what would you rec. to first time cruiser on new ship.

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jimlinalf

Guest
We will sail on the almost new carnival Miracle out of Jacksonville in March/04. If it were your first time ever cruise, what would you recommend to a couple in our mid 50's that are really interested in just relaxing. This is a 3 night cruise to the Bahamas. We have a balcony room. We don't use alcohol, and the wife likes to play slots. Give us some pointers thinking back to what you enjoyed on your first cruise. We do have a second longer cruise planned in the fall with a suite reserved.

Jim
 
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SHANNON & CATHY

Guest
I've heard good things about the Atlantis tours...slots and a huge aquarium. Just remember you don't have to go to everything...take time to truly relax. I like to just find a quiet area on deck to read. Skip the shopping and port "talks" they are sales pitches and run continously on the TV in your cabin. ditto for the debarkation talk.

hope you enjoy!!!
 
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Babushka

Guest
Sounds like you really want to relax on this cruise. For me, one of the best ways to relax is by getting a massage. As for your wife, I'd just have a full day of beauty by getting the massage, adding a facial and going to the salon to have her hair and nails done. If this is something you'd be interested in, I highly recommend you head to the salon as soon as you board the ship and schedule your appointments because they book up really fast. I'd wait to look around the ship till after I made my appointments. This was the advice I received from my travel agent for my first cruise and I have stuck by it. I will be going on my 6th cruise in March and that's the first thing I do!

Whatever you decide to do I'm sure you and your wife will have a great time. If you don't have time to do much on this short cruise, you have your longer one to look forward to.

Have fun!!!
 
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msjane_doe

Guest
I am currently booked to go on my 2nd cruise in January 04. What I enjoyed most on my first cruise was just laying on the deck facing the ocean. It was beautiful. Most days we saw flying fish jumping out of the water. I also enjoyed the comedians and the art auction as well as the ports.
 
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Nanatravel

Guest
If you enjoy wine, pre-order your favorites on-line to be delievered either to your cabin upon embarkation or to your table - gratuity is included. As mentioned, make your spa treatment appointments as soon as possible when you board. My DH is really spoiled by that. Take a walking tour of your ship before dinner, so you know what lounges and public areas are where. Find the Pool that is the farthest away from the Bandstand. You may still be able to hear the music, but the beat won't give you a headache. Buy a drink of the day and recyle your special glass daily with a Drink of the day refill @ $4.95. This is out on the Lido deck only, not in the lounges. Remember to wear a smile and be friendly to everyone you meet. You will be on vacation. Don't be demanding of the staff, and they will take good care of you - Please and Thank You do wonders.
Bon Voyage
 
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Cruisin Gal

Guest
The first thing I do when I get onboard is find out where the maitre di is and make sure I have the seating arrangements I want. You don't always get the type of table you requested...and going to wherever he's doing his seating ASAP will ensure you get the table assignment you want.

THEN...after that, I go to see what's for lunch at the buffet and grab a bite. THEN, I go to my room and see if my luggage is there yet...if it is...I start unpacking and put everything where I want it. If it's not here yet...I'll go and explore the ship.

After that, I go back and see if my luggage is there again. (it usually is by that time)..if not..don't worry about it. You can go roaming again or take your book and sit on the balcony for a bit.

I'm not much of a drinker myself...and I'm not much of a Coca-Cola product drinker either, but what I do is....I take Crystal Light with me...usually Raspberry or Peach Tea and I use the bottled water and mix up my Crystal Light...or go down to the cafeteria and get some tea bags and make my own sun tea!

Also, being a first time cruiser...I don't know if you know if you get seasick or not. I know I get seasick at the drop of a hat...so I take a Dramamine (less drowsy) the morning of the cruise...and I make sure I take one every 24 hours...whether I think it's calm out or not. It's too late to take something once you get sick...and there's no sense having a bad time on a good cruise.

You'll find plenty of relaxing things to do on the cruise and plenty of fun things. There will be a daily program in your room when you get there and there will be one under your door every evening for the next day's events.

Relax and have fun. Any questions...email me!
 
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shadoesmom

Guest
Seeing the above posters ref to tea - we take Lipton Cold Brew tea bags to "brew" a glass in our room. (We were three decks below the lido deck.) Works out great. We also took sweetener along.
If you like to relax - don't miss deck three - out the doors by the Purser's desk & the Shore Tours desk. (On the newer ships) Those chaises are not to be missed as the ship is sailing along. You't better have an alarm clock watch. :)
 
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Cruisin Gal

Guest
On the ships I've been on there's usually an area on one of the decks...I forget which, that has recliners that give a very vigorous massage. I think it's 1 dollar for 10 minutes or something like that.

It's REALLY intense and feels great. Try it!
 
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caribbean dreamer

Guest
Go to the Blue Lagoon!!! It was a very relaxed setting. Very clean. Very peaceful. There is a place to eat or hammocks to waste the day away in. It is so beautiful you will never want to leave. :)
 
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