Tips and secrets in a nutshell...

[Roscoe13]

In a nutshell, I am really appreciative of your effort to put this together. I think I knew most of these hints but not all and I will really put this list to use in less than a month.

 

Especially the hint about packing a meal off of the ship. I did this once before on a previous cruise as it was recommended to me by a TA for Expedia. Without thinking, I took sandwiches off the ship into Mazatlan. Now, after reading this forum and being roundly chastised for my act of eco-terrorism, I would ONLY take prepackaged foods off of the ship.:cool:

 

I also would only recommend that others only take prepackaged foods off the ship:rolleyes:

[Cinderose]

psycoma ...

Thats a good tip for those that dont have a credit card for traveling or hate to carry them. I think I will start buying Funship dollars.

 

Cinder

[Hootsie]

Casino tip: If you play blackjack, one secret to keep in mind is the Fun21 table - there are NO QUEENS in the decks - They will tell you this IF YOU ASK but what they won't tell you, and 98% of the players do not realize, is that this forces a change in the way you play..

 

Really? I'll have to let my DH know. He loves blackjack.

[martdm]

Thanks so much for doing the work to compile the tips Cinderrose! I'm just reposting with spacing for easier readability for the visually impaired folks like me :)

 

Do walk the entire ship on your first day. It will help you learn where everything is, and will help you discover spots that others never find.

 

Tip your room stewart in cash on the first day, that can bring rewards.

 

One of the first things I do is ask my room steward for the use of a bath robe during the cruise. These are usually standard in suites, but if you write your steward a note while you are out to dinner the first night (I always include a cash tip as well) there will be one (or two if requested) waiting for you no problem. This saves so much room in my luggage and is useful for the pool and also spa visits.

 

Also the bartenders. Once we tipped a drink waiter. Later when some beers got damaged (Bent cans) that they would not sell, we got them free

 

If you need post cards, go to the pursers desk... they have those with the picture of the ship for free!

 

I don't consider these secrets, but people always say "I didn't know you could do that" when I order a second entree or second anything in the dining room, or order a refill in my souvenir glass at a "discount" rate.

 

If, by chance, you don't like anything they have on the menu, ask them to bring you a steak or chicken.

 

On some of the Carnival ships, you can get a deck of cards w/Carnival logo, just by asking at the purser's desk.

 

When you board, go directly to the casino (it will be closed) and get the free lanyards that are in the slot machines. Sometime during the cruise go to the pursers office and have your sign and sail cards hole punched and attach them to the free lanyard.

 

In the dining room, ask for espresso after dinner - not usually listed on the menu, but I have either espresso or cappuccino every night at no extra charge.

 

Hint: Read your Capers carefully, as some things are in small print. (Take a high lighter.) For instance, "tea time" is not announced in a big separate area, just in the listing of day's activities.

 

You can also ask your Room Steward for the book that is in your cabin. I got one from the Pride. Just ask and they may give it to you.

 

You will need to tip the cab driver that takes you to the pier/ tip the porter a buck a bag when he handles your luggage for the cruise.

 

You will tip when ordering room service -Room Service food is free.

 

On the formal nights - have your picture taken at each of the settings...you don't have to buy them...and it is fun to sit at the photo gallery going through all of the pictures. In the photo galery only buy the good ones. And I don't know the link, but if you google search it, there is a website out there with releases from all the major cruise lines. You can take it along with any pics you buy and get copies made back at home. Also contact Carnival directly and they will send you a photo release.

 

Carnival now charges for the cakes it brings to your table for your birthday or anniversary. I have not heard that they charge for singing however!

 

If you are going on an excursion the next day that does not include lunch...order sandwiches the night before from room service and put them in the frig overnight. Unless you are in a suite, you will not have an in-cabin refrigerator on the Paradise

 

If they have the "Galley" tour on your cruise....take it. It is incredible to see the activity that goes on down there. Sure makes you appreciate your meal a little more as you are eating.

 

A little tip if you have a computer, cell phone or anything else that needs power. Take a small extension cord since most cabins have ONE plug, usually far from where you might need it.

 

bring a travel clock since there are no clocks in the room as well.

 

I bring the glade night light plug in. I will put that on it and leave it in the bathroom at night. Those inside rooms tend to be dark. Just that little light keeps you from bruising a shin

 

Casino tip: If you play blackjack, one secret to keep in mind is the Fun21 table - there are NO QUEENS in the decks - They will tell you this IF YOU ASK but what they won't tell you, and 98% of the players do not realize, is that this forces a change in the way you play.. check out wizardofodds.com and read about SPANISH21 Stay away from this sucker game!

 

The pizza place also makes a very good Caesar salad to order, 24/7

Also about the Pizza.............If there is a special kind you like (different toppings than they show in the display case) if they can get them they will custom make you a pizza the way you want it, it takes about 8 minutes, but you do have to take the whole pizza...........which if it's the way the whole family likes it......no problem.

 

As to the Grill .........usually there are two grill area open on deck (1 near each pool area) and one serves only Hot Dogs and Hamburgers.........the other does the Hot Dogs and Hamburgers as well as Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwiches and Minute Steak Sandwiches (my Mom loves these!).

 

And don't forget ......don't ever forget! about the 24 hour Soft Serve Ice Cream (Chocolate, Vanilla and Swirled) and the Frozen Yogurt (also Chocolate, Vanilla and Swirled). And check your Capers for the Sea Days that they have the Sundae toppings available.

 

Ask your cabin steward for a foam pad for your bed. It makes the bed very comfy. They will put the twin beds together to make one.

 

If you need an asprin, seasick pills, or a variety of general medications, check the "0" deck where the waiting room is for the doctor. There were free samples for the taking in individual packets.

 

Free champagne at the art auction.

 

There was a Bingo game every day. And they are large bingo pots. Usually just one game

 

Money Clip magnets demagnetize your room key and sign and sail cards also the pool chlorine demagnetizes your card (I always put my S&S card in my back trunk shorts pocket) so be careful on that!

 

Not all Spas have hot tubs... Most people don't know this, at least early in the cruise and its a great place to go relax. Sure, your not outside and there is no service in the SPA, but they are usually pretty empty and you have great views out the front of the ship.

 

There are steam rooms and saunas in the SPA that people may not realize are free to use, they are separated so men and women can't go together, but nothing like a good steam after a hard day of cruising.

 

There are showers in the Spa, big deal you're thinking...these aren't the normal cabin showers, they are like the 'rain' showers that you find in some higher end hotels, I believe the destiny class actually have multiple shower heads...regardless, it is a very refreshing shower...we found this one year when we were only one deck away from the SPA...its a great place for a guy to go shower while the wife is using the cabin bathroom for a formal night or something.

 

It was always suggested to us to bring duct tape....only once have we had to use it. The airline put a three inch rip in the side of our luggage and I was grateful I had the tape along (in black) to patch it up.

 

Don’t sit in the balcony when attending shore/shopping talks, they give stuff away and it rarely makes it past first 15 rows of main area.

 

On my suitcases, I tie bright ribbons or whatever I can find at home so I can find my bags quicker once I get to "Suitcase Island".

 

If you drink a lot, look into sending yourself drink coupons. They save 25-50 cents per drink (on most drinks) and that adds up if you drink a bit. Buy the drink coupons under the "gifts" section of http://www.carnival.com - send them to yourself. You'll need your booking # and cabin #. If your cabin is not know then you have to order over the phone. Wait until 30 days before you sail.

 

Try things you'd never do at home. Most of us think Bingo is something at the senior citizens center. I have never seen such cut-throat Bingo in my life. It's a lot of fun, and you might win a free cruise!

 

We brought a light weight rolling foldup ice chest, gave our steward a $10 bill and he kept it in ice all through our cruise.

 

Pack your own bottled water, or at least an empty bottle. Fill it up before going ashore. It's much cheaper than buying it from the ship.

 

Bring extra hangers

 

On formal nights, about 80-90% of the men wear a jacket and tie. Your husband can go with just a shirt and tie but he will be in the minority. If you don't mind that, then go for it. I prefer to be on the edge of being dressed too nice, rather than not nice enough

 

Kids- Camp Carnival will have lots they can do and more

 

They also sell milkshakes at the coffee bar, they were good, but I'm not sure if they were worth $4.

 

Bingo is cheap compared to other cruiselines. $10 or $20 (for 3 cards).

 

- The drinks of the day you can buy in smaller glasses for $3 instead of the souvenir glasses for $6.

 

I find the easiest place to store larger suitcases after they've been emptied us under the bed.... good place to stash stuff you've bought and then lock the luggage... and it's out of sight and you're not stuck tripping over it.

 

Cinder

[Cinderose]

Every room should have a hair dryer

 

They supply dove shower moisturizer in the shower which is in a pump that is displayed on the shower wall. they supply dove hair shampoo right next to the shower moisturizer in the same form. 1 bic razor for men and one for the ladies

a four pack of crest whitening expressions samples that i'm sure could last 4 or 5 days for a couple

 

there are two robes provided for you to use if you ask for them

 

there are two beach sized towels for you to enjoy at the pool or on an excursion. They only downfall is you have to keep up with them. For if you loose them they will charge you $22.00. Although they are very nice and thick. Worked perfectly for us.

 

Bring a salt and pepper shaker and a bottle of ketchup up to our room for our mid-night snacks or whenever we brought our breakfast up. It is quite a convenience.

 

I would suggest you take a large plastic sipper cup and or a large coffee mug for the ones that they supply are not very big at all.

 

Ladies, make sure you don't forget your nylons, for they do not sell these on the ship. I hope this will be of some help.

 

Also for the formal nights, the gents can rent a tux and keep it for the entire week for whatever occasion. It costs somewhere around 85.00, which is not bad, although we did not rent any shoes.

 

Be VERY CAREFUL of cotton or cotton-blend swimsuits in the jacuzzis - these are SALT WATER, and hot salt water will BLEACH your suit

 

Many people on the first day do not realize that the "Souvenier Glasses" are for keeps. We have found quite a few on stairwells, hallways, etc etc. We bring them home for the kids,

 

The "gold by the inch" and "silver by the inch" are all plated, not solid.

 

Don't be afraid to ask for extra pillows

 

On Paradise: Go to the childrens pool at the back, and go thru the little gates at the top of the stairs on the Port (Left) side that says conference room. This is not a crew area, and it is a nice place to sit and read a book.

 

-For first time cruisers, here's the best tip i've ever received and I'll pass it along: there will be some things that don't meet your expectations, and some things that surpass them. Someone will get a better deal than you did, someone will not follow the guidelines, somebody will cut in front of you, someone will let their kid be unruly -

....BUT... someone will show you an unexpected kindness, some shore excursion or shipboard event will be much better than you expected, and some moments will really hit the spot. This is probably not the only chance you will ever have to cruise, so don't go expecting perfection; instead, just expect a very nice time overall.

[ISLABONITA]

"there are two robes provided for you to use if you ask for them"

 

Why is it that they just don't have the robes for you anyways and instead have to ask for them? so that they get tipped??

[sugar n spice]

Cinder,

 

It's information like you have posted that made preparing for my first cruise much less stressful. I appreciate your posting this information. I have already emailed your posted information to all the folks cruising in our group.

[mfs2k]

"there are two robes provided for you to use if you ask for them"

 

Why is it that they just don't have the robes for you anyways and instead have to ask for them? so that they get tipped??

 

The likely answer is it's a cruise ship policy, in order to reduce costs.... The wear and tear, and laundry costs of robes are more than other linens...

 

By making it an "on request" item in certain cabin categories, they can reduce the number of robes in circulation.

 

<just my opinion>

[TxStacey]

Cinder...thank you for sharing your tips/experiences with us....it's greatly appreciated.

 

We're fortunate enough to afford the experience of cruising with our family and friends whereas other people are much more less fortunate than us....so PLEASE, CHILL OUT PEOPLE! Relax and appreciate the effort and the thoughtfulness of the people who willing to share their experiences so YOU can learn and make your future trip more enjoyable.

 

Thanks Cinder! Eventhough I am about to go on my 4th Carnival cruise, I love to read other people's tips!! I really wish the flamer's would get a life and let the thread do what it is meant to do..Help others who might not know some of these tips.

I think what one of the other poster's were referring to was the fact that someone felt the need to "highjack" the thread and discuss the food taken off the ship issue, which already had a WAY TOO LONG thread. Thanks again for your input. There is no doubt that you have helped alot of first time cruisers!:)

[chrly]

There is one other tip that I would like to add to this thread.

 

If you are planning on bringing a credit card to use while on vacation (either through your bank or major company), please make sure you call them before you leave on vacation. Give them the dates you are going to be gone as well as where you will be. This will save you an unplesant suprise (declining the card :eek: ) if they decide that there is a possibility of fraud (you will not be able to use your card until you call them back :o ). This lets the company know that you are the one using the card and that someone else does not have it. When I worked at a credit card company we had a lot of calls from irate people who were not able to use their card due to the fact that they were on vacation and out of their normal spending area. Better safe than sorry.

 

Cinder,

 

 

Thank you for taking the time to get everything together, I appreciate it.

 

Charlyn

[momofzeke]

"there are two robes provided for you to use if you ask for them"

 

Why is it that they just don't have the robes for you anyways and instead have to ask for them? so that they get tipped??

 

Is this a new policy? On the Pride, 2 years ago, there were 2 robes in our cabin when we arrived ~ and we only had an inside cabin. We didn't have to ask for them, they were just there.:confused:

[Cinderose]

Your welcome everyone.

I just wish I knew a lot of these tips before I ever went on my first cruise and I would have enjoyed it so much more. This is why Im trying to make it a pleasant experience for all. Oh there goes the Carnival Commerical again...Cant wait!

[Hawaiianjessica]

Thank you! Those are some great tips for everyone!

[cruisermpaul]

Cinderose, Thank you for summarizing all the tips. I have a couple of comments...

 

As far as clothes hangers - I bring most of my clothes already on hangers from home. This makes on board unpacking and packing a breeze.

 

Fun21 - while it's true that there are no queens, there are many player friendly rules that make up for that and like you mentioned it is best that you just keep this in mind and adjust the way you play the game, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend avoiding the game.

 

Happy cruising.

M.Paul

[Mysticks1]

Another tip: Bring along some clothes pins. I bought a small pack of plastic ones at the dollar store. If you will clip them every few inches along the bottom of the shower curtain it will keep it in place so you will have less water on the floor and it won't wrap around your legs.

[travel girl23]

Cinderose, thank you for putting all those tips together. I, too, have read most of them over the years but it is always good for the newbys to have them all in one place. There is one more tip that I use and that is to pack a 9x12" manila envelope with a piece of cardboard in it to keep our photos from getting crushed on the way home. I also take large (1 or 2 gallon) zip lock bags to put things like the Capers and other memorabelia I collect for scrapbooking when I get home. I use one for each day and really makes it easy to separate when I get home. Also, take a journal with you (like the ones at Barnes and Noble) and remember to write each day's events. They are so much fun to re-read years after the cruise. Things like people's names who you met onboard and have forgotten years later or a memorable dinner are right there at your fingertips. My problem is that I have a hard time remembering to write in it each night - LOL. Hope to do better on this next cruise. Thanks again for compiling all these good tips. TG23

[nalady98]

I too would like to thank you for the "nutshell", very helpful. The one's I'd like to add are: bringing your bollted water and canned sodas onboard in backpacks, when you get to your room put then in fridge and backpacks are handy for port shopping and things you need for the day.For you ladies, I find that when packing MY things, rolling them up pretty tightly keeps them from wrinkleing and allows WAY more room for more stuff. Some of you probably already knew this, but hey, if you're new....................

[canuckwoman]

Hello everyone - thank you for all of the wonderful tips. This was the best source of information that I have read todate! I will be going on my first cruise in 2 weeks and with all of the wonderful tips, I will be well prepared. :)

[nybumpkin]

Also, take a journal with you (like the ones at Barnes and Noble) and remember to write each day's events. They are so much fun to re-read years after the cruise. Things like people's names who you met onboard and have forgotten years later or a memorable dinner are right there at your fingertips. My problem is that I have a hard time remembering to write in it each night - LOL. Hope to do better on this next cruise. Thanks again for compiling all these good tips. TG23

 

The journal also helps when you write your Cruise Critic review after you return! I ended up using a note pad I picked up in our pre-cruise hotel. By the end of the cruise, everything will be running together, and it's hard remembering what happened on which day.

[Undrhil]

Better than a notepad, take a small mini-tape recorder (like you used to use in those college classes) or an MP3 recorder. This allows you to make notes on the fly and you can always transcribe them later.

 

Undrhil

[Cinderose]

Clothes pins...hmmm good idea.

Also, I bring alchol wipes and wipe down door handles, tv remote, light switches, phone, etc. just cause thats what I do!

[W&E]

Yes I've seen many of the tips; but because I'm not a self-centered egoistic flamer I appreciate how much fun it is to reorient with a reminder of the practical, enlightening, time & money-saving, stress-reducing usefulness of what was generously posted here.

I'm somewhat new to this sight and dare say there are relatively new readers, members, and persons new to cruising 'coming aboard' everyday.

[W&E]

Yes I've seen many of the tips; but because I'm not a self-centered egoistic flamer I appreciate how much fun it is to reorient with a reminder of the practical, enlightening, time & money-saving, stress-reducing usefulness of what was generously posted here.

I'm somewhat new to this sight and dare say there are relatively new readers, members, and persons new to cruising 'coming aboard' everyday.

[Cinderose]

Tips are more for new timers. Seasoned cruisers should have a few to add.

[mustwork2cruise]

The best tip I have ever read is to remember that this is your VACATION! There will always be that "Negative Ned or Nancy", that "kid", or that just basically annoying person. You know the ones.... Just remember that it is a big ship and most of all have fun! You get out of life what you put into it!