What should I know BEFORE I book my first Carnival cruise?

Hi! Long time Royal Caribbean cruiser excited to try Carnival! My kids, who will be 10 when we go, have the whole week of Thanksgiving off school, and I decided for next year we need something fun to do, aiming to get back on or before Thanksgiving Day. My husband doesn't care to go, so it will be just me and the kids.

Ships: We live in Florida, so it's an easy drive to any Florida port. I'm leaning toward a 4 day out of Port Canaveral on Liberty, going to Nassau and Freeport, arriving back on Thanksgiving. Other options were on Elation and . . . Paradise, I think. I've read up a bit about the differences between the ships, but I'm open to any thoughts and comparisons you have to offer. How are the shows on these ships?

Rooms: For this cruise I don't need anything fancy. I'm leaning toward an interior room unless you tell me they are super small (or feel super small), or if the showers are better in an oceanview or balcony, I'd consider upgrading.

Pricing: Carnival already seems to be a great value, but is there a time of year when sales tend to be better?

Kids Club: Even though the kids club on Royal is pretty great IMO, my kids don't love it. What's it like on Carnival?

Muster Drill: What's it like? On Royal, muster stations are all around the main deck where the life boats are, but I've heard on some ships you just go to the theater or dining room. Also, big question because this is an issue that comes up on Royal sometimes - when they sound the alarm for the drill, are you supposed to already BE at your muster station, or should you just start heading down at that time? (Personally, I would prefer to head down at the time of the alarm, because that's how it would happen in an actual emergency, but sometimes on Royal if you're not already there when the alarm sounds, the crew, and sometimes passengers, get perturbed that you're "late." So I'd like to know the general protocol on Carnival.)

Formal Night: How formal? How many formal nights on a 4-5 day cruise?

I'm sure I'll be back with more questions later, but is there anything else you think I might want to know ahead of time, or that you would have liked to know before booking? Scheduling dinners and excursions?

Thanks!

Also what is the on-board wifi situation like?

If you liked RCCL, you'll probably also like Carnival.

The "Elegant Night" on Carnival is not very formal at all but you can dress formally if you wish.

Enjoy! :)

I heard that all those ships are good, but my niece is boarding the Elation tomorrow and says they just did a complete update on it. The Elation is out of Jacksonville. Lucky you to be able to just drive to a port! I have to fly to get to Florida from blustery Buffalo, NY, and it’s a real hassle and high cost added to the cost you’ve already spent on a cruise. Wish I was closer.

As for cabins, I always book an inside cabin as a cost measure, but if you can afford an oceanview or balcony, go for it. On all my past Carnival cruises, I had balconies and loved them, but once I retired, inside cabins are all that fit my budget. But that’s ok, as you are in your cabin so little of time, just to shower and sleep. Carnival cabins are bigger than Royal’s. You will not feel cramped. We had a balcony cabin once with two daughters and had plenty of room.

As for sales, they seem to be running one now, as I keep getting emails of their sale. I plan on booking the Carnival Breeze for January 2019, once I return this January from my NCL Getaway cruise, and hope I can get a good deal at that time.

The last muster drill I did on a Carnival ship, it was outside, which I hate! I always just head there by the assigned time. On my last 3 cruises on RCCL and NCL, the muster was inside in the theater. Not sure if they do that on these smaller ships you’re looking at.

Formal night: there is only one on a short cruise under 7 days. I hear the Carnival ‘s dress code has relaxed a bit for this, but a nice cocktail dress for you, and as for kids, khakis and nice button down or polo, if boys, and sundress for girls.

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To me the deciding factor in choosing a ship is extra food options. IMHO the MDR food had gone way downhill since I began cruising and takes 2 hours which isn't worth missing activities for. Guys burgers is a must because we usually have an early dinner there. Red frog burritos, seaside or guys bbq and Italian for lunch are great.

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To me the deciding factor in choosing a ship is extra food options. IMHO the MDR food had gone way downhill since I began cruising and takes 2 hours which isn't worth missing activities for. Guys burgers is a must because we usually have an early dinner there. Red frog burritos, seaside or guys bbq and Italian for lunch are great.

 

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I totally agree. That is why we have been happiest with NCL because of their complimentary food choices, and what is offered even late night. But after my January 2018 cruise on NCL Getaway, I will be booking the Carnival Breeze, my first time back on Carnival since 2019, so I hope it has plenty of choices. What about their late night choices?

I totally agree. That is why we have been happiest with NCL because of their complimentary food choices, and what is offered even late night. But after my January 2018 cruise on NCL Getaway, I will be booking the Carnival Breeze, my first time back on Carnival since 2019, so I hope it has plenty of choices. What about their late night choices?

I love the Breeze! Other than 24 hour room service and pizza I think you have a few options until midnightish like sushi (fee) which was really good, Red Frog pub apps ($3) late night snacks on the buffet and the deli is open until 11.

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I'm not personally a huge fan of Freeport. We took our boys (15 and 10) on the Paradise twice. Cozumel is more fun for us than either Freeport or Nassau. Our older guy loved his teen club, the younger didn't but that was more due to his desire to be in the older club. Just my opinion but I'd consider that, or maybe a 5 night from Jacksonville that gets to Half Moon Cay. The boys did fine with the Pullman beds and while 3-4 in a room is tight, it's certainly doable.

I'll answer what I can for you ...

Ships: We live in Florida, so it's an easy drive to any Florida port. I'm leaning toward a 4 day out of Port Canaveral on Liberty, going to Nassau and Freeport, arriving back on Thanksgiving. Other options were on Elation and . . . Paradise, I think. I've read up a bit about the differences between the ships, but I'm open to any thoughts and comparisons you have to offer. How are the shows on these ships? The Elation and the Paradise are Fantasy Class ships, the smallest in the fleet. Having said that, I like the atmosphere on these ships, but they do lack some of the things that your kiddos might find enjoyable. I would go with the Liberty, just picking ships. I'm not a fan of the Bahamas itineraries, but for a short getaway, you'll have fun.

 

Rooms: For this cruise I don't need anything fancy. I'm leaning toward an interior room unless you tell me they are super small (or feel super small), or if the showers are better in an oceanview or balcony, I'd consider upgrading. We always cruise in an interior. On the ships you mentioned above, they are the same size as the oceanview rooms.

 

Pricing: Carnival already seems to be a great value, but is there a time of year when sales tend to be better? As with all cruise lines, the best prices are to be had during hurricane season and any time the kids are in school.

 

Kids Club: Even though the kids club on Royal is pretty great IMO, my kids don't love it. What's it like on Carnival? Sorry, I don't have kids, but have always heard good things about the kids clubs. During school break, there will be tons of kids for them to enjoy!

 

Muster Drill: What's it like? On Royal, muster stations are all around the main deck where the life boats are, but I've heard on some ships you just go to the theater or dining room. Also, big question because this is an issue that comes up on Royal sometimes - when they sound the alarm for the drill, are you supposed to already BE at your muster station, or should you just start heading down at that time? (Personally, I would prefer to head down at the time of the alarm, because that's how it would happen in an actual emergency, but sometimes on Royal if you're not already there when the alarm sounds, the crew, and sometimes passengers, get perturbed that you're "late." So I'd like to know the general protocol on Carnival.) Muster drill varies from ship to ship. Some will have you stand out at the lifeboats, some will start with an interior venue and then move you out to the lifeboats, and some won't have you go out there at all. DH has mobility issues, so we always move to the muster drill early. It's always at 3:30, so waiting just makes everyone wait until you get there :) Totally up to you, though.

 

Formal Night: How formal? How many formal nights on a 4-5 day cruise? There will be 1 Cruise Elegant evening. Carnival is not too terribly formal. Think "church" clothes and you will be just fine.

I totally agree. That is why we have been happiest with NCL because of their complimentary food choices, and what is offered even late night. But after my January 2018 cruise on NCL Getaway, I will be booking the Carnival Breeze, my first time back on Carnival since 2019, so I hope it has plenty of choices. What about their late night choices?

Correction: I haven’t been on Carnival since 2007.

I love the Breeze! Other than 24 hour room service and pizza I think you have a few options until midnightish like sushi (fee) which was really good, Red Frog pub apps ($3) late night snacks on the buffet and the deli is open until 11.

 

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Thank you!

Hi! Long time Royal Caribbean cruiser excited to try Carnival! My kids, who will be 10 when we go, have the whole week of Thanksgiving off school, and I decided for next year we need something fun to do, aiming to get back on or before Thanksgiving Day. My husband doesn't care to go, so it will be just me and the kids.

 

Ships: We live in Florida, so it's an easy drive to any Florida port. I'm leaning toward a 4 day out of Port Canaveral on Liberty, going to Nassau and Freeport, arriving back on Thanksgiving. Other options were on Elation and . . . Paradise, I think. I've read up a bit about the differences between the ships, but I'm open to any thoughts and comparisons you have to offer. How are the shows on these ships?

 

Rooms: For this cruise I don't need anything fancy. I'm leaning toward an interior room unless you tell me they are super small (or feel super small), or if the showers are better in an oceanview or balcony, I'd consider upgrading.

 

Pricing: Carnival already seems to be a great value, but is there a time of year when sales tend to be better?

 

Kids Club: Even though the kids club on Royal is pretty great IMO, my kids don't love it. What's it like on Carnival?

 

Muster Drill: What's it like? On Royal, muster stations are all around the main deck where the life boats are, but I've heard on some ships you just go to the theater or dining room. Also, big question because this is an issue that comes up on Royal sometimes - when they sound the alarm for the drill, are you supposed to already BE at your muster station, or should you just start heading down at that time? (Personally, I would prefer to head down at the time of the alarm, because that's how it would happen in an actual emergency, but sometimes on Royal if you're not already there when the alarm sounds, the crew, and sometimes passengers, get perturbed that you're "late." So I'd like to know the general protocol on Carnival.)

 

Formal Night: How formal? How many formal nights on a 4-5 day cruise?

 

I'm sure I'll be back with more questions later, but is there anything else you think I might want to know ahead of time, or that you would have liked to know before booking? Scheduling dinners and excursions?

 

Thanks!

Wi fi is spotty I found when we cruised in August.

One formal night and no it's not really "formal" - not even close to dressy in some cases so don't fret too much.

I like to find the Carnival sale where you can get a cheap deposit, then I buy a 10% off $100 Carnival guest card every month so everything paid before I board.

I liked Key West and Cozumel a thousand times better than Bahamas - just something to keep in mind.

I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

I have not been on Paradise, but I have been on Elation. Elation was an older ship, not fancy. But I believe they did some updates the last dry dock and did some of the 2.0 upgrades, which are really convenience upgrades (like dining/bar venues mostly). If I were choosing, I would choose Elation for that reason.

Rooms- oh they are small, but since you have cruise before you know that. I don't think the rooms on Elation were any smaller than Liberty of the Seas were. We had an inside both times. Ocean views are a bit bigger. Balconies are nice, but I am not sure if this ship has a lot of them- unless they added during dry dock. I personally don't care that much about the room.

Kids Club- pretty good, but can be hit or miss, like any other ship. My DD loved the kids club on Liberty, but she was 6 then. We have not cruised Carnival since she was 3 1/2 and she was not as big into kids club at that age. Her issue was more wanting mom and dad, not disliking the activities. They will give you a schedule and you can pick and choose the times they go based upon activities- kind of like Royal.

Muster drill- varies by ship. Lifeboats are of course in the same place, but they can't always squeeze everyone there for the muster drill. A couple of ships we have been in the dining room or lounge. Other times on deck by the life boat. I think on Carnival it was usually by the life boats. They will sound a chime, give announcements and the room steward will knock on the door. We have taken to waiting until the announcement, unless we are out and about, because you just end up waiting. Its not a fun process, but its got to be done.

Pricing- it can vary, but cheapest times seem to be September-early November (before Thanksgiving), early to mid December before Christmas, January and February. Expensive times are holiday weeks, March (like spring break time), Easter week and the summer.

Formal night- nicer clothes will do. Church type clothes or office type clothes (at least my office). I have seen anywhere from people in suit and tie to jeans and a polo for mean and anywhere from cocktail dresses to sundresses or slacks and blouse for ladies. My experience is that more people are in dress pants/shirt or dresses but you will see people more or less dressed up. Typically long pants, not shorts though. Pretty much the same as Royal was.

Have fun.

Stay with RCL.

I have cruised on the Fantasy class ships you mentioned. While I had a great time on them, I chose them because they cruised out of my home port (within a 40 min drive), so they were cheap (no flight required). They are definitely missing some of the extras the newer and bigger ships have.

For room choice- No matter what type of room you choose, pay careful attention to the location. I try to book a room with cabins above and below me. I never want to be under a noisy public area. Personally, I won't cruise in an interior anymore. Too claustrophobic. Ocean view (window) is the cheapest type we'd book now.

Only thing I can add to the above is to make sure you understand the booking fare "early saver". It is usually what they will sell you. It is usually the lowest price, and gives you price protection if the fare drops, but if you make changes to your booking, it will cost you. 50.00 pp admin fee per change. So just a a heads up to make sure you understand all the quirks that come along with Early saver.

Otherwise...Hope you enjoy, but you never know till you try one.:)

Rooms: Always in an interior with up to 4 people in a room. Getting ready before dinner can be a bit crowded sometimes so we take turns (2 people go while the other two are listening to live music or something, then switch). Other times, some people just use the spa shower (which are amazing showers)

Kids Club: My kids don't like to go just because they want to spend time with us. The few times they have gone in the past, they loved it.

Muster Drill: When you hear the alarm, you start going, you don't have to be early. I would say it is easier to go on the later side so you don't have to stand as long and so you are one of the last to leave because you are the closest to the door. When we hear the alarm, my kids normally grab some ice cream then start heading down so they are occupied. I have heard that if you miss it for any reason, you have to go to a mandatory one in the theater. It isn't smart to miss the regular one. Other than that, on the day of the actual muster drill, the theater/lounges are reserved for the elderly, people with medical conditions or can't stand for a while, or special needs. You need to sign up for the rooms ahead of time. You have to stand for at least 20 minutes close to other people normally. It's a good way to meet friends. :D

Formal Night: One. Not too dressy. Ladies should just wear a dress/skirt. Look presentable, but you don't need to go all out. Over the years, they have lowered their standards. Kids can get away with the same or boys can wear a simple button up and slacks, no need for suits.

The wifi isn't amazing, you are in the middle of the ocean. I would say don't bother. It is overpriced and slow. On the Sunshine, there was free wifi for everyone but they also had plans (I guess for the computers?)

I hope I helped:D

Lots of good tips already posted so I will just comment on formal night... The cruises out of Florida seem to be much more casual than the other ports I've sailed from. However, you will still see some beautiful ball gowns and tuxes so if that's your thing, go for it. You'll get some gorgeous family photos.

If it's not your thing then just dress in whatever makes you happy. :)

RCCL and Carnival are very similar. I cruise for the price so I flop around to find the best price. I have cruised both and found Carnival more lively but that is no bad reflection on RCCL. Both are great, honestly.

Also what is the on-board wifi situation like?

Terrible compared to Royal. But it functions.

RCCL and Carnival are very similar. I cruise for the price so I flop around to find the best price. I have cruised both and found Carnival more lively but that is no bad reflection on RCCL. Both are great, honestly.

I second this. Of our first 2 cruises, 1 was RCCL 1 was CCL. We really enjoyed them both. We found both to have similar activities and dining choices. Neither had a ton outside of the buffet and MDR, but that was more to do with them being smaller ships (Grandeur and Pride) than anything else. That said, we found the MDR food to be quite good on both, but the steakhouse on Pride was outstanding. If you've been happy with RCCL, I have no doubt you'll be just as happy with CCL, barring some major catastrophe while you're on board.

As others have said, we aren't huge fans of Freeport/Nassau, but wouldn't eliminate a cruise from consideration if one was on an itinerary. If you can find a 4-5 day to either Key West/Cozumel or even get one with Grand Turk and/or Half Moon Cay, I would opt for that instead.

Carnival cabins are much larger than RCCL cabins. We just did another Paradise cruise a few weeks ago and it was a free one courtesy of the casino, but it was an interior (we normally do balconies or suites). It was okay, not too claustrophobic, but not sure how it would feel with more than 2 people. We have another one booked, also from the casino and out of Tampa, but it's on the Miracle (newer than Paradise), an interior with a French Door that opens and has a couch, so more like a regular balcony cabin. Interiors on the Paradise and Elation do not have couches. We live just 45 minutes from the Port of Tampa, so very convenient and why we tend to sail from there. The Liberty is newer than the Paradise and Elation and if you want to do the Bahamas that's your best bet. Not sure about size of interiors on it, though, and if they have couches. We get tired of sitting on the bed so that's why we prefer a cabin with a couch, plus easier to eat meals there with a couch and coffee table. Only did RCCL once and the cabin was so tiny we could hardly stand it for 7 days, but it was last minute and a cheap price. Can't speak about kids programs because we don't have any kids. Muster drills vary from ship to ship, but they are mandatory so one does what one has to do. There is no specialty restaurant on the Paradise, but you can order some Steakhouse entrees in the main dining room. Carnival is a great value and going the week of Thanksgiving there will be a ton of kids.

Hi! I have been sailing with my boys since they were 4 months old (yes they did allow 4 months back then), they are now 16 & 18 and have been on over 25 cruises. I was also a cruise travel agent for a little bit and have done tours of all the ships out of South Florida. Just so you know where my knowledge is coming from. I have done sailings with and without my husband (the mom's & kids cruises were a blast by the way!) If you want to see some videos of life onboard with kids look at my signature and follow my links to youtube.

 

Ships: We live in Florida, so it's an easy drive to any Florida port. I'm leaning toward a 4 day out of Port Canaveral on Liberty, going to Nassau and Freeport, arriving back on Thanksgiving. Other options were on Elation and . . . Paradise, I think. I've read up a bit about the differences between the ships, but I'm open to any thoughts and comparisons you have to offer. How are the shows on these ships? I agree with the other posters who have said to stay away from Nassua/Freeport - especially if you are alone with the kids. You are much better off in Cozumel, Key West, Turks & Cacios or any of the private Island routes. The shorter cruises will give you the older ships, look for the one that has the most waterslides/waterpark on it.

 

Rooms: For this cruise I don't need anything fancy. I'm leaning toward an interior room unless you tell me they are super small (or feel super small), or if the showers are better in an oceanview or balcony, I'd consider upgrading. The rooms on Carnival are bigger (except for suites) than the rooms on Royal. In an inside room you will have 2 lower beds and 2 upper beds. With an Oceanview or Balcony, There are the 2 lower beds and then a couch that converts to a bed (real mattress not springs) on most ships. Make sure to ask what the room has before you book it. The Oceanview rooms are a little larger due to the space where the balconys are above outside are included inside those rooms. My family has had all of the above and for the amount of time you are actually in the room it really doesn't matter.

 

Pricing: Carnival already seems to be a great value, but is there a time of year when sales tend to be better? When the kids are in school is when Carnival has the best prices, all cruise lines raise the prices around school breaks.

 

Kids Club: Even though the kids club on Royal is pretty great IMO, my kids don't love it. What's it like on Carnival? Other than Disney, my kids love Camp Carnival over the other cruise lines. At 10 you can give them permission to sign themselves in/out. There is no mandatory time limit that they have to stay (like other cruise lines). At 10 they do activities like group scavenger hunts around the ship, dodge ball, dances, candy making, video games and so much more. They also have a late night (extra cost) till 3am that the kids can do and then they walk them back to the rooms. It was my son's favorite thing, he loved the late nights!

 

Muster Drill: What's it like? On Royal, muster stations are all around the main deck where the life boats are, but I've heard on some ships you just go to the theater or dining room. Also, big question because this is an issue that comes up on Royal sometimes - when they sound the alarm for the drill, are you supposed to already BE at your muster station, or should you just start heading down at that time? (Personally, I would prefer to head down at the time of the alarm, because that's how it would happen in an actual emergency, but sometimes on Royal if you're not already there when the alarm sounds, the crew, and sometimes passengers, get perturbed that you're "late." So I'd like to know the general protocol on Carnival.) They sound the alarm then you go and you do not have to bring your life jacket. It will depend on where your room is to where you go for the drill, some are in restaurants, lounges, or outside.

 

Formal Night: How formal? How many formal nights on a 4-5 day cruise? Usually on the shorter cruises you only have 1 "elegant night". On Carnival you will see everything from 70 year olds wearing their original "prom dresses" to designer jeans with a glittery top. It's really what you feel is "Elegant" and what you have room to pack. The boys can wear polo shirts and khakis and be fine.

I'm sure I'll be back with more questions later, but is there anything else you think I might want to know ahead of time, or that you would have liked to know before booking? Scheduling dinners and excursions? With the kids I would recommend early dinning time, so they can go to camp after dinner and you can go to the shows or whatever you want to do. When you do decide which route you are on, let me know and I'll tell you the best tours with kids.

 

Thanks!

Hope this Helps and by the way, what I found is Carnival doesn't nickel and dime you like some of the other cruise lines out there. Most of the specialty restaurants like Guys Burgers, Blue Iguana (tacos/burritos), Pizza, Ice Cream are all included. The ones that charge extra are the Steak house, Sushi and other really upgraded food. You don't have to pay extra for any of the shows or onboard activities (unless the boat has the Imax or 4D movie theatres). Carnival also has a free app "The Hub" that you can download on your phones and pay $5 a device and then you can text the kids while on the ship so you know where they are. Let me know if you have any other questions

We prefer the Liberty to the other ships. Love Guys Burgers, Red Frog, late night pizza and 24 hour ice cream. Port Canaveral is very easy to get to and plenty of parking options. Unlike some others here, we love Nassau. Good shopping and food options. So that would be my choice. Good luck with deciding.