First time Cruiser... sailing 7/20 any tips?

[lulusmom1]

Hi all... I'm sailing on the Pride this Sunday with my family. Never cruised before. Any suggestions before I go? So excited but also a little nervous. I have some questions.... We booked an Oceanview Midship, no excursions yet bc they were pretty pricey... Maybe we could just go to the beach in Florida, Nassau and Freeport? But is it okay to go on our own? 2) If I want to buy non-alcoholic drinks onboard, how do you suggest I put cruise cash on my account? If I just attach a credit card to the cruise cash is it okay? sorry for the crazy questions..::)

[kona_wahine]

The thing that helped me out the most was reviewing deck plans to get a feel where everything is. It can be overwhelming and confusing first time on a ship.

 

We just sign up with our credit card and let our S&S balance get put on that. Then I pay it off when the bill comes. I don't want to waste time standing in line to put cash on my account.

 

Relax and enjoy.

[KirkNC]

Bon voyage!

[Miller_KC]

The ship docks in Freeport quite away from town so a taxi, or excursion is required to see much. There will be a straw market popup at the port that is pretty interesting.

 

There is plenty in Nassau near the port and it's safe enough if you stay in the touristy areas. Everything but the bars close down around 5 - 6pm.

[Zanpa]

You should also check out the Roll Call section for your cruise. Happy sailing!!!

[Jay Sam]

Hi all... I'm sailing on the Pride this Sunday with my family. Never cruised before. Any suggestions before I go? So excited but also a little nervous. I have some questions.... We booked an Oceanview Midship, no excursions yet bc they were pretty pricey... Maybe we could just go to the beach in Florida, Nassau and Freeport? But is it okay to go on our own? 2) If I want to buy non-alcoholic drinks onboard, how do you suggest I put cruise cash on my account? If I just attach a credit card to the cruise cash is it okay? sorry for the crazy questions..::)

 

You will really enjoy Pride. I have taken sister ships, Legend and Miracle and really enjoy that class of ship. Perfect, especially for a 1st time cruise. Great choice. Don't be nervous. The worst part of a cruise is the day you have to leave the ship after an awesome vacation. You'll see.

 

I don't usually do an independent excursion in many ports. I will do the cruise sponsored excursions. I just feel a bit more comfortable doing it that way. Usually I take a tour of some of the island and for 60.00 you will get 3-5 hours of seeing a lot of places. However, I live in Florida so the beach isn't really a big draw for me.

 

One big advantage to days in port, is that a lot of your fellow cruisers are off the ship, so you will have the ship more or less to yourself. No crowding on those days, and a nice bennie. So plan some time if you can to be on the ship at least sometime during those days.

 

Depending upon how many soft drinks you have, it may be a good idea to get the unlimited soft drink package. Then you can not even think about it and have all you like. Treat yourself. This cruise is will be one you will talk about for a long time and 99 percent chance you will cruise again and again and again. Took my 1st recent day cruise in 2010 and took 7 more in the next 3 and a half years.

 

I agree with the other person to just use a credit card for onboard expenses and not worry about putting cash into it. It's easy.

 

Also, remember if you like something at dinner in the dining room, you can order another serving, or 2 different ones, like a Filet and Salmon. Two shrimp cocktails, no problem. Don't miss the melting chocolate cake, a Carnival trademark desert. Order an extra scoop of vanilla ice cream with the cake. It kind of helps wash it down, in a good way.

 

One more thing, we took the behind the fun tour on Legend. It costs 95.00, or at least it did in 2010. They guide you through most of the behind the scenes of the ship and takes about 3 and a half hours. Well worth the money, and much better than any shore excursion I have been on, although I do like shore excursions too. So, if you feel so inclined I would highly endorse the behind the fun tour. Amazing. You even get to go to the bridge and get a couple of photos with the captain to take home with you, included in the price. Awesome experience and memory.

 

Feel free to email me if anything else you would like to know.

jsamuel2@tampabay.rr.com

[RWolver672]

Hi all... I'm sailing on the Pride this Sunday with my family. Never cruised before. Any suggestions before I go? So excited but also a little nervous. I have some questions.... We booked an Oceanview Midship, no excursions yet bc they were pretty pricey... Maybe we could just go to the beach in Florida, Nassau and Freeport? But is it okay to go on our own? 2) If I want to buy non-alcoholic drinks onboard, how do you suggest I put cruise cash on my account? If I just attach a credit card to the cruise cash is it okay? sorry for the crazy questions..::)

 

You can bring sodas on when you board the ship. I believe it's 12 per person. They must be in your carry-ons. When those are gone, you can bring more onboard at your ports of call.

 

If you do an excursion on your own, make sure you are back onboard at least an hour before the ship leaves just to be sure you don't miss the ship. At most ports, you will see "Pier Runners". It's what we all call the people that have to have that one last drink before the ship pulls out and the ship will wait for them for about five minutes, then leave. Here they come, running down the pier or worse yet, just taking their sweet time walking. Keep your watches on ship's time.

 

If you have any time dining or are going to the buffet, try to not go during the prime times. Wait a little longer and there won't be any long lines.

 

Pack up all of your troubles and worries in an old suitcase and leave them on the pier.

 

You didn't say which port in Florida. If it's Key West, you can do a walking tour. It's neat to see Mile Marker One, Hemmingway's estate, etc.

 

Nassau, you can go to Atlantis and see a lot of it without having to pay extra. The hotel and casino have huge hand blown glass sculptures.

 

Freeport, as others have mentioned, you have to take a cab. They dock in an industrial area.

 

You really don't need to do expensive excursions to have fun. Just sight-seeing and kicking back do wonders.

 

Relax and enjoy your cruise. Don't be surprised if you get hooked after the first one.

Edited July 17, 2014 by RWolver672

[Carnival Cutie]

One thing I would suggest is taking something with you for motion sickness. I use the wristbands. Others use Bonine or Dramamine, the only thing with them is that you need to take them before you sail. All of these things can be purchased at your local drug store, if you purchase them on the ship they can be pricey. When I first started cruising I didn't do excursions either but there are a large variety available and you may find one in your price range, you won't regret it. Also Carnival will ensure you don't get left behind if you book with them. Someone mentioned Atlantis at Nassau, it is beautiful. Most importantly, just relax and enjoy, your cruise will go fast and before you know it you'll be back, ready to book again.:D

[cherbear4000]

Here are a few things I always tell first time cruisers.

 

Turn off your cell phones or put in airplane mode before sailaway unless you want to be charged a ridiculous amount for roaming.

 

You will be charged $11.50 pp/day for gratuities. I am surprised how many first time cruisers don't know this and don't budget for it.

 

Room Service is included, although it is customary to tip $2-$3 a trip.

 

There will be porters at the port to take your luggage on the ship. They also expect a few dollar tip.

 

Have fun!

[Hobbsey]

Advice for first timers, just immerse yourself in the experience. There is only one FIRST time and it will be great. Don't try to do everything or go every where. Do at least one thing in one of the ports that is off the beaten path to make your vacation unique and an adventure.

 

Lots of people recommend Atlantis. It is expensive and can be crowded. Why not indulge in some local culture instead of more manufactured fun?

 

In Nassau you should look up the chocolate tour at historic Gray Cliff Manor (tip $10 or so per person) Then, just a few blocks away is the Watling rum distillery tour with free tastings. When my Dad and I were there last year we still had time to grab a bite at the fish fry.

 

I have seen good things about a local food tour that takes you into Bahamian culture.

 

I am jealous. The first time is special.

[pungo3]

Congratulations! The Pride was my first cruise ship as well. Be prepared to have fun. The best advice I can give you is to not sweat the small stuff. Go with an open mind and enjoy every minute of your cruise. I hope you have as much fun as I did, and start looking for future cruises the minute you return home. Have a GREAT time.:D:D

[timhoke]

Bring a power strip, there are only a couple of plugs in the room & they are never in a convenient spot.

RWolver is correct about being back on time. I have seen the ship pull away while a pair of bikini clad girls are running down the pier, the ship doesn't stop or come back for you. It is then up to you get to the next port or home.

Keep your eyes open & your wits about you in port. If a place looks like somewhere you wouldn't go at home, don't go there in port. Most people count on ships to bring in customers & are very happy to see you come in & spend your money.

When you get back home & are ready to go through customs, grab a porter to help with your luggage, they will get through customs quickly (they want to get back in & get more tips) & into a cab ahead of the long line of people that are waiting in the cab line. More than worth the couple of bucks for the tip.

Relax & enjoy your trip, savor every minute , because it will over before you know it!

[smcsmom]

We just arrived home from our first cruise on the Dream, it was great fun :)

 

If you have a few cameras/ipods and other things to charge you may want to bring a power strip since there was ONE outlet in our room. It was super handy to charge my camera, the Kid's camera and her itouch at the same time!

 

Also, there is no clock in the room so if you are going to not have cell phones on you may want to grab a small battery powered alarm clock for the days you need to wake up on time!!

 

Have fun!

Edited July 17, 2014 by smcsmom