First Time Cruising

[terratrac]

This is my first cruise ever and I will be sailing the Carnival Glory from Port Canaveral. I am taking the eastern carribbian cruise stopping in nassau bahamas, St. Marteen, and St. Thomas. Being a first time cruiser I was just looking for tips on everything from debarking, to things to do on the ship, what to not do on the ship and the must "See" on the islands, trying to get the most out of my trip. Any help would be great thanks!

[BonnieSte]

Just keep reading this board, you will learn everything you need to. :) Welcome aboard the board!

[Frank12]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=664175

 

Here is a link to "All things Glory".

[jordanaire]

Welcome aboard! You are about to experience one of the most excitng adventures of your life! The Glory is a fantastic ship and you couldn't have picked a better itenerary! My wife and I loved sailing on this ship and the eastern caribbean is our favorite.

 

Like the previous poster said, just keep reading these boards and you will receive more help than you ever imagined.

 

:cool:Bill

[nbsjcruiser]

This is my first cruise ever and I will be sailing the Carnival Glory from Port Canaveral. I am taking the eastern carribbian cruise stopping in nassau bahamas, St. Marteen, and St. Thomas. Being a first time cruiser I was just looking for tips on everything from debarking, to things to do on the ship, what to not do on the ship and the must "See" on the islands, trying to get the most out of my trip. Any help would be great thanks!

 

Well, you should get a lot of replies on this one. Here is what we must do when we go to the stops you mention in your note:

 

St Maarten - when you are wandering up and down the main drag there (Front Street I think it is called) find Old Street. Visit the Belgian Chocolate Shop and get some of the worlds best handmade chocolate. If you stop there in the morning they will deliver to your ship for free which is nice. You don't need to carry them in all that heat.

 

You can see a few pics of Old Street in the pics I took this year

http://mgbutler.homeunix.com/photos/Crown%20Princess/album/

Just click on St Maarten. Sorry there are so many pics but I have a 2G stick - I'm gonna get as much on it as I can!

 

Also - hit the Guavaberry Emporium and get some Guavaberry rum and Liquor - pretty good stuff

 

St Thomas- visit Coki Beach for some great snorkeling. It was rainy the day we were there but the last time we went there it was gorgeous.

 

Nassau - You could get a Cab to Cable Beach or what we do is take a cab to the public beach on Paradise Island for 4 hours or so. Then we spend the afternoon wandering around town.

 

You'll notice we don't do shore excursions - too expensive and you can do exactly the same thing they offer by yourself for about half the price. Just keep an eye on your watch and if you're going to go to the beach for the day and it requires a cab, consider doing that in the morning so you can wander the shops near the dock and your ship in the afternoon. Don't forget - THE SHIP WILL NOT WAIT FOR YOU!!

[renalrn]

This is my first cruise ever and I will be sailing the Carnival Glory from Port Canaveral. I am taking the eastern carribbian cruise stopping in nassau bahamas, St. Marteen, and St. Thomas. Being a first time cruiser I was just looking for tips on everything from debarking, to things to do on the ship, what to not do on the ship and the must "See" on the islands, trying to get the most out of my trip. Any help would be great thanks!

Welcome...

In addition to the above advice find your "roll call" thread on this board. These posters are an incredible source of knowlege,they are happy to share their combined research and past knowlege.

Have fun, predicting that this may be the first but won't be your last!

[Piatt1011]

We were on the Valor last Oct. and did the same ports. You will love this cruise. My favorite is St. Thomas. I honestly could live there. You may want to go to the ports of call borad and fing the ports there. People always put up ideas on what to do and see. It gives you tons of ideas.

[Casino Player]

This is my first cruise ever and I will be sailing the Carnival Glory from Port Canaveral. I am taking the eastern carribbian cruise stopping in nassau bahamas, St. Marteen, and St. Thomas. Being a first time cruiser I was just looking for tips on everything from debarking, to things to do on the ship, what to not do on the ship and the must "See" on the islands, trying to get the most out of my trip. Any help would be great thanks!

 

 

Congrats on your first cruise. My first cruise was on Carnival too, on the Triumph in it's first year of service. Check the shore excursions and do whatever you wish to do. There are many really good things about Carnival Cruise Line. The staterooms are the largest in the industry. How do I know? My travel agent tells me. Things to do on the ship- See the shows, go to the Casino, Carnival still has poolside games. Read your "Capers," the ship newspaper, the night before or when you get in if you are a night person. It has everything going on. It will tell you what resturants are open and when to the late shows in the theatre.

Carnival has excellent food. 24-hour soft serve ice cream, 24-hour coffee, tea, iced tea, fruit juices, lemonade. 24-hour resturant, the pizzarria. 24-hour room service complimentary. Some cruise lines now charge for room service during certain hours. The Deli on Carnival is very good. Complimentary cappiccino and espresso served in the dining room. Other cruise lines charge a surcharge even in the dining room. The Casino is open longer than on most other cruise lines. You will have a good time.

Most important, have fun and relax. Remember, inspite of all that is going on it is your vacation. Do what you want.

[Cobra1365]

Take advantage of the Mojito night on the Promenade deck! I think it was the 4th night. Try the Orange Rum in one!;)

 

The itinerary is our favorite!

St Thomas we visit Megan's Bay

St Maarten, we have done several different beaches...do your homework there. Beware, the French side is a bit more relaxed on beach attire if you have children! If you don't have children...enjoy!

Nassau...we can take it or leave it...last time we stayed on board. But since it's your first cruise...I suggest you experience it.

 

As was suggested above, visit the roll call thread. Lot's of research already done and you will proabably make friends ...usually a meet and greet is set up with people from the roll call too so you will have people to recognize and talk to.

 

Most importantly...Have a great time!

[cb at sea]

go to the library and get a guidebook on your ports--that will put you a step ahead in knowing what's avail., how much it will cost, how to get there, safety issues (if any) food, restrooms, etc....!

[crusinpsychRN]

If you go to Nassau on a Sunday, everything is closed until about 12:30 pm. Plan a beach day instead.

 

 

Butch is a great CD on Glory, full of energy.

 

One time at least find the Fish 'n Chips. Even staff didn't know where it was. I think if you find the stairs on Lido heading up you'll find it.

 

Have a great time!

[KingofSomewhereHot]

Well, you should get a lot of replies on this one. Here is what we must do when we go to the stops you mention in your note:

 

St Maarten - when you are wandering up and down the main drag there (Front Street I think it is called) find Old Street. Visit the Belgian Chocolate Shop and get some of the worlds best handmade chocolate. If you stop there in the morning they will deliver to your ship for free which is nice. You don't need to carry them in all that heat.

 

You can see a few pics of Old Street in the pics I took this year

http://mgbutler.homeunix.com/photos/Crown%20Princess/album/

Just click on St Maarten. Sorry there are so many pics but I have a 2G stick - I'm gonna get as much on it as I can!

 

Also - hit the Guavaberry Emporium and get some Guavaberry rum and Liquor - pretty good stuff

 

St Thomas- visit Coki Beach for some great snorkeling. It was rainy the day we were there but the last time we went there it was gorgeous.

 

Nassau - You could get a Cab to Cable Beach or what we do is take a cab to the public beach on Paradise Island for 4 hours or so. Then we spend the afternoon wandering around town.

 

You'll notice we don't do shore excursions - too expensive and you can do exactly the same thing they offer by yourself for about half the price. Just keep an eye on your watch and if you're going to go to the beach for the day and it requires a cab, consider doing that in the morning so you can wander the shops near the dock and your ship in the afternoon. Don't forget - THE SHIP WILL NOT WAIT FOR YOU!!

 

 

This stuff is the BEST! Makes the world's best Pina Colada's! I loved it so much that when I got home I found the website and ordered a bottle to be shipped to me. This is my favorite part of St. Maarten!

[pauline664]

Welcome to one of the most addicting things in life, "cruising":D. And welcome to CC.

As for your first cruise just beaware that if your asked for your sign and sail card, then your going to be charged. And, i say that because most people don't realise that aside from food and specialty dining options, that those drinks they carry around on those trays , are NOT free. Tey are mostly the DOD (drink of the day) they are around 5.95 plus a 15% gratuity. Specialy coffees and desserts at the coffee shops are also for a fee.

 

Picture's are taken everywhere, however you don't have to purchase them, but will be available to view, in case you do want to purchase them. There is no charge to take the picture, only if you want to purchase them.

 

There are lots of free things to do, and there are lots of things that charge an additional fee. If your not sure just ask. Ask the person offering the item.

Shows and most entertainment are free, as is the buffets and main dining rooms. So enjoy a wealth of great food choices.

But most of all have an open mind a smile and that will make this cruise the best ever for you. :D