Cruising 101 - can you edit this for me? (VERY LONG btw)

[773 Miles Away]

I'm travelling with a large group this October on the Triumph (western caribbean) and a lot of the travellers have been asking me millions of questions now that they know where I get all my info :rolleyes: .

 

A lot of them are nervous because they've never travelled beyond MA so I decided to copy and paste and write all this stuff up to hand out to everyone so they can read it and be a little more "in the know". If possible, can you cruise experts just read over this and tell me if anything here is wrong?

 

Also, if you think anything is worthy of adding, by all means, let me know (like in the packing section.. kind of slim.. could be more).

 

So here it is.................................

 

Oh and P.S. if you do reply, try not to "quote" the entire message.. since it's so long.

 

Carnival Cruising 101

Flight –

 

1. Fly the night before so you don’t miss the cruise because of a delay. If that’s not possible, book an early direct flight to reduce your chances of a problem. Book through carnival and you’re guaranteed protection of problems – but you’ll pay an arm and a leg.

2. Be sure to have an assigned seat on your flight so you don’t get bumped.

3. Most airlines limit you to 2 checked luggages (50 lb max each, 100 lb total usually), one carry on, and a personal item (purse, laptop, etc). Check with your airline for specifics.

4. Tie a colorful piece of fabric on your luggage so you can identify it at the airport and when you leave the ship for the last time.

Port –

 

You can usually get a shuttle by Carnival from the airport to your ship – this price is comparable to most cabs – so either way usually doesn’t matter.

Check In –

 

1. If this is 10+ Carnival cruise, you are now VIP – make sure you get a platinum Sail & Sign card, and check in with VIP.

2. If you have cruised Carnival at least once your Sail & Sign card is gold and you get invited to the past guest party. You do not, however, get VIP checkin.

3. First time cruisers get nada. J

4. Luggage – There is no limit – but there is on airlines. You can carry on the ship whatever will fit through the xray machine. If it’s too large (usually anything bigger than airline carry on size) you must check it with security who will then deliver the bags to your room around late afternoon. *Pack an outfit for casual dinner and a bathing suit incase your luggage is late.

5. Cabins – Your room may not be ready when you check in – so be prepared to lug your bags around until it is.

6. Liquor – You are not allowed to bring it. EXCEPT 1 bottle of wine per person. You are allowed “reasonable” quantities of non alcoholic drinks (soda or juice).. but that amount is never determined and Carnival has always reserved the right to take what they feel is too much. Usually 1 12-pack of soda per room is fine. People have successfully brought liquor on the ship though… according to rumors, if you put the liquor in the checked luggage, it will still be there when it gets delivered to your room. Carnival has become more keen to alcohol hidden in other bottles (vodka in water bottles, etc) and have caught people – though not always. BE WARNED – if you bring it, you accept the risk of losing it… so don’t complain when you’re $60 of alcohol has been taken away.

Sail & Sign Card –

1. This is your ID, your “charge card”, your access on and off the ship, and your room key ( i think). A picture will be taken and the image is put in the cards memory so when its swiped your picture appears on the computer.

2. Use your sail & sign for all purchases! There’s no other option. You can leave a credit card as your deposit and all purchases will automatically be charged from that. OR leave cash. You need to leave about $200 at first for a 7 day cruise (a little less for a 4 or 5 day, and a little more for a 10 or 12 day). As your money dwindles, they will call to have you leave more. Try not to use your debit card because they will place a hold on your account which may take up to a week to clear after your vacation. And obviously, make sure you know your limit on your credit card..

3. The account is linked to the individual not the cabin so don’t worry if you have a cabin mate with different spending habits. Usually you can check your account daily on your TV or at the purser’s desk.

4. ATMs have a big fee – and sometimes the ATMs run out of cash. So bring cash with you. You’ll need cash to tip those not included in the automatic tip (such as room service and the casino) plus taxi cabs on the islands – so bring a lot of 1s.

5. Tips – You will automatically be charged to your sail & sign account $70 for tips ($10 per day) – and that’s per person, not per cabin. You can adjust this at the purser’s desk depending on service. Room Service (which is free) does not get part of this tip pool so it is expected that you tip for that separately – as well as the Casino I believe. Drinks include a 15% tip.

General Vacation Info –

 

1. Beverages – nothing is free really. Tap water, fruit punch, OJ, and some other strange liquid is of no charge at the fountain dispensers. Soda, Coffee, Booze and anything else is at a price (and not a cheap one either).

2. Food – This is free. Get as much as you want. On some ships, there are specialty dining rooms or food service areas that charge – this will be very clear though.

3. Tendering – This is when no dock exists for the ship to “park” at the island. They anchor close to the island and boats shuttle you back and forth. Keep in mind, due to rough seas ships have been known to skip the island completely per orders of that island. It is for your safety so don’t complain. Always be aware of when the last tender is, so you don’t miss your ship!

4. Pools – Most are filled with ocean water so don’t freak out when you realize it’s salty.

5. Excursions – Carnival ones are over priced – check private tours to see if the same is offered for a cheaper price – this almost always is the case. Check the cancellation policy incase you don’t make it to the island due to bad weather. Be warned about swim with dolphins – some don’t book because it’s a cruelty to animal issue and some other’s don’t because it’s not as interactive as one would think (wading in water while watching dolphins isn’t usually “swimming” when them) so question the tour prior to booking. If you booked a private tour and you need to get off the ship quickly ask the purser the day before how you can make that happen. The tendering process can result in long lines.

6. Banks – Let your credit cards and banks know you’re traveling so they don’t block your account, thinking it’s stolen.

7. Photos – Be prepared to spend big dollars on the pictures taken by the crew. Usually you can wait until the end of the cruise to buy your pics – that way you can see them all and choose from the entire collection. Sometimes your pics are hidden by others so be nosey. Double check when pictures are expired.

8. Food – Depending on island rules – you sometimes can go to the sandwich area and order something to pack and bring on your trip off the ship. This isn’t always allowed, but some have snuck it through successfully – the choice is yours.

9. Booking – Every 8 cabins you book, you get one person free! - check with your travel agent to see what the specifics are on this rule.

Dining –

1. Breakfast – Served buffet, through room service, or in the dining rooms. Dining room breakfast is early but is also cook to order – if it’s not on the menu (such as over easy eggs) just ask – more than likely they can do it.

2. Formal Night – There are usually 2 of these. Men – Tuxes, or suits. Ladies – gowns, cocktail dresses, or dressy suits. No shorts, no tees, no jeans!

3. Casual Night – Try to avoid jeans, though this isn’t specifically forbidden, it is simply frowned upon. Men – Khakis, slacks, polos, or button ups are perfect. Ladies – skirts, dresses, slacks, blouses, etc. No shorts and no tank tops (though ladies can get away with tank tops as long as they’re the nice dressy kinds).

4. Beware – it’s usually freezing in the dining room.

5. Ask the waitstaff for whatever – often you can get it. Frequently asked items include – 2 or more entrees for one person, the pasta dish as an appetizer, yesterday’s entrée (though this isn’t always a guarantee), multiple desserts, grilled chicken or steak as opposed to any entrée.

6. If you bring your own wine they will serve it for you – it will cost a $10 corking fee.

7. Beverages are not free – except milk, hot chocolate, water, iced tea... check your menu. Children can get free soda during dinner in the dining rooms – not adults.

8. There is 24 hour pizza on the lido deck (or near that) – they also serve Cesar Salad. If they don’t have what you want, you can special order the pizza but you must take the whole pizza – but who cares! It’s free!

9. Your seating assignment is never guaranteed when you book – if you’re not happy see the Maitre’d ASAP to try to fix it.

10. Your TV usually shows the dinner menu – it’s also displayed outside the dining room.

11. Breakfast menus are available for room service (not cooked to order, limited choice). You can order the night before and write down the desired time of delivery.

12. Waiters entertain during dinner. First level tables get to see this, second level diners (yes dining rooms are often two stories) usually can’t see the performance.

13. Ask if a kids dessert menu exists – if so they have more traditional desserts that we have all grown to love.

Your Cabin –

1. Inside staterooms have no windows – thus no natural light. So you turn off the lights and it’s pitch black! .. obviously... bring a night light if you don’t want to turn on the room light for a bathroom visit in the middle of the night.

2. Bring a power strip because there is only one plug in your room. This way you can charge your camera, blow dry your hair, and heat up your curler all at the same time.

3. Bring a clock –your room probably won’t have one.

4. If it’s too cold – the AC controller is sometimes on the ceiling, or ask the steward for another blanket.

5. Your Carnival issued beach towel (one per guest) will cost you $22 if you lose it. Sometimes other guests steal towels from lounge chairs while guests walk away to get a drink. Bring your own if you’re nervous.

6. Sometimes soaps and shampoos are available in your room – but they’re not refilled, and not usually the best quality.

7. Most cabins have a safe. Follow the directions to use any card that has a magnetized strip to program and lock/unlock your safe. Bring a throwaway card (grocery store card, old hotel key, old gift card) if you’re nervous about using a credit card. Don’t use your room key or the steward can get in your safe.

8. Ask the steward to empty your mini bar if you’d like.

9. The water on a ship is filtered thoroughly so don’t be afraid to drink the tap.

10. Store luggage under your bed.

11. Your bathroom should have a hair dryer, but it’s not the best and it gets really hot.

12. Don’t be afraid to ask for extra pillows, extra coat hangers, or an extra pillow

13. Hang your clothes in the bathroom while you shower – this may solve wrinkles.

14. Laundry services are usually available – there is also laundry rooms with irons – but beware, the irons may not be clean so be careful on expensive clothes.

Check Out

1. Usually you must leave your cabin on the last day by 830 but don’t expect to leave the ship for another hour or so.

2. You can still wake up early and catch breakfast.

3. If you want to carry all your bags yourself you can get off the ship much earlier (closer to 730 perhaps).

4. All checked luggage must be outside your door by midnight – it will be returned to you via a huge warehouse of luggage organized by assigned color. Refer to the colored fabric tip if you want to ever find your luggage.

Things to Pack That is Often Forgotten –

Sunburn relief lotion

Lint Roller

Calling Card – check to see if it’s possible to use in the island you visit or check cell phone service which may be comparable in price and more convienent. (don’t bother using the ship phone to call the states, it’s almost $7 a min!)

Underwater camera

Backpack for when you get on the island

Zip Loc bags – so many uses

Collapsable cooler for going on the island

Duct Tape – why not??

Watch – so you don’t miss the ship

Spouse

[Gr8tChoice]

Wow! This is a great list for those who are new to cruising! I've answered many of these questions from folks who have joined us on trips before so I'll be printing your list for future questions! Thanks for putting this together - I can tell you spent some time on it!

 

Have a great trip!!!!

 

M

[JulieMcCoy]

I'm new to Carnival...do children really get free sodas at dinner? If so, does that include 18-to-20-year-olds who aren't old enough to drink liquor?

[tommygirl31700]

I love your list but isn't coffee included in the dining room and for breakfast? I know some ships have speciality coffee's and that isn't included but I thought plan jane coffee was. Thanks again.

[hstrybuf]

"8. Food – Depending on island rules – you sometimes can go to the sandwich area and order something to pack and bring on your trip off the ship. This isn’t always allowed, but some have snuck it through successfully – the choice is yours."

This is one that always bothers me. I would never, ever, ever encourage people to take food off of the ship. If they don't do their research to find out what is prohibited, then why take the chance? Just don't do it!

[773 Miles Away]

I love your list but isn't coffee included in the dining room and for breakfast? I know some ships have speciality coffee's and that isn't included but I thought plan jane coffee was. Thanks again.

 

I think so, though I can't remember and I constantly get Carnival confused with NCL and Royal Caribbean. I believe it is, but I left that part slightly vague and a "check your menu" just incase.

 

If someone knows an exact list of free beverages, by all means, let me know

[GoinCruisin]

Midnightbuffet, It's kids under 12 that get free soda in the dining room... and many have said this has been discontinued...

[Guest YesitDonna]

Coffee is free.

Not all ships have blowdryers

ALL rooms have a safe

[773 Miles Away]

"8. Food – Depending on island rules – you sometimes can go to the sandwich area and order something to pack and bring on your trip off the ship. This isn’t always allowed, but some have snuck it through successfully – the choice is yours."

 

This is one that always bothers me. I would never, ever, ever encourage people to take food off of the ship. If they don't do their research to find out what is prohibited, then why take the chance? Just don't do it!

 

Yeah I was thinking that too.. I'll probably take that off so as to not feed ideas. I'm guessing it is allowed on SOME islands? Though i'm not sure

[GoinCruisin]

Yeah I was thinking that too.. I'll probably take that off so as to not feed ideas. I'm guessing it is allowed on SOME islands? Though i'm not sure

 

I don't know that ANY country allows produce or fruit to come into the country. (this includes lettuce, tomatoes, etc)... many have restrictions on meat. It's best to bring prepackaged foods to be safe.

[GoinCruisin]

Also, I believe the cash deposit is more for a 7 day cruise isn't it? I thought it was $350 for a 7 day and $200 for a 5 day. I could be wrong. I know ours was $200 for a 4 day cruise.... but that was the only time I used cash. I thought somewhere on the website it mentioned $350...

[suzy1212]

6. Liquor – You are not allowed to bring it. EXCEPT 1 bottle of wine per person.

Neither welcome aboard docs or the FAQ state a limit on wine.

 

1. Beverages – nothing is free really. Tap water, fruit punch, OJ, and some other strange liquid is of no charge at the fountain dispensers. Soda, Coffee, Booze and anything else is at a price (and not a cheap one either).

Tea (hot and iced) and coffee are free on the Lido deck and through room service. You can also get espresso and cappuccino in the dining room with all three meals.

Some ships do have a specialty coffee shop for a fee.

 

8. Food – Depending on island rules – you sometimes can go to the sandwich area and order something to pack and bring on your trip off the ship. This isn’t always allowed, but some have snuck it through successfully – the choice is yours.

Recent Capers have said food isn't allowed on or off the ship in any port.

 

1. Breakfast – Served buffet, through room service, or in the dining rooms. Dining room breakfast is early but is also cook to order – if it’s not on the menu (such as over easy eggs) just ask – more than likely they can do it.

Room service breakfast is VERY limited.

7. Beverages are not free – except milk, hot chocolate, water, iced tea... check your menu. Children can get free soda during dinner in the dining rooms – not adults.

Coffee, espresso, and cappucchino are also free in the dining room. The free soda for children may have been discontinued.

 

 

These have probably all been mentioned by now. It took me a awhile to get this written. :p

[MikeNKim]

Great list, thank you for sharing.

[kchesneylover]

Coffee

There is NO charge for coffee!;)

 

GREAT LIST, btw!!

[kchesneylover]

Pack the hair conditioner FIRST. Carnival does NOT provide hair conditioner.

[nybumpkin]

Under "cabin," I'd add "bring clothespins to weigh down the shower curtain." I didn't figure out the value of that until our last cruise. You just clip the clothespins to the bottom of the curtain and the curtain won't billow around your legs.

[tommygirl31700]

This is the response I got from a Carnival rep when I emailed them about a cash deposit. It was recieved July 13th so it is pretty recent. But please be aware I have heard from a few other people that they had to pay more for a 7 day cruise.

U.S Currency and traveler's checks are accepted as a form of deposit to open a Sail & Sign Account at the start of the cruise. As the guest approaches the deposit limit, the Information Desk will notify the guest that additional money must be deposited. The following deposits are required per guest:

2 - 4 day cruises: $100 deposit pp

5 - 8 day cruises: $200 deposit pp

9 + day cruises: $350 deposit pp

[Mysticks1]

One thing that I brought that was useful was a package of cheap plastic clothes pins. You can put them every few inches along the shower curtain and it will keep it from wrapping around your legs while showering. ;)

We also each brought a large covered, insulated cup to take beverages back to the room or to use by the pool or when relaxing on deck. The cups on the ship were too small for me. :)

[Keggy0403]

5. Excursions – Carnival ones are over priced – check private tours to see if the same is offered for a cheaper price – this almost always is the case. Check the cancellation policy incase you don’t make it to the island due to bad weather. Be warned about swim with dolphins – some don’t book because it’s a cruelty to animal issue and some other’s don’t because it’s not as interactive as one would think (wading in water while watching dolphins isn’t usually “swimming” when them) so question the tour prior to booking. If you booked a private tour and you need to get off the ship quickly ask the purser the day before how you can make that happen. The tendering process can result in long lines.

 

 

I would also mention that booking excursions through Carnival you will not be left on the island if there is a problem with your excursion. Where as if you are traveling on your own..you can miss the boat if there is trouble.

[773 Miles Away]

Under "cabin," I'd add "bring clothespins to weigh down the shower curtain." I didn't figure out the value of that until our last cruise. You just clip the clothespins to the bottom of the curtain and the curtain won't billow around your legs.

 

 

This is GENIUS! I always get grossed out when that happens... lol.

 

 

And thanks everybody for all the input, just keep them coming and in a day or two I'll try to post a final copy (if you can ever make a final, i'm sure you could write a book about this!)

[big_duck]

Flight –

 

 

1. Fly the night before so you don’t miss the cruise because of a delay. If that’s not possible, book an early direct flight to reduce your chances of a problem. Book through carnival and you’re guaranteed protection of problems – but you’ll pay an arm and a leg.

 

Carnival Air maybe, but is not always more expensive.

 

Port –

 

You can usually get a shuttle by Carnival from the airport to your ship – this price is comparable to most cabs – so either way usually doesn’t matter.

 

Be prepared to tip the baggage porters $1 per bag.

Check In –

4. Luggage – There is no limit – but there is on airlines. You can carry on the ship whatever will fit through the xray machine. If it’s too large (usually anything bigger than airline carry on size) you must check it with security who will then deliver the bags to your room around late afternoon. *Pack an outfit for casual dinner and a bathing suit incase your luggage is late.

 

Baggage is checked with porters, not security.

Sail & Sign Card –

 

1. This is your ID, your “charge card”, your access on and off the ship, and your room key ( i think). A picture will be taken and the image is put in the cards memory so when its swiped your picture appears on the computer.

7. Photos – Be prepared to spend big dollars on the pictures taken by the crew. Usually you can wait until the end of the cruise to buy your pics – that way you can see them all and choose from the entire collection. Sometimes your pics are hidden by others so be nosey. Double check when pictures are expired.

 

Although photos carry a bit of sticker shock, they are quite reasonable compared to what a professional photographer would charge.

9. Booking – Every 8 cabins you book, you get one person free! - check with your travel agent to see what the specifics are on this rule.

 

Not exactly accurate. The booking must be done through the group department. The group leader will be rebated the cost of a berth in the most booked cabin less taxes and port fees.

Dining –

 

6. If you bring your own wine they will serve it for you – it will cost a $10 corking fee.

 

you may be charged corkage, it is at the discretion of the waiter (be kind to your waiter and he will be kind to you.

 

11. Breakfast menus are available for room service (not cooked to order, limited choice). You can order the night before and write down the desired time of delivery.

 

Breakfast menu is NOT available from room service. Continental breakfast only.

Your Cabin –

 

Clothes irons, candles and heating pads are prohibited items, leave them at home. Pressing service through your Steward is available plus all ships have laundry rooms with irons.

 

[Pednurse]

What a great list. I am sending it to my SIL who has never cruised. We will be on the Inspiration Oct. 23.

[hstrybuf]

Another thought on food. Trying the local flavor on the islands is part of the experience. If you budget for that it can make for some great memories. Other cruisers can often recommend good as well as safe places to try. :)

[773 Miles Away]

What a great list. I am sending it to my SIL who has never cruised. We will be on the Inspiration Oct. 23.

 

Glad you like it :) . Keep looking in the next few days, though, because I'll post a brand new final copy with all the edits and corrections!

 

Any other information - keem em coming! And if there's anything else for the packing list, let me know. - i'm not looking for the obvious, like socks and shorts, but more on the line of odd things that you never think about but wish you had once you were there.

 

Thanks!

[GoinCruisin]

There are plenty of good packing lists on the web... This site has some great ones... http://cruiseclues.com/packinglist.htm