Sailing Thurs 8/21 and we're pretty clueless :(

[MollySays]

Hi everybody! :) I am so glad I found this website! I hope there's a couple of people around today with it being Saturday and all.

 

This past Wednesday the most unbelievable thing happened. My husband called me at work to see if I could get a couple of days of vacation time next week. I asked him why and he said that his boss is sending us on a cruise. I was totally floored- cruises are the type of thing we thought we'd never have the financial means to do, and now thanks to her generosity here we are booked and planning for our first cruise ever! Once I picked my jaw up off the floor :) and recovered from the initial state of shock I realized that we have less than a week to figure out everything.

 

Some details: We are sailing out of Orlando (Port Canaveral) on August 21st on the Carnival Sensation. It's a 3-day cruise to Nassau, Bahamas returning on the 24th.

 

We have a few questions- if there's anyone out there who could steer us in the right direction we would appreciate it more than you know!

 

*Anyone sailed on the Sensation before? What was your overall impression? We have oceanview rooms, are those typically pretty nice? (Not that it matters really, I mean it's our first cruise and we'd be happy bunking in a closet if that's what it came down to!)

 

*We are planning to explore the ship rather than going to the "formal" dinner, is that a good plan? Do they close stuff down during that time because they figure everyone will be in the dining rooms?

 

*She booked us a shore excursion called "Atlantis dolphin shallow water and aquaventure", has anyone been to that? Okay, being honest here- I was wondering about the wetsuits for the dolphin encounter. Do they have pretty big sizes? I'm a "big girl" and am getting worried about missing out on what may be my only chance to play with a dolphin because I'm too big for the darn wetsuits! (hope that's not TMI!)

 

*If anyone's been to the Atlantis private beach, what did you think? I think we both have this tropical-soft-white-sands-and-foamy-surf (sorta like those Corona beer commercials) mental picture and wondered if that was close to what we'll actually see.

 

*What can we reasonably expect to bring cash-wise with us? We are fairly set as far as credit (I hope!) just don't know about cash.

 

I've been burning up the Web searching out any information I can find and getting more excited by the day! I just haven't had much luck finding any "personal experience" type info in those areas and time is running out. So if anyone could help that would be great!

[Catrin]

Wow!

What an awesome opportunity and what a generous gift!

 

My one advice.. Don't Skip Formal Night! Formal night is not what it used to be... you do not need a sequined dress or a tuxedo... any nicer outfit would do. It is the best meal and a nice night in general. The other nights are casual nights.

 

I am sure there are plenty of others who can give advice on the Atlantic Excursion.. venture over to the Bahamas Port of Call board, you may have some first hand experiences.

 

Good Luck planning for five days!

Enjoy!

Catrin

[seafun]

Welcome to these boards and a wonderful addiction that's about to take hold on you, lol. Oh, and practice smiling ear to ear in the next few days, or else your jaws will get sore on the ship because you're doing it so much! :D

Here's the link to the Bahamas board where you'll find lots of info about Atlantis and all they offer:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=58

 

Atlantis is SPECTACULAR! I was there recently and spent the $40.00 to see the huge, world class, amazing aquariums and didn't regret it (they will blow you away if you have time to see them.)

I'm sure that your wetsuit fears are not necessary. Rule 1 in cruising, there is ALWAYS somebody "fluffier" than you, so do not worry about your size. Most places can accomodate people up to about 250 pounds, often more.

I agree, don't skip formal night if you have one on a short cruise. It's not that hard to pack a little dress, and a shirt and tie. There's lots of threads on here about what will be acceptable for formal night.

Are you still practicing your smiling? :D Come on now, practice!! I mean it, you are going to have such a good time!!

This list is way too long for a short cruise, but here's a site with suggestions for a packing list if you're freaking out about it:

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

 

Lots of hints and packing advice on the lower right of the page.

Well, that's enough to get you started. I'm sure you'll get lots of helpful advice. The most important thing to pack is a good attitude, and it seems you already have one! :D

Happy cruising!

[magictam]

Congratulations, this is great. I can't give you to much advice as I've never sailed with Carnival before, but I know you'll have a great time.

 

I agree with Catrin, don't skip the formal night. You'll really enjoy self. You don't have to get super dressed up. It's nice to experience it just once at least.

 

Here's a link to your "roll call". This is a place others sailing with you meet each other before the cruise. Alot of time, they're repeat "saliors" and can answer alot of questions. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=784175

 

Also, here's a link to the port of call: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=58

 

You don't need to bring any cash for the ship itself. Everything you buy on ship will be charged to your account. Similar to a hotel room charging items to your room. You have to secure your ship account with either cash or a credit card. Have you done the pre-registration on the Carnival website? You can set up your information and print your boarding pass from there. Be aware when offered a Drink of the Day (DOD) you will be charged for it if you accept it. Also be aware if you want to buy just a drink (average $7. up) or if you want to buy the drink with the sovineour glass too (average $12. up).

 

Bring cash to tip the porters at the pier and people during your excurisions.

 

I'm sure others will be chiming in with other great tips and ideas. Have a great cruise and enjoy yourself!!!!

[xntric1]

Your first cruise and it was a unexpected gift - how wonderful!

Our first cruise was on the Sensation in 2004. She sailed out of Tampa with a different itinerary, at that time. We had an oceanview room and loved it. Very comfy beds and a invisible room steward (we only saw him once, but he was wonderful). If we needed something unusual, we left a note.

The Sensation was easy to find your way around. The food was very good. We had great tablemates and a truly wonderful wait staff.

Re-think skipping formal night - all that is needed for the guys now is a shirt/tie/slacks and slacks and nice top for the ladies. If you decide not to go - things are still open and operating, as there are 2 dining times aboard.

 

I hope you have a wonderful time. Enjoy!

[BCfan]

Try to arrive at Port Canaveral early, maybe around 10:30 or 11:00. PC is a very easy port to embark from (*Don't forget picture ID and Birth Certificate or passport). If everything is in order you should be on board by 11:30 or 12:00 enjoying your first drink and lunch. Try to take time to explore the ship that first day. Go to the purser's desk and pick up a couple of ship maps and study them.

 

I agree with the previous posters about not missing "Elegant Night". It's always one of our highlights. (Don't be shy about ordering more than one appetizer or entree; everyone does it.)

 

As far as cash goes, if you already have an excursion paid for, You should only need cash for tipping the porters and cabbies (I always bring lots of $1 and $5 bills), and any gambling you might do in the casino. HTH

 

Relax and have a great cruise, you're gonna love it!!

[kaytez]

Fantastic!!!:D

You have found the right board for info.;)

But don't say I didn't warn you...the three days will be enough to cause severe addiction!:eek:

[bonnys]

I hope you have a great time! Port Canaveral is a great port. Embarkation is so easy. If you want to order room service you will need some $1 bills for tipping. Also, here is a link that you can find out lots of info. on the ship, menus, and cabins just to name a few.

http://unofficialcarnivalwiki.com/wiki/Main_Page

Most of all, make sure you enjoy every minute and take lots of pictures.:D

[Pegs222]

Congratulations on an amazing gift. Your going to love cruising, and you will become a regular not only here but to cursing. Three days is so short but you will have a fabulous time. Come back with pictures and a review.

 

Have a wonderful cruise. I hope you have sunny days, calm seas and starry nights.

[cruizer4662]

You will be sailing out of our backyard. We did have the pleasure of staying one night onboard when she came out of shipyard after the Hurricanes. They were still "tidying" up here and there. We did not leave the dock as we were guests of our TA for the night. (No credit for that night:confused:).

 

All I can say is go with a open mind, go to the formal night, nice dress for you, (fluffy is good you won't be alone) and slacks with a sport coat & tie for your DH. Enjoy yourselves and try to feed your addiction that you will have after this cruise.

[cruzn buckeye]

Yes, you must have a passport or a birth certificate with a raised seal and drivers license or other photo id.

Sensation is a fun ship! My daughter and I have done the three day twice.

Great crew. Ship is a little old, don't know if it got it's upgrades yet.

You will have a great time and an addiction will begin. I would suggest maybe instead of Atlantis in Nassau try the Wyndham. I has a casino, a bar that you can purchase drinks at by the pool, and a beach with beautiful white sand!

 

Have a great cruise!!!

[MollySays]

Wow- thank you everybody! I feel tons more at ease now that I know what to pack (or NOT to pack, as it were, ha ha!) and plan for and there's a ton of info on these boards. I feel bad now about jumping the gun and posting a thread before I read through everything, but to be honest I was starting to panic and dived right in. :o

 

I'll pass along the advice on not skipping the formal dinner to the hubby, sounds like maybe it's not as... formidable(?) as we thought. We just got married in December 2007 so the last time we got super dressed up to go to dinner I was in my wedding gown and he was in his tux! :) This is like a 2nd honeymoon for us (first, really- we pretty much came right home!) so you're right. We need to make the absolute most of it!

 

Actually, as soon as he gets home I'm gonna sit him down and have him read all of the information and advice you guys kindly posted for us!

 

We both feel truly blessed to have this opportunity and are committed to taking full advantage of it no matter what (even horrible terrible nasty colds, which I'm hoping like crazy is gone before Thursday! :D ).

[KLLund]

I have to agree that this is the beginning of an addiction and welcome to cruise critic ..

 

That last piece of information on the Passport or OFFICIAL Birth Certificate is the MOST important that you have received. Without them you are allowed to stand on the dock and wave bye bye to the ship ...

[Fergus]

Congratulations......and be forewarned.......we won a 3-day cruise to Nassau from my husband's company about 20 years ago, and cruising has become our favorite way to vacation! You'll be completely hooked!!:p

 

I don't think you'll need to worry about a wetsuit for the dolphin excursion; we did the one at Blue Lagoon (also in Nassau) a couple of weeks ago and the water was like a bathtub - very nice.

 

Try to do as many different things as you can onboard, just to see what you like and don't like - the Sensation should have a great selection of activities. Check out the shows in the lounge, the cheesy newlywed game and hairy chest contest, watch the ice carving, definitely DO go to formal night, but don't worry about being overly dressed up. Have a great time and don't worry about the things you forget to pack or don't even think about bringing in the first place.......I can pretty much assure you there will be more cruises for you!

[MollySays]

I have to agree that this is the beginning of an addiction and welcome to cruise critic ..

 

That last piece of information on the Passport or OFFICIAL Birth Certificate is the MOST important that you have received. Without them you are allowed to stand on the dock and wave bye bye to the ship ...

 

Oh my, that was a main concern especially for me! Luckily hubby was born practically down the street and his will be ready for pickup Monday. Mine was a little more complicated. My supposedly "certified" copy had what appeared to be someone's initials in ballpoint pen and that was it, no raised (or even unraised) seal to be found. Hooray for being born in a little bitty town in Georgia back in the late 70's! ;) With a little perseverance (and intensive Web searching, and thank goodness for overnight mail!) mine was delivered today. YAY!

[arpie05]

Atlantis dolphin encounter is great. We did it the last time we were there and had a blast. Yes! They have large suits. My brother in law is a 4XL and he fit in a suit just fine. Try and do deep water instead of the shallow water - we were signed up for deep but the date we were on was only shallow. Still had a great time. they don't allow you to bring a camra but we bought the DVD picture they sell you and uploaded them into our scrape book. Also, they do a free show 4 days a week that is fun to watch. Atlantis is pricey to eat - if you are by the pool - order the kids meals like the Burger Meal - it's the same burger as the adult with a bottle water for your drink- the best deal!

You can search the threads by Sensation - for hints.

[SimplyAddicted]

Congratulations! That is an awesome gift! I am super jealous! I have been to Atlantis and it is beautiful. The beach was pretty nice. Not the nicest I have seen (Trunk Bay, St. John), but very clean and the water was great. You have to order the coconut rum drink that they make right in the coconut on the beach. It was yummy! Be aware - everything in Atlantis is VERY pricey. I'm talking $12-15 for a cheesburger - no fries or a drink! If you can, save the appetite and eat on the ship.

 

Have a wonderful cruise and here's to a future of OCD - obsessive cruise disorder!

[ClerkPatsy]

I too would like to welcome you to CC and to cruising. You'll have a wonderful time no matter what you decide to do on Elegant night. Our first cruise we decided (without the great advise from CC) to skip formal night. Well, as we were sitting in the Promanade, I suddenly realized that we were missing out on a big event. Hindsight ~ we would have never missed it. Don't make the same mistake we did. At least bring clothes that you would feel comfortable in going to a nice church wedding (if you feel comfortable there, you would feel comfy on elegant night).

 

You will need "cash" for casino (there are all sorts of slots and table games to play), bingo (since you were lucky enough to get one cruise free, try for a second :D), tipping (not necessary, but you'll feel better if you did). There is a specialty coffee shop onboard with desserts to purchase, drinks, bottled water, soda all have a fee. Sushi, dining room (breakfast-lunch-dinner), lido buffet, pizza, deli, burgers, room service are all free. Feel free to eat as much as your tummy will hold.

 

Take pictures ... there is no sitting fee. So, take as many as you can. Then go back and view them and purchase as many as your budget will allow. WARNING.... most of the pictures will be good. So, you must be able to refrain yourself. The cost of those pictures can eat into your budget. But, it was fun taking them ;)

 

Once you get off the ship, you will not be able to use your S&S card. However, you can use your credit card for purchase in certain places. If you're on a budget, bring the amount of cash you can afford and go with it. You can spend as much as you want or nothing at all.

 

If you think you need to go shopping to look the part on the ship .... save your money. You'll look just fine with what's already in your closet.

 

I hope I helped some. Let me express again, you will need your Birth Certificate with a raised (official) seal and a valid driver's license OR a passport to board the ship.

 

Happy Sailing and may there be many more to come!

[vacruizer]

Congratulations on the cruise!!!! You will have a great time. Everyone has given great advice already. We were like you before our first cruise - we really don't like to dress up and thought we'd maybe hit the dining room once or twice and just do the casual buffet the rest of the time. We ended up with the most incredible waitstaff and ate all but one night in the dining room (we were on a 7 day.) Now after five cruises we haven't missed a night in the dining room yet. You really don't have to dress that much anymore - for your hubby khakis and a polo or Aloha type shirt are fine for the casual nights and a dress shirt for the formal night. You can also attend the captain's cocktail party that night which is fun.

 

I think I need to print this out and leave it on my boss's desk Monday morning - maybe it will be a good hint - LOL. :p

 

Have a wonderful time and report back to us all here what you thought of it!

[Ken076]

Do Not Skip Formal Nite (or any nite in the Dining room)!! You can get away with slacks, dress shirt and tie for DH and nice dress or pantsuit for yourself. Let several of the Photogs take photos in their different settings - there's no obligation to purchase the next day, but 8x10 is $22 on your S&S card.

 

Your tips of $10 per day per person are automatically added to your sign & sail Card. Sodas (~$2 and Drinks ($5 - $7) have 15% tip automatically added and go on your S&S card. Bring singles and fives for $2/bag for curbside poerter at cruise terminal, for cabbies tips on shore and for any Tour Guide or Tour Bus drivers. Room Service (food) is included, but tip the deliverer a couple $$. You can breakfast and lunch in the Dining room in Morning and Evening (casual ship attire) or in the Lido Deck Buffet (bigger selection, a little more crowded. In the Lido Breakfast buffet theres a nade-to-order omlette station and at lunch a made to order deli sandwich station.

 

What to Wear

Worried about what to wear on your upcoming cruise? Well don’t be. It's your vacation! We’ve outlined everything you’ll need to look your best and feel even better.Casual: Now's the time to sport your Tropical shirt, colorful bathing suit and your cool sunglasses. Casual attire and resort wear is the order of the day both on board and in port. This includes, but not limited to: Shorts, slacks, sundresses, blouses, a pair of rubber-soled sandals or sneakers and a pair of good walking shoes. Oh! Don't forget your sunscreen and hat. You might also want to bring a sweater or jacket for cool evenings and inexpensive rain gear in case of a sudden shower. The Lido Restaurants are open nightly (with the exception of the last evening of the cruise), and have a casual dress code.Formal: You'll have a chance to dress up and meet the Captain! -- tuxedo; suit and tie; sport coat, tie and slacks; evening gown; cocktail dress; pantsuit; etc -- on two nights during 7 day or longer cruises (one night on shorter cruises) for the Captain's Cocktail Party and the Gala Farewell Dinner. Casual Resort Wear, including: sport shirts and slacks; dresses; skirts; pantsuit and Capri pants are acceptable in the Dining Room every other night. Please note that shorts, t-shirts, tank tops and bathing attire are not permitted in the Dining Room during dinner.

 

You can "legally" bring a 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per person (bring sa corkscrew and maybe some plastic wine glasses); there's a $10 opening fee if you bring it to the dining room.

 

Atlantis is crowded, but you'll like it. Since you're apparently on a tour scheduled via Carnival (?) you'll be picked-up at the dock, probably water taci to Atlantis, and be returned to the dock. You can also do a self guided walking tour of Nassau, all within blocks of the docks.

 

ken

[bplazo]

You will have a great time. What a wonderfull boss.

 

Since I have found these boards I have learned so much about crusing. I wish I had known about it before my first cruise.

 

Make sure you come back and tell us all about your cruise!

[Shelleywood]

Just wanted to say Congradulations!! You're going to have a wonderful time!

 

The Bahamas and Atlantis are beautiful and will be everything you dreamed of for your very first cruise!

 

Everything you could possibly want to know you will find on these boards. So, good luck and welcome to cruise critic! :D

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Do Not Skip Formal Nite (or any nite in the Dining room)!! You can get away with slacks, dress shirt and tie for DH and nice dress or pantsuit for yourself. Let several of the Photogs take photos in their different settings - there's no obligation to purchase the next day, but 8x10 is $22 on your S&S card.

 

Your tips of $10 per day per person are automatically added to your sign & sail Card. Sodas (~$2 and Drinks ($5 - $7) have 15% tip automatically added and go on your S&S card. Bring singles and fives for $2/bag for curbside poerter at cruise terminal, for cabbies tips on shore and for any Tour Guide or Tour Bus drivers. Room Service (food) is included, but tip the deliverer a couple $$. You can breakfast and lunch in the Dining room in Morning and Evening (casual ship attire) or in the Lido Deck Buffet (bigger selection, a little more crowded. In the Lido Breakfast buffet theres a nade-to-order omlette station and at lunch a made to order deli sandwich station.

 

What to Wear

Worried about what to wear on your upcoming cruise? Well don’t be. It's your vacation! We’ve outlined everything you’ll need to look your best and feel even better.Casual: Now's the time to sport your Tropical shirt, colorful bathing suit and your cool sunglasses. Casual attire and resort wear is the order of the day both on board and in port. This includes, but not limited to: Shorts, slacks, sundresses, blouses, a pair of rubber-soled sandals or sneakers and a pair of good walking shoes. Oh! Don't forget your sunscreen and hat. You might also want to bring a sweater or jacket for cool evenings and inexpensive rain gear in case of a sudden shower. The Lido Restaurants are open nightly (with the exception of the last evening of the cruise), and have a casual dress code.Formal: You'll have a chance to dress up and meet the Captain! -- tuxedo; suit and tie; sport coat, tie and slacks; evening gown; cocktail dress; pantsuit; etc -- on two nights during 7 day or longer cruises (one night on shorter cruises) for the Captain's Cocktail Party and the Gala Farewell Dinner. Casual Resort Wear, including: sport shirts and slacks; dresses; skirts; pantsuit and Capri pants are acceptable in the Dining Room every other night. Please note that shorts, t-shirts, tank tops and bathing attire are not permitted in the Dining Room during dinner.

You can "legally" bring a 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per person (bring sa corkscrew and maybe some plastic wine glasses); there's a $10 opening fee if you bring it to the dining room.

 

Atlantis is crowded, but you'll like it. Since you're apparently on a tour scheduled via Carnival (?) you'll be picked-up at the dock, probably water taci to Atlantis, and be returned to the dock. You can also do a self guided walking tour of Nassau, all within blocks of the docks.

 

ken

 

This looks like it's from the old dress code.

 

This is the newest dress code.

 

Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs). Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, and sleeveless shirts for men.

 

Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so. Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too! Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.

 

As everyone has stated don't miss Elegant night. Especially if you like lobster.

 

Hope you have a wonderful cruise.:)

 

Bill

[ClerkPatsy]

As everyone has stated don't miss Elegant night. Especially if you like lobster.

 

And if you don't like lobster, try the Prime Rib! Good stuff.:D

[ellie913]

I just went on a 4 day on the sensation on 8/3 - had a great time - I agree with everyone don't miss formal night, why pass on lobster tails???? DH and DS each ordered 3. We Loved the shows and enjoyed the fun on board, the staff was wonderfull - I wish I could go back on again with you. Relax and enjoy what a great gift for the two of you.:) :) :) :) :)