Carnival Cruise October 2014 New to Cruising

[Nachman101]

Hi everyone

 

I am a true new cruising fanatic - never cruised before but have taken the leap and booked my first cruise for 8 nights on the Carnival Spirit ex Sydney to Noumea, Isle of Pines and Mare in October 2014. I would sincerely appreciate being inundated with advice regarding check in, dining and wining, activities on board, etc, etc, etc to maximise my knowledge and enjoyment of my first cruise. Any advice, tips, warnings are appreciated.

 

Looking forward to hearing from all the experienced cruisers!

 

Regards and many thanks

[MicCanberra]

Hi everyone

 

I am a true new cruising fanatic - never cruised before but have taken the leap and booked my first cruise for 8 nights on the Carnival Spirit ex Sydney to Noumea, Isle of Pines and Mare in October 2014. I would sincerely appreciate being inundated with advice regarding check in, dining and wining, activities on board, etc, etc, etc to maximise my knowledge and enjoyment of my first cruise. Any advice, tips, warnings are appreciated.

 

Looking forward to hearing from all the experienced cruisers!

 

Regards and many thanks

 

Welcome to Cruise critic and also to cruising. My first piece of advice is to look at the roll call for your cruise, there are links under the roll call area for your ship and then just search for your particular cruise (if there is one). There is always lots of information to be gleaned from your fellow passengers, about ports and excursions. I do not know much about Carnival, however, search out their website and read through the FAQs and that will give you a big heads up.

Enjoy,:D

Edited January 22, 2014 by MicCanberra

[Nachman101]

Thanks for that

[helpmeremembermyusername]

I can't answer your questions yet, but we are going on the carnival spirit on the 3rd march, so I will be able to give you all the info after that.

As soon as you can, book in online and you can select a boarding time, the earlier the better of course. You may not be able to get into your cabin straight away, but lunch is a great start, then explore the ship and enjoy.

I found some good videos on utube of the ship/cabins/amenities.

The planning is all part of your holiday.

Enjoy:):):)

[Nachman101]

I wish you a wonderful and safe cruise and I would love to hear about your experiences. Look forward to hearing from you. If you would like to email me directly, all the better, just let me know.

 

Cheers

[2011CruisingFamilyof4]

We have been on the Spirit twice so far and LOVE it!

 

Embarkation: easy, very fast and efficient. Just make sure you have all documentation ready and NOT IN YOUR CHECK IN LUGGAGE!!!! You can drop your bags off anytime after 8.30am.

 

When you first board head to Deck 9 LIDO for buffet lunch and then explore till your heart is content, if you are planning on a swim, pack your bathers in your carry on as rooms may not be ready until after 1. Keep your little deck plan handy for the first few days!!!! You will receive this in the terminal if not heaps at Guest Services.

 

Any dietary needs? Head to the Empire Dining Room after 2 and speak to Dessi the wonderful Head Maitre D.

 

Dining: The Empire Dining room is 2 stories, Deck 2 for Set Dining and 3 for Anytime Dining. What did you choose? The wait staff are wonderful and have fantastic memories! So good in fact that our staff from cruise 1 remembered us when we reboarded 6 months later, our waiter on the 2nd time remembered where we sat on the 1st cruise....he wasn't even our waiter then!!! Dessi, the Maitre D saw our girls walk in and was in tears. Nothing is a problem and everything can be fixed!

Empire is open for breakfast sea day lunch and all dinners. Brunch is on sea days, plus high tea on sea days DO NOT MISS THIS!! Very nice!

If Dining room isn't your cup of tea buffet is open breakfast lunch and dinner, plus the grill mid arvo by the pool.

 

Entertainment: trivia, golf, sports, and many other things, read your Fun times (on your bed every night) and get involved, it is actually fun and breaks up the day.

 

Internet: sold as a package and computers are in the library.

 

Disembarkation: very easy, you are given a number and just wait till your number is called!

 

 

What else do you want to know!!! There is heaps more and would love to help you out.

 

Lover of the Spirit!

[orangestreet]

Does anybody have a copy of the latest Funtimes newsletters for Carnival Sprit? I have Googled it but could not find ones for cruises leaving from Sydney.

 

Thanks very much!

[Nachman101]

Wonderful information and just want I was looking for!

 

Thanks for being so helpful and of course I have endless questions!

 

Someone has told us to take lanyards to put our cruise and sail cards on - do you think that this is a good idea?

 

Do Carnival Cruises offer a beverage package? Can't see one in all of their information blurbs. If not, what does the average glass of wine cost/bottle of wine cost?

 

I note that there is 24 hour wood fired pizza. Is this part of the price or do you pay extra?

 

We have booked anytime dining so the information regarding deck 3 for the Empire Dining room is priceless information!

 

You said that you can drop your bags off anytime after 8.30am - is that at the at overseas terminal?

 

I cannot thank you enough for all your assistance and even better from someone in Perth!

 

Cheers!

[tassie cruiser]

Wonderful information and just want I was looking for!

 

Thanks for being so helpful and of course I have endless questions!

 

Someone has told us to take lanyards to put our cruise and sail cards on - do you think that this is a good idea?

 

Do Carnival Cruises offer a beverage package? Can't see one in all of their information blurbs. If not, what does the average glass of wine cost/bottle of wine cost?

 

I note that there is 24 hour wood fired pizza. Is this part of the price or do you pay extra?

 

We have booked anytime dining so the information regarding deck 3 for the Empire Dining room is priceless information!

 

You said that you can drop your bags off anytime after 8.30am - is that at the at overseas terminal?

 

I cannot thank you enough for all your assistance and even better from someone in Perth!

 

Cheers!

 

You will have an awesome time. Carnival spirit is. Great ship, very casual and relaxed. What deck and what type of cabin have you booked?

Definatly take lanyards, that's what your cruise card wil be attached to all cruise, that is what you pay for everything with and is also your room key, you can buy lanyards onboard for about $10 I think, but if you have some at home, take! save buying. Wherever you booked thru will/should give you anyway with your final documents.

The pizza is free, as is the ice cream (24hr) and the cafe grill, can't remember exact hours it's open but not too late, they have the best chicken schnitzels ever. :p, and fries, burgers etc...

When disembarking you can pretty much choose your time, if you get a time that doesn't suit, just go to guest services and there is a box with times, just swap over.

Carnival only have non alcoholic drinks packages. Soda packages.

There internet packages are soooo good , the best we have had. From memory is was something like $60 for 1 thing or if you had multiple (like ph, iPad etc and you want to use them all) something like $80 for the length of the cruise, so didn't matter if you used it a little or continual, same price (wish other cruise lines has this) plus you could get the wii fii all around the ship.

You can check your account on your tv in your room, no need to go to guest services etc..there is machines around ship to deposit money onto account or take out (normally you would need to go to guest services for this as well) so much easier

There are laundries onboard, no need to take coins (other ships requires coins to operate) just swipe your card.

Any other questions, fire away, everyone on here is very helpful and friendly. :o

Fiona

Edited January 25, 2014 by tassie cruiser

[2011CruisingFamilyof4]

Wonderful information and just want I was looking for!

 

Thanks for being so helpful and of course I have endless questions!

 

Someone has told us to take lanyards to put our cruise and sail cards on - do you think that this is a good idea?

 

Do Carnival Cruises offer a beverage package? Can't see one in all of their information blurbs. If not, what does the average glass of wine cost/bottle of wine cost?

 

I note that there is 24 hour wood fired pizza. Is this part of the price or do you pay extra?

 

We have booked anytime dining so the information regarding deck 3 for the Empire Dining room is priceless information!

 

You said that you can drop your bags off anytime after 8.30am - is that at the at overseas terminal?

 

I cannot thank you enough for all your assistance and even better from someone in Perth!

 

Cheers!

 

OK here I go:

1. Lanyards are a personal thing. I didn't have one as my sail and sign card was in my camera bag which was with me all the time, but my husband had one and so did my girls. We paid $6.95 for a Carnival one from the ship. The came with a plastic pocket to put the card in. Didn't like the pocket as you still had to take your card out, so head off to Guest Services and they will punch a hole in it for you.

 

2. Can't help you on the alcohol as I don't drink, but the soft drink/juice package was $7 per day, but this was only available to be bought on the first day.

 

3. Pizza is all free, in the Buffet area on Deck 9. Very nice, but don't go during peak eating times!!!

 

4. As for Anytime Dining, there can be a wait, however in saying that, we always went just after it opened (with kids, you eat early!) and never had to wait. With Anytime Dining, you are seated wherever, BUT you can also request to have the same dining staff every night, and if there is room in their section, you will get it. We loved having the same staff as by the second night, they knew us, knew our likes and dislikes and if you have kids were great. You will also see your night staff in the Lido Deck so look out for them there as well.

 

5. Yep at the OPT, well just outside the building, you cant miss the drop off area and there is heaps of staff around to help. We had the red eye from Perth, went straight to the terminal, dropped our bags off. Went and had breaky, walked across the bridge and to the Opera House and were on board by 12!

 

Come on there has to be more questions!!!!!

 

Family Cruiser

[Nachman101]

This is absolutely brilliant - I am so grateful for people's advice and yes the questions do indeed continue!

 

We are cruising to Noumea, Isle of Pines and Mare. For two people that are absolutely addicted to the water, my husband and I would appreciate advice as to shore excursions. All we really want to do at the Isle of Pines and Mare is to hit the beach and snorkel. Are we able to disembark and get to a pristine beach to snorkel?

 

Thanks everyone for not only your patience with my questions but your fabulous answer!

 

Cheers and thanks

[2011CruisingFamilyof4]

And this is where my knowledge ends I am sorry! I think they are the only 2 islands we haven't been to yet!

 

But in Noumea we went to Escapade Island on a private tour (i.e. not a ship one). It was a great day out, tour guide met us at the terminal, jumped on a coach (yes modern air con etc) had a quick drive through town and saw some sites before getting on a ferry. Escapade Island was wonderful, great snorkelling and use on the non motorised equipment. Plus a Buffet lunch and pool to relax in.......there was even a crab and sea snake in the pool, although the latter was quickly removed upon my 7 year old daughter standing next to it and asking if it was real!!! The other popular island for snorkelling is Amadee (spelling?) Island. If you wanted to stay in town, there is Lemon Bay. To get here, jump on one of the "hop on hop off" tour buses and there is a stop at Lemon Bay. The ticket for that is about $10 and valid all day for as many stops as you like.

 

Come on, there has to be more!!!!

[coastlady99]

At Isle of Pines you can walk from the wharf (tendered from ship) to the bay where there is fantastic snorkelling. A few stalls sell handcrafts and you can take a walk but mainly people are there to snorkel. For pictures and more info you can look at ozcruise club website.

 

 

 

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[P&O princess]

I'm getting very excited just reading all of this. We're heading off in about 5 weeks on the Spirit - and I can't wait!! I've cruised with P&O before, and am really looking forward to checking out Carnival.

 

I have a couple more questions (to Family Cruiser). Not sure if you'll know, but any info would be great....

 

* How much is bingo?

* What is the cost of the video arcade games?

* Did your children spend much time in kids club - what did they think?

* Any other general info about cruising Carnival with kids?

 

 

Thank you!

[2011CruisingFamilyof4]

I'm getting very excited just reading all of this. We're heading off in about 5 weeks on the Spirit - and I can't wait!! I've cruised with P&O before, and am really looking forward to checking out Carnival.

 

I have a couple more questions (to Family Cruiser). Not sure if you'll know, but any info would be great....

 

* How much is bingo?

* What is the cost of the video arcade games?

* Did your children spend much time in kids club - what did they think?

* Any other general info about cruising Carnival with kids?

 

 

Thank you!

 

 

1. Bingo I think was $30 for 5 games, the cards could be bought in the morning and then just before the session started. Usually it was played every sea day, but the Fun Times will have all the info.

 

2. WATCH OUT FOR THE ARCADE!!!! The games were I think only $1-$2 BUT it adds up...especially if your child is old enough to be by themselves!!! The good thing is you can put a daily spending limit on their cards or a total spending limit! I have heard of stories of $75 being spent in the arcade!!

 

3. Camp Carnival is separated into different age groups, 2-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, 15-17. I had a child in 2-5 and 6-8. The 7 yr old loved it, she was in there as much as possible, to the extent Stu, the Cruise Director, was always asking about her as he never saw her! The 4yr old loved some sessions, but truthfully I think she realised if she didn't go, she gets mum and dad to her self! She loved all the shows at night though. As each age group is different, let me know what group and I will tell you more.

 

4. We bought the "Bubbles Package" for the kids, it was $5 a day and you had to buy it on the first day. We don't drink a lot of soft drink (the 4 yr old was in shock that she could have one!) but I got it a) we are on holidays and b) they could go and get a drink whenever they liked and if they didn't finish it it didn't matter. The package included soft drinks and juices (orange, pineapple and cranberry).

 

What is your dining time? If you have Anytime Dining, go early especially with kids as then you don't have to wait for a table, this way you also get to choose your wait staff (i.e. if you want the same staff, you just have to ask). The can order from both the kids menu and the normal menu and they can have as much as they like! Our 4 yr old ordered Frogs legs and loved them.

 

In the Atruim at night there is photo back drops set up with photographers at each one. Have a few photos taken, then the next day, head to deck 3 where you can view them. We have family photos done every 3 years, so last year, ours were done on the boat! Really good quality and if you like them, buy them, if not leave them where they are! Nice photo albums for kids to buy as well, one with the carnival funnel, the other with a towel elephant on it. Our girls loved going through the hundreds of photos to choose what ones they wanted in their own album.

 

Take a highlighter (or one colour for each person) and highlight what you want to do. The Fun Times is delivered every night. One the first day you will get the program for the kids clubs for the entire cruise, highlight that one as well so you remember what you want to do!

 

Anything else!!!

[Nachman101]

Hi everyone

 

Our cruise may be booked for the end of the year but I am sure that this wave of excitement is going to get me through the next few months at work (I am a Mental Health Nurse).

 

With regard to shore excursions - are you able to obtain local currency on board prior to the excursion or do you have to change monies on the island?

 

How do you book the Bubbles package?

 

Can you clothes shop on board and what are the prices like?

 

Cheers

[2011CruisingFamilyof4]

It will go quickly don't worry!

 

There is no money exchange on the ship. The markets do take Australian Dollars, but we shopped around before we left to get the best deal to change our money...I am of the opinion that we don't except other currencies, why should I expect them to. If you do use our money, if you can see if they want to swap all their Australian coins for notes as they cannot exchange them.

Noumea town does not accept Australian money.

 

When you board, go down to deck 2 in the Atrium, there is a little table set up to purchase the Bubbles Package. They will put a little sticker on your Sail and Sign so you just have to show your card whenever you want a drink. This allows drinks in every bar and the Dining Room.

 

There is one shop with some clothes, surf brands. the prices were OK. A bit cheaper than the shops, but nothing to stock up on! We bought our girls a tee shirt on each cruise, both Carnival designs and it was 2 for $30. This shop also had the alcohol and souvieners, snacks etc. Another shop has the jewellery, watches, perfume etc and the third is "Formalities" where you could order a cake (i.e. birthday anniversary etc), room decorations and lollies.

[Nachman101]

You do realise that I am printing out all your advice to make sure that I don't forget anything!

 

Did you try the Nouveau Restaurant?

 

We truly are so excited - for a 50 and 65 year old this is no small feat! Its just my husband and I in this world and a cruise has been on our bucket list forever.

 

Is the laundry good to use and please tell me that the Green Terror is not going to terrify me!

 

Regards

[ravie80]

We are about to do our 3rd and 4 th cruise with carnival spirit in 4 days .When you get of the ship in noumea you will be shuttle bused to the main terminal at the main terminal there is a money exchange to the left as you enter you can also get your passport stamped here for free we are doing the AMEDEE ISLAND MARINE RESERVE shore tour though the ship this time as we just want to swim and relax (did the city tour late time) at isle of pines we are going to SNORKEL AT THE NATURAL AQUARIUM and mare the shuttle bus is $18.99 each to the beach :)

 

 

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[ravie80]

Laundries are located

 

Location: Riviera Deck 1 - midship / across from 1219

Main Deck 4 - aft / across from 4230

Upper Deck 5 - aft / across from 5270

Empress Deck 6 - forward / across from 6102

Verandah Deck 7 - midship / across from 7267

And there are iron in each Laundry you can buy washing powder $2 and the machines washer or drier are $3.25 each you use you sail and sign card to pay

 

 

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[MicCanberra]

Laundries are located

 

Location: Riviera Deck 1 - midship / across from 1219

Main Deck 4 - aft / across from 4230

Upper Deck 5 - aft / across from 5270

Empress Deck 6 - forward / across from 6102

Verandah Deck 7 - midship / across from 7267

And there are iron in each Laundry you can buy washing powder $2 and the machines washer or drier are $3.25 each you use you sail and sign card to pay

 

 

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Quarters are available from the Casino or from the guest services desk.:D

[pwkmpjm]

Quarters are available from the Casino or from the guest services desk.:D

 

What would you need quarters for? The washing washing powder. washing machines & driers are paid for by swiping your Sail & Sign card

[2011CruisingFamilyof4]

And don't leave your washing to the second or last night......you may be waiting a while for a machine!

 

 

Oh and be warned, you may catch the cruisers bug.................and book your next one as soon as you get off!

 

My biggest advice is if something little goes wrong or isn't right, brush it off, fix it, and move on. There is nothing worse than letting something ruin your holiday. 2012 the Christmas Cruise had to be changed due to the cyclone that hit Fiji. While it was disappointing, don't get me wrong, there was no way I was going to make it become a downer. We paid for 12 nights and 4 ports and we got 12 nights and 4 ports. It was something uncontrollable but easily fixed. Go on with an open mind and ready to have a break from the hum drum of normal life!

 

Also if you ordered something in the dining room and it isn't to your liking, just ask to change it for something else! It isn't a problem and the staff will bend over backwards to make sure you leave happy and full........have you also heard that you can order as many entrees, mains or desserts that you like!!!! Big bonus if there is the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake and Crème Brulee on the menu! Waiters bought both our for my husband as they knew he loved both.

 

Please fire away as the more you know the less you will say at the end, I wish I had of known that.

Edited January 26, 2014 by 2011CruisingFamilyof4

[MicCanberra]

What would you need quarters for? The washing washing powder. washing machines & driers are paid for by swiping your Sail & Sign card

 

I assumed that like on other cruise lines, the machines would take quarters (wrongly obviously).:o

[reemurcruise]

We are cruising on the Spirit in September and this is our very first cruise. The tips and advice here has been great. I did read somewhere that one of the shops sells spirits although expensive it maybe worth it?

So we can budget for alcohol, what's a beer worth and cocktails of the day? Also does the adults pool get very crowded and how hard is it to get a deck chair?

So many questions lol

Very excited first timer

Maree

 

 

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