First Time Cruisers, Any Advice Welcome!!

[jnippes92]

Hello all,

 

My fiance and I are getting married in May of 2017 :D, and we are both going on our first cruise for our honeymoon. We've already booked for the Carnival Elation for May 15-20, leaving from Jacksonville, FL. We will be going to Half Moon Cay and Nassau, Bahamas! We couldn't be more excited. We have talked about wanting to do a cruise for a while now, but never had the opportunity.

 

We are completely new to the cruising scene, so we have no clue what to expect, what to do, or where to go. So if anyone out there is on the same ship, has been on this ship, or just has any helpful or fun advice on things to do, see, or stay away from I'd greatly appreciate it, or if you're on the same ship with us, just let us know!

 

Thanks :),

 

jnippers92

[maldenmusic]

We have cruised on the Elation several times out of Mobile and NOLA. She got a very minor dry dock a year or two ago but is scheduled for a month long one in 2017. Older ship that looks dated but nothing wrong with it. There is a basketball court area at the back of the ship along with many deck chairs and an above ground small pool and a hot tub. No waterpark like the Fantasy. No Dive In theater. Décor is a little on the dark side. We were worry to see her leave NOLA because we got used to the layout and prefer the smaller Fantasy class ships.

[Sixtytwo]

Congrats on the wedding and welcome to Cruise Critic and to cruising!!

 

A couple of tips for first timers: 1) relax and prepare to have a great time! 2) to me, the most important "rule" is the ship leaves on time! So, have a watch that you can set to ship's time; pay attention to what time the ship leaves and be sure you are on it at least 30 minutes BEFORE departure time! 3) HMC is a private island and is a great beach day. It is also a tender stop, meaning you have to get on another smaller boat to get to shore and to return to the ship; 4) Nassau is a pretty fun place. Sr Frogs is always rocking and there are good places to walk around and shop.

 

Don't over work yourself trying to know and understand everything there is to know about cruising! By the time your first cruise ends, I bet you'll be much wiser and already looking to book the second one! :eek: It is addicting and most on CC are good examples of that!

 

Hope you have a great cruise!!

[RecoveryDude]

Hello all,

 

My fiance and I are getting married in May of 2017 :D, and we are both going on our first cruise for our honeymoon. We've already booked for the Carnival Elation for May 15-20, leaving from Jacksonville, FL. We will be going to Half Moon Cay and Nassau, Bahamas! We couldn't be more excited. We have talked about wanting to do a cruise for a while now, but never had the opportunity.

 

We are completely new to the cruising scene, so we have no clue what to expect, what to do, or where to go. So if anyone out there is on the same ship, has been on this ship, or just has any helpful or fun advice on things to do, see, or stay away from I'd greatly appreciate it, or if you're on the same ship with us, just let us know!

 

Wow! You are in for a treat!! Cruising is a "lifestyle" and you will love it -- prepare to be taken care of and have the BEST vacation you've ever had ... for a great value.

 

There are many websites where you can read articles for tips for first time cruisers. Just google it -- Here are some of my tips:

 

1. Not "Everything" on the ship is included in the cruise fare. Most cruise lines supplement their bottom line by separating you from more money for "extras" while on board. They are usually reasonable, but over the course of a cruise, they can add up. You will be given a "sail and sign" card that will be used both as your ROOM KEY and also to PAY for anything you want to buy while on the ship. it's a "cashless" system (The only place cash is accepted is the casino). TIP: Anytime someone asks for your card, they are about to charge you for something!

 

2. Specialty restaurants (which cost extra) are usually VERY VERY good food and worth the extra cost for a treat.

 

3. Atlantis in Nassau is overrated as an excursion and there is not enough time to do it as an "excursion" ... and it's way overpriced. If you want to see it, come back and do it as a land vacation.

 

4. For your first cruise, you want to stick with carnival shore excursions so everything goes smoothly.

 

5. You can bring a 12 pack of sodas (CANS only) and a bottle of wine EACH on board in your carry on. They will charge you $15 to cork each bottle in the MDR (Main Dining Room) but that's cheaper than buying their bottle of wine. IF you drink a lot you might consider either the Cheers! program for liquor or the Bottomless Bubbles for sodas.

 

6. Some boats have washers/dryers so you can pack less clothes and do a load mid-cruise.

 

7. "formal" nights can be as "formal" as you like ... these days on Carnival ... you will NOT see Tuxedos and Ball Gowns ... although if you happen to have an extra ball gown lying around bring it for fun. But it's by no means necessary - most guys wear "at least" a shirt/tie ... and shoes other than sneakers. some will wear suits, other sport coats, some with just the shirt and tie. Ladies typically wear some sort of cocktail dress or pantsuit with flashy jewels.

 

8. You can order as much as you want from the MDR, if you want two entrees or three desserts, have at it. I like to order a cheese plate or a dessert "to go" from the main dining room and take it back to my room for "later."

 

9. Early seating is best cause you get done in time to enjoy the evening.

 

10. Comedy clubs fill up fast. Go early if you want a seat!

 

Hope this helps!

 

Have fun!!!

[woodman]

We sailed on the Elation more then once when it was in Florida and loved. Old dose not mean its a bad ship. Recovery Dude pretty much nailed a first cruise (good job on his part). The only thing I would add is on the last sea day go to the desk and ask for a print out of you

folio. If there is a mistake it will be much easier to deal with it then and there. The last morning of the cruise the line will be about miles long. Don't nit pick the small things and have a wonderful Honeymoon and congradulations.

[bakersdozen12]

The best advice I can give you is to prepare for the unexpected. Meaning, things often change when it comes to cruising. Weather can cause missed ports (HMC is often one of them), and sometimes entire itineraries can be changed. Unfortunately too many first time cruisers don't prepare themselves for situations like this, and the next thing you know, they are posting on Carnival's social media page that Carnival "ruined their vacation" (or in this case, honeymoon). As long as you can take everything in stride, your honeymoon will be an enjoyable one. Good luck!

 

 

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Edited September 18, 2016 by bakersdozen12

[bury me at sea]

I think the main attraction of cruising is that you can do as much or as little as you want. There are scheduled activities all through the day and there are many places to sit, relax, read, or just stare at the water.

 

If you don't drink or gamble you can have a great time and spend very little. If you enjoy those things budget accordingly.

 

And you can order multiple courses in the dining room with no additional charge.

 

Relax and enjoy, and congratulations.

[deborahjo]

Go with an open mind. Don't let what people have told you alter what you expect. Then you will have a great cruise.

 

 

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[Wheatie59]

My advice is to realize that not everything will go smoothly. You're traveling and subject to all sorts of forces out of your control, the airline's control, and the cruise line's control. Its almost inevitable that something pretty significant will go wrong. Your flights might get rescheduled or delayed. Luggage gets lost. Your cabin is smelly. Something stains your favorite outfit. Who knows. If you accept that this is the sort of stuff you have to accept when you go out into the world and roll with the punches, you will be fine. If you're the sort of person that is unhappy if something isn't to their liking and lets some problem spoil the whole trip, well, you may not have a good time.

If a problem does come up that can be resolved, make an attempt to get it resolved. Too many folks post here and other similar sites saying something was wrong. But when asked what guest services or the hotel front desk did when you brought the matter up, they say they never contacted them.

[mishka422]

Welcome to what may become your new addiction! :)

Make sure you have all the required documentation and the names on the documents match your booking. Do this now! I can't tell you how many people I've talked to who didn't realize it didn't match until the night before their cruise.

Carry more sunscreen than you normally would because the Caribbean sun is brutal and the sunscreen in the ships shops is expensive.

Take a highlighter with you to mark things in the Fun Times that you don't want to miss.

Most importantly, as everyone else has said, roll with the punches and make the best of everything that comes along! The enjoyment in cruising is whatever you make of it!

 

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[Saint Greg]

My first three cruises were on Elation out of New Orleans and I would say it's a great ship to start on.

 

My main advice would be check your room location. If you need it to be quiet at 10pm, make sure you aren't above or below the night club. If you don't like a loud buzzing sound an hour before arriving and leaving on port days, make sure you aren't near the anchor...I experienced that one on my first cruise. I like my rooms to be convenient to the food and alcohol. :D

Edited September 19, 2016 by Saint Greg

[ober134]

Like other posters above, we have also sailed Elation. Lovely ship. Fantasy class gets a bad rap... but we personally enjoy sailing these ships. Lots of time to kick back and relax. Here are a few of my tips:

 

* Try to arrive at departure port one day early, have a nice dinner out, and get good night's rest at local hotel. This takes away the fear of messed up airline delays, etc. that just cause stress. I'm not sure this is possible with wedding plans, but its what we try to do.

* Bonine -- over the counter sea sickness med. Also available in a generic form. Check with your own physician if you have any questions. We use it and it works without side effects or drowsiness.

* Pack extra swimwear, flip flops/water shoes, and sun screen.

*Pack lightly. Coordinate outfits, mix and match sets. Depending on shore excursions, you will likely be able to re-wear items a second day. (I still struggle with this, and never need all the clothes I pack).

* light sweater, wrap, shrug or scarf. After being on deck or hot beach all day, the air conditioning in public areas and the dining can seem downright cold.

*keep a positive and casual attitude. Something may go wrong or snafu arise. Don't let it ruin an otherwise great trip. My motto: Any bad day on a cruise is better than a good day at work!

 

Bon Voyage!

[BriBrizzle]

When you are in Half Moon Cay get a cabana! Best decision my friends and I made and it was amazing!

 

 

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[easyboy]

Just enjoy every minute of your honeymoon cruise as this will definitely be the first of many.

Congratulations!

[MNKEITH]

My advise would be to research through the CC boards and Carnival FAQ so you know what to expect, then make a decision that you are not going to let any little annoyances ruin your trip.

 

For example, if you don't like lines, it is pretty hard to avoid them completely. However, if your ship docks at 8AM, half the ship will go to breakfast at 7:15-7:30. If you go at 6:45, there will be no lines and you can avoid that frustration.

 

It is hard to know what your preferences are going to be before you have been on a cruise. I had no idea what to expect before mine. But chances are that this will not be your last, so just go with the flow and decide to have a good attitude and keep note of your observations that will make cruise #2 even better.

[grandmarnnurse]

I agree with advice from ober134.

If possible, always arrive at your port the day ahead. Believe me, it will take a lot of stress off you!

I also pack Bonine, but I also go prepared for any illness (anti-diarrhea med, cold meds, Tylenol to name a few) Must be the RN in me showing through. Lol! Several years ago we cruised with our daughter and her 10 month old. Everyone made fun of me for packing Pedialyte, until the baby got sick on the cruise, and needed it!

I also tend to over pack, so try to do as ober123 suggests. Pack light, and re wear items. There usually is laundry onboard, but I am not about to do laundry on a vacation! Lol! You will spend most of your time out by the pool in your swimsuit, so clothes won't get too dirty! Lol! (Our first cruise I WAY over packed!! Had one full suitcase of shoes! Lol!)

And no matter how hot it is in the day, the cool breezes at night will make you happy you brought a sweater along.

 

 

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[bptex]

If you drink at all I'd recommend buying the cheers package. Between the drinks and casino I spent more on my sail and sign than on the cruise! This also helps you avoid the art auctions for their free champagne, which again has resulted in me spending more on my sail and sign than on the cruise.

[telebax51]

enjoy your honeymoon you will be addicted after your first cruise, my advise is youtube is your friend use it to SEE everything you want to do and for info on the cruise itself that is how i learned 6 years ago. Enjoy

[imjacismom]

First of all, Congratulations on your wedding and Happy Honeymooning!!

 

Believe it or not, but my hubby and I actually met on the Elation. Yep, in the Jekyl and Hyde lounge. There was an 80's dance party one night and we were all dancing in a group. We noticed each other, but nothing more than that. The next night there was a Michael Jackson dance party. We stated talking and made plans to go the breakfast the next day which led to dinner and the comedy show and then an all-nighter just talking on the top deck. After we got home, it was just got better and we married 4 days short of the 1 year mark of our meeting on the ship.

 

We honeymooned on the Elation (we live close to New Orleans and it was convenient) as well and my husbands groom cake was in the shape of a Carnival cruise ship.

 

I know you didn't ask to hear all of this, but I love telling my "Elation Love Story" when I can. :)

 

To answer your question though...I'd try not to overbook yourselves. Stay as busy as you would like. Just don't try to do everything. I wouldn't pack to heavy. I always bring more than I should and regret it every time!

 

I know you're going to have a wonderful time no matter what you do. You'll be with your new hubby after all!

[Jjzbl]

Congratulations on your wedding and honeymoon!

 

My advice is about things to bring with you:

1. A few clothespins to hang wet swimsuits on the clothesline in the bathroom.

2. Conditioner if you use it for your hair, I forgot this on my first cruise and they didn't sell it on the ship, there were several shampoos to pick from but no conditioner. This goes double for any other toiletries or medicines you need. They don't have everything on the ship.

3. I bring a travel cup to fill with water for carrying around the ship, it's easier than constantly waiting in line for a small glass of water. I use this in the morning for coffee as well. Their cups are so small.

4. A charging strip that has a couple of electric outlets and a couple of usb chargers. We are a family of 4 and this has proved to be invaluable between all of our tablets, ipods, cameras, and phones. There's only one outlet in the room.

 

My only other advice is:

If you are budget minded read up ahead of time to see what costs extra and what's included. We've never paid to eat in a restaurant on the ship but we've heard they are great.

[jayscore]

Congratulations!

The only things I can suggest are stay away from the "gold by the foot" near the shops, and remember, don't try to do everything!;)

(You will have more time for that on your next cruise!):)

[JimAOk1945]

Don't forget your camera. You will want to take lots of pictures of everything. This will be a memorable event and pictures will capture this experience forever.

 

Congratulations and happy cruising!

[Lemory06]

Look into trip insurance. I had a fabulous time on my first carnival cruise until I got appendicitis. My story is in another thread. But trip insurance is relatively cheap. Some credit cards have trip insurance included so check into that as well. Have fun! Bring lots of sunscreen. I second the idea to being a big Tervis or yeti cup. I took mine everywhere. Yetis are great to keep your mixed drink from melting at the pool. The bartenders are used to just pouring it in your cup.

 

 

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[SadieN]

Don't bring everything on the cruise lists. Figure out what works for you.

[NWACruiser]

I will keep it simple:

1. Have a great time. This is your vacation. It is a time to relax and have fun with each other.
   
2. Relax, some small things may happen, but they are not going to ruin your cruise. At least they should not ruin your cruise.
   
3. Be on time. Never be late to the ship. It will not wait for you (unless you are on a Carnival excursion.)
   
4. Be friendly to the crew. They are working very hard to make your vacation memorable. They are away from their families for a long time. They work every day during this time. They are also people, no different than us. If you ask them about their families, they get great pleasure from your asking.
   
5. Leave the laptop at home. Internet at sea is slow and expensive, and you don't want to spend your vacation doing what you do every day.
   
6. Finally, have a great time. This is your vacation. It is a time to relax and have fun with each other.