No Recommendations Here!

[Cool Waters]

Hi,

 

I have read many thread where cruisers recommend certain cabins (types and locations), certain excursions, certain place to eat meals on the ship and off (ie. breakfast in the MDR vs the buffet), certain activities on the ship and off the ship and certain dishes to try. As a brand new cruiser, would anyone be willing to tell me which things you DON'T recommend? I know we all have different taste, likes and preferences but I shop based on feedback from others. So please help me and tell me what you don't recommend doing, eating or trying. Thanks. :)

[F22Smitty]

Just try it all and pick what you like. There is know one that can tell you what you will like except yourself.

[Cool Waters]

Just try it all and pick what you like. There is know one that can tell you what you will like except yourself.

 

Hi F22,

 

I am planing on trying a lot of things that I have never tried before, but I was just looking for feedback from others about what they tried and didn't like. I know no one can tell me what I will like. Just asking for feedback......

[Havingfun2010]

Sure. Don't eat in the buffet at dinner. You are on a cruise to be pampered, and served, and not juggling trays of food, while looking for a table. You can do that at home.

 

Don't rush anything. A cruise is to relax.

 

Turn off you cell phone, and don't touch the TV.

 

Don't book any excursions, until you at least reserched them. Most are overrated, and overpriced.

 

Skip the fancy drinks with umbrellas. The basics will serve you the same purpose, and cost less.

 

Don't get a sunburn.

 

Don't be tempted to buy everything you see.

 

Remember why you are on vacation, to get away, have fun, be pampered, be served, and to relax.

[big_duck]

Inch of gold, isn't it's gold plate.

[pjtulsa]

1) I don't enjoy the hot tubs because they are not hot enough.

2) The pizza is also not as good as it used to be so I dont even try it anymore.

3) We don't go to the Legends show on the last night. They use passengers for the show and dress them up like famous singers but it is rare that they can actually sing.

[PROCRUISE]

Sure. Don't eat in the buffet at dinner. You are on a cruise to be pampered, and served, and not juggling trays of food, while looking for a table. You can do that at home.

 

Don't rush anything. A cruise is to relax.

 

Turn off you cell phone, and don't touch the TV.

 

Don't book any excursions, until you at least reserched them. Most are overrated, and overpriced.

 

Skip the fancy drinks with umbrellas. The basics will serve you the same purpose, and cost less.

 

Don't get a sunburn.

 

Don't be tempted to buy everything you see.

 

Remember why you are on vacation, to get away, have fun, be pampered, be served, and to relax.

 

VERY NICE!

 

Also,don't forget to be respectful of the staff members who try their hardest to make your cruise enjoyable.

[Tbay-eh]

Only have a few don'ts: don't eat at buffet later in the day (how many hands touch it I don't even want to know. :don't order the chocolate melting cake - highly over rated. :don't buy gold by the inch - it is not :don't bring cells, blackberries, computers - it is suppose to be a break away form all of this. But do bring a great attitude and enjoy for all it is worth

[Irishlinny]

Don't feel as if you need to go to all the cruise talks...they will replay them on tv throughout the cruise. Try not to get sucked into to many port shops:eek:

I third the thing about the "gold" by the inch...not good.

I try not to take the Carnival excursions...very pricey. Research the Ports of Call threads for ideas for good independent excursions instead.

Have fun!!:D

[Froufie]

Don't eat at the buffet at all! Go to the MDR for breakfast - sit, relax and be served! Same for lunch (on sea days!).

 

And there is actually a thread on which cabins to avoid - instead of those that are recommended - worth looking at!

[mosaic_mom]

You don't have to try and do EVERYTHING in the Fun Times. Pick and choose what interests you most or do nothing at all. It's your cruise. Do as much or as little as you like.

 

Most of all, don't listen to all the bad reviews on here. Go and make your own decision and enjoy your cruise.

[shadoo]

Don't attend any of the pre port/shopping seminars....boring, unnecessary and they are all on the Carnival Channel on TV.

Don't attend any of the shows, IMHO, they are all pretty hokey, although we did like the "Dancin in the Streets" on the Dream.

Do stay up for the uncensored comedians...hilarious and worth the loss of sleep.

Don't go to the Art Auctions except for the free champagne. Who wants to buy art while on a cruise...again, IMHO.

Don't buy excursions.....research your potential trip (right here on CC) and see if you can hire a taxi and get the same thing for a fraction of the price.

Do buy one if you go on an excursion like Tulum....this is an all day excursion, can be delayed and the ship has to wait for you.

Don't buy transport from the airport to port from Carnival if you can avoid it...you can probably get it cheaper hiring privately.

[nothomeonacruise]

I think you should just try things and make your own opinion. You may like something that someone else doesn't like.

 

Personally, I agree about eating breakfast, lunch..etc.. in the dining room. I think the buffet is a temptation to eat too much.

 

Don't bring your life stresses and work worries onboard.

[Crusin6]

Don't act like a novice cruiser...do your research and read everything you can...and don't feel as though you have to do something just because someone else is doing it....like overtipping...getting drunk....partying all night long.......the list go on and on.....but basically do what you are comfortable with.

 

and don't think you have to listen to everything the ship says about the ports...remember they get a commish when you spend at certain shops....oh and don't think jewelry is a must buy on a cruise or in port...ditto for alcohol. Why anyone wants to lug the stuff home to save a couple of dollars on grey goose is beyond me....but then again it takes us years to finish one bottle of vodka.

[cruisekwazee]

Don't pay attention to all of the above. The shows are awesome, the chocolate melting cake is to die for. Don't buy every picture taken it can get expensive, don't go expecting to win in the Casino, :). Have fun, do what you want and relax, it's V A C A TION!!

[jessemon]

I was surprised coming on here and someone hasn't said yet....

"I don't recommend cruising on Carnival the Walmart of the seas".....LOL.....

That wouldn't be me though....Two more cruises booked right now......:cool::cool:

[onthehighseas606]

Hi,

 

I have read many thread where cruisers recommend certain cabins (types and locations), certain excursions, certain place to eat meals on the ship and off (ie. breakfast in the MDR vs the buffet), certain activities on the ship and off the ship and certain dishes to try. As a brand new cruiser, would anyone be willing to tell me which things you DON'T recommend? I know we all have different taste, likes and preferences but I shop based on feedback from others. So please help me and tell me what you don't recommend doing, eating or trying. Thanks. :)

Well that depends on which ship you are talking about. IMHO the most disappointed and overrated activity or feature on a ship would be the Carnival Splendor spa. Not worth paying the extra money. Stay out of the casinos too, they are a money pit as well--on all the ships!

[djhsolara]

Cool Waters - looks like we're on the same sailing. Are you driving in or flying?

[okgirl]

Don't pay attention to all of the above. The shows are awesome, the chocolate melting cake is to die for. Don't buy every picture taken it can get expensive, don't go expecting to win in the Casino, :). Have fun, do what you want and relax, it's V A C A TION!!

 

I'm going to 2nd this without reading further. If you are a new cruiser I think you should put your self in the hands of the experts.... and that's Carnival.... Do I feel confident after 20 cruises to go out on my own... you bet... but I only got that way after taking many OVERPRICED ship excursions... You need the security of knowing that they aren't going to leave you behind..... You don't want your 1st experience to be standing on the pier watching the ship sail away.... Unlikely that it will, but you need to learn the routine of the ship and there is no better way than to put yourself in their hands and do what they say to do the 1st time.

 

The only exception here would be to take full advantage of the Main Dining Room (MDR).....why stand in line for food when you can be waited on....if you are to shy to eat with others at breakfast and lunch, just ask to be seated alone.... BUT.... you will have many more enjoyable experiences if you will come out of your comfort zone once in a while and eat with other people.... just like on here you will learn so much and transition from a tourist to a traveler

[okgirl]

Well that depends on which ship you are talking about. IMHO the most disappointed and overrated activity or feature on a ship would be the Carnival Splendor spa. Not worth paying the extra money. Stay out of the casinos too, they are a money pit as well--on all the ships!

 

 

Well, my previous post I guess I didn't read far enough or I would have refuted this about the Casino.. I only take as much money as I'm willing to lose, but in 2008 I won a total of $5500 on three of my cruises, and in 2009 I won $1700 over what I took to lose and so far this year sister and I are up $1100............Every time we come home with money (since we always just take what we can afford to lose ) we use that money to book another cruise.

[2206]

Don't get off the ship without a plan. Read the boards about each port of call, and even if you don't book an excursion, have some ideas of what you would like to do. Our best port days were well planned adventures - some on our own, some booked on Carnival excursions, and some booked privately.

[Cool Waters]

Cool Waters - looks like we're on the same sailing. Are you driving in or flying?

 

Hi Djhsolara,

 

I live in Maryland on the Eastern Shore so we will be driving. It's only an hour to the port, maybe 45 mins. My husband and I are going for our anniversary.

 

I am so excited but very nervous too. I want to make is fun and relaxing b/c we have three kids that won't be going with us and it's our first trip without them. So I will definitely be going to the MDR!! It will be nice to be the one served for a change. I am nervous about booking the excursions b/c they do seem expensive, but I'm afraid I'll get left behind if I go out on my own..lol.

 

Thank you all for the replies. You don't know just how much these things help new cruisers. If it weren't for this website and many others, I would be lost on my first cruise. Thanks again!!

[Litewait]

after alot of Carnival cruises (15) my don'ts are:

 

1.) Bingo, waste of time & money

 

2.) Wine tasting, again waste of time and money. The wine offerings are you grocery store $5.00 bottle of wine.

 

3.) Shows.. If it's your first cruise I would go, after that not really..

 

4.) Art Auctions, go for the free champaign. We have bought a couple of times under a $100 for an artist my dd loves. Don't buy to collect ect. You can get it cheaper elsewhere. If you are going to buy KNOW your art.

 

5.) Spa. huge waste of $$. Used it my first cruise, one of those "I have to do it" it was not that great, very over priced and the sales pitch at the end ARGGG.

 

6.) Inch of gold is a rip off

 

7.) Carnival excursions completely over priced. Book your own if at all possible, The Ports of Call boards on here are amazing for that.

 

 

I do however highly recommend the "Behind the Fun" tour. Worth every penny!:D

[big_duck]

Stay out of the casinos too, they are a money pit as well--on all the ships!

 

I'm shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in this establishment. :eek:

[smd1234]

Don't overpack! I've seen lists on some boards that include everything including the kitchen sink. They can't possiblly use all that stuff.

Save some room for souvenirs...like the monkey head cup thingy...