New to Cruising

SallyC

Waiter
Hi all

I am going on my first cruise in April 2010. I am booked on the Carnival Pride out of Baltimore. I am so excited. I have been trying to get my husband on a cruise ship for 20 years and he finally said YES!!! So off we go. Now I have tons of questions. I have been reading reviews and looking for tips. Anyone out there that has any tips, please submit.

Thanks.
 

Jeanie

Staff Captain
Welcome to our community. The best tip I can provide is enjoy your cruise and make it your own. Do not sweat the small stuff. Have fun and relax
 

edrhunter

Deck Crew
Welcome to our community. The best tip I can provide is enjoy your cruise and make it your own. Do not sweat the small stuff. Have fun and relax

Couldn't have said it better myself. Just have fun. :)
 

Corky

Staff Captain
It's your first cruise, Everything will be Perfect!!! :boogie:

Don't try to do everything, but make sure you do the things that you'll know you'll be sorry that you missed them.

Read up on each port that you will be visiting. The library is a great source for Travel books.

Get on the Internet for each Island and look for private tour operators and compare them with the ones that the cruise line offers. Be mindful of the length of time that you'll be in port and make sure that your tour does not exceed that time. If you are on a Ship sponsored tour, the ship will not leave you if you are late getting back...on a private tour, not so.

Happy Cruising!!
 

HoustonTodd

Massage Therapist
You'll have an awesome time. We didn't talk about it quite as long as you, but my wife and I did talk about it for years. We were supposed to go for our 10th anniversary finally but then it changed because of some other factors. Finally we got to go in 2008 after 14 years of marriage.

We're hooked now, we absolutely love it. I know you will too. If you have any specific questions let us know, I'm sure someone will have an answer for you!
 

scrapncruz

New Member
My tip is for when you get on your ship. My husband and I like to go up to the top deck and walk around. We walk down the stairs and explore the next deck and keep going down. This way we have an idea of where things are on the ship and I feel much more acclimated. If you enjoy cruising half as much as we do, you will be hooked!
 

MisterD21

If you take me serious, it's your problem
congrats on getting him to agree ....

Now for advice.. Firstly i would study the ship's deck plans. The more you know where things are on the ship the more relaxing the cruise can be. I found it very helpful to research my itinerary fully. Knowing how long you are going to be in each port is a must(as the ships will not wait). by knowing your itinerary you can research each port and know exactly what each port has to offer. It greatly helps in selecting the things that you would like to see/do most, since port time is never long enough(usually between6-8hrs).

I think it is also important to learn the exchange rates for each port of call. while Belize is easy, mexico is a little more complicated, and while most ports accept american currency, it can cost you extra doing so(not all you do business with know the exchange rates and often end up charging you more when using american currency). Not that they are dishonest mind you, but many simply do not know the exchange rates. they, like you , are used to their own currencies.

Lastly, I suggest as your cruise is close at hand, you unwind, relax and begin the descent into what will be the most relaxing time you can possibly have. the more relaxed you are on cruise day the less stressful little things like customs/immigration, baggage screening, sea pass que lines,etc. will be. Also arrive at port at least 3-4 hrs. early... this ensures you will have time for any issues that arise, and gets you aboard the ship and relaxing well before the ship actually sets sail.

I almost forgot the all important part.... the Muster Drill!!!! definitly be on time for thisw, as the ship cannot sail until everyone is present, and completes the drill....

Other than that, get ready to have an excellent experience and be prepared to get hooked...
 

Dan40

Firefighting Team Leader
Hi all

I am going on my first cruise in April 2010. I am booked on the Carnival Pride out of Baltimore. I am so excited. I have been trying to get my husband on a cruise ship for 20 years and he finally said YES!!! So off we go. Now I have tons of questions. I have been reading reviews and looking for tips. Anyone out there that has any tips, please submit.

Thanks.

Figure out all the clothes you will need and how much money you will take. Then leave half the clothes at home and take twice as much money! Shorts and swim suits will suffice for day wear and nights are hardly dressy at all on Carnival. But spending opportunities abound!
 

edrhunter

Deck Crew
My tip is for when you get on your ship. My husband and I like to go up to the top deck and walk around. We walk down the stairs and explore the next deck and keep going down. This way we have an idea of where things are on the ship and I feel much more acclimated. If you enjoy cruising half as much as we do, you will be hooked!

But don't forget to get the Drink Special. Exploring the ship always goes better with liquid refreshment. :clap:
 
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