I'm brand-spanking new, and I need advice!:)

[NoCleverName_JustMe]

Well, I found this website through a friend and I am impressed with how much helpful information I am finding. I am a first time cruiser, and I am looking for a simple 3 day cruise from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas. I have no clue what cruising is like so I would appreciate some help so that I can know what I am getting into;) . Could someone give me some helpful information or direct me to some helpful threads for a first timer? I haven't booked yet, I'm still trying to figure out how to get the best rate and what all those features are. I'm leaning towards Carnival because it seems to have the best rates. What is a typical day like on the boat? What does "all-inclusive" include? What is the real difference between a porthole and a picture window, and does it really matter which one you get? What are shore excursions and are they really needed? What kind of spening money do you need? Can you bring things like sodas and snacks onboard or are they provided? Thanks for the help!

[Cruising89143]

Basically if you are cruising out of Pt. Canaveral you have three choices to pick from. Carnival which has the Fantasy, Disney which has the Wonder and finally RCI's Sovereign of the Seas.

 

Disney is going to be the most expensive out of the three but has a nice itinerary with a private island. The Fantasy and Sovereign usually run about the same price or maybe within twenty to thirty dollars of each other. Both ships have been refurbished within the last couple of years but the Fantasy does have larger standard cabins. The Sovereign also offers a day at their private island Coco Cay and Carnival gives you a sea day.

 

I have been on both ships several times and just arrived home this afternoon from the Sovereign. You can't go wrong with either ship. For me I like the offer of the private island but if that doesn't matter then I would go with the best price. You have a win-win situation with either ship IMO.

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Keep in mind that in many cases Carnival's lead price is for a Class 1A cabin which has two beds in a bunk bed format (upper/lower). Royal Caribbean's lead price is a standard cabin where both beds are lower and normally can be combined to make one queen size bed, depending on who you're traveling with. Carnival's lowest standard cabin is a Category 4A which may run more than RCI's lowest category.

 

Cruisinggator2 is correct in that both ships go to Nassau and then Carnival spends its second day at sea while RCI spends it at Coco Cay, their private island. Carnival departs Thursday and returns Sunday, RCI departs Friday and return Monday. Other than that, both are quite similar and I always lean towards RCI as a slightly better.

 

All-inclusive means you get ocean transportation, stateroom, all-you-can-eat meals, fitness center and entertainment. Basic beverages such as coffee, tea and juice are included. Not included are soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, gift shop purchases, salon services, shore excursions, etc. Of course those are optional. One thing that is optional but traditional are gratuities for your stateroom attendent and dining room waiters. This will average $10 per person per day or $60 for two people on a 3-night cruise. A porthole is a round window, a picture window is a large window. I'm a fan of inside cabins (no window) as they are the cheapest and as everyone says, you spend so little time in your room anyway!

 

Shore excursions are "tours" sold by the ship to see various sights at each stop. They are expensive and in the case of Nassau, many of them are available in the cruise terminal for less money than you'd pay buying it from the ship.

 

Finally, yes you can bring snacks and soft drinks on board with you. There is always free food available so I don't see the point in bringing snacks. Bringing some soft drinks with you might save you a few dollars but they're awful heavy to carry around for such a short getaway. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed to be brought on board but there are dozens of clever methods people have used to accomplish just that.

 

Beware....one cruise and you're hooked! That's why we're all on this board.

 

BobK/Orlando

just off: Sea Princess

next up:

Sovereign of the Seas (10/05)

Costa Mediterranea (01/06)

[Super89]

Hi, Cute login name! This is my first cruise too and I have learned so much by reading these boards. I would suggest checking out the section for "first time cruisers" and also "ask a cruise question". After you make your decision make sure you look for the "roll call" for your particular ship and date. Its lots of fun to talk to other cruisers who will be on board with you. Have fun!! :D

[DFD1]

You can book directly with the cruise lines by using their 800 numbers, a local travel agency, or an on-line travel agency, of which there are many.

 

If you want help with on-line agencies, many here can give good advice, but will probably need to send it to you by email rather than mention particular agencies on here, which is against the rules.

[BrendaB1]

Beware. :eek: I started out with a 3 day cruise to the Bahamas & I've been cruising ever since. It can be very addicting. :D

[hdawson]

NoCleverName. May I suggest you sit down with your travel professional (travel agent) and ask lots of quetions? Your post suggests you know nothing about cruising. Be sure the TA is an experienced cruiser and they too aren't a first timer. You will get some good information here which will help you formulate your questions, but also you may get some useless or contradictory information. You're investing a substantial amount of money. Just seems practical to see a professional as with any other purchase. Out of eighteen cruises, five of them were short (4 day) from Pt Canaveral. It can be a great getaway.

[Firefighter's wife]

You may be new now,but once you cruise you'll wonder why I didn't do a seven day.:confused: We were told when we took our first cruise to start out with a 3 dayer,just to get a feel for it.But we choose to do a 7 dayer& were so glad we did:D But,there was a time you could get a cheaper price with the dot.coms,but now they are charging the same price as the cruise line.So,just my 2 cents,booked directly with Carnival.You will be assigned a PVP)Personal Vacation Planner)They can answer any ???? you may have.And once you make arrangements for your cruise,& have any ???? you can call & get your answer.But if you schedule the cruise thur someone else,Carnival or any others will only answer general questions,you'll have to get whom ever you planned your cruise thur,to call & get the answer's you need.But,word to the WISE!!:cool: Be Prepared to be HOOKED.Enjoy your cruise.....

Vee

[98Charlie]

We also took a short 4 day for our first cruise and were really hooked. That was December 2002. Cruise number 11 is coming up this September.

 

I am assuming that you live within driving distance of Port Canaveral. If not, are you flying in? For a 3 night the air fare could be more than the cruise. Something that might make you consider a longer cruise for your maiden voyage.

 

Yes, CC boards are very helpful and yes, you need to do your reasearch and evaluate posts for their merit. A good local TA can be very helpful if, as suggested, they have cruise experience.

 

Do you know anyone who has cruised before? Find out who they use and what their experience has been. They may be able to get you in contact with a quality TA.

 

Good Luck and Happy Cruising,

 

Charlie

[Cotton]

Hi NCN, and welcome to the boards. It sounds as if you may be cruising solo? I'm a solo cruiser, and just want you to be aware that it will cost you MORE to cruise in a cabin by yourself. If you are thinking along these lines, I'll be glad to share more info on that...?

Anything I reference will be CARNIVAL.

 

QUOTE=NoCleverName_JustMe]

 

What is a typical day like on the boat?

The ship will seem huge to you (and it is!). Each evening of the cruise, you'll receive a copy of the "Capers", the ship's newsletter. There will be a long list of the events scheduled for the next day. Lots of things to do while at sea. The pools, sunning, food, games/activities if you wish, casino, food, bars, shopping, food, Vegas-type shows, shows with comedians, etc., Karaoke, dancing, and ... uh, did I mention FOOD?:D

 

What does "all-inclusive" include?

All the food you could possibly consume, three times a day, plus 24-hour pizzeria and ice cream/yogurt machines. Coffee, tea, lemonade, juices, fruit punch, milk - all beverages except alcoholic and soft drinks.

Also included: Use of the gym, hot tubs, shows, etc.

 

What is the real difference between a porthole and a picture window, and does it really matter which one you get?

Portholes are about 14" round. Picture windows are large rectangular windows. There are very few porthole cabins on the ships. I like having a porthole (or two). I just like being able to "see the sea" when in my cabin. I've had an inside cabin only once, and I felt very claustrophobic. It would be strictly a personal choice.

 

What are shore excursions and are they really needed?

It's not really necessary to book a shore excursion. I never do, not since my first cruise in 1987. I get off the ship in a port, grab a cab, and go wherever I want. (Just do a little 'homework' before leaving home, and know what you want to do.)

 

What kind of spening money do you need?

First thing, you'll need to tip the porters at the pier $1 per bag prior to checking in at the terminal. These guys make sure your luggage gets on the ship. (However, for a short cruise, you might want to take all your things in a carry-on. If so, they can't be larger than 11"x17", so they'll fit into the x-ray machine.

 

Can you bring things like sodas and snacks onboard or are they provided?

Carnival allows a 'reasonable amount' of soft drinks to be brought on board. As for snacks, there is so much food all over the ship, unless you particularly to, no need to bring any snacks. Besides all the other food available to you, there's 24-hour room service - no charge for any items except alcoholic/soft drinks. (Just tip the delivery person $1-2 each time.)

 

Oh, and you CAN bring a coupla bottles of wine on board at embarkation. Other alcoholic drinks (liquor/beer) are not allowed, but some folks do 'smuggle' some in their luggage.

 

More about spending money: You will have a "Sail and Sign" account set up when you board. The first entry on the account will be the 'automatic tips', which amount to $10 per person per day. This takes care of your cabin steward, the waiters at dinner, and the Lido Deck dining personnel. All purchases on the ship will be put onto that account. No cash is needed on board the ship, except for the casino and any extra tips you might want to give.

 

Any other questions?:)

[hdawson]

The potential problem with going to the cruiseline direct for questions and bookings is that you're going to get answers that present their line as the best, of course. The answers are not going to be unbiased. This can be important to an inexperienced cruiser. A good travel agent should ask questions to determine what you like and what your taste is and explain the differences between various lines. Carnival my end up being the perfect match or a disaster. Not a bad idea to talk to more than one TA.

[Cotton]

NCN - About best way to book a cruise. You probably should start off at a local travel agency, to pick up some brochures on the various cruiseline and ships. Then check out a couple of on-line agencies, and THEN check with the cruiseline itself. Carnival has PVPs (Personal Vacation Planners) who are very helpful. I've used the same one for my last five cruises, and she always comes through with some great deal for me.

[mojo2rusty]

My first cruise was a one day cruise in 1992. It took me until 2001 to get on a real cruise. I can't imagine one shorter than 7 days. I am booked on my 3rd carnival cruise in December.

 

You will find lots of information on the cruise message boards. I wish I had found the boards before my first cruise. Just remember when you read post that everyone has different likes and dislikes and what one posts as a bad cruise or bad time, might have been the best time ever to a dozen others. So you need to read every post with a open mind and do your research. There are so many areas here that will help you learn about the ship you choose, the ports and about anything you can think of.

 

If you go on your cruise to have fun, wheather it's your first or your 100 th it's what you make it. Each of my cruises have been as wonderful but each in a different way. Maybe for the people I meet or places I saw. The important thing is to have fun. I most likely will not be your last!

 

Have a wonderful time!

[Wennfred]

I am looking for a simple 3 day cruise

 

I never sailed on a 3 day cruise, but I do remember sailing on a 1 day cruise out of San Diego down to Ensenada, It was horrible, If I was a First Time cruiser not knowing that the 7 day cruises were totally different I would of never sailed again.

 

I too would like to know if the 3 day Cruises are as good as the 7 or 8 day ones.

I feel as if you can appreciate or get more out of a ship in 7 days then with 3.

[hdawson]

I found the four day cruises out of Pt Canaveral a good introduction to cruising. There are many reasons someone may be looking at shorter cruises. Time? Money? Or just to see what cruising is about. For the little difference in cost, I would suggest four days if workable.

[ckm13104]

I just happened to see your reply to someone on the message board, and then I saw all the cruises you have been booked on!! I am going to be going on the Carnival Glory in September of 2006, and it will be my very first time. My husband has been on two other Carnival cruises, and he keeps telling me that after this one, I will want to go on one at least once a year - are they really that addicting?? What is the Glory like? Most of the information i have found so far has talked about the color schemes and how great it is. I thought all cruises were supposed to be colorful, but from what I understand, they have really played it up on this one.

Do you have any advice for me, so maybe I won't be so shocked when I first get on the ship?:) The only thing I am a little worried about is the fact that I do tend to get motion sickness. My husband tells me that I may have more trouble with it at night than during the day, as they have the stabilizers on during the day. But, he also says that I will get used to it after a while - is that true?

I hope to see a message from you soon, and any advice would be great!!

Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basically if you are cruising out of Pt. Canaveral you have three choices to pick from. Carnival which has the Fantasy, Disney which has the Wonder and finally RCI's Sovereign of the Seas.

 

Disney is going to be the most expensive out of the three but has a nice itinerary with a private island. The Fantasy and Sovereign usually run about the same price or maybe within twenty to thirty dollars of each other. Both ships have been refurbished within the last couple of years but the Fantasy does have larger standard cabins. The Sovereign also offers a day at their private island Coco Cay and Carnival gives you a sea day.

 

I have been on both ships several times and just arrived home this afternoon from the Sovereign. You can't go wrong with either ship. For me I like the offer of the private island but if that doesn't matter then I would go with the best price. You have a win-win situation with either ship IMO.

[ckm13104]

hey there

I just wanted to let you know that I am in the same boat as you (pun intended!). My husband and I have booked a cruise for september of '06 on the Carnival Glory, and I cannot wait! I hope you are able to find what you are looking for! I will tell you that my husband has been on 2 other cruises and he will not think of doing anything less than a 7-day. he said the first day on the ship, you do not get on there until ealry afternoon, and then you are required to go to a safety drill, and then you get to wander around and get to know your ship, so the forst day is cut short. Theen, he explained that on the last day, it's pretty much the same thing, b/c you leave the ship in the mid-morning. From what he told me, it seems it might be better to get a few extra days added. Let me know what happens, and good luck!