First Time Cruiser "What To Bring" list...
 

I know I seen a rather long post here once on this topic, but can't seem to find it. Anyone have a link?

Thanx,
Krunch

They have a real good list here..

http://cruisemates.com/articles/firsttime/index.cfm

This should give you some ideas.

Thanx again Carolin :wink:

Krunch

Actually I found that website earlier, and not quite the info I was looking for. I was looking for the "Nifty" ideas and things to bring like the bungee cords, again, I found a thread on here, months ago, but can't seem to find it now.

Thanx,
Krunch

Ah... Ok.. let me check.

Here's list with extras.

http://cruisemates.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=561269

Ah, that's better, I read that one, dunno why I couldn't find it, all depends on the words you use in the search engine I guess. I'm usually good at that, but not this time it seems....What did you say your phone number was again? LOL

Krunch

HAHAHA I'll just put my forehead to the screen and download, that would be fastest. LOL

I don't have all the answers which is obvoius. haha But there are a whole lot of people here who can answer all the stuff I might mistakenly mess up or don't know. Keep on asking..

Thanx Carolin,

This has been a very productive sick day off work for me so far. As fast as I can ask questions, I gue the emails with the answers.

Krunch

Thats the best kinds of sick day. You'll be all full of answers now.

Yes I am getting full of answers....OH, just thought of another question See ya in a bit LOL

Krunch

LOL You remind me of ME right before my cruise.

Great minds think alike huh? (Also not a pickup line LOL )

I don't expect you to have all the answers, but it seems like you've been on a few and I have been on none. Just trying to cover all the basis here to make for a more prepared cruise and reduce the "I wish I would have thought of that before I left" statements. I'd expect that after the first cruise, just about everyone is 90% prepared of what to expect and do for the next one when it comes.

Krunch

I think I drove people here nuts asking questions. HAHAHA I'm one of those people who researches things to death. :roll:

Most of the "extras" I didn't take. My suitcase was FULL.

I feel the same way, cruising is new to me, but I'm usually the one dishing out the info on my other message boards.

Krunch

Just one thing that I think is worth mentioning. I took one of those square plug-in thingy's that plugs into the outlet and you can plug several items into it.... instead of the bar type with the cord. I already had one and thought it would take up less space in my case. But I couldn't use it because the outlet above the desk was too close to the desk & it wouldn't fit. We managed without it, we took a wind up clock instead of electric, so that helped. Next time I'll be sure to take the bar type.

Here is some info that I found that might help.

Carnival Cruise Tips
1. If you don’t like what is offered on the main menu, you can ask the waiter for either a steak or grilled chicken.
2. Any pasta item on the main menu CAN be ordered as an appetizer. Just ask.
3. Post cards, foreign postage stamps and playing cards are available at the pursers desk.
4. Get a FREE lanyard at the Casino. Pursers desk will punch a whole in it for you.
5. 24 hour pizza place also serves Calzones and Caesar salads. If you want a special topping and they have it they will make you that pizza.
6. Go to tea-time they have different snacks and its a nice place to relax
7. Ask the steward if you forget something ie toothpaste...they often have samples
8. Bring baggies of assorted sizes. For saving snacks for excursions and wet clothes.
9. Take the tour of the galley
10. They have an early and late night seating as well as captain’s party...take advantage of both for double free drinks.
11. Bring on own bottles of water, and soda and save $$$
12. Bring a reusable cup with lid...less trips to get a drink
13. Ask for your drink in a plastic cup (not the fancy one ) saves $$$
14. You may be able to eat free lunch at the places they charge for dinner
15. Orange juice is available at the same place all day they just remove the label
16. You may get a free facial if you call the spa and ask to be a volunteer.
17. Tie a bright ribbon/scarf to your luggage for easy spotting. Also can work on cabin door
18. When the regular hot tub is too full, use the spa one.
19. Use of the sauna/steam room is free
20. Use the spa shower if multiple people need to shower at same time
21. Ask for children’s dessert menu (banana splits)
22. Bring Duct tape
23. Bring a highlighter
24. Bring post it notes
25. Sit close at the port talks sometimes they toss out free stuff
26. You can ask for extra pillow chocolates
27. bring an extension cord/power strip
28. Early and extra tips for stewards = more perks for you
29. You can order free drinks from the bar in the room at Captains dinner as opposed to those on the tray.
30. Bring travel hooks to hang stuff in your room
31. Bring a few paper funnels to make filling the water bottle easier.
32. Bring towels from home to avoid fearing losing one
33. Take a hand towel with you to the beach it will help remove sand and is handy for lots of other things too
34. Baby powder helps remove sand
35. Use a magnet to trick the balcony door into thinking its closed to keep the air on
36. Most ships have a secret door...find it
37. you can also print cards to take with you on the layout of the ship...simply use a word document...format in normal 8pt bold: Times New Roman: 8pt and divide into for equal columns.
38. Self disembarkation is FASTER
39. It is possible to ‘smuggle’ alcohol on board
40. Make sure to stock up on "snacks" before debarkation. The wait can be pretty long and everything is closed during this time. Except for the coffee shop which takes cash
41. Cards become demagnetized don’t use your credit card for the room safe
42. If the safe will not open call the desk they will send someone to open it
43. If you get sea sick you can go to the Pursers desk and ask for pills. They are free there
44. use your telephone for leaving each other messages in the cabins
45. Did you know you can call Carnival's Bon voyage department and pre-order alcohol to be delivered to your cabin? You can order bottles of hard liquor so that you can make your own drinks. You can't order online. You must call to set this up. It is a little pricey but worth it and cheaper than buying by the drink.
46. Do walk the entire ship on your first day
47. You can also ask your Room Steward for the book that is in your cabin
48. Bring a night light/ alarm clock
49. bring water shoes
50. The ship uses two types of toilet paper. Both are made by the same company. The sandpaper they call "envision" you will not want to subject your bottom to for 8 days. Ask your room steward to make sure that your stateroom is stocked with the "preference" paper instead.
51. Bring a sweater the dining room can be cold

Thats a great list Tim. I'm keeping that one for myself. :D

I have some questions about some list items...

9. Take the tour of the galley

On a ship, isn't the galley the kitchen? Special treats and samples of food? Explain.

10. They have an early and late night seating as well as captain’s party...take advantage of both for double free drinks.

When / where is this? Also do you mean free Alcoholic drinks? Please explain.

13. Ask for your drink in a plastic cup (not the fancy one ) saves $$$

Ask for these cups where when you get a drink? Bar? Buffet? Explain.

14. You may be able to eat free lunch at the places they charge for dinner

Do you mean shore excursions or times on the ship when people are gone on excursions?

25. Sit close at the port talks sometimes they toss out free stuff

Is this on the ship or while waiting on shore for excursions?

28. Early and extra tips for stewards = more perks for you

What kind of perks so I can gauge if it's worth it :P

29. You can order free drinks from the bar in the room at Captains dinner as opposed to those on the tray.

Where / when is this? And again, you you mean free alcohol?

35. Use a magnet to trick the balcony door into thinking its closed to keep the air on

Why anyone would like to have A/C on AND a door open is beyond me

36. Most ships have a secret door...find it

OK, this one HAS to be elaborated on, I have heard it many times, but a magical door to where?

OK, that's it please :D

Krunch

First of all Krunch relax ,When you get on board ask at pursers desk about galley tour.
When you order dinner look at you menu any pasta items can be used as
an appetizer too like I said.
You can request the time you want to eat dinner if you are not happy with time ask Matridee to change look at S&S card when you board tells ya time & table.
Some bigger ships have supper clubs sometimes you can get lunch there.(for free they have a charge of about $ 30 @ dinner)
before you go into port they have talks (lectures) how to be careful etc. they give away things.
Make a list for your stewart and give a taste of tip, tell him or her look out for me I will look out for you.
The formal night they have a captins party they have free drinks there. go to the bar and order rather than tray.
The staff push the funship drinks in a carnival glass ,at the bar tell them you want dod in regular glass.
When you go on balcony and have door open it shuts off air it can get stuffy inside cabin , you can get a little magnet @ hardware store to trip ac cutoff so ac runs.
Some ships have a secret door to go to bow area and crew areas.

I didn't prop the balcony door open when I was out there. I know some people like too.

The ship charges extra for the fancy cup. I ordered the drinks in the plastic cup because I didn't have room to pack them to take them home.

Krunch, you remind me of me! :D I get so excited (looonnngg) before my cruises, even today. I don't remember the excitement I must have felt before the first one. Too long ago and a sure sign of old age. Your excitement is contagious. There is so much to do on these ships, it is hard to grasp it all, until you have actually experienced it.

Have fun!