First time Cruiser - Questions re: Carnival Dream

[watmom]

Hi everyone,

 

In a few weeks I will be taking my first cruise on the Carnival Dream out of Port Canaveral, Florida. I've been to lots of resorts in the past, but never a cruise, so forgive the silly questions. Here it goes:

 

• We're flying into Orlando, probably the day before our departure. What have people done regarding transportation to Port Canaveral? Is there a shuttle? Or do you rent a car or take a cab? Do the cabs offer a flat rate for travellers to Port Canaveral? I imagine they must do this quite often.
  
• For the return, we haven't booked our flight yet and am wondering how much time we should allow to get to the airport. The ship is scheduled to dock at 8 am in Port Canaveral and I know it's about an hour to Orlando. How long does the whole disembark process take?
  
• Are there safes in the staterooms to store valuables?
  
• Any guidelines on tipping?
  
• How much money should we plan to bring?
  
• Are beach towels provided - either for pool side use on the ship, or for any excursions we might wish to take?
  
• Do the bathrooms have hairdryers, or should I bring my own?
  

Sorry for all the questions, but am a little "Type A", and just want to make sure I'm prepared!

 

Thanks everyone!

 

Watmom

[CruiserBruce]

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

As far as Carnival info, you will find all you ever need on the Carnival board, here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=215

 

As far as ground transport and flights, look over on the Florida Departures board, here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=495

 

It takes some planning.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

You may also want to check out your Roll Call to see what others are doing on your cruise. Just scroll down until you find the date of your cruise here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=548

 

[askjojo]

Have never flown into Port Canaveral as we live in Florida, so refer to the other forums for info.

They say 8am, but they always arrive early, and start early disembarkation, if you are in a hurry, carry all of your luggage off. I would suggest an late morning/early afternoon departure, as it is possible to get off the ship by 9 am at the latest, and make it to the airport by 10am, and 30min to 45min to check-in.

There are small safes in the closet area, for a tablet, ipad, wallet, passports, but nothing bigger than those items.

the cruise ship has a recommended amount that they actually will charge to your onboard account, if you are happy with it, then just leave it on your account, if not you can adjust it as needed or remove it entirely, and hand the gratuities in person.

Depends on your budget, but we normally bring $150-300, for off ship purchases/casino funds, and room service tips.

They provide pool towels by the pools and in your room, that you take off the ship.

Check the cruise ship website for the hairdryer info, some do and some dont, but they are small and not very powerful.