One more important advice

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising.

Don't try to do everything in every port.

All 4 of you need to sit down and discuss what kind of activities you are all interested and whether you want to take tours where you learn about the various ports or if you just want to shop, do the beach, etc.

[joie1016]

Hi seasoned cruisers. Myself, DW, DD4 and DD7 will be cruising for the first time in January aboard Carnival Legend. If you can only share one piece of advice that you think is essential and all cruisers must absolutely know. What would it be ?

 

Thanks for taking the time to educate us novice cruisers :)

M.

 

 

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Have no expectations of what you think it should or might be. Don't listen to anything negative and do your own thing. We all have different expericences and some bitch about it and some rave about it. Don't listen to anyone and just do your vacation your way:)

[5326jan]

Get back to the ship on time on port days! Set your watch to ship's time. Don't do the "dock walk of shame" because you got back 15 minutes late and your ship is just pulling away from the pier. :(

:eek:

[Carolin]

Bring a wrist watch and set it to ship time. Make sure you are back on the ship 30 minutes before the ship is scheduled to pull out of port.

 

ship time may be different from local time.

[panoramaofthepast]

I hope you don't mind me asking a question in your forum but is it cash only in Carnival's casinos?

 

I am hoping some of the people can answer this. I didn't find my answer when I searched Carnival's website & someone told me we can just charge all of our casino spending on our sign & sail card. This really makes a big impact on how much cash a person has to bring on a cruise!

You can use cash in the casino. You can get cash from you sign and sail card, but there is usually an upcharge.

[momoftwinteens]

Try to get a feel for whether or not you are prone to motion sickness BEFORE you cruise (even before you book your cabin). You don't want to be spending a lot of money and then not get to enjoy it because you are sick every day!

[middlehaitch]

Splurge and pay for childcare for one night so you can relax and enjoy a date night.

Cheers, h.

[momto2js]

On our last cruise, the best part was talking to other passenger s and the crew. If all the tables were occupied around the pool I'd ask to sit in an empty chair at an occupied on while I watched the kids swim. I learned a lot chatting with people. The other thing not to be missed is the crew. They are from all over the world and love to tell you about it. My kids had a world map where we kept track of where the people were from and what made that place special. Have a good trip.

 

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[dolittle]

You don't have to do everything! There's always another cruise.

Don't get bogged down with too many excursions , pick a port that you can find a way to do it yourself. You will have more fun and learn how to be a better traveler.

[grrl2grrl]

Don't be afraid to strike up random conversations with strangers. The people you are nice to will see you later in the cruise and provide smiles from across the room, and it's always nice to see a friendly face. Besides, it's just weird sitting, most likely waiting, in awkward silence with so many people surrounding you...

 

The legend is a wonderful first cruise, and a great ship! Make your own explore the ship tour with he little map they give you if your room isn't ready after you eat your lunch on the day you board.

 

Have fun and enjoy!

[Suzieanna]

Shoes that dont hurt your feet! Yep, this is something I have learned through bitter experience! Prancing round in a variety of heels for a week, and then having to resort to reeboks for week 2 because of swelling, blisters etc! OUCH!!!

[just4steven]

Don't go in with expectations of what you think a cruise should be, go in with

the idea that this is a new adventure. :)

 

 

My first cruise is still about 40 days away, but this thought has helped me already since I am such an OCD vacation planner! I will remember it! :)

[minnesotamamafish]

Bring Bonine or similar in case of seasickness.

 

Wash hands often and use the antibacterial wash dispensers scattered around the ship.

 

Pack meds, documents, swimsuits, extra outfits, and camera in your carry on.

 

Make sure you have all passports or birth certificates, drivers licenses, credit cards, small casb for tips beyond autotips (porters, room service, excursions, etc.) and private excursion costs, taxis, and souvenirs in your posession before you leave your driveway.

 

Take time on the cruise to just watch the sea and enjoy the wonder of it all, appreciate the ability to be on vacation, show your pleasure to other guests and crew, and treasure your family.

 

Enjoy your cruise and start thinking about the next one!

[skrufy]

Dont run yourself ragged trying to do and see everything on board or in port. Its a cruise vacation relax and enjoy it.

[meatball_nyc]

My first cruise was aboard the Legend. We had a great cruise!

 

Smiles go a long way. Be courteous. If you see people trying to take pictures of themselves, offer to take their group picture for them. Let the people in the elevator get off it before trying to get on. Do not be late for the safety drill!

LED tea lights as a night lite for the bathroom. Battery-powered clock.

 

 

~robin and brian

(summertime jersey shore beach bums)

 

Norwegian Breakaway 2014

Carnival Miracle 2010

Carnival Legend 2006

[RikkuCat]

That was exactly what I was going to say ... especially in ports.

 

People often plan to do way too much in ports and end up not fully enjoy any of them because they are so rushed.

 

LuLu

~~~~

 

And in the other hand, it's good to know enough about your ports that you know what your other options are if an excursion is cancelled or your Plan A doesn't work out for some reason.

[donaldsc]

Do not read any of the "must take" sites on CC. You will be totally confused and if you take 10% of the stuff on any of the lists, you will be paying for extra suitcases, over weight charges, and will have no room for your clothes.

 

DON