you do not feel like dressing up, you can simply eat dinner at the buffet instead of the main dining room.  so my answer is yes, definitely pack a good amount of clothes because most people go through at least 2 things a day.

5) If you're willing to make friends, then yes, it's very easy to make friends.  People are everywhere. You can meet them in bars/lounges, at dinner, and many other places. Also, meeting people ahead of time is a good idea. You can go to cruisecritic.com and join a roll call for the exact cruise that you're going on. You can talk to people online that are going on the same cruise as you and then set up a meet and greet on the cruise and met up with them in person there and then enjoy the cruise with them.  If you want further details on that, just send me a message, I'd be more than happy to help.  Basically, people are everywhere. If you're friendly, you'll make friends in no time!

6) After all the cruises that I've been on, I've never had one bad experience.  People who are incredibly picky about their cruise experience drive me crazy. You can't expect everything to go your way.  But yes, I've ALWAYS been extremely pleased with my cruise, I've always had a blast. There's so much to do.  Crusing is definitely the best way to go on a vacation.

Hope this helps! (:

Answer 2

Have been on Carnival Cruises where people were single and as long as you are outgoing should be no problem.  Spas are expensive but meals are normally free. For clothes it usually is pretty casual, but you might want to take a few nice outfits for the dinners.  If you look on line on Carnivals website they have suggestions for first time cruisers.  Above all have a great time, that is what it is all about..

Answer 3

Hey!

I am going on a cruise also by myself in December for the first time .......the Carnival may be my choice. That's how I came across your blog, searching for cruises in December. I'm turning "a certain age" and I'm going to have a ball. My other friends either can't get off work.....or it's too hard to find babysitters for that long.....or kind of short on cash (or a combination of the three). I am going anyway. Email me and let me know when you might go......we could be two singles meeting friends and living life like it's GOLDEN!

Answer 4

The meals are included in the cruise fare.  Hot tubs etc are also free,  Spa treatment is going to be pretty expensive.  As far as whether or not a ship is a party ship, really depends on the time and length of a cruise.  If you go during college spring break etc, expect the cruise to be rowdier.  Also the shorter 3-4 day cruises tend to be rowdier than the 7+ day cruises.  As far as clothing, you will need a set of decent clothes for each night during the evening.  during the day, dress as you would if you were going to the beach or pool. You will also 1 or 2 sets of fancier clothing for formal night(s). I have been on 8 cruises, so I am pretty pleased.  I know they have single nights and alot of bars etc to meet people.  Also, there is usually alot going on around the pools during the day.

Answer 5

Depends on when in December.  I took my daughter and granddaughter over Christmas week and we had a blast.  If you're single, you will have to pay for two as there is no single cabin rate.  Meals are included in the fare along with free room service.  Always lots of young people aboard.  Don't need tons of clothes - casual but slightly casual/glam for one or two nights.  Yes, everyone is friendly, especially your table-mates at meals.  Overall, highly recommend - best bang for your travel buck.

Answer 6

1 i found a freind  the first day we partied all night.

  2.  spas are from like 30 bucks

3. yes it is

4  yes you dont want to wait in line to wash them in the laundry room

5. yes  

6. yes  i was never bored

Answer 7

Here are my answers for your questions:

1. Be open to meet all kinds and types of people, go with an open mind and try to make some friends you can hang out with.

2.  The spas can be costly, also the meals are included in the price of the cruise, you can eat in the dining room, and you will be at a table with others,

3. I have been on Carnival and yes, they are more of a party ship, my husband and I went on Carnival and there were more young people the our age

4. Don't over pack, it depends on how long (how many days you are going) you will need a dress for the dress up night (2 if you are going on a week cruise) you will need clothes (casual wear, no shorts in the dining room) skirts, dresses, bathing suit.  

5.  For the friends questions, you will make friends, make sure you do on cruise stuff, they are fun, that way you will make more friends.

6.  Overall, I was happy with the cruise, it was a 4 day/3 night and we had fun.  My husband and I like Royal Carribbean better.  If you are young then you will like Carnival, have fun and relax.  I have always gone with someone, so I have no idea what's like to go alone.  Don't forget your passport.