My husband and I just booked a cruise on Carnival. What should we expect?

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MDR

My hubby and I along with two other married couples took a cruise last year on Carnival to Cozumel Mexico and the Caymen Islands. We had a WONDERFUL time. It was our first cruise and we are now hooked. We are going again this year on Royal Caribbean. There are so many activities from gambling to Las Vegas look alike shows on board. All the food and drinks you can eat and drink and want 24 hrs a day (imagine eating lobster, pizza and ice cream at 3am.) By the end of our cruise, I gained 5 pounds.

Oh! One piece of advise I wish some had shared with us before we cruised. DO NOT buy your excursion tickets on board. It is a rip off and the prices are inflated by the cruise lines. Once you dock and go ashore, you'll have an opportunity to purchase tickets to various tours and stuff.

Bring one dressy evening outfit (suit or tux for hubby and evening dress for you) one night during your cruise (usually your 2nd evening) a formal dinner will be served.

Julie T

Our family loves cruising vacations! We take Carnival since we like to host large groups.

Here is some info specific to Carnival:

Sign and Sail account - set up up embarkation. You can put up a credit card and they will charge your account for your on-board purchases. You can get sticker shock at the end of the cruise when you realize how many times you have swiped your card. You have the option of placing a cash deposit. They will cut you off from charging when you exceed the deposit. Noteable: Carnival charges your account for the tips ($10/per day/per guest) when you board the ship.

Extras....photos about $20 per sheet, bingo cards $35, bar drinks $4-12 each plus 15% gratuity. Sodas by the can $1.75, sushi and coffee bar. The sodas and snacks in your cabin are billed like a hotel mini bar. Skip these items and go to the buffet!

Recommend purchasing the Soda Fountain card on Day 1. All of the by the glass soda you can drink. It will pay for itself!

Take a supply of $, 1 5, and 10s in US dollars for taxis, porters, etc.

Don't use the ship to shore phone at all! My sister was trying to check her voicemail at home and ended up with a $150 phone bill.

You can book your shore excursions through Carnival or directly with the providers. Carnival marks up the cost of the excursion. Warning...if you are in a port that requires a tender (ferry ride) to the dock, the passengers that have booked an excursion through Carnival get priority on the tender.

Take a XXL Ziploc bag to take sandy, yucky clothes home.

Don't book your return flight home too early. De-barkation can take a long time.

Read your Carnival Capers everyday to see what is going on!

Have a great time!

Alex

I just got off one Saturday and I love it. It was only a three day, which is way to short, so whatever you do always go with a 7 day cruise. Or more if time and money will allow!

Tony

Depending on the length of the trip, there's lots of stuff to do, but bring along something to entertain yourselves (books, crossword puzzles, etc.). I've been on six cruises in the Caribbean and have never seen more than a drizzle, but like with any travel, weather can be iffy. You'll have tv in your room with feature length movies, news, etc., and the casino is pretty good. Lots of activities aboard ship at all times, and it's great to watch the starts out on deck on a clear night.

You'll see a lot of college kids, but to this day I haven't seen one get sick in public. Most of them get bored with all the drinking after a few days and will more than likely just lie out in the sun and snooze. Just monitor your own spending for alcohol, etc.--you have to pay up in full by the end of the cruise or make arrangements to do so, and the line is serious about it!

chestr22

It depends on which ship, how long, etc. Cruises and the people who travel them vary with each ship/length. Check out cruisecritic, they have lot of answers to the questions you have.

letsboogie

A great experience. They have excellent service. Nice dance floor too. lol I booked mine on www.ytb.com/dicetravel . The guy showin us around was funny. They make you laugh a lot.

benandgavinsmomma

Expect some fun, great food, entertainment, drinks, great tourist attractions. You will love the experience. Depending on where you are going expect a lot of people desparate to make a sale. I went on one cruise and the guy kept asking me if I wanted to buy a cane. I finally said I can walk fine without one. They are very persistant.

Abbey C

The best! possibly some bad weather though!

tbugs

You should expect drunk college kids puking on the deck, in the restaurants, in the lounges, and in the hallways.

The Carnival ships are the prime hangout for college kids who just want to get drunk.

Slartibartfast

You fools.
You crazy fools.

There is only one way out of this mess.
Take 450 packets of cheese and onion crisps on board with you.

Don't ask questions
Just do it!

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