Carnival specifics

Hi guys, first-time Cruiser here. I am booking an anniversary cruise through Carnival to Key West, Cuba, and Cozumel.

I've read a lot about cruises so I know what to expect when it comes to a lot of things but I'm wondering if there's an online resource where I can find out specifics.

Like I would love to look at some recent menus, I'd love to see some of the recent shift board schedules, and things like that. I wonder what time the shows are because I'm trying to sort of coordinate our Port days and dinner times Etc.

I'm also wondering if anyone can give me any specifics on choosing the best cabin on a Carnival ship.

I'm also wondering about how currency exchange works and if I do that on the ship or off the ship?

Also I see what time our ship is supposed to leave port, how much time should I really leave to get on the ship? Should I plan to be back an hour before that time? Two?

Thanks so much everyone. I was planning a Disney cruise a while back and I found so much information I practically felt like I'd already been on the ship, LOL and I definitely like to find that in-depth sort of information about the carnival ship that I'm going on. Any forums or sites that you can point me to would be super awesome. Thank you

There are discussion boards on the website that are cruise line specific. Check out the carnival board.

Is that a good place to find recent menus and daily bulletins so I cab get a feel for what they will be like?

In general, people will have daily Fun Times and pictures of the MDR menus - just ask on the Carnival board. The only issue I see is that I'm not sure how many people have done that itinerary yet.......

Is that a good place to find recent menus and daily bulletins so I cab get a feel for what they will be like?

The Carnival board here will have threads with menus, and people can tell you what the shows are on your ship. As to cabin type, we would have to know which ship you are considering to give advice on that. EM

I'd definitely ask on the Carnival board as everyone mentioned. However when you ask, you need to be more specific. You can't just ask for general Carnival ships. It's like asking "Hey, I am about to buy a new truck. How do they drive? What's the gas mileage, how much do you like them?"... Broad spectrum there. The Carnival Fantasy is much older and smaller than the Carnival Horizon. Also you won't need to worry about currency exchange. USD is excepted everywhere you're going around those ports. (Even in the Conch Republic!)

Hi guys, first-time Cruiser here. I am booking an anniversary cruise through Carnival to Key West, Cuba, and Cozumel.

 

I've read a lot about cruises so I know what to expect when it comes to a lot of things but I'm wondering if there's an online resource where I can find out specifics. Check the Carnival boards

Like I would love to look at some recent menus, I'd love to see some of the recent shift board schedules, and things like that. I wonder what time the shows are because I'm trying to sort of coordinate our Port days and dinner times Etc. There might be 2 shows in the main theater before and after late dining hours. So it doesn't matter what MDR time you choose. Also comedy club shows that are family friendly at 9 or 10pm, with adult comedy afterwards. Not every night has a show, so check daily in the Fun Times.

 

I'm also wondering if anyone can give me any specifics on choosing the best cabin on a Carnival ship. My prefernce is a midship balcony that has cabins above and below. Check the deck plans for your particular ship. If you have a galley above or the comedy club or piano bar, casino band below, you may be awake from the noise past midnight.

 

I'm also wondering about how currency exchange works and if I do that on the ship or off the ship? No need for currency in the Caribbean or Mexico except for Martinique or Guadaloupe where Euros are preferred. In Cuba there will be an "official" station past Customs where you can exchange USA $$$ into Cuban.

 

Also I see what time our ship is supposed to leave port, how much time should I really leave to get on the ship? Should I plan to be back an hour before that time? Two? If nearby, try to return to the dock at least one hour prior to departure. If you are off somewhere on your own, at least plan to be back at the general port area 2 hours prior.

 

Thanks so much everyone. I was planning a Disney cruise a while back and I found so much information I practically felt like I'd already been on the ship, LOL and I definitely like to find that in-depth sort of information about the carnival ship that I'm going on. Any forums or sites that you can point me to would be super awesome. Thank you

Enjoy your cruise!

On the Carnival Board, you can search all posts related to the Carnival Paradise, (if that is the ship you are on.) You will have a better chance of finding menus and activity schedules (called Fun Times,) that would be similar to what you will have on your sailing. There can be variations depending on the Cruise Director, itinerary, etc. You can also search on the Carnival board for "Paradise MDR menus" or "Paradise Fun Times" to see examples.

I know when I first started cruising, and with each new ship, I was obsessed with reading everything I could! We can't link many websites on here because they are competitors, but I found tons of info on sites you can find by googling, "beyondships2," "zydecocruiser," and "cruiseclues." Some info will be out of date, so you will find the most up to date stuff here. Enjoy researching and cruising!

Editing to add, you can find more specific info and ask questions under the board, "Carnival Roll Calls." You can find people who will be on your particular sailing.

https://help.goccl.com/app/answers/list/kw/Paradise/search/1

Enjoy your cruise!

Thanks so much for all the helpful info! :hearteyes: I've found my way to the carnival boards too and started exploring there.

Thanks! ☺

On the Carnival Board, you can search all posts related to the Carnival Paradise, (if that is the ship you are on.) You will have a better chance of finding menus and activity schedules (called Fun Times,) that would be similar to what you will have on your sailing. There can be variations depending on the Cruise Director, itinerary, etc. You can also search on the Carnival board for "Paradise MDR menus" or "Paradise Fun Times" to see examples.

 

I know when I first started cruising, and with each new ship, I was obsessed with reading everything I could! We can't link many websites on here because they are competitors, but I found tons of info on sites you can find by googling, "beyondships2," "zydecocruiser," and "cruiseclues." Some info will be out of date, so you will find the most up to date stuff here. Enjoy researching and cruising!

 

Editing to add, you can find more specific info and ask questions under the board, "Carnival Roll Calls." You can find people who will be on your particular sailing.

 

https://help.goccl.com/app/answers/list/kw/Paradise/search/1

Thanks everyone! I've found the carnival board and started exploring over there. Just read about the paradise going into dry dock, so exciting!

Thanks! ☺

You're welcome!!🛳️⚓