alexney Posted August 2, 2010 #1 Share Posted August 2, 2010 What a great time!! I cannot wait to go again :) We sailed July 24 on the Fascination out of JAX. We were on deck 4 in an inside stateroom with two kids, so it was a tight squeeze, but completely do-able. I learned a few things along the way... 1.) Pack 1/2 of the clothes you think you will need- I know it's been said a zillion times before, but I didn't believe it applied to me. 2.) Set an alarm if you have no window- it really is impossible to know the time of day. 3.) Take a walk further down HMC and there are way less people. 4.) Most of the shows weren't fabulous, but they were a great way to cool down without going back to the room. 5.) They will be taking pictures everywhere, so pace yourself or you will pay tons for photos. 6.) The ship's shops had really great prices and sails. 7.) Don't feel funny about ordering two appetizers or an extra lobster tail- everyone at our table did this regularly. I am sure more things will come to me, but those are at the top of my list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrusinCyndi Posted August 2, 2010 #2 Share Posted August 2, 2010 Glad you enjoyed your trip. Welcome to cruising!! May this be the start of many more cruises for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travel girl23 Posted August 2, 2010 #3 Share Posted August 2, 2010 Sounds like you're now a member of the OATC club. Welcome. (Openly Addicted to Cruising) :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodey Posted August 2, 2010 #4 Share Posted August 2, 2010 Glad you had a good time and learn new tips and tricks to apply to your next Cruise.....I figure in about 17 or 18 more Cruise's I will have it down pat ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cristallo Posted August 2, 2010 #5 Share Posted August 2, 2010 Thanks for the info. We'll on her in Nov so any other tips you might have will be a great help. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbpanda Posted August 2, 2010 #6 Share Posted August 2, 2010 Sounds like you had a great time. I came back from my first cruise with most of the same lessons learned. Although, it's just now sinking in about the clothes. :D I did much better in packing on my last cruise, but still came home with a couple of things not worn. Eventually, I'll catch on! Glad you enjoyed your cruise!! Welcome to my addiction :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okwriter Posted August 2, 2010 #7 Share Posted August 2, 2010 What a great time!! I cannot wait to go again :)We sailed July 24 on the Fascination out of JAX. We were on deck 4 in an inside stateroom with two kids, so it was a tight squeeze, but completely do-able. I learned a few things along the way... 1.) Pack 1/2 of the clothes you think you will need- I know it's been said a zillion times before, but I didn't believe it applied to me. 2.) Set an alarm if you have no window- it really is impossible to know the time of day. 3.) Take a walk further down HMC and there are way less people. 4.) Most of the shows weren't fabulous, but they were a great way to cool down without going back to the room. 5.) They will be taking pictures everywhere, so pace yourself or you will pay tons for photos. 6.) The ship's shops had really great prices and sails. 7.) Don't feel funny about ordering two appetizers or an extra lobster tail- everyone at our table did this regularly. I am sure more things will come to me, but those are at the top of my list. Glad you had fun! I, too, had a BLAST on my first cruise in January! Loved what you wrote about the clothes. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Mach* Posted August 2, 2010 #8 Share Posted August 2, 2010 Welcome home and congratulations on your first voyage! No doubt just the first of many. Looks like you've learned a great deal of what we all know now the trick is to put it to good use! I've been following the 'pack 1/2 of what you think you'll need' mantra for years and I still over pack. If I pack any less I'll have a pair of boxers and a t-shirt!!! Have you booked the next one yet? If not, why not??? :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KFinTx Posted August 2, 2010 #9 Share Posted August 2, 2010 Old travel advice: take 1/2 the clothes & twice the money you think you'll need. :p Welcome to cruising! I know you're going to have lots of fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misguidedangel Posted August 2, 2010 #10 Share Posted August 2, 2010 Excellent to hear that you enjoyed your first cruise! You'll be platinum before you know it!!! Clothes--yep, pack less. I suggest you make a lst of what to bring based on the cruise and stick to it. Cabins--If you can swng it, book a balcony and there will be no need to be in the dark even when it is bright as can be out!!!! Balcony cabins are great *BG* HMC--I booked a cabana and never regretted it!!!!!! Pictures--avoid those areas by walking to the back diing room on another deck. On Conquest class ships, go via Lido deck, f your cabin is forward or midship. My last cruise had me in the back dining room and I never once took Promenade deck to the dining room...went Lido all the way (and my cabin was on Lido too). I purposely make lyself look horrible so they don't take pictures.....Ok, so that usually means my hair is in a ponytail.... Dinner--two appetizers are common for me when there is a chilled soup and something like french onion soup or escargot *BG*..... So, when is the next cruise? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy40th Posted August 2, 2010 #11 Share Posted August 2, 2010 feel silly asking but what is HMC? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Mach* Posted August 2, 2010 #12 Share Posted August 2, 2010 feel silly asking but what is HMC? Half Moon Cay... it's Carnival Corp's private island in the Bahamas... :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flgojo Posted August 2, 2010 #13 Share Posted August 2, 2010 feel silly asking but what is HMC? Not silly at all. It is Half Moon Cay Carnival's private island. I will be there for the first time in 289 days. :D From reviews it is amazing and I hope to get one of the coveted cabanas to half a luxurious beach day with loungers, shade, air conditioning, sodas and snacks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carolinagirl82 Posted August 2, 2010 #14 Share Posted August 2, 2010 Completely agree with the packing less clothes comment. Saying that I overpacked for our first cruise is an understatement:D. We had 5 checked bags and a backpack. I wondered why we were getting funny looks.:o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muumuu Posted August 3, 2010 #15 Share Posted August 3, 2010 Ah yes!! A new addict among us. Welcome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WOWGirl Posted August 3, 2010 #16 Share Posted August 3, 2010 old travel advice: Take 1/2 the clothes & twice the money you think you'll need. :p welcome to cruising! I know you're going to have lots of fun! hahahahaha!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlendaleCruiser Posted August 3, 2010 #17 Share Posted August 3, 2010 Not only do I overpack, but I always say I'm not buying any clothes on the trip and then I always do! I was proud of the fact that I actually had to do laundry on the 12-day (+3 pre-cruise) trip last year. YAY me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexney Posted August 4, 2010 Author #18 Share Posted August 4, 2010 So, we haven't booked our next cruise yet, but we're talking our friends into joining us :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiggerman101 Posted August 4, 2010 #19 Share Posted August 4, 2010 How about.....Come to the CC Meet and Greet so you can get to know wonderful people like myself who were also on this cruise ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meyer2 Posted August 4, 2010 #20 Share Posted August 4, 2010 Glad you had such a great time, so exciting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulandfran Posted August 4, 2010 #21 Share Posted August 4, 2010 What a great time!! I cannot wait to go again :)We sailed July 24 on the Fascination out of JAX. We were on deck 4 in an inside stateroom with two kids, so it was a tight squeeze, but completely do-able. I learned a few things along the way... 1.) Pack 1/2 of the clothes you think you will need- I know it's been said a zillion times before, but I didn't believe it applied to me. 2.) Set an alarm if you have no window- it really is impossible to know the time of day. 3.) Take a walk further down HMC and there are way less people. 4.) Most of the shows weren't fabulous, but they were a great way to cool down without going back to the room. 5.) They will be taking pictures everywhere, so pace yourself or you will pay tons for photos. 6.) The ship's shops had really great prices and sails. 7.) Don't feel funny about ordering two appetizers or an extra lobster tail- everyone at our table did this regularly. I am sure more things will come to me, but those are at the top of my list. Glad you had a great first cruise. I agree with all of your rules and unfortunately I keep relearning rule #1 over and over. I ALWAYS bring too many clothes. :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Interceptor2551 Posted August 4, 2010 #22 Share Posted August 4, 2010 Excellent to hear that you enjoyed your first cruise! You'll be platinum before you know it!!! Clothes--yep, pack less. I suggest you make a lst of what to bring based on the cruise and stick to it. Cabins--If you can swng it, book a balcony and there will be no need to be in the dark even when it is bright as can be out!!!! Balcony cabins are great *BG* HMC--I booked a cabana and never regretted it!!!!!! Pictures--avoid those areas by walking to the back diing room on another deck. On Conquest class ships, go via Lido deck, f your cabin is forward or midship. My last cruise had me in the back dining room and I never once took Promenade deck to the dining room...went Lido all the way (and my cabin was on Lido too). I purposely make lyself look horrible so they don't take pictures.....Ok, so that usually means my hair is in a ponytail.... Dinner--two appetizers are common for me when there is a chilled soup and something like french onion soup or escargot *BG*..... So, when is the next cruise? Could someone please elaborate on this photo thing. So the ships have Carnival Paparazzi™ that take photos of you doing what and where?? They better not jump out and scare the $#@! out of me or someone will have a mess to clean up. I absolutely loathe when I enter amusement parks and the photographers rush you to take your pic. If I want my pic taken, I'd ask someone to take it for me. Let me bottom line it: Will I be harassed about having my pic taken? I just don't want to deal with it all week, that would really bring the experience down a notch. I know, I'd never cut it as a celebrity. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DEBnGAB Posted August 4, 2010 #23 Share Posted August 4, 2010 Could someone please elaborate on this photo thing. So the ships have Carnival Paparazzi™ that take photos of you doing what and where?? They better not jump out and scare the $#@! out of me or someone will have a mess to clean up. I absolutely loathe when I enter amusement parks and the photographers rush you to take your pic. If I want my pic taken, I'd ask someone to take it for me. Let me bottom line it: Will I be harassed about having my pic taken? I just don't want to deal with it all week, that would really bring the experience down a notch. I know, I'd never cut it as a celebrity. Thanks I'm with you....getting off at ports, embarkation, etc. the photographers are there. Many people like the pics..for us, been there done that. We just simply say "No thank you" and keep walking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulandfran Posted August 4, 2010 #24 Share Posted August 4, 2010 I'm with you....getting off at ports, embarkation, etc. the photographers are there. Many people like the pics..for us, been there done that. We just simply say "No thank you" and keep walking. Yep, we say "no thanks" and keep walking too. If they are really insistent we'll just pause and smile and then move on. As annoying as it can be I know they're just doing their job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruisingLPN Posted August 4, 2010 #25 Share Posted August 4, 2010 We let them take our dds photo a couple of times. I hate having my picture taken, but I hate to seem rude. Kids to the rescue! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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