First time cruiser looking for advise

[rcranf1]

I loved the Bahamas. We enjoyed the beautiful beaches is nassau and Freeport was fun. Oh, we have stayed RIGHT NEAR the elevators on all 3 of our cruises and haven't had any noise at all. The elevators are actually in a little partial walled in area.

 

Most of the food is free. If you order room service there are a few items that you need to pay for (also, tip is not included in room service). Some ships also have snack type foods at one of the bar and that is $3.33 each. The Main Dining Room is free, the buffet, pizza, ice cream, etc is all free. Even Guys Burgers are FREE!!! Omlet stations, deli, etc... all free. There is free coffee, milk, juice (at bfast), iced tea, lemonaide all FREE.

 

You would need to pay if you went to the specialty coffee shop, candy shop, steakhouse, sushi restaurant (if avail), italian restaurant (charge at dinner - free at lunch).

 

The buffets are opened most of the day - they post the times in a sort of newsletter each day in your room. The dining room you will either be assigned early (6:15) or late (8:00) dining - or Your Time Dining.

 

Finally, tipping is $12 per person per day. It includes tips for your room steward, dining, etc... there is a breakdown of who gets what on the Carnival site. You don't need to tip extra. Many will give a little extra to their room steward and to the wait staff team if they eat in the dining room each night.

 

If your budget isn't too tight, you should book the steakhouse one night (you can do it when you get on the ship). It's $35 per person and includes a tip and is delicious and great service.

 

There are definitely ways to spend money like the Casino, Bars, Bingo, Specialty Restaurants, and of course... pictures! But you can actually keep the bill down pretty low and still have plenty of food and a great time with the included stuff!!!

 

thanks so much this is good to know

[rcranf1]

Generally good advice, but let me clarify and amplify some things:

 

* Guy's is FREE, but is on neither the Fantasy nor the Fascination :(.

* Pizza is also free, but can't be delivered. You have to go get it.

* Neither the Fascination nor the Fantasy have any specialty restaurants, but you can get a steakhouse-quality cut of meat in the MDR for $20.

* As far as for-pay food outlets go, those ships don't have many. You can get the better steak mentioned above, you can get java and snacks from the coffee bar (a la carte), or you can attend the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast ($5 per person). The gift shop will offer some overpriced snacks, and there will be a separate shop with sugary stuff.

* Room service and the pizza outlet are open 24/7. You can also grab ice cream 24/7. The buffet is open much of the day, but not 24/7. Other outlets have their own hours.

 

Great, thanks

[LeeloLovesStitch]

If there is a sports bar on the ship, they will offer a few snack type things for an extra fee. However - you can take food with you anywhere!!! So if you want to hang out somewhere where there is either a charge or just no food in that area, just grab a plate from the buffett and go! No one gives you a second glance.

[pusywillow]

once were ready to book here soon looks like we can get upperdeck front of the ship, or main deck or rivera deck middle ship

 

Midship is the best for a first time cruiser. There will not be as much movement so less chance to be seasick. The front of the ship gets the most. The higher up you go, more movement.

[Avril]

Lines that do a basic burger free, those with a named burger stand (like Guys) a small charge.

 

There's no charge for Guy's Burgers, they are included in the cruise fare. :D But, the cruise in question is on a Fantasy Class ship, there is no Guy's on those ships (at least, as far as I know).

[GUT2407]

Sorry for the Guys clearly mis remembering.

[CrimsonTideGal]

I have been on The Fascination 4 times. Love this ship. Also agree with going to Half Moon Cay if you can. Been there in Late October and had a great warm day. You never know though. Never been on the other ship you mentioned so cant comment. The Fascination is small and older but it has been upgraded and is well kept. Great first time cruise ship.

 

If you think you might have any problems with sea sickness try to stay low and the middle of the ship. The higher you go the more movement you feel. Also the more forward you go the more you feel. I personally love feeling the movement. I recommend taking over the counter Bonine starting the day before you board then daily until a few days after your cruise. Your world might still be rocking when you get off for a few days. Mine does. I also take prescription motion sickness patches I get from my doctor just in case of any bad storms. In cruises this has never happened. My friend has to use the patches all week because she gets sea sick easily and they work.

 

Unless something has changed in the last months since I was on Carnival Guys Burgers and pizza is free. I dont think either ship you mentioned has Guys though or a steak house. They all have pizza 24/7 The only thing i remember being extra is the specialty coffee bar on the Fascination. Everything else, buffet, dining room, pizza, deli, Mongolian, soft serve ice cream, room service (tip only). The larger ships have a lot more to offer. You either choose early, late or anytime dining. You will have the same wait staff the whole week if you take early or late. Regular coffee, tea hot and cold and lemonade, milk and juices are free. Juices in the morning.

 

They will charge you the set amount of gratuities the last sailing day per person on your sail and sign bill unless you pre pay them before you go or ask them to remove them at Guest Services. I believe this gets split between your dining room waiters and room steward and assistants. You can also tip them extra in cash if you like. If you get the service you are supposed to you will want to do this if you can. I put extra cash in envelopes and give one to head waiter and one to room steward and let them split it up. It is totally up to you.

 

Hope this helps, please correct me if I am wrong on anything. Have fun!

[Hawaiifrank]

Hello Everyone me and my wife are planning our first time cruise this November on Carnival. I am 33 and she is 26 and were just looking for a relaxing time in the Bahamas. We are located in NC and were wondering if we should sail from the port of Charleston on the Fantasy or take the trip up to FL and sail on the Fascination. We are just looking for the best experience. We know that the temp in SC will be colder like maybe in the 50’s and in FL a lot warmer. Not sure how this will affect the trip as we have never cruised before.

Overall what ship and port would be better?

We want to stay on the upper deck in either ship but as of now the only rooms available in the middle are by elevators and from reading don’t think we want those. Is the front upper ocean view rooms decent?

 

Great choice. A Carnival Caribbean Cruise was our first cruise in 2008. Our next one, this November, will be number 9...and 10 and 11. We are doing three 7 day cruises in a row, a back-to-back-to-back.

 

If you elect to sail from SC: Someone mentioned Half Moon Cay. I've never been there, but it would give you a third port and 2 extra days. You only get the 3rd port on the 7 day. Nov 1 and Nov 28, all the others are 5 day runs to the Bahamas, Nassau and Freeport only.

 

Driving to Florida: Jacksonville has the same problem as SC, no choices the ports are exactly the same as SC, only none go to HMC.

 

Driving to Port Canaveral gets to some much better options: 8 days on the Sunshine takes you to Aruba, Bonaire and Grand Turk. A 7 day on the Valor takes you to the Western Caribbean. A little farther to FLL or MIA and there are several more choices.

 

If you are worried about cool weather, Aruba and Bonaire are where you want to be. Plus Port Canaveral is going to be much warmer than Jacksonville or Charleston. The down side is that it's also an extra 4 hours drive.

 

My choice would be November 13, on the Sunshine for 8 days. An ocean view cabin looks like about $700 pp, but the cabin choices are limited. Don't think too long.

 

If you really want to just try it to "get your feet wet", just do the 5 day from SC for $300 or less pp. It's too short for me, but for a first time cruise it just might leave you wanting more.

 

Oh, and whatever you decide, join the Roll Call, get involved with onboard activities and, above all, have fun.

[Cruisin 4 Ever]

ok awesome,

 

what about gratuity, I read they charge you 12$ per person per day? If so do i still need to tip on does that cover my tips for the day? Still confused on how this works

 

The gratuities cover your tips for meals and stateroom. You will be charged 15% on all drinks. For room service it's customary to tip a couple dollars. Also, when you arrive porters will take your luggage for you so they will expect about $1 per bag.

A couple of tips - if you can afford it make sure you get a balcony. It is an entirely different experience when you have a balcony.

Try to book on deck 7 - there are only rooms above and below which means you won't find yourself above a nightclub or below a deck where chairs are being dragged around etc.

Which ports you choose is important, but remember November is still hurricane season so there is a slight chance you would be rerouted depending on the weather. Nassau isn't the greatest port but if you've never been it can be fun. I would suggest you walk to Cabbage beach. It is a beautiful beach and you can get there in about 40 minutes walking by heading toward Sidney Poitier bridge, cross thie bridge and you will be on Paradise Island. Google maps it and you will have a great time there.

I agree with the person who said try to get to Half Moon Cay. If you are looking for a relaxing beach day you will be in for a treat. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life!! Carnival owns the island and provides loungers, free bbq lunch etc. You can also rent a cabana and do watersports etc. for a fee.

Have a great time and welcome to cruising - I suspect it will not be your last cruise :)

[rcranf1]

Midship is the best for a first time cruiser. There will not be as much movement so less chance to be seasick. The front of the ship gets the most. The higher up you go, more movement.

 

not sure if we will have problems with motion sickness or not. Guess we will find out lol. This is good to know, we will probably try and get midship

[rcranf1]

Great choice. A Carnival Caribbean Cruise was our first cruise in 2008. Our next one, this November, will be number 9...and 10 and 11. We are doing three 7 day cruises in a row, a back-to-back-to-back.

 

If you elect to sail from SC: Someone mentioned Half Moon Cay. I've never been there, but it would give you a third port and 2 extra days. You only get the 3rd port on the 7 day. Nov 1 and Nov 28, all the others are 5 day runs to the Bahamas, Nassau and Freeport only.

 

Driving to Florida: Jacksonville has the same problem as SC, no choices the ports are exactly the same as SC, only none go to HMC.

 

Driving to Port Canaveral gets to some much better options: 8 days on the Sunshine takes you to Aruba, Bonaire and Grand Turk. A 7 day on the Valor takes you to the Western Caribbean. A little farther to FLL or MIA and there are several more choices.

 

If you are worried about cool weather, Aruba and Bonaire are where you want to be. Plus Port Canaveral is going to be much warmer than Jacksonville or Charleston. The down side is that it's also an extra 4 hours drive.

 

My choice would be November 13, on the Sunshine for 8 days. An ocean view cabin looks like about $700 pp, but the cabin choices are limited. Don't think too long.

 

If you really want to just try it to "get your feet wet", just do the 5 day from SC for $300 or less pp. It's too short for me, but for a first time cruise it just might leave you wanting more.

 

Oh, and whatever you decide, join the Roll Call, get involved with onboard activities and, above all, have fun.

 

Great information thanks so much

[rcranf1]

The gratuities cover your tips for meals and stateroom. You will be charged 15% on all drinks. For room service it's customary to tip a couple dollars. Also, when you arrive porters will take your luggage for you so they will expect about $1 per bag.

A couple of tips - if you can afford it make sure you get a balcony. It is an entirely different experience when you have a balcony.

Try to book on deck 7 - there are only rooms above and below which means you won't find yourself above a nightclub or below a deck where chairs are being dragged around etc.

Which ports you choose is important, but remember November is still hurricane season so there is a slight chance you would be rerouted depending on the weather. Nassau isn't the greatest port but if you've never been it can be fun. I would suggest you walk to Cabbage beach. It is a beautiful beach and you can get there in about 40 minutes walking by heading toward Sidney Poitier bridge, cross thie bridge and you will be on Paradise Island. Google maps it and you will have a great time there.

I agree with the person who said try to get to Half Moon Cay. If you are looking for a relaxing beach day you will be in for a treat. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life!! Carnival owns the island and provides loungers, free bbq lunch etc. You can also rent a cabana and do watersports etc. for a fee.

Have a great time and welcome to cruising - I suspect it will not be your last cruise :)

 

Excellent thanks

[ajtaylor29]

$12 a day is all you HAVE to tip (automatically charged to your S&S card) that is meant to cover all servers who wait on you around the ship (dining room, bar servers, room steward). But, we always tip bartenders and/or drink servers an extra $1 or $2 a drink- especially for great service! At the end of the cruise, we leave a tip for our room steward. If you have assigned seating in the dining room, so you have the same servers there all week, and think they've done a great job, then you can leave them an extra tip at the end of the week. (usually we do anytime dining, so every night may be different servers, we don't usually tip them any extra). If we have room service, we also give them a few dollars tip. no tipping necessary in the buffet, or going through the burger line or pizza line. Again - it's a personal preference. Some people feel that $12 a day is all they need to do - and some will bitch that that's too much!! We always feel like everybody takes such great care of us around the ship that we're happy to give them some extra.

 

also, fyi - the post above about charges for food is not quite correct. There is NO extra charge for Guys burgers, or the pizza place...

[pmms052999]

$12 a day is all you HAVE to tip (automatically charged to your S&S card) that is meant to cover all servers who wait on you around the ship (dining room, bar servers, room steward). But, we always tip bartenders and/or drink servers an extra $1 or $2 a drink- especially for great service! At the end of the cruise, we leave a tip for our room steward. If you have assigned seating in the dining room, so you have the same servers there all week, and think they've done a great job, then you can leave them an extra tip at the end of the week. (usually we do anytime dining, so every night may be different servers, we don't usually tip them any extra). If we have room service, we also give them a few dollars tip. no tipping necessary in the buffet, or going through the burger line or pizza line. Again - it's a personal preference. Some people feel that $12 a day is all they need to do - and some will bitch that that's too much!! We always feel like everybody takes such great care of us around the ship that we're happy to give them some extra.

 

also, fyi - the post above about charges for food is not quite correct. There is NO extra charge for Guys burgers, or the pizza place...

 

 

 

The part about bar servers being covered in the $12 tip/day is incorrect. When you order a drink from the bar, you will pay an automatic 15% tip on top of the drink. There is a spot on the receipt to leave an additional tip if you choose to. Below is a breakdown of what the $12/day covers:

 

Service Per Guest, Per Day

Dining Room Services $6.10

Stateroom Services $3.90

Alternative Services: distributed to kitchen, entertainment, guest services and other hotel staff members. $2.00

Total Gratuities $12.00

[Denisomo]

We just cruised on the Freedom in June and they had a Guys burgers, there is No extra charge same as with the burritos. Yes they do have a set fee per day for the gratuity and we prepay when we pay for our cruise. We always give our cabin guy a little extra. The only thing you will pay extra for is liquor, specialty restaurants, soft drinks, photos, special coffee bar, candy store, and shopping on the ship. You will have a great time.have fun

[rcranf1]

We just cruised on the Freedom in June and they had a Guys burgers, there is No extra charge same as with the burritos. Yes they do have a set fee per day for the gratuity and we prepay when we pay for our cruise. We always give our cabin guy a little extra. The only thing you will pay extra for is liquor, specialty restaurants, soft drinks, photos, special coffee bar, candy store, and shopping on the ship. You will have a great time.have fun

 

SO if I choose to prepay for gratuity or not at the end of the day its still the same price correct? Or is there a benefit to prepaying vs settling at the end of the cruise

[Swampbabe]

Great choice. A Carnival Caribbean Cruise was our first cruise in 2008. Our next one, this November, will be number 9...and 10 and 11. We are doing three 7 day cruises in a row, a back-to-back-to-back.

 

If you elect to sail from SC: Someone mentioned Half Moon Cay. I've never been there, but it would give you a third port and 2 extra days. You only get the 3rd port on the 7 day. Nov 1 and Nov 28, all the others are 5 day runs to the Bahamas, Nassau and Freeport only.

 

Driving to Florida: Jacksonville has the same problem as SC, no choices the ports are exactly the same as SC, only none go to HMC.

 

Driving to Port Canaveral gets to some much better options: 8 days on the Sunshine takes you to Aruba, Bonaire and Grand Turk. A 7 day on the Valor takes you to the Western Caribbean. A little farther to FLL or MIA and there are several more choices.

 

If you are worried about cool weather, Aruba and Bonaire are where you want to be. Plus Port Canaveral is going to be much warmer than Jacksonville or Charleston. The down side is that it's also an extra 4 hours drive.

 

My choice would be November 13, on the Sunshine for 8 days. An ocean view cabin looks like about $700 pp, but the cabin choices are limited. Don't think too long.

 

If you really want to just try it to "get your feet wet", just do the 5 day from SC for $300 or less pp. It's too short for me, but for a first time cruise it just might leave you wanting more.

 

Oh, and whatever you decide, join the Roll Call, get involved with onboard activities and, above all, have fun.

 

Only quibble, it is NOT four hours from Jacksonville to Port Canaveral. Two hours, two and a half TOPS.

[tawaik]

Here a few thing I learned to bring with me or to do:

 

1.Snacks for the cabin, gum, candy and packaged nuts. Can be taken with you while on excursions. Cherries on Top costs too much!

 

2. Pop-up hamper for dirty clothes.

 

3. Wine of course :) Saves on purchasing drinks and there are two wine glasses in your cabin waiting for you.

 

3. Always pre-pay gratuities. Have witness people removing them from their bill after receiving good service.

 

4. Purchase the 12-pk of water at the Fun Shops online which is now 2.99.

 

5. Don't go picture crazy. Decided to purchase just one. I have a camera :)

 

6. Bring a positive attitude and try not to sweat the small stuff. Sure, go ahead and just get some bacon some me in the line, its bacon after all.

[Hawaiifrank]

Only quibble, it is NOT four hours from Jacksonville to Port Canaveral. Two hours, two and a half TOPS.

 

Sorry, I was just guessing and assuming the worst case. We've never cruised from Jacksonville, only PC, FLL and MIA. If I was driving from SC, I believe PC is a better option even if it was 4 hours farther. Thanks for the correction.

[Cruise life]

Since this would be your first cruise, I think you would be thrilled with a Fantasy class ship. We are partial to Fascination out of Jacksonville, but we do have the Sunshine booked out of Charleston next May. We have heard the parking and boarding process in Charleston is pretty screwed up due to garages being a distance from the terminal, being ferried back and forth by shuttles, etc. Charleston is supposed to be in the process of building a newer terminal, hopefully with improved parking. That said, I'm not sure it's worth driving to JAX just because of the parking and terminal issues. I can't say anything about the Fantasy, other than I am on here a lot with almost 20 cruises down and have heard great things about the Fantasy ship. You won't miss the upgrades you haven't experienced. The Fantasy ships are super easy to navigate and you get a "homey" feel on them due to their smaller size.

Yes, the Bahamas is cooler, sometimes cold, in November, but usually the temps don't drop till January. It could be hot in November...you just take a chance there isn't a cold front that week. You could always do day passes at resorts that have heated pools on your port days.

As far as tips, if you don't prepay, they will automatically be added to your sign and sail card sometime during the cruise- I think they notify you in writing that they will be added on the 3rd day or something like that. You can remove them, but please don't...enough has been said on this topic. You can tip extra for really good service at any time, and many people do, usually on the last day.

[tandemcruzr]

$12 a day is all you HAVE to tip (automatically charged to your S&S card) that is meant to cover all servers who wait on you around the ship (dining room, bar servers, room steward).

 

Not true. Every drink you order from the bar has an auto 15% gratuity added. You can tip more if you like.

[ajtaylor29]

sorry, you're correct!

[rcranf1]

Here a few thing I learned to bring with me or to do:

 

1.Snacks for the cabin, gum, candy and packaged nuts. Can be taken with you while on excursions. Cherries on Top costs too much!

 

2. Pop-up hamper for dirty clothes.

 

3. Wine of course :) Saves on purchasing drinks and there are two wine glasses in your cabin waiting for you.

 

3. Always pre-pay gratuities. Have witness people removing them from their bill after receiving good service.

 

4. Purchase the 12-pk of water at the Fun Shops online which is now 2.99.

 

5. Don't go picture crazy. Decided to purchase just one. I have a camera :)

 

6. Bring a positive attitude and try not to sweat the small stuff. Sure, go ahead and just get some bacon some me in the line, its bacon after all.

 

this is awesome to know thanks

[tawaik]

this is awesome to know thanks

 

:D Your welcome.

[Phx Jeff]

One warning I have for you..... cruising can be very addicting!! (A good addiction though) As you are driving home, you will probably be planning your next cruise. If you doubt this just look at all the previous posts with all the cruises everyone has been on. Have fun. Welcome to cruising!