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A bunch of newbie questions


Emdj
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Hi, we're thinking of doing a 5 day caribbean cruise on carnival in January and I have some questions that I haven't been able to find answers for.

1) I've heard it's hard to get lounge chairs near the pool. Will we be able to find lounge chairs in a quiet place at random times or do we need to grab them first thing in the morning?

2) How hard is it to get into shows in the evening? Will there be long lines and will they fill up far in advance?

3) Is it smoky onboard if we avoid the smoky areas? Someone commented on this on this board.

4) If we just want to mellow, can we avoid the partying, or is it everywhere?

5) Is the weather pleasant on deck or will it be cold in January?

 

Essentially, we'd like to hang out in the sun, read, avoid smoke, eat at the buffets or taco bars and see a show in the evening. Is a cruise right for us?

 

thanks!

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Hi, we're thinking of doing a 5 day caribbean cruise on carnival in January and I have some questions that I haven't been able to find answers for.

1) I've heard it's hard to get lounge chairs near the pool. Will we be able to find lounge chairs in a quiet place at random times or do we need to grab them first thing in the morning? It will be difficult to be exactly at poolside, but there are loungers all over the deck as well as above on the mezzanine level. Don't reserve loungers if you aren't planting your butt on it.

 

2) How hard is it to get into shows in the evening? Will there be long lines and will they fill up far in advance? Shows don't fill up, just get to the theater about half an hour before showtime and you'll be fine. The comedy club is a different animal, not sure how they are handling seating nowadays.

3) Is it smoky onboard if we avoid the smoky areas? Someone commented on this on this board. Smoking is only in designated areas, if you don't hang out there you won't come in contact with it.

4) If we just want to mellow, can we avoid the partying, or is it everywhere? The library is pretty quiet :') Its not everywhere, you'll find relaxing places to be.

5) Is the weather pleasant on deck or will it be cold in January? My crystal ball isn't set for January weather yet..... it should be nice though.

 

Essentially, we'd like to hang out in the sun, read, avoid smoke, eat at the buffets or taco bars and see a show in the evening. Is a cruise right for us?

 

thanks!

 

Have a good time!

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Hi, we're thinking of doing a 5 day caribbean cruise on carnival in January...

4) If we just want to mellow, can we avoid the partying, or is it everywhere?...

Essentially, we'd like to hang out in the sun, read, avoid smoke, eat at the buffets or taco bars and see a show in the evening. Is a cruise right for us?

 

Hi there and welcome. Since you haven't booked yet, my advice is this: you seem very clear on what you want and don't want. On most of the mainstream lines, the shorter cruises - and I mean less than say, 7 nights - can potentially be party or "booze cruises". They are relatively reasonable for those who want to party in the sun and drink a lot of alcohol. OF COURSE not everyone does that and you don't have to either.... but is there any way you could do a longer cruise? If you could do a 1 week cruise, perhaps you could book an inside cabin instead of an oceanview (window) or balcony to save money.

 

Where are you embarking? Are you set on Carnival? Just asking.

.

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We do not enjoy being in the sardine can right next to the pool...the loungers are SO TIGHTLY PACKED. Go up to the next deck, and you can spread out a bit...

Lots of folks will attempt to "save" chairs for later, but there are usually plenty scattered about. Ask folks sitting nearby if the towel covered loungers are actually being used...they will tell you!

 

If you get to the shows about 15-20 mins before they start, you shouldn't have a problem.

 

It's not "smoky" at all, except maybe in the casino. Smoking isn't allowed in cabins, or balconies....there are a few smoking areas that are easy to avoid.

 

You can do what you want on your vacation...party with the masses, or chill out on your own...your choice.

 

Temps will depend where you are. The Bahamas have "Florida-like" weather and are not in the Caribbean. If you will be actually IN the Caribbean, it's summer year round.

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Hi there and welcome. Since you haven't booked yet, my advice is this: you seem very clear on what you want and don't want. On most of the mainstream lines, the shorter cruises - and I mean less than say, 7 nights - can potentially be party or "booze cruises". They are relatively reasonable for those who want to party in the sun and drink a lot of alcohol. OF COURSE not everyone does that and you don't have to either.... but is there any way you could do a longer cruise? If you could do a 1 week cruise, perhaps you could book an inside cabin instead of an oceanview (window) or balcony to save money.

 

Where are you embarking? Are you set on Carnival? Just asking.

.

 

Thanks -- the 4-5 day carnival cruise fits a gap so its really the only one we are considering. How do you know if it is a booze cruise? If it is a booze cruise, is it like that nonstop or just in the late evening?

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Thanks -- the 4-5 day carnival cruise fits a gap so its really the only one we are considering. How do you know if it is a booze cruise? If it is a booze cruise, is it like that nonstop or just in the late evening?

 

A "booze cruise" is a just a nickname given to short 3, 4, and 5 day cruises. It's called that because people can usually afford the cruise and they spend their time drinking and partying. Carnival is pretty much known for that so that is why I asked if you are set on sailing Carnival. ;)

 

I mean, all cruises have passengers who drink - some who drink too much - and you will see that. But as others mentioned, you can definitely find a quiet space to hang. The pool will be noisy and people will be drinking and you'll decide if and when you've had enough.

 

Book your cruise and have a fabulous time. :D You'll probably get addicted just like the rest of us. :hearteyes::hearteyes::hearteyes:

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Generally, a 5 day on Carnival will have a mix of party-people and quiet people. You can certainly avoid a huge "party" atmosphere, I always do. The Serenity deck will be your friend!! This is the 21 and over area and is typically a much quieter area than the Lido. Grab a book, grab a drink, and enjoy some relaxation!

 

As far as smoke is concerned, avoid the casino and you will be fine indoors.

 

The shows for the most part are easy to get in to. You don't mention which specific ship you intend to sail on. The Comedy Club fills up quickly on some ships, due to the small size of the theater. In those cases, you will want to line up early to get a good seat. Don't miss the comedy, though!

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Hi, we're thinking of doing a 5 day caribbean cruise on carnival in January and I have some questions that I haven't been able to find answers for.

1) I've heard it's hard to get lounge chairs near the pool. Will we be able to find lounge chairs in a quiet place at random times or do we need to grab them first thing in the morning?

2) How hard is it to get into shows in the evening? Will there be long lines and will they fill up far in advance?

3) Is it smoky onboard if we avoid the smoky areas? Someone commented on this on this board.

4) If we just want to mellow, can we avoid the partying, or is it everywhere?

5) Is the weather pleasant on deck or will it be cold in January?

 

Essentially, we'd like to hang out in the sun, read, avoid smoke, eat at the buffets or taco bars and see a show in the evening. Is a cruise right for us?

 

thanks!

I've never cruised in January, but I've done 3 Carnival cruises (out of 17!).

 

It's hard to get lounge chairs, but it can get a little hairy on whether or not or if you can reserve them. If you do decide to reserve them you have to get up super early in the morning to do it. Otherwise most will be taken.

 

It's not hard to get into the main show lounge in the evening but it is hard to get into the comedy shows. When I went last year on The Pride, in some cases the comedy lounge was Standing Room Only. My mom and I even got turned away one night from the comedy lounge because there wasn't any room.

 

Definitely can be smokey, even if you avoid the smoking areas.

 

Its ok on any cruise to just be mellow. Don't try to do everything, it's just not possible.

 

Sent from my SM-S327VL using Forums mobile app

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First off, if you have picked Carnival, pick a longer than 5 night cruise. Also look at other cruise lines.

 

There are always chairs, they may not be in the prime spot, but who wants to get up at 7AM to snag a chair when your prime reason for the chair is reading.

 

I am allergic to smoke and generally don't have a problem staying away from it.

 

We almost always go to the first show and make it a point to get there about 30 minutes early. Usually they open the doors and we go get our seat, order a drink and read until the show starts.

 

We too are mellow, have no problem finding areas to relax and read. But....we definitely do not go on booze cruises.

 

The temperature in January is going to depend on where you are.

 

Spend some time looking and reading about cruises lines and destinations, and pick out what looks good to you.

 

It sounds to me like you are ready to do this. Have a ball!!!!

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Hi, we're thinking of doing a 5 day caribbean cruise on carnival in January and I have some questions that I haven't been able to find answers for.

1) I've heard it's hard to get lounge chairs near the pool. Will we be able to find lounge chairs in a quiet place at random times or do we need to grab them first thing in the morning?

2) How hard is it to get into shows in the evening? Will there be long lines and will they fill up far in advance?

3) Is it smoky onboard if we avoid the smoky areas? Someone commented on this on this board.

4) If we just want to mellow, can we avoid the partying, or is it everywhere?

5) Is the weather pleasant on deck or will it be cold in January?

 

Essentially, we'd like to hang out in the sun, read, avoid smoke, eat at the buffets or taco bars and see a show in the evening. Is a cruise right for us?

 

thanks!

 

Sounds like you are considering your first cruise.

 

The options available in the cruise industry are almost limitless and I believe the industry has an option to meet almost everyone's preferences. However, based on the preferences you provided I would say that a 5-day cruise on Carnival is definitely not the best fit.

 

You mentioned concerns with getting loungers and queuing for evening shows, so I'm thinking you should avoid the mainstream mega ships and check out some of the premium/luxury lines, which have significantly lower pax counts and more space per passenger. They also don't have the party atmosphere and have numerous options to read quietly in a smoke free atmosphere.

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I avoid the noisy main pool areas, so I can usually find a lounger in a quiet spot on a higher deck. More seem available in the afternoon after lunch. One should not rush out early to claim a lounger and not plan to use it until hours later. Even better is a chair on your balcony!

 

I find the comedy shows fill up quickly, not so much the main theater.

 

The smokiest area seems to be the casino. Sometimes the smell can be noticed on the stairways going up behind the bar.

 

I can always find a quiet spot - there's a library, several lounges that are usually just used in the evening, outside aft areas, sometimes the serenity deck, and hopefully one's balcony.

 

Party atmosphere depends on your cruise date, college/school vacations, length of cruise, etc. You can join in or stay to yourself, your choice. Explore, don't follow crowds, if you want quiet times.

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If your 5 days is a Mon thru Fri cruise, during most school times, your cruise should be pretty nice. If it starts on a weekend, and extends to week days, you still may be mostly quiet. The 3 and 4 nighters, over the weekends,are usually always the booze cruises.

 

PS Don't just eat at the buffet. The sit down dinning room meals, are very nice. You said you wanted to rest and relax. If your cruise has a sea day, DO GO to the dining room brunch.

 

Above all, go with a fun attitude, and have a great time.

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As a Carnival cruiser a few times now and most recently to Cozumel on a shorter cruise let me say it will be great. I don't know who these people are that complain about "booze cruises" but I haven't seen it.

We enjoyed Mr. Sanchos in Cozumel (see my review in my tag line).

Casino is the only smoky place.

Enjoy yourself! It will be awesome!

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As a Carnival cruiser a few times now and most recently to Cozumel on a shorter cruise let me say it will be great. I don't know who these people are that complain about "booze cruises" but I haven't seen it.

We enjoyed Mr. Sanchos in Cozumel (see my review in my tag line).

Casino is the only smoky place.

Enjoy yourself! It will be awesome!

Booze Cruise usually over a weekend 3 or 4 day cruise filled with Stag and Hen parties. A cheap way to have an alcohol filled bachelor/ette party.

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