The one thing I wish I knew before my first cruise...

[TakeMeAway1001]

Totally agree with those who said pack less. For our first cruise, my mom told me over and over again, don't pack that much. Did I listen? NO! Seriously, I can't stress enough don't pack so much. You just won't wear it.

 

Always bring your passport with you off the ship, you never know when you may need it. But, keep it in a safe place and not visible.

 

If you buy liquor pick up one of those sheets in the gift shop that say the type, size and price. Put it in your purse or whatever you take into the islands, that way when you are in shopping in port you know if it really is a good deal. Never want to buy any liquor and realize you can get it in the gift shop cheaper. And, yes I have seen it cheaper on the ship before.

 

Also agreed with the downey spray!

 

I have never taken my actual passport off the ship, everyone here will tell you to take a photocopy of it. If you lose it on the island it probably wouldn't be a good thing ;)

[brooklynfc]

http://www.pissedconsumer.com/consumer-reviews/cruises.html

 

I think this is a primer for things that people can do wrong and think they are in the right.

 

Im sure some legit gripes, but mostly its people who made mistakes and didnt know simple things like link your dining to sit together (they were like we paid on the same credit card but they didnt sit us together). It was foggy, we could not enjoy our balcony etc.

 

Those people make CC users look like they never complain and cruise genius. LOL.

[kelkel2]

I have never taken my actual passport off the ship, everyone here will tell you to take a photocopy of it. If you lose it on the island it probably wouldn't be a good thing ;)

 

haha true, but if I lose that then I probably lost my whole purse too! :eek: Guess it depends on the way you look at it!

[GlendaleCruiser]

 

Always bring your passport with you off the ship, you never know when you may need it. But, keep it in a safe place and not visible.

 

 

 

Don't do this. If you lose it you will have problems reentering the United States. If you are detained for any reason, medical, lost, etc, the Security department on ship will leave your valuables including passport with the port authority so that you may retrieve them when you get back to the port.

[dragon94]

We never took our passports with us off of the ship, a copy of them yes. we also kept a copy of our driver's licenses, credit cards in the ship safe just in case also.

The less you take on shore is the less that can be lost or stolen. SS card, a credit card, suntan lotion. some cash and the ship towel, beach cover up, sunglasses. take two pairs of sunglasses with you, anyone find my ONE pair I took with me to Jamiaca and lost there?

 

A grocery store card or used gift card for locking the safe on the ship.

 

Definitely take one and five dollar bills for tipping at the airport, dock and on the ship. also smaller bills for in the ports for shopping.

 

Rum runners are a must for taking your own drinks! We must remember to take the big travel mugs with us next time for juice/mixers!

[megmno]

Thought of one more thing to bring: hair conditioner.

Carnival provides adequate body wash and shampoo in the bathrooms, but no conditioner. (I actually also bring my own shampoo because I'm picky.)

[DebBrown]

Great thread! I have been on several cruises and I still learn something new every time. For newbies, pack half of what you think you should and take twice as much money. Carnival does a great job with pictures and they take a LOT of them. On my last cruise I bought a small camera case with a zippered pocket and clipped it on my shorts belt buckle. That way I always had my camera and my S&S, cash and credit card fit in the pocket. I was able to take a bunch of pictures that way.

[b00kw0rm42970]

Wish I would have known that I could get seasick AFTER the cruise. Spent the first day off of the ship sicker than a dog. It got progressively better as time went on. This time, I will be taking something for motion sickness DAYS after I return!

[VAMommy]

Wish I would have known that I could get seasick AFTER the cruise. Spent the first day off of the ship sicker than a dog. It got progressively better as time went on. This time, I will be taking something for motion sickness DAYS after I return!

 

I had the same thing happen to me after my cruise! I was so nauseous for days afterwards!! The funny thing was I was perfectly fine on the ship and in the ports...but as soon as I got home? WHAM! It hit me like an elephant!!

This is a great thread...as a new cruise, all of your tips are very helpful!

Wish I knew about turing the TV on in the cabins to get some sunlight!

[mela921]

Seasickness pills are almost always available at the Guest services desk...

[rpmljm]

We used the sail and sign card to open/close our safe in February. Has the procedure changed, or did we do it wrong? :confused: The directions on the safe said to used your sail and sign card.

 

You can use any card with a magnetic strip on the back. We used our AAA card. Before that we have used our grocery store frequent shopper cards. Never use anything valuable.

[CRUISE4JANE]

I wish someone had told me that parking at the cruise port is much more expensive than parking at an airport.

 

And, to bring a shawl or sweater even if I am going to be in the Caribbean - the ship can be cold.

 

I wish I had found cruise critic before my 3rd cruise. Makes planning so much easier!

 

Sounds like me. Daughter introduced me to Cruise Critic when booking our 3rd cruise. Boy, have I learned a lot :)! Still learning too :D! Oh, yeah, I'm addicted :eek:!

[CRUISE4JANE]

• Definately bring a shrug or shawl for the evenings, especially if you've been in the sun all day; your skin is on fire from sunburn but you're also chilled from it (like a fever).
  
• Each time I go to the grocery or Walmart, I grab 1 or 2 things from the trial size section and store them away. I did this last time too, and after a years worth of shopping trips, when it came time to pack up our toiletry bags, everyone just grabbed from Mom's stock-pile. I try and get things you don't ordinarily see, like mini aloe and sunscreen, and standards like deodorants, bandaids, neosporin etc. I even had mini rolls of toilet paper.. hey, ya never know! :rolleyes:
  
• We also have one of those big water-cooler bottles that we use as a bank for quarters only. The first cruise it was our casino fund. This time it'll be our transport to and from the pier fund.
  

 

I have one of those big water-cooler bottles, but DH what part with it until it is completely full :mad:; therefore, I started my own smaller jug (just for me - casino money :)). Told him, hands off :p!

[CRUISE4JANE]

There is tea time every afternoon on sea days (at 3pm, I think). They have tea, desserts and little sandwiches. It is usually in the piano bar, but check your Funtimes to make sure. It is one of my favorite things to do on board. So relaxing!! --Katie

 

I agree :).

[CRUISE4JANE]

I hate to admit I still have no idea what a FCC is (well I know what it is) but can someone tell me the process? I thought I had read they have to be purchased with the Carnival Credit Card, is that true? I ask because I would like to plan my platinum cruise and if FCC are worth it I will look into it. I know we've walked by the desk before but we have never stopped.

 

FYI~For those of you who have points reward programs on your credit cards check to see if they offer any cruise certificates. I just recently realized that our Citi card has Carnival cruise certificates as a reward for points, for years we've been getting gas and Home Depot gift cards not knowing about the cruise ones. I was able to use two on this cruise, after I booked even though it says for new bookings. I also just ordered two more for $200 off my next cruise :)

 

Am I a dummy or what :(? Been on 2 Carnival cruises and never thought to check any of this out. :rolleyes: Now I am wondering how much money I have thrown away :eek:. I have a Citi Card also. Never bothered to check it. Jeez, I am learning so much with my cruise critic research :).

[CRUISE4JANE]

Haven't seen this: we always tip our bar server! Have EXCELLENT service! $1 for every drink. Some say we've already paid for this, but we do it anyway & have had free drinks at the end of the cruise - or not. Still, service w/o having to show S&S, (they know your name!) and always there for you. We love being known on a first name basis and they know what you drink. First time we did this, on the Triumph, our bar waiter burst into tears when we gave him an extra tip! We've done it ever since and have always had excellent bar service, no matter where we were.

 

Are you saying you go up to the same bar whenever you get your drinks? I assume you also order drinks elsewhere on the boat :confused:.

[CRUISE4JANE]

With the free drink card, the drinks are only free in the casino while you are playing. Keep in mind, you have to earn 1,500 points to receive the free drink card. You earn 1 point for every $2.50 coin in for slots, and 1 point for every $5.00 coin in for video poker. Whether it is worth it or not depends on what type of gambler you are. If you are low bankroll $20 for the slots after dinner type of player, no. If you are the large bankroll or play for hours every day player, yes.

 

I would not gamble just to get the free drink card. Chances are likely you will lose more than the drinks would have cost anyhow. Now if you are already a player that gambles at that level during the cruise, then of course you should take advantage of it.

 

Would $100 a day in the casino be enough for a free drink card :)? I guess not :(.

[okwriter]

Would $100 a day in the casino be enough for a free drink card :)? I guess not :(.

 

Maybe. If you win and continue gambling on your winnings, you will accumulate enough points.

[okwriter]

The one thing I wish I'd known before I cruised is that I don't need to take all the things with me that everyone on Cruise Critic said I'd need. :D

 

Seriously, though, I wish I'd known about tea time and lunch/breakfast in the MDR. :)

[najnelle]

My tip is: take a travel size container of baby powder with you when you go to the beach. Put some on your sandy feet, and the sand will all brush right off! I learned that here a long time ago and it REALLY works!

[Nutmeg1282]

my tip: dont pack everything that the "cruise forum packing list" tells you to, you wont use half of it (but do use the highlighter and water bottle)

 

my husbands tip: dont buy every picture they take of you, they cost tooooo much and will sit in a cabinet somewhere in your house and collect dust

 

our tip together: get a drink at sail away, its a great way to start your vacation!

[tomngerri]

Great thread.

 

Based on our cruising expereinces....here are a couple things we would do differently if we knew then what we know now...(we do these now :) )

 

- Pack a carry on bag with the stuff you'll need for the 24 hours after boarding. This was a tough lesson learned after a family member's ordeal following a lost suitcase.

- Avoid Carnival shore excursions. Almost all can be done far cheaper with a taxi/guide and a little CruiseCritic planning. Just make sure to be back to the ship in time :)

- Bring very little cash or Travellers Checks. Slot and Video Poker machines in the casino are a way to get "no fee" cash from the Credit Card linked to your Sign and Sail.

- If you gamble, even small time, introduce yourself to a Casino Host before betting a penny.

- A previous poster mentioned getting a balcony room. Don't do it! You'll never be able to go back to a window or inside cabin :)

[Minoushka]

This is what I learned

 

Bring an extension cord or 3 prong plug

Bring your own hairdryer

Bring your own toiletries esp conditioner

Seasickness meds

Pack everything you need for 2 days and 1 evening in your carry on plus bathing suit flip flops and cover for first day out.pjs cap and sunscreen

Always have a cheap raincoat in side pocket of suitcase

Meds with you

Bring a jogging suit for seadays and hoodie

WEAR running shoes when handling suitcases NEVER flip flips TRavel in them protect your feet My sister had her toenail ripped by the wheels of a suitcase ...MAJOR OUCH

Bring a sweater for indoors

Make a list before you pack

 

 

Enjoy your cruise ...most important

[geckog]

I wish I had known about Bon Voyage liquor. Didn't find out until my third cruise.

[GlendaleCruiser]

This is what I learned

 

Bring an extension cord or 3 prong plug

Bring your own hairdryer

Bring your own toiletries esp conditioner

Seasickness meds

Pack everything you need for 2 days and 1 evening in your carry on plus bathing suit flip flops and cover for first day out.pjs cap and sunscreen

Always have a cheap raincoat in side pocket of suitcase

Meds with you

Bring a jogging suit for seadays and hoodie

WEAR running shoes when handling suitcases NEVER flip flips TRavel in them protect your feet My sister had her toenail ripped by the wheels of a suitcase ...MAJOR OUCH

Bring a sweater for indoors

Make a list before you pack

 

 

Enjoy your cruise ...most important

I always do this and I think it's the most important tip. In case your luggage is lost, even temporarily, you can get by.