Going on a Carnival cruise in May anyone have any tips or advice they could share??

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phantom_of_valkyrie

Tons! But I wish you were more specific. What ship? What ports? Check out my answer here since it's nice and detailed about what I thought of multiple ports.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aox9hSQkqX4FVSIeW2XI72Dsy6IX?qid=20070307172744AALtJSh&show=7#profile-info-b4bb0f180a045fdb943d3d3680b4734aaa

Then as far as general tips the CLIA website (Cruise Lines International Association) is a fantastic resource for first time cruisers.

Read reviews from people who just got off the ship right before you. They can help you out greatly with the shore excursions that they hated.

Tips: take lots of small bills. in caribbean countries you can negotiate better with more exact change. pack light. all you need is basic shorts, tanks, sundresses, bathing suits and sunscreen for during the day. For dinner each night, I usually pack slacks/dressy shirt, a few sundresses, a cocktail dress and a formal gown. one of the 2 formal nights (on a 7day) is more formal than the other. prom dresses are quite the norm. Carry a lightweight jacket. it's often cold in the bahamas and usually very cold in the art auctions and the lounge room. Attend the shopping seminars. They will give away free stuff and tell you which shops are the best. Buy snorkel gear ahead of time. Usually you can find a full set for around $30. Then on an island if you are just laying on the beach, you can run in and go snorkeling. Buy underwater cameras at home before you go. They are ridiculously priced on ship.

Don't take a shore excursion in every port. They are often expensive, roughly $100 each. Some ports you definitely should--and especially if its something that really interests you like Mayan ruins, or tubing through a cave in the middle of the rainforest. But not at every port.

Buy the FUNSHIP drink on your first day. (It's great!) Carry your Carnival souvenir cup around with you and you get the cheaper "refill" price. instead of paying for 10 souvenir cups.
Drinks of the day are always great and much cheaper.

Attend the different things. I usually go to each nightly show, and the comedians. Hit an art auction, visit the spa (if you check the carnival caper, one day they will have a great spa deal). Don't feel bad if you are at one of the "built ports" (Costa Maya, some private bahama island) and you want to stay on the ship most of the day. You can lay by the pool and have your own private waiter. Maybe visit that gym I've heard they have. (I have never personally visited but I've heard other people loved it)

Budget. If you put money on your sail and sign card, they will charge you the tips. It's something like $100 for the stewards tips, waitstaff, etc. Be aware of that if you were just putting $200 cash down for drinks. Plan on eatting most of your meals on ship--and avoid the restaurant on ship that you have to pay additionally for. There are roughly 19 eatting establishments onboard the ship, eat at them. I rarely make my way to even 5 different ones and always wish I did. Make a budget for shore excursions, drinks, and casino. That way you don't have to ruin your trip by calculating how much each individual drink cost. Just put about $300 or so on it, and use it til its gone.

Don't forget one shirt with sleeves in case you get too much sun on your shoulders.

Happy Cruising! Don't forget sunscreen!

You couldn't improve on the answer that phantom_of_valkyrie gave...GREAT answer. I couldn't improve on it.

shhhhhhhhhhhimhiding

Carnival has a thing on thier website with FAQ, I went thru them before our first crusie and really thought it answered almost everything I needed to know. Remember that any liquer thats bought has to be transported in your checked luggage on the flight home so keep that in mind when buying it (wished i had...lol) Im going on my 4th Carnival crusie in May and have had a great time on all of them...enjoy

peterfl999

im plannin on going on my first cruise ship
thank for asking the question

i m sorry to hear what happen
if u care to chat
i will love to chat email me peterfl999@yahoo.com

Dusie

try cruiseaddict.com. The veteran cruisers just love to share and have great advice for any questions you have.

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