First Time and getting nervous

[primetime2113@msn.com]

Thank you to everyone that runs and posts to this site!

 

A few questions...Carnival Victory August 21st leaving at 4pm

 

1. Do I need to get there early and how early?

2. Clothing to wear - we did the casual dining option

3. Worth it to get to the FTTF?

4. Casino - Is it large and are there ATM's (fees?)

5. Room Service - is it really free?

6. We did prepaid gratuities, do I tip more after that?

7. So when the ship stops in the Bahamas Nassau and Freeport do I just get off and walk around?

8. How much cash to bring (broad question) and yes I bought the drink package.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated

[Sixtytwo]

A little help...

1. Most folks arrive at the port early. If you want to get on board in time to explore the shop before muster drill and sail away, then get to the port around 10:00-11:00.

2. Casual dining? If you mean "your time" dining, you will have the evening meal in one of the main dining rooms, as indicated on your Sail & Sign card. Even cruise elegant night(s) are getting fairly casual. Rules say no shorts or jeans or tank tops, etc. Business casual is plenty dressy.

3. FTTF gets you priority boarding at the embarkation port. Other ports are board when you arrive. You do get priority tender times at ports where you tender rather than dock. Other than that, it would be your personal choice. Some will not cruise without it, others could care less.

4. The casino is not like a Vegas casino but I have rarely seen one totally crowded. Your S&S card is how you normally pay for casino games. There is an ATM outside of Guest Services if you want cash. Be aware the fees are higher than on shore fees!

5. Yes, room service is free...with exceptions. Is is explained in the literature you will find in your cabin on embarkation day.

6. You are not expected to tip more than the pre-paid amount. However, if you feel your cabin steward or head waiter did an exceptional job, sure, feel free to give them extra.

7. Yep, if,you want to see Nassau and Freeport, you can just walk off and follow the crowds! You will get information in you cabin that covers excursions available through Carnival at each port. You might find something there that interests you or you can just head into town and do whatever!

8. How much cash depends on your spending habits. For most everything on board, you will use your S&S card. Cash comes in handy for extra tips on the ship and for spending in port. Everyone has their own comfort level about how much cash they feel is adequate. For a 4 day cruise, with two sea days, we would not take very much cash.

 

Free advice: the one bit of advice I would offer for first timers is to know exactly what time the ship clock is on. Everything goes by ship time! This is especially critical when you are in port, since the ship leaves ON TIME! It WILL NOT WAIT on you to get back on board if you forgot to set your watch to the correct time! Notice I said "watch"...not cellphone! You cellphone will self adjust to the time zone of the port which may or may not be ship time!!

 

You will have a great time and don't be surprised if you are starting to plan your next cruise before you leave the first one! It is addictive! [emoji41]

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

We always like to get to the pier by 11 AM. That way we are among the first on the ship. Gives us a chance to get some lunch and check up on any pre-purchased excursions, pre-purchased specialty restaurants, etc.

You will find vendors off the ship in your ports that do offer tours at a cheaper price.

Lots of good advice above.

[beachbum53]

Regarding question #7. In any port, such as Nassau, Freeport, etc., it's a good idea to go to the "Ports of Call" section on here and see what others have done and recommend. You don't have to book an excursion in each port unless there's something specific you want to see or do. If you do choose to walk around and explore, don't wander off by yourself. Stay with family and / or friends. Expect to be approached by locals trying to sell you things that you either don't want or need. Just say "No thank-you" and keep walking. If a street vendor is selling something you'd like, don't be afraid to bargain with him/her.

[cb at sea]

A guidebook from your local library can be VERY helpful in planning your days ashore...and doing things on your own can save a bundle of $$$! Excursions are pricey!!!

[Honolulu Blue]

Thank you to everyone that runs and posts to this site!

 

A few questions...Carnival Victory August 21st leaving at 4pm

 

1. Do I need to get there early and how early?

2. Clothing to wear - we did the casual dining option

3. Worth it to get to the FTTF?

4. Casino - Is it large and are there ATM's (fees?)

5. Room Service - is it really free?

6. We did prepaid gratuities, do I tip more after that?

7. So when the ship stops in the Bahamas Nassau and Freeport do I just get off and walk around?

8. How much cash to bring (broad question) and yes I bought the drink package.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

I think others have covered your other questions fairly well.

 

4. The casino will have about 10-15 table games, 1 or 2 e-table games (poker and/or blackjack) and about 200 slots. By Las Vegas standards it's tiny, but it might meet your needs.

 

5. Room service is free, but there are two asterisks here. First, some items may have an extra cost; this will be disclosed on the menu. And second, you're expected to tip for delivery - $1 to $5 is sufficient, depending on how much you ordered.

[GTO-Girl]

Thank you to everyone that runs and posts to this site!

 

A few questions...Carnival Victory August 21st leaving at 4pm

 

1. Do I need to get there early and how early?

2. Clothing to wear - we did the casual dining option

3. Worth it to get to the FTTF?

4. Casino - Is it large and are there ATM's (fees?)

5. Room Service - is it really free?

6. We did prepaid gratuities, do I tip more after that?

7. So when the ship stops in the Bahamas Nassau and Freeport do I just get off and walk around?

8. How much cash to bring (broad question) and yes I bought the drink package.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

Just to add what others have said.....your sailing time is 4pm but you must be onboard at least 90 min before sailing time or you will NOT be allowed to board.

 

So please keep that in mind and give yourself plenty of time to arrive and get checked in.

 

Have a wonderful cruise!!!

[Schoifmom]

Take advantage of FTTF, since you have it. It provides the following perks for you:

• Priority embarkation (get to the port early, get on the ship early)
  
• Your room will be ready when you board (everyone else has to wait until around 1:30)
  
• Expedited luggage delivery
  
• Priority line at Guest Services (very important, if you need to use it)
  
• Priority debarkation at the end of the cruise
  

 

This gives you a chance to get on the ship early, drop your stuff in your room, and get out enjoy the ship before the crowds descend.

 

Have a great cruise!

[mjkacmom]

It seems like most people who end up hating Nassau are those who don't plan, but just get off of the ship and walk around. Where the ship's dock are usually not nice areas. We've always just purchased hotel day passes there, but there are other options.

[maldenmusic]

I've never seen the casinos to be really crowded-could always find slot machines. We usually try to get to the port by 10:30 to get onboard earlier and start enjoying the ship. Have at least a game plan of what you want to do on your port days-you can get lots of info here.

[Cruisin' Chick]

my add'l piece of advice: don't fly into your embarkation port the same day of your cruise.