Cruise Virgins! LOTS OF QUESTIONS!

[BethyAnn]

Hi all,

First off thank you in advance. These boards have not only convinced my husband to take us on our first cruise but have helped us immensly in planning.We have taken the kids to disneyland and on road trips to relatives for holidays but NEVER had a relaxing vacation so we are just jazzed.

Ok so lets begin LOL, we are cruising on the Elation leaving June 14th Catalina only with 2 days at see DH, me and daughter 19, son 14...here comes the gazzillion questions sorry ....

We booked thru a travel agent friend. We did our online registration are we to expect some type of "tickets" if so how email or snail mail?

 

Booked a TBA room what the heck does that mean? (at this point I should tell you we are going on a tight budget so please dont think bad of us trying to be cheap lol) When will I know what room we get?

 

I hear about the Captains cocktail party are those drinks expensive too? Is it worth attending?

 

Can we bring on soda/water if so how much and do we pack or carry on?

 

Bought Rum Runners today THANKS for that advice ...enuff said there ;)

 

Can son/hubby wear Khakis and nice shirt for formal night? (not wanting to run out to buy clothes they will only wear once)

 

Dumb ? here, do we get to wave goodbye as we leave San Diego? (always thought that would be a hoot)

 

The carnival personal planner told me Elation DOES indeed now have water works any confirmation on that?

 

Any inexpensive ideas for Catalina???

 

 

Am sure will come up with more as we get closer....thank you so so much!

Anything else you want to add would be greatly appreciated.

 

BIG HUGS!!!!!!

[klfrodo]

Hi all,

First off thank you in advance. These boards have not only convinced my husband to take us on our first cruise but have helped us immensly in planning.We have taken the kids to disneyland and on road trips to relatives for holidays but NEVER had a relaxingAfter our first cruise, we went to Disney World. The cruise was GO GO GO. Disney World was relaxing. vacation so we are just jazzed.

Ok so lets begin LOL, we are cruising on the Elation leaving June 14th Catalina only with 2 days at see DH, me and daughter 19, son 14...here comes the gazzillion questions sorry ....

We booked thru a travel agent friend. We did our online registration are we to expect some type of "tickets" if so how email or snail mail? Download "My Documents at Carnivals web site

 

Booked a TBA room what the heck does that mean? (at this point I should tell you we are going on a tight budget so please dont think bad of us trying to be cheap lol) When will I know what room we get? TBA is a Guarantee cabin catagory. Slight chance of free upgrade. May not know exact cabin until you check in at the pier. May know a couple of weeks prior to cruise.

 

I hear about the Captains cocktail party are those drinks expensive too? Is it worth attending?Usually only for Past Guests but drinks are free

 

Can we bring on soda/water if so how much and do we pack or carry on?Carnival says a "reasonable amount"

 

Bought Rum Runners today THANKS for that advice ...enuff said there ;)

 

Can son/hubby wear Khakis and nice shirt for formal night? (not wanting to run out to buy clothes they will only wear once)Yes

 

Dumb ? here, do we get to wave goodbye as we leave San Diego? (always thought that would be a hoot)Maybe, maybe not. You might be in the required safety "Muster" drill. Thats where you find out where your lifeboat is

 

The carnival personal planner told me Elation DOES indeed now have water works any confirmation on that? UNK

 

Any inexpensive ideas for Catalina???UNK

 

 

Am sure will come up with more as we get closer....thank you so so much!

Anything else you want to add would be greatly appreciated.

 

BIG HUGS!!!!!!

 

Hope that helps

 

edit: Note to self: Don't use blue next time.

[BethyAnn]

Thanks that helps a bunch!!!!

I totally appreciated you taking time to help us out!

[cathyz]

Thanks that helps a bunch!!!!

I totally appreciated you taking time to help us out!

One correction to above, the Captain's Cocktail party is open to everyone on board with free drinks. There is a separate party, Past Guest Party, for repeat cruisers. Also, the Elation does not have the full waterworks upgrade yet, only the adult serenity area.

[gazingm42]

The elation doesn't look like it has the waterworks makeover at this time.

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic boards.

[BethyAnn]

Great news! Is the Captains party something they advertise? meaning how do we know where to go etc?

 

Even tho no water works still have the slides right?

 

On Serenity, can the 19yo daughter go or is it 21 and over?

[cathyz]

Great news! Is the Captains party something they advertise? meaning how do we know where to go etc?

 

Even tho no water works still have the slides right?

 

On Serenity, can the 19yo daughter go or is it 21 and over?

The Captains Cocktail Party is on 'cruise elegant' night, right before your assigned dinner time and is in the daily Capers. It usually lasts an hour and is in the main showroom where the captain will introduce all the department heads, the band will play, there is dancing, and servers walking around with free drinks (used to have appetizers too, but they stopped that a while ago). Yes, the Elation still has a slide into the main pool. I'm not sure what the age is for the Serenity area (could be 18 or 21), if she's with you and acts like an adult, they probably wouldn't say anything. There are pics in the link in my signature of the Elation (before the Serenity area though).

[welldone60]

You can rent a golf cart and cruise around Avalon on Catalina Island. There are very few cars, most people that live there use golf carts. You can go to the Casino (no gambling there), take a glass bottom boat ride, parasail, snorkel, take a boat ride along the coast or just walk around. There are quite a few shops along the main road. You will tender from the ship to the dock, (take a little boat from the big boat) they run all day so you can go back to ship anytime you like.

 

We sailed on the Elation and were able to get up on deck after the muster drill for sail-away. It just depends on how fast they get the muster drill over with. Word of warning. When they call the muster drill, they shut down elevators, so grab your life vest and take it up to your muster station a few mins early. Look on your stateroom door for location.

 

There is a water slide on the Elation.

 

Have fun and enjoy your cruise.

[BethyAnn]

Cathy those pics were amazing, thanks for posting capers too. Really helps giving the kids an idea of whats in store!

Your effort doesnt go unappreciated!

[joebat1]

TBA... To Be Announced, you will have a cabin guaranteed to be at least what you paid for, maybe even an upgrade....

 

You may bring a reasonable amount of soda & water..... I would suggest only a six pack of water, and reuse the bottles... This will make Mr. Gore very happy, less to carry and allow more room for sodas.... I would put this in my carry-on...

 

The Drinks are free at the Captains reception.... If you want something special, just ask and the waiter will bring it, even if it is as premium brand. A $1 or two tip to the server will ensure he does not forget you...

 

You should be able to wave good-bye..... If the muster drill is running late, just take your life vest with you to the "sail-a-way" party.... The kids can return them to the cabin later....

 

On the short Carnival cruises you will see a lot of variety on 'smart casual' night.... A tie would be a big plus for hubby..

 

As far as any port, Catalina included, you can just walk around town, or as one mentioned rent a golf cart.... HINT..HINT I would not take the glass bottom boat ride under any circunstance...

[cathyoo]

Looks like all your questions were asked.. Just a reminder (I've cruised on a budget) the tips will be assigned to your sail and sign. They are $10 a day. Sometimes first time cruisers are surprised. We check our sail and sign card every night. It is easy not to realize what you are spending. The water has been fine for drinking at least on my 5 cruises. So the re-fill the bottle tip is a good one.

 

Have a wonderful time and don't forget to share your memories when you return.

[yogi2929]

The men in your life will feel more in place if their Khakis are more like Dockers and not Cargo-type pants for Cruise Elegant night. Otherwise the dress is everything from Dockers and a dress shirt all the way up to tuxes. Gals wear black slacks and a fancy top all the way up to long gowns.

 

There is a Vons market on Catalina (use your Vons Card:)) for whatever you need.

 

Catalina- you can rent a golf cart for about $40 an hour cash. There is a cash deposit required though. There is also the trolley for about $6pp. There are two routes. Both meet up at the Wrigley Garden (under $10pp). Last time we were there we got tickets on the Green Pier for the Semi-Sub. At 1pm adults we paid the kids price. Google 'Catalina Island ' for more info.

[sistermerm]

The Captains Cocktail Party is on 'cruise elegant' night, right before your assigned dinner time and is in the daily Capers. It usually lasts an hour and is in the main showroom where the captain will introduce all the department heads, the band will play, there is dancing, and servers walking around with free drinks (used to have appetizers too, but they stopped that a while ago). Yes, the Elation still has a slide into the main pool. I'm not sure what the age is for the Serenity area (could be 18 or 21), if she's with you and acts like an adult, they probably wouldn't say anything. There are pics in the link in my signature of the Elation (before the Serenity area though).

 

FYI.... the slide on Elation is 114 feet and ends in a pool.... and Serenity is 21 and above...

[mistyinca]

We recently cruised to Catalina, and we took the "Coastal Exploration Power Rafting Adventure". It was either $55 or $59 pp, and it was a lot of fun! We saw whales, seals, dolphins all up close! The boat ride itself is exhilarating and fun! I've been to Catalina many times, and I've done just about every tour there is. Many of them aren't very exciting, but this one was fantastic!

[BethyAnn]

THANKS guys your replies are awesome.

I checked carnival's site today and they gave us a room but now am very worried. It's Category 4B #R63 from looking at pictures how the heck are 4 of us going to fit? Is it doable?

Guess my hopes of upgrade are gone lol.

[mudpievelour]

THANKS guys your replies are awesome.

I checked carnival's site today and they gave us a room but now am very worried. It's Category 4B #R63 from looking at pictures how the heck are 4 of us going to fit? Is it doable?

Guess my hopes of upgrade are gone lol.

 

You have an inside cabin with two upper berths. That means that there are two twin beds and two fold downs from the wall. It's a tight cabin but it is doable. You are about a quarter of the way down from the front of the ship and very close to the front elevators. You can take the elevators up, but you will still have some walking to get to dining rooms or back of lido deck. It's your first cruise. Go with an open mind and make notes on what you will do different on your NEXT cruise, because I can guarantee you, there WILL be a next one. Have fun.

[cathyoo]

One of the tips I've read on this board is to use the spa shower. I think it could get crazy in your room if you are all trying to get ready at the same time. I'd also pack as little as possible. You never need all you pack anyway. I wouldn't plan to spend a lot of time in your cabin so don't worry too much.

[logothesia]

While on Catalina we did the kayaking expedition. It was about 1 1/2 miles out and back down the coast (so 3 miles total). The guides were great and the sea kayaks were easy to paddle. If you are an active bunch I'd give it a go. There were kids in our group and they matched children with parents (each kayak holds 2 people).

 

Avelon is small, has a few stores and some nice restaurants. You can walk around the whole of the town in just a few minutes. We enjoyed red snapper caught that morning at Armstrong's Seafood restaurant. The golf carts restrict you to the city limits, which is about 1 square mile. So you won't be going far if you rent them. (Most of the island is owned by a nature conservancey that doesn't allow them on its land.)