1st Time on Carnival - Any Tips/Tricks?

[barnacle_boy]

Hello Carnival folks!

 

We're leaving this weekend on Carnival Magic, and we're so excited. We've been on dozens of cruises with both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, but this'll be our time trying Carnival.

 

Does anyone have any thoughts of how the different cruise lines compare? We've heard that Carnival has bigger cabins, more complimentary food options, and a very energetic atmosphere. Looking forward to seeing it all in action!

 

Not sure if it's the same for Carnival, but the other lines we've tried have fan favorite dishes, drinks, activities, shows, etc. that can't be missed. Do any folks here feel like there's something that's classic "Carnival" worth giving a try? 😁

[BoDidly]

Well you picked a great ship 😉  I can't spoil your fun by giving you my favorites , it's something you should experience for yourself 😁. But definitely more energetic activity on this ship , enjoy ! 

[beshears]

All I can say is just to "plan" on having a wonderful time on Carnival's Magic ship, as that is one of the ships I have cruised on as well.  Carnival ships are known as the fun ships, or party ships.  For us, we are older people, but still have a wonderful time on these ships without drinking, etc. like some people do.  Some people can be very nit picky, but we are not that way.  I believe that is why we always have a wonderful time on Carnival's ships. (I have cruised off/on over 25 years, doing several cruise lines, but within the past 10 years, it has been mainly Carnival.  Part of that is because of the cost and itinerary. 🙂 Actually we are leaving on the 31st of this month for our next cruise on Carnival. 🙂

[KmomChicago]

Two of the things we particularly appreciate on Carnival are the hub app which allowed us to text each other cheaply while onboard and allowed us to buy internet for only one device - we all shared the one plan, as one signed off someone else could sign on.  And, I really like the self service laundry area, with paid machines/detergent and free irons and ironing boards.  We can pack half as many clothes in the first place, and not return home with suitcases crammed full of filthy laundry.  I realize many people don't love doing chores on vacation, but I also don't love returning to deal with all of that.

 

Foodwise, my family is of the no-main-dining-room-for-us mentality, but they do willingly attend Sea Day Brunch.  Our hack entrée there is steak and eggs which features a little filet.  It's a hack because at night in the MDR, filet is an upcharge.

 

Punchliner club is always popular and we advise that you arrive early and find seats near the front, but not necessarily the very front if you don't want to interact / be playfully targeted by the performer.  Of course the quality of each comedian varies as do the personal tastes of the audience.  The comedy venue is smaller than the main showroom but tends to draw similar size crowds and many shows end up standing-room only.  If you arrive very close to showtime and the place looks full, you can still sometimes find seats along the farthest wall from the door as the last people in tend to stay in the back or near the entry doors.

 

Carnival's piano bars are sort of an underappreciated alternative evening entertainment venue.  A small space where you are quite near the performer and can sing along to the oldies if you like, and yet, they don't seem to get full and we never had trouble finding a table. They take requests and appreciate tips or, depending on the pianist, an adult beverage or three.

 

Lastly, if you are into the daily trivia games found on many cruises, on Carnival the prizes are often gold plastic ship-on-a-stick trophies which are corny but cute and have a little placard with your ship's name, so you can keep all your cruises straight, I guess!  I didn't think I cared about such things but found myself wanting it and pleased to score one on Carnival Triumph. It's on our fireplace mantle!  Particularly now that she has sailed her last voyage under that name, it is a surprisingly fond memory and endearing souvenir.

 

If you are an experienced cruiser you already know that every cruise has minor unexpected delights as well as the potential to run into a crabby crew member or some other hiccup. The brands all want to stand out as being the best at their niche, but the basics are always the same *yes I will probably get roasted for that comment.  They are trying to give you clean, comfortable surroundings with good, cheerful service, ample opportunities to relax or be entertained, satisfying food and plenty of it, all while maximizing the success of their business model by reducing waste and increasing efficiency where they can find it.  You'll also find the usual, totally optional means of separating you from additional funds - food upgrades, beer/wine/cocktails a la carte or via a package (there is a daily drink special which is around $8 as of my last Carnival cruise 15 months ago), photos, spa, excursions, Park West gallery and art auctions, liquor, jewelry, and other shops, casino, bingo games.

 

Enjoy your first Whale Tail ship!

Edited March 21, 2019 by KmomChicago

[lab_love123]

Warm chocolate melting cake, without a doubt.

 

The piano bar on ship is often overlooked, but one of my favorite evening activities.

 

Elegant/formal/whatever you call it night in the MDR. The wait staff usually has a song and dance for you and it is highly entertaining. I think the other lines do this as well, but not with quite the same... enthusiasm... as I've seen on Carnival!

[purplephenom]

get the warm chocolate melting cake- it's on the dessert menu every night. 

 

Try to win a ship on a stick.  It's amazing how quickly some people go from "Oh I don't care about that," to "oh my gosh i want one."  It's just a fun cruising thing.

 

Check out the Piano Bar.

 

Go to the burrito side of Blue Iguana and ask for a taco salad/burrito bowl.  

 

Check out the deck parties...they may or may not be your thing, but at least you'll know you tried 

 

 

[Butterbean1000]

A good place to start are these boards.  There is a lot of info here. Just dive in and start reading.

[Anyislandwilldo]

Your cruise will be fun.  It looks like you've cruised before, now you are on a different ship.  No worries, same concepts, enjoy!

 

[MWBearFan]

If you haven't already and it's still available consider adding FTTF (Faster to the fun).  We did that on our previous cruise and it was well worth it to have pretty much priority everything.  Having your cabin ready when you board after an expedited boarding process so you don't have to lug your carry on with you when you do the obligatory first day lunch and exploring is so nice.  Not having to wait in line at guest services and priority tinders, etc.

 

edit - I'll second or third or whatever to the melting chocolate cake that was amazing.  The smoked salmon filet was great and I'm pretty picky when it comes to fish.  Also do make a point to go to the welcome aboard show, you can win things like excursions, drink packages, internet, etc.  You fill out a raffle ticket and they draw for lots of things to give away.  We won a $90 kayak adventure.  

Edited March 21, 2019 by MWBearFan

[mdsgu]

Go in with no expectations.  You have cruised before, but not on Carnival.  It's still a big boat with lots of fun, but it will be different from Royal and NCL.  It's not quite as service-oriented as Royal (you will still get good service, though) and it's not quite as "free-style" like NCL.  Fortunately, you don't need to book shows or get tickets like on NCL.  There is a formal night or two, but few people really dress to the nines -- most just wear long pants and a collared shirt.  

 

The warm chocolate melting cake is great, as is Baked Alaska.  The steakhouse is definitely worth a visit, just don't go on a "formal night."  I highly recommend the Cheers drink package -- the break-even point is so low as to make it almost a no-brainer.

Edited March 21, 2019 by mdsgu

[BBigfoot613]

I will totally agree with the piano bar being a nice little gem. It can be a huge blast. Our piano man roger made it very relaxed like we were all hanging at his house or something. (anyone know if there is a place to find out who the piano man is on a particular ship?)

 

I'll agree with the melting cake completely 100%!

search the net for secrets of that ship. Some ships have secret balconies and areas that most don't know about (like deck over bridge on triumph class).

Also you can order multiple items on the menu (unless that has changed) and even change certain appetizers to a larger portion entree

[MalleyCat]

Try the Arepas from the Blue Iguana at breakfast, they are amazing and not a lot of cruisers know about them!

 

[barnacle_boy]

Wow! Thanks for all of the advice, everyone 😁

 

I'm definitely going in with an open mind - looking to have a lot of fun no matter what!

 

So far, sounds like I've definitely got to try:

• Piano Bar

• Chocolate Melting Cake

• Blue Iguana - Arepas & Bowls

• Welcome Aboard Show

• Anything that gets me a "ship on a stick"

 

Carnival's already been successful in getting me to spend a little extra for both spa thermal passes & premium WiFi. Pricing for both seemed very reasonable compared to the competition, so I'm curious to see how they turn out too!

[schazzy]

If you are so inclined to have a drink upon boarding, be sure to get a Funship Special. Waiters will be going around on embarkation day with them on their trays and I feel you can't officially start a Carnival cruise without one!

 

 

Edited March 21, 2019 by schazzy

[ProgRockCruiser]

The shows on board, both comedy and main "Playlist", are usually quite well received.  Check out the daily schedules via the Funtimes (paper copy or via the free Hub app - download it before you get on board!).

 

If you like fancy martinis, sidecars, etc, try to visit the Alchemy Bar at least once.

 

On a related note, are you buying the Cheers! drink package?  If you drink more than 7 beers, or more than 6 mixed drinks/wines, it might be worth your while.  Especially at Alchemy, where drinks are $12 each.  Cheers is $52 / day if you purchase before embarkation day.  (All prices are before 18% gratuities auto-added.)  There are some exceptions to what is "free" on the program (e.g. buckets of beer are not included, you have to get them one at a time), so check it out if uncertain.

 

If you only drink 4 or 5 drinks per day, Cheers! isn't really worth it (unless you also drink a lot of shakes and fancy coffees, since those are included).

 

There are a lot (I mean a lot!) of threads here about the pros/cons of Cheers, so peruse them to see if you need to decide.

[brookeq]

We are on the carnival magic next weekend.

 

Some of our favorite things on carnival.

 

Food -- Husband loves guys burgers.  I like to get tacos at Blue Iguana.  Taco line is always shorter than the burrito line.   They make breakfast burritos in the morning.  That line is quick and usually better than the buffet to us.   Check out the new cakes on the Lido.  They are supposed to be delicious.  Deli BLT was a hit last cruise.   

In the dining room we love the cold fruit soups and the warm chocolate melting cake.

room service is still free during certain hours   the blt and chocolate cake are yummy.

 

If the first day lunch area is crowded head up the stairs near the buffet to the italian restaurant.  its free for lunch and most people haven't discovered it yet.  Or head to guys bbq on a lower deck.  Lines get longer later in trip since its only open on sea days.

 

Entertainment -- our families like the movies at the pool at night.  Get their early for a seat.   Comedy shows are usually pretty good.  The main shows aren't as good at NCL or Royal but still fine to watch.   We enjoy the violin trios if the ship has one.  They play violins to the track of modern songs.   Piano bar is usually good.  last cruise we didn't like the performer.  The lip sync battle is fun to watch.  

 

Alchemy Bar is great for drinks.  On the Lido deck i enjoy the kiss on the lips drink

 

Main pool area is where the party is at.   Lots of fun happening.  The aft pool is more quiet.  We love to get some time on the serenity deck when possible.  The younger kids always enjoyed the kids club.  

 

Make sure you have tennis shoes for the ropes course.   no sandals.  

 

You can carry on one bottle of wine (per adult) and  12 pack of canned soda per person.  No bottles 

 

Have a great time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Lottacruises]

Look at the fun times, either the paper version or through the hub app and plan your day(s). So much to see and do!

[mexicobob]

Guy's burgers should not be missed.  Great burgers and fries.

Alchemy bar.  Upscale bar that in my opinion is the best at sea.  Unique drinks.  Cucumber Sunrise is recommended.

I do not like chocolate melting cake.  Obviously in the minority there.   The apple pie, if/when they have it is great.

 

[SRQbeachgirl]

LOVE the Magic! Good choice on that thermal pass--you won't regret it!

 

If you are a coffee drinker, try putting some soft serve ice cream in your cup and then fill with coffee. 

 

Hit the Sweet Spot in the Lido Marketplace in the afternoon for some amazing cakes.

 

The chairs on Deck 12 overlooking the main Lido pool are great--padded with ottomans. Probably my favorite place to sit and read or people watch.

 

Hungry at 2am? No problem. Hit the Pizza Pirate for probably the best pizza at sea--24/7.

 

After dinner, try a walk around the Promenade Deck.

[CChamp]

If you like Reese's Peanut Butter cups, ask your dining room server to bring you a side of Peanut Butter with your Chocolate Melting Cake. Mix the Peanut Butter in with the Cake and you will think you died and went to heaven. 

[xDisconnections]

Lower your expectations and you’ll enjoy it more. Always ensure your expectations are adjusted accordingly.

[Joebucks]

My answer is always, stay the heck out of the room. The charm of Carnival is the vibe that everyone is there to have a good time. Try things you know you'd like. Try things you're not sure if you'd like. Don't eat the same foods everyday. Come in with an open mind.

[BrezQ]

If your ship has the seafood shack,get an order of crab legs!! Well worth the price!! YUMMMMMMYYYY

 

If you do get cheers, make use of the Coffee bar, so much better than the regular coffee they provide!

 

I'm actually thinking about trying another cruise line at some point, but we've had so much fun on our Carnival trips, I'm a bit nervous! You'll have to let us all know your thoughts!

 

Enjoy your cruise!!

[JQTravels]

 

 

[TNcruising02]

I've cruised on RCL, NCL, Disney, and Carnival.  Something Carnival does best is comedy.  They will have two comedians the first half of the cruise and then two new comedians the second half of the cruise.  The comedians usually have many different shows.  Usually the comedians on other cruise lines will have an adult show and a family show, then repeat it. Once you've seen that show you are done. It's really the number one reason that my husband and I cruise Carnival more often than the other lines.  One night we watched four different comedy shows. One night!   

We like the self service laundry.  The only other ship that I've cruised on that had it was Disney.  We like to pack light and do a load of laundry mid cruise.  This enables us to do carry on only.

Carnival is a high energy line.  From the moment the ship sails, you will notice a very fun vibe. One time we cruised a different line and were at port next to a Carnival ship. We could hear the energy from some kind of event on the pool deck of the ship.  My husband said that he wished we were there.  LOL.  Even with a lot going on, you can still slip off to quiet areas of the ship when you just want to relax.

I've had a great cruise on the Magic and booked it again for June. I hope you have a wonderful time.

Edited April 8, 2019 by TNcruising02