Mirella Posted March 23, 2007 #1 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Hi, Everyone! I'm going on a cruise w/my husband and 11 yr old step son. None of us have ever been on a cruise. We are going on the Sensation Cruise to the Bahamas (Freeport/Nassau) from Sunday 8/26- Thursday 8/30/07. I've booked a beach day at Freeport from 8:30am- 1:00pm, and a Blackbeard Beach day w/ snorkling in Nassau. Do any of you experienced "cruisers" have any words of wisdom or tips that would help make this the best experience for us? I want this trip to be awesome. For example- I completed the "Fun Pass' for us- but does that really matter? SHould we bring our own snorkels? Can I get a massage on board? Will my son have fun at the "kid's camp" if we adults want to go to the casino? Please share your thoughts : ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guienevere_Arianette Posted March 23, 2007 #2 Share Posted March 23, 2007 The best piece of advice I can give you is to pour yourself a glass of wine (or tea, whatever your choice is) and dedicate at least one hour an evening to researching your cruise. Sit down and read all the threads on the Carnival board...then go to the Ports of Call board...then the Ask a Cruise Question board...then the Money Saving board...keep a file of all the tips you read; you'll be amazed if you just invest some time into what is already available :D Happy Cruising! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wennfred Posted March 23, 2007 #3 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Do any of you experienced "cruisers" have any words of wisdom or tips that would help make this the best experience for us? I want this trip to be awesome. First tip that comes to mind, after you have settled in, unpacked etc. Find your way to the elevators, take it up to Lido Deck, look at the Picture between the elevators, it will show you the ships deck plan, head to the back of the ship.. when you see the Ice Cream machines, stop there and get some, try the Mix flavor one, Chocolate and Vanilla mixed :D Welcome to Cruise Critic. Have a great cruise. Fred Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terraweb Posted March 23, 2007 #4 Share Posted March 23, 2007 For example- I completed the "Fun Pass' for us- but does that really matter? SHould we bring our own snorkels? Can I get a massage on board? Will my son have fun at the "kid's camp" if we adults want to go to the casino? Completing the Fun Pass online saves some time and writing later on. If you have your own snorkels, bring them if you don't mind lugging them around. I have full snorkel gear for my entire family, but I rarely bring it because it's always me who ends up carrying it all! :rolleyes: You can rent it pretty cheaply in most ports. I've never rented any in the Bahamas, so I'm not sure about pricing there. My son was the same age as yours on his first cruise, too, and Camp Carnival was one of his favorite things about it. I think it ranked right up there with the 24-hr-a-day pizza and ice cream. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NascarFan Posted March 23, 2007 #5 Share Posted March 23, 2007 One thing is to try not to over do the advanced planing of each day you may miss other things that come up on the cruise. On past cruises I have printed out the deck plans for the main levels and it came in handy!! and lst but not least do take the advise on the ice cream bar!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeptunesGoddess Posted March 23, 2007 #6 Share Posted March 23, 2007 I hope you have a great time on your cruise. Planning can be a lot of fun and a great way to pass the time between now and embarkation day. Like one poster said, just enjoy reading here and jot down things that you think are good tips. Two invaluable tips for me on our first cruise were having a power strip outlet bar and having a lot of singles and five dollar bills. Also, be sure you take advantage of room service. Some first time cruisers have the "hotel" mindset of thinking that room service is an extra fee. Not on a cruise! It's free baby...just be sure to tip the delivery person a couple bucks (one of those times those singles come in handy). :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habby Posted March 23, 2007 #7 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Don't overplan - leave flexibility for whatever comes along. Yes you can get a massage on board. DD had one, said it was great but wouldn't pay that much again. I don't know anything about Camp Carnival but if you son wants to give it a try, let him. He may end up meeting someone there to hang out with even outside of "camp". TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES. The person wearing the goofy hat at the airport, the little kids on the islands, dinner, dessert .............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluefintuna Posted March 23, 2007 #8 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Make sure your son signs up the first night. Time will be posted in the capers when you get to your cabin. Most kids love Camp Carnival, but don't feel bad if he wants to be with his peers more than you. The counselors are top notch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minnesota Lady Posted March 23, 2007 #9 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Have a wonderful cruise!!!!!;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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