Can anyone help, we are leaving on a Carnival Cruise Friday, does anyone have any reminders or helpful hints?

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Melissa B

It's important not to overpack. Keep in mind you will be bringing back more than you are bringing there. I wouldn't over do it with toys for the kids, they will be kept very entertained the entire time you are there. I would just take a couple things to keep them busy while waiting (airport, check-in etc.)

Carry on: Travel documents (do not pack in luggage!), small items to keep the kids entertained, medications, swim suit, underwear and at least one change of clothes. Also, anything that cannot be replaced easily or cheaply. Keep in mind that once you embark, you will not have your luggage for a few hours and in worst case scenarios a day or two (it happened to me!).

Clothes: T-shirts, shorts etc. the usual. I would opt for more comfortable clothes than anything else. As for dinner-wear try to pack mix and match items to save on packing space. For example, a nice skirt can get you through a couple dinners. You'll probably change after dinner anyway(if it's a formal night especially). Also bring more than one bathing suit, so one can dry while you're wearing the other.

Things you don't want to forget:
-Passport or travel documents as well as reservation confirmation and any other documents for airlines etc.
-Camera (would invest in an inexpensive waterproof camera if you have a non-waterproof camera).
-Any chargers (something I always forget) for your camera, iPod, cell phone if you'll be using it.
-A comfy pair of shoes for everyone!!
-Medications including motion sickness meds. Don't worry if you don't have it. They give it away like candy on the ship and you can purchase other remedies as well.
-Small bottle of dishsoap for kid's cups.
-Small snacks to keep in your purse (while on shore)
-Watershoes for the kids especially
-Large purse or beach bag for port days
-Sunscreen, bug spray
-A watch
-Avoid bringing valuable jewlery!!

Tips: Late dinner will be ideal for you, there's nothing worse than rushing back to your cabin and rushing your family to get ready for dinner. If you have the early dinner, ask to change, they will usually accomidate you.
-If you guys are big pop drinkers, purchase a soda package, it's worth it.
-Take advantage of the children's activities, they love it and you will love the relaxation time.
-Don't over schedule yourself, leave plenty of time to relax and free to do what you want. You'll be surprised how much there is to do.
-Don't hesitate to ask for special accomidations. If you want something different or are unsatisfied, speak up. Most cruise lines will bend over backwards to please you!
-Check your account daily. With cashless systems, we tend to overspend, keep track of your spending so you're not surprised at the end.
-Make sure to leave emergency contact information with family members at home, the ship will have a number they can call (it's very expensive, so it should be used only if needed), also flight information and iterary.
-If you plan on using your cell phone, check with your provider for rates.
-If you plan on using the spa, check for discounts later in the week or on port days-most cruise lines discount their services at these times.
-Don't feel that you need to dine in the dining hall every night, there are plenty of other options for a more casual evening at your convenience.
-Don't miss the ship on port days :) Leave yourself plenty of time to get back and board the ship.

Most of all..enjoy! You won't miss out on anything, you'll be overloaded with info once onboard. If you forget to pack something, you can buy just about anything on the ship.

elainebennis

take dishwashing lotion to wash kids sippy cups for sure.i also brought a small one ring pool so that i could use it as a tub since there are none in rooms.(the little blow up kind)you can also sit it next to your deckchair and let them play in it because the pools are usually deep there.any type of medicine they might need like cold and flu and tylenol.i also travel with velco strips to partition my room off with a sheet around there sleeping area.i know it sounds crazy but in such a small room,you may want to sit and read etc,and it will give you a little privacy and shield the kids from light etc.rig it as you can because sometimes if they wake and see you,they wont settle back down. i also take there fave snacks so that at night or morning you have them handy.definitely bring along some dvds etc.plenty of diapers and swim diapers cause they will not always stock your sizes and brands.also your stroller cause ships are huge.if you have a reclining one you could walk the litle one around the ship and let them nap in it while you sunbathe.also a warm sweater because ships are windy and cold at night.bring a couple beach toys for the pool and private island excursion. i know it sounds like alot but trust me its better to have extra than be stressed about finding what they want or need!i also found these great huggies presoaped washclothes that you wet and use,so they are so easy to pack and will wash hair and body.then you throw them out,no need to carry toiletries for them.have fun!you will love traveling with them,i bring mine all over and its different,but wonderful.

BusyMom

I would suggest that you take some small bottles of hand sanitizer with you. Many of the ships, not necessarily Carnival, have had problems with norovirus. You can keep a small bottle with you in your pocket or purse. Coming down with the norovirus can definitely ruin your vacation.

Have a great time!

ihop4474

Non potty trained children are not allowed in Carnival pools, even with a swim diaper, because the pools are filtered saltwater and non chlorinated. Just a heads up in case you have kids this age. Take the swim diapers though, because there will be plenty of places in ports to swim. Have a great cruise!

Crystalized

Well one thing, before the ship leaves, you will have an emergency evacuation drill. Be sure to discuss it with your children if they are young, so they wont be freaked out. Thats the only part that caught us off guard. Other thatn that the people on the ship will take care of mostly everything for you. Hope you have fun!

Terri

Take a carryon for both your husband and yourself. It may take a bit for your checked in baggage to get to the room, so pack an extra change of clothes for each of you and your kids. Also pack medicine and other things you may need (swimsuit, lotion, Dramamine).

If you debark at 5pm, show up at noon or earlier, the check in process won't take as long.

Get a Visa Travel Money card (do not get an American express travelers card, I hated mine throughout my whole cruise). That way it is not tied to your bank account if lost/stolen. Also bring paper money.

If you are at sea for a while, get the soda coupon. Its about $6/day and its all you can drink sodas with that coupon.

I hope you have the evening meal. that way you don't feel you have to rush to get back on the ship for the meal. With the meal, you can have one of each entree/dessert if you want! Its included in the price! So go ahead and say "I'll try the es cargo". If you don't like it, they can remove it from your setting.

Overall, HAVE FUN!

sweettoni37

You will do just fine. I was told that one might get sea sick so you will want to take some Drama zine and just enjoy yourself, Depending on how long your cruise all depends on how much fun you will have, I will be going on a eight day cruise in September and I will plan to take/wear all eight of my swimming suits.

angrysandwichguy_2007

You'll be fine as long as you don't eat the food.

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