Lots of questions

[somuchluv]

Hi! I'll be going on a cruise for the first time in June with my kids. We'll be on the carnival fantasy. My kids are ages 10, 7, 5.

Here are my questions..............

What area of the ship are the kids not allowed to go to?

I have been reading that there is often a problem with getting chairs by the pool? If so, should I bring my own? Ya know, the kind that folds up and you put in a bag? Would I check that as luggage?

Do I need to tip every time I get an ice tea?

My cruise itinerary docks in nassau at 10a.m. I would like to go on a snorkel shore trip with Stuarts cove. They pick up at the docks at noon. Will that be enough time to get off the ship?

Thanks for any and all tips!!

Paula

[Big Al B.]

You might try to ask some of these questions on the Carnival board also. I'm assuming that you don't plan on letting your children on their own too much. I would think the spa, workout area, and pool might be places they would want the children to be escorted. If you want some time to yourselves, look into the children's program. The casino is usually another area that is off limits.

I can't really answer the chair question. I don't usually sit near the pool, but have never had a problem finding a chair somewhere on deck.

The iced tea is usually self-service, often in the buffet area. If you send a staff person to get it, then I believe a tip is in order.

You shouldn't have too much trouble getting off the ship for a noon tour. Just make sure to tell the tour operator what ship you are arriving on.

Have a great time and be warned that cruising is habit forming :D!

[KandiceA]

if you send me an email I'll reply to you after we get back March 17th- we're going on our first cruise on the fantasy. (without kids though) just me & DH

 

archibaldk@earthlink.net

[Happy ks]

Generally speaking, kids are not allowed in the spa area, the gym or casino. They are allowed to be with you in the bar areas, many times one side will be non-smoking. I think Carnival ships have topless decks, you have to be over 18 to go up there.

 

I'm fairly sure the 10 year old may be able to sign themselves out of the kids club activities at any time. I would ask to have the priviledge taken away, but you know your kid best and how responsible they are. This is the age where kids gather in groups around the ship and create havoc, pushing all the elevator buttons, running through the hallways etc... If your kid won't do those things and you can trust them, no problem.

 

The younger kids will probably love being with the other kids their own age, doing the activities provided.

 

I have never seen anyone bring their own lounges to the pool. You will be able to find seats, perhaps just not close to the pool. We don't worry about it too much, we prefer to sit away from the crowds.

 

Have a wonderful cruise!

[somuchluv]

Thanks for the info Bigal! I had no idea that anything was self service! Except for the buffet, of course that makes complete sense that there were be beverage there also. lol I guess I should have thought about that!!

[somuchluv]

I'm fairly sure the 10 year old may be able to sign themselves out of the kids club activities at any time. I would ask to have the priviledge taken away, but you know your kid best and how responsible they are. This is the age where kids gather in groups around the ship and create havoc, pushing all the elevator buttons, running through the hallways etc... If your kid won't do those things and you can trust them, no problem.

 

The younger kids will probably love being with the other kids their own age, doing the activities provided.

 

Have a wonderful cruise!

 

 

Thanks Kathy! That is a good thought with the 10 year old. I really don't think she would do that but being the social butterfly that she is, I could see her standing there not objecting! With as large as the ship is, I couldn't imagine giving a 10yr old freedom to roam it, seems a bit scary.

[kitty9]

Kids aren't allowed in the casino, gym/spa, and any adults only hot tubs.

 

No, you don't need your own chairs. There are tons of chairs on ships, and when people refer to not finding chairs, they usually mean that they can't find chairs right next to the pool. If you're flexible as to where you sit, chairs are always available. Plus, you're so limited by the amount of luggage you can take on the plane, why waste your luggage limit with chairs?

 

Whenever you order a drink like soda, or any alcohol drinks, they automatically place a 15% tip on the bill. Things like juice, milk, regular coffee and teas are free. Bottled water is also charged to your bill.

 

They off load the ship pretty quickly and most everyone can be off in less than an hour. But, if you're touring on your own, and not with the ship's tour, you have to make absolutely sure you're back on board the ship at least 1/2 hour before the ship is scheduled to depart. If you're not on board, the ship will not wait and you will be left standing on the dock.

[trish1c]

Bring your own insulated mug & fill that up at the self service iced tea area. You'll get up & down less frequently. If some member of the wait staff brings your beverage to you, yes you are expected to tip that person for the service performed.

 

There are always chairs, although as someone pointed out, maybe not right next to the pool. If you want a chair on sea days, get there early. Remember, if your children go swimming, there are no lifeguards so you have to keep your eyes on them.

 

When you sign your kids up for the kids club ask at what age the child can check him/herself out. My friend almost had a heart attack when he went to pick up his 12 year old son & was told that he son signed himself out. The story has a happy ending, his son was in the cabin enjoying "free" room service pizza delivery.

 

Enjoy.