First time cruiser and many questions!!!

[voilaparis1]

We are leaving in a week on the Ecstacy Carnival for the Bahamas from Charleston with my 15 years old son. I dont really know where to start. What are 5 tips you could give me for a first time cruiser? Then i am wondering how to manage the days at Nassau and Freeport, excursions, no excursion?

The gym on board do they offer classes?

DO you have to reserve your meal time?

What are the most important items to bring?

Packages what to pick?

I apologize i have so many questions....Thank you

[Schoifmom]

We are leaving in a week on the Ecstacy Carnival for the Bahamas from Charleston with my 15 years old son. I dont really know where to start. What are 5 tips you could give me for a first time cruiser? Then i am wondering how to manage the days at Nassau and Freeport, excursions, no excursion?

The gym on board do they offer classes?

DO you have to reserve your meal time?

What are the most important items to bring?

Packages what to pick?

I apologize i have so many questions....Thank you

 

1. Nassau and Freeport are very easy to do on your own. It really depends on your comfort level, however. If you are uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings, or worried about making it back to the ship on time (they won't wait for you), then I would recommend an excursion through the ship.
   
2. They gym does offer classes. They will be listed in the Fun Times. I'm not sure what the cost is on those.
   
3. Do you have assigned dining time or YTD? If you have assigned dining, if you choose to eat in the dining room, that is the time that you have. If you have YTD, it works like a land-based restaurant (no reservations). Just show up and then will seat you as tables are available.
   
4. For me? Sunscreen, aloe (because I will burn), and a power strip without a surge protector. Everything else should be fairly intuitive.
   
5. I'm not sure which packages you are asking about??
   

[bnorris10]

What are 5 tips you could give me for a first time cruiser?

1. If you think you will get seasick or your prone to motion sickness - go to walmart and grab some $9 seabands - they work marvelously

2. Do try to check out a little bit of everything on the boat to find out what you enjoy so that your next cruise you will know what to avoid

3. Dare to be adventurous and strike up conversations with people that look interesting - I have made a few good friends this way

4. Be courteous to the staff they work their @sses off to make your trip pleasant

5. Don't over think it - Just have fun

Then i am wondering how to manage the days at Nassau and Freeport, excursions, no excursion?

For Nassau if its your first visit I would say get off the boat go thru the building and take a right on the road go down about 1/2 mile and on the left side is a straw market if you want souvenirs, if you want a beach you will find that the same direction on the right hand side

For freeport you can either stay inside the little area that is there or you could pay $10 taxi ride per person (this is round trip they give you a card to get back in a taxi at the stand where they drop you off) and walk around there - there is a beach and a bunch of places to check out in that area

Honestly there is not alot to do in either port so I never book excursions - Atlantis always looks tempting to check out but the cost is crazy

The gym on board do they offer classes?

I have seen some classes offered occasionally - I can't really recall if they were free or not

DO you have to reserve your meal time?

If you don't want a designated time like early or late dining then select my time dining which allows you to go in during a 4 hour period - if you don't select one of the times then you will need to eat at other areas of the boat like lido deck

What are the most important items to bring?

Power Strip if you have more than one item to charge, I always bring my fan, single dollar bills so you can tip (if you want to tip extra) and or for when on the islands, and the most important item to bring is a fun time - don't come on to the boat complaining about little things just have a good time

Packages what to pick?

If your interested in the SPA wait til you get on the boat they have better deals

If you need internet plan get it ahead of time so you save money

Same goes for the Cheers package if you want it get it ahead of time as you save money (check out some of the threads that talk about if the cheers package is worth it to see if you think it is worth the money - for every family it would be different)

if you don't get the internet I suggest at least getting the $5 Hub plan - its $5 per device and last the whole trip and allows you to keep in contact with your party and with anyone else on the ship that has the hub

[CharlesKru]

Here is my two cents...

 

I would do a Carnival excrusion in Freeport ( not much to do right off the ship) and do something on my own in Nassua. There is a beach not to far away, you can go to an all inclusive resort, you can do free walking tours of the city...

 

You do set your dining time... there are three options, Early ( 6:00 pm ) , Late ( 8:15 pm ), and Any time (5:30 pm - 9:00 pm ) You will pick this when you book, and they will try to accommodate your request. If you pick Any time, then you can go between the hrs listed and get a table, their might be a short wait involved.

 

Have a great first cruise!

[Sixtytwo]

Welcome to Cruise Critic and your first cruise!! Since you leave in a week, your dining option is already assigned. As stated above, it is either early, late, or your time. Both early and late are fixed times and you have to be seated (I believe) no more than 30 minutes after the assigned time. You are assigned to a specific dining room and a specific table. Also, if you are on early/late you are not allowed to just show up at YTD and get seated.

 

As for tips, do not rely on a cell phone or other electronic device that automatically resets the time based on time zone! Be aware when you leave the ship what sail away time is and be sure you are back at least 30 minutes BEFORE sail away. Other than that, relax and enjoy the ride! You will learn a lot on this first experience and the next one will be much easier!

[A&Jfamily]

We are leaving in a week on the Ecstacy Carnival for the Bahamas from Charleston with my 15 years old son. I dont really know where to start. What are 5 tips you could give me for a first time cruiser? Then i am wondering how to manage the days at Nassau and Freeport, excursions, no excursion?

The gym on board do they offer classes?

DO you have to reserve your meal time?

What are the most important items to bring?

Packages what to pick?

I apologize i have so many questions....Thank you

 

Many of your questions have been answered so I will only chime in where I think it is important. Please - book an excursion in Freeport. It is a lovely stop - BUT - the pier is in the heart of an industrial area. Do not expect to pull up and hop off to a beach. Go ahead and book it on line so it doesn't sell out and you don't have to waste your time at the Shore Excursions Desk.

 

Likewise, plan something in Nassau. Keep in mind that both your ports of call are in the Bahamas and not the Caribbean. They are considered "less desirable" destinations by most cruisers - but still very fun places to visit. I would also either 1) book an excursion like in Freeport or 2) research a self-guided walking tour of Nassau to include the staircase, straw market and Junkanoo beach or 3) research possible beaches on the port of call boards and go enjoy a day in the sand.

 

With you sailing a week out, your cruise manager should tell you whether you have YTD, or early or late. You would have selected that at booking. Early or Late are fixed seatings and to eat in the MDR you need to arrive at that time. YTD allows you the flexibility to arrive anytime between 5:45 and 9 pm, I think. If you do not like the time you are currently assigned, you can go to the maitre 'd when you board and request a change and see if something else is available.

 

As for packing, keep it light. Pack just as you would for any other beach vacation, keeping in mind that if you wish to go to elegant evening dinner in the MDR, your son should have kakhis and a dress shirt and you a dress or slacks and blouse; the rest of the time, shorts or jeans and a polo are fine for dinner. The only things that we take on a cruise that we don't normally take are clothes pins for the clothes drying cord in the shower and lanyard for our cards - we get them punched before boarding or at guest services or the casino.

 

As for packages, I would need more direction. Are you referring to Cheers or Bottomless Bubbles etc? That all depends on how much you are going to drink. We are not soda drinkers, so my sons just drink juice or milk for breakfast in the MDR, then do lemonade and tea off the lido for lunch and milk or water with dinner. I don't mind spending a few extra dollars here or there for a virgin daiquiri for them while DH and I have a cocktail pre- dinner.

 

My best advice is enjoy as many meals in the MDR as you can. It is so nice not to have to be in the crowds on the Lido and start the day with a relaxing breakfast.

[Barsnikel]

Attached is a document I made that you might find helpful.

Tips For New Cruisers.pdf

[Bllybb758]

Welcome aboard. If you can help it, buy into a day before tour cruise! If you can. Board after the lunch rush. Your stateroom isn’t going to be available until 2 anyways. If you can help it, pack enough to last 3/4 of tour trip. Always pack extra socks. Do laundry aboard the cruise. What kind of excursions did you decide on?

[Normal 1]

Tips for teens:

1. Rules... Do NOT go in ANYONEs cabin nor invite others to yours.
   
2. Teens SHALL dine with parents each night
   
3. Teens SHALL check out Club 02 first night. (some don't want to but my experience with kids on vacation...they are very welcoming to all personality types... all that seems to matter is they are kids in the same age range.)
   
4. Teens SHALL check in with parents every xx hours. Parents will advise where they will be each day/evening.
   
5. Teens SHALL be respectful to other passengers and crew and ship at all times.
   
6. Cell Phones OFF and in SAFE or Switched to Airplane Mode. Text and Data charges while at sea are ENORMOUS!! You 'may' have free texting from the ports but need to check with your own carrier to determine this.
   
7. Teens SHALL have reasonable curfews. Realize there are nights where Club 02 goes until very late (1:00 a.m. or later). Then, these kids want to go eat pizza . See rule 4.
   
8. Teens SHALL refrain from risky behavior and realize there are several thousand people on the ship. Not all passengers/crew are our friends. Common Sense shall reign.
   
9. Teens SHALL not complain of boredom while on cruise. There are plenty of activities available. Be a joiner not a Debbie downer.
   
10. Teens SHALL thank their parents at least once during the cruise for providing a new experience.
    

[ricew001]

1. Nassau and Freeport are very easy to do on your own. It really depends on your comfort level, however. If you are uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings, or worried about making it back to the ship on time (they won't wait for you), then I would recommend an excursion through the ship.
   
2. They gym does offer classes. They will be listed in the Fun Times. I'm not sure what the cost is on those.
   
3. Do you have assigned dining time or YTD? If you have assigned dining, if you choose to eat in the dining room, that is the time that you have. If you have YTD, it works like a land-based restaurant (no reservations). Just show up and then will seat you as tables are available.
   
4. For me? Sunscreen, aloe (because I will burn), and a power strip without a surge protector. Everything else should be fairly intuitive.
   
5. I'm not sure which packages you are asking about??
   

YTD = your time dining. You can go any time during a certain window. Log into Carnival's website for the details on that.

Absolutely to the sunscreen!!!

[OldSaltyCruiser]

You have received some excellent suggestions on this board. One thing my wife and I have learned to always pack are large insulated tumblers (We use Yeti's) with lids on them for each of us. You can fill them with juice in the morning, lemonade or iced tea in the afternoon/evening at the drink dispensers on the LIDO deck.

[Ohio Bucki]

My number one suggestion would be: go into the cruise knowing that at times the ship might feel crowded and there will be lines you will be waiting in, i.e. boarding the ship, muster drill, buffet line, waiting for excursions to leave, etc. Try and relax and don't let those situations prevent you from having a great cruise.

[voilaparis1]

Thank you everybody. All the suggestions are very helpful. Now it is time to get ready.

[2PinaColadas]

Don't forget Dramamine, you may not need it, but better safe than sorry. Sea sickness is real. :eek:

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[SkyPiglet]

I wrote a mini-review of a four day on Conquest with the ports you mentioned. I have it linked below. The advice the others have mentioned is great advice. Nassau is fun, with plenty to do, both on your own or with an excursion. But I strongly recommend that you do some research ahead of time for Freeport. It is more of an industrial port, and we didn't plan ahead for that. I would HIGHLY recommend an excursion there.

 

Ship advice that may not have been mentioned, get some magnetic clips from a dollar store. They are good for organizing excursion tickets, schedules, etc. You can stick them right on the cabin walls as they are magnetic. You won't have much desk space, so this can be a big space saver :)

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2528088

[marshhawk]

When I did my first cruise, no one told me anything about cruise critic before I cruised, in fact I didn't think I would like cruising (had done wind jammers out of maine, and they always said we wouldn't like cruising on the BIG ships. one three day cruise, and I never went back to working the sails...LOL

 

eat your dinners and breakfast in the mdr (main dining room) if you don't like your dinner, they will replace it, if you want seconds don't be afraid to ask, no problem

 

if you are a chocolate lover, order the warm melting cake

 

if you love the water, then do book excursions, even in Nassau, I recommend the blue lagoon this time of year.

 

your child may want to go to the kids camp for teens

 

play games, be a kid, and relax, you don't have to cook or clean, or iron or wash (there are laundry rooms on the ship if you need one)

 

go in with no expectations and have a wonderful time.

[chicchic325]

Freeport is easy to do if you don't want to book an excursion- if you like shopping. That is about it on that island. I'd suggest a snorkel or beach package.

 

Nassau, on the other hand, is extremely easy to do. It is easy to do the Queen's Staircase and explore the city without a tour. I also have done the botanical gardens and a super awesome Pirate themed museum. Both without tours booked. I've done a fun snorkeling excursion out of Nassau as well.

 

Items: Bonnie (motion sickness- you'd be surprised!), and other OTC items. Definitely sunscreen and aloe or lotion. Have fun with the dress up nights!

[Oompaland]

Lots of good advice. Only two things I would add-

 

In the dining room, try something new every day. This is a rule for all of us every cruise. One of my girls always said yuck to seafood...now she orders two shrimp cocktails every dinner [emoji854]

 

Remember no vacation is flawless. Go in with an open mind. You're on vacation enjoy and only you can make the most of it.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[JMAE]

All very good tips.

 

Use the Carnival Hub app for only $5/cell phone/cruise you can communicate with others cruising with you.. With your cell phone on airplane mode the Hub app uses the ship's WiFi.

 

Don't try to do everything. Enjoy what you are doing at the time and don't rush around.

 

My kids love meeting and making new friends, they still talk to some of the friends they made on our cruises.

 

Have fun!

[Pugs&Kisses]

#1 rule to cruising is have fun!

 

Dont over plan your day and go with the flow.

 

Also, check out the packing lists. You are mist likely packing to much. I know i did for my cruise cruise!

 

I like bringing a plastic over door shoe caddy to hold all the small things. Many people do.

 

Bring your meds, and lots of sun screen!

[map92]

All the suggestions above are good, I would add if you decide on a beach excursion do a private beach or an excursion thru the ship your first time. The public beaches can be worrisome with locals trying to sell you things. Never take anything to drink from anyone that is not sealed and you open it yourself in port.

Just chill and have a great time. There will be crowded areas but there are plenty of quite places too. Get a map of the ship from guest services and keep it with you, it's big help.

Have fun!