FIRST Cruise - Advice/Answers Requested :)

[samanthamelodyyy]

Hi all! So this will be the first cruise for my husband and I - We are both in our mid twenties. We are going on the Carnival Fantasy on March 8th (7 days) and will be going through the Eastern Carribean (Nassau, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay).

• We are on a budget and trying to find the most cost friendly things to do and eat. What do we eat on port days? Can we eat free on the ship still, or do we need to pay for food on the islands?
  
• How much is parking at Charleston for the week?
  
• We want to be able to meet up with people in our age group, what is the best way to do that?
  
• Would it be best to choose late, early, or anytime dining?
  
• What is there to do on the ship after 8pm?
  
• Any random things that we need to bring?
  
• What is your experience with rum runners?
  
• The rooms look a bit... out dated, are they at least clean?
  
• We have excursions booked that will consume half days... but what do we do at the ports for the remaining time?
  
• Tips, advice?
  

Many thanks for all of your help!

[cb at sea]

Get a guidebook, either at your library, or buy one. It's the BEST thing you can do to maximize your onshore time!

 

On port days, you can come and go at will, so you can certainly return to the ship for lunch!

 

To meet others on your sailing, go to the "Roll Call" boards on this site...find your cruiseline, ship and saildate, and you can start chatting with others!

 

We find it best to choose a dining time closest to when we eat at home. We prefer late seating, at a large table, with tablemates!

 

In the evening, are bands, the casino, chatting in the lounges, stargazing with the wind blowing thru your hair.....shows, games, etc....plenty to do!

 

You don't need anything on the cruise that you wouldn't take on any vacation. Well, except binoculars...they come in handy!!! Lots to see at sea!

 

The cabins are much smaller than hotel rooms....yes, they are somewhat "outdated" decor wise, but they're clean and well designed! If you're looking for "luxury" accomodations, go to Vegas and stay in one of the mega hotels!!!

 

The guidebook will allow you to see what else there is to do in your ports...you may find you don't even NEED an excursion, if what you plan on doing is beaches or shopping! HMC IS a beach day...no excursions at all needed there!

[6rugrats]

Hi all! So this will be the first cruise for my husband and I - We are both in our mid twenties. We are going on the Carnival Fantasy on March 8th (7 days) and will be going through the Eastern Carribean (Nassau, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay).

• We are on a budget and trying to find the most cost friendly things to do and eat. What do we eat on port days? Can we eat free on the ship still, or do we need to pay for food on the islands?
  You can go back and eat on the ship
  
• How much is parking at Charleston for the week?
  No idea, do a google search. Look for "park and fly" or off airport lots.
  
• We want to be able to meet up with people in our age group, what is the best way to do that?
  Join the roll call for your thread, or simply look around when you are on the ship.
  
• Would it be best to choose late, early, or anytime dining?
  There is no "best", it's what you prefer.
  
• What is there to do on the ship after 8pm?
  Go to your ship's webpage and look. You will get an activities sheet everyday you are on the ship listing what's available (shows, games, gambling, etc)
• Any random things that we need to bring?\
  No
  
• What is your experience with rum runners?
  This is one of the most tedious questions on CC. Pay for your drinks and forget about these ridiculous things.
  
• The rooms look a bit... out dated, are they at least clean?
  Of course the rooms are clean. They are cleaned daily.
  
• We have excursions booked that will consume half days... but what do we do at the ports for the remaining time?
  Get a guide book and see what there is to do in the ports, simply go to the beach, go back and relax on the ship, go to the "Ports of Call" forum here on CC and read up, or go to the appropriate forums on Tripadvisor.com and look.
• Tips, advice?
  

Many thanks for all of your help!

 

Also, go to your cruise line's forum here and start reading.

[Cruising Golfer]

Eat on the ship always, plenty to do after 8pm, shows, singing, dancing,drinking.

Just chat up people, you will make friends...

We like anytime dining, so you're not set to one time.

Bring an over the door shoe holder for your bathroom things(makes it easier)

Bring a drinking cup for each as the cups for drinks on board are small. If you have a balcony bring something to keep the door open.

Most ships are very clean and well kept, make friends with your room stewart, they are very important if you need anything special...

Most of all, relax and go with the flow, before you leave for home you will be hooked!!!:eek:

Have a great time and enjoy a cocktail for me!!!:D

[paul929207]

We went on the same cruise about 2 1/2 years ago and had a wonderful time.

 

If you check around, you should be able to find a hotel that will include parking for a week and shuttle to and from the ship if you spend one night there. There are quite a few hotels around exit 209 or so on I-26. That is often cheaper than parking at the port (was $105 when we did it) and lets you start your vacation a day early.

[allilivesay]

Hi all! So this will be the first cruise for my husband and I - We are both in our mid twenties. We are going on the Carnival Fantasy on March 8th (7 days) and will be going through the Eastern Carribean (Nassau, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay).

• 
   
  The fantasy is so fun! I'm 24. And there was a large group of 13 of us that went last year. Now in May, my mama and I are going on this same cruise!
   
  
• We are on a budget and trying to find the most cost friendly things to do and eat. What do we eat on port days? Can we eat free on the ship still, or do we need to pay for food on the islands?
   
  Island food is expensive. But it's good. All depending on what you are waiting or in the mood for. Trip advisor is wonderful! The first time we went to the Bahamas, I got a grill cheese, fries, and a coke and my boyfriend got chicken strips and fries and a tea and it was like $45. Next time, I'm eating on the ship! Or taking food off the boat that is prepackaged. :-)
   
  
• How much is parking at Charleston for the week?
   
  We are going on this exact cruise is May. I have cruised on the fantasy on a 5 day before but never a 7 day. We booked the hotel the day before, parking there all 7 days, and they shuttle us to the ship for 165. For 2 people I didn't think that was bad at all!!! We booked with best western sweetgrass inn in Charleston. Phone number is 1.843.571.0063
   
  
• We want to be able to meet up with people in our age group, what is the best way to do that?
   
  Just talk to people on the ship. Or join the roll call on here!!
   
  
• Would it be best to choose late, early, or anytime dining?
   
  We choose anytime dining on all the cruises. Your not pushed to get ready so fast while you just got back on from port. And it's not super late. Like I said, depends on your mood and what time you eat normally. I don't eat dinner at the same time every night anyway. So why should I on vacation??
   
  
• What is there to do on the ship after 8pm?
   
  Karaoke, the club, casino, shows, you name it. I like to go sit at the putt putt area on the fantasy at night. They have benches and it's very relaxing.
   
  
• Any random things that we need to bring?
   
  Surge protector (there is only one outlet in the room and that's annoying)
  Over the door shoe organizer for your toiletries and things like that (not a whole lot of room)
  Being a woman, I always take my own shampoo. The carnival shampoo dries my hair out terribly. Don't forget your wine on your carry on!
  SUNSCREEN!!!!! Take more than you think you will need!!!!!
   
  
• What is your experience with rum runners?
   
  
• The rooms look a bit... out dated, are they at least clean?
   
  They are very clean. But yes outdated. But still very nice. Keep in mind, this is carnivals oldest ship in the fleet. But VERY nice.
   
  
• We have excursions booked that will consume half days... but what do we do at the ports for the remaining time?
   
  Strawmarket and beach? In grand turk, the margaritaville has a pool and a beach area beside the ship that people say in relaxing. No excursions in HMC. they says it's the prettiest place on earth!!! We are planning on relaxing and doing nothing there! Carnival owns HMC and they feed you off the boat there :-)
   
  
• Tips, advice?
  HAVE FUN!!!!! You won't want to go home!!!
   
  

Many thanks for all of your help!

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[wannavacay]

Everyone's tips are going to be different because people have different ideas of what constitutes a vacation, but I will try to answer your questions below based on my experiences.

 

Hi all! So this will be the first cruise for my husband and I - We are both in our mid twenties. We are going on the Carnival Fantasy on March 8th (7 days) and will be going through the Eastern Carribean (Nassau, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay).

• We are on a budget and trying to find the most cost friendly things to do and eat. What do we eat on port days? Can we eat free on the ship still, or do we need to pay for food on the islands? You can eat free on the ship, but depending on the port it may be a hassle to come & go off the ship (have to go through the security at the port going back). Private islands generally have a BBQ area with burgers, chicken, etc for free. Might be cool to have local food too, depending on where you go. We have had excellent meals on islands, especially at 2nd floor restaurant in Grand Cayman within walking distance of the port... but I can't remember the name right now.
  
• How much is parking at Charleston for the week?
  
• We want to be able to meet up with people in our age group, what is the best way to do that? You will find people of all ages that have the same interests wherever you go. CC Roll Call is a good place to start. Not sure if Carnival does this, but RCI hosts a Meet & Mingle for CC members.
  
• Would it be best to choose late, early, or anytime dining? Your preference, but here are some thoughts: Late seating allows you to get back from your port and take your time getting dolled up for dinner. If you had a particularly busy day and got up early for port activities, you may be ready for a nap by the time dinner ends around 10-1030. We have accidentally "napped" until the next day... Early seating allows you to have more time in the evening to do what you want to do. Either late or early seating will put you generally with the same tablemates (which is good for building relationships with new people, or bad if you have terrible tablemates). Anytime dining will give you flexibility, and you can have new tablemates (or possibly no other tablemates) each time you go. There still may be some lines at popular times - not always the case, and you will want to plan this around any evening events/shows you definitely want to see.
  
• What is there to do on the ship after 8pm? There will probably be a daily cruise packet on your bed the evening before outlining everything going on the next day, with times & location, and including spa specials, drink specials, etc. Some very organized people take highlighters and plan all this out. We eyeball ours (RCI has Cruise Compass) for the big stuff we want to do and wing it the rest of the time. Lots to do on a ship.
  
• Any random things that we need to bring? There are whole threads about this. We have a Scentsy travel tin and a battery-operated candle in the bathroom. Makes for a good night light & keeps you from having to turn on the blazing bright lights when you're half asleep. Check with your cruise line to see if power strips or extension cords are allowed.
  
  
• What is your experience with rum runners? We just buy drinks on board, less hassle and more interesting drinks. You don't have to get the special glass so that takes off about $1. If you tip well, they will take good care of you, figure out what you like, make great suggestions and you will not feel stiffed.
  
• The rooms look a bit... out dated, are they at least clean? Can't account for Carnival, but even on RCI the older ships with the older decor have clean rooms.
  
• We have excursions booked that will consume half days... but what do we do at the ports for the remaining time? R-E-L-A-X. Look around with your binoculars. Take a dip in the pool & grab a lounge chair. There are fewer people on board, so you actually have a shot at a vacant air hockey table. Have a good time on board. It's a vacation. :)
  
• Tips, advice? I was in my late 20's before somebody told me this (not too long ago), but now it's my standard practice: Buy a keychain everywhere you go. Ever. There is always a keychain and it costs the least of almost anything else if you're on a budget. Cool carvings of driftwood take up space in your suitcase, takes more money out of your wallet, t-shirts get old and worn out or stop fitting after all that cruise food and so on. The couple that told me this (after I bought half a suitcase full of souvenirs in Sicily), said they pull out all their keychains each Christmas and have a Christmas tree dedicated to their travels. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, you can have a cool container/vase full of your keychains and see how many places you've been. It's a cool collection after a few years.
  
  

Many thanks for all of your help!

[Cruisin' Chick]

Hi all! So this will be the first cruise for my husband and I - We are both in our mid twenties. We are going on the Carnival Fantasy on March 8th (7 days) and will be going through the Eastern Carribean (Nassau, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay).

• We are on a budget and trying to find the most cost friendly things to do and eat. What do we eat on port days? Can we eat free on the ship still, or do we need to pay for food on the islands?
  

Depending on how close you are, you can return to the ship for lunch and then go back into the port. Sometimes it's a hassle to do that (when you need a taxi to get into the real town). You'll see some people who have been on the same itinerary many times, might just do a half day and return to the ship for the rest of the day, or stay on board the whole time.

Sometimes you can find a reasonable place to eat, especially if it caters to locals.

Just don't grab food from the ship and take off the ship. Many countries forbid outside food, especially from ships, as they're trying to protect the local agriculture from foreign pests (the same for some US ports such as any in California). Some places will allow factory sealed, pre-packaged foods such as protein bars.

 

 

 

 

• How much is parking at Charleston for the week?
  

You can check with your pre-cruise hotel to see if they provide parking and a shuttle to the pier. Or google the port and look at their website -- often it'll say how much parking is.

 

 

• We want to be able to meet up with people in our age group, what is the best way to do that?
  

As others have said, you can find your roll call on this site. Maybe there's others your age posting on CC. But there will be many on your cruise who have never heard of Cruise Critic, or don't bother with online forums. So just be out and about. Check your daily newsletter for activities that sound fun to you and you should meet like-minded passengers.

 

 

• Would it be best to choose late, early, or anytime dining?
  

Up to you, if the choices are still available. We're late traditional people, and absolutely hated our one time in anytime (traditional was already booked by the time we bought the cruise).

 

 

• What is there to do on the ship after 8pm?
  

Depends on the ship, the cruise director (the one who plans out the activities), the demographics. There's usually entertainment every night -- a big production show, comedians, lounge acts, movies. Check the newsletter (you should get the next day's each night). Often there's dancing too. Sometimes deck parties.

 

 

• Any random things that we need to bring?
  

I usually look at the lists people post of "most brings" and then ignore them. Most of the time, these will be things that will stay in your suitcase. Other than medications (the last cruise I didn't bring enough Sudafed so that was something I was buying in the first port; I ran out of bandaids as I hurt my toe about the second day of the cruise and ended up buying a package --overpriced as is most things in the ship's store), I was glad I brought a small pad of paper so we can leave notes for each other when the three of us went our own way on board -- but usually you'll find a little bit of stationery on the desk.

 

 

• What is your experience with rum runners? We don't do these. Fortunately Princess (I think Carnival too) allows you to bring sodas on board and we bring a small box o'wine.
  
• The rooms look a bit... out dated, are they at least clean?
  

If you find some dust, etc., just let your cabin steward know. As for outdated, I don't worry about this.

 

 

• We have excursions booked that will consume half days... but what do we do at the ports for the remaining time?
  

Get guide books and google each port. You'll often have to narrow down what you plan to do (a reason to book another cruise or land visit:)). Don't overdo your scheduling. You have to be back on the ship about an half hour before sailaway time. Be sure to take your daily newsletter (which will list the time to be back), check your watches against the ship's time before hitting the gangway. Some ports have fun little shops near the pier as they know that cruise ship passengers want to get that last souvenir before boarding.

 

 

• Tips, advice?
  

I always advise people to get to the embarkation port a day ahead of time (unless you have an easy drive -- we're an hour's drive from the Port of LA). Then you'll be able to relax (and not get on the ship stressed out), maybe get a little shopping trip in for a bottle of wine or something accidentally left behind.

Don't try to do it all. Don't schedule out your whole cruise before going -- I've seen people obsessing on this site. You might even find two or three things you want to do that are held at the same time. The idea is to relax.

 

Many thanks for all of your help!

 

Enjoy.

[grumpyjr88]

The Carnival Fantasy was my very first cruise!

 

You've gotten some great tips so far...I would add, bring a white board to put on your cabin door and you can leave notes for your room steward and each other. Also, other passengers will leave notes which is always fun.

 

Know how much you want to spend on alcohol before you go. If you're on a budget, buy a couple bottles from Bon Voyage.

 

If you go to any late shows, get there 30 mins early. They can fill up fast.

 

The ship provides shampoo and soap but no conditioner. Bring a bath poof for the soap because it doesn't suds well with a wash cloth.

 

Don't forget to put your 'Snoozing' door hanger out if you take a nap during the day. And don't forget to put the 'Cruising' sign out when you leave so they can clean your room while you're gone.

 

Check Trip Advisor online for your ports. There's some great information there on DIY tours.

 

Most importantly, have fun!!

[cruiseaholic777]

Go to the Carnival Fantasy roll call and find your cruise date. Join the roll call and talk with the other travelers on your cruise. Go to the meet and greet your first day on the ship ( it will be other cruise critic members). You will have made freinds on the first day. Have a great cruise. ;)

[SPacificbound]

Hi all! So this will be the first cruise for my husband and I - We are both in our mid twenties. We are going on the Carnival Fantasy on March 8th (7 days) and will be going through the Eastern Carribean (Nassau, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay).

• We are on a budget and trying to find the most cost friendly things to do and eat. What do we eat on port days? Can we eat free on the ship still, or do we need to pay for food on the islands?
  
• How much is parking at Charleston for the week?
  
• We want to be able to meet up with people in our age group, what is the best way to do that?
  
• Would it be best to choose late, early, or anytime dining?
  
• What is there to do on the ship after 8pm?
  
• Any random things that we need to bring?
  
• What is your experience with rum runners?
  
• The rooms look a bit... out dated, are they at least clean?
  
• We have excursions booked that will consume half days... but what do we do at the ports for the remaining time?
  
• Tips, advice?
  

Many thanks for all of your help!

 

Here is your Roll Call. :)

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1925425

[trish1c]

Hi all! So this will be the first cruise for my husband and I - We are both in our mid twenties. We are going on the Carnival Fantasy on March 8th (7 days) and will be going through the Eastern Carribean (Nassau, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay).

 

Welcome to CC

 

 

[*]We are on a budget and trying to find the most cost friendly things to do and eat.

Most budget friendly is head over to the ports of call board, read & ask questions. the absolute cheapest thing to do will be walk around the port on your own or take a taxi to a local beach . I mention this because you said you booked excursions.

 

What do we eat on port days? Can we eat free on the ship still, or do we need to pay for food on the islands?

 

As for eating, some excursions come with meals. Some don't. You can always eat on the ship if time / schedule permits or eat a large breakfast. many things like food are cheaper in the islands.

 

 

[*]We want to be able to meet up with people in our age group, what is the best way to do that?

Check out your Roll Call thread or go to a bar on board. Look around the pool area & just say hi to people.

 

 

[*]Would it be best to choose late, early, or anytime dining?

It's a personal preference. We like anytime dining because we're not always hungry at the same time each day or at all. With traditional dining you will be assigned table mates which has advantages & disadvantages. You may get assigned people your own age, the cruise lines do try to match interests which would be a built in way to meet new people. As for early or late, what time do you eat at home?

 

[*]What is there to do on the ship after 8pm?

All sorts of things. There will be a schedule given to you every day & it will change. there will be shows, bands, DJs, the casino, organized games / trivia etc.

 

[*]Any random things that we need to bring?

There are tons of lists of extras you "should" bring: over the door pockets, duct tape, nightlights etc. Most of it you don't need. I do bring an insulated mug with a lid for by the pool. the little water glasses from the buffet are too small & they don't stay cold. A highlighter is a good idea for marking on the daily schedule what you want to do. Post its can be helpful for leaving cabin steward messages. Sometimes I put a cheap magnet on the door so we can find the cabin more easily. Most times the magnet gets stolen so don't bring one you care about.

 

[*]What is your experience with rum runners?

never used one. Run a search for the topic. It's beaten to death routinely on here.

 

[*]The rooms look a bit... out dated, are they at least clean?

read the reviews of your particular ship

 

[*]We have excursions booked that will consume half days... but what do we do at the ports for the remaining time?

walk around. head back to the ship to enjoy the pool while it's less crowded.

 

[*]Tips, advice?

Bring 1/2 the clothes & 2x the money. Have fun. Don't try to do everything but do be adventurous.

[clarkg]

Hi all! So this will be the first cruise for my husband and I - We are both in our mid twenties. We are going on the Carnival Fantasy on March 8th (7 days) and will be going through the Eastern Carribean (Nassau, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay).

• We are on a budget and trying to find the most cost friendly things to do and eat. What do we eat on port days? Can we eat free on the ship still, or do we need to pay for food on the islands?
  
• How much is parking at Charleston for the week?
  
• We want to be able to meet up with people in our age group, what is the best way to do that?
  
• Would it be best to choose late, early, or anytime dining?
  
• What is there to do on the ship after 8pm?
  
• Any random things that we need to bring?
  
• What is your experience with rum runners?
  
• The rooms look a bit... out dated, are they at least clean?
  
• We have excursions booked that will consume half days... but what do we do at the ports for the remaining time?
  
• Tips, advice?
  

Many thanks for all of your help!

 

My wife reads a lot so she was very prepared for our first cruise and it went real well. I saw some books on amazon that might help.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/digital-text/159959011/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_kstore_1_6_last

[pinkdiamond13]

You can go back on the ship to eat but I personally recommend finding some nice local spot for lunch so you can try some cuisine different from what you are used to. It adds to the fun of the vacation. The food has always been very reasonability priced and should not break your budget. If you budget really is that tight I would consider booking a cruise that is far enough in advance to give you ample time to save up. The last thing you want to worry about while you are on vacation is money.

 

How much is parking at Charleston for the week?

 

You definitely need to do you research about parking. Parking at the port is very expensive in my opinion. I looked up some alternative parking garages and the reviews freaked me out as people were saying some aren't that secure and have been found guilty of "part swapping" and things like that so be careful. Saving 50 bucks on parking isn't worth it if you come back to a car that has been broken into. Well, we ended up finding parking in an upscale hotel, it was far cheaper and there were no problems (obviously problems such as break ins can happen anywhere).

We want to be able to meet up with people in our age group, what is the best way to do that?

 

Just don't be afraid to introduce yourself. More than likely the other people in your age group are looking for the same thing!

 

Would it be best to choose late, early, or anytime dining?

 

It is up to you, everyone is different. However, if you do choose late dining be careful because once the restaurant is closed you can't get in. If you choose the last dining time and for some reason are late you might not get in and then you will have to eat whatever 24hr dining the ship has available.

What is there to do on the ship after 8pm?

 

Shows, casino, dancing... there is always something do do after 8pm!

Any random things that we need to bring?

 

You never know. Our last cruise the room had a slight musky odor so we put dryer sheets all over the room and it helped so much! With that being said I wouldn't suggest bring dryer sheets we just randomly had them and it came in handy.

What is your experience with rum runners?

 

Never used them but I have brought drinks..snacks..etc in my bag and nothing happened. I wasn't even trying to sneak anything on.

The rooms look a bit... out dated, are they at least clean?

 

Clean yes, but on the NCL sun the room smelt a little weird haha

We have excursions booked that will consume half days... but what do we do at the ports for the remaining time?

 

Enjoy the city, once you get off the ship there will be no shortage of people with tips on things to do!