New to Carnival

[primetimegirl]

OK, I did it! I booked on the Triumph for December 12 out of New Orleans. I have only sailed with NCL before, so I am out of my comfort zone. I have taken my church groups on the Wind & Star to Alaska, POA to Hawaii, and my DH and I took the Spirit to the Western Caribbean. This will also just by dh and me. What are some things I really need to know!! Ports are Key West, Freeport, & Nassau. I hope I like Carnival!

[Rockportgirl]

Just scan through the pages here and you'll find everything you could ever want to know, and more.

 

Welcome to Carnival. You'll love it! :)

[HoustonTodd]

Carnival is awesome I'm sure you will have a wonderful trip. I haven't been to those ports specifically, but if you have any Carnival questions in particular ask away and I'm sure someone will have an answer for you.

 

You will want to book in the specialty restaurant one night at least. It's well worth it.

[Traveler353]

I am also looking forward to my first cruise on the Triumph in December. I expect she will be a big change from the Holiday and the Fantasy.

[forwardcabin]

We are going to try Triumph for a 7-day spring break cruise, Mar 13, 2010, bringing our daughter and several of the grandkids. They've all cruised before but not on Triumph. We've seen some pics from previous cruisers and it really looks great.

 

We've been to Key West but not the other ports you are going to. Key West is OK--lots of t-shirt shops and bars. Be sure to try the Key Lime pie.

 

We know you will have a really great cruise. Bon Voyage!

[primetimegirl]

Thanks for the replies. I requested anytime dining, but was told Triumph did not have it. So, I have early seating. Can I request a table for 2? If so, how do I do that?

[yogimax]

Key West is great! Freeport is a wasted stop. In Nassau, take the water shuttle to Atlantis and explore.

[mizLORInj]

You will find the 2 lines very comparable. But there will be no dolphins on the carpet in the hallways showing the way to the bow like NCL!

 

We liked the beach at Our Lucaya in Freeport. Nassau we do a daysail.

Have a great cruise!

[primetimegirl]

I was disappointed that the Triumph did not have anytime dining. Can anyone tell me how to request a table for 2?

[firefly333]

I was disappointed that the Triumph did not have anytime dining. Can anyone tell me how to request a table for 2?

 

You can't. Carnival doesnt take table size requests any longer (they used to).

 

If you dislike your table, you can request to have it changed when you board by the maitre d'. He might or might not be able to honor such a specific request, so be prepared. Go early if you are set on it.

[tikimon]

As far as Carnival goes, just go with an open mind, enjoy what they have to offer you for that cruise and don't try to do a lot of compairing of the 2 cruiselines while you are on vacation.

 

I happen to like Carnival as a choice for a cruise vacation, but I also understand that they are not to everyone's liking.

 

Weclome and I hope you enjoy it.

[jenng1976]

I was disappointed that the Triumph did not have anytime dining. Can anyone tell me how to request a table for 2?

 

I was just on Triumph and successfully got a table for 2! As soon as we got onboard, we went to London dining room where they were taking the Maitre'd requests and asked for a table for 2. (We boarded around noonish). They didn't give it to us right away since Early Seating was pretty full, but later that afternoon we received a card under the door in our room saying our request had been granted.

 

Also - you can request a table for 2 from the Hostess for breakfast/lunch if you're eating in the MDR, if you want.

 

I'm sure you'll have an amazing time on Triumph - we loved it!!

 

Jenn

[marshhawk]

Welcome to Carnival, I have not been to Freeport or Key West, both are on my wish list, but I did do Nassau last year. We had not planned to do any thing ...trying to save money as we were on the cruise for a friends wedding, and money had been tight. Still is, but they had an information meeting about things to do in Nassau, and we saw one that was Blackbeard's Island. It included lunch , the trip out to the island on a catamaran and snorkeling. I said yes, so we went. It was windy and cool that day, and the temperature in the water was much nicer than being out of the water. Our goal was to find hidden treasure(yes we are both adults) and the treasure peices actually could be used for a discount at the jewelry stores in town. (not interested) We received one "pieces of 8" to use to purchase lunch with and searched (snorkled) to find more. I was not hungry(too much carnival food) and I kept my piece of 8, and I found one while snorkeling (they are wrapped in white netting). My husband found a beautiful dead sea biscuit, and we brought it home with us. When ever I see it I remember a lovely day on a beautiful beach. (not too many people, infact i think only 12 of us went to the island.0 it was windy and cool, but delightful. Have fun!

[glrounds]

OK, I did it! I booked on the Triumph for December 12 out of New Orleans. I have only sailed with NCL before, so I am out of my comfort zone. I have taken my church groups on the Wind & Star to Alaska, POA to Hawaii, and my DH and I took the Spirit to the Western Caribbean. This will also just by dh and me. What are some things I really need to know!! Ports are Key West, Freeport, & Nassau. I hope I like Carnival!

 

You'll notice that the ship's decor doesn't look the same as your NCL ship. Its Joe Farcus at work. He's quite mad, of course, but after awhile he grows on you. :D

Enjoy your cruise. :)

[nycruise]

I was just on Triumph and successfully got a table for 2! As soon as we got onboard, we went to London dining room where they were taking the Maitre'd requests and asked for a table for 2. (We boarded around noonish). They didn't give it to us right away since Early Seating was pretty full, but later that afternoon we received a card under the door in our room saying our request had been granted.Jenn

 

And if that doesn't work a well placed tip usually does the trick!:rolleyes:

[AZ Karaoke Girl]

My first cruise was on NCL Pride of Hawaii and I enjoyed the cruise but many complained of the service and I had a hard time getting to eat in a specialty restaurant as the were always full. Buffet everyday got old. Most people that prefer NCL is because of the freestyle of getting to eat when & where you want.

 

Carnival now has anytime dining so it can please most. I love Carnival personally and their food is superior in quality in the dining room. I was able to see the maitre D shortly after boarding and request a table for 2 & I tipped him for the service. I've been on 4 carnival cruises and have another booked. I can't respond to your ports because I do Mexico/Baja cruises from the west coast.

[LHP]

OK, I did it! I booked on the Triumph for December 12 out of New Orleans. I have only sailed with NCL before, so I am out of my comfort zone. I have taken my church groups on the Wind & Star to Alaska, POA to Hawaii, and my DH and I took the Spirit to the Western Caribbean. This will also just by dh and me. What are some things I really need to know!! Ports are Key West, Freeport, & Nassau. I hope I like Carnival!

 

We have sailed out of New Orleans many times and some interesting points.

 

One...you can't see much of the ship until you got over the railroad tracks...because of that huge (stupid) Convention Center. Talk about messing up a beautiful view.

 

So don't panic if you get down to the port area and can't see the ship.

 

Two...you will be on the Mississippi River from 6 - 8 hours (depending on conditions and traffic). It is beautiful at night to watch all the sparkle lights on Starboard side of the ship. (some on the port side as well..but more little towns on the Starboard side)

 

I don't know how NCL ships are laid out...but remember that on the Triumph...decks 3 and 4 do not go all the way through (because the dining rooms and kitchen interfere)....so we always just used Deck 5 (Promenade) as our avenue from the back to the front of the ship and vice versa.

 

We usually get a cabin AFT on Main (2) ....and grab the elevator up to Lido to eat or up to Promenade to walk to the front of the ship.

 

As far as the cruise goes...you will have a wonderful time.

[ljchris1990]

OK, I did it! I booked on the Triumph for December 12 out of New Orleans. I have only sailed with NCL before, so I am out of my comfort zone. I have taken my church groups on the Wind & Star to Alaska, POA to Hawaii, and my DH and I took the Spirit to the Western Caribbean. This will also just by dh and me. What are some things I really need to know!! Ports are Key West, Freeport, & Nassau. I hope I like Carnival!

 

 

Hello Primetimegirl, I don't normally post much but I just got off the Triumph yesterday (did the cruise to nowhere) and we liked her a lot. The Triumph was our first big ship (only been on the smaller Fantasy class ships) and I have to say it took us minute to get used to her because her layout was way different from what we were used but that didn't stop us from enjoying her and I'm sure you will too.

[clearwatergirl]

I was disappointed that the Triumph did not have anytime dining. Can anyone tell me how to request a table for 2?

 

Once on board, go to the dining room. speak to whomever is at the podium with the seating computer. Request a table for 2 if you don't have it already. It's worked for us each time. :)

[primetimegirl]

Thanks for all your help! Before I booked I told DH we would have anytime dining, like NCL. But when I called to book, I was told the Triumph did not offer it. I have not told him that yet. He will be alright with it if we can get a table for two. If not, we will probably be eating at the buffet a lot.

Jenng1976, I am glad you successfully got a table for 2. I requested early seating, but I don’t know which dining room yet. I guess I will find this out before we sail. I will definitely make a beeline for the Maitre’d as soon as we get on board!

Marshawk, we love to snorkel! The Blackbeard’s Island sounds like fun. Do you remember how much it cost?

Glrounds, I’m sorry I don’t know who Joe Farcus is, but I’m sure I will find out.

Nycruise & Yukon111, I will flash a little cash when I make my request. I'm glad to know you also got a table for 2.

[primetimegirl]

LHP, thanks for the heads up on deck 3 & 4. I don’t know what deck we will be on. I booked a balcony cabin, what is it call, fun saver rate? I hope I am not disappointed. I have never done this before; I always pick my cabin, so I am a little nervous. I was told there was no bad balcony cabins on the Triumph.

Ljchris1990, I am glad you enjoyed your cruise to on the Triumph. I can’t wait for my turn.

[ljchris1990]

LHP, thanks for the heads up on deck 3 & 4. I don’t know what deck we will be on. I booked a balcony cabin, what is it call, fun saver rate? I hope I am not disappointed. I have never done this before; I always pick my cabin, so I am a little nervous. I was told there was no bad balcony cabins on the Triumph.

Ljchris1990, I am glad you enjoyed your cruise to on the Triumph. I can’t wait for my turn.

 

No problem hon, just for a heads up my hubby and I were in a inside room on the Empress deck (deck 7). We thought it was the best floor to stay on because the lido was 2 floors above us and the promenade was 2 floors below. It didn't take long for us get anywhere and we were able to take the stairs (work off all that food :)). Happy cruising

[jenng1976]

LHP, thanks for the heads up on deck 3 & 4. I don’t know what deck we will be on. I booked a balcony cabin, what is it call, fun saver rate? I hope I am not disappointed. I have never done this before; I always pick my cabin, so I am a little nervous. I was told there was no bad balcony cabins on the Triumph.

Ljchris1990, I am glad you enjoyed your cruise to on the Triumph. I can’t wait for my turn.

 

Hi primetimegirl,

 

You probably already know this - but you can check for your room assignment online at Carnival's website under Your Reservation. They could assign it at any time, so keep checking if it's not their yet! But, I'm sure you'll have a great room (and time) no matter what they assign! We had aft balcony 6467 and really enjoyed it.

 

A few other tips:

- try eating in the MDR for breakfast. It's lovely to have someone bring you coffee/croissants and your meal, rather than fight the buffet lines in the morning!

- when going to the buffet/grill/noodle place/deli - go upstairs to eat. There's not many people up there so we never had a problem getting a seat! The stairs are behind the fruit section.

- if there's a show you really want to see, make sure you get there early! On our sailing the main lounge was always packed. Often there's Bingo before the show to keep you occupied!!

 

Sigh ... I wish I was going again! ;)

 

Jenn

[primetimegirl]

ljchris1990 and Jenng1976, thanks so much for the info. We will be taking advantage of the MDR in the mornings and maybe at lunch if not out on an excursion. Thanks for the tip on the stairs to the upstairs. DH does not like crowds

[jenng1976]

I forgot to mention about the ports ... I've been to Freeport/Nassau on the Sensation a couple of times and here's what we did.

 

Freeport - Took a taxi to Lucaya Beach - it's $5/person. It's a nice beach, and there's a casino there also that seemed quite popular (we didn't go in there). There's also a little shopping market there. Really easy to get a cab back to the ship.

 

Nassau - First time we did a snorkeling excursion through Carnival, it was ok. If you want to snorkel, you would probably be better/cheaper to book with a private company on your own. You could check with your roll call to see if anyone else is interested in joining you!

 

Second time we did the beach Atlantis excursion through Carnival, included chairs on the beach, & lunch, ride to/from Atlantis. Didn't include the water park. It was fun, though a little expensive for what you got. I'm thinking it was either $50 or $70/person, something like that.