30 Days left!!! I feel like I am going to be sick!!

[ava_girl_123]

:eek: Just need to let this out:

First cruise.. 30 days left.. Feel like I am driving myself nuts! SO EXCITED! Scared, nervous, paranoid.. Uuugghh.. First time cruise jitters? Is this normal? What if I don't like it? I feel like I am going to hate being stuck on the ship when not in a port!

Do I have everything I need?

Brain = Bungee cord, FunTimes, FunPass, Tea Time, Sea Sick Meds, PassPorts, Captain, Persers Desk, My time dining, Your time dining, sign and sail cards, Embarkation, Disembarkation, battery operated alarm clock, Muster Drill, Elegant night, Meet and Greet, hanging shoe organizer.. AAAHHHHHH! And that is just what is on my mind as I write this!!

I am on OVER LOAD~~~:eek::eek::eek:

In case it doesn't appear to be, I am a very laid back person too..:p

HELP! :eek:

[divingmedic]

:eek: Just need to let this out:

 

First cruise.. 30 days left.. Feel like I am driving myself nuts! SO EXCITED! Scared, nervous, paranoid.. Uuugghh.. First time cruise jitters? Is this normal? What if I don't like it? I feel like I am going to hate being stuck on the ship when not in a port!

 

Do I have everything I need?

Brain = Bungee cord, FunTimes, FunPass, Tea Time, Sea Sick Meds, PassPorts, Captain, Persers Desk, My time dining, Your time dining, sign and sail cards, Embarkation, Disembarkation, battery operated alarm clock, Muster Drill, Elegant night, Meet and Greet, hanging shoe organizer.. AAAHHHHHH! And that is just what is on my mind as I write this!!

 

I am on OVER LOAD~~~:eek::eek::eek:

 

In case it doesn't appear to be, I am a very laid back person too..:p

 

HELP! :eek:

We have about 9 days left, it is just another vacation, time away from the daily grind.

[FlaGrl4Evr]

Ava, have a great time on the Pride! August should be a really great month to go.

 

Here is one tip that I wrote down months ago ( our 1st cruise is in Oct, so I keep a tips notebook) Cross pack your suitcase with someone that you are traveling with. This will help in the case of lost or misplaced baggage. That way if anything happens you would still have some of your clothing and the worse that would happen is you may have to do a load of laundry while you are on board.

 

I'm not sure if it was here on CC or another site, but Carnival misplaced a passengers bag and for 2 days she had nothing but the clothes on her back. Carnival offered to give her a tee-shirt from the gift shop but that was it. Her bag did turn up but is was 2 days into the cruise I believe. She didn't even have anything to wear to formal night and the dresses in the ship-shops did not fit her. This is why we are going to do the cross paking tip.

 

I'm sure this is way more than you wanted to hear but I thought it was a good precautionary tip. Have a wonderful cruise. Cari :)

[cruzkitty]

Breathe...Exhale....Breathe...Exhale...Repeat....

 

Relax and enjoy your cruise!! Just be prepared to fall in love with cruising and be totally hooked upon your return.

[NYcruzzer]

We are sailing on the Glory 2 weeks from Saturday. Do not stress. You should have a great time. Just go with the flow and DO NOT sweat the small stuff.

[EmmasNana]

I would take a book, especially if you think you will need something to do on sea days. We have to take our own entertainment for those days. If you don't read it, well it doesn't take up much space.

[hazeleyez3]

For starters, you can't go into it thinking you wouldn't like something.

 

You have received some info on here that will be helpful.

 

Make sure you have everything you need. Don't worry about getting things you might want.

 

Now, just sit back, and relax. You'll figure the rest out once you are on the ship.

[tracyanns]

Maybe a small pop up hamper to be kept in the closet for dirties and a trash bag to put them in when you pack them back in your suitcase...

 

A tip I learned in an All Inclusive a few years ago that I still do is I go to Bath & Body works or VS and get my fave body spray, not perfume but the light spray and I put it in the refrigerator...after out in the sun before showers or to just freshen up when it is hot...the coolness of it feels great...

 

I always stress out over what I have or don't have...don't worry and have fun...

 

A few other items to make sure you have...

 

Tylenol/Motrin/Advil

Sunscreen (extra is ALWAYS better)

Aloe

Pepto Bismol (if you need it in the medical center they quarantine you to your room for 48 hours...for any reason)

Ear plugs

Extra pair of sunglasses incase you break or lose a pair...

 

MOST IMPORTANT...relax and have fun...stop worrying, you will not feel trapped on sea days...grab a chair in the sun, bring a book and chill!

[WeatherGeek]

Breathe in, breathe out. You will have an amazing time! If you forget to pack something, you will adapt without it. First time jitters are normal - I think with anything you're going to do for the first time you will have them to some degree. Relax and enjoy!

[goofytoo]

I am a bit older than you, but I can tell you, I love sea days. Port days are so hectic that sea days are really the only days I get to relax, and isn't that what vacation if for?

[Jimmylisa]

Ava,

 

I understand how you feel about this matter, but you just need to relax and enjoy yourself. My DH felt just as you do about being on water, but as you can see he fell in love with cruisin.

 

We over packed and did not wear or use half the things that we took with us. These boards were a great help to us. So enjoy and let us know how your cruise goes when you return.

 

Lisa E.

[jjlb]

And I think you're excitement is wonderful! I feel it for you. This is our 14th cruise (all Carnival so far) and I can never not be excited. I would absolutely live on a ship if my budget (and internet costs) could allow.

 

I hope it is everything you dream of. Remember to RELAX plenty. Take afternoon naps if you can...so you can last at night (the only place I can truly enjoy and savor afternoon naps is on a Carnival bed!!).

 

Did you ever get any OBC? We have watched like hawks and so far have gotten $420!!!! WOOHOO! Keep watching until 2 days before seriously...we once got about the same amount just 4 days before we left.

 

HAVE WONDERFUL TRIP...and be prepared to be absolutely addicted from this point on.

[baylivin]

Gail,

It's Marcia(baylivin). We're on the same cruise. I love your excitement!! You will have a blast. We actually look for cruises with more sea days. You will find a ton of things to do or you can do absolutely nothing. When you first get on the ship, grab a bite to eat and then go exploring. You'll probably still get lost from time to time during the week but there are maps by all the elevators. My husband's great when I get "all turned around"!

Cross packing is a good idea, especially if flying in to port. I think the airlines lose more luggage than Carnival does. On almost every cruise, there's someone who has lost luggage. I 've always seen Carnival try to do what they can. If you have insurance, I think you get a little more. I've seen people who got underwear, an outfit, etc...If the airline loses and then finds your luggage, it is usually flown into the ships next port and you'll get it then. But don't stress about this. The precentages are pretty low, in my opinion.

Looking forward to meeting you at the Meet and Greet!

Marcia

[tiggerman101]

Relax. After you get back you will realize you didn't need half of that stuff. I remember running around trying to buy all the "recommended" things before our first cruise. Some of that stuff is still sitting here unopened. We can now be ready for a warm weather cruise in a matter of hours.

[Cruiser_SG77]

Don't forget to pack your "chill pills!!!"

 

Seriously, relax, everything will be just fine and you'll have a great time. Enjoy your cruise!

[A&Jfamily]

:eek: Just need to let this out:

 

First cruise.. 30 days left.. Feel like I am driving myself nuts! SO EXCITED! Scared, nervous, paranoid.. Uuugghh.. First time cruise jitters? Is this normal? What if I don't like it? I feel like I am going to hate being stuck on the ship when not in a port!

 

Do I have everything I need?

Brain = Bungee cord, FunTimes, FunPass, Tea Time, Sea Sick Meds, PassPorts, Captain, Persers Desk, My time dining, Your time dining, sign and sail cards, Embarkation, Disembarkation, battery operated alarm clock, Muster Drill, Elegant night, Meet and Greet, hanging shoe organizer.. AAAHHHHHH! And that is just what is on my mind as I write this!!

 

I am on OVER LOAD~~~

 

In case it doesn't appear to be, I am a very laid back person too..

 

HELP! :eek:

 

Clearly, you are a type A personality, laid back or not - join the club!:D:o:cool:

 

Cruising is a state of mind. There are so many things beyond your control, like weather, engine problems, medical emergenices of guests. You just have to let it go. Would you hate being "stuck" :rolleyes: at a hotel with all the yummy food you could eat, twice daily room service, a gym, spa, putt-putt golf, sports court, running track, room service, a casino, sun, music, a pool and alcohol? If so, you'll hate a cruise, so prepare yourself.

 

If you have been reading these boards, then you will be more prepared that 99.9% of the first time cruisers on board with you.

 

Go. Have your DOD and enjoy. Cruising is simply a wonderful way to travel.

[AryMay]

We are cruising the same day as you...only on the Legend. This will be our 5th cruise and I am not quite so paranoid as I once was about packing everything I read about on these boards...although some of the tips are pretty good.

 

This time I have made an oath to take all clothes that can be mixed and matched. It will cut down on the clothes I take PLUS not require so many pairs of shoes. I am sticking with black, tan, and white primarily.

 

The one item we always take is a large insulated mug. The cups at the buffet are so small and the ice is usually melted within a few minutes. My DH likes the juices that are available at breakfast so fills his mug and has juice to last all morning.

 

Even though this is our 5th cruise I still get so excited. I'm sure this will not be the last cruise for you!

[ava_girl_123]

Thanks everyone... Just wondered if it was just me or what?!?! Lol

Pure moment of insanity I guess.. :D

[chickie_mite]

You've been reading too much. :) :)

 

As long as I have my passport, my swimsuit, flip flops, and my husband (;)) my cruise is complete. :)

[WOWGirl]

Well first of all, you have a very friendly smile and face. I see your posts on other posts and you look so friendly.

 

Second, Calm down. Most people go on cruises and never been to this site before. They do fine and have a blast. You have a one up on them. I found this site this year and i have been on 5 cruises. I have learned so much after those cruises, but not as much as I learned from this site. So much that I wish I had found this before.

 

Just make a written check off list of what you need to pack and take. Dont put your important papers in the suit case at all, keep them with you. Take a lot of $1 and $5 bills for tipping before you get on the cruise. Other than that, Take pictures and I look forward to your review when you get back.;)

[tiggerman101]

I am a pretty laid back traveler. However, I do get slightly paranoid each cruise that something has been done wrong and it will prevent me from getting on the ship. I really feel like this if it is a far away port (San Juan, Seattle). I can only imagine how I am going to feel going to check in on my two Mediterranean cruises out of Barcelona next year.

[sharecruises]

LOL...go and have fun

 

It is a vacation...and a great one at that...you have a floating hotel that takes you to different ports and you have great food and fun onboard, all prepaid so you don't have to worry about where/when to eat/how much it costs etc

 

I do think some people here overanalize stuff....where to sit at dinner table, which cabin, tons of stuff to bring, etc

 

My guess is once your vacation starts you will have so much fun

When you get home you will be amazed that you didn't have time to do even half of what you planned, and you will find things you didn't plan might be your favorite! Enjoy!

 

Hope you will take some good pics and notes etc and write a good review for all of us :)

[ava_girl_123]

Gail,

It's Marcia(baylivin). We're on the same cruise. I love your excitement!! You will have a blast. We actually look for cruises with more sea days. You will find a ton of things to do or you can do absolutely nothing. When you first get on the ship, grab a bite to eat and then go exploring. You'll probably still get lost from time to time during the week but there are maps by all the elevators. My husband's great when I get "all turned around"!

Cross packing is a good idea, especially if flying in to port. I think the airlines lose more luggage than Carnival does. On almost every cruise, there's someone who has lost luggage. I 've always seen Carnival try to do what they can. If you have insurance, I think you get a little more. I've seen people who got underwear, an outfit, etc...If the airline loses and then finds your luggage, it is usually flown into the ships next port and you'll get it then. But don't stress about this. The precentages are pretty low, in my opinion.

Looking forward to meeting you at the Meet and Greet!

Marcia

 

Thanks Marcia! Looking forward to meeting you too woman!

 

We are cruising the same day as you...only on the Legend. This will be our 5th cruise and I am not quite so paranoid as I once was about packing everything I read about on these boards...although some of the tips are pretty good.

 

This time I have made an oath to take all clothes that can be mixed and matched. It will cut down on the clothes I take PLUS not require so many pairs of shoes. I am sticking with black, tan, and white primarily.

 

The one item we always take is a large insulated mug. The cups at the buffet are so small and the ice is usually melted within a few minutes. My DH likes the juices that are available at breakfast so fills his mug and has juice to last all morning.

 

Even though this is our 5th cruise I still get so excited. I'm sure this will not be the last cruise for you!

 

Yes.. I am taking a Bubba Mug! Lol

 

You've been reading too much. :) :)

 

As long as I have my passport, my swimsuit, flip flops, and my husband (;)) my cruise is complete. :)

 

Gonna try to get into your frame of mind!

[ava_girl_123]

Well first of all, you have a very friendly smile and face. I see your posts on other posts and you look so friendly.

 

Second, Calm down. Most people go on cruises and never been to this site before. They do fine and have a blast. You have a one up on them. I found this site this year and i have been on 5 cruises. I have learned so much after those cruises, but not as much as I learned from this site. So much that I wish I had found this before.

 

Just make a written check off list of what you need to pack and take. Dont put your important papers in the suit case at all, keep them with you. Take a lot of $1 and $5 bills for tipping before you get on the cruise. Other than that, Take pictures and I look forward to your review when you get back.;)

 

 

Thank you! That was sweet! I am a sucker for check lists too! Can not live without them! Hhaha!

[chickie_mite]

 

Gonna try to get into your frame of mind!

 

LOL!

 

I'm so anal retentive/OCD in my real life, I have to let it go while cruising. We literally go with one carry-on that we share.

 

The best packing advice I ever read is to pack your bags---and take out half, because you'll never use it. :)

 

ETA: Have a wonderful time!