First Unsupervised Cruise

[Calilivin]

I've been on two family cruise vacations before both on the Disney cruise line when I was a bit younger, for my 21st birthday me and a few friends are going on a 4 night to Baja Mexico on the Paradise and it's all of our first cruise that's not really a family vacation. We're very excited we've all cruised before but not with Carnival and this site has been so helpful for the questions that Carnival's really doesn't seem to answer but I still feel like I have a handful that havent been directly answered either by my cruise planner, or the website, or lack of posts on here about them, I was hoping maybe some of you could help.

 

-the ship embarks at 530 it says, when do you think we will board and how early should we arrive?

-as far as sign and sail we want to just use cash and all our seperate accounts and all that, anyone ever had trouble with things like that?

-we got anytime dining, is there usually a wait?

-our room is category 6A riviera deck, any knowledge of what they're like? (this was the most confusing thing to read about on here, the rooms)

-shore excursions? anyone do any in catalina or ensenada? how were they?

-Spa Carnival? it seems very overpriced for a massage is it worth it? what about the pedicure?

-How late are the bars/clubs open on the ship at night?

-I haven't really seen anything at all posted about the Paradise, how have your experiences been on it? anyone have pictures?

 

thanks for the info in advance!

[mom2boys97]

Check the Roll Call boards for your cruise date you should find alot of useful info... Have a great cruise...

[woodey]

I've been on two family cruise vacations before both on the Disney cruise line when I was a bit younger, for my 21st birthday me and a few friends are going on a 4 night to Baja Mexico on the Paradise and it's all of our first cruise that's not really a family vacation. We're very excited we've all cruised before but not with Carnival and this site has been so helpful for the questions that Carnival's really doesn't seem to answer but I still feel like I have a handful that havent been directly answered either by my cruise planner, or the website, or lack of posts on here about them, I was hoping maybe some of you could help.

 

-the ship embarks at 530 it says, when do you think we will board and how early should we arrive?

you will be safe anytime after 12:00

-as far as sign and sail we want to just use cash and all our seperate accounts and all that, anyone ever had trouble with things like that?

Nope just tell them what you want to do when you check in..they will have you deposit the cash at the pursers desk once you board the ship

-we got anytime dining, is there usually a wait?

not sure about this one

-our room is category 6A riviera deck, any knowledge of what they're like?

Mid ship ? Aft ? as far as the Riviera deck part you are ok there..

(this was the most confusing thing to read about on here, the rooms)

-shore excursions? anyone do any in catalina or ensenada? how were they?

Do the blow hole in Ensenada when you get off the Ship you take a shuttle to town they will offer you the pkg on the shuttle ...$15 pp and it is worth the time...Carnival offers the same for $22 i think

-Spa Carnival? it seems very overpriced for a massage is it worth it? what about the pedicure?

Not Sure

-How late are the bars/clubs open on the ship at night?

till about 2 or 3 from what i here i have not been able to stay awake late to find out

-I haven't really seen anything at all posted about the Paradise, how have your experiences been on it? anyone have picturesI was on the Elation the sister ship three weeks ago on the same cruise you are going on...Fantasy Class ships are nice...I can not report on the contiotion of the Paradice ..but remember it is a older ship that has not been reburbed in awhile

 

thanks for the info in advance!

 

Have a nice Cruise!

[MszKitty]

One question: You said you are 21, but are all your friends at least 21? I hope so because if anyone is under 21, they have to be booked in a cabin with someone at least 25.

 

In answer to your questions:

 

*Boarding: Documents say boarding starts at 1:30, but you can usually get onboard around noon. However, you won't be able to access your cabin until 1:30. You must check-in by 4pm.

*You shouldn't have any trouble using cash to set up your separate sail & sign accounts.

*I've never done anytime dining, but I've never noticed people waiting.

*All category 6's are the same size & layout with a window.The letter just determines the location on the ship.Category 6A is on Riviera deck at the front of the ship or at the back of the ship.

*Shore excursions: Catalina: There are several places in town to rent a golf cart and tour the island on your own. Ensenada: you can take a tour to La Bufadora. The winery tour (pre-book it thru the cruiseline) is quite nice. Or just go into town and shop, maybe stop into Papas & Beer or Mango Mango for margaritas.

*Spa Carnival: I have had massages a few times on different ships over the years but I do believe they are overpriced. I can get twice the massage for half the price at a spa near home. I usually treat myself to one just before going on a cruise. Its all a matter if you want to make a massage a part of your cruise experience. I've never gotten a pedicure on ship. Again, its way cheaper at home and I always get one just before the cruise (I get regular pedicures anyway.)

*The bars/clubs are open late, especially the Rex Dance Club. That goes on until at least 2-3 am and most often later. Leonardo Lounge is usually open til midnight, or thereabouts. The piano bar is great fun and is usually open until 1am'ish or later. The United States Bar (just off the casino on Carnival Blvd Promenade) is open til all hours. Be sure to catch the late night adult comedy shows (unless you are offended by some language). If Lance Montalto is the comedian on your cruise, do not miss his late night act. And after his show, he usually ends up in the U.S. Bar performing with the band. He's my favorite Carnival comedian...I hope he's on my cruise coming up this weekend.

 

Do you all drink alcohol? If so, don't miss free alcohol tasting on the first night...check your Carnival Capers (or whatever its called now) for the time. (At least they have it on the

weekend itinerary...I don't know for sure if they have it on the Mon-Fri sailing.)

 

Like Sushi? Free sushi at the Sushi Bar on Promenade deck every night around 5:30.

 

 

With all that being said, I've only done the Fri-Mon itinerary...which has the reputation as the "booze cruise".(..although I hate that term)s. It just that people are trying to fit all they can in a short amount of time. The Mon-Fri sailing usually has more families. However, that still all depends on the time of year. My daughter and her friends cruised Mon-Fri during spring break, and there were a lot of early-twenty-somethings on their cruise. (She even ran into people she knew from USCB.)

 

I hope this helped.

[dobiemom]

I have a suggestion since this is your first "unsupervised" cruise: Since you are paying in cash please pre-pay your gratuities now. That way if you happen to run out of money the great people who wait on you will not be "stiffed." Hope you have a fun and make alot of memories on your cruise!

[Bandman]

Wow.

[FlaGrl4Evr]

Go and have a great time. Remember though, a nasty hangover can ruin you cruise so keep this in mind. Also, if you were ever a Boy Scout, remember the motto: " Always be prepared". ;) Lastly, don't miss the ship! Set your watch to Ship time.

 

I have grown sons and this is the same advice I would be giving them. Have a great time but be responsible.

[gapearl]

I've been on two family cruise vacations before both on the Disney cruise line when I was a bit younger, for my 21st birthday me and a few friends are going on a 4 night to Baja Mexico on the Paradise and it's all of our first cruise that's not really a family vacation. We're very excited we've all cruised before but not with Carnival and this site has been so helpful for the questions that Carnival's really doesn't seem to answer but I still feel like I have a handful that havent been directly answered either by my cruise planner, or the website, or lack of posts on here about them, I was hoping maybe some of you could help.

 

-the ship embarks at 530 it says, when do you think we will board and how early should we arrive?

-as far as sign and sail we want to just use cash and all our seperate accounts and all that, anyone ever had trouble with things like that?

-we got anytime dining, is there usually a wait?

-our room is category 6A riviera deck, any knowledge of what they're like? (this was the most confusing thing to read about on here, the rooms)

-shore excursions? anyone do any in catalina or ensenada? how were they?

-Spa Carnival? it seems very overpriced for a massage is it worth it? what about the pedicure?

-How late are the bars/clubs open on the ship at night?

-I haven't really seen anything at all posted about the Paradise, how have your experiences been on it? anyone have pictures?

 

thanks for the info in advance!

 

I took my first cruise on the Paradise 3 years ago at 27.

-I think remember embarking around 11 ish? Get there early so you can zip through the check in and head straight to the buffet.

-When you sign up for your sail and sign accounts, they usually take a credit or debit card. You can give them a cash deposit instead, and it will work like a debit card on the ship. You won't be able to spend more than what you have on it.

-I did snorkeling a shore excursion in Catalina Island. It was my first time snorkeling and so being in a group environment was perfect. It was my first time swimming in the Pacific, and I was shocked at how much colder it was than the Atlantic, but I see you're from California so that won't surprise you. The excursion was about 2 hours total, and after that I just walked around the town a little bit. There are a lot of little gift shops.

-In Ensenada, I went to Papas & Beer Beach Club. The one I went to was about an hour from the port and there was a bus to transport us. On the way, our tour guide gave us some history and information on Mexico. Some flea markets were right there and I got to do some shopping. There is another Papas & Beer within walking distance from the ship. This is NOT the one booked for the excursion. Many passengers and crew off that day hang out there. I wish I had gone to this one instead of the excursion. A lot more people went to the one close by.

-Don't worry about anything shutting down early. I spent every night at the disco dancing and hanging out with new friends until the wee hours of the morning.

-It has been almost 3 years,so I don't remember too many specific things about the ship, but I did find some pictures for you. I hope this helps!

[gapearl]

More pictures for you!

[tbjl24]

I have a suggestion since this is your first "unsupervised" cruise: Since you are paying in cash please pre-pay your gratuities now. That way if you happen to run out of money the great people who wait on you will not be "stiffed." Hope you have a fun and make alot of memories on your cruise!

 

What?!?!? Because of the either the OP's age or first unsupervised cruise he/ she can't handle financial responsibility?

 

Come on.

[cjackso8]

I have a suggestion since this is your first "unsupervised" cruise: Since you are paying in cash please pre-pay your gratuities now. That way if you happen to run out of money the great people who wait on you will not be "stiffed." Hope you have a fun and make alot of memories on your cruise!

 

How rude. :eek:

[LHP]

How rude. :eek:

 

I don't think that comment was rude.

 

Sadly tips are removed more often than you think and "age" (young) seems to be one of the common denominators.

 

Just a sad fact...they probably don't intend to do that when they board the ship...but it happens.

[Dr. Jack Daniels]

I have a suggestion since this is your first "unsupervised" cruise: Since you are paying in cash please pre-pay your gratuities now. That way if you happen to run out of money the great people who wait on you will not be "stiffed." Hope you have a fun and make alot of memories on your cruise!

 

Get off your soapbox! Save the preaching for your own brats.

[Dr. Jack Daniels]

Sadly tips are removed more often than you think and "age" (young) seems to be one of the common denominators.

 

 

How would you know this? Please provide empirical evidence to support this statement?

 

If you don't have any - then all this represents is your opinion which isn't really worth anything.

[mariemorgan]

One question: You said you are 21, but are all your friends at least 21? I hope so because if anyone is under 21, they have to be booked in a cabin with someone at least 25.

d.

 

I was thinking the same thing!

[mariemorgan]

Get off your soapbox! Save the preaching for your own brats.

 

Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed! Maybe you need a nap. :mad:

[mariemorgan]

-the ship embarks at 530 it says, when do you think we will board and how early should we arrive? I usually go as early as I can be let in.. you are paying for that day as well so might as well get the most of it.. have been on the ship around 11 a.m. before.

-as far as sign and sail we want to just use cash and all our seperate accounts and all that, anyone ever had trouble with things like that? I haven't used cash before.. but I have sailed with a friend and we both had separate accounts. I did pay the balance before I left the cruise so it wasn't actually billed to my credit card but I signed up with the card in the beginning. Also I usually prepay tips with the cruise cost so I don't have that on my sign and sail bill the minute I walk on board.. It's already taken care of that way and all I worry about is cash to pay them extra with at the end.. so it's not actually on the bill.

-we got anytime dining, is there usually a wait? I have not used this service before so I cannot help

-our room is category 6A riviera deck, any knowledge of what they're like? (this was the most confusing thing to read about on here, the rooms) I've been on a 6A on the fantasy twice now.. I love them.. We were near the stairs/elevators both time which I love easy access to everything and the room was great.

-shore excursions? anyone do any in catalina or ensenada? how were they? Never been to west coast so again cannot help

-Spa Carnival? it seems very overpriced for a massage is it worth it? what about the pedicure? I had a massage on my last cruise.. i was in pain for a day afterwards.. I think i'll save my massages for land next time.. they've never hurt before

-How late are the bars/clubs open on the ship at night?

-I haven't really seen anything at all posted about the Paradise, how have your experiences been on it? anyone have pictures? Try webshots.com there will be lots of pictures on there.. that's where I look at most of the cruise pictures.

[MarkSeattle]

I have a suggestion since this is your first "unsupervised" cruise: Since you are paying in cash please pre-pay your gratuities now. That way if you happen to run out of money the great people who wait on you will not be "stiffed." Hope you have a fun and make alot of memories on your cruise!

 

OK, I don't find this rude. Anyone can run into a budget problem, but certainly for me and most people I know, it happens a lot more when you're younger/just starting out. The OP did say they'd be using cash for the sail and sign too, so prepaying the gratuities would at least get some of the expense out of the way and not risk drinking your stateroom attendants tip/salary ;).

 

I can't remember the last time I hit the credit limit on anything or had to look at my account balance before going to the ATM, when I was in my 20's, college grad and working at a very well paid job, well that's another story...

[woodey]

How would you know this? Please provide empirical evidence to support this statement?

 

If you don't have any - then all this represents is your opinion which isn't really worth anything.

I am not sure why you are being so rude to LHP ...Dont you have an opinion on anything, or is everyhing that sputters out of your mouth fact! :mad:

[nothomeonacruise]

Have a great cruise! It sounds like fun. :)

[kcroxyoursox]

How would you know this? Please provide empirical evidence to support this statement?

 

If you don't have any - then all this represents is your opinion which isn't really worth anything.

 

Do you really need examples of young people and financial irresponsibility? Google is your friend.

 

I also think it's hypocritical to give your opinion about how someone else's opinion doesn't matter. I thought it was good advice and I'm sure the OP appreciated the reminder.

[Calilivin]

Wow thank you so much for all your replies, this helped so much I really appreciate it.

Yes, we will all be 21 so we're good with booking and all that, and yes we do enjoy drinking thanks for the suggestion about the alcohol tasting and free sushi! I didnt know about that

 

Just a few more things...

 

-If I was going to tip early, sounds nice just to get it out of the way, how would I go about doing that?

 

-you know on carnival.com how you fill out all those pre cruise registration documents and 'check in early' do I need to print all that out and bring it with? Does it really make a difference, will I bypass other things embarking having done that?

 

thanks!

[blondie151o]

Wow thank you so much for all your replies, this helped so much I really appreciate it.

Yes, we will all be 21 so we're good with booking and all that, and yes we do enjoy drinking thanks for the suggestion about the alcohol tasting and free sushi! I didnt know about that

 

Just a few more things...

 

-If I was going to tip early, sounds nice just to get it out of the way, how would I go about doing that?

 

-you know on carnival.com how you fill out all those pre cruise registration documents and 'check in early' do I need to print all that out and bring it with? Does it really make a difference, will I bypass other things embarking having done that?

 

thanks!

 

 

 

is anyone turning 21 while ON the cruise? you have to be 21 prior to sailing just FYI- or you will have to be booked with a 25yr old. just checking.

[dobiemom]

Calilivin, I didn’t mean to be rude. I’m sorry if you took it that way. Since this is your first “unsupervised” cruise I didn’t know if you realized that the gratuities are on top of your cruise fare. I was just a reminder. Sorry. :(

[mariemorgan]

Wow thank you so much for all your replies, this helped so much I really appreciate it.

Yes, we will all be 21 so we're good with booking and all that, and yes we do enjoy drinking thanks for the suggestion about the alcohol tasting and free sushi! I didnt know about that

 

Just a few more things...

 

-If I was going to tip early, sounds nice just to get it out of the way, how would I go about doing that?

 

-you know on carnival.com how you fill out all those pre cruise registration documents and 'check in early' do I need to print all that out and bring it with? Does it really make a difference, will I bypass other things embarking having done that?

 

thanks!

 

When I booked my cruises that was an option to pick for pre-paid grats. I would call if you already booked to see if they could add it. It really is nice to get it out of the way. Don't have to think about it later!

 

As for the checkin. Everyone needs to fill out their funpass and print it off and bring that to the checkin.