~ * Updated Secrets and Tips! * ~

[Sailingstagediva]

Cinderellie from Cherry Hill started a great thread back in 2004 telling "oldies" ~ "newbies" clues and tips on cruising with Carnival. I thought it would be fun to continue with updated ideas and lists so we don't have to read through 160 pages! Thanks Cinderellie for starting this off! :D

 

OK - GO..............

[truchattycathy]

It took me four cruises to find the "secret" door. It's at the front of the ship....follow the hall that leads to the rooms on one of the higher decks...like the lido deck. At the end of the hall is a door that leads to a second door and out to a pretty secluded deck at the very front of the ship. Sooooo much fun to watch pier runners from. :)

[AryMay]

Just got back from our 5th Carnival cruise and found something new this time!

 

At the adult only pool at the back of the Legend you can get pre-made boxed lunches to enjoy by the pool. There were several to choose from and they had a deli sandwich, pickle & salad. Also one choice was a chicken caesar salad.

 

It was a quick way to get lunch without going through the line at the buffet!

 

Not sure if this is offered on other ships or not.

[rocketmom09]

It took me four cruises to find the "secret" door. It's at the front of the ship....follow the hall that leads to the rooms on one of the higher decks...like the lido deck. At the end of the hall is a door that leads to a second door and out to a pretty secluded deck at the very front of the ship. Sooooo much fun to watch pier runners from. :)

 

We found this our first night exploring! My son and his wife said 'well, at least they got one thing right on cruise critic!' ;)

 

We took some beautiful photographs from that private deck.

[Sailingstagediva]

Loved the box sandwich tip - Thanks!

[floridaboyz]

Just got back from our 5th Carnival cruise and found something new this time!

 

At the adult only pool at the back of the Legend you can get pre-made boxed lunches to enjoy by the pool. There were several to choose from and they had a deli sandwich, pickle & salad. Also one choice was a chicken caesar salad.

 

It was a quick way to get lunch without going through the line at the buffet!

 

Not sure if this is offered on other ships or not.

 

Are these found right at the Serenity area? Do you have to ask staff for these? Drink options? Do tell!

[MrPete]

Change your user option to read newest posts first, and that thread is current. Having two of the same thread is confusing and conflicting.

[Flynlo]

Beware, Flat Iron Steak in MDR is nasty. :eek:

[firefly333]

You can ask for SF vanilla ice cream in the MDR that's not on the menu, only comes in vanilla.

 

If you dont have enough hangers, your cabin steward will bring some left over metal hangers that people left behind if you ask.

 

I'm bringing a newbie in January and trying to remember all the things he might want to know ahead of time like every lunch and dinner in the buffet and MDR, there is always a SF dessert (he is diabetic)

[AryMay]

Are these found right at the Serenity area? Do you have to ask staff for these? Drink options? Do tell!

 

The Legend does not have a Serenity area...at least not yet. The lunches were available at the Unicorn Bar (aft) right by the adult pool. There was a big sign listing all of the choices (should have gotten a picture...rats). You could just go up and ask and they would hand one to you. There were only a few choices but oh so easy to get!

 

As far as drinks...you could get the alcoholic drinks at the bar but I don't think there were drink stations right there. To get tea, lemonade, etc. you would have to walk inside to the buffet area. BUT...since we brought our BIG insulated mugs we didn't have to make the trip often!

 

[klfrodo]

:confused:

 

I'm confused. If I share a "secret",,, how much longer does it remain a "secret"?

[firefly333]

:confused:

 

I'm confused. If I share a "secret",,, how much longer does it remain a "secret"?

 

I dont know, after hearing about secret doors since I joined CC, Im thinking they are not very secret ... or the secret cabins. We will have to agree to call them tips and not secrets. Sur Mer still remains a secret, as there is hardly ever anyone else up there.

[firefly333]

If you dont board with VIP the buffet will be very crowded by the time you get there. ... this is a great time on Conquest class ships to try out Sur Mer and leave the buffet to the crowds.

[WinnipegCruiser]

Owning 100 shares of Carnival Cruise stock ( quote:NYSE:CCL can get you a $100 on board credit for sailing with them.

 

To see the details click here.

 

I wouldn't buy stock just for the shareholders benefit, but if you believe in the company, and are investing anyway it is a really nice bonus.

 

Right now it is also paying a ten cent quarterly dividend, and I am partial to dividend stocks.

[firefly333]

Owning 100 shares of Carnival Cruise stock ( quote:NYSE:CCL can get you a $100 on board credit for sailing with them.

 

And even better, right now Carnival is allowing combining of OBCs. There was a time when I was not allowed a $100 early booking bonus and my stock OBC. Now next Conquest I have $200 OBC, $100 from stock and $100 from my FCC (future cruise cert)

[5waldos]

And even better, right now Carnival is allowing combining of OBCs. There was a time when I was not allowed a $100 early booking bonus and my stock OBC. Now next Conquest I have $200 OBC, $100 from stock and $100 from my FCC (future cruise cert)

 

Did not know that this had been done- would have been quite unhappy! But the other new stock item is that if two people jointly own 100 shares and book two separate cabins- both get the $100 credit. So when Mr5W and I cruise with the boys- we book ourselves into two cabins and shuffle things around on board.is

[nothomeonacruise]

* Bring a big insulated mug. It comes in handy. If you drink coffee it's nice to be able to have more than a little tea cup.

* If you are going to Half Moon Cay, you have to get to the excursion desk upon embarkation to reserve a cabana. (They go fast)

* Bring lots of ones to tip a one or two to room service and anyone else you may want to give a small tip. We bring about 50.00 ones for our 7 day. We use the money in port, too.

* You can get the cheese dessert as an appetizer. (I'm going to try this one on my next trip)

* You can order two entres for dinner. (My husband does this one on lobster night)

* The bitter n Blanc is delicious.

* Several ships have small food areas, such as a fish and chips station, a Wok station..etc.. it's fun to find them.

* Your steward appreciates an extra cash tip, as do the waiter and asst. waiters at the end of your cruise.

 

and I got this off another website:

 

1. FREE bungee cord with a clip for your sail 'n sign card at the casino.

2. FREE champagne at the art auction.

3. FREE cappuccino in the dining room during breakfast, lunch and dinner (when DR is open). Have them mix it with hot chocolate and you've got a nice mocha drink.

4. FREE medication for sea sickness at the pursers desk and/or infirmary. And you can also get these items there too:

Aspirin

Ibuprofen

Neosporin

Bandaids

Pepto-Bismol

Little packet of sewing needs

Pens

5. FREE liquor tasting in the shops (usually the first night).

6. FREE deck of cards at the pursers desk.

7. FREE Afternoon Tea on a sea day. There is an assortment of teas, smoked salmon, strawberries and cream, cakes, etc. ---- plus a nice trio playing.

8. FREE soft serve ice cream 24 hr a day, but on sea days (usually for a couple of hours in the afternoon) they also have FREE hard ice cream and all the fixings for making sundaes!

9. If you go to the port talks that are given, they usually have FREE give aways - sit close to the front as they usually throw items off from the stage.

10. FREE drinks and hors'douvres at the Captains Party and Past Guest parties. And if you don't like what is on the servers tray, order whatever you want and it is FREE. (Past guest parties are on the 5 day and longer cruises)

11. The cruise book in the cabin can sometimes be had for FREE if you ask the steward nicely (I would tip him).

12. FREE room service (but don't forget to tip).

13. Travelers checks can be cashed FREE of charge (there is a fee for personal checks).

14. When you buy the drink of the day, the souvenier glass is yours to take home for FREE.

15. Not every ship has a Sushi bar but if your ship does...it's FREE. They are only open for a few hours in the late afternoon, so watch your Capers.

16. If you are very lucky, you can get a FREE facial or other spa treatments if you go on the spa tour when you first get on the ship. Also, go to the talks from the spa and you can get 10 % off.

17. Enter one of their game shows and you will win a FREE bottle of Champagne.

18. You can order as many appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, or desserts as you want in the dining room and it's FREE.

19. The amenities baskets in the bathrooms have sample sized packs of razors, toothpaste, dental floss, Emergen-C, lotion, shampoo, Advil and it's FREE. You can always ask your room steward for more if you run out (they appreciate a tip for supplying you with more).

20. If you run out of bobby pins for your "updo" on formal night, the beauty salon will give you some for FREE.

21. FREE banana splits and mac & cheese in the dining room.....they are not on the dinner menu but are on the kids menu.

[firefly333]

* Bring a big insulated mug. It comes in handy. If you drink coffee it's nice to be able to have more than a little tea cup.

* If you are going to Half Moon Cay, you have to get to the excursion desk upon embarkation to reserve a cabana. (They go fast)

* Bring lots of ones to tip a one or two to room service and anyone else you may want to give a small tip. We bring about 50.00 ones for our 7 day. We use the money in port, too.

* You can get the cheese dessert as an appetizer. (I'm going to try this one on my next trip)

* You can order two entres for dinner. (My husband does this one on lobster night)

* The bitter n Blanc is delicious.

 

This is my favorite dessert. If people can have threads of melting cake... this can be a tip too :D

 

good tips

[jbanana1]

We all loved the flat iron steak! No free drinks at captain's party anymore ($1 off drinks) but do have free drinks at farewell party.

[Rosefloater]

:confused:

 

I'm confused. If I share a "secret",,, how much longer does it remain a "secret"?

 

Because only about 10% of cruisers know about cruise critic.

 

* Your steward appreciates an extra cash tip, as do the waiter and asst. waiters at the end of your cruise.

 

Please don't forget about the steward's 2 assistants (morning & night)

 

 

14. When you buy the drink of the day, the souvenier glass is yours to take home for FREE.

 

Reuse the cup to get any bar drink cheaper.

 

19. The amenities baskets in the bathrooms have sample sized packs of razors, toothpaste, dental floss, Emergen-C, lotion, shampoo, Advil and it's FREE. You can always ask your room steward for more if you run out (they appreciate a tip for supplying you with more).

 

The amenities change from time to time and ship to ship. I have never seen Emergen-C on any of my cruises.

[gail811]

On the Dream in June they charged for the pills for motion sickness. I went to the infirmary with my friend to get them for her grandson, and we ended up back at the pursers desk (infirmary was closed) where we had to pay for them.

[richstowe]

Quote

14. When you buy the drink of the day, the souvenier glass is yours to take home for FREE.

 

Reuse the cup to get any bar drink cheaper.END QUOTE

 

Being a newbie BUT having read alot on CC I always see this tip -save a buck by getting a plain glass or reusing Carnival glass.

Don't understand. You are getting a nice momento of your cruise for a buck. Sounds like a good deal to me.

[Katty891]

I think this is more for once you get the first dod. Then if you the DOD everyday you won't have 7 cups(just the one) and you save 6 bucks. But you still have the suvinor.who really wants to pack 7 plastic cups in there luggage!

 

 

 

Quote

14. When you buy the drink of the day, the souvenier glass is yours to take home for FREE.

 

Reuse the cup to get any bar drink cheaper.END QUOTE

 

Being a newbie BUT having read alot on CC I always see this tip -save a buck by getting a plain glass or reusing Carnival glass.

Don't understand. You are getting a nice momento of your cruise for a buck. Sounds like a good deal to me.

[rene194215]

It took me four cruises to find the "secret" door. It's at the front of the ship....follow the hall that leads to the rooms on one of the higher decks...like the lido deck. At the end of the hall is a door that leads to a second door and out to a pretty secluded deck at the very front of the ship. Sooooo much fun to watch pier runners from. :)

 

I am assuming the ship was Ecstasy? It is in the same class as the Sensation so I am going with the assumption that the door will be in the same place? Is it pretty easy to find this door once you are on the right deck! I really want to find this door!!!!

 

Thanks!

[richstowe]

I think this is more for once you get the first dod. Then if you the DOD everyday you won't have 7 cups(just the one) and you save 6 bucks. But you still have the suvinor.who really wants to pack 7 plastic cups in there luggage!

AHHA! OK -Here is the problem - I thought we were talking about GLASS glasses for DOD. Now I get it.

 

Question - Can you get (steal) one of those GLASS Carnival glasses?

 

 

sorry for going off-topic