KandyCruise81

There are many ports in the Eastern Caribbean region, some which are wonderful, others which i would avoid. Then, something else to consider is that several of the best and more popular ports in this route, like St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan and Tortola, were severely battered by the hurricanes of the 2017 season.

 

While all of them are gradually making a comeback and popping back up on itineraries, it will be a while before they are back to what they used to be before the hurricanes. If your cruise won’t be for another 6 months to a year, it shouldn’t be much of an issue by then.

 

If you see an itinerary that includes Nassau, I would shy away from it. This port is very common on short, cheapie itineraries, but in my humble opinion, it doesn’t belong in longer itineraries, yet the cruise lines insist on including it.

 

Other ports, like Amber Cove, Grand Turk. and the various private destinations like Princess Cays, Half Moon Cay, and Labadee, are great for a day of relaxation at the beach, but not so much to truly sightsee and see what the region has to offer.

 

As far as the cruise lines go, it’s a bit hard to suggest one without knowing more details about your likes or dislikes. Carnival is good for a casual, budget minded experience, Norwegian is known for their “freestyle” concept. Royal Caribbean is great option for those seeking that wow factor. Princess and Celebrity are good for those seeking a bit more upscale and refined experience without breaking the bank. and Holland America is more suited for those with an appreciation for the small details and have an eye for the finer things.

 

Hope you enjoy your next cruise!

 

 

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Your post actually helps us a lot. Probably should have worded my original post a little better becuase this is what I was looking for! Thank you so much!!

It's always hard to recommend a cruise line not knowing you're interests and your budget.

 

You may wish to work with a TA that specializes in Cruises. We cannot give you a recommendation per CC rules so I would ask friends you know who cruise if they have a recommendation.

 

I think nice time to sail the Eastern Caribbean is February thru April.

 

Keith

Thanks Keith! I should read the rules a little more. I'm still getting used to the board rules! #rookiemistake ;p

My husband and I went on our first cruise this past august and I have to say that we loved it and are hooked on cruising! We are looking to book our next cruise for some time in 2019 but there are so many options that we are overwhelmed with the options of who to cruise with and what ship within the cruise line. We know that we want to do a Eastern Caribbean cruise. So my questions to you, cruise community, when is the best time to cruise that way? What cruise line/ship do you like for that type of cruise? Our last cruise was on the Carnival Inspiration to Catalina / Ensenada and it was great for what it was but we definitely want to do something a little more adult based / upscale but still with decent activities on the ship, if that is even a thing.:confused:

Thx!:D

if you log in to your cruise manager and under who are traveling you can indicate whether it's your birthday, anniversary etc. I always check that off and we usually get a little something in our cabin or dessert at dinner.

Thanks for the tip. The only place I saw that option under cruise manager was were you can reserve a seat at the chef's table.

My husband and I will be taking our first cruise on the Inspiration in 11 days! :D Our wedding anniversary falls in the middle of our cruise, does Carnival do anything special for occasions like that? I know we can buy the decorations from the shop but I will probably just bring my own from the dollar store and save some money. Thanks in advance!

Since the OP's question was answered several times over (I've never understood why people keep giving the same answer over & over), I'll just add this. If you use a credit/debit card on your S&S account, the initial hold will be in the amount of $100 for cruises 2-5 days and $200 for cruises 6+ days. If you reach that threshold, they'll then put another hold for that amount on the card.

 

In regards to getting back any remainder left on the account, using cash has already been answered. If you have anything left over that came from a gift card, it'll be refunded as a gift card (just go to guest services).

 

You'll only get a check in the mail if you don't withdraw the cash on board, either at a kiosk or at guest services. And the amount donated to St. Jude's is under $10.

You just answered the question I was about to ask. I will be taking my first 4 day cruise in about 6 weeks and I used my credit card to pay for my cruise so I planned on using my debit card for my S&S account. When I hit the $100 mark they will just hold another $100 and continue in that fashion through out the cruise? I don't plan on going crazy but you never know. ;p

Hello Kandy and welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

Hopefully I can be of some help....

 

• Ice tea is free, you do not need Bottomless Bubbles for that.
  
• You need to apply the gift card to your sign and sail card. You do that at the guest services desk after you board, or you can add it to your account from the website.
  
• It gets added to the end of your trip, however if you booked through a Carnival PVP, give them a call and see if you can still add it to your booking.
  
• I always over pack (old Boy Scout habit). May people suggest that you bring an over the door shoe tree to help keep organized.
  
• Most ships only have one outlet, so bring something along to compensate that. Personally, I bring a 4 port USB plug so I can charge 4 items at once (phone, camera, underwater video camera in my case)
  

I have never been on that ship but here are a few things I can suggest:

• If you are interested, go to the Steak house on the first night. It is worth the extra fee, and unless something has changed you get a free bottle of wine for going on the first day.
  
• Room service is free. It may sound silly, but may first time cruisers don't realize that.
  
• I personally love the pizza they serve
  
• I'm not sure what rate or how you booked your cruise, but if you booked early saver, check your rates often for price drops
  

That's what I can think of off the top of my head. I love talking to people about cruising, especially new crusiers. Feel free to message me anytime if you have any questions

 

 

- Alan

Thanks! From what I have been reading, this ship doesnt have the steakhouse but they have selections on the dining menu. Our wedding anniversary lands on the second day, so we will definitely pay the extra to enjoy a delicious steak.

The hanging shoe bag sounds like an excellent idea that I never would have thought of!

Congrats on your first cruise! OK, I'll answer what I can.

 

As stated before ice tea (unsweetened) and lemonade is available free of charge.

 

You can call carnival and prepay your gratuities or they will be charged to your account. Is up to you how you want to do that. I prefer to prepay so it's another thing I don't have to worry about. But it's just my opinion.

 

I also overpack but we drive so I don't have to worry about fees from airlines.

 

I'm not familiar with your ship but in general things we love to do are the sail away party, lido has different activities that are fun to watch for us such as hairy chest contest and mixologist contests. These are fun to people watch! We love the comedy shows.

 

Some things I've seen people recommend bringing were power strip without surge protector. You will only have one plug in the room so it's helpful! Over the door hanger to keep all your toiletries etc organized. Over the counter meds ( Tylenol, Advil, sea sick meds, things like that) or small first aid kit ( items are expensive on ship!) We also bring a few small laundry detergent pods and do laundry night before we leave so I don't have to once I get home-- you'll be depressed about leaving the ship and won't feel like doing anything😂😂 or that may just be me😉

 

What type of room did you book?

 

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Great! Thank you! We got an Ocean View on the Riviera level. I will be adding all of that stuff to my list of things to get. Im an ice tea drinker so Im glad that is part of the beverages that are offered. We are driving up from San Diego so we dont have to worry about airline fees or anything like that.

Hi, new to everything! My husband and I will be setting off on our first cruise July 31 on the Inspiration out of Long Beach. Staying at the Days Inn Long Beach City Center the night before. All the hotels with parking for the cruise were sold out, so unfortunately we will be using the parking at the port. What are some of your general tips and tricks for first timers?

We decided to pass on the Cheers package but will probably do the bottomless bubbles (is ice tea included in that?).

Managed to score a $100 Carnival gift card from my credit card rewards! Does that get transferred onto our Sail and Sign card or can we use it outright?

Gratuity/Tipping - I saw that some of you have said that this is prepaid. Was that paid at time of booking, Can I log into the Carnival website and pay for it, or is it something that gets automatically deducted at the end of my trip?

I tend to be an over packer for any trip I take, so there is no helping me there, lol! What types of random items should we bring that we wouldn't have normally thought of.

What are some "cant miss" experiences on the ship? We dont have any shore excursions planned right now so I want to be able to take the whole ship experience in.

Thanks for the read and help. Sorry about the newbie questions!:)