first time cruiser

[cruisinsister]

Hi, My 2 sisters and 1 brother are going on our first cruise ever!!!! on 2-7-09. We are leaving Galveston on the Esctasy going to Cozumel and Progresso. Any advice you can give us will be greatly appreciated.

[fann1sh]

Welcome to Cruise Critic! I hope you have a wonderful time. If you'd like to discuss your cruise with people who will be on the ship at the same time as you, you should take a look at your "roll call", which you'll find here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=820136

[cb at sea]

Read the cruise brochure--lots of info. If you don't have it, call Carnival and they will send you one.

Read a guidebook on the ports you'll visit--then you'll really have an idea of what's available to do, how to do it, what it costs.... Research is your most valuable tool!

Bring binoculars----there's more to see out there than you might think!

And enjoy--this is a vacation. There's no "right or wrong" way to do it!

[arlodog]

You may also want to check out the port of call threads--lots of great information on them regarding things to do at each port and reviews from others on what is fun and worth the money. Have a great first cruise!

[krystalkruzer]

First,be prepared to have an awesome time and be hooked ! Bring your camera with some big memory cards,you will take a ton of pictures.Lots of sunscreen,an open and fun mindset and if it is a cloud free night go to the upper decks away from the lights and stargaze.

[CJHAN]

u could have come with us on mar 30 and had more fun lol.;)

[cruiserbryce]

Welcome to cruise critic. Do some research on the ports and seek out things that you want to do and see. Go to the shows and other on board activities...get around and see what the ship has to offer

[DukeFamily]

Just did the same cruise this past summer. We had a fantastic time. I think it's perfect for a first cruise. Much to do in Coz without booking an excursion and Progreso is a fun stop - very authentic and NOT touristy (hence, some of the nasty posts calling the place a "dump" :rolleyes:). Ecstasy is a good first ship, too. Not too big but certainly not small - especially when you have no other cruise ships to compare to. It's a GREAT time - you'll love it!

[Echo Queen]

Just did the same cruise this past summer. We had a fantastic time. I think it's perfect for a first cruise. Much to do in Coz without booking an excursion and Progreso is a fun stop - very authentic and NOT touristy (hence, some of the nasty posts calling the place a "dump" :rolleyes:). Ecstasy is a good first ship, too. Not too big but certainly not small - especially when you have no other cruise ships to compare to. It's a GREAT time - you'll love it!

 

Hello past Ecstasy cruiser, can you elaborate about the smell/musty air on the ship?? Thanks, planning to book penthouse for July.