The Lido Deck is always popular, but there are quieter decks onboard if you're looking for a relaxing spot to read a book. Bring a backpack carry-on Remember how we discussed BYOB in number 3? Share on Facebook. Formal dining, at least on our Carnival cruise, was really not that formal. Cash in Empty Travel Shampoo Bottle Most cruise lines are a cashless experience. It solves the whole "I'll be on 10 aft until 4:45 then I'll go downstairs to change and then I'll be in the casino until dinner time." Pay the $5 for the chat. I like to schedule the earliest time available so we can enjoy the ship before it sails. Excursions are fun. If you book another cruise while you are on the ship you willlikelyget a better rate or reduced down payment amount. But many first-time cruisers don't know this and write in a hefty tip at the "additional tip" line on bills at cruise ship bars and spas. Knowing the ins and outs of Carnival cruises can pay off long before you set sail. And be sure to read the promotional emails you get from Carnival as they are often discounts on things you can book in advance like 20% off spa treatments or 10% off of shore excursions if you book them during the promotion. This is one of my essential cruise packing items! You should also consider bringing a brand new power strip (still in packaging), because cruise line personnel can confiscate a power strip thats deemed to be potentially unsafe. Want an inconspicuous place to stash your cash? This is particularly important if you're banking on having amenities (like Guy's Burger Joint) available to you while you're at sea. What to do on a Sea Day on a Carnival Cruise, Formal Night Photos on a Carnival Cruise Ship, Taking your CPAP Sleep Machine on a Carnival Cruise, Benefits of Staying On The Ship While At Port, Panama Canal Partial Transit Cruise on Carnival Review. Walk to deck 6, 7, or 10 forward and then look for the doors in each corner. This a la carte pricing means it is easy to customize your cruise experience to meet your preferences. Bring water shoes You may want to throw a bathing suit and a pair of non-slip boat shoes that provide good traction into your suitcase and call yourself packed. For exclusive access to a monthly video recording of our podcast (and more! Dont rely on your cell phone, which may switch to local time if you are in port and take your phone off airplane mode. Not I. Always take the Porter at Debarkation. We do enjoy the casino fellowship on our cruises. You can usually also find a quiet spot on the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. The locker room showers are also larger than the ones in the stateroom, with water that gets both hotter and colder than the room shower. 4. The Cantina makes tasty breakfast burritos and tacos to order. Shop around to your heart's content, but I'd recommend booking with Carnival directly. We were on board the Carnival Vista and we really enjoyed our cruise. Glad to hear about your Carnival cruise experience. Bring your own conditioner and lotion, or plan to go without. Premium items like pizza or wings might run up an extra delivery fee (in addition to the tip for your room service attendant). Carnival Vacation Protection is an option, but you'll usually find policies with more coverage at the same rate (or cheaper) when you shop third-party. These Carnival Cruise tips and tricks will make your journey more fun and friendly, no matter which cruise itinerary or destination you choose. BlueIguana Cantina on Carnival . Taking the stairs can save you a lot of hassle! This is another cruise essential that you'll always see in my suitcase when I'm packing for a cruise. A classic in the lists of tips for a Carnival Cruise, but still an important one. Your lanyard will hold your Sail & Sign card, which functions as a cabin key and your primary purchasing method while onboard. For as little as $39.95, you can have early access to your cabin and have priority delivery for your luggage to your stateroom. But I digress. Embarkation day discounts abound Most folks are checking out the ship and getting settled in on embarkation day. Always book refundable cruise fare. You'll be able to board if you arrive after your arrival appointment.). May 9, 2022 by admin 0 Comments. I like a plate of cheese cubes and olives. 11. They will likely offera package to suit your needs. A wristwatch is always best. If you. You will need cash if you are gambling and its also nice to have some while in port. We think this one is a nice size for cruising. Pre-purchase an international cell plan directly through your service provider. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. No lines at the self serve ice cream dispenser. Want to travel happier? If you think you are going to get hungry between lunch and dinner stop by the buffet and grab a snack before it closes at 3:00. Also, be sure to check out Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que if there is one on your ship. They may not be able to accommodate your request, but the Carnival Cruise staff is always willing to try. Another really cool feature of the Hub App is the chat feature. This method saves us a few dollars on each cruise we take. Our stateroom on deck 8 Aft was generally quiet, and we really enjoyed our balcony. You can save 15% on your Wi-Fi package if you purchase it before boarding the ship. Want a free bottle of wine? Carnival offers assigned dining times or an Eat Anytime option. It has what is going on, allows you to book excursions and very important allows you to see the menu for the whole cruise so you can plan what you want to eat each night by the first day! It can be incredibly relaxing to put the cell phone down and focus on fun.If you are counting on getting work or social media done during your cruise, bring your own wifi or cell service. Don't try to board before your allotted time though, you'll be asked to wait. Soda is not my thing but Julie and I did manage to bring a bottle of wine each. Dont be annoyed at long lines, lack of seating or crowds until you have fully explored your ship. Even if this isn't your first time on a cruise, these tips and tricks may help. I'll even remind you at the end. This is great if you have people in multiple rooms and you can communicate about when and where you want to meet up. And following suit from the previous tip, Carnival recommends you book specialty restaurants at least two weeks before your cruise date. To search for the best Carnival cruises, click here. It is fun to explore, and Carnival Cruise Line offers many, many ways to Choose Fun while on board. Dont forget day-time trivia and multiple shows by different comedians. Our Carnival Freedom stateroom was roomy and comfortable. 15. With these tips in mind, you'll be sure to have a fantastic time onboard your Carnival Cruise, no matter which ship you're sailing on. Whether you are here for first time cruise tips, or you have earned your Platinum status, we hope these Carnival Cruise tips help you choose fun on your next and every cruise. No problem. Buffet closes between three and six. Power Strip Put four or five family members in a stateroom and see how much jockeying for plug-in-time ensues. On subsequent nights you can head straight to your assigned table. Also, once you have one cruise under your belt you will qualify for a return-cruiser rate. Some article links may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Jun 9, 2022 - The ultimate Carnival cruise tips and tricks guide covering all aspects of your upcoming cruise vacation. This is a shore excursion that's available for the day 1 and speeds up your embarkation process. ), join at: https://www.patreon.com/CruiseTipsTV CruiseTipsTV Amazon Affiliate StoresUS: https://www.amazon.com/shop/cruisetipstv (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM FOR LIVE REPLAYS! This area of the ship is 21 and over and has lots of space for lounging while you watch the waves---and a bar to get your frozen drinks. Watch this short video for a closer look at a Carnival balcony room. If you're staying connected, you have two main options: Of course, you can always look for free public wifi when you're in port. Whether this is your first time cruising or not, there are plenty of places to seeand equally as many places to get lost. 12. Some Carnival cruise ships have a SkyCourse, which is a super fun ropes course and closed-toe shoes are required. Carnival typically boards through a staggered check-in. Your email address will not be published. The good news? There are so few people on the ship during port days. From getting to know your ship, to knowing how to skip the lines, these are some of the best ways to make the most of your time onboard your Carnival cruise. From Guy's Burger Joint to the buffet, and the BlueIguana Cantina to the onboard pizza place, you will never go hungry, even if you don't spend a dime extra. Here's what you'll want to make sure is inside your bag before you set sail on your Carnival cruise: It might take some time before the stewards are able to get your luggage to your room, so packing a carry-on with these items helps you begin enjoying the ship as soon as you step on board! Please read my disclosure.These 26 items are my must have items for any cruise so I'm sharing my essential Packing Tips for a Cruise with y'all. That means that, at zero extra cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some of the Carnival Cruise tips on our list were suggested by these Carnival Cruise experts. You can do everything from check-in and prepare your boarding documents to access the day-to-day schedule for onboard activities. We were guests of Carnival Cruise Line during our sailing aboard Carnival Freedom. But if you're planning to stay connected to your life back home, you'll want to decide how you'll be connecting to Wifi. I was no longer a 20-something, newlywed, college student with a toddler. Catch a game in the SkyBox Sports Barwhere we watched the Red Sox win the 2018 World Series. Article by Julie McCool, whose Northern Virginia travel siteFuninFairfaxVA.comhelps locals and visitors find funplaces to explore, dine, drink, and play in the Virginia, Washington DC, and mid-Atlantic area. 1. Cruises are generally cheaper when the kids are in school. The VIFP perks are a bit skimpy with zero cruises under your belt, but it's the. 5. If you're a wine lover, this is a chance to try that high-end wine you've been eyeing at 50% off! Vacation calories dont count do they? Most ships are made of metal. Most of our fellow passengers, however, were repeat Carnival guests. To make the most of your time onboard (and skip wasting time in lines) you'll want to purchase the "Faster to the Fun" program. And then, about five years ago, the tide began to change. SHOP FOR YOUR CARNIVAL CRUISE: https://www.amazon.com/shop/cruisetipstvLINKS MENTIONED: You can see a written version of this Carnival Tips and Money Saving Tricks video here: https://cruisetipstv.com/20-carnival-cruise-tips-money-saving-tricks/If you want a long form version of Carnival Tips and Tricks, you can listen to our podcast CruiseTipsTV Unplugged here: https://cruisetipstv.com/10-carnival-cruise-line-tips-and-tricks/https://cruisetipstv.com/10-carnival-cruise-line-tips-pt-2/Check out our Carnival Cruise Cabin hacks here:https://youtu.be/0G-FGu95zEgSee our Carnival Panorama TRIP DIARIES here:https://cruisetipstv.com/carnival-panorama-trip-review-day-1/https://cruisetipstv.com/carnival-panorama-trip-review-day-2/https://cruisetipstv.com/carnival-panorama-trip-review-day-3-at-sea/https://cruisetipstv.com/carnival-panorama-trip-review-puerto-vallarta/https://cruisetipstv.com/carnival-panorama-trip-review-mazatlan/https://cruisetipstv.com/carnival-panorama-trip-review-cabo/NOW YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR WORK:Special thanks to our Backstage Crew for keeping us on the high seas! If the tread is worn off, you'll want to purchase a pair with a little more tread before you set sail. Such automatic gratuities also are becoming more common in ship spas. Frequently check in with cruise websites to see what kinds of deals they are running. Last minute deals Almost every cruise I have been on has been at a discounted rate. ), because your Sail & Sign card is all you'll need to pay for onboard expenses. But so is having the ship to yourself! Carnival Cruise Tips And Tricks. Order a taco with eggs (we ask for ours to be prepared fried, over hard), or skip the taco, and get cooked-to-order eggs with little wait. (But don't worry if you're running a little behind schedule. If you prefer to have something very cold to drink an insulated cup is a great way to make sure your drink stays cold even on the hottest day. 14. Custom omelettes are also excellent for breakfast but the lines can get long. Before embarking (stepping on board) your ship, know a few terms to make your first-time cruise more comfortable. We only link to products and services we recommend. Here's the good news: you can bring both non-alcoholic drinks and/or wine or champagne onboard your Carnival cruise. This does not affect the amount you pay in any way. Check out these bags to keep them safe from spills while they are in your checked luggage: Protective Bottle Bags. 1 x 750 ml bottle of sealed wine or champagne, per person, Up to 12 sealed cans or cartons of 12 ounces or less, per person, Any beverages you're bringing on board (review Carnival's beverage policy above). Also neat to know you can bring that much soda and wine onboard. Let the Alchemy Bar mixology masters create a special drink just for you. They serve excellent beef brisket, plus pulled pork and chicken, with yummy mac and cheese and other sides. Start searching for the best Carnival cruises here. (Keep in mind TSA requirements if you are flying to the port. "Faster to the Fun" is not available on all cruises (see where here) and it can sell out early. Here are a few choice words and terms to keep tucked in your back pocket during your first trip: Cruise casual: This is tasteful attire, which you can wear most nights during dinner. So many of the guests on our cruise come back to Carnival year after year to try new itineraries or revisit old favorites. They cook, they clean and you enjoy all the deliciousness. You really only need your room key the entire time you are on the boat. Thank you for the note, Heidi. Yes, you can also book these while onboard by visiting guest services. Or just pack a power strip. You'll be cruising cashless with Carnival. Then walk to the closest store to purchase your wine and sodas to carry on board. Dinner is at a certain time, excursions are at a certain time, the show you want to get to, etc. You'll typically have more options than the buffet and main dining room, even though that's where many of your fellow cruisers will eat. Two fun Carnival cruise tips we learned from VIPs are: This sailing was part of the Carnival Journeys program which are tailored to adult passengers desiring a richer and deeper cruise experience. Carnival's primary target market is families, so any time that you can travel when it's typically more difficult for families to set sail is a good time to score a deal. 8. Bottom line: if you have must-do or must-see venues and excursions on your list, book them early! Let's dig our toes in the sand As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. McCool Travel tip: We used a Roaming Man device on our 15-day Viking Cruises Into the Midnight Sun voyage. While many places will accept US dollars, they'll often give change in local currency. Especially on a Caribbean cruise vacation. As always, all of the opinions, thoughts, and ideas in this post are my own. Remember that not all flip flops are created equally. Six cruises in the past 12 months alone. A clock is a great way to make sure you dont miss anything. A road trip every summer was about all I could handle between work, college, a new marriage and a toddler. The nearby salsa bar has a great collection of salsas along with sliced watermelon. Its fun. Join Alice and Tommy T for the Mardi Gras Cruise ship January sailing in 2022. Some Carnival cruise ships have a SkyCourse, which is a super fun ropes course andclosed-toe shoes are required. So you have more time to actually enjoy your vacation! With these tips for planning, packing, dining and relaxing on board, you'll get more mileage out of your vacation, excursions and travel budget! Knowing what is (and isn't) on your Carnival ship will help you plan your time onboard and help you avoid any disappointments during embarkation. It is amazing how many things on a cruise ship are time specific. Try an empty travel size shampoo bottle. So you can make the most of your vacation, cross off big bucket list excursions along the way, and know where to spend (and save) your money while you're sailing. Sign up for our updates. We were impressed with the loyalty and love our fellow guests have for the Carnival Cruise brand. ), Start searching for the best Carnival cruises here. While every cruiser should know these things, most don't. Thats the beauty of them. Planning to disconnect during your cruise? No lines. This is a must-have while you're cruising! You'll find it under shore excursions for your departure port. 3. They offer reasonable daily rates. Required fields are marked *. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Watch your daily newsletter to know which restaurants are open for breakfast. Guys Burgers Joint is another good lunch choice with a fast-moving line. I like to order room service for lunch and sit out on my stateroom balcony and people watch on port days. Sometimes there are guided tours on the first day of your cruise, but you can access the ship layout in advance through virtual tours and PDF deck plans. I dont use elevators while cruising. Be sure to try the yummy arepas! Additionally, those white sandy beaches may be rocky once you get out past the waterline. Already looking for our next Carnival destination ! We experienced the Skyride and it was awesome, especially for a 69 y/o with a fear of heights!! Pirate Pizza, near the small pool on deck 9 aft, is convenient for a late night or quick meal or a slice anytime. Carnival Wifi plans start at $15 per day, which adds up quickly. #ChooseFun. No flights. If you can disconnect from the demands of emails and online life during your cruise, do it. These doors lead to a balcony area below or above the bridge that is dark and peaceful. Check out your ships alcohol policy before boarding and BYOBooze. I'd recommend checking out Carnival's gratuities guide for more information. We recommend walking the ship on embarkation day to see what is where. It's so much cheaper to drink in port Bringpermittedalcohol and/or mixers on board Cruises are all-inclusive vacations. This app is useful before and during your cruise. Bravo! For $5 per person (no matter the length of your cruise) you can add the chat feature to your Hub App. Cruise Travel Hacks: Cruise Tips and Tricks of Veteran Cruisers. However, it is inconvenient to bring these liquids with you if you fly to your departure port. This tip is simple: download and use the Carnival Hub App. There'll be no need to dig around at the bottom of your beach bag for it! 5. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, I'm Lisa! This post may contain affiliate links. Simply roll your bankroll insert it in an empty bottle and screw on the top. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, it is inconvenient to bring these liquids with you if you fly to your departure port. We skipped the first few nights of movies by the pool, but they turned out to be a favorite way to spend the evening (make sure you grab some free popcorn before settling in). Another great tip for Carnival Cruises is to take advantage of the cruise line's Faster to the Fun Program. Good advice, Jenn. Carnival, for example, is mostly Cruise Casual dress code in the evenings, with the occasional Cruise Elegant evening where you have the opportunity to get as decked out as youd like. Carnival limits smoking areas on board, but we often smelled smoke on deck 6 from the Casino Bar one deck down. It can feel overwhelming to say the least (I know from personal experience). Checked luggage may take quite some time to arrive to your stateroom. Magnetic dry erase board I pick up one of these at the dollar store before every cruise. Use cautionthough apower strip with six or seven electronic devices charging all at once might cause unforeseen problems. You will find plenty of Bigelow green and Lipton regular tea but they are the only options. Take a cruise 14 days or longer, then you'll get $250 in free onboard credit. . McCool Travel tip: If you like to travel with carry-on bags like we do, check our tips for building an Airplane Success Kit that helps you travel light with all the essentials. For instance, in Galveston, Frankies Liquor Store on The Strandis just a few blocks from the port. Official port parking lots are always the priciest. The quietest rooms are away from public spaces like the Atrium lounge and Casino. To work off the eating, I always choose the stairs. But better safe than sorry, right?
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