What TO EXPECT? I'm Very EXCITED

[bmcdowe]

:) Oh my gosh, it's almost time to cruise.. I can't belive it. I'm cruising the fascination for the first time what should i expect? Is it a good ship? I'm already booked on my second cruise in january of 2006 and haven't set foot on the first cruise yet. LoL..... Man i can wait.. So all of you experience professional cruisers help the Newbie out. I'm talking my Girlfriend on 10/14/05 to the bahamas, will there be anyone else going.

[vacaygirl]

I haven't been on a carnival cruise yet, but I LOVED my first cruise on the Grand Princess. I actually FELT like a princess - no worries about work,finding a designated driver, or having that second dessert. I could sleep late, and do whatever whenever I felt like it! It's so much fun, and so relaxing. The worst part is having to come back home!

[Gumby&Pokey]

expect to have a great time, and you will become addicted to cruising as we have. enjoy your cruise:D

[ptmom]

Expect lots of choices! We were on the Fasciantion, and the sister ships, Inspiration and Ecstacy, and they are a lot of fun. First: Get to your cabin and drop your hand luggage, grab the little map, and then start at the top of the ship and walk each deck exploring.... I am amazed at people who go to one or two places and never find out what there is to offer. And with the short cruise you really need to take the time to explore the first day.

 

You can grab a snack or lunch at the pool deck... and realize that there are usually two or 3 different choices for food at the buffet each day.... ( I can't remember if it is on embarkation day though). But one side will have the specialty food " Italian, Indian, Mexican" etc. The other tends to be general, and then one usually has hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwhiches. Also there is a deli and pizza place towards the back... See... explore!

 

Then keep heading down. Explore the Promonade deck... and in the Fascination, when you get to the front, go up one deck and that is where the Library, Piano bar and I think the golf or maybe Art auctioneer is. By the way, on these ships, one cannot walk back to front on the floors that have the dining rooms.... but you can on the pool deck and the promonade deck, and the decks with cabins only...lower decks.

 

Check out the lobby deck, etc. (not necessarily Main, Rivera, etc... just rooms)

 

Also, up front and way up is the gym and the spa... check those out too...usually tours on the first day!

 

So, once you have checked out everything, now all you have to do is decide.... so much to choose from.

 

Oh, the other strongly suggested tip: Read your capers every night/ morning. you can pick up extra copies at the front desk and some of the bars. It is good to keep one with you to remember all that is happening. And this way you will know what time which dining room is open, you will learn about all the shows, and specials, such as Sushi bar, or Tapas BAr, Captains cocktail (free drinks and h'or deuvres) etc, etc, etc.

(Do they have this on the 3 day?)

 

You will not be able to do everything... but that's ok.. you will on the next cruise... and the next... and the next!

 

Have a blast!!! Amy

[bmcdowe]

PTMOM, You have me really excited about cruising now. Do you know anything about the shore excursions in the behamas? I want to go but my girlfriend isn't a strong swimmer, will that matter?

[cruzeluver]

Definetly read your Capers each evening. Nothing worse then realizing you just missed something you would have really enjoyed. However, try not to over-schedule yourself on board. I recommend you highlite the things you REALLY want to do and leave some open time for other stuff. You won't enjoy onboard events if you are constantly thinking about having to run off to the next thing.

 

Also, savour every dang minute! :D As my recent cruise director said, "for the next 5 (or 3, 4,7 etc.) days you don't have to cook, clean, work or go to school." I guess what I'm saying is don't sweat the small stuff. So what if it takes awhile to board? So what if the guy next to you at the casino smells? :eek: So what if you arrive at your first port an hour late? You are on a cruise baby!! :p

[bmcdowe]

Cruzeluver, You make a really good point and i guess you are very experienced at cruising so i will take your advice. Thanx a bunch :)

[serene56]

if you go to www.carnival com right hand corner will ask you to register for the site. after taht is done click on profile.. after you fill that all out-- you will be asked (add a booking number) this will put your cruise on the main home page of carnival. this will list your name and how many days til you cruise. click on cruise details... this will lsit your ports/dates and time you will be there. If you click on each port it will take you to a lsit of shore excursions. click on each one will tell you how much- what time and how long. To book these excursion sbefore you go---- youwill be expected to pay for them now. or you can wait til you are onbaord. some excursions sell out quickly.

[bmcdowe]

I Heard That They Are More Expensive If You Book Through Carnival Is Their Any Truth To That.

[cruzeluver]

Some excursions are more expensive if booked through Carnival, others are not. I would say, see what Carnival has to offer. If something looks good to you, surf the net to see if you can book it for less directly with the tour company.

 

Another note about shore excursions, if you choose to do your own thing in port and are late getting back to the dock, wave as you watch your ship sale into the distance. But the ship will wait for any tours that were booked through them. Just something to keep in mind.

[BettyB2]

Have a GREAT cruise and please let us know all aboutit when you get back! You are surely addicted without even cruising yet, (as I was) but I waited 3 weeks after coming home before I booked my next one!! LOL and now looking to having or joining a group cruise sometime in December 2006!!

I am TRULY A CRUISE CRITIC ADDICT!!! (I even get the newsletter!!):D

[Crusin4sure!]

Very good advise Cruzeluver..... the worst cruise I've ever been on was FANTASTIC....just relax and have fun and don't let ANYONE or ANYTHING ruin it for you......:D

[MrsBoo]

If you haven't done so already, go the the bottom of the page, click on Forum Jump & click on Bahamas in the Ports of Call section. You'll find lots of recommendations for shore excursions there.

[bmcdowe]

thanx you all are great, where can i find out if anyone is attending the same cruise 10/14/05

[MrsBoo]

thanx you all are great, where can i find out if anyone is attending the same cruise 10/14/05

 

Go to the Roll Call section for Carnival & look for your ship name & sailing date.

[bmcdowe]

thanx for the advise, can you all tell me how to find out who is going to be on that cruise 10/14/05

[serene56]

carnival roll call boards can be found here-- http://community.webshots.com/album/299741566PLYKOujsut check for your date

[cruzeluver]

As far as shore excursions in the Bahamas, we did the catamaran snorkel in Nassau and it was great. The catamaran holds about 50 people. There is a 30 minute ride out to the site. Then you put on your fins, life vest and snorkel mask, and jump on in!

 

Its a great excursion for both experienced and novice snorkelers. The crew was terrific! Tons and tons of fish. Plus for $1 you can buy fish food which will definetly make you popular with the undersea life. Drinks and snacks are also available for an additonal purchase (sodas and chips, $1 each). The whole thing is about 2 1/2 hours. So you have plenty of time to see and do other things. We booked it through Carnival and had no complaints.

[ppeckham]

Excursions through the ship are usually a little more experienced. However, if you've never been to the port, it may be a good idea to pay the extra. If you are on a ship-sponsored tour and the tour is late, the ship will wait.

 

Take $1, $5, and $10 for shore excursion tips.

 

If you have an inside cabin, take a small night light. I'm serious. Those inside cabins are really dark. On my first cruise, I slept until 10:30 a.m. the first day. I never sleep that late - usually up by 6 a.m. on weekends. It was so dark in the cabin that I had no idea of the time. The night light will help if you have to make a trip to the bathroom in the night.