So you are a newbie...well here is my unsolicited advice

[cp2k]

Very well written post. I think this forum really needs a master "sticky" thread that links to FAQ's, or frequent discussions about many of these issues. It would cut down on the constant new threads on the same issues.

 

The only thing I would disagree with is the FTTF... there are cases when that CAN be useful. A better statement would be to evaluate its usefulness.

 

Some of the benefits like luggage delivery, and cabin being ready on arrival are useful.

I like to carry on my luggage, but my wife doesn't. On our first cruise I had to roll it around with me all over the ship until our room was ready. On the opposite side of that at 9:30pm my wife's luggage still hadn't arrived. I had to go out looking for it, and found it with two poor workers with three carts full still to delivery two decks below ours.

 

Our next cruise is out of Charleston, which is a very difficult port to depart from. They only allow airline size carry-on bags on the mandatory shuttle bus to the terminal, so you have no choice but to check everything. I bought FTTF just to make sure our cabin would be ready when we did board, and that our luggage would be delivered in a timely manner.

 

It can also be useful for Tenders depending on your shore plans. Another tip I would add.. if you do like to drink casually and aren't picky consider the shore excursions with alcohol included if you are going to do excursions. We did that last time, and will again in December. I found that worked wonderful for me. I only paid for a handful of other drinks the entire cruise.

Lastly, and I consider this one important... if you are from the south, and like SWEET TEA or sweet beverages in general take some sweetener with you. The Lemonade and tea both need major help. Now at most stores they have various liquid sweeteners in the little pocket containers that most people buy to flavor their water with. It is easy to slip one of those in your pocket for dinner and "fix" your beverages when you get to the dining room.

 

I'd recommend taking them new, and still sealed though, so they don't get "confiscated" as being contraband alcohol.

Edited May 11, 2015 by cp2k

[elliair]

Dear Carnival newbie...

 

Read and understand your cruise contract that comes with your ticket. Don't expect the cruise line to pay for broken luggage, lost luggage, spoilt contents.

 

Don't waste your money on FTTF. You are on vacation and your time becomes relative at that point. Arrive at the terminal after 1pm. Lines are usually gone, you can go directly to your room to drop off carryon, lunch is still being served. Who cares if your checked luggage doesn't show up until later. Throw a few necessities into your carry on...you don't need to even change clothes for dinner, and when your luggage arrives it takes 5 minutes to unpack.

 

Don't waste the effort in bringing on soda, water, wine, or smuggling booze. Unless you cruise to become inebriated a few glasses of wine or a drink or two during the day won't break the bank. Liquids on the ship are adequate, ship's water is tasty (bring along a water bottle and fill er up).

 

Ship excursions are expensive...check with the port forums and you can find private excursions at half the price and get some reviews to help you make your decisions.

 

Under pack. Woolite is your friend and remember, nobody gives a darn what you look like, nor will they notice.

 

Do bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, reading material, some cash in small bills, a credit card (don't use debit cards on shore or for your S&S card), bring a cheap camera, don't buy ship's photos, jewelry, artwork, bulk candy.

 

Spend the first afternoon walking the ship, especially the buffet area and lido deck. Read the signs, find out when spaces are open, check to see if there is more than one steam line and note it so you don't get caught up in the "form a line syndrome" at the door.

 

Use the stairs, if you can, and leave the elevators for folks who need it. If you aren't into swimming, find deck areas away from the pool for sunbathing. Bring earplugs or headphones if you aren't into noise.

 

Okay....back with more later.

 

You left out 2 things, stay out of the casino and don't play bingo, both are rip offs. Maybe omit those sales as well - more China crud to tote home.

[h3yitsvictoria]

Pretty non experience cruiser here, what if time isn't really an issue for me? Is FTTF still worth it? Will be doing excursions through carnival and not really worried about time since we ARE on vacation.

[cruznjan]

I always bring my own wine. I can buy a bottle or two for what they charge for a glass.

[elliair]

Pretty non experience cruiser here, what if time isn't really an issue for me? Is FTTF still worth it? Will be doing excursions through carnival and not really worried about time since we ARE on vacation.

 

It depends if you don't care about laying out $49.99 to get on the ship AFTER platinum/diamond people. There's lots of them and you may be waiting longer than people who are in the first group of non FTTF or getting on right about when they do. Also, you qualify for priority tendering AFTER platinum/diamond people. Even if I weren't platinum, I wouldn't give Carnival $49.99, I would save it for drinks. But that's just me, I'm in no hurry either. It's not really FTTF, it's FTYW (faster to your wallet).

Edited May 11, 2015 by elliair

[sjn911]

Pretty non experience cruiser here, what if time isn't really an issue for me? Is FTTF still worth it? Will be doing excursions through carnival and not really worried about time since we ARE on vacation.

This is my opinion only. If your Carnival excursions will all get you to the ports and on needed tenders on time without FTTF, and you know how to get answers and are fairly easy going, take your needed items in carry on if luggage is slow..spend the now 60 bucks on something else and get to ship early and just people watch and have fun with that if energy etc...OR get on later wait for going to the port a bit later as op said..still leaving plenty of time...and carry a little energy bar and bottle of water until you get on..of tired before,....finding what is open for a snack on your ship.

 

The more newbie one is on all these ships and hotels and ports..with some proper research..I think is best...some figuring as you go and slowing down and seeing a new ship and place is what I always want...and with tender port caveats and having to be there first for some reason..go with the flow, have the 60 for the spa LOL, or to gamble, whatever.....have more unrushed moments all the time..Sarah

 

 

IE hat...skin cancer is real..and a shock...

As I age a hat is more and more nice on my top of head in sun and to keep shoulder length hair free but in place...one with spf and it rolls..sun on a crown with less hair on the beginning hair area..no joke later in life..cover what you can easily..Sarah

Edited May 11, 2015 by sjn911

[saharaga]

Absolutely true. After cruising on the Fascination, we bring our own water. You just never know what the water will taste like.

 

That depends on the ship from my experience. Sometimes it fine, sometimes it kind of gross.

[Bobblefrog]

Pretty non experience cruiser here, what if time isn't really an issue for me? Is FTTF still worth it? Will be doing excursions through carnival and not really worried about time since we ARE on vacation.

 

It's hard to say what is worth it to you...my experience out of Charleston was yes...

 

....my DBF is such a grump standing in lines, that anything I can do to avoid one is worth every penny - LOL. In Charleston it did save us about 30 minutes, but we did arrive at port at the peak time. Arriving later probably wouldn't have had that line

 

...passing by all the people crowded on the stairwells to get onto the first available tender was awfully nice - do you have a tender port without carnival excursions? I'm not sure, but I do believe those give you priority ...

 

...the second cruise I did have to use the customer service line twice and honestly it was great not having to stand in it as when you are on vacation you just don't want to stand in line when there is something fun you could be doing. But I was aware of a dirty look or two being aimed at the back of my head.

 

...loved having room ready, dump bags, explore a still somewhat empty ship (but I repeat my earlier post)

 

...I don't know about any advantages getting off on last day, but could be useful as this time we have a long day drive ahead and won't be lingering

 

Hope this helps you in your decision!

[skittl1321]

 

Don't waste the effort in bringing on soda, water, wine, or smuggling booze. Unless you cruise to become inebriated a few glasses of wine or a drink or two during the day won't break the bank. Liquids on the ship are adequate, ship's water is tasty (bring along a water bottle and fill er up).

Disagree strongly. We bring a 12-pack of soda per person and a bottle of wine each (no smuggling). That is all the drinks we have the entire 7-day cruise. It is a HUGE money saver and nearly zero effort- we just run buy a store when we get to the port.

 

Under pack. Woolite is your friend and remember, nobody gives a darn what you look like, nor will they notice.

Well, I totally agree with you on the part about no one caring, but not the rest. I refuse to do laundry on my vacation, I am not packing lightly. I like selection- to not have to decide what I'm wearing ahead of time, so I way over pack. Most cruises I don't wear half the things I bring. But I'm able to have tons of stuff I don't wear for a 10-day vacation and still only have 1 suitcase.

Edited May 11, 2015 by skittl1321

[lido deck larry]

Dear Carnival newbie...

 

Read and understand your cruise contract that comes with your ticket. Don't expect the cruise line to pay for broken luggage, lost luggage, spoilt contents.

 

Don't waste your money on FTTF. You are on vacation and your time becomes relative at that point. Arrive at the terminal after 1pm. Lines are usually gone, you can go directly to your room to drop off carryon, lunch is still being served. Who cares if your checked luggage doesn't show up until later. Throw a few necessities into your carry on...you don't need to even change clothes for dinner, and when your luggage arrives it takes 5 minutes to unpack.

 

Don't waste the effort in bringing on soda, water, wine, or smuggling booze. Unless you cruise to become inebriated a few glasses of wine or a drink or two during the day won't break the bank. Liquids on the ship are adequate, ship's water is tasty (bring along a water bottle and fill er up).

 

Ship excursions are expensive...check with the port forums and you can find private excursions at half the price and get some reviews to help you make your decisions.

 

Under pack. Woolite is your friend and remember, nobody gives a darn what you look like, nor will they notice.

 

Do bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, reading material, some cash in small bills, a credit card (don't use debit cards on shore or for your S&S card), bring a cheap camera, don't buy ship's photos, jewelry, artwork, bulk candy.

 

Spend the first afternoon walking the ship, especially the buffet area and lido deck. Read the signs, find out when spaces are open, check to see if there is more than one steam line and note it so you don't get caught up in the "form a line syndrome" at the door.

 

Use the stairs, if you can, and leave the elevators for folks who need it. If you aren't into swimming, find deck areas away from the pool for sunbathing. Bring earplugs or headphones if you aren't into noise.

 

Okay....back with more later.

Agree 100%.. especially with not buying FTTF

[mouche]

That depends on the ship from my experience. Sometimes it fine, sometimes it kind of gross.

 

I agree, I never chance the water anymore, I ALWAYS bring bottle water.

[MissyMac13]

We bring our own soda for the same reason as others - it is much less expensive to do so! We also bring a bottle of wine each but don't always drink it, as neither my husband or I are big drinkers.

[Tapi]

Everything except the reusable water bottle part.

Edited May 11, 2015 by Tapi

[angeebabee]

I agree with the advice. One thing everyone is forgetting is motion sickness for a newbie! I buy ginger root extract pills. Start taking them 1 day before the cruise. Take 1 or 2 with every meal for the duration of the cruise. There are many ways to combat sea sickness (bands, patches, dramamine etc etc). I feel that ginger root extract pills are the best with the fewest side effects.

 

Also, if you're a drinker. Dont forget to bring your allowable wine onboard plus -DO smuggle unless you want a $300+ bill at the end of your cruise. Search you tube for ways to do this. Dont use empty mouthwash bottles. Rum runners or shampbooze works best.

 

FTTF is worth it especially for a newbie who will most likely be visiting the front desk often. FTTF will save you mucho time because you wont have to stand in a long line just to get a simple question/concern answered. Happy cruising!:)

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

I'm back with more of MY unsolicited advise for newbies. And I never insinuated that any or all of my advise is right, wrong, rightside or upside down. It's ONLY MY ADVICE!!

 

When you meet your wait staff let them know you are pretty low maintenance, aren't in a rush (if you are then you better eat at the buffet), and that their advise is appreciated. Funny thing, the more I converse with my waiters and let them know I'm just on a cruise to have a fun relaxing time the more attention they pay to us and the better our service is.

 

If you aren't traveling with a large group opt to sit at a group table. Some of my best experiences have been with diverse people I would never have gotten to know otherwise....I've never laughed so hard as when I sat with a clan of old home boy rednecks who cracked us all up by pointing out the pretentiousness of our fellow cruisers. Still have life long communication with the snooty rich business owner who viewed life by looking down his very patrician nose. By the end of the week he was handling our teasing with the best of graces. And the best are the quintessential blue collar American families where young teenagers become our old people saviours for the week...run into them on a beach outing and they carry your crap, run to get you drinks, and treat you with a respect that is hard to find in this day and age.

 

If you are into entertainment don't expect a Las Vegas review...the entertainment is about on par with a good highschool review. And if you gamble take lots of money....the pay out ratio is pretty much non-existent.

 

Don't sweat the small stuff...if things don't bother you at home don't let them bother you on a cruise. Beds may be hard or soft, neighbors may be quiet or noisey, water pressure is pretty iffy, room service may be quick or slow, weather may be great or horrible. Choose to battle only if the problem could create unsafe or unhealthy conditions.

 

Don't prop open balcony doors (they have a closer on them for a reason), be considerate to your neighbors and don't sneak a smoke, have noisy s*x on your balcony, or send your bawling kids out there for time out.

 

Lastly, if you can avoid it don't do self-assist debark where you will invariably end up with black and blue shins and frayed nerves. Have a good last morning breakfast, have the crew deal with your luggage the last night, and find a nice quiet corner to mellow until they "clear" the ship. Book your flights accordingly, or if you are driving just remember your vacation ends when you pull into your driveway so just take it slow and easy.

 

Have a great trip!!

[Sweet Dutch Girl]

FTTF is worth it especially for a newbie who will most likely be visiting the front desk often. FTTF will save you mucho time because you wont have to stand in a long line just to get a simple question/concern answered. Happy cruising!:)

 

I have been on a gazillion cruises over the last 50 years and I have never gone to guest services for anything. Guess I'm just the luckiest cruiser in the world.

I don't even know what they do there.

[Havingfun2010]

Dear Carnival newbie...

 

Read and understand your cruise contract that comes with your ticket. Don't expect the cruise line to pay for broken luggage, lost luggage, spoilt contents.

 

Don't waste your money on FTTF. You are on vacation and your time becomes relative at that point. Arrive at the terminal after 1pm. Lines are usually gone, you can go directly to your room to drop off carryon, lunch is still being served. Who cares if your checked luggage doesn't show up until later. Throw a few necessities into your carry on...you don't need to even change clothes for dinner, and when your luggage arrives it takes 5 minutes to unpack.

 

Funny things I learned. One person bought FTTF to drop their "carry on" bags in the room, because they would not pay for a big bag on the airlines. Pay to drop the bags in the room, but not the airlines?

 

Another person thought if was great to get on the ship faster, and than would be the first to leave. The net hours on the ship is the same. Rush to get on, and than rush to get off, and Pay for this option!

However, it is everyone's right to pay $60.00 so they can get some free items!!!!! (free to Carnival not the passenger).

 

 

Don't waste the effort in bringing on soda, water, wine, or smuggling booze. Unless you cruise to become inebriated a few glasses of wine or a drink or two during the day won't break the bank. Liquids on the ship are adequate, ship's water is tasty (bring along a water bottle and fill er up).

 

It's fun watching people struggling to bring cases of water and soda on board, along with their other bags. I don't get it but it is fun to watch.

 

Ship excursions are expensive...check with the port forums and you can find private excursions at half the price and get some reviews to help you make your decisions.

 

Under pack. Woolite is your friend and remember, nobody gives a darn what you look like, nor will they notice.

 

Do bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, reading material, some cash in small bills, a credit card (don't use debit cards on shore or for your S&S card), bring a cheap camera, don't buy ship's photos, jewelry, artwork, bulk candy.

 

Spend the first afternoon walking the ship, especially the buffet area and lido deck. Read the signs, find out when spaces are open, check to see if there is more than one steam line and note it so you don't get caught up in the "form a line syndrome" at the door.

 

Use the stairs, if you can, and leave the elevators for folks who need it.

 

My wife can't use the stairs. I often do. It is totally amazing how many people that will push pass a disabled, or elderly person to get to the elevator. At the speed they are going, they should be able to climb a few steps. It's like once on the ship, all manners disappear!

 

If you aren't into swimming, find deck areas away from the pool for sunbathing. Bring earplugs or headphones if you aren't into noise.

 

 

 

Okay....back with more later.

 

Loved your post!

[Bert64]

It's hard to say what is worth it to you...my experience out of Charleston was yes...

 

....my DBF is such a grump standing in lines, that anything I can do to avoid one is worth every penny - LOL. In Charleston it did save us about 30 minutes, but we did arrive at port at the peak time. Arriving later probably wouldn't have had that line

 

...passing by all the people crowded on the stairwells to get onto the first available tender was awfully nice - do you have a tender port without carnival excursions? I'm not sure, but I do believe those give you priority ...

 

...the second cruise I did have to use the customer service line twice and honestly it was great not having to stand in it as when you are on vacation you just don't want to stand in line when there is something fun you could be doing. But I was aware of a dirty look or two being aimed at the back of my head.

 

...loved having room ready, dump bags, explore a still somewhat empty ship (but I repeat my earlier post)

 

...I don't know about any advantages getting off on last day, but could be useful as this time we have a long day drive ahead and won't be lingering

 

Hope this helps you in your decision!

 

So, are you not allowed to dump bags/carry-on in your room without FTTF?

[IPlayWithString]

Dear Carnival newbie...

 

Don't waste the effort in bringing on soda

 

We always bring on the max allowed amount of soda because by about day two or three, we're lemonade and tea'd out.

 

Plus, my son sometimes has stomach issues and we learned after the first time he had stomach issues on board to bring ginger ale.

[Bobblefrog]

So, are you not allowed to dump bags/carry-on in your room without FTTF?

 

Only if you are on board before the rooms are ready, which is generally 1:30. If you board later, then FTTF isn't going to be a perk when it comes to that :D

[katiel53]

So, are you not allowed to dump bags/carry-on in your room without FTTF?

 

No, you aren't allowed to drop your bags off early without FTTF or being Diamond or Platinum. Cabins are ready usually about 1:30 and after that, feel free to drop off your carryon items.

[Lurkyloo]

Pretty non experience cruiser here, what if time isn't really an issue for me? Is FTTF still worth it? Will be doing excursions through carnival and not really worried about time since we ARE on vacation.

 

Might be a moot point actually... FTTF is very limited - and for good reason, if too many people had it, everyone would be first in line (after Platinum and Diamond!) :D And apparently, you have to practically stalk the Carnival Website on a daily basis (some do it hourly) to see if it is available and it is like winning the lottery if you actually are able to get it. So far for my trip in Sept it hasn't shown available. Was thinking of getting it for our trip since it is a 10 day - but now thinking maybe it was a good think it hasn't come available. I think we will just come a bit later and just walk on the ship - maybe do a bit of sightseeing in Vancouver before we get on board.

 

You will be fine without it - we have never had it and always had a lovely cruise - just enjoy and don't let the little things bother you, you're on vacation! ;)

Edited May 11, 2015 by Lurkyloo

[Harrier1961]

I'm back with more of MY unsolicited advise for newbies. And I never insinuated that any or all of my advise is right, wrong, rightside or upside down. It's ONLY MY ADVICE!!

 

When you meet your wait staff let them know you are pretty low maintenance, aren't in a rush (if you are then you better eat at the buffet), and that their advise is appreciated. Funny thing, the more I converse with my waiters and let them know I'm just on a cruise to have a fun relaxing time the more attention they pay to us and the better our service is.

 

If you aren't traveling with a large group opt to sit at a group table. Some of my best experiences have been with diverse people I would never have gotten to know otherwise....I've never laughed so hard as when I sat with a clan of old home boy rednecks who cracked us all up by pointing out the pretentiousness of our fellow cruisers. Still have life long communication with the snooty rich business owner who viewed life by looking down his very patrician nose. By the end of the week he was handling our teasing with the best of graces. And the best are the quintessential blue collar American families where young teenagers become our old people saviours for the week...run into them on a beach outing and they carry your crap, run to get you drinks, and treat you with a respect that is hard to find in this day and age.

 

If you are into entertainment don't expect a Las Vegas review...the entertainment is about on par with a good highschool review. And if you gamble take lots of money....the pay out ratio is pretty much non-existent.

 

Don't sweat the small stuff...if things don't bother you at home don't let them bother you on a cruise. Beds may be hard or soft, neighbors may be quiet or noisey, water pressure is pretty iffy, room service may be quick or slow, weather may be great or horrible. Choose to battle only if the problem could create unsafe or unhealthy conditions.

 

Don't prop open balcony doors (they have a closer on them for a reason), be considerate to your neighbors and don't sneak a smoke, have noisy s*x on your balcony, or send your bawling kids out there for time out.

 

Lastly, if you can avoid it don't do self-assist debark where you will invariably end up with black and blue shins and frayed nerves. Have a good last morning breakfast, have the crew deal with your luggage the last night, and find a nice quiet corner to mellow until they "clear" the ship. Book your flights accordingly, or if you are driving just remember your vacation ends when you pull into your driveway so just take it slow and easy.

 

Have a great trip!!

Now, these are good advice IMHO.

You are on vacation to relax, so relax!!

It is usually my wife and I traveling and we actually like sitting with a large group.

Andy

[richstowe]

I have been on a gazillion cruises over the last 50 years and I have never gone to guest services for anything. Guess I'm just the luckiest cruiser in the world.

I don't even know what they do there.

Let me say that if you "have been on a gazillion cruises over the last 50 years and I have never gone to guest services for anything" you are NOT the luckiest cruiser , you are easy going and likely a pleasure to be with . I have been to guest services multiple times because I am not easy going and not always a pleasure to be with .:o

 

 

I always bring my own wine. I can buy a bottle or two for what they charge for a glass.

I agree . We also bring on a few diet Cokes. Edited May 11, 2015 by richstowe

[ScrappinCSI]

When you meet your wait staff let them know you are pretty low maintenance, aren't in a rush and that their advise is appreciated. Funny thing, the more I converse with my waiters and let them know I'm just on a cruise to have a fun relaxing time the more attention they pay to us and the better our service is.

 

If you aren't traveling with a large group opt to sit at a group table. Some of my best experiences have been with diverse people I would never have gotten to know otherwise

These are the 2 things we missed when we tried NCL. Cruising with you must be a blast and meeting people like you is always a highlight on a good cruise.