First time on a cruise...needed some advice/suggestions to help me enjoy it to the max. Any money saving tips, recommendations on onboard and shore activities, food, bars etc. We were planning to get 2 wine bottles with us, is that a good idea? Is it a possibility to get sea sickness on the cruise and any advise on how to minimize that. Thanks a lot...
Answer :
You really need not spend a lot of money on a cruise. You can save money on sodas by taking your own. I throw a 12 pack in my checked luggage and save the $2 that Carnival charges for a canned soda.
Your idea of taking wine onboard is a good one, and a bottle per person is allowed. By the way, officially, liquor is not allowed in checked luggage, but people can and do take it that way. :)
You can save money on shore excursions by booking your own tours, or doing tours independently. A very cheap shore excursion "tour" would be $40 per person and most run much higher. But often you can rent a car for $25 (for 2-4 people) and have just as much fun. (We think it's more fun.) Or you can just walk around seeing the sights, or have a nice day at a nearby beach, if you know what is available nearby. Some of my best days spent in cruise ports cost absolutely nothing.
Best advice on enjoying to the max is to get on cruisecritic.com and research your ports before you go. There are tons of people there who have been to your port many times and know all the angles. You will only be there for a limited number of hours. If you do your homework, you can make the most of it.
Seasickness can and does happen. Only way to avoid it is to order calm seas. Since you can't do that, you'll just have to manage the situation. We had very rough seas last month in Mexico, but, so it goes. Take dramamine. Book a cabin near the middle of the ship. Hope for the best!
If you have specific question, feel free to email me.
Good luck.
Answer :
I hope you have fun but here are some things we found out during our first cruise:
1) You cannot bring booze on your cruise. Alcohol sales are one of the ship's biggest revenues. You cannot bring your own.
2) There will be plenty of food to eat anytime you want it---take something to relieve your stomach from overeating.
3) I got along fine but my partner did get seasick and it wasn't pretty. She was very ill much of the time. If in doubt, I would encourage you to get a vaccine before you go or take Dramamine Tablets with you.
4) Money Saving Ideas--don't waste a lot of money on the slot machines. They are tough to win on cruise ships. When visiting islands, remember that most prices are always "negotiable." Finally, plan on taking an extra $300 on top of what you were planning to take. There will be many extra attractions that you may want to take advantage of.
Have a great cruise.
Answer :
Ive never heard that eating chili and veggies would help prevent seasickness. Plus they don't serve chili on board everyday. You can get some free seasickness medicine as soon as you board the ship that day, take it a few hours before you leave the dock. Then take another a few hours before you leave Ensenada.You shouldn't get sick unless you get seasickness easily. You may have to tender (take a smaller boat from the Paradise to the Ensenada island) and that sometimes has a sick feeling. All food on board comes with your ticket. Unless you go to a special dinner restaurant.
Bars- Yes it is a good idea, pack them in your suitcase.
Sodas- If you drink soda bring a 12 pack with you, the cruise lines allow you to bring soda.
Pictures- Bring a camera, my family goes by the saying, if you don't take any pictures from the ship you wont be tempted to by them. Take your own pictures, its much cheaper.
Its a short cruise, so yo
Answer :
eat lots of chili and vegetables and milk while on board, it will help you with not getting sea sick quite as much. go running on their olympic-style track with 360 views of the ocean. also go to the las vegas style shows at night time. :] i would check the website for a listing of shore excursions www.carnival.com they show prices as well. also while onboard, if you can help it, dont order extra drinks other then what they offer because they do seem to be rather pricy. most people dont get sea sick because its a slow moving boat but i would reccommend eating the foods i mentioned earlier to help with a weak stomach.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Blue riband library on Carnival Paradise?
has anyone used the libraries on the carnival cruises, and if so do u know if it costs money to check out a book, or something?
Answer :
Carnival's libraries aren't really "libraries" in the sense you're probably thinking. There will be a few books, the open hours are very limited, but there's no charge to borrow a book. Bring your own reading material.
BTW - Holland America has fabulous libraries on their ships.
Answer :
No, but I would highly suggest just bringing your own supply of books because Carnival's libraries don't have many. When I went on Carnival Splendor last year, all they had were one bookcase of books and that was it. The library they had on Splendor, Alexandria Library, had an exchange honor system. You leave a book, you can take a book.
For a look inside the Carnival Paradise's library, click here:
http://www.sealetter.com/artwork/paralib…
Answer :
I have been on the Paradise and it is less of a library and more of a gathering place to sit and talk with friends, in a cool setting. Definitely bring your own books.
Answer :
Carnival's libraries aren't really "libraries" in the sense you're probably thinking. There will be a few books, the open hours are very limited, but there's no charge to borrow a book. Bring your own reading material.
BTW - Holland America has fabulous libraries on their ships.
Answer :
No, but I would highly suggest just bringing your own supply of books because Carnival's libraries don't have many. When I went on Carnival Splendor last year, all they had were one bookcase of books and that was it. The library they had on Splendor, Alexandria Library, had an exchange honor system. You leave a book, you can take a book.
For a look inside the Carnival Paradise's library, click here:
http://www.sealetter.com/artwork/paralib…
Answer :
I have been on the Paradise and it is less of a library and more of a gathering place to sit and talk with friends, in a cool setting. Definitely bring your own books.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Carnival Paradise ship: All advice! What to Expect? Prep? Warning?
I'm going on a Carnival Paradise Cruise from June 4th to 8th -friend's cruise wedding (Long Beach to Catalina Island to Ensenada, Mexico and back). I've never been on a cruise- Any advice about the cruise itself? excursion advice? warnings? sea sickness (i'm sensitive)? must do's?
also- how long would you recommend to be there in advance before boarding? how long does this take? difficult? hassle?
help! i'm nervous and NEED to have an awesome time!
Answer :
Though I have not sailed on the Carnival line, I have sailed cruises on the Dawn Princess, a smaller ship than the Carnival line.
First, please don't be nervous, you will thourouly enjoy your cruise.
Each morning in the mail box outside your room you will receive a newsletter telling you of the daily events. Plan your day using the newsletter. There are things gallor to do aboard ship, and you will not be bored.
Food 24 hours a day, plan to lose a few pounds before you leave, because you will gain about 1 lb a day. It is just too tempting.
Plan ahead for any excursions at the different ports. If you wait too long you may not see what you want to see. Review the cruise book you recieved from Carnival to help you make your choices.
If you think you will get sea sick, buy one of the wrist bands with the magnet. They are also available aboard ship.
Emaking and debarking take a lot of time and you will stand in line for quite awhile. I would plan to be there at least an hour or two early.
Do not use any credit cards at any of your ports. Instead take travelers checks with you and cash them at the pursor's desk before your excursion.
If you drink alcoholic beverages plan on having about $50 a day for onboard expenses. Unless you drink a really lot of soda, do not spend the $50 for unlimited soda drinks, that are offered with a coca cola travel cup.
Travel light, because you will want to bring home a lot of soveniers, and you are limited to how many pieces of luggage you can take.
There is a casino aboard ship, if you gamble you may want to take extra money. You cannot use your onboard account for gambling.
Near the end of the cruise, there will be sales on items sold in the shops aboard ship. I bought beautiful bracelet watches for only $10.
I think I have said enough for now. Have fun on your cruise. I am going to alaska this year.
Answer :
I have been on the Fantasy and the Inspiration. They are both the same class ships in the Caribbean. The food is great. The atmosphere is casual. You can be as busy or bored as you want to be. When I leave out or Port Canaveral or Tampa, the scheduled departure time is 4:00, but I usually arrive around 11:30, to hit the lido dining room for lunch. After that, I eat all meals in the dining room. I am there to let them pamper me. The service is better, it is quieter, and more relaxing.
Answer :
I'm going on that cruise too! Exact same one. Maybe we will bump into eachother.It will be my first one, so I don't have much advice, but I hope you have a blast!
also- how long would you recommend to be there in advance before boarding? how long does this take? difficult? hassle?
help! i'm nervous and NEED to have an awesome time!
Answer :
Though I have not sailed on the Carnival line, I have sailed cruises on the Dawn Princess, a smaller ship than the Carnival line.
First, please don't be nervous, you will thourouly enjoy your cruise.
Each morning in the mail box outside your room you will receive a newsletter telling you of the daily events. Plan your day using the newsletter. There are things gallor to do aboard ship, and you will not be bored.
Food 24 hours a day, plan to lose a few pounds before you leave, because you will gain about 1 lb a day. It is just too tempting.
Plan ahead for any excursions at the different ports. If you wait too long you may not see what you want to see. Review the cruise book you recieved from Carnival to help you make your choices.
If you think you will get sea sick, buy one of the wrist bands with the magnet. They are also available aboard ship.
Emaking and debarking take a lot of time and you will stand in line for quite awhile. I would plan to be there at least an hour or two early.
Do not use any credit cards at any of your ports. Instead take travelers checks with you and cash them at the pursor's desk before your excursion.
If you drink alcoholic beverages plan on having about $50 a day for onboard expenses. Unless you drink a really lot of soda, do not spend the $50 for unlimited soda drinks, that are offered with a coca cola travel cup.
Travel light, because you will want to bring home a lot of soveniers, and you are limited to how many pieces of luggage you can take.
There is a casino aboard ship, if you gamble you may want to take extra money. You cannot use your onboard account for gambling.
Near the end of the cruise, there will be sales on items sold in the shops aboard ship. I bought beautiful bracelet watches for only $10.
I think I have said enough for now. Have fun on your cruise. I am going to alaska this year.
Answer :
I have been on the Fantasy and the Inspiration. They are both the same class ships in the Caribbean. The food is great. The atmosphere is casual. You can be as busy or bored as you want to be. When I leave out or Port Canaveral or Tampa, the scheduled departure time is 4:00, but I usually arrive around 11:30, to hit the lido dining room for lunch. After that, I eat all meals in the dining room. I am there to let them pamper me. The service is better, it is quieter, and more relaxing.
Answer :
I'm going on that cruise too! Exact same one. Maybe we will bump into eachother.It will be my first one, so I don't have much advice, but I hope you have a blast!
Monday, August 9, 2010
I went on the carnival paradise and i was wondering.....?
i went on the carnival paradise and i was wondering if any one else liked it. i had such a blast because it was my first cruise so i couldnt really compare it .should i go on another carnival,royal carribean or any suggestions.
Answer :
Carnival is kind of like the Walmart of the cruise lines. Doesn't mean it's bad, just means that there are better out there. A lot will depend on personal taste and preference though. Many people are thrilled with the Carnival cruises. If you really like the party scene and a younger crowd, this is probably the best cruise for you - that is what they specialize in.
Answer :
I went on carnival to mexico a couple months ago. It was okay. I didnt really care for any of the events that went on so I was kind of bored. It felt like it was more of MTV spring break than anything. I hate MTV. i'M 22 too. I felt like I was at a club the entire time. Plus its really expensive. Im gonna look into another cruise line next time.
Answer :
I'll tell you, we went on 3 cruises with Carnival and our 4th with Princess. Our 5th is back with Carnival. That should pretty much sum it up. Not that we were disappointed with Princess, but Carnival is a tough act to follow.
Another very good source of information is cruisecritic.com
Answer :
Carnival is kind of like the Walmart of the cruise lines. Doesn't mean it's bad, just means that there are better out there. A lot will depend on personal taste and preference though. Many people are thrilled with the Carnival cruises. If you really like the party scene and a younger crowd, this is probably the best cruise for you - that is what they specialize in.
Answer :
I went on carnival to mexico a couple months ago. It was okay. I didnt really care for any of the events that went on so I was kind of bored. It felt like it was more of MTV spring break than anything. I hate MTV. i'M 22 too. I felt like I was at a club the entire time. Plus its really expensive. Im gonna look into another cruise line next time.
Answer :
I'll tell you, we went on 3 cruises with Carnival and our 4th with Princess. Our 5th is back with Carnival. That should pretty much sum it up. Not that we were disappointed with Princess, but Carnival is a tough act to follow.
Another very good source of information is cruisecritic.com
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