Jump to content

Carnvial Ecstasy First Time Cruiser questions


Recommended Posts

If this is your first cruise, I definitely recommend taking some motion sickness meds (like the "behind the ear" patch) just in case. Some people are not bothered by sea sickness but others can get really sick. I always wear Sea Bands - put them on right when the ship leaves port and usually through the first night. Be careful with Dramamine and other pill meds that can make you drowsy though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If this is your first cruise, I definitely recommend taking some motion sickness meds (like the "behind the ear" patch) just in case. Some people are not bothered by sea sickness but others can get really sick. I always wear Sea Bands - put them on right when the ship leaves port and usually through the first night. Be careful with Dramamine and other pill meds that can make you drowsy though.

 

We already bought the Sea Bands. I had a Rx patch one time and the side effects bothered me so much, I don't ever want to use them again. My husband talked about Non Sleepy Dramamine, still made him sleepy when he went deep sea fishing. I told him we might have to cut them in half or quarters. I am hoping the Sea Bands is all we need. Thank you for the tip of making sure they are on when we leave port. Is usually one enough or do you wear one on each wrist?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks! Are both of these restaurants in walking distance of the ship? As of right now, we aren't planning an excursion. We just plan on walking around Nassau near the ship.

 

 

It is walkable, but a long walk. The local bus, minivan really, will take you there for a cheap fare. Riding with the locals is a fun thing to do out of the country. Due to some miscommunication on our last trip to Nassua, we ended up with a free tour of the island when we missed our stop.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It is walkable, but a long walk. The local bus, minivan really, will take you there for a cheap fare. Riding with the locals is a fun thing to do out of the country. Due to some miscommunication on our last trip to Nassua, we ended up with a free tour of the island when we missed our stop.

 

According to Google Maps, it's a 25 minute walk from the terminal to Oh Andros. Makes sense, it's farther than Junkanoo which is about a 15-20 minute walk.

 

The nice thing about this area of Nassau - it's all flat. So it's an easy walk as long as it's not too hot, even if it is a long walk.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

According to Google Maps, it's a 25 minute walk from the terminal to Oh Andros. Makes sense, it's farther than Junkanoo which is about a 15-20 minute walk.

 

The nice thing about this area of Nassau - it's all flat. So it's an easy walk as long as it's not too hot, even if it is a long walk.

 

 

Thank you for going out of your way to check that. I appreciate you being so helpful.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We already bought the Sea Bands. I had a Rx patch one time and the side effects bothered me so much, I don't ever want to use them again. My husband talked about Non Sleepy Dramamine, still made him sleepy when he went deep sea fishing. I told him we might have to cut them in half or quarters. I am hoping the Sea Bands is all we need. Thank you for the tip of making sure they are on when we leave port. Is usually one enough or do you wear one on each wrist?

One on each wrist

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you are an early riser, I agree you will fall in love with cruising. The sunrise times are posted in the daily newsletter and you can always find a quiet spot on the open decks or enjoy from your balcony. Any time of day or night, we will find great solace in the side decks on the 3 RD floor right outside of guest services. The ocean is so beautiful and peaceful, and most times people come out there to relax so there is not much noise. The jogging track is another place that I love to visit first thing in the morning. Really, the early morning is a great time to find things on the ship that you will use later. Breakfast starts really early and also the shops and casino are open. The pool areas and gym are open and empty because a lot of people partied all night so they sleep in. Lol. As for being seasick, it depends on the age of the ship and the weather. Some of the newer ships seem to have better stabilizers so you won’t feel much motion, others combined with rough waters may give off more motion. I got motion sick last year on the valor but everyone was because there were storms brewing and the water was very rough. They had barf bags at the elevator banks for people, it was that bad. I never needed one but thought I might. As for Nassau, we took a taxi to Atlantis and walked around a bit and then went to the beach, it was a low key day. I think it’s a great idea to get off and walk around and come back for lunch. You will really enjoy the ship being empty while in port but know all the services are still available ( except casino and stores ). Enjoy

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you are an early riser, I agree you will fall in love with cruising. The sunrise times are posted in the daily newsletter and you can always find a quiet spot on the open decks or enjoy from your balcony. Any time of day or night, we will find great solace in the side decks on the 3 RD floor right outside of guest services. The ocean is so beautiful and peaceful, and most times people come out there to relax so there is not much noise. The jogging track is another place that I love to visit first thing in the morning. Really, the early morning is a great time to find things on the ship that you will use later. Breakfast starts really early and also the shops and casino are open. The pool areas and gym are open and empty because a lot of people partied all night so they sleep in. Lol. As for being seasick, it depends on the age of the ship and the weather. Some of the newer ships seem to have better stabilizers so you won’t feel much motion, others combined with rough waters may give off more motion. I got motion sick last year on the valor but everyone was because there were storms brewing and the water was very rough. They had barf bags at the elevator banks for people, it was that bad. I never needed one but thought I might. As for Nassau, we took a taxi to Atlantis and walked around a bit and then went to the beach, it was a low key day. I think it’s a great idea to get off and walk around and come back for lunch. You will really enjoy the ship being empty while in port but know all the services are still available ( except casino and stores ). Enjoy

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

Thank you for such an informative response, I appreciate it. I am really looking forward to the mornings on the ship. I plan on doing a lot of walking and exploring while most are still sleeping. What time approximately does the ship "come to life"? Meaning people are up and about. We love the going to the beach for vacation, so I am sure waking up and going to sleep with the sound of the waves will be peaceful. We booked a balcony room.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Your husband could try Bonine, that’s another popular motion sickness med. I don’t know if drowsiness is one of its side effects, but we’ve never had a problem with it. I only took it once on our first cruise a couple years ago, and was fine the rest of the time. Last month, I took one the night before getting on board. You’re supposed to take one 24 hours prior so it’s in your system. After that, I didn’t need it. Didn’t notice any drowsiness. My wife took them the whole cruise and never had a problem. So that might be something to look into if the bands don’t work for you.

 

On port days, most everyone is up early to get off the ship. Lido buffet gets pretty crowded. They’ll have some early morning activities in the Fun Times on Sea Days. Maybe something in the gym or some trivia/game, or something to do with shopping. The chair hogs get up early, reserve a lounge chair, then go back to bed, so watch out for those. Activities pick up later in the morning and after noon.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you for such an informative response, I appreciate it. I am really looking forward to the mornings on the ship. I plan on doing a lot of walking and exploring while most are still sleeping. What time approximately does the ship "come to life"? Meaning people are up and about. We love the going to the beach for vacation, so I am sure waking up and going to sleep with the sound of the waves will be peaceful. We booked a balcony room.

Usually people start coming to life around 6-ish .Those are the ones that throw the towels or books on the chairs to save them. The rest of the crowd will follow around 8- ish.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Those that have severe motion sickness can try to place themselves in the center of the pool while floating on their backs, it works. That way if you don't get splashed or jumped on. Your eyes poke out by people diving, your good to go :D !

Link to comment
Share on other sites

AKA: Chair Hogs...don't become one :cool:.

 

I have enough respect not to do that. :) I know all about chair hogs from the resorts we go to at the beach. We walked by the pool one day on our way to the beach and every chair had a towel and only a 3 or 4 people in the pool. No one in chairs!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...
Be sure to check out the first time cruisers board out here. I'm attaching some more tips for you too.

 

Thanks. Even though we have been on several cruises (though not Carnival yet), these were helpful. However, if you bring a Nook (or other E-Reader) on board, make sure to turn off Wi-Fi or you could have a very large internet bill.

 

Do you know of any hotels in Charleston that will let you park (and maybe also have a shuttle) for the duration of the cruise?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Do you know of any hotels in Charleston that will let you park (and maybe also have a shuttle) for the duration of the cruise?

 

 

We have reservations here. https://www.choicehotels.com/south-carolina/charleston/sleep-inn-hotels/sc212?source=gyxt

Sleep Inn

1524 Savannah Hwy, US 17 S

Charleston, SC, US, 29407

+1 (843) 556-6959

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Is this place fairly decent? Looking for a park and cruise location for an upcoming cruise we have.

 

I don't know yet. I seen others recommend it, but then again, we all have different expectations of what nice is. We will be staying there this week before we cruise out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Tru Bahamian Food Tour was a really great walking, eating tour in Nassau. Stopped at several places for wonderful food and a great guide that shared some cultural history of the island.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't know yet. I seen others recommend it, but then again, we all have different expectations of what nice is. We will be staying there this week before we cruise out.

 

Ok...looking forward to seeing what you think. Wife and I are fairly low key, so as long as it's clean and safe (and safe for our vehicle staying there a week as well) we will likely book this for our cruise as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...