Carnival Secrets they Usually Don't Tell You About 2

[k8gscruisers]

To lock the safe you must swipe the card in it. To unlock the safe you must swipe the same card again. When you open the safe it is automatically reset. I usually use my drivers license. The gift card idea does sound better.

 

I don't use the bathrobes. I have noticed them on most of my cruises but someone else will have to tell you what you have to do get them. I think it has something to do with the type of room you book.

 

 

Why could you not use your funpass or room key?

[bransonpa]

I am currently packing for a September cruise with some work friends- their first, and my fourth. I have shared all your ideas with them as well. The one thing I began doing when traveling by air and/or sea is ditch the luggage locks and use cable ties. I have found them as useful as duct tape. I use them for computer cords; christmas lights around staircase spindles, etc. I also pack an "Air Wick" night light for the bathroom.

 

Happy Cruising!!!

[bleuiz]

You know Bank of America did this to me on my debit card. It was not on a cruise, it was an online purchase that went thru a foreign bank. The next time I was out I was buying a dishwasher for a rental condo I owned in Brands Mart who told me my card was rejected. Talk about embarrassing?? It still took me several days and I had to go to Bank Of America in person and they had to call someone for me to talk to before they woud release my card.

 

I can vouch that you need to make sure you warn your bank ahead of time about a foreign purchase.

 

 

We were driving to Florida and after stopping several times for gas (in several states) our card was rejected.....I called the CC company.....seems they stop cards that have been used several times in several states within a few days.......they asked me a few questions and then released the card...........now when we take long drives we notify the cc company first.........

[bleuiz]

I haven't read through all the posts so I will add something that might have been mentioned.....I bring a can of Lysol or Oust air and surface spray....I like to spray the door knobs, toilet handle, the bed spread and other surfaces........and then we can use it in the bathroom to freshen the air........:D

[Ted]

Why could you not use your funpass or room key?

 

If you lose your funpass/room key and it is found, would you like for the finder to not only be able to enter your room but your safe as well? And yes, while your room number is not clearly listed, on most cruise lines it can be decoded from info on the card.

[Shayneele]

Thanks to all the people who contributed. I love all these tips....I copied and pasted them also. Obviously I need something to keep me busy till I cruise in 300+ days... LOL

[jenseib]

I haven't gone through the whole list yeat. Onething I was wondering. I read anotehr person had ordered several (2-3) entress each night for dinner as he wanted to try all his favorites. Can you do this? Like order a steak and a chicken entree at the same meal?

Anotehr question..I have heard that Carnival is now trying anytime dining on some of it's ships. Anyone know which ones and for how long it will be going on?

[Lostwolfe]

I haven't gone through the whole list yeat. Onething I was wondering. I read anotehr person had ordered several (2-3) entress each night for dinner as he wanted to try all his favorites. Can you do this? Like order a steak and a chicken entree at the same meal?

Anotehr question..I have heard that Carnival is now trying anytime dining on some of it's ships. Anyone know which ones and for how long it will be going on?

 

I can't speak about the any time meals but I can confirm that you can in fact order more than one of anything in the dining room. My husbands done it several times :D

[CalgonMoment]

The secret door takes you to a deck just below, or above? the bridge, it extends out to the sides a bit, and the view is wonderful. It may be closed due to high winds and can be very dark at night.

Here is a pic off the front of the Triumph.

[xntric1]

I haven't gone through the whole list yeat. Onething I was wondering. I read anotehr person had ordered several (2-3) entress each night for dinner as he wanted to try all his favorites. Can you do this? Like order a steak and a chicken entree at the same meal?

Anotehr question..I have heard that Carnival is now trying anytime dining on some of it's ships. Anyone know which ones and for how long it will be going on?

 

 

The Legend is offering Flexible Dining.

[Shay6380]

Bring a battery powered motion sensor nite lite for the bathroom. It gives enough light to see without blinding you with with 1000 watts at 3 am. And you don't have to find a switch as it comes on automatically. I got mine at Wal-Mart for about $12. priceless

[julieoregon]

Flashlight, small enough for a purse or pocket....and yes....I wish I had one only once on 1 of my over 20 cruises....but I always have it now!

Also, common sense, but you might forget if its not on a list...extra batteries!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cgillim1]

When we cruise..(soon to be our 6th) we usually have friends or family along..I am always the one that carries a tote bag into town and therefore I am also the one that ended up carrying everything for everybody....now I always carry a little fold up nylon tote that I can hand out for others to carry thier own purchases, wet towels, cameras etc. The little nylon totes can fit into your pocket until you need them and don't weigh much of anything! Sure saves my shoulders from taking on all the weight!

[MR_BUTCHIE]

Thank You Very Much So Very Very Helpful

[Rallytime1975]

you have already told us this one!!!

 

Bring a battery powered motion sensor nite lite for the bathroom. It gives enough light to see without blinding you with with 1000 watts at 3 am. And you don't have to find a switch as it comes on automatically. I got mine at Wal-Mart for about $12. priceless

[MR_BUTCHIE]

Thank You For The Great Info

[SleevesEnd]

There was a similar thread a few years ago and I collected, edited and removed the duplicates of the tips I found on that thread, put them in a booklet and mailed it out to the other Cruise Critic members on our roll call before our Europe Cruise. I've finally made it a .pdf file and posted it here if anyone is interested. Scroll down to the bottom to get it. The back has some Italy information too, that we used for our trip. Help yourself and enjoy!

[chill636]

Never make love on the balcony.... for love is blind but the neighbors ain't.:eek:

 

hahahah!! gotta love a little humor on these threads!!

 

these tips are great! ive sent so many to my blackberry (so i dont 4get anything) that i need another memory card!

[Shay6380]

you have already told us this one!!!

You must be thinking of someone else. This is the first time I've posted to this thread.

[septomin]

I went through the original secrets thread and compiled the tips I found most interesting.

 

Dining

• In the dining room, you can order as much as you want of anything.
  
• Pasta listed under entrees is also available as an appetizer.
  
• On some ships, espresso or cappuccino is available after dinner for no charge, but others will charge for it.
  
• There is an "alternative menu" you can order from if you would prefer a steak or chicken breast to whatever is on the menu that night. You may also order from the children's menu for dessert.
  
• The dining room posts that evening's menu earlier in the day.
  
• There is a charge for a special cake of about $10.
  
• Children 12 or younger may be able to order soda at dinner for free (although it seems this policy may have changed). Iced tea is always free at dinner.
  
• There isn't much point in getting to dinner early as you will be seated and served at the same time as everyone else.
  
• Room service is free, although a tip isn't included so it's a good idea to leave a few dollars cash.
  
• The pizzeria, which is open 24 hours, also makes a Caesar salad that many people like. They will custom-make a pizza or calzone, which takes about 8 minutes.
  
• The grill on the lido deck serves hot dogs and hamburgers and may also serve chicken breast sandwiches and minute steak sandwiches.
  
• The grilled Reuben from the deli is highly recommended.
  
• Some suggest bringing food from breakfast or room service onshore; however, most food is prohibited and potentially damaging to island ecosystems. Small boxes of cereal are generally okay.
  
• Many ships have a fish and chips stand that isn't crowded. Although many people like it, others said it was more greasy than Long John Silvers.
  
• There are sample menus available at http://www.unofficialcarnivalwiki.com/wiki/Category:Menus
  
• The supper club may be open for a complimentary lunch.

Beverages

• You can get a refill in the souvenir glass for a little cheaper.
  
• Buckets of beer (4 beers) are cheaper than buying individually, but the bartender will open them all unless you ask them not to.
  
• Adults need to drink about four sodas a day for the soda card to be worth it. You are only supposed to get sodas for one person with it.
  
• Iced tea, lemonade, coffee, tea, and soft-serve ice cream and frozen yogurt are available 24 hours a day on the Lido deck. Orange juice may also be available even with the label missing. Some people bring hot/cold mugs which hold more than the ship's plastic cups.
  
• At the Captain's Party and the Past Guest Party, all drinks are free, not just the ones brought by waiters.
  
• Preordering drink coupons may save around 50 cents/drink. See http://www.carnival.com/BonVoyage/Default.aspx
  
• If you have the room in your luggage, you are allowed to bring on your own soda. Each person may bring one bottle of wine, and if you bring it to dinner there is a $10 corkage fee.
  
• Sometimes people smuggle alcohol in checked luggage.

Cabins

• You may or may not be charged $22 for losing a towel.
  
• When in doubt, ask the steward for anything you need. Examples include a foam pad for the bed and toothpaste you forgot.
  
• The night before going ashore in hot weather, consider freezing a wet washcloth in your refrigerator, then packing it with ice in a plastic bag.
  
• The bathrooms do not have much counter space; if you have a lot of toiletries, consider bringing an over-the-door shoe holder.
  
• Cabins generally only have one outlet, so it might be a good idea to bring a power strip. An alarm clock may not keep accurate time due to power supply fluctuations, but wake up calls are available.
  
• Consider bringing a small night light so that you can find the bathroom with the lights out.
  
• Some people prop open the balcony door with a doorstop or bungee cord. If you do this, it may also be possible to tamper with the door sensor with a magnet in order to keep the air conditioner running, but this is very wasteful of energy. Having the balcony door and the cabin door open at the same time can create a wind tunnel effect.
  
• The cabin safe may use a four digit code or a magnetic card. If it uses a magnetic card, pretty much any card will work, but it's recommended to choose a non-essential one like a library card because there is a risk of demagnetization.
  
• Some people recommend tipping the steward on your first day, but others say this can be insulting.
  
• If a bathrobe isn't in your cabin, ask your steward to bring one.
  
• Decorating your cabin door may help you find it easier, especially late at night.

Goods and services

• The purser's desk has postcards with a picture of the ship for free.
  
• At the purser's desk you might be able to get a deck of playing cards (although it seems they have started selling these at the casino, along with dice).
  
• The purser's desk will have stamps suitable for use in port.
  
• There may be a hardcover book in your cabin about the ship that is free for asking.
  
• The casino has lanyards and will punch a hole in your Sail & Sign card so that you don't leave it behind. Some people like to bring their own plastic covers which can be bought onshore inexpensively.
  
• There is no charge to have pictures taken, and the pictures are usually available for sale less than a day after they were taken.
  
• Photography is prohibited in the picture area. It is considered rude to have someone take a picture at the same time you are being professionally photographed.
  
• If you'd like to make copies of a photo you bought, Carnival will supply a photo release.
  
• Volunteering to be a model for the spa or photographers may get you a free facial or free pictures.
  
• The doctor has aspirin and motion sickness and other medicine, often in free samples.
  
• The cruise video tends to include things like the hairy chest contest but not any of the nighttime shows. It becomes cheaper later in the week.
  
• Discounts are often available on port days.
  
• On the last sea day there's often a discount available for laundry at $15 for a bag.

What to do

• Some people like to take a highlighter or pen to mark what they're interested in on the Capers.
  
• Casino slots are extremely tight, especially at lower amounts.
  
• The Fun21 game is also known as Spanish 21 and does not have queens in the deck.
  
• There is a 3% fee to use the Sign & Sail card to buy chips, and there is also a fee to use the ATM. It's probably best to bring cash.
  
• Many ships have one or more "secret doors" leading to a forward deck. See http://unofficialcarnivalwiki.com/wiki/Secret_Door for more information and some maps. Note - the foghorn may be quite loud up there.
  
• There are often a few quiet places on board that not many people know about, so look around.
  
• There is an "adults only" deck (formerly "topless" deck) near the top of the ship. The dancers are said to hang out there on the last sea day.
  
• Sometimes there is a galley tour that may or may not be advertised and may require you to buy the cookbook to get an invitation.
  
• The library may have a Cruise Critic log book, where you are invited to leave your comments.
  
• There are a few tea times that offer free tea and food.
  
• The art auctions offer free champagne, but often the doors are closed and it is difficult to leave early. Recently the New York Times has reported on many people who feel they have been ripped off by the excessive valuations of prints.
  
• Pools on deck are filled with salt water.
  
• The library may have a free daily crossword/sudoku/trivia puzzle.
  
• The steam rooms, showers, and saunas in the spa are free.
  
• Please be considerate and don't save deck chairs for longer than 30 minutes, as they are generally in short supply.
  
• There may be a galley or bridge tour. Check the Capers.

Booking, pricing, and transportation

• If the price of your cruise is lowered after booking, you can often call and get a partial refund or on-board credit.
  
• Excursion prices are often higher through Carnival than directly from the excursion company, but in some cases there is an agreement not to let you pay the lower price. At ports where tendering is required, booking an official excursion allows you to get off earlier.
  
• Tying a brightly colored ribbon to your luggage may help you find it if you want to check your luggage deporting.
  
• Using a porter at embarkment may allow you to skip long lines. A tip is expected.
  
• If you own 100 shares of CCL, you may get a free onboard credit. Check the annual report.
  
• Booking air travel through Carnival is likely to be more expensive than elsewhere. Same for shuttle transportation from the airport vs. a taxi.
  
• There is a military discount available that is reported to be substantial.

[Lostwolfe]

Septom, Excellent idea!

[Ken076]

Excellent list!!! If you want, you might add:

 

One 750 ml bottle of wine/champagne IS allowed by Carnival and CAN be carried on board in your Carry On luggage.

 

When you receive your S&S Cardcheck your dining assignment; if the time is not what you requested/wanted, head IMMEDIATELY for the Dining room entrance and the Maitre D' and ask if he can change your assignment.

 

Carry extra Singles and Fives to tip curbside porters, to tip Room Service a few bucks, to tip Shore taxi drivers, to tip Excursion Tour Guide and Bus Driver (and bathroom attendants in Mexico!).

 

Gratuities of $10 per day per person (including children) are automatically added to your S&S Account. For really bad service you can ask the Purser to decrease tips to dining room Wait Staff, Room Steward or Buffet staff individually - try to name the position/name of staff providing the bad service. Remember to tip the Camp Carnival staff if you used them.

 

You might also note that the Captain's Reception is on Formal nite and is formal attire and that the Past Guest reception is only on cruises of 5+ nites.

 

Your list answers MANY of the questions that re-appear on the Board; why don't you try to get this list added as a Sticky at the front of the Board, maybe titled "Recurring Carnival questions" ????

 

ken

[n2otm7]

hi all, i had a question regarding dinning room assignment. Once i receive my sail and sign card, will I be able to tell what kind of dinning room table i have gotten? I did request for table for two, so would I be able to know in check-in? or do i have to stop by dinning room to verify? Btw, I am sailing in 4 days on Pride!

[izzyvet]

hi all, i had a question regarding dinning room assignment. Once i receive my sail and sign card, will I be able to tell what kind of dinning room table i have gotten? I did request for table for two, so would I be able to know in check-in? or do i have to stop by dinning room to verify? Btw, I am sailing in 4 days on Pride!

 

One of the first things we do when we board is to go find our dining room table! The dining room will usually be open, but they won't be serving anyone. Most of the tables will have little signs on them with numbers. Sometimes the way the tables are numbered doesn't seem to follow a pattern, but you can usually find it. Often there will be someone there to help you.

[okbookgirl]

you have already told us this one!!!

 

 

It bears repeating. LOL