Cruise

yasmine · Jul 13, 2005

I am going on a cruise to Cozumel and Costa Maya in August..going on Carnival "sensation"...I have never been on a cruise before...does anyone know of any tips or advice for me? You know the saying "next time i'll know"-- well i want to be prepared for what is in store for me. I hate going and being in the dark about what to expect or what to do when we port, packing...etc.
I'm very excited though b/c ths is my first real vacation!!!!!!! Any thoughts, tips, advice, or things that i should watch out for, etc...is greatly appreicated!

katspixiedust · Jul 13, 2005

I ADORE cruises!! Of course make sure you get to the port with plenty of time, just like you would at an airport. That way you've factored in time for any mishaps that may occur. Also, remember that there is ALWAYS something going on on a cruise ship, however that doesn't mean that someone is going to guide you to everything you would most enjoy without you having to do a thing. Be willing to seek things out and you will always be entertained! Make sure to attend at least a few of your formal dinners, they're wonderful and tons of fun! Remember that the gift shops on cruise ships are duty free, so if there's a piece of jewelry or something else you've been wanting...on that ship is the time to get it! Don't forget some Dramamine (non-drowsy formula) if you're worried about getting sea sick. It's very different from any other kind of boat, and the rocking isn't as noticable. For many people (myself included) the slight rocking of cruise ships tends to throw your equilibrium off more. It's like your mind isn't sure whether you just rocked or not, and it can really throw you off. Taking Dramamine can completely take care of any of those worries! Let's see...spend as little time in your room as possible! There's no need to be in there!! Spend the entire time you're docked OFF of the ship, you'll be on it enough on the way over and back. Just let loose, have a blast, and take lots of pictures!

I'll actually be going on my 2nd Carnival Cruise in October, my 3rd cruise total (first was a Princess Cruise) and I promise you that if you go in aiming to have a blast, your cruise will NOT disappoint!!

wellingtoncats · Jul 13, 2005

Wow, I've never been on a cruise so I can't give you any advice but have a ball!

MoochNNoodles · Jul 13, 2005

Hmmm lets see. My personal oppinion is to dance your heart out even if you look like a fool....you probably won't ever meet any of thoes people again except if your like me and you went on a cruise with a ton of people from your church........ Eat new things. I went on a carnival cruise a few years ago and I loved trying new things I'd never get at home. Take lots of pictures. Don't forget tip money for the people that clean your cabin and wait on your tables. Take a few minutes to enjoy the deck at night. And have a blast!

yasmine · Jul 13, 2005

Originally Posted by MoochNNoodles

Hmmm lets see. My personal oppinion is to dance your heart out even if you look like a fool....you probably won't ever meet any of thoes people again except if your like me and you went on a cruise with a ton of people from your church........ Eat new things. I went on a carnival cruise a few years ago and I loved trying new things I'd never get at home. Take lots of pictures. Don't forget tip money for the people that clean your cabin and wait on your tables. Take a few minutes to enjoy the deck at night. And have a blast!

Do we need to pay tip money if the gratuties for the entire stay has been paid up front? It was included with our ticket.

I'm defintaly ready for the food....

MoochNNoodles · Jul 13, 2005

Originally Posted by yasmine

Do we need to pay tip money if the gratuties for the entire stay has been paid up front? It was included with our ticket.

I'm defintaly ready for the food....

Hmm...I'm not sure. Things may have changed since I went. I'm sure someone knows better or you can find someone to ask.

esrgirl · Jul 13, 2005

Originally Posted by yasmine

Do we need to pay tip money if the gratuties for the entire stay has been paid up front? It was included with our ticket.

I'm defintaly ready for the food....

You don't have to, but I'm sure they wouldn't mind! My heart leaps when I see that someone has left me an additional tip beyond the gratuity when I serve a party of people (if a group is over 8 we automatically add a gratuity). I don't know if they'll allow you to do that though- so maybe just call and ask, or ask when you board?

yasmine · Jul 14, 2005

Well i read in the cruise booklet that extra gratutity is up to the individual since they collect tips upfront now. So i guess it depends on the situation or server....

I appreicate all the great tips -- i'm so ready to leave i cant hardly stand myself!

oscarsmommy · Jul 14, 2005

I've never been on a cruise but I must say that if you get motion sick, take dramamine! It works wonders on boats!

Have fun!

gailc · Jul 14, 2005

Yes you will be asked to leave a tip. Most cruise ships recommend $10/day per person!!
When you pack-take out half the clothes as they won't be worn!! Swimsuits/shorts/tank tops a hat!!
The cruise I went on people "saved" chairs around the pool like at 6:30 in the am. You just have to put a towel/book something like that. Most people will know that the chair is being used!!
I ate ALOT!!!! Started out really good and then went to snacking on ice cream and french fries at all sorts of odd times!!
I agree with the jewelry-Gold chains/braclets are REALLY CHEAP!!! They will make good gifts too and are small to pack.
Bring a backpack for any off shore excursions. And your own water bottle.
You will see all shapes and sizes of people. Some so tanned they look like shoe leather!!
THe ships formal dinners aren't real formal. Like you are attending a wedding. No long dresses or anything real fancy. Make sure you attend the captains dinner.
The shows are pretty good.
Lots of sunscreeen.
The ships put out a daily newletter.
Book any excursions right away-can you do them online? They are expensive however.
Have a fun time!!

captiva · Jul 14, 2005

You will have a great time! They are a ton of fun!!!

yasmine · Jul 14, 2005

Originally Posted by GailC

Yes you will be asked to leave a tip. Most cruise ships recommend $10/day per person!!
When you pack-take out half the clothes as they won't be worn!! Swimsuits/shorts/tank tops a hat!!
The cruise I went on people "saved" chairs around the pool like at 6:30 in the am. You just have to put a towel/book something like that. Most people will know that the chair is being used!!
I ate ALOT!!!! Started out really good and then went to snacking on ice cream and french fries at all sorts of odd times!!
I agree with the jewelry-Gold chains/braclets are REALLY CHEAP!!! They will make good gifts too and are small to pack.
Bring a backpack for any off shore excursions. And your own water bottle.
You will see all shapes and sizes of people. Some so tanned they look like shoe leather!!
THe ships formal dinners aren't real formal. Like you are attending a wedding. No long dresses or anything real fancy. Make sure you attend the captains dinner.
The shows are pretty good.
Lots of sunscreeen.
The ships put out a daily newletter.
Book any excursions right away-can you do them online? They are expensive however.
Have a fun time!!

yea we prepaid 10.00 a day each for me and my b/f....we can book the excurions online but i'm not sure that we're gonna do any- except horseback riding on the beach!!!
So when the cruise is over, i guess you'll get a tab for the drinks and etc., does that have to be paid with cash or can we use credit card?

gailc · Jul 14, 2005

They take plastic!!!

kellyyfaber · Jul 14, 2005

I have some very good advice...........you need to .......Take me with you!!!!

katspixiedust · Jul 14, 2005

Originally Posted by Kellyyfaber

I have some very good advice...........you need to .......Take me with you!!!!

She's going with her boyfriend, but my friend Lauren and I are going on one to Grand Caymen and Jamaica in October. We'd be happy to stow you away!!!

yasmine · Jul 14, 2005

Originally Posted by Kellyyfaber

I have some very good advice...........you need to .......Take me with you!!!!

lol i can shove you in my suitcase if you wish!!

coolcat · Jul 14, 2005

Hey,

Jasmine nice trip for you!

....I really wish you Good luck!

Unfortunately Cozumel is around 8 hours by road to MÃ[emoji]169[/emoji]rida...

and I have not planning to go to cozumel...

...Â´cause I donÂ´t have a free day from work...)It should be soo cool to meet you when your cruise arrive....

*sight*.... well, no matter!

Take a lot the pics and, use a lot the sunlotion!

you going to need it!

..

....Good luck!

yasmine · Jul 14, 2005

Originally Posted by CoolCat

Unfortunately Cozumel is around 8 hours by road to MÃ[emoji]169[/emoji]rida...

and I have not planning to go to cozumel...

...Â´cause I donÂ´t have a free day from work...)It should be soo cool to meet you when your cruise arrive

Yea that would be cool....I have the shopping over there is great!!! $$$

caprice · Jul 14, 2005

OMG! You won't believe this!! I am going on a Cruise in August too!!!!!!!!!!!!! But...we are going on Carnival Ecstasy! Our ship leaves out of Galveston and we are going to Cozumel and Playa Del Carmen! Boy, am I also excited! We are guaranteed an ocean view room! I can't really give you any tips because this is also my first cruise too! My mom went on one 3 weeks ago to Belize, and had a ball, but unfortunatly that was the same ship that lady went missing off of (this was June 24th, I believe).

Anyway, I do know that we have to pre-register with Carnival cruises since we booked our cruise through Expedia, if you did the same, make sure to do that too. You'll also need your birth certificate and driver's license, if you don't have a passport. I don't have one, so I need to dig for my birth certificate. Also, make sure to get the dramemine (sp?) for motion sickness, from the suggestion of another TCSer...and make sure to have fun too! I can't really think of any other things the lady told me to do at Expedia. But, I can join in with your excitement, if you don't mind!

yasmine · Jul 14, 2005

Originally Posted by caprice

OMG! You won't believe this!! I am going on a Cruise in August too!!!!!!!!!!!!! But...we are going on Carnival Ecstasy! Our ship leaves out of Galveston and we are going to Cozumel and Playa Del Carmen! Boy, am I also excited! We are guaranteed an ocean view room! I can't really give you any tips because this is also my first cruise too! My mom went on one 3 weeks ago to Belize, and had a ball, but unfortunatly that was the same ship that lady went missing off of (this was June 24th, I believe).

Anyway, I do know that we have to pre-register with Carnival cruises since we booked our cruise through Expedia, if you did the same, make sure to do that too. You'll also need your birth certificate and driver's license, if you don't have a passport. I don't have one, so I need to dig for my birth certificate. Also, make sure to get the dramemine (sp?) for motion sickness, from the suggestion of another TCSer...and make sure to have fun too! I can't really think of any other things the lady told me to do at Expedia. But, I can join in with your excitement, if you don't mind!

When are u leaving on your cruise? We're departing from New Orleans on August 13th....i ordered the tickets through carnival and we already registered with the Fun-Pass..its supposed to speed up the check in process-- i assume thats what you are referring to!!!? Anyways...i have heard from numerous people that they win money playing the slots!! SO i'm gonna at least put away 20.00 doing that...this lady at work played 5.00 and won 300.00!!!!! I'm kinda if-y about what to pack...i always over-pack but i'm not sure what kind of clothes to pack. (besides a dress, tanks, shorts, bathing suits...)

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