23 Y/O first timer doing the planning...

So needless to say, I have alot of questions. I'm currently in the process of studying for finals, so I don't really have alot of time to go and look through all of the threads for answers unfortunately. Any and all help would be extremely appreciated.

Myself and 3 of my friends (who are all 21) are sailing out of Galveston on May 19th on the Carnival Magic on a 7-day trip to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. I have NEVER been on a cruise, and neither have the rest of my group, so we're basically going into this without any idea of how anything works. All of these questions are going to be in random order, just gunna ask them when I think of them, lol. So here we go!

1.) For dinner... Are blue jeans and a nice V-neck/T-shirt acceptable? Or does it have to be a polo?

2.) On the ship, for tips for room service, is it best to have a bunch of $1 bills, or to use $5 bills?

3.) How big of a bag can we use for carry-on? And what are the best items to bring in it?

4.) Is there a limit on bag size for non carry on?

5.) Do pools and hot tubs stay open all night?

6.) Best beach/food places in Jamaica? This is the only place where I really don't have an idea/agenda of what I want to do. We just want to go to a nice beach where there will be people around our age or older, that has all kinds of stuff to do and a bar/restaurant. Also is it worth it to check out Margaritaville? Also is there a "MUST TRY" Jamaican food/dessert/drink?

7.) Is it better to get all of our money into smaller bills like $5, $10, $20 since the change we will get back will be the currency of the island?

8.) Best place to eat/drink in Grand Cayman? Also is there a "MUST TRY" Cayman food/dessert/drink?

9.) I'm kind of weary of Cozumel, due to the drug cartel violence and the fact that so many Americans are getting kidnapped and stuff like that, so I don't want to stray too far away from the port. Is there a good beach that is close to the port? Other than Senor Frogs, what is another good place to get "hammered" :p? We've been to Cozumel before, so we don't mind using it to be our "drunk" island.

10.) I've heard to bring an electrical strip, extra sunscreen, tylenol, etc... What are some other must have items that we need to make sure we bring?

11.) Out of all 3 islands, which is the most expensive overall? Which is the most fun?

12.) Are there any more things y'all would like to recommend to help us out?

I appreciate each and everyone of you that takes the time to answer some of these questions. Having to plan all of this is pretty extensive, so I need all the help I can get. The main things I'm worried about are the whole embarkation process, and getting settled on the ship.

Thank you!

Austin

2. $1 bills are best

3. Carryons must fit thru scanner like at the airport.

4. Not really. But bag will be in your cabin for the cruise. If it will not fit under bed, it will take up valuable room

5. no

7. Yes, small bills, but you can get change at the Passenger Services Desk, so you don't have to carry a wad.

You won't see a lot of jeans as many feel they are too heavy/hot for the caribbean. Collared shirts are the norm.

Pools and hot tubs do not stay open all night. They usually put nets over them after a certain time, probably around 10 or 11pm

To be honest, Jamaica is NOT a good port, and you'll find many savvy cruisers tend to stay on the ship there. Lots of crime and pushy drug dealers. Most stick to ship tours of Dunns River Falls. You know things are bad when the beaches at the nicest hotels are patrolled by armed guards. My best advice, and I don't know you, but don't be tempted by anything there. I've seen enough young cruisers met on the ship by local authorities and arrested.

You won't necessarily get local currency back, but small bills are the best.

Make sure the power strip is new. Electrical systems on ships are very picky and it can be easy to start a fire if the thing should short out.

9. Cozumel? Really?

1.) For dinner... Are blue jeans and a nice V-neck/T-shirt acceptable? Or does it have to be a polo?

3.) How big of a bag can we use for carry-on? And what are the best items to bring in it?

5.) Do pools and hot tubs stay open all night?

7.) Is it better to get all of our money into smaller bills like $5, $10, $20 since the change we will get back will be the currency of the island?

9.) . Is there a good beach that is close to the port? Other than Senor Frogs, what is another good place to get "hammered" :p? We've been to Cozumel before, so we don't mind using it to be our "drunk" island.

10.) I've heard to bring an electrical strip, extra sunscreen, tylenol, etc... What are some other must have items that we need to make sure we bring

Hi Austin! I can understand how frustrating it is dealing with finals myself!

1: On Carnival there are 2 formal nights, need nicer clothing or eat somewhere else. We use the Anytime Dining and were in jeans/t-shirts most nights w/o an issue.

3: Carry on side. This depends on if you are bringing soda on. You can bring 12 cans or 20 oz bottles per person. They have to be carried on though and can not be checked!

5: No they do not. On the Carnival Legend the pools closed at 10pm. I don't know for sure about the hot tubs though, we aren't hot tub people.

7: I personally don't travel anywhere (even a US vacation!) with bills larger than $20. I also won't use my CC out of the country, or in locations I don't know well enough to trust. My bank looked at me like I was insane before our last cruise. Took out $3200, only $500 was in 20's. They have to go get money from the safe for me. On a note about this though, what I didn't do was keep all the cash in the same place! No more than $300 in a bag or a single location. It can be a hassle, but something happening and being out a few 100 is better than being out ALL of your spending money!

9: Check out Nachi Concom! It was about a 15 min drive form port and right by Mr Sancho's (I think, and is more of a party place so look at them also) Nachi has limited guests, is $55 pp and is all you can drink and had pretty decent food. The cab was about $15-20 per way for my family of 4. I don't think I would go anywhere else in Cozumel after that, even with 2 teenage boys and a husband who doesn't drink!

10: I just got a power strip for our upcoming cruise in November. Only reason was because I am actually in school at the time and need to submit work threw my computer and iPad. A big thing is OTC meds. They are EXPENSIVE on board! Not like gas station prices for 2 pain meds expensive, we are talking like Hospital $10 for 2 pills expensive! Even if you are used to the sun, sun screen is a must and bring extra!

Other than that, just make sure all your paperwork is in order and EVERYONE has the right stuff to get on the ship! Also you all sound like drinkers, you might want to look into getting a bar set up on the ship before hand, or looking into Carnivals All-You-Can Drink program. Alcohol is about $100 a bottle in your room, or the Bubbles Program is I believe $50 (or there about) per person per day. The thing is all 4 of you would have to get it.

Enjoy your cruise and good luck with finals!

So needless to say, I have alot of questions. I'm currently in the process of studying for finals, so I don't really have alot of time to go and look through all of the threads for answers unfortunately. Any and all help would be extremely appreciated.

 

Myself and 3 of my friends (who are all 21) are sailing out of Galveston on May 19th on the Carnival Magic on a 7-day trip to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. I have NEVER been on a cruise, and neither have the rest of my group, so we're basically going into this without any idea of how anything works. All of these questions are going to be in random order, just gunna ask them when I think of them, lol. So here we go!

 

1.) For dinner... Are blue jeans and a nice V-neck/T-shirt acceptable? Or does it have to be a polo?

 

I'm with the others who feel that the Caribbean is way too warm for jeans. I tend to wear jeans all the time in the winter here in California, but I've only bought along jeans on Alaskan or Hawaiian (near the west coast, it can get cold) cruises. For nicer dinners, try dockers and tropical shirts for the guys, sun dresses for girls. You can wear shorts at breakfast and lunch and in the buffet.

 

2.) On the ship, for tips for room service, is it best to have a bunch of $1 bills, or to use $5 bills?

 

You should check the Carnival website about tipping. (or ask on the Carnival board here). There might be auto-tips -- the tips are placed on your daily account, which makes it really easy. In that case, you save your dollar bills for the port porters (if you are giving them any checked baggage), tour guides, any crew members that do something special for you (many people will give an extra tip above the autotips to their cabin steward or waitstaff if they are exceptional). When you buy a drink, there may be an automatic tip added to your receipt.

 

If you do order room service, you can tip with cash.

 

3.) How big of a bag can we use for carry-on? And what are the best items to bring in it?

 

There isn't a maximum size for carry-on's, but you will have to be able to lug it yourself and be able to hoist it onto the security conveyor belt. Make sure any valuables, such as cameras, any medications, are in it. Also, put in some sunscreen, your swimsuit, maybe a change of clothing. That way, you don't have to wait for your checked luggage to head for the pool if that's what you want to do the first afternoon.

 

Just be ware that on some cruiselines, the cabins aren't available right off the bat (used to be on Carnival when we sailed with them, but maybe it's changed since 2002) so you might have to keep your carry-ons with you for a while.

 

 

4.) Is there a limit on bag size for non carry on?

 

See above

 

5.) Do pools and hot tubs stay open all night?

 

6.) Best beach/food places in Jamaica? This is the only place where I really don't have an idea/agenda of what I want to do. We just want to go to a nice beach where there will be people around our age or older, that has all kinds of stuff to do and a bar/restaurant. Also is it worth it to check out Margaritaville? Also is there a "MUST TRY" Jamaican food/dessert/drink?

 

7.) Is it better to get all of our money into smaller bills like $5, $10, $20 since the change we will get back will be the currency of the island?

 

I split up my money just as others have mentioned -- among my purse, carryon, luggage, etc. Don't bring all your money with you in port and don't flash it around.

 

8.) Best place to eat/drink in Grand Cayman? Also is there a "MUST TRY" Cayman food/dessert/drink?

 

9.) I'm kind of weary of Cozumel, due to the drug cartel violence and the fact that so many Americans are getting kidnapped and stuff like that, so I don't want to stray too far away from the port. Is there a good beach that is close to the port? Other than Senor Frogs, what is another good place to get "hammered" :p? We've been to Cozumel before, so we don't mind using it to be our "drunk" island.

 

10.) I've heard to bring an electrical strip, extra sunscreen, tylenol, etc... What are some other must have items that we need to make sure we bring?

 

I have never brought any electronic strips, but we usually just have a few things to charge among my family -- hubby's camera, my electric toothbrush, my cell phone, etc. I tend to bring a ton of OTC meds as there's a limited variety and with a high mark up. Somehow I screwed up our last cruise and didn't bring enough Sudafed (and of course, was very congested)...at our first port (after five sea days), that was one of my purchases. Double check on batteries and memory cards to make sure you have those.

 

11.) Out of all 3 islands, which is the most expensive overall? Which is the most fun?

 

12.) Are there any more things y'all would like to recommend to help us out?

 

I appreciate each and everyone of you that takes the time to answer some of these questions. Having to plan all of this is pretty extensive, so I need all the help I can get. The main things I'm worried about are the whole embarkation process, and getting settled on the ship.

 

Thank you!

Austin

I would take some time (or get one of your friends to do this) and get on the Carnival website and find the FAQs. There will be lots of info.

Don't know how you're getting to Galveston (or how close you are), but I do hope you aren't flying in the day of your cruise. Never a good idea as there are so many ways your flight can be delayed.

We were in those ports back in 1994, so really don't have any recent info. You can check out the destination areas on CC. I google the various ports we're going to and find lots of info that way, plus usually I get a guide book such as Fodors.

I literally take a pile of small bills with me. What I do not spend comes home with me.

Regarding Cozumel, I found it to be one of the best cruise ports in the Caribbean.

The Cozumel board has tons of info.

From what you posted, I would strongly suggest you look at the booze bus tour. You get to see the east wild side which is fantastic, nothing like it anywhere, and the bars over there are tons of fun. Everyone raves about that excursion.

The Carnival Boards here & the FAQ section of the official web site will be your best resources for line specific questions.

Ships are very elegant . . . much nicer than your typical casual restaurant at home where you would wear jeans. While on Carnival if you are neat & clean you most likely won't be turned away, stepping it up a notch is in order.

The pools & hot tubs do not stay open all night. They get covered in cargo nets.

Small bills < $20 in a variety are best. You don't need to change your money to local currency; everybody takes $US. If you use an ATM in port you will get local currency. On board ATMs will charge you huge service charges.

In your carry-on you should have 1). your valuables; 2) a swim suit & sunscreen; 3). at least a change of underwear just in case your luggage gets lost; 4). something to wear to dinner in case your luggage doesn't get delivered to your cabin before meal time.

If you have never been to Jamaica consider climbing Dunn's River falls. It's a unique experience. Bring your own water shoes; otherwise you will have to rent shoes from them (ewwww). There's a pool at the pier in Cozumel. There's a beach too but you really can't go in the water & I wouldn't b/c you can see the oil from the ships skimming the surface.

Finally check out the Roll Call thread for your cruise & go to the Meet & Greet.

Never pack cash or valuable in ANY bag that you will check or give to others....always CARRY your valuables yourself!

Larger bills are much easier to carry...you can break down bills on the ship to take smaller denominations ashore!

In Jamaica we went to an Sunset Beach resort and AI we booked through Island Marketing and had a blast. The pools were beautiful and the beach was nice. There was a ton of food to choose from and the drinks were yummy with a swim up bar.

I was worried about Coz the first time too but if you look at the Department of States website Cozumel is not included in with the rest of Mexico for being unsafe to travel too. We went to Nachi coccum and loved it. I am going back there when I cruise in June. It is a great beach that only allows 100 people total a day. It has a pool with swim up bar and an amazingly beautiful beach. It is also AI and includes very good drinks and a 3 course meal. Our Waiter on the beach never let our drink get empty before he brought us another and he brought shots of tequila with almost every drink!

I think I wore jeans to the dining room on the very last night and no one said anything and I honestly didnt notice if anyone wore them any other night because I honestly was on vacation and didnt care what others wore. LOL I just wanted to have fun and wanted others to do the same and if you think you would have more fun in jeans then I say go for it. I would just recommend being a little dressier on formal nights or eating at the buffet.

The pools on our ship and on all carnival ships as far as I know are closed down at night they always had 1 pool and 1 set of hot tubs open til midnight. I don't know about other cruise lines.

Hope this helps! If I can give any advice at all it would be don't stress over it! I tried to plan everything before our first one and once we got there I realized that all i really wanted to do was relax and have a good time and everything else worked itself out!

oh and out of those 3 islands the Caymans are the most expensive!!!

So needless to say, I have alot of questions. I'm currently in the process of studying for finals, so I don't really have alot of time to go and look through all of the threads for answers unfortunately. Any and all help would be extremely appreciated.

 

Myself and 3 of my friends (who are all 21) are sailing out of Galveston on May 19th on the Carnival Magic on a 7-day trip to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. I have NEVER been on a cruise, and neither have the rest of my group, so we're basically going into this without any idea of how anything works. All of these questions are going to be in random order, just gunna ask them when I think of them, lol. So here we go!

 

1.) For dinner... Are blue jeans and a nice V-neck/T-shirt acceptable? Or does it have to be a polo?

On Carnival most nights for the MDR nice jeans (no holes or rips) and a tee shirt (no profanity or suggestive graphics though) are acceptable. Though on the casual nights many male passengers opt for Bermuda to cargo length shorts and Hawaiian shirts with women wearing sundresses or capris with matching tops. There will be 2 Elegant nights on a 7 day cruise, where people eating in the MDR will be expected to wear at least khakis pants and a polo shirt.

 

2.) On the ship, for tips for room service, is it best to have a bunch of $1 bills, or to use $5 bills?

It depends on how much you order. At minimum you should tip a dollar per tray delivered, but many will tip a $1 per plate or carafe of beverage ordered.

There is no need to have a wad of singles or fives prior to the cruise to tip for room service (or for use in destination ports), you can go to the Guest Service desk, the casino cage or on some ships a kiosk machine to break larger bills down.

 

3.) How big of a bag can we use for carry-on? And what are the best items to bring in it?

Yes there is a size limit. One dimension may not be wider than 16" and another no taller than 24" but the length can be any length. You need to be able to place it on the security scanner yourself. Also there is no limit on the number of carry ons you can bring, other than your personal carrying (or wheeling) capacity.

Bring any documents, IDs, electronics, medications, and valuables either on your person or in the carry on. If you choose to bring any soft drinks or the allowable bottle of wine (per persons over 21) these must be part of your carry ons. Another good thing to pack in your carry-on is a swimsuit and a quick change of clothing. Remember to keep your carry ons as small & light as possible you may encounter long lines at check-in, crowded elevators, or a wait for the cabin to be ready requiring you to keep them with you for longer than expected or necessitate taking them up a few flights of stairs.

 

4.) Is there a limit on bag size for non carry on?

Not really but they do ask that you keep each bag to 50 lbs or under.

 

5.) Do pools and hot tubs stay open all night?

No, most close by 10 pm with 1 maybe 2 open till midnight.

 

6.) Best beach/food places in Jamaica? This is the only place where I really don't have an idea/agenda of what I want to do. We just want to go to a nice beach where there will be people around our age or older, that has all kinds of stuff to do and a bar/restaurant. Also is it worth it to check out Margaritaville? Also is there a "MUST TRY" Jamaican food/dessert/drink?

 

7.) Is it better to get all of our money into smaller bills like $5, $10, $20 since the change we will get back will be the currency of the island?

Yes it's better to carry small denominations while in port, but there is no need to get smaller bills prior to boarding (see room service answer above). Do not carry you funds all in 1 place upon you, spread it around some in your pockets (a little in each) some to your camera or phone case, a bit in your beach bag or back pack, and some to a traveler's wallet (w/ your S&S card, picture ID, and emergency credit/debit card) around your neck or clipped inside the waist band of your shorts/pants. Also only take into port the amount you budget for that day, leave the rest in your cabin safe.

Not every port stiffs you with local money. But do be aware, especially with coins that you may get back a mixed bag of currency. Some advice place any local currency in a pocket that you will grab from first, that you can use it immediately at your next place of purchase.

 

8.) Best place to eat/drink in Grand Cayman? Also is there a "MUST TRY" Cayman food/dessert/drink?

 

9.) I'm kind of weary of Cozumel, due to the drug cartel violence and the fact that so many Americans are getting kidnapped and stuff like that, so I don't want to stray too far away from the port. Is there a good beach that is close to the port? Other than Senor Frogs, what is another good place to get "hammered" :p? We've been to Cozumel before, so we don't mind using it to be our "drunk" island.

 

10.) I've heard to bring an electrical strip, extra sunscreen, tylenol, etc... What are some other must have items that we need to make sure we bring?

Bug spray, aloe, tums, and Imodium in sample or travel sizes. Also if the 4 of you are sharing a cabin bring some sort of spray room deodorizer or odor nuetralizer

 

11.) Out of all 3 islands, which is the most expensive overall? Which is the most fun?

 

12.) Are there any more things y'all would like to recommend to help us out?

Bring a sense of adventure, cruising is not like any other type of vacation you previously experienced.

 

I appreciate each and everyone of you that takes the time to answer some of these questions. Having to plan all of this is pretty extensive, so I need all the help I can get. The main things I'm worried about are the whole embarkation process, and getting settled on the ship.

 

Thank you!

Austin

Sorry no answers about the ports.

You guys are awesome!!! Keep them coming!

Grand Cayman is the most expensive port in general but I also think it's the most fun. Food and beverages are typically 25% more on GC. GC has great beaches but we love to go to Stingray City on private excursions. And I agree - the Caribbean is too hot for jeans. Pack a pair or 2 of twill pants, even cargo pants and change into them for dinner. Now, if you prefer to eat at the buffet, you'll be fine in shorts. While we bring larger bills along for our cash, we always have about $100 in ones, and will change out the larger bills at the front desk or casino. We don't like large wads of cash and just change it out as we need to.

Cozumel is probably the safest place in Mexico. It is an island with pretty much two uses....cruise ship port and one of the best scuba diving places in the Caribbean. (I have been there for both). (After the ships leave it is a great time to head downtown for dinner no crowds :D ). Don't let the fear mongers scare you away from enjoying it. Yes it can be tacky and overdone but the people are nice (they understand tourists are their life blood).

On the flip side, if you are not a big drinker or not into water sports it can be a bit boring after going there a few times. (6 for me counting diving and big white boats). But it is one of the safest ports, as long as you don't go looking for trouble. ;)

your thoughts on cozumel are very wrong. mexico is huge. cozumel'is a small speck of mexico. i would be more worried about jamaica then cozumel... and please use an excursion whe porting there. grand cayman is the most expensive'port. look into swimming with the sti g rays and goi g to rum point. find nativewayssports or capt marvins for a cheaper then the cruiselines excursions

In Jamaica, we went on river tubing, and it was really a blast! I highly recommend that as a shore excursion.

1.) For dinner... Are blue jeans and a nice V-neck/T-shirt acceptable? Or does it have to be a polo? I wouldn't even bring jeans if I were you. Are you a male? If so I'd wear khaki dress pants and golf shirt. (girls love that look and you'll be comfortable for temperature and fashion)

2.) On the ship, for tips for room service, is it best to have a bunch of $1 bills, or to use $5 bills? You will hardly tip on the ship b/c it's all charged to your room daily and you can add more at the end. I never carry money on the ship at all.

3.) How big of a bag can we use for carry-on? And what are the best items to bring in it? Anything you might need before your checked luggage arrives so those first few hours...sunscreen, sunglasses, lighter clothing if you're flying from somewhere cold, a bottle of wine, camera, etc.

4.) Is there a limit on bag size for non carry on? can't remember

5.) Do pools and hot tubs stay open all night? can't remember but I think not

6.) Best beach/food places in Jamaica? This is the only place where I really don't have an idea/agenda of what I want to do. We just want to go to a nice beach where there will be people around our age or older, that has all kinds of stuff to do and a bar/restaurant. Also is it worth it to check out Margaritaville? Also is there a "MUST TRY" Jamaican food/dessert/drink? Make sure you post on the Jamaica ports of call board as well. We did mystic mountain when we were in Ocho Rios it was a lot of fun, check it out.

7.) Is it better to get all of our money into smaller bills like $5, $10, $20 since the change we will get back will be the currency of the island? It's just easier to give smaller bills and avoid someone "not having change" etc.

8.) Best place to eat/drink in Grand Cayman? Also is there a "MUST TRY" Cayman food/dessert/drink? Take a look at hiring a private tour to go on out a boat, drink beer and swim with stingrays, we had a blast doing that a few years back.

9.) I'm kind of weary of Cozumel, due to the drug cartel violence and the fact that so many Americans are getting kidnapped and stuff like that, so I don't want to stray too far away from the port. Is there a good beach that is close to the port? Other than Senor Frogs, what is another good place to get "hammered" :p? We've been to Cozumel before, so we don't mind using it to be our "drunk" island. Depends where you dock. Make sure you party at a place near your ship. So many people miss their ship in Cozumel. When we were there a few weeks back one woman fell over walking up the pier she was so hammered. Fat Tuesdays is at one pier and it looks pretty interesting.

10.) I've heard to bring an electrical strip, extra sunscreen, tylenol, etc... What are some other must have items that we need to make sure we bring? Don't waste your time with the electrical strip unless you plan to have things plugged in around the clock. We are always find charging our camera, phone, mp3 for an hour or two here or there then the plug is not used the rest of the time. I like a travel clock for my cabin as there is no clock in there. seasickness meds if you think you'll need them, sports water bottle to fill for walking around port?, backpack for carrying your beach towel and stuff around port, camera, comfortable footwear

11.) Out of all 3 islands, which is the most expensive overall? Which is the most fun? Hard to answer b/c there are expensive or cheap things in each one. Cayman seemed the most "well off" to me.

12.) Are there any more things y'all would like to recommend to help us out? My advice, read the port of call forum for each port you're visiting. Start posting in the Carnival forum, it's very active. Research bringing your own booze if that's your plan.

1: NEVER on formal night. I personally do not feel jeans are EVER acceptable, but seeing as how you are sailing out of TX the consensus would probably be that they are okay as long as they are NICER ones( not working jeans) and yes a collared shirt is appropriate. a button down short and khakis for formal night at minimum.

2: Ones are fine unless you plan on ordering the entire menu at a time. $1-2 per order is fine otherwise.

3: same size as the airline C/o size. all meds of course, personal items like jewelry. if Wine is permitted to be brought on board it is less likely to be an issue if you carry it on with you. Many also bring their bathing suit so they can get right into the pool( you will not necessarily have access to your cabin right away)

4: No but be realistic.. the more you have the longer it may take to get everything. a week is not that long and Carnival does have self serve laundry facilities.

5: Not necessarily. at least one gets drained nightly for cleaning and the hot tubs tend to get covered as well.

6-9: cannot answer as we have never been to any of those ports.

10: the power strip may be confiscated.. more and more reports of this being the case across the board on most lines. definitely bring any OTC meds you may think you need..(including stuff for GI tract issues) it is EXPENSIVE on board and will even run out. Ginger pills or crystalized ginger works great for seasickness, as do Green Apples.

11: as with any vacation spot, strictly subjective

12: go with the flow. don't try to schedule every waking minute, read the daily schedule( paying special attention to local time zones and final boarding call in port) Above all be responsible. don't drink from sunup to sundown. one that's expensive and 2 you cannot enjoy the sights if you are hungover.

Pay attention - this thread is six months old and the OP has cruised (or not). :)

Pay attention - this thread is six months old and the OP has cruised (or not). :)

Haha yes I have cruised but all of this info I feel can be helpful for first time cruisers!

 

2.) On the ship, for tips for room service, is it best to have a bunch of $1 bills, or to use $5 bills?

 

$1 are ok

 

3.) How big of a bag can we use for carry-on? And what are the best items to bring in it?

 

I would go for as little as possible, why carry anything you don't need to - passport, money, tickets, electricals and jewelelry - nothing else. They have a scanner it needs to go through

 

4.) Is there a limit on bag size for non carry on? - y

 

es but search carnival for their weight limit rather than size

 

5.) Do pools and hot tubs stay open all night?

 

not normally as they clean them each day or if the sea or wind is rough

 

6.) Best beach/food places in Jamaica? This is the only place where I really don't have an idea/agenda of what I want to do. We just want to go to a nice beach where there will be people around our age or older, that has all kinds of stuff to do and a bar/restaurant. Also is it worth it to check out Margaritaville? Also is there a "MUST TRY" Jamaican food/dessert/drink?

 

we did the rosehall resort - all inclusive, lazy river, water slides - free drinks, swim up bar and the most amazing jerk chicken and pork

 

7.) Is it better to get all of our money into smaller bills like $5, $10, $20 since the change we will get back will be the currency of the island?

 

we never got change in local currency - just ask for dollars in change

 

8.) Best place to eat/drink in Grand Cayman? Also is there a "MUST TRY" Cayman food/dessert/drink?

 

we went to margaritaville , it has its own pool and great fun

 

9.) I'm kind of weary of Cozumel, due to the drug cartel violence and the fact that so many Americans are getting kidnapped and stuff like that, so I don't want to stray too far away from the port. Is there a good beach that is close to the port? Other than Senor Frogs, what is another good place to get "hammered" :p? We've been to Cozumel before, so we don't mind using it to be our "drunk" island.

 

depends which of the 2 ports you dock at - 1 is tiny and has senor frogs and the other has a shopping area opposite the dock with starbucks and a few bars and lots of shops

 

 

10.) I've heard to bring an electrical strip, extra sunscreen, tylenol, etc... What are some other must have items that we need to make sure we bring?

 

suggest you search as there are lots of threads for this - we've never needed an electrical strip in 30 cruises and some will confiscate the strip

 

11.) Out of all 3 islands, which is the most expensive overall? Which is the most fun?

 

grand cayman is a tax haven but we found it expensive - suggest swimming with stingrays here

 

12.) Are there any more things y'all would like to recommend to help us out?

 

just have a fabulous time and don't forget the ship is part of the trip and not just the ports - make the most of it

 

 

Austin

I've added my answers after each of your questions