Newbie Needs Help!

[aubriee]

I've never cruised before and truthfully have never even had much interest in it. I am a Disney freak and usually go to Walt Disney World three or four times a year. However, on my last trip to WDW I met several very nice people and some of them are going on a 6 day Western Carribean Cruise on the Carnival Freedom January 11, 2009. They have invited me to go with them and the more I read the more fun it sounds. However, I have no idea how to start planning. Please help!

 

1. Not counting the shore excursions what would the total price be? The site lists a price, but then talks about fuel surcharges, precharged gratuities, etc. Plus I'd probably be solo in my room. Other than their signature restaraunt is the rest of the food/snacks free? Do you just go up to a snack place and ask for a sandwich? How does it work? Who else do you tip beside what they take out of the $10.00/day gratuity fund.

 

2. I really want at least a window, but preferably balcony. Are the outside rooms really worth the price? especially for a solo traveler

 

3. Do I really need to fly into Ft Lauderdale the day before and stay the day after the cruise? If I do need to fly in early, any suggestions for a place to stay? What would the best and cheapest way to get to the dock?

 

4. How does check in and check out work?

 

5. How about currency? How much would I need and what exactly do you carry (cash, traverlers checks, credit cards, debit card). The ports are Key West, Grand Cayman, Jamaica. What currency will they accept?

 

6. Clothing suggestions and packing tips would also be appreciated.

 

7. How about ID? Driver License I know, but is a passport needed?

 

Hey, I told you I was clueless!

 

Any other help would be greaty appreciated.

[beach410]

1. Not counting the shore excursions what would the total price be? The site lists a price, but then talks about fuel surcharges, precharged gratuities, etc. Plus I'd probably be solo in my room. Other than their signature restaraunt is the rest of the food/snacks free? Do you just go up to a snack place and ask for a sandwich? How does it work? Who else do you tip beside what they take out of the $10.00/day gratuity fund.

 

Call a travel agent for total price to include taxes, port fees, fuel charge etc. It doesnt cost you a thing to ask questions, you dont have to book until you are ready.

 

Mostly everything but alchohol on board is free, however with that said, there are candy stores, specialty coffee shops that charge, but the Sushi, Deli, Pizza, 24 hour ice cream and room service is included. Along with the buffets and dining room of course. O, soda is extra too, if youre a big drinker buy a soda card, if not there are other options to quench your thirst that dont cost extra, juice, lemonade, fruit punch.

 

You have the option of tipping anyone you want extra, they supply envelopes at the end of the cruise, however, you dont have to, the 10 per day you get charged is supposed to cover it. But, if you get exception service from your wait staff or steward go for it, they dont make much and work very hard and very long hours.

 

2. I really want at least a window, but preferably balcony. Are the outside rooms really worth the price? especially for a solo traveler

 

I thought I could never travel without a window, however, I did on the last cruise and really didnt mind it much as we were never in the room except when sleeping and getting ready. But, I would always book a room with at least a window if the price was comparable, it is neat waking up and peaking outside to see port or the sunrising. I hear balcony's are awesome, I have been on 5 cruises and never had a balcony yet, one day, but its not a necessity, there balconies all over the ship, even if not private the view is the same. AWESOME! Take your breakfast and lunch outdoors weather permitting and enjoy!

 

3. Do I really need to fly into Ft Lauderdale the day before and stay the day after the cruise? If I do need to fly in early, any suggestions for a place to stay? What would the best and cheapest way to get to the dock?

 

I would definately recommend flying in the day before just in case your flight gets cancelled, however, I have seen many people fly in the same day, but make sure its early early early. I dont see the need to stay the day after, just make it a late flight you should be OK. Not sure on least expensive way, when I traveled it was with a family of 5 and we rented a limo, it was actually less then the Carnival Shuttle and taking a taxi, price it out.

 

4. How does check in and check out work?

 

Check in at the port requires your documents, credit card, etc, Plan on getting there before noon to take advantage of the lunch and day on the ship. There is no check out really, you get your sign and sail balance the night before and they charge that to your account. If its not right you go to the pursers desk.

 

5. How about currency? How much would I need and what exactly do you carry (cash, traverlers checks, credit cards, debit card). The ports are Key West, Grand Cayman, Jamaica. What currency will they accept?

 

They all accept cash (ours) and some places take credit cards. I always carry plenty of ones for tipping and small purchases. The amount you take is dependent on what your plans are. I generally take 100 a day per port, thats it and charge what I can to my credit card. Plan on taking the amount of the excursion, some extra for lunch and shopping.

 

6. Clothing suggestions and packing tips would also be appreciated.

 

January, bring a jacket for on board at night and in the dining room. Do a search with the tool above on this site for packing lists, I printed off a good one from there.

 

7. How about ID? Driver License I know, but is a passport needed? I dont think passports are REQUIRED, nice to have. If you dont have one, you will definately need your birth certificate and drivers license.

 

Hope this helps some, have to get ready for work now, Have a great time!

[Suebee42]

Great advice!

 

My experience is limited (one cruise under my belt, one coming up in 2 weeks), but I have some things to add. :D

 

1. Ft Lauderdale... I don't have any suggestions on where to stay, but I can tell you where NOT to stay... The Sea Beach Plaza. They take "flea market chic" to a whole new level. ;)

 

2. Lunch -- if you don't have a lot of money to spend, and would prefer not to use it on feeding yourself when you are at one of the port stops, order room service the night before, and pack a lunch!

 

I concur that flying in the night before and staying somewhere is the smart thing to do. It just gives you extra insurance that you will get to the port on time! I also agree that arriving before noon (even though they tell you not to) is the best way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the ship, giving yourself time to eat some lunch -- which you'll need by the time you get through th embarkation process -- and explore the ship before the muster drill. :)

 

As I mentioned we're leaving on our second cruise in two weeks, and I already have a couple of light hoodies in the "pack" pile for evenings. I also found some of the indoor venues were a little cool from the air conditioning, so it was nice to have an extra layer.

 

I highly recommend having a passport. It's just easier. :)

 

I know you'll have a great time!!! :D

[GottaLuvCruising]

1) Right now a single person has the option of booking a 1A (minimum stateroom, may get bunks) for $659.44. This is the cruise fare, port charges, taxes, fuel surcharge. Gratuities would run $60. You'd want to allow some $ for drinks, shore excursions, souvenirs.

 

2) Book the 1A. As a single person it will save you a bundle. If you find a friend to go with you, look at upgrading. I couldn't care less about an oceanview, but that's one person's opinion. I love a balcony, but you'd be nuts to spend that kind of money with the single supplement.

 

3) With just a one hour time difference, you should be able to fly in and return same day. At that time of year, weather isn't likely to be an issue in Texas or Florida. Cruise line air is high; I'd check independent options as soon as they become available. Take a cab from airport to pier and back - about $20 each way.

 

4) Similar to hotel, but show passport.

 

5) U.S. currency. I'd plan on $50 - $100 per port. That allows plenty to book a tour on the pier and do a little shopping.

 

6) Bring casual clothes and comfortable shoes. Pack some nicer mix & match outfits for evening. Plan to do a load or two of laundry and you can use one less suitcase.

 

7) I fully expect passports will be required by then...but who knows as they keep delaying implementation.

 

Make sure you'll really enjoy hanging out with these folks, or look for a friend to go along, too. I've done a 14-day cruise by myself and really enjoyed it. But many people wouldn't enjoy solo cruising.

 

New ship...warm weather...great itinerary...awesome fare! Go for it and have a great time!

[-ClevelandRocks-]

Book the 1A. As a single person it will save you a bundle. If you find a friend to go with you, look at upgrading. I couldn't care less about an oceanview, but that's one person's opinion. I love a balcony, but you'd be nuts to spend that kind of money with the single supplement.

 

Agree 100% with above!!! Balconies are great, but on your first cruise, get out on deck, explore the ship, mingle with the other guests, you'll LOVE cruisin! There's just nothing else like it, and the minute you try it, you'll be hopelessly addicted.

[mprucha]

1. I agree with the person that said they wouldn't get a balcony cabin as a single passenger unless you really want it and are willing to pay big for it. Single passengers pay more because they aren't traveling in "double occupancy" mode. I too absolutely love balconies but for a first cruise, you may want to save some money. Someone else already explained the charge part of this question and yes, contact a travel agent. If you don't have one, email me and I'll give you the info on the one I use.

anne@prucha.com

2. Another person already told you about what's included, not included food wise in the price. When you get ready to board your ship you're given a sail & sign card which is your card for everything on the ship. It's your room key as well as the card you use to buy things onboard. You are assigned a dinner time for the main dining room (the one that's free) and you would go there at that time for dinner. Breakfast & lunch you aren't assigned a time although they are open for breakfast. If you don't want to eat in the dining room, you can eat at the lido buffet or the (specialty restaurant=extra charge). Tiping they've already covered.

 

3. Not everyone flies in the day ahead or stays the day after. Depending on where you live and the weather may help determine if you want to fly early. Many people do that because they don't want to run into trouble with their flight and then miss the ship! However, many other people fly in early the day of embarking and go straight from the airport to the cruise port. If you do decide to stay before or after, check out the cruise critic board that talks about ports. You'll find lots of ideas of places to stay that people have used and like. Most people take a taxi or some other form of transfer to the port. That's usually the cheapest way.

 

4. As for "check in/out", you get to the port and you go into a huge waiting area. It's here that they get you checked in, make sure all your paper work is in order, check your ID, give you your s&s card, etc. Then you go through security, get your picture made and board the ship. Your luggage you place in an area when you first get there and the cruise staff takes it and deliver it to your room later the 1st evening. When you are ready to get off the ship, you wait for the ship to be cleared through customs, wait for your color or number deck to be called and then you get off the ship. Your luggage will already be off the ship and waiting for you in a big holding area.

 

5. Most people carry cash for tips and when you're in port and for the casino. Then they usually also carry either a credit or debit card or travelers checks in case they need more OR if they are just more comfortable using a credit card in port. US $ are fine in the Caribbean. How much you need to take depends on what all you intend to do.

 

6. Clothing suggestions and packing tips? I have lists posted on my website for both of these as well as many other tips. Here's the link.

http://www.prucha.com/modules.php?name=Cruise_Mania

 

7. How about ID? Driver License I know, but is a passport needed? A passport isn't absolutely mandatory yet but will be so I also tell people they should go ahead and get it. Since your cruise wouldn't be for a year yet, you'd have plenty of time to get it. Yes, a driver's license and birth certificate (original with the raised seal) is a must if the mandatory passport doesn't come into play before your cruise.

 

Lastly, take some time and really look over this site and all the different threads and do searches for topics, check the port threads for ideas of excursions, etc and you'll find TONS of information that will help you start planning!

[TanyaH321]

I would get a passport as well. We spoke to our PVP just the other day and he told us that passports will be required by June 2008.

[Peery5]

Newbie:

 

 

1. On our 1st. cruise we had an outside stateroom with oean view. It was nice as we did not know what to expect. But once we obtained roooms with balconies, we were hooked. We will always have a balcony room from now on. 2. Clothing can be fairly simple. Casual dress for dinner unless it's a formal night. Nice, comfortable clothing for excursions, shopping, etc. When you first board, everyone dines on deck with what they wore for embarkation. 3. There is plenty to eat all the time. 4. You use your S/S card for purchases on board. We usually take a credit card and some cash for purchases made off ship. 5. Tips on board CCL are pre-billed to your account. Get to know your room steward well. He / she can make your cruise so much nicer. Room service is nice [free except for a tip]. 6.The best thing that I learned for my last cruise is that I had my drycleaner do what called a travel pack for all of my clothes that I took. Each item was cleaned, pressed and packed individually in clear, plastic wrap, then sealed. I did not have to press one item during the whole cruise. CCL's ships usually have a small laundry room that you can use if you don't want to take a lot of clothes. 7. We used to take driver's licenses and birth certificates but obtained passports last year. Be aware that in the unlikely event that you have to leave the ship early and return to the states via air, you need the passport to re-enter the U.S.

 

Don't worry. You will have a great time. You'll probably forget something as everyone usually does. One last note: When you get to Jamaica, be sure to do the Dunn's River Falls excursion, you will love it. :)

[Drew B]

Just to be clear, some of you are mentioning that it is so much more expensive travelling solo, but it has not been specifically spelled out as to WHY. If she is a true newbie, she may not know.

 

Aubriee, cruise lines charge what is known as a "single supplement" to guests who are travelling solo. This is generally a hefty increase over the amount paid per person for a comparable cabin. In fact, it can sometimes reach DOUBLE the price per person, depending on the line. You could be, in effect, paying for two even though you are but one. More expensive cabins such as balconies have higher single supplements. People are recommending lower-level categories because doubling higher fares gets REALLY expensive.

 

Another thing to consider is bringing somebody else (friend, family member) with you. Even if you have to supplement his/her fare, if he/she pays ANYTHING, you will pay less and you will have some company. If you prefer to sail solo, then enjoy it, but know that you will pay much more for the privilege.

[AZ Karaoke Girl]

I had an inside cabin on my first cruise - couldn't justify the extra money for a balcony which was about $500 pp more. I was totally happy with an inside for my first cruise. We were only in there to sleep, shower etc. But we were in Hawaii so a very port intensive trip with no sea days. I personally feel an oceanview room is a waste of money. I'd rather have an inside room. Unless you get it for same price. Balcony guarantee booked for my next cruise so I'll probably become a balcony snob:p. But I don't have any regrets getting an inside cabin last time. I had a great time. You will be paying a hefty fee for one person so get the one you can best afford. JMO

 

Best suggestion is to book a guarantee (don't pick your room) in the catagory that you will be satisfied with (ie; inside 4A, oceanview 6A, balcony 8A). You might get a free upgrade, might not but it is the most economical way to go.

[aubriee]

Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it. I guess an inside room would make more sense for a solo traveler, but those balcony rooms sure look nice. Thanks for the info about booking a guaranteed room also. I have a few more questions if you don't mind:

 

1. What are the fun pass and fundollars?

2. What are sign and sail cards?

3. Does the Carnival Freedom have soda cards you can buy and how much are they? (or are they just for kids?)

4. Book shore excursions myself or through CCL? Can I pay for shore excursions before my trip? I'd like to have as much paid for in advance as I can.

 

Thanks again!

[chitown cruisers]

we did connecting balconies for our first.......I loved it BUT REGRET it!!

 

I immediately booked another cruise after we came home and I could only look at balconies..........if this happenss to you, this will eliminate way too many cruise options in the future.....reason being......

 

The only balconies on the ships that do the shorter cruises.....are the suites with balconies. Usually the suite on a 4 day will cost more than a blacony for a 7 or 8 day.

 

Looking back now, I wish we would have had an interior for our first. That way I would know that I could go with a no-view room and still have a great time. I'm affraid to try an interior because I love my balcony. My last cruise helped a little, because my kids had an interior adjoining our balcony.....I was able to check out their cabin and get a feel for it. I'm really screwed because my next cabin is a 9A corner wrap.............I admit it.......I'm a balcony snob.

[big_duck]

 

2. Lunch -- if you don't have a lot of money to spend, and would prefer not to use it on feeding yourself when you are at one of the port stops, order room service the night before, and pack a lunch!

 

NO NO NO - Never take food off the ship into a foreign eco-system unless it is pre-packaged. No fruits, meats etc EVER.

[mprucha]

1. A fun pass are documents online that you fill out that lets Carnival know not only info about you, passport, etc but about your travel plans like what flights you're going to be on, etc. as well as info about other things like if you're pregnant and the way you intend to get to the ship from the airport.

You fill these out completed prior to going for your cruise and it speeds up things when you get to the ship. They then use this info for your cruise documents regardless if you choose the documents mailed to you or online.

 

Fun dollars are sort of like gift certificates you can buy and then have applied to your onboard account for cruise spending.

 

 

2. An s&s card is a card they give you when you're getting onboard that is for everything you do onboard the ship. It's a card that either a) you add cash to once you get onboard b) or they take your credit card info and apply that cards # to your s&s card. It's everything from your cabin key to what you'd use to buy things in the gift shops to what you use to buy drinks with, etc etc. For instance, your onboard and want a drink from the bar, you order the drink, he takes your s&s card and applies the charges to it. The same goes for anything you buy onboard. If you place cash on it and you don't use it all, they write you a check on the last night of the cruise and you get that money back. If you use a credit card, then they charge your credit card the total and you get a bill at home just like normal for the credit card. They do place a "hold" on your account either way you use it, cash or credit, for a certain amount to guarantee that you will have enough to pay and they will let you know if you start to get close to the limit so you can add more if needed. This card is also your ship ID. It has your name & cabin # & even your dinner table assignment on it. It goes everywhere on the ship you go.

 

3. Yes, you can buy the soda cards for adults or kids. I've only bought them for kids and I paid right at $40 for the card. If you drink a LOT of soda in a week, it would be worth it. It definitely was for my kids. But, if you're an occasional soda drinker, it may not be worth it to you.

 

4. You'll get a lot of advise about the excursions question. Many people do excursions on their own.They are usually less expensive. However, if you do, make sure and research the company you're going to use. These boards have tons of advise on good tours that weren't through Carnival. Also, make sure the tour would get you back in plenty of time to make the ship. Many 1st time cruisers book through Carnival because they feel safer knowing that they will definitely make it back to the ship on time. Yes, you can pay for the excursions and book them ahead of time. That's what many people do to prevent the excursion from selling out and so that those costs aren't put on their s&s card once they are onboard. You book ahead of time through Carnival's main site after you've booked your cruise. You go to your reservations page, click on shore excursions, look and choose from the ones listed per port and hit book when your ready to book the ones through Carnival. For excursions from outside tour groups, you call or email the group. Some of them also have online registration you can book through.

[aubriee]

Thanks for the info! One more question: Where can you buy fun dollars ahead of time?

[Suebee42]

NO NO NO - Never take food off the ship into a foreign eco-system unless it is pre-packaged. No fruits, meats etc EVER.

 

Yeah, I read about this after I posted, which was information I got from somewhere else.

 

COMPLETELY ignore that part of my post. I was flat-out wrong, no thanks to some other online idiot with their brilliant ideas. *sigh*

[Drew B]

4. Book shore excursions myself or through CCL? Can I pay for shore excursions before my trip? I'd like to have as much paid for in advance as I can.

 

Many times, you can book excursions with the EXACT SAME COMPANIES CCL uses for less money if you do it directly. Other times, you can get excursions with much smaller groups and that can make the excursion more enjoyable. Take a look at the "Ports of Call" board for each of your port cities, and you will be able to get a lot of advice as to what the benefits and drawbacks are of many independent tours.

[Drew B]

4. Book shore excursions myself or through CCL? Can I pay for shore excursions before my trip? I'd like to have as much paid for in advance as I can.

 

Many times, you can book excursions with the EXACT SAME COMPANIES CCL uses for less money if you do it directly. Other times, you can get excursions with much smaller groups and that can make the excursion more enjoyable. Take a look at the "Ports of Call" board for each of your port cities, and you will be able to get a lot of advice as to what the benefits and drawbacks are of many independent tours.