New to cruising - a few questions!

[Splendorific]

Well, for starters I should introduce myself!

 

I'm brand new to the CC boards, and brand new to cruising!

I am a member at an extremely large Disney vBulliten discussion board, so I'm hoping this board is an easy adjustment for me and praying that you are all as friendly as they are there. ;)

 

I have a friend who recently graduated from high school, and her graduation gift was a cruise and the best friend, me, for the week, hehe. And so here I am... lucky as pie with an all-expenses paid 7-day Eastern Caribbean Carnival cruise on the way! Woot!

 

We're sailing on Dec. 13th on the Splendor. Naturally, I have a few questions. My biggest concern right now (although it probably isn't a big deal in the long run) is this:

 

At the time of the cruise, I will be 20 years old. My friend will be 18. We are non-drinkers, and by that I mean even if we were of legal age we would not be drinkers and we do not have the desire to be in a drunken atmosphere. Our dilemma is that the teen alcohol-free club is only ages 15-17, and then drinking age starts at 21. We are out here in limbo with the 18-20 crowd. We fear that the rest of the clubs and lounges will be filled with honeymooners and 25-60 year olds... not that there is anything wrong with this age group, I love you guys to death... but we want to meet and connect with people our age. Does anyone have any suggestions for us? Will it still be easy to make those connections?

 

 

- Are any of the decks open round-the-clock?

- How easy is it to find an open chair on a deck, or space in the pool/whirlpools?

- Are there any no food/drink areas?

- Can I really order as much food as I want? Maybe I want three appetizers and two entrees at dinner... (I am not eating for a whole two weeks before I cruise LOL)

 

 

Also, are there any good tips for a first time cruiser? :)

[G'ma]

Your biggest dilemma is Carnival's age policy. You must be 21 to cruise without supervision. Here is the policy from their website:

 

How old do you have to be to travel alone?

 

Guests are required to be 21 years old (on embarkation day) to travel. Guests under the age of 21 must be accompanied in the same stateroom by a parent or guardian 25 or older. The exceptions Carnival will make to this policy are:

Married minor couple - The booking must be documented that the couple is married. The couple must have proof of marriage at embarkation or they will be denied boarding without the benefit of a refund.

Domestic Partners/Same-Sex Union minor couple - The booking must be documented that the couple are legal Domestic Partners/Same-Sex Union. The couple must have legal proof of partnership/union at embarkation or they will be denied boarding without the benefit of a refund.

Guest ages will be verified at embarkation. Guests not conforming to this policy will be denied boarding and assessed a 100% cancellation penalty. NO exceptions will be made at embarkation.

The Group policy is slightly different because of stricter group terms and conditions including mandatory chaperones, damage deposits and other considerations.

 

You will not be able to cruise if it's only you, at 20, and an 18 year old. You will be denied boarding at the port.

[thehinsons4]

order 9 appetizers if you want! one night all i ordered was appetizers. i didnt like any of the entrees.

[Splendorific]

You will not be able to cruise if it's only you' date=' at 20, and an 18 year old. You will be denied boarding at the port.[/quote']

 

 

No worries there. Her whole family is going, parents included.

[G'ma]

No worries there. Her whole family is going, parents included.

 

Fabulous!!!!!!

 

Go and have a great time!!!!

[98Charlie]

1. You will be able to go around any of the decks 24/7, weather permitting.
   
2. Deck chairs near the pool during the day may be at a premium. If you are just looking to sun yourselves, there should be plenty of chairs available on one of the upper decks.
   
3. As far as "No Food/No Drink" areas, I assume you mean areas where you cannot take food or drinks. You will see people walking around with drinks everywhere. Common sense would say that you wouldn't want to be eating/drinking and shopping at the same time. But, it happens:rolleyes: I can't think of anywhere that you are restricted in carrying food or beverages.
   
4. Yes, you can eat as much as you want. Carnival has 24/7 pizza which is the best of any of the cruise lines IMHO. There is also self serve ice cream all day & all night. Room service is available anytime (I would suggest that you tip the delivery person. They are not included in the tip pool.).
   
5. You will be able to go in to the various lounges (we love the piano bars on Carnival), just not able to purchase alcohol. Decide in advance if you would benefit from a soda card.
   
6. It's hard to tell what the age mix will be on any specific cruise.

Hope you have a great time.

 

Charlie

[Chigirlcruzin]

At the time of the cruise, I will be 20 years old. My friend will be 18. We are non-drinkers, and by that I mean even if we were of legal age we would not be drinkers and we do not have the desire to be in a drunken atmosphere. Our dilemma is that the teen alcohol-free club is only ages 15-17, and then drinking age starts at 21. We are out here in limbo with the 18-20 crowd. We fear that the rest of the clubs and lounges will be filled with honeymooners and 25-60 year olds... not that there is anything wrong with this age group, I love you guys to death... but we want to meet and connect with people our age. Does anyone have any suggestions for us? Will it still be easy to make those connections?

 

 

- Are any of the decks open round-the-clock?

- How easy is it to find an open chair on a deck, or space in the pool/whirlpools?

- Are there any no food/drink areas?

- Can I really order as much food as I want? Maybe I want three appetizers and two entrees at dinner... (I am not eating for a whole two weeks before I cruise LOL)

 

 

Also, are there any good tips for a first time cruiser? :)

 

I was 18 on my first cruise, and there were several other 18-20 year olds on board too. I sailed in early December in 2006, and there were not too many younger people on board. There were only 26 people 21-29, and another 100 people 30-35 (a social host told me this). I saw very few kids on this ship. There most likely will not be a lot of younger people on your sailing due to the time of year (of course, the next week, watch out). However, you're going with your best friend, and you will still have a great time. There's still bound to be a couple in your age range. Every sailing is different - I'm just relaying my experience. And at 18 and 20, the only thing you can't do is drink. You can still gamble and go to the bars/lounges to dance or listen to the music.

 

The ship is open round the clock in terms of accessibility. The casinos, and bars/lounges close between 2-4 am, depending on the crowd. There's a 24-hour pizzeria up on Lido deck, where I used to head after the disco closed (I now go to bed after the disco closes:eek: ).

 

You'll read about chair hogs on these boards, but in 7 cruises, I've never had an issue getting a pool chair or finding space in a pool. The pools are small though, and I generally just jump in and out to cool down.

 

No food or drink is allowed on the dance floors, but other than that, I can't think of anywhere food/drink isn't allowed. Oh, you can't bring non-packaged foods off the ship. Security will confiscate it, and there's a risk of introducing something into the island's ecosystem that could be damaging.

 

Yes, you can order whatever and however much you want.

 

Have a great cruise! I'm guessing by your screen name you're going on the Splendor?

[*Mach*]

Well, for starters I should introduce myself!

 

I'm brand new to the CC boards, and brand new to cruising!

I am a member at an extremely large Disney vBulliten discussion board, so I'm hoping this board is an easy adjustment for me and praying that you are all as friendly as they are there. ;)

 

I have a friend who recently graduated from high school, and her graduation gift was a cruise and the best friend, me, for the week, hehe. And so here I am... lucky as pie with an all-expenses paid 7-day Eastern Caribbean Carnival cruise on the way! Woot!

 

We're sailing on Dec. 13th on the Splendor. Naturally, I have a few questions. My biggest concern right now (although it probably isn't a big deal in the long run) is this:

 

At the time of the cruise, I will be 20 years old. My friend will be 18. We are non-drinkers, and by that I mean even if we were of legal age we would not be drinkers and we do not have the desire to be in a drunken atmosphere. Our dilemma is that the teen alcohol-free club is only ages 15-17, and then drinking age starts at 21. We are out here in limbo with the 18-20 crowd. We fear that the rest of the clubs and lounges will be filled with honeymooners and 25-60 year olds... not that there is anything wrong with this age group, I love you guys to death... but we want to meet and connect with people our age. Does anyone have any suggestions for us? Will it still be easy to make those connections?

 

 

- Are any of the decks open round-the-clock?

- How easy is it to find an open chair on a deck, or space in the pool/whirlpools?

- Are there any no food/drink areas?

- Can I really order as much food as I want? Maybe I want three appetizers and two entrees at dinner... (I am not eating for a whole two weeks before I cruise LOL)

 

 

Also, are there any good tips for a first time cruiser? :)

 

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic and the wonderful adventure of cruising!!

Let's see how many of these I can answer... Yep... all the decks are open all night. I'm sure that there will be plenty of folks your age on board. Have a chat with the Cruise Director after the Welcome Aboard show and I'm sure that he will be able to help you out in that regard.

The disco will be open late as well as several of the other lounges and the casino. No need to drink. There's also an adult show at midnight in the forward lounge, Spectacular Spectacular.

Yep... eat all you want. Order as many entrées, desserts and what not at dinner. No one will bat an eye.

You shouldn't have any problems finding space around the pools or hot tubs. Carnival has instituted a 'no saving deck chairs' policy and they're enforcing it... good news!!!

You'll have a fabulous time. Spend some time enjoying just being at sea... That's the best advice I can give you... that and don't forget room service is 24 hours a day and FREE!!!

Mach

[MalibuBarbie]

You are a very lucky girl!! It is an incredible gift to be given a cruise---you will find people your age group---hang out by the pool and I am sure you will spot them out. You guys will probably be hanging out with new friends by the end of the first day.

 

I agree with you though---the 18 to 20 year olds are kind of left hanging---too young to drink but too old for the teens club. My kids are both in your age group. My daughter is bringing her boyfriend but my son is hoping to meet somy guys he hang out and watch the games! I am hoping he meets the girl of his dreams and he winds up taking her with us!

 

Have a great cruise!

Barbie

[JerseyshoreBruce]

:) Welcome Splendorific to the only way to enjoy life cruising. Can't add anything as everyone already answered all your questions. Enjoy your cruise and we will see you on many more i am sure. I live to cruise, and cruise to live! So will you after this cruise.......

[dos equis]

Wow it's like deja vu! Last year my best friend was given a 7 day Caribbean cruise for her college grad present, and she got to bring me along. The only thing I had to pay for was my passport and plane ticket. It was the best experience of my life! We were 21 when we went and had tons of fun. We actually hung out with her parents a lot, which might sound lame, but we had such a good time together. A lot of the clubs are 18+ at night, so you wont have problem getting into those. There is a lot to do, kareoke... dancing...hot tubs...you'll be able to use the casino too... Get ready to have SO MUCH FUN. I will warn you though.. cruising for the first time for FREE is really going to mess you up for future cruises! I just planned my 2nd one and now that I have to pay for it all myself I'm going crazy with trying to save up money and everything, and hopefully I'll have just as much fun.

 

When it comes to food, don't be shy! Order whatever you want. Take full advantage of the amazing service you'll get on the cruise because when you come home, you'll miss it for months! :D

[CEWayfarer]

When it comes to food, don't be shy! Order whatever you want. Take full advantage of the amazing service you'll get on the cruise because when you come home, you'll miss it for months! :D

 

Another great thing is that you can be adventurous and try food that you wouldn't normally order, since you don't have to pay for it! If you don't like it, it's no loss; you just order something else!

[southbayer]

I'm sure you can order some of those fancy drinks, with no alcohol.

Have a great time:D

[fllady61]

they have Virgin Daquries, Virgin Mary's, Shirley Temples, and a few others. They even have a special name for a coke with cherry syrup, but i cannot remember what it is.

 

AS stated, get a soda card. They also have Cranberry juice, orange juice, fruit punch, ice tea (though not the best), and faucet water, and bottled water (2.50 a bottle)

 

If you want to take water on with you, put it in a rolling suitcase, and check it with your checked luggagee. I usually take about 12 water, and 12 12oz plastic bottles of Pepsi since the soda is coke products on the ship.

 

Milk is also avaiable to drink. If you have a fridge in your room, order some from room service and put in your fridge when you get there the first night. Oh btw, 2%, skim, and Chocolate.

 

don't worry about not Drinking. WE don't drink either.

 

OH you should be warrned, DO NOT GET THE FOO FOO WELCOME ABOARD DRINK. IT IS RUM PUNCH.

 

Get a souvioner mug, and have them put your soda in that. other wise, you only get about 6 oz out of a 12 oz can.

 

hope this helps.

 

OH yes, Welcome to Cruise Critic, and Welcome to Crusing.

 

Don't miss the BLT from room service. YUM YUM..

 

dont miss chocolate melting cake or baked alaska either.

 

eat hearty, and have fun

[YoungCruiser0308]

Also, are there any good tips for a first time cruiser? :)

 

 

I am also a first time cruiser in March 2009 on the Valor.

But I feel the best piece of advice I can offer is come to this board day and night, well maybe not that much, but there is a ton of info and lots of helpful people too!

I work with computers all day so I have access to the internet and usually on avg. I am this site twice a day, and I don't remember the last time I didn't learn something new.

And don't be afraid to ask any questions either...

 

Have fun, I know I will!!!!!!

 

Kris

[fllady61]

Also, are there any good tips for a first time cruiser? :)

 

 

I am also a first time cruiser in March 2009 on the Valor.

But I feel the best piece of advice I can offer is come to this board day and night, well maybe not that much, but there is a ton of info and lots of helpful people too!

I work with computers all day so I have access to the internet and usually on avg. I am this site twice a day, and I don't remember the last time I didn't learn something new.

And don't be afraid to ask any questions either...

 

Have fun, I know I will!!!!!!

 

Kris

 

the main thing is to NOT over pack. Take plenty of Sd cards for your camera. Enjoy the onboard/deck parties and get togethers ie.... hairy chest contest, ice sculpting, deck parties, midnigh buffetts, conga line,

[Splendorific]

Have a great cruise! I'm guessing by your screen name you're going on the Splendor?

Yep! Splendor it is! I was looking at pictures from last week and it looks INCREDIBLE! I am so psyched.

 

You guys will probably be hanging out with new friends by the end of the first day.

That is so good to hear... I am all about making new friends! It really is one of my top priorities for the cruise.

 

Another great thing is that you can be adventurous and try food that you wouldn't normally order, since you don't have to pay for it! If you don't like it, it's no loss; you just order something else!

I definitely plan on this... does Carnival usually serve escargot at some point? I am looking to be adventurous and feel classy. :D

 

 

 

Thanks so much for all the responses! I already feel at home here.

Another question... for the formal nights, exactly how formal is it? I mean are we talking prom gown, homecoming dress, or a breezy summer dress?

[Splendorific]

Bumping up with yet another question about FOOD... what else? LOL

 

I know they mass-produce these meals... are special requests taken well? For example... I'd like this shrimp and scallop dish you have on the menu, but no scallops please.

[julee407]

Welcome to cruise critic! I can honestly say that cruising has something for all ages, so you will have a blast no matter what. You may also want to check out the Roll Call message board for your specific cruise.

 

Have a great time!!

[queenanneitis]

People have answered many of your questions but here's a link with tons of tips, answers to questions, etc.

 

http://www.prucha.com/modules.php?name=Cruise_Mania

[JerseyshoreBruce]

Thanks so much for all the responses! I already feel at home here.

Another question... for the formal nights, exactly how formal is it? I mean are we talking prom gown, homecoming dress, or a breezy summer dress?

Yes you can get escargot...my wife likes it now! Like a plain any colored spagetti strapped dress is fine for formal nights. My son meet a girl onboard they fell in love and realized they couldn't continue the long distance relationship. We still vacation with them now and are good friends. They live in Conn. and us in NJ. My boys always were hanging with new friends on the cruise's. Your gonna do great!

[carnivalcruise5]

Thanks so much for all the responses! I already feel at home here.

Another question... for the formal nights, exactly how formal is it? I mean are we talking prom gown, homecoming dress, or a breezy summer dress?

Yes you can get escargot...my wife likes it now! Like a plain any colored spagetti strapped dress is fine for formal nights. My son meet a girl onboard they fell in love and realized they couldn't continue the long distance relationship. We still vacation with them now and are good friends. They live in Conn. and us in NJ. My boys always were hanging with new friends on the cruise's. Your gonna do great!

 

 

Formal is anywhere from your Sunday Best to Prom night. It is just your taste for Formal night.

 

My taste, was my Sunday best till started purchasing long gowns off of ebay. Now, I have 2 long dresses that are more formal than I usually wear.

[JerseyshoreBruce]

Formal is anywhere from your Sunday Best to Prom night. It is just your taste for Formal night.

 

My taste, was my Sunday best till started purchasing long gowns off of ebay. Now, I have 2 long dresses that are more formal than I usually wear.

I know that but I was just letting her know that something that easy was okay! I'm sure she knew you could wear a gown I assumed she wanted to chill out a little.

[Splendorific]

I know that but I was just letting her know that something that easy was okay! I'm sure she knew you could wear a gown I assumed she wanted to chill out a little.

 

You're right! As much as I love to go all out in a formal gown, I would rather save the money as a college student and go for something simpler... and easier to pack. What had crossed my mind was a simple jersey-cotton summer halter dress, and snazzing it up a little with jewelry and heels.

 

That's so sweet that your son met someone on a cruise... I imagine it can be a pretty romantic setting. I'm in no hurry to find my prince charming, but it is really good to hear that it is easy to make connections with people! Thanks for your encouragement!

 

 

Thanks for all the answers so far... I am sure I'll have many more! Less than 5 months to go! :D

[trock]

You will have a great time and there should not be too many "little" kids on board..But definitely those your age.. Check out the role call for your ship and perhaps make some new friends prior to going...

 

My 2c: STAY AWAY FROM STRANGE MEN and do not go anywhere alone.. just a word of caution to young girls...!!!

:)