What can you tell me about taking a Carnival Cruise?
July 22nd, 2010 4 Comments
Posted by admin
I’m planning my first cruise for September. What tips and suggestions can you tell me that I won’t find in a brochure?
I’m planning my first cruise for September. What tips and suggestions can you tell me that I won’t find in a brochure?
This applies to all cruises… if you have to fly to get to the embarkation port, leave plenty of time for flight delays and malfunctions or even go the day before. Cruise ships wait for no one.
I’ve cruised about 5 times, all on Carnival. I had a great time every time. I won’t say they are the best but you will have a great time.
For first timers, I suggest going up to the front of the ship to watch her leave port.
I have had cabins amidships and found them a little hot.
My favorite rooms are on the lowest deck and forward (but not so far that you are in the pointy part). Its quieter and cooler the lower you go and you can sit in the window and watch the flying fish etc. But, I have never stayed on the highest decks. I’m sure a balcony would be fun.
Get a cabin with an exterior room – its worth it.
Figure your total cost to be 50% more than the cruise ticket, more if you drink a lot. This includes excursions, taxi and short hop airfare to the ship, trinkets and a few drinks.
You might get your clothes dirty, so there are self-service laundries on board.
Dinner is assigned seating. I assume you could request a seat change if you don’t like your table mates.
Dinner starts at an assigned time in the formal dining rooms. Try to be on time as the waiters have a lot of courses to serve. You being late means you are out of sync with the whole table.
On a cruise, either be a recluse or a friendly gab. You are locked on that tub for a few days with the same people. Many people jump right in and make new friends. It adds to the experience.
Except formal night. No one dresses up anymore for dinner. Just a pair of pants and a decent blouse or top. Even on fomal night jackets for men aren’t necessary. Just simple dress or pants and a nice top. Or a pantsuit. No sneakers.
Bring a small digital alarm clock. No clocks in rooms or hairdryers.
I brought air freshener. no vents or windows in bathrooms.
You may want to take some Dramimine- nondrowsy before you board. Just in case
Carnival, although pricier than other cruise lines, is a budget cruise line. You pay for the name, not the product. The food is mediocre, cabins are small, decor is that of a bad 80′s Vegas lounge, and it’s a party cruise with tons of kids onboard. Have you researched the other lines? I’ve been on over 50 cruises on most cruise lines, including Carnival, and wouldn’t go on another Carnival cruise if they paid me. That’s my tip and suggestion.
Carnival offers round-the-clock excitement on its "Fun Ships," which are like floating resorts. There’s so much variety that you can be as high-spirited or as low-key as you want. You’ll find dozens of activities, top-notch Vegas-style revues and a variety of nightspots, from high-energy discos to cozy piano bars. Carnival ships boast some of the largest showrooms and best entertainment at sea, and their lively casinos provide hours of fast-paced action.
Well-known for a family-friendly atmosphere, the Camp Carnival program for children offers age-appropriate, supervised activities for cruisers ages 2 to 11, while older kids and teenagers enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Circle "C" and Club O2. For adults, Spa Carnival is an oasis of comfort and relaxation, providing body-care treatments and a complete fitness center.
In addition to several new ships, Carnival’s eight "Fantasy-class" ships are undergoing a $250 million "Evolutions of Fun" ship refurbishment and product enhancement initiative. Upgrades include fully remodeled staterooms, new designs for pool areas, upgraded spas and new sound and lighting systems in lounges and clubs. Expanded outdoor recreational areas will feature WaterWorks aqua parks with 300-foot water slides, water sprays and double-lane racing slides. Kids will have expanded play areas, teens will find new facilities at Club 02, and grown-ups can retreat to new adults-only deck areas. Enhancements have been completed on a number of ships, and more ship updates are scheduled over the next few years.
Carnival operates cruises to 60 popular destinations worldwide, usually departing from convenient close-to-home ports. Take a look at our Carnival discounts to discover what makes Carnival "The World’s Most Popular Cruise Line."
http://vacationstogo.com/cruise_lines/carnival_cruises.cfm
Hope I helped!