First Timers Guide To A Successful Carnival Cruise
*I made this specifying Carnival Cruise in the title because that is the only cruise line we have cruised with; however this post is most likely universal for all cruise lines!*
First, I want to start by saying that I LOVE the cruises. They are so much fun and such a good mix of relaxation and entertainment. There is so much to do when you want something to do, and there are so many different areas and options to relax when that is what you'd like to do!
Booking
While planning and booking your cruise, keep an eye out for deals (they always have something!). Once you book the actual cruise, take the time to review the excursions that are available for the ports and if you can, it is my advice to book these prior to boarding as they can sell out. Another tip is to prebook any drink packages, whether this is the bubbles or the cheers package. The drink packages are 10% discounted if you book prior to boarding; however, you lose this discount once on board. Also, many people did not know the cheers package includes pretty much everything and this includes the Java Cafe!
As far as rooms go, this depends on your motion sickness and preference. Many people swear by balcony rooms and others like the interior rooms as these typically are better for those who experience motion sickness. The "rule" is that if you do experience motion sickness, stick to the middle and lower decks on the boat.
Personally, we have been both higher and lower and I did not notice much difference. Many people say
they don't notice it at all; however, I notice it in all areas. I may be more sensitive to the motion so in my opinion, it doesn't make much of a difference.
In addition, after you book, you'll be asked whether or not you'd like to pick your dining time or be scheduled at a specific time. We have consistently booked "your time" dining and this is because there is so much to do and see and eat on the cruise that we just don't know when we will be hungry! This is completely preference based; however, if someone were to ask me, I'd suggest the "your time" dining option!
Preparing For Your Cruise
Piggy backing off of what I was previously talking about: motion sickness. Many people let this fear get the best of them. I was pretty nervous my first time as well since I have pretty severe motion sickness/vertigo and I simply utilize my resources and I've been fine! My theory is that if I am okay, you will be too! I use everything from pills, sea bands, and the ear patches.
Other than utilizing your resources, my biggest tip is to apply your patches and sea band prior to boarding and if you're going to take pills than take your first pills prior to boarding and then take them regularly. For example, if the medication you bought gives a specific timeframe to use for relief, follow that (example every 4 hours). In addition, my biggest tip is to ensure you're taking medication before going to bed at night! The medication will settle in your system during the time that your body will be the most susceptible to the motion and the waves.
Another tip, if you're feeling motion sickness, get in the hot tub or pool! It sounds weird but it works. We heard it on our first cruise and actually used this trick and it essentially will help reset your equilibrium!
On the same theme, I'll talk PACKING! The rooms are not as small as you'd think; however, you definitely want to be mindful of how much you are bringing. I typically like to pack "outfit based" meaning I will look at what we have planned for the day or what is going on that day and plan an outfit. Once I have solid outfits, I will pack a few extra separate pieces for a few possibilities and in case of emergency.
Aside from clothing, you'll want to pack a few swim suits so you don't have to put on a wet swim suit. Also, you'll want to make sure you don't forget your swim cover ups and your sunscreens & after sun lotions! The cruises provide towels so you don't have to worry about those, but make sure you grab some towel clips because it gets pretty windy sometimes!
Some additional non clothing items you'll want to make sure you grab are multiple port charging blocks (the rooms do not have a lot of plugs!), plastic luggage tags to place your printed tag in, and a lanyard for your cruise card. The last two things mentioned are preference; however, I wouldn't sway away from the luggage tags if anything as you print your passes and without these, it would be easy for the tags to get ripped off and this would delay you from getting your luggage.
During Your Cruise
So you've prepared and now you're finally on the cruise.. what next? Carnival is great with entertainment and there is a lot to see and do once you're on the ship and have free time. The Carnival Hub app is a necessity! This app lists a schedule for all of the activities and entertainment going on onboard. In addition, the app lists the location and time of the events. It also allows you to "heart" the event and will send a reminder about 15 minutes prior to anything you heart.
You have many different options on board for dining. Personally, there is so much food on board that we haven't opted to dine with any of the "specialty" restaurants; however, we have only heard good things! One thing I will say though is that you have to try the Carnival dining which would be the "your time dining" option at least once! The servers are so wonderful and the food is great!
My personal favorite entertainment are the deck parties, the comedy shows, and the love & marriage show is usually hilarious!
Aside from the app, my biggest tip is to take naps! This sounds silly, but the sun and excitement will most definitely ware you out and you'll likely want to have energy for those late shows and the night club! So, if you have down time, take a quick nap!!
Some additional random tips are:
Serenity (the adult only area) has these amazing loungers but they are taken up so quickly so if you want to experience one, keep an eye out or get there early!
The hot tubs are also very popular so if you're planning on getting some hot tub time in, either go prepared to wait a few or stay close and keep an eye out
The comedy shows are popular so if you want a good seat, plan to arrive maybe 15 minutes before the start time!
Get up early on port days to ensure you don't miss your excursion
Stay hydrated - this sounds like a silly thing to mention but seriously! You'll be having so much fun and have so many different drink options but ice water is always free and bottled water is included in the cheers package so take advantage!
Thank you so much for reading and I hope this helps you book and plan your next cruise!
Follow me on Instagram: @shelbykirkmann for more travel locations and tips!
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