Guide to Enjoy a Carnival Cruise

Cruising has become a very popular and inexpensive way of traveling over the last decade. First time cruisers tend to miss out on a lot of fun and benefits not knowing what to do. Here are some ideas on how to get maximum fun out of a Carnival cruise and create long lasting memories.

If you have problem walking, you will want to book a cabin or stateroom toward mid and back of the ship where a short walk will take you to the elevator straight up to where you will frequent most, exp. pool, spa, food, shopping, live music and parties.

Pack plenty of clothes, especially underwear and socks. Laundry service on board can be expensive. exp. $2.00 per pair of socks. Self to do washer and Dryer in the laundry room takes endless coins and time to dry anything. Besides, who wants to get on a cruise to do laundry?

Start boarding early to avoid lines to check in. Once on board, check into your cabin or stateroom and make sure everything looks fine. Your luggage will be brought and left outside of your cabin. Do not bother to wait for them for you will never know when they get there. Take the opportunity to walk around and get acquainted with the ship.

Your first stop should be to the buffet. There is only a window of 30 -45 minutes on the first day for you to get something to eat a decent meal. If you miss that, you can always order room service from the limited menu. Please do not get discouraged by the disorganization it appears. Starting second day, things will be more predictable. Make sure you attend the orientation session so you will know what to expect.

Once thing I always try to avoid is the mandatory safety drill. Don't try to get out of it by hiding in your room. It won't work. They have come up with a system to make it almost impossible. However, you can minimize the agony by delaying your departure from your cabin and show up almost at the last minute and be the first one to leave as soon as it's finished. Trust me, lining up with hundreds of passenger in puffed up life jackets is not your idea of having fun.

Sailing off is something you won't want to miss. Check your schedule in your cabin to make sure you will be on the top deck at front of the ship when that happens. Wave at the camera crew whenever possible.

Whether you are going with a group of friends/family or just taking a trip for two. Go to the dining room first night to make a request so you group can be sited at the same table. You won't like to sit with 6 strangers for dinner at a large table if you are planning to have romantic dinners for two. They are very good at accommodating guests if it can be done. Once arrangement is done, you will be sitting at the same table every night for dinner.

There is no need to go the dining room on the top deck. It is expensive and you really don't get better food with the money you pay. All the other free food is already great.

Make sure you read the daily scheduled programs every night so you won't miss all the activities and events you are interested next day. The nightly shows are fantastic. If you are those who go to bed early, arrange for early sitting for dinner and go to the early shows. Late shows are more exciting and sometimes are more adult oriented. Don't get your imagination going wild here.

There is no better place for those who dream to be stars than the cruise ship. Spend sometime in the Karaoke bar and audition for the talent show and be the shiniest star ever with real cheering audience and the big band. Volunteer in the live shows whenever possible.

Try to participate in all activities and competitions on board. They will be filmed and a DVD can be purchased at end of the cruise for $20. It makes great souvenir.

There are usually two formal dinners when you need to dress up. You can never overdress for that. Plan to get ready very early and go to all the photo booths and try out all settings before going to dinner. It's not comfortable to pose with a full stomach and the lines tend to be longer. Smile and pose for any crew photographers when possible. You only have to purchase the ones you like. One of the most exciting things to do on board is looking at photos. Make sure you make your purchase at end of the cruise so you can pick the best and must haves. They cost anywhere from $6.00 - $20.00 (5x7 - 8x10). Some of our best family portraits are from the cruise ship.

Dinners at the restaurant are more enjoyable for me. Standing in long lines for buffet style dinner reminds me of Hometown Buffet. I like to be pampered on my vacations. Besides, the performances by the servers are fun to watch. Ordering multiple entrees and desserts is OK. Your servers are more than happy to please you. I always double up on my lobsters and deserts. Ladies, do not worry about gaining weight. I usually lose 3-5 pounds on cruises. If all the walking and dancing won't do the trick, there is a gym on board, too.

If you are travelling on a budget, try to avoid all sodas, liquors and that charming little coffee shop under the library with all the beautiful cakes smiling at you. You can enjoy your coffee and satisfy your sweet teeth at lunch and dinner time.

Try not to book your excursions when you book your cruise. Sometimes they have better deals on board. For sightseeing tours, I prefer to do on my own. The best way is to grab a cab and make a deal with the driver to show you everything there is to see in the area and they also know where to get the best food inexpensively.

For the spa lovers, the best deals are on port days when everyone gets off the ship and go ashore.

Make sure you enter in all raffles and show up on time. You will be surprised how much stuff you can win, mostly jewelry and cosmetics. I love shopping on the ship. Some of my favorite scarves, had bags, watches and jewelry are purchased on cruise ships. If you are a gem lover, do your research ahead so you will spot a steal when you see it. It's tax free, too.

Stay away from the internet bar/Library unless you absolutely have to work on your vacation. You can easily spend hundreds there. However, you can check out board games and books for free.

For the food lovers, make sure you won't miss the Mexican Buffet, the Chocolate Buffet and the Grand Gala event. Not only the food is to die for, the presentation is breathtaking. Take your camera with you.

If you cannot stay away from the casino, then set up a limit for yourself to win or lose. I like the Hotshot penny machines. I always end up winning small money.

The best hot tub is in the Gym area. Most people do not know it's existence. It's more quiet and private.

If time and budget allows, try to avoid cruises less than 5 days. The first day and last day really don't count. By the time you get comfortable, it's time to get off the ship already. And if you are taking cruises over 10 days, make sure you pack some Theraflu and airborne. People tend to get sick toward end of the cruise. A package of Theraflu costs $8.00 from the infirmary.

Hope you will enjoy a wonderful Carnival cruise next time to the max. Happy cruising!