New to Carnival, what to do as soon as we board

[Sandi149]

Hi,

 

This will be my first time on Carnival. My husband and I are taking the 2night cruise to nowhere on the Legend in Oct. I know it's a very short cruise but I would like to know what to do as soon as we get on board. I want to do as much as I can in such a short amount of time. I am quite excited about this little getaway and hopefully next year we can do the 8 day cruise to the Carribean. We are in cabin 6149 on the Empress deck and I have been studying the deck plans so I can know where everything is before we go. I don't want to waste precious time looking for things when we are on there.

 

I see that they have one pool that has a retractable dome over it. Since it will be in Oct, I doubt the other pools would be open but do they let you sit on the lounges, if it's a nice day? Also, can we get lunch on the first day?

 

I would appreciate if you could give me any advice or tips.

 

Thanks,

Sandi

[kelz66]

The lunch buffet should absolutely be out when you board.

[MrPete]

Once you take in the sights of your entry point, and you're able to dump your stuff in your room (a trip to the balcony is always the first thing for us), yes, head up to the Unicorn buffet on the Lido deck.

 

Walk all over looking at all the different food stations. Try one of those grilled Ruebens, and take a sampling of everything else. I couldn't believe all the food stations my first time on a Spirit class ship

 

Or start on your foo foos first!

 

Or do both! Enjoy your meal on the rear lido outside, weather permitting.

 

Then start your strolls. The cruise will be over before you know it!

 

Interesting note: I didn't know about the lounge under the main lounge until my second Spirit class cruise!

[imlulu]

My advice is : Enjoy!

 

Dont worry about doing everything or seeing everything. YOur getaway should be relaxing.

 

We put carryons in cabin and head up to buffet. We then walk around ship.

[jetskier]

If you dont get to do or see everything, all the more reason to take a second cruise.

Dave

[momofzeke]

Get on the ship as early as possible so you can start your vacation. Even if your cabin is not ready yet, you can drop your carryons off real quick. Then, head to Lido for lunch buffet! :cool:

 

Explore the ship. Yes, you can use the loungers by the pool.

 

Enjoy! :)

[Sandi149]

Thank you all for replying. I am just so excited I can't wait. I have been coming to this message board all week and reading about the Legend ship and looking at pictures. The ship looks absolutely beautiful.

 

I will get on there as early as possible. Do you think if we get to the dock by 11:30 they will let us on? Although, I think that everyone would be getting there early because it's such a short cruise.

 

I heard that even though it's only a 2 nighter there is a formal night and a gala midnight buffet on the 2nd night. Is that true?

 

Also, does anyone know exactly where the cruise sails to? Does she go out east towards Long Island or south towards the Jersey shore?

 

Thanks again,

Sandi

[ahoys]

Since it's a two day cruise, you'll be carrying on all of your luggage. Resist the urge to overpack--you won't need much. Wear on board the clothes you want to wear to dinner that night. As soon as you can get into your cabin, change into comfy clothes and hang up the dinner duds. Pack your formal outfit for the second night's dinner and whatever comfy clothing you want for day 2. Also don't forget to pack your bathing suit. You might want to visit the hot tubs; also the sauna in the spa area. You won't need to pack a beach towel or a robe--they'll provide those. Get there as early as possible and begin your cruise as soon as you board. Immediately accept one of those Fun Ship Special drinks that the servers are carrying around (your first charge on your Sail and Sign card) and then have a great lunch. The best part is standing at the railing while watching the ship pull away from the pier. Don't plan on sleeping much, as they'll have the shows, music, and casino hopping, just like on a week long cruise. You'll have a great mini-vacation--and you'll be hooked by the end of the first night. Enjoy!

[MrPete]

If you sail the way we did, your will head straight east, and then back again. It was sort of warm once we got out into the gulf stream.

[Sandi149]

Mr. Pete do you think it would be warm enough to go swimming in the outdoor pools? Somehow I don't think it would in October. I'm a NYer and I have seen it get warm in October but I don't think it will be warm enough for swimming plus the water in the pool is probably freezing. Oh well, I will use the indoor pool. How deep is the pool, btw?

[MrPete]

NO, it's not THAT warm. They did have the cover closed on the bandstand pool, and many were swimming in there. But as you can see, some people were swimming in the open pool.

 

http://community.webshots.com/photo/166131536/1166677185057720145pdCWsu

 

And yes the water is cold unless they turn the heaters on.

 

Pool is only about 4 ft max., maybe a bit less.

[Sandi149]

That pool pic looks great. 4 ft is fine for hubby and I to splash around in. Hopefully they will put the heaters on.

 

Do you think that since it's such a short cruise the age group will be young? My husband and I are in our mid 40s. Do they get people in that age group on such a short cruise?

 

I know that I'm going to want to book the longer cruise after we come back from this one. That 8 day cruise to San Juan, St. Thomas and Tortola looks fantastic. I have always wanted to go to St Thomas.

 

Oh and I have another question for you. The duty free shops on board, how much do they charge for cigarettes and liquor? Would we still be able to get them cheaper even though the cruise doesn't go anywhere?

[MrPete]

Wife bought a 5 carton thingy of Marlboro for $85!

 

Liquor duty free applies as well. Not sure of the prices, but beats our NY prices.

 

There are all age ranges on all the sailings I've been on. There are plenty of people to meet! You're in the right age range!

[Sandi149]

Wow...that is cheap. Do they allow a certain amount per person or can you bring an unlimited amount back?

 

Thanks for answering all my questions...I really appreciate it.

[MrPete]

There are limits, I think a carton per person.

 

Anything over you have to pay duty. It helps having non smokers with you.

[Sandi149]

So then I would only be able to take 2 cartons back. Do you have to declare the duty? Is it city or federal? Can't I just hide the cartons in my luggage?

 

This cruise is going to be fabulous. I can't wait. I heard so many good things about the Legand just by reading the reviews on this site. Most people seem to have given very good reviews.

[elaineb]

Check your dining room assignment. If you don't like the time or table, get to the maitre'd to have it changed. If you like it, voila, you'll know exactly where your table is and be ready and waiting at dinner time!

[Sandi149]

I have been looking at the deck plans....how difficult would it be to get the 2nd level right by the balcony overlooking the first level in the dining room? Is that a premium spot?

[cruisinbuddy]

Dump your stuff and find a foo foo drink and befriend a bartender.

[D4]

So then I would only be able to take 2 cartons back. Do you have to declare the duty? Is it city or federal? Can't I just hide the cartons in my luggage?

 

If you are only taking back the duty-free amount (probably a carton per adult), then you won't have to pay any taxes. At the end of the cruise, you complete a U.S. Customs form that lists what you bought and then you have to sign it. As you leave the ship, you hand the form to a U.S. Customs official. I highly recommend that you be honest and not buy more and hide it in your luggage.

[MrPete]

I have been looking at the deck plans....how difficult would it be to get the 2nd level right by the balcony overlooking the first level in the dining room? Is that a premium spot?

 

We've only been on the second level once. I never considered it premium, but that's me. There were a lot of couples tables that ran the perimeter of the balcony. It does go all the way around, as the far end is usually the crows nest for the Maitre d' and a piano. On the other end is the staricase down to the first level.

 

Where I have sat a lot, is the first floor under the opening to the second floor. It's just TOO noisy for me.

 

I ended up liking the second floor. We had a booth across from the table by the balcony.