Tell me what I can expect on my frist cruise...?

Question

I am going on a Carnival Cruise in the end of August to the Eastern Caribbean. I would like anyone who actually has been on a Carnival cruise or on a cruise that time of year to tell me what I can expect. By the way, the ship we are going on is the Miracle.

Answer 1

Carnival has worked its way to being the best of the mass market cruise lines. I have sailed them many times, as well as Princess, Royal Carribean, NCL and many others.

The "new" Carnival is spectacular.

The buffet restaurant that is open 24 hours a day has the best pastriami sandwiches and pizza.  Plus an array of healthier choice meals, both on the 24 hour buffet and in the regular dining room.

A typical day at sea would be..

Sleep till you want to get up.

To to the buffet restaurant for breakfast. You can get eggs made to order, anything your heart desires.

You can also go to the main dining room for breakfast, but it closes and you may not want to get up that early. I never do.

The food in the buffet restaurant is better anyway because it is cooked to order instead of in the kitchen area.  You tell they what you want in your omlette and watch them add it.

After eating you can sit in the sun if you like that.  Attend a morning round of Bingo (which is costly and I usually avoid it). Some of my clients have won free cruises or 4000.00. Really. But I know I would just toss my money away. I am not that lucky.

You can excersize in the massive gym.  You can visit a spa for a massage. (extra cost and watch for sales pitches to buy expensive products), attend an art auction (my favorite),

See what is on sale that day in the hallways outside the shops.

You can have lunch in the main restaurant or by the pool or at the buffet area and other options.  

Mainly during the day you relax, read a good book, see a movie, play games (some organized like trivia).  Watch the ocean roll by.  

Dinner is a great experience. This is when you get together with new (or old) friends and go over what you all did that day. It is a social event.  You can eat in the main dining room which is always wonderful. They now have "supper clubs" that you can choose to visit one night at a supplemental cost of about 30 per person (to cover gratuities). It is gormet, small, georgeous, with great service and entertainment.. You need to make a reservation the minute you step onboard the ship if you want to visit this restaurant. It seats about 50 people.  50 times 7 nights...You do the math..Well worth it! Is often a highlight of many cruisers.

When in port, they will encourage you to visit certain shops like Diamonds International, Tanzanite Intl,...etc. This in my opinion is a waste of your time and money. It is just a way for the cruise lines to make money. If they don't own these shops ( I don't know who owns them), they are certainly making a good profit on commissions. It sickens me to take a cruise (they are all the same) and find each island the same. Shop after shop after shop after shop.

You can often take a taxi tour for less money than a cruise shore excursion. If you research a bit before you go, you can do a better trip more suited to your tastes.  I have gone scuba diving by walking off the ship in various places and finding a local dive shop.  

Get a few of your dinner mates together and share a minivan for an island tour.  

After dinner on a ship there will be a show that lasts about an hour (song and dance or comedian or magician or similar).

This is in the main show lounge.  There are a variety of other shows going on (late night comedian around midnight and more risque), sing along bars, dancing lounges, disco, and many other places to hang out and listen..or do Kareoke.

You will pay about 70.00 for gratuities at the end of the week that covers your cabin steward, bus boy, waiter, matre d, etc..

If you purchase drinks they will add a 15 percent gratuity to the bill automatically.  You get a card as you register that will get you on and off the ship (your picture now flashes on the screen for security) and pays for all the things you  purchase onboard...Shore excursions, gifts from onboard shops..artwork..bingo cards..etc..etc..  At the end of the cruise you will get a bill just like checking out of a hotel. It itemizes everything and will go on your credit card.

Here is one important thing to insure your first day is the best.

The minute you step onboard the ship you are on VACATION.

Don't wait for it to sail at 5pm.  Drop your stuff..change your clothes and enjoy the pool, the bars, the food, the exploring.

Have an awesome time!!!

Answer 2

This is hilarious.  I think I am going on the same cruise as you.  I was about to ask the same question you did when I saw yours.  Hopefully there will be some helpful answers.

Answer 3

I've been on 2 carnival cruises and both were very enjoyable....the ones I went on both had a all day buffet and also a special "resturant" that you have a table at that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner at certain times.

there are shows which is personally one of my fovorite things to go watch and sometimes there are classes that you can take to dance or veiw the kitchen many things there seems to be a LOT of partiing and I'm not a prty person so that was the only thing I didn't like have fun on your cruise

Answer 4

Congratulations!  You are seriously on your way to becoming a cruise-addict.  lol

Here's some tips I give other first-timers to maximize your trip:

Don't forget an alarm clock! Fun sometimes equal exhausting times so make sure you bring one on so you won't miss any fun activities. It's also a MUST if you're in an inside cabin, because the total darkness with mess with your body clock. It's also important for the day you disembark!

EXTENSION CORD. I cannot emphasize how important this is! You usually get just ONE outlet - not cool if you need to plug in a curling iron, alarm clock, phone charger, blow dryer, etc.  (I once travelled with 2 other women using ONE outlet - I hope you never have to experience that lol)

Garment bags are a must! You can get your clothes pressed, but it really makes it easier to have it all nice and neat.

You may even be able to bring on your favorite vintage wine! Give your cruise line a call - they may only charge you a small corking fee to have it at dinner. (Carnival allows 1 bottle per person upon embarkment)

Sunblock and shades... Self explanatory??? :)

I highly recommend getting a massage at the cruiseship spa. Getting completely pampered onboard is an experience like no other. Make sure you book it on the first day you're onboard though, appointments can get booked up pretty quickly!

Go on their excursions! It's so much better than wandering aimlessly plus you get to do things that will usually take a lot of research and planning. And of course you'll also be ensured that you'll get back to the ship safely and on time. Some of the things you an do off the boat are shopping tours, wine tasting tours, golfing, scuba diving/snokeling, etc. It really maximizes your trip.

Don't forget room service! It's usually free!

Bring some non-drowsy Dramamine. I come across alot of sea sick people, especially on the first day. Amazingly, I've also ran into a bunch of people who swear by these magnet bracelets (they'll sell it onboard).

You can save big $$$ on buying bottles of alcohol on board, but Carnival won't let you have it until almost the end of the cruise.

Sit at a big dinner table! That way, your chances of coming across people you like a bigger and it's easier to ignore people you can't stand.

Bring your business cards! Lots of people like to network onboard.

Digital camera with an extra card is a MUST. And take pictures constantly, even when you don't feel like you need to. You'll appreciate it later! Never be afraid of making silly and funny faces lol I take pictures of ridiculous things, from the murals on the walls to what I eat for dinner to sunsets from the ship. It makes an interesting slideshow for your friends and families!

Take advantage of the professional photographers. We have our cruise ship photos in nice frames around the house. One even ended up being on our Christmas card!

Seriously, the blackjack table at the casino rips you off. We spent a fair amount of time there and we didn't see even one person walk away a winner.

Take note of what time your favorite cafes close. It's a pain when you're craving a leg of lamb and you find out that they're shut down for cleaning! Uggg!

This is the time to try different foods! Food is typically free, so hey if you don't like it, what does it matter, really? But seriously, if you've never had duck, try duck on this trip - it'll make for a good story later and you'll be happy you did. :)

OVERPACK. Meaning, bring clothes for hot AND cold. Reason being, the Caribbean may be hot in August, but the air conditioning on the boat can make you think you're in the Arctic! Plus, it's a bit windy when you're at sea.

Get involved! That is the BEST way to maximize fun on your trip! Go see the shows, play their silly games during their open deck parties, go take salsa lessons if they have it. It makes fabulous dinner table conversation.  Make sure you don't miss the Hairy Chest Contest Carnival's known for...  Or their open deck party where you play hot potato with a rubber chicken - you may end up on the cruise video!  Take the class where they show you how to turn the towels into animals too - also a Carnival classic.  :)

You're going to gain weight. But you know what? WHO CARES! Accept now that you'll be carrying the extra bulge when you get off the ship but know that it was worth it! lol  Carnival also has the most amazing frozen yogurt...  *sigh

Although your Sail & Sign card is used instead of cash (they just link everything to your credit card), you should still bring a bunch for doing your tourist stuff on the island. Don't forget to tip your steward!!!  Give him a little something on the first day - it'll ensure you better service throughout your trip.  ;)

Cruises are sooo addicting... Make sure you sign up for their frequent cruising programs.

Hope this helps, have fun!!!

Answer 5

some sea sickness at first, if you aren't used to being on a ship, then you'll get over that, then you'll just love the hot weather in the sun, then you'll start to eat and drink a lot, gain a lot of weight, and before you know it, its over

Answer 6

I have cruised 11 times, 7 with Carnival, and am booked fro my 12th this August (Conquest).  You will have a wonderful time.  You will also find that 4/5 days is not enough, but it's good for a first time.

Leave room in your luggage to bring home "STUFF"

Answer 7

there is food all over but they constantly set up and take it down so sometimes you are chasing food. At all the stops at the ports of call be sure to be prepared for any events and be back on the ship on time. Cruises are very commercialized ... i remember boarding for departure and waiting because carnival sets up a photo station on the boarding plank and tries to get everyone to pay for a photo so everyone is backed up waiting to board. There is a formal night and they rent tuxes

Answer 8

You're going to love it!  Be prepared to gain some weight.  They offer regularly scheduled meals and all kinds of themed buffets in between, even at midnight!   If you like to be occupied, there'll be plenty to do.  There is shopping, a casino, several bars, a salon, and a theatre.  If you choose to relax, you can lay in the sun on the deck of your choice (the upper most deck offers topless sunbathing) and have the drink of the day.  Usually something very tropical and rich!

Enjoy!

Answer 9

You are going to love it.  There's not a lot to tell except that everything is taken care of on a cruise.  You unpack and that's it... just get off when your ship stops at different ports.  

It's very easy, very comfortable.  Just pack comfy clothes and something to wear in the evening and you'll be all set.

Answer 10

Here is a copy of what I give to my first time cruisers.  Its a little long, but will absolutely give you the flavor of what to expect.  Its a two page document.  I hope it is helpful to you.

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First Time Cruiser?  

What is there to do? Will I be bored? Just not sure what to expect?

Every day on a cruise ship is filled with choices - things to do, people to meet and places to go. Whether you pack your days with activities from sunup to sundown or prefer to take things at a more leisurely pace, a cruise can provide just the type of vacation you are looking for.

Most cruises include a mixture of days at sea and days in port. Here's an idea of what you can expect from a day at sea.

A Day at Sea - A Floating Resort is Yours to Discover

You awake in the morning with the sun streaming in the window and the deep blue sea stretching out before you, to the horizon. Will you head to the promenade deck to meet the fitness director for a brisk morning walk or jog around the ship, or place a call to room service and indulge yourself in a leisurely breakfast in bed? You slip on your exercise clothes and you're off, but half an hour later you realize those walks through your neighborhood will never measure up to the open-air laps you just took around your sleek ocean liner.

Back in your stateroom, you shower before heading to the formal dining room to enjoy a full-service breakfast. It's white tablecloths and impeccably dressed staff, attentive to your every whim, but your casual dress is the norm for breakfast.

By now, your waiter knows you by name and has prepared your coffee just the way you like it. The main dining room is rarely more than half full for breakfast, as many passengers choose the more casual, buffet-style restaurant. Will you try the Eggs Benedict today, or have the chef whip up an omelet? There's no need to check the price - all your meals are included.

You glance at your copy of the ship's daily program, which was slipped under your stateroom door the previous evening. This is your guide to the world of activities and events offered onboard for that particular day - and there is something for every style and age. Perhaps you'll take part in the games and contests happening outside by the pool, or join an aerobics class or work out in the state-of-the-art gym. Perhaps you'll attend a lecture about the culture and history of the ports you'll be visiting, take a cooking or computer class, or sign up for a ballroom dancing lesson.

If the kids have come along, they'll be plotting their very own schedule of activities for the day - treasure hunts, T-shirt decorating, and pizza parties at the Kid's Camp.

Later this afternoon, you could play a game of bingo or take a gaming lesson in the ship's casino. Perhaps you'll drop by the art auction or visit the ship's boutiques and duty-free shops. You and your shipmates can take part in a fun (and funny!) passenger game show in the ship's main show lounge. Try a Swedish massage or a relaxing and revitalizing spa treatment. Or, if you are in a more leisurely mood today, just laze in the sun by the pool, or find a quiet spot in the library and curl up with a good book. There are cozy and private places to read on even the largest ships.

Think that cruises have a lot to offer during the day? When the sun goes down, shipboard life is just heating up! Before dinner, you may enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while mingling with fellow guests. Single guests will enjoy meeting others who are on their own at the singles cocktail party or social. Then, enjoy a world-class meal in the main dining room, where the service and cuisine are exceptional. Of course, the buffet restaurant is still an option for dinner, and on many ships there are other specialty restaurants from which to choose.

After dinner, head to the main show lounge for a Broadway or Vegas-style show performed by the ship's talented entertainment staff. The kids won't be left out of the fun at night; they may have their own dinner engagement this evening with some of their newfound friends. Later, while you are at the show, the older kids will have a blast at the teen disco, while the little ones watch movies and eat ice cream sundaes at the kids-only slumber party!

After the show, you can try your luck at the slots or gaming tables in the ship's lively casino, or sit back and listen to a live jazz band or chamber music in one of the ship's lounges. Maybe you'll dazzle your fellow passengers with your vocal talents during karaoke or at a sing-along in the piano bar! Or just dance the night away to the pulsing beat of the disco. Whatever you do, don't forget the midnight buffet!

After a day custom-made to your tastes, you'll wonder what you ever did for excitement on dry land.

Answer 11

the sea