More first time ?????'s

[curly275]

Our first is coming up in March. For all of you multi-timers, what is the one thing you wish you had known on your first.

[mom2girls]

I wish I had known that we could board early. I love getting as much time on the ship as possible. I'm usually on board no later than 12:00 now.

[MDSue]

I would have packed less and brought warmer clothes to wear on the ship. I'm one of those people who get cold in a/c and many parts of the ship was chilly.

Also, I would learn as much as possible about the ports you are visiting so you'll have an idea of what you'd like to do or where to go. Most of the people who complain about not liking a certain port, never left the port area. For the best experience you need to take a tour or a taxi to a nice beach area.

Have fun- cruising is a great way to travel:)

[nc020594]

Again, do research. I wish I had known that you could book tours yourself independantly from the cruise lines and save aprx. 50%. You can often set up a custom tour/event to fit what you want. I am not an expert by any means (just going on my 3rd in April) but just enjoy yourself.

[afcj1]

Our first is coming up in March. For all of you multi-timers, what is the one thing you wish you had known on your first.

 

Where are you going and on which ship? That will help with being able to give more specific info.

[curly275]

March 22 - 28 Carnival Conquest to Jamaica, Cozumel and Grand Caymen

[Tbay-eh]

Our first is coming up in March. For all of you multi-timers, what is the one thing you wish you had known on your first.

 

I would definitely get on the rollcall for your specific cruise. Many of the people have sailed that same ship before and know a lot about the ports of call and excursions to do etc. You also make connections ahead of time and can meet up with them when you board. I have made many long lasting friendships this way. Have a great time and go with a positive attitude - as the saying goes - "If you get lemons make lemonade and add some gin" or something like that. Ha ha

 

Cindy

[catzfan]

I am definately packing less. This will be our 3rd cruise! We went from

7 bags (#1) to 2 bags (#2) and will probably be 1 large and maybe a

small carry on this time! We don't mind doing laundry a couple of times

during the week, and you just don't need LOTS of changes of clothes!

Plus, you don't need all the little ammenities, that all the LISTS say you

should take. We also book our own excursions off the ship. Hope this

helps, a little. Enjoy your cruise!

[deborahjo]

Remember you do not have to book your excurisions with Carnival. You can book them thru other vendors and often much less expensive. But remember timing issues.

[A&Jfamily]

Our first is coming up in March. For all of you multi-timers, what is the one thing you wish you had known on your first.

 

That dealing with Miami airport on a Sunday morning would be Hell! The line was wrapped up and down the curb, multiple times. If my mom had not been handicapped, so that they moved us to the front of the line, I am not sure we would have made out 12:45 pm flight.

 

Next trip we tried self-debarakation in Tampa, thinking we would be getting on the road earlier (this time we drove). Again...bad idea as people had started lining up by 7 am. We timed it so we ended up at the end of the line in the showroom, and every single elevator and stair was between us and the exit. We were at the very end as all the other people ended up cutting in front of us. Would have been much more relaxing, and almost as quick to wait til they kicked us off the boat!:p

[Tartessa]

Again, do research. I wish I had known that you could book tours yourself independantly from the cruise lines and save aprx. 50%. You can often set up a custom tour/event to fit what you want. I am not an expert by any means (just going on my 3rd in April) but just enjoy yourself.

 

DITTO!!! Go to both your roll call thread and shore excursion thread and ask questions. You will save lots of $$$ for the same excursions the ship offers. You can trust the people on this board to give you reputable sources for tours.

[momofzeke]

I did not know that in the Lido buffet, there are different foods in the different stations. I just thought that every station had the same food. So I would go to the one with the shortest line. I did not realize that one station is a "Taste of Nations" that changes daily.....Mexican, Caribbean, American, Italian, etc. Walk around and look before you make your choices.

 

I also did not know that you could order more than one appetizer, entree, dessert, etc. in the dining room.

 

I also agree that I way overpacked the first time.

 

And, I learned that I will never fly in the same day as the cruise again. Our flight was delayed, but lucky for us the ship was also delayed so left 2 hours later than planned.

[travelbumsboston]

My first five cruises always booked the air with the cruise together. Slow learner :o Now I book the cruise and air separately and save alot of money. Also, fly in the day before if possible. It's so stressful when you are worrying about making flights and getting to the pier at a decent hour to board. Also,learned to pack less and I agree with a previous poster in packing warm clothes (sweaters and jogging suits) as it is pretty chilling in the casino and certain other areas of the ship due to a/c. I use to also get the drink of the day and bring home a million of the sovenir glasses and always trashed them when I got home. If you're into the drink of the day specials and don't care about the sovenir glass you can get them cheaper in a standard glass. Bring a large SD card (8GB-cheap now)for your camera for pictures and videos. Don't forget the charger. Ran into that on my cruise in November, our neighbor forgot theirs and lucky for them we had ours and it was compatible. If you have an Ipod and docking station speaker system you may want to bring it. We did this for the first time last cruise and it was great to have in the room when getting ready in the mornings and evenings. Have fun and I know it won't be your last cruise.:)

[Howards_girl]

The Conquest was our first cruise too. You are going to have a GREAT time!! As others have said, book your shore excursions yourself. You will save alot of money that way. One of the one's we did in Grand Caymen was the Rays, reef and rum point beach with Native Ways. We LOVED it!! Well worth the money ($65 I believe).

Do go to the port boards and read what others have done and how they liked it. Ask questions there too....

Have a great cruise!! :D

[susan123]

If you enjoy a few minutes of quiet downtime in the afternoons, go to the tea that usually is held on sea days. I'm not usually a big hot tea fan since I drink coffee all day, but a cup of tea is soothing and relaxing in the afternoon, and the pastries are outstanding. Classical music in the background adds to the tone of civility and elegance. We didn't discover the afternoon teas until our last cruise, but we loved them.

[Nuttycruisegirl]

You will LOVE the Conquest....She was my first cruise too! Be sure and eat in the Supper Club...The Point. It is fantastic and WELL worth the $30 per person cost...We ate there twice! Investigate all your excursion options....For example...several people we cruised with just went on their own in Jamaica and didn't like it...We booked a private driver and he took us EVERYWHERE...Had a wonderful time and felt totally safe...For $150 for the day for 4 people! Saw way more Jamaica than most people do in a day! The main thing is...RELAX! You will have a fantastic time!

[afcj1]

March 22 - 28 Carnival Conquest to Jamaica, Cozumel and Grand Caymen

 

Welcome to CC. You couldn't have found a better place to ask questions:D

This is Spring Break for many, so be prepared for longer lines and lots of students.

If you haven't already, go to the Ports of Call threads for info on excursions. In GC, I'd recommend a stringray/Hell/Turle Farm excursion through an independent provider.

 

I know it's hard to cut back on the packing, but if you can, it'll be easier. Also, there are laundry facilities if necessary.

There are lots of packing lists out there, but one priority is a power cord since there may be only 1 outlet. Also, no clocks in the cabin, so if you want one, bring one.

Shampoos/conditioners are in a dispenser on the wall, but are sometimes harsh, so bring your own if you need to.

 

The CC search is also working and is a great tool if you want lots of info on your specific questions.

 

Have a great time.

[Starfire_rules]

That you can order off the kids' menu if there isn't anything you like on the main. They have wonderful banana splits:D.

And I agree with the booking own excursions.

I've only been on Eastern but the next one is a Western itenerary so make sure you do some research on the ports of call boards here on CC. They are wonderful help.

And don't forget to relax when you get onboard.

[dan40]

Our first is coming up in March. For all of you multi-timers, what is the one thing you wish you had known on your first.

 

Go to Carnival's website. Read, read, read, esp. the FAQ's

Pick up a Carnival brochure from ANY TA [free] Read it cover to cover.

 

 

Go here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=97

 

and here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=-1&f=150

 

and here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=-1&f=5

 

 

Take half the clothes and twice the money

 

Dan

[oceanbums]

Another vote for "pack less", I have it down to a science now:) also, go with the flow, relax, don't try to do everything and take a lot of pictures.

[zqvol]

Our first is coming up in March. For all of you multi-timers, what is the one thing you wish you had known on your first.

 

Take only half as many cloths as you think you need, and don't expect the toiletries to be like you are used to at home so take those too.

[Jason&Taryn]

March 22 - 28 Carnival Conquest to Jamaica, Cozumel and Grand Caymen

Conquest was our first as well.

EXCURSIONS: I agree with booking your own excursions as well, however we did book the Canopy Tour in Jamaica through Carnival. HAD A BLAST! we would do this one again in a heartbeat. Van picked us up and dropped us off at the pier but then offered to take us to Margaritaville for additional fee. Took taxi back to pier rather than waiting for van to pick us back up.

 

Must agree with Howards_girl about the Rays, Reef and Rumpoint tour with NativeWays in Grand Cayman. Highlight of our entire trip! It was a very full day and left very little time for shopping, which is unfortunate when you're in a port known for it's shopping. We would love to go back just to lay in a hammock at Rum Point. BEAUTIFUL!

 

Cozumel was a beach day at San Francisco Beach. Caught a cab. Was very simple.

 

PACKING: Pack light. Take a jacket. Leave room for shopping in your suitcase or take a second just for that. If you pack light it is much more simple to take your luggage off the ship yourself, rather than trying to find it among everyone else's. If that's not an option, make you luggage as identifiable as possible. My husband hates my bag, but I can find it in a crowd. It's black with big pink lips all over it. :rolleyes:

 

ON THE SHIP: RELAX...We tried to do it all and still missed out on so much. Find the things that you really want to do and just know you'll have to catch the other things the next time. For us, this time we're not going to worry about what we're missing only finding a chair and ordering a drink.

 

Regardless, you'll have a blast.

[cupcakevick]

Again, do research. I wish I had known that you could book tours yourself independantly from the cruise lines and save aprx. 50%. You can often set up a custom tour/event to fit what you want. I am not an expert by any means (just going on my 3rd in April) but just enjoy yourself.

 

 

iam going with my family that has gone before , we are going on carnival glory 2-21-09 can't wait, we have cruse meeting's every month ,there are 7 of us that are going so we take turns at each others house its a lot of fun and food. we plan what we are going to do at each island ,and how much it's going to cost. and each person looks up a island , and then we all take a vote what we want to do. and it seem's to work out well, for us. that way we know were we are going that day and how much time we have to do it in. and we don't have to rush. that's the nice side of it.. just wante to let people to know how we do it . happy sailing all , hope to see any one if they are sailing on the glory 2-21-09