first time cruise what to do what to expect

[oliviadee]

Hi everyone! I am going on my first cruise May 7 leaving out of New Orleans and going to Cozumel. I am very excited and have read and researched everything. We are sailing on Carnival Fantasy and I would like any suggestions on what to expect and what not to miss. Thanks, Oliviadee

[dina]

Its your first cruise. Everyone finds something different on what they really love about a cruise. Expect to be spoiled and pampered. You won't want to leave the ship when you get back home.

[Sammy1954]

Hi
You will be spoiled and should have the time of your life.
There is something to do all the time on the ship or you
can sit back and relax.
Since this is your first cruise be sure to go to the meeting
letting you know what to do and not to do when your off
the ship. Very helpful..
Dont over pack.

Just have the time of your life and enjoy

Happy Sailing

Sammy

[Thoth]

Originally Posted by oliviadee

Hi everyone! I am going on my first cruise May 7 leaving out of New Orleans and going to Cozumel. I am very excited and have read and researched everything. We are sailing on Carnival Fantasy and I would like any suggestions on what to expect and what not to miss. Thanks, Oliviadee

Welcome...your first cruise and first post on this board. That's cool 8)
You can expect to enjoy yourself. The people are a friendly sort of fun, the food delicious, and the shows are usually quiet good. I don't really have any suggestions per say. Some things you might know already are
...sodas are extra charge
...cashless society...bring a credit card for the "sign & sail card" charges.
...Lido deck= 24 hours of food, coffee, tea, chocolate, and non carbonated drinks
....best shows are on formal night...singing, dancing and special effects
....one can book shore excursions ahead of time on-line
....pack sun-tan lotion
....take some $1 bills for tipping at pier and on shore excursions
....go with knowledge that you will likely become addicted to these ships

[oliviadee]

Thanks for your tips. I can hardly wait!!!!

[Dr Plunger]

Are you flying in the day before?

[llb]

Here are some additoinal tips:

Spa prices are much cheaper when the ship is at port; but always book your spa treatments asap as they fill up quickly

You can use give cash for your sail and sign account if you prefer; though most people give a credit card. When the cash account gets low, you will receive a notice from Carnival under your door to replenish it.

Deck chairs go quickly so plan accordingly if you're a sun goddess like myself.

The welcome drink in the fancy glass you will be offered upon boarding is not free; it will be charged to your sail and sign account.

The food was fabulous every night on both cruises I took. I've done the Western Caribbean before if you have any port-related questions.

Welcome to cruising! You will love it!

[brad813]

You should expect to have plenty available to do, plenty of food available, and plenty to drink available. And if you get the late night munchies, just order a pizza and have it delivered to your stateroom(I believe this is the case but cannot verify since I have not yet been on a cruise, though I know pizza is available until 4AM on the Lido deck).

[briguy]

More than anything else the thing not to miss?

The ship of course.. that will mess up your vacation somewhat!

[BigOldBaldGuy]

My 1st trip was in 2001...2nd 4 years later...3rd 2 years later...now annual event...

There are lots of fun activities onboard...you receive a newsletter under your door every morning with a schedule...take along a couple of 6 packs of soda and water...12 of each will NOT get you any grief from the ship.

On my first visit to a port I like doing a bus tour to see the city and find out their history...they are usually inexpensive...check out the shore excursions on the website before you leave...if there is one you KNOW you want to do...book it BEFORE you go...many have limited capacity and sell out...I'm a photo buff...so I like to take an early excursion to leave time for exploring with my camera.

Have a BLAST and start thinking about where you want to go next...

[brad813]

A piece of advice: Check around on the excursions. Sometimes you can book through a third party for less. I would leave the last couple hours open if possible to make sure you don't miss the ship. From what I hear, you should allow an hour for reboarding the ship, and you will want time to do a bit of shopping at each port.

[colorcrazie]

Just FYI, to the best of my knowledge, they do not deliver pizza to cabins. They have a preset room service menu.
Marty

[brad813]

Was not 100% sure on that, but regardless, food is available for those of us who must eat late at night.

[ttam]

OCEANS, PARTY, BINGO, PARTY, SLEEP, TRAVEL OFF THE SHIP AND SEE THE SIGHTS AND SLEEP AND START OVER AGAIN WE DID
boB 8)

[oliviadee]

Thanks for the great advice everyone. We are not flying we are driving but we are going the day before to enjoy New Orleans.

[seadog2]

Eat, eat, eat and oh yeah did I mention EAT.

[Dr Plunger]

Originally Posted by oliviadee

Thanks for the great advice everyone. We are not flying we are driving but we are going the day before to enjoy New Orleans.

Great to hear that y'all coming down. Staying around the Quarter? The cruise port is very easy to find. Just look for the 2 bridges over the Mississippi River and the port is just down river. The weather is has been great for the last couple of days, looks like spring has finally made it for sure.

[colorcrazie]

Sailing out of NOLA is amazing in itself. The way the Mississppi winds around back and forth. I loved that.
Marty

[msslim]

Originally Posted by BigOldBaldGuy

My 1st trip was in 2001...2nd 4 years later...3rd 2 years later...now annual event...

There are lots of fun activities onboard...you receive a newsletter under your door every morning with a schedule...take along a couple of 6 packs of soda and water...12 of each will NOT get you any grief from the ship.

On my first visit to a port I like doing a bus tour to see the city and find out their history...they are usually inexpensive...check out the shore excursions on the website before you leave...if there is one you KNOW you want to do...book it BEFORE you go...many have limited capacity and sell out...I'm a photo buff...so I like to take an early excursion to leave time for exploring with my camera.

Have a BLAST and start thinking about where you want to go next...

How was your trip on the Fascination? I'm planning on going around next spring.

[brad813]

I plan to go at least twice a year myself. Main reason is because it is a large part of the business(travel agency) I am opening. Basically, they are working vacations.

[Nothin but blue skies]

The Fantasy is a great ship and in very good condition after it's makeover. We love the adults only serenity deck. Big Tex is the CD (Cruise director) and he is one of the best. Go to all the shows and get involved. The Welcome Aboard show the first day is a good way to see what all is planned for the week and to get to know the entertainment staff and CD.

Another point that I don't think anyone has made here is to be sure to be back on the ship on time. Set your watch with the ship time and if you plan to drink in port, be sure someone in your party is sober enough to get you back to the ship. People get left in port all the time when they do not get back to the ship in time. The front page of the Caper gives a phone number for each day in port so you can call if you have a delaying emergency in port. Take that number with you when you get off the ship.

If you plan to take photo's I find it helpful to take a close up photo of the cover page of the Caper each day before taking any pictures. This helps me to identify the next pictures for the day.

Most of all - have fun and don't sweat the small stuff. I always say any day on a cruise is better than a day at work.

[nursemommy7578]

"If you plan to take photo's I find it helpful to take a close up photo of the cover page of the Caper each day before taking any pictures. This helps me to identify the next pictures for the day."

thats a great idea! thanks!