First Time Cruiser Questions

Weather Question from a New Cruiser

HoSs3138 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:28:34 GMT

Hello! My girlfriend and I will both be experiencing our first cruise next week on the Ecstasy (November 23-28). We're definitely excited, however, she's sort of having a minor freak out session regarding the weather reports.

It is currently listing as rain in Cozumel all next week and possibly in Progreso as well. We'll be there in Cozumel on Thanksgiving Day. Can anyone tell me from past experiences what happens when it's raining in a port?

Are there still things to do?
Do people still leave the ship?
If weather is severe do they ever change ports?

Any insight that you can provide would be helpful. I know it's a week out and that weather can change, however, I want to be able to somehow calm her nerves about missing out on snorkeling.

Straight answer needed on Alcohol/Wine

SardisGrandma — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 01:05:57 GMT

I'd like a for sure answer on this. Can you bring alcohol / wine on board? If so how much? If so can you have that wine for dinner in main dining room. Where can I find a list of prices for per glass & bottles on board. I'm sailing on the Dream In May 2010 & am sure I have read these things on cruising boards before but can NOT find any info now!!

Dining

Chall — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:52:03 GMT

I saw somewhere that the ship has 2 dining rooms. We have a confirmed late dining seating. but are we assigned a certain dining room or do we choose one for the whole time, OR do we trade back and forth...

Just some Newbie Questions

Chall — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:14:36 GMT

I'm going on my first cruise Next week. We're leaving from Jacksonville on The fascination for a 5 day bahama cruise!

I do have a few questions. Some are things I just need a little clarification on because I've gotten a lot of information from the Forum over the past few days. I wish I had found it sooner!

1. The Soda Card- Do they charge your S&S card daily? Or is it a flat fee when you get it? Also do you pay the gratuity per use or just %15 of the daily fee?

2. I've heard a lot of people talking about Chair hogs. Are there not enough chairs or is it just the "choice" ones that are taken early? I dont care where I sit as long as I'm in the sun!

3. We opted out of the Transfers from the airport because It seemed to me most people didnt think it was worth it. Is it easy to get a cab after the cruise? or Should I call a company before we are ready to leave?

4. When do they MAKE you get off the ship? our flight home is not until 6pm and we want to remain on board as long as possible so we dont have to sit in the airport all day.

5. We're doing the shore excurision for Atlantis in nassau. But decided not to do one at Half Moon Cay...I want to go snorkeling but I cant see paying to do it when I've been doing it all my life. Is there an area we can snorkel solo at Half moon Cay or should I book the excursion?

6. Aside from gratuities. What else am i going to be paying for If I dont shop? I'm not going to do any supper clubs an Alcoholic drinks arnt necessary. I'm on a very tigh budget and won't be bringing much in the way of spending money. I want to make sure I have the basics covered.

So excited...and anxious...oy!

Ship store on the Valor

sharona — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:20:00 GMT

What is the store like - do they sell any seasick medication, do they rent snorkel fins or vests, do they sell souvenir like things? Are they way overpriced?? Just curious

First timer on Fantasy

chuck — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:35:11 GMT

On board Feb 22 Mobile Port. Just surfin now for anymore info and would like to find anyone going on the same cruise. Can anyone tell me what to expect?

Should we just take Dramamine to be safe?

mayorjones — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:05:21 GMT

Wife and I (and four other couples) are all taking our first cruise 11/29. Should we all start taking Dramamine a few days before and then throughout our cruise just to be safe, or are there side effects I haven't thought of? I guess my logic is it's better to be safe than sorry, but maybe I'm missing something?

Neither my wife or I have car sickness problems, but again - if I can avoid a possible problem with a $10 bottle of OTC pills, I'd rather do that than wish I had.

Thoughts?

Check In Time?!

Chall — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:15:09 GMT

On 11/28 I'm taking my first cruise out of Jacksonville on Carnival Fascination. I've seen people post and tell me that te best time to get there is 11:30 and what not. But on my documents it tells me I cannot check in before 12:30...is this true? I wanted to be on early. We were gonna check out of the hotel @10:30am and get a cab over and be early. Is this a guideline or can I be there when I wanted to be?

Emergency!!! Should I lock the luggage??

yinyungcat — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:12:14 GMT

Usually traveling through air, we're not allow to lock our luggage...but somehow I found out on the Carnival's FAQ said we sould lock it...

Please note that Carnival assumes no responsibility for carry-on luggage. Alternatively, curbside porters are available at the pier to take luggage to the vessel for delivery to your stateroom by shipboard personnel. Customary tip is $1 per bag. Please be sure each piece of luggage is locked and has a tag listing your name and stateroom number. Curbside porters are not employees of Carnival; therefore, if you experience any problems, please report them to porter management on site. Any luggage left at the pier will be forwarded at your expense. Claims for luggage loss or damage must be made in writing to the debarkation personnel prior to leaving the pier area

Should I go buy a lock or not??

Please help! We're leaving home in 2 hours....

1st Timer! Roll call Jan 4 2010 Triumph W. Caribbean? Q's too =)

Tracy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:22:19 GMT

Hi everyone,

Yup this is the first cruise for the hubby and I for our 3 yr anniversary! Since we are total newbies I've been trying to research what I need to know and what I need to bring but I still have a few questions. I was wondering about the DOD cards on how much they would be, will we need one for each of us, and is the card only for one day or for the entire cruise length? My hubby and I do drink and it would be great to know that we could purchase a DOD for everyday of the cruise (5 days). If not well then we might get into a little trouble... =) I had heard that you could bring traveler's checks and cash them there to put on our S&S card is that true and has anyone ever done it? I just would like to be on the safe side bringing cash. Ummmm I think that's what I wanted to ask but I might be back to pick your brains! lol Thanks in advance!!

Tracy

cameras and photos

Shadeslc — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:28:15 GMT

What is recomended? Taking a bunch of disposable cameras or your digtial one? I have seen where peoples cameras were stolen and I don't want to lose mine. However, I don't like that disposable camera's aren't digital. What do you recomend?

Bringing wine and soda on board?

Michelle70 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:32:41 GMT

Were bringing 2 bottles of wine with us and I want to bring soda too, can I bring 2 liters or does it have to be cans or single serve bottles?

Roatan - new dock

sharona — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:28:00 GMT

I received an email from a company that we booked an excursion through on Roatan. They said that since the new dock is owned by Carnival, that they are not allowing any independent tour companies to pick up their guests at or near the new dock. Has anyone else heard this? The company is call roatanshoretours and they will contact me when they figure it all out.

Upgrades and suites!- quick question!

giggles_gurl — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:03:14 GMT

Hello everyone!

Does anyone know if you can upgrade to a different room through the website? I have tried calling my travel agent, but she was out, so I wanted to see if anyone else knew what my options are. We have a interior stateroom, we went cheap but I am thinking about suprising my boyfriend with a suite for Christmas! It's going to be expensive but hopefully worth it.

That is where my other question comes in. What are the suites like? Are they worth the extra money? Larger bathroom? Balcony? I know they have the extended balconies and whirlpool tubs in some of the suites too. Just looking for any advice!

Everything and anything is welcome!

Worst thing about my cruise ever and a question

PrincessK — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:38:59 GMT

This has to be the worst experience about a cruise anyone has ever had... like, really...

The worst thing about my cruise is I haven't gone on it yet, I am soooo tired of waiting!!! :(

Now on to my question.... When something is said to be 'charged to your room' How do they do that where there are two adults in the room with two separate credit cards? Can or will they specify which sign and sail card/credit card the items will be charged to? Thanks

Meet the Board

Rusty — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:37:38 GMT

I would like to take minute to strongly suggest people on this board to take the time to meet up with the people they have been chatting with on this board when you are on the same cruise.

My last cruise, I went to the roll call for my cruise and was brave or stupid enough to post my cabin number taking a chance your average axe murderer wouldn't hang out on a carnival board. I don't know if I would suggest giving out your cabin number, but the people I met from this board were some of the friendliest people I have ever met. I look forward to having the same experience when I cruise in May.

Had a good time. Met some good people. Not one single axe to be found.

Fun Ship Dollars- for OBC

Jkstoy — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:30:43 GMT

I found a post a few weeks ago... now I can not find it. I'm sorry for asking this question again.

I read that when you order Fun Ship Dollars, there is a way for this to go onto your account (OBC) with out mailing them back to Carnival prior to sailing.

Can someone give me that information?

Next question, making sure I am correct. This OBC will pay for tips/shopping on board/drinks and then if you want to cash out your OBC, you xfer it to your casino bank (or what ever that is called) and cash it out... I hope that sounds right.

Thanks for the help!!

BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR...HELP...

yvillanua — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:13:54 GMT

Hello Guys!, this will be my 3rd cruise with Carnival, but I've only recently learned about the NOT ADVERTISED BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR...

I really, really, really...want to do this...

how do I go about it??

how much is it??

are kids allowed on the tour??

Any info you have would be so helpful,

I will be in a 4 day cruise on the PARADISE, December 14th...if it helps,

Thanks a million,

Yvillanua

Tipping the masseuse?

sharkie335 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:28:41 GMT

I'm going on the Pride on the 29th, and I'm so getting a massage. But I've never had one before! Do I tip the masseuse? How much? Is it a percentage of what the massage cost?

Alcohol

Michelle70 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:33:53 GMT

Im the only one of our group that drinks so I dont want to do the whole wine bottle thing, can I get just a glass of wine? Anyone know the cost?

weather concerns for 1st timers...

Guthrie — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:22:55 GMT

hello all...

we leave in 8 days for our first cruise, on Imagination... headed to Nassau... after watching the weather for Nassau and Miami, i see that theres a 60 percent chance of rain while were there...

my head tells me that this happens and the cruise lines deal with it all the time, so, my question is, have YOU experianced rain for your entire cruise and if so, is there PLENTY to do inside to keep you occupied and to keep you from going "stir" crazy???

again, im sure im just in "worry" mode and theres nothing for me to be worried about... just go and have a GOOD time, right?

i mean, ALOT of weather can change in 8 days...

thanks!!!

Spending on the cruise

Jessica — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:24:00 GMT

Me and my guy are booked on the Carnival Valor sailing on April 25, 2010. This is a 7 day cruise. I am trying to figure out a budget for the cruise. How much money should we put take with us for this cruise. With all of the many things to do, I am just not sure. If someone could help me or get me thinking of a reasonable amount to bring I would be very grateful.

Infant charges

camille — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:40:42 GMT

If you go on an excursion that charges a fee for children do children under a certain age not pay. For example an 8 month old child visiting the Mayan Ruins. Do they have to pay to go..

Can you mail postcards from the ship or do you need to do from a port.

caddis — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:22:28 GMT

does anyone know if you can mail postcards from the ship or does this need to be done while in one of the Mexian Riviara ports?

Thanks

douglas

Orientation?

commus — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:49:05 GMT

Is there some sort of orientation on baording day?

I noticed mention of some programs on the televisions in the cabins.

My first and only other cruise was over 15 years ago and there were ongoing orientations in the theater on the afternoon of embarkation. Then too there was little to no television back then (some say dirt wasn't even invented back then...LOL)