What are your best advice/tips for cruising on Carnival?

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Just a guy

I just went on my first cruise (Carnival, Western Caribbean). Things are pretty self explanatory. We left from New Orleans. Embarkation/Debarkation days it was chilly, but the rest of the trip was definitely shorts/bathing suit weather during the day. Nights weren't bad either...we wore khaki shorts, etc. You'll want sunscreen...we got a little burnt the last day because we forgot to put some on.

We also booked our excursion through Carnival (we knew it was more expensive, but we didn't know how it worked, since it was our first cruise). Basically when you get on shore, there will be a bunch of stations with signs of the name of the excursion you're doing. It's very easy.

Here's a few things I learned.

-There is no alarm clock in the room. We brought one. You'll be happy you did.
- There's only 1 electric outlet for the room. We brought a small extension cord
- You're allowed 1 bottle of wine per person (don't forget to pack a corkscrew). So we actually packed a bottle of bourbon and a bottle of rum in our checked luggage in wine bottles, and then purchased a soft drink package as soon as we got on the boat. We made mixed drinks for ourselves all week. Much cheaper.
- Photographers are everywhere. Pictures are free to have taken, but expensive to buy...about $18-20 for 1 8X10.
- Bring cash onshore. Smaller bills especially. You can negotiate with the locals on price for pretty much anything. But they might get mad if you talk them down from $20 to $11, and then ask for change for a $20.

Basically, it's just like any other vacation, except you never have to think about when or where you're going to eat, and there's PLENTY of activities onboard to keep you entertained throughout the day.

Purple H

there is an alarm clock....its called wake up call and you set it on your room phone

Mary L

You got some very good information in the previous answer, but I will add just a wee bit of things I have found useful for cruises. First, be sure to take a pair of flipflops or "water shoes" since the pool decks can be hot and occasionally very slippery -- something for your feet to wear to the pool, slip off, and leave by the side while you swim. Also, take a tote bag, which is very handy to carry your sunglasses, sunscreen, book to read, ID/key card, daily program, etc. during the day. When you are on shore, there will probably be tons of local folks trying to get you to buy things, but I suggest you say no thank you and walk on by. They are persistent, but a simple "no thanks" will do. You will see lots of the same stuff all over the place, and it's a good idea to see the range -- and buy things on the way back to the ship! If you haven't gone to a Del Sol store, be sure to do it! Their stuff ranges from doodads to clothing to hair ornaments to nail polish, and it all changes colors in sunlight. It's good quality, and I love the nail polish. About shore excursions -- the ones you book through the ship are certainly a bit more expensive than what you can negotiate for yourself on shore. However, if you are on a ship-sponsored excursion that runs late they will hold the ship for you. If you are on your own, the ship leaves without you! I personally have been on excursions that did run late, but they were ship-sponsored so I did NOT get left on shore and they held the ships for us each time. Have a great trip!

Highly Favoured

As you will be using the pool and the beaches you will need your swim wear. You will also need some sunblock to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Light clothing for the day is needed as well as nice clothes for the dining room. You need something special for the formal night with nice shoes to go with it. You do not need a towel, shampoo nor soap as these will be provided.
camera, batteries, charger
cell (if you need one and charger)
makeup
undies and sanitary napkins
soft-wear/sandals for walking during the day
running gear if you run on mornings around the ship's deck
shades and glasses if you wear
Things for your hair (bands etc)

You do not have to pay for any meals unless you choose a specialty restaurant. The only free juice is at breakfast. I know there was a free ice cream station but there also might be a paying one. If you choose wine for dinner or order any other drinks or sodas you have to pay for them. They do not use cash on board but a ship pass. They will swipe your credit card and this will be linked to your ship pass. You ship pass is what you will need to buy things on board or for seating in the restaurant. It is also used for entry and exit from the ship and to enter the port after leaving the island.

The only money you will need is for shopping on the islands so depending on what you want to buy you can estimate. The ship's excursions are very expensive but you can go and bargain with the taxi driver for a better fee. You can bargain for this, maybe $25 per person sharing in the taxi. Bear in mind that it might be more.

You will put on a few pounds as the desserts are pretty to look tantalizing. I am here struggling to get off the few pounds I put on from my last cruise. There are many restaurants and you can choose either of two sittings. It is 6:30 or 8:30 pm. There are also two shows nightly which will be 8:30 and 10:30. On Princess has 'anytime dining'.

There is a disco, karaoke, quizzes etc. People will come around asking if you want a drink from the bar. if you choose one remember it will come off your credit card. even in the theater they will come around.

On entering the ship for the first time and on exiting the ship to each port they will snap a picture. You can take as much as you like but if you choose any to buy they will be expensive. They will also take them on formal night. The only time you will get free alcoholic drinks is on Captain's Ball (Carnival).

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