Great Carnival Cruise Tips

Secrets and Tips-

-Make sure that your bank and credit card company are aware that you will be out of the country. They will note it on your account so you won't be flagged for fraudulent activity.

-If you need postcards go to the pursers desk.......they have ones with the picture of the ship for free.

-The pursers desk will carry stamps of the different countries that you are going to.

-You can get a free deck of cards at the pursers desk.

-If you need asprin, seasick pills or a variety of general medications, check the "O"deck where the waiting room is for the doctor. There are free samples for the taking in individual packets. There is also a scale in case you need to weigh your suitcase or yourself.

-You can also go to the pursers desk for seasick pills.

-In the casino, they will give you a lanyard as well as punch a hole in your S&S card for you. (Some people carry their S&S card around their neck on a lanyard.)

-The library has a supply of crossword puzzles (a different one each day) and a sheet of trivia questions(one for each day) On some ships they set these our each day but on others you have to ask for them.

-The couch in your cabin has drawers built in underneath.

-There is lots of room under the bed to store all your suitcases so you don't have to have them out taking up room.

-You can call Carnival's Bon Voyage Department and pre-order alcohol to be delivered to your cabin. You can order bottles of hard liquor so that you can make your own drinks in your room. You can't order online. You must call to set this up. It is a bit pricey but worth it and actually cheaper than buying it by the drink.

-If you have a fridge in your cabin you can ask your room steward to remove the mini bar stuff that is in it and use it for your own stuff. Or just let him know that you are going to do it yourself so you do not get charged by accident for it

-There are steam rooms, saunas and hot tubs in the SPA and they are free to use by all guests.

-There are showers in the SPA also. They are multiple head showers like being in a rain forest. Very cool. Good place to take a shower if you have multiple people in your cabin trying to get ready for formal night.

-As soon as you get on board make all your SPA appointments. You should make your hair appointments for formal night also because they book up fast. You can call from your room or just go up and make your appointments in person.

-Make your reservations ASAP for the alternative dining room as they have limited space and reservations go fast.

-Go to the dining room as soon as you get on board and check out your table. If you are not happy with your table or dining time speak to the Maitre D and if it is possible he will help you get what you want.

-You can bring a reasonable amount of wine, soda and bottled water on board.

-You can set automated wake-up calls for yourself on your cabin phone.

-At the Captain's cocktail party or at the past guest party instead of drinking the drinks the waitress walks around with you can ask her for whatever you want or just go up to the bar in the room the party is in. IT IS STILL FREE!!!

-You can order as many entrees as you want in the dining room.

-Any pasta dish on the main entree section of the menu is also available as an appetizer.

-In the dining room when they bring out the dessert menu ask to see a childrens menu. They have great things like banana splits, hot fudge sundaes

etc. etc.

-Cappuccino and Espresso are free in the dining room.

-Children under 12 can get soda with their dinner for free in the dining room.

-You can see the menu for the dining room on your tv so you can see if you like that day's selections.

-You can buy buckets of beer.

-You can order a whole pizza at the pizza stand with whatever toppings you want. It takes about 10 minutes but its worth it.

-The pizza place makes a great ceaser salad. They make great calzones also. You have to wait while they make them........about 10 minutes but they are great.

-There are usually two grill areas open on the deck. (One near each pool area) One of them only serves hot dogs and hamburgers. The other one does the hot dogs and the hamburgers but they also serve grilled chicken breast sandwiches and minute steak sandwiches.

-There is 24 hour soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt. Make sure you check your Capers to find out what days there are sundae toppings.

-Coffee, Tea, Iced Tea, Lemonade, Fruit Punch, OJ, Milk and Lemonade are free!!!!!!!!!

-If you want orange juice any time remember the exact place you got it during breakfast time. All they do is remove the label, making you think there is no OJ.

-You can make your own drinks with the stuff they have on the Lido. You can mix ice cream and hot chocolate together for a cool, creamy drink.

Get crushed ice, coffee and ice cream for a good coffee drink.

-If you have the souvernier glass you can order any frozen drink as a refill not just the drink of the day.They do charge you the price of the other frozen drink you ordered but you get it in the bigger glass.

-On formal nights get your pictures at all of the "settings." You do not have to buy them all and that way you will have choices and get to pick out a few that you really love.

-Room service is free but you should always tip the person who brings your food.

-The gold and silver that they sell by the inch are plated not solid.

-If you forget to pack anything (ex. toothpaste) ask your room steward if they have any sample sizes. They usually do.

-You can ask your room steward for a foam egg crate pad for the bed.

-You can ask your room steward for the book that is in your cabin that is about the ship.

-Don't be a chair hog

-Don't sit in the balcony when attending the shore/shopping talks, they give stuff away and it rarely makes it past the first 15 rows of the main area.

-If you like to check your email, most ships now have wireless and you can bring your laptop. Compose email in notepad before you connect to save money. At 75 cents a minute you don't want to be writing letters online. Alternatively, all ports will have an internet cafe somewhere near the dock with rates like 3 dollars for 30 minutes. You can do your leisure surfing there.

-Bring a bungee cord so you can keep your balcony door open.

-On some ships the balcony door frame has a button on the inside of the door frame. When you leave your balcony door open, the air conditioner in your room will not work while the door is open. Simply put a small refridgerator magnet over the button and your air will continue to run while the door is open.

-Do not book shore excursions through the cruise line. Do a little homework before you go and book your excursions directly. Cruise Critic Boards and an excellent source of information and many excursion companies live or die based of cruise critic reviews.

-If you have early embarkation to the ship (before the cabins are ready) proceed directly to the lido deck for a buffet lunch.

-Cross pack everyone's clothes that way if a piece of luggage gets lost everyone will still have clothes to wear.

-Bring your bathing suit and a change of clothes in your carry on. Sometimes it takes a while for you to get the rest of your luggage. Some people just wear their bathing suit under their clothes so they can enjoy the pool and hot tubs as soon as they get on the ship.

-If you play blackjack, one secret to keep in mind is the Fun21 table- there are NO QUEENS in the deck.

-When the ship is in port you can always come back on the ship to drop off packages, get changed or have dinner on board and you can leave the ship again. Just remember to be back a half hour before the ship leaves.

-Look for specials in the spa on port days. There is also happy hour at the bars on port days.

-When the lights start to dim in the dining room this means entertainment is coming. Make sure you have your camera ready.

-There is a Bingo game every day. They are large bingo pots. Usually its just one game. $500 one day. $600 another day, 1$1,000 another day and even a 7 day free cruise for two.

-Carry off your own bags at debarkation to save time and prevent potential loss of luggage.

-Make copies of your passport.

-Carnival sells Coke products. If you want another brand (ex Pepsi) bring your own.

-Bring a sweater the dining room gets cold.

-Put down a towel on a balcony chair if you are wearing white. There is a light layer of soot and it shows on white clothing.

-Cat 11 or higher have tubs.

Must Brings-

-Over the door shoe holder.(organize your bathroom stuff, sunblock, sunglasses, camera etc.etc.etc

-Duct tape- Many uses for this from fixing a broken suitcase to taping the drawers closed when there is bad weather.

-Cell phone and camera charger.

-Highlighter so you can highlight the interesting things to do in the Capers.

-Extension cord because there are limited outlets in the cabin.

-Hot/Cold cup with a lid. That way you don't have to keep refilling up their little cups with lemonade, juice, coffee or ice tea.

-Zip lock bags. Good for packing wet bathing suits in for the flight or ride home. Many other uses for them as well. You can also store food in the zip lock bags. You can order room service in advance, pack the sandwiches, cookies etc in the zip lock bags. Take it with you when you off the ship, great if you have kids or on a tight budget.

-Extra hangers

-Bungee cord

-Magnet

-Downy wrinkle release

-Sunscreen

-Sunglasses

-Extra batteries

-Travel First Aid Kit

-Post it notes

-One dollar bills for tipping

-Nightlight

-Extra bathing suit so you don't have to put on a wet suit

-cheap plastic watch

-sea sick medication, advil, pepto etc.....

-beach shoes

-clothes pins

-frabreeze

-travel steamer- Irons are not allowed on board (Some carry travel irons without a problem)

-disposable water camera

-hat

Great list!!

However, they no longer give Playing Cards away for free.

Catrin

thank you for the list

Where did you copy this from? I know I have seen it before!

Where did you copy this from? I know I have seen it before!

SeaUonboard or something close to that comprised mostly that list when I first started getting on these boards about last September. I went to there website and there were tons of info like this!!!!!!!!!!

You can ask your room steward for a foam egg crate pad for the bed.

What is that????What is it for??? :confused:

Do they have alarm clocks in the cabins?

Great List! Thanks for the tips!!

No alarm clocks in the cabin. Bring your own.

candi

You can ask your room steward for a foam egg crate pad for the bed.

 

What is that????What is it for??? :confused:

 

Do they have alarm clocks in the cabins?

The egg crate is to put on the mattress. Some want them softer.

You can use the telephone to set a wake up call. We bring a LIGHTED electric clock I have at home anyway, I like to see it at night.

They gave us 2 decks of playing cards for free at the pursers desk on our cruise 5 weeks ago :D

Thanks for the list. I've seen a lot of these before, but it's great to have them all in one place. I've pasted it into word so I can save it on my computer. :)

We got a free deck of cards on the Miracle in March from the purser's desk.:)

-On some ships the balcony door frame has a button on the inside of the door frame. When you leave your balcony door open, the air conditioner in your room will not work while the door is open. Simply put a small refridgerator magnet over the button and your air will continue to run while the door is open.

For what it's worth, I don't appreciate people advocating this. Aside from the ecological consequences, it costs A LOT OF MONEY to continually pump air conditioning that will just go right out an open door. If you do this, eventually, we will ALL pay the price. The A/C shuts off when the door is open because it SHOULD shut off when the door is open. Enjoy having the door open, and if you get hot, then CLOSE THE DOOR! The A/C will come right back on and cool the room down nice and quick!

Can you really bring sandwiches off the ship? I think the two cruises we have been on before had signs when you were getting off the ship that said you could not do this. One port (St. Maarten?) said $10,000 fine or something like that. Does anyone know if you can in fact bring food off the ship?

Can you really bring sandwiches off the ship? I think the two cruises we have been on before had signs when you were getting off the ship that said you could not do this. One port (St. Maarten?) said $10,000 fine or something like that. Does anyone know if you can in fact bring food off the ship?

You may bring packaged goods off the ship (boxes of cereal, granola bars, chips,etc), but not sandwiches, fruit, etc.

Also, children under 12 do not receive free soda at dinner any more.

Thanks for the list. I've seen a lot of these before, but it's great to have them all in one place. I've pasted it into word so I can save it on my computer. :)

Hi jeanie

-If you have the souvernier glass you can order any frozen drink as a refill not just the drink of the day.They do charge you the price of the other frozen drink you ordered but you get it in the bigger glass.

Our cruise buddy who went with us on our last cruise put this to the test. He fill a souvenir glass and a regular glass with water and found only about a teaspoon difference in the 2. They know what they are doing.:cool: That still didn't stop us from getting a souvenir glass anyway. :p

I was dissapointed to find out that Carnival is no longer giving out the postcards of the individual ships at the desk anymore. All they have had recently was the generic fleet postcards with multiple anonymous ships on it. I asked one of the pursers why, they said they were no longer making the postcards of each individual ship. However, I still found some in the gift shop.

-Zip lock bags..... You can order room service in advance, pack the sandwiches, cookies etc in the zip lock bags. Take it with you when you off the ship, great if you have kids or on a tight budget.

This practice is absolutely NOT allowed. The ONLY food items you are allowed to take off the ship are pre-packaged foods like the little boxes of cereal or packages of crackers/granola bars, etc. NO FRESH FOODS ALLOWED OFF THE SHIP!

Can you really bring sandwiches off the ship? I think the two cruises we have been on before had signs when you were getting off the ship that said you could not do this. One port (St. Maarten?) said $10,000 fine or something like that. Does anyone know if you can in fact bring food off the ship?

No you cannot take sandwiches, etc. off the ship. You could face steep fines for doing so. As someone else pointed out, only pre-packaged foods like the little boxes of cereal or crackers and granola bars, etc. No fresh foods.

Also, children under 12 do not receive free soda at dinner any more.

Last summer on the Freedom our daughter (9yo) asked for a soda every night at dinner and we didn't get charged for any of them. We thought we were paying for them the whole time but did not when we looked at the itemized bill. So maybe they do that at the waiter's discression?

last summer on Liberty , I asked every night if my 11 yr old son got

a free soft drink with his meal and was told every night " no we do

not give free soft drinks to children.

we had to pay for everyone of them.......

Unfortunately several of these are misconceptions, old info, or slightly inaccurate.

I'm going to add some additional comments, just in case people are using this as "Gospel" to save or print out. I just want to give a heads up so that people are not angry or disappointed if all of this does not prove accurate on their upcoming cruises...

Secrets and Tips-

-Make sure that your bank and credit card company are aware that you will be out of the country. They will note it on your account so you won't be flagged for fraudulent activity.

-If you need postcards go to the pursers desk.......they have ones with the picture of the ship for free.

(sometimes they do, sometimes they don't)

-The pursers desk will carry stamps of the different countries that you are going to.

-You can get a free deck of cards at the pursers desk.

-If you need asprin, seasick pills or a variety of general medications, check the "O"deck where the waiting room is for the doctor. There are free samples for the taking in individual packets. There is also a scale in case you need to weigh your suitcase or yourself.

(maybe on some ships)

-You can also go to the pursers desk for seasick pills.

-In the casino, they will give you a lanyard as well as punch a hole in your S&S card for you. (Some people carry their S&S card around their neck on a lanyard.)

-The library has a supply of crossword puzzles (a different one each day) and a sheet of trivia questions(one for each day) On some ships they set these our each day but on others you have to ask for them.

-The couch in your cabin has drawers built in underneath.

(definitely not on every couch, in every cabin, on each ship. Take this as a bonus if it happens, don't count on it).

-There is lots of room under the bed to store all your suitcases so you don't have to have them out taking up room.

-You can call Carnival's Bon Voyage Department and pre-order alcohol to be delivered to your cabin. You can order bottles of hard liquor so that you can make your own drinks in your room. You can't order online. You must call to set this up. It is a bit pricey but worth it and actually cheaper than buying it by the drink.

-If you have a fridge in your cabin you can ask your room steward to remove the mini bar stuff that is in it and use it for your own stuff. Or just let him know that you are going to do it yourself so you do not get charged by accident for it

-There are steam rooms, saunas and hot tubs in the SPA and they are free to use by all guests.

-There are showers in the SPA also. They are multiple head showers like being in a rain forest. Very cool. Good place to take a shower if you have multiple people in your cabin trying to get ready for formal night.

-As soon as you get on board make all your SPA appointments. You should make your hair appointments for formal night also because they book up fast. You can call from your room or just go up and make your appointments in person.

-Make your reservations ASAP for the alternative dining room as they have limited space and reservations go fast.

-Go to the dining room as soon as you get on board and check out your table. If you are not happy with your table or dining time speak to the Maitre D and if it is possible he will help you get what you want.

-You can bring a reasonable amount of wine, soda and bottled water on board.

-You can set automated wake-up calls for yourself on your cabin phone.

-At the Captain's cocktail party or at the past guest party instead of drinking the drinks the waitress walks around with you can ask her for whatever you want or just go up to the bar in the room the party is in. IT IS STILL FREE!!!

-You can order as many entrees as you want in the dining room.

-Any pasta dish on the main entree section of the menu is also available as an appetizer.

-In the dining room when they bring out the dessert menu ask to see a childrens menu. They have great things like banana splits, hot fudge sundaes

etc. etc.

-Cappuccino and Espresso are free in the dining room.

-Children under 12 can get soda with their dinner for free in the dining room.

(As of now, this is totally up to the Maitre'D policy and the wait staff on each and every different ship and sailing. Try it and see, but it is less likely than more likely. There is a reason that they have the kids soda cards now).

-You can see the menu for the dining room on your tv so you can see if you like that day's selections.

(Definitely not on all ships. Newer ships are more likely).

-You can buy buckets of beer.

-You can order a whole pizza at the pizza stand with whatever toppings you want. It takes about 10 minutes but its worth it.

-The pizza place makes a great ceaser salad. They make great calzones also. You have to wait while they make them........about 10 minutes but they are great.

-There are usually two grill areas open on the deck. (One near each pool area) One of them only serves hot dogs and hamburgers. The other one does the hot dogs and the hamburgers but they also serve grilled chicken breast sandwiches and minute steak sandwiches.

(Not on all ships).

-There is 24 hour soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt. Make sure you check your Capers to find out what days there are sundae toppings.

-Coffee, Tea, Iced Tea, Lemonade, Fruit Punch, OJ, Milk and Lemonade are free!!!!!!!!!

-If you want orange juice any time remember the exact place you got it during breakfast time. All they do is remove the label, making you think there is no OJ.

-You can make your own drinks with the stuff they have on the Lido. You can mix ice cream and hot chocolate together for a cool, creamy drink.

Get crushed ice, coffee and ice cream for a good coffee drink.

-If you have the souvernier glass you can order any frozen drink as a refill not just the drink of the day.They do charge you the price of the other frozen drink you ordered but you get it in the bigger glass.

-On formal nights get your pictures at all of the "settings." You do not have to buy them all and that way you will have choices and get to pick out a few that you really love.

-Room service is free but you should always tip the person who brings your food.

-The gold and silver that they sell by the inch are plated not solid.

-If you forget to pack anything (ex. toothpaste) ask your room steward if they have any sample sizes. They usually do.

-You can ask your room steward for a foam egg crate pad for the bed.

(This is definitely not always available. And not necessary with the new Carnival bedding. It can definitely help if they have it, for a couch sleeper).

-You can ask your room steward for the book that is in your cabin that is about the ship.

-Don't be a chair hog

-Don't sit in the balcony when attending the shore/shopping talks, they give stuff away and it rarely makes it past the first 15 rows of the main area.

-If you like to check your email, most ships now have wireless and you can bring your laptop. Compose email in notepad before you connect to save money. At 75 cents a minute you don't want to be writing letters online. Alternatively, all ports will have an internet cafe somewhere near the dock with rates like 3 dollars for 30 minutes. You can do your leisure surfing there.

-Bring a bungee cord so you can keep your balcony door open.

-On some ships the balcony door frame has a button on the inside of the door frame. When you leave your balcony door open, the air conditioner in your room will not work while the door is open. Simply put a small refridgerator magnet over the button and your air will continue to run while the door is open.

(Completely agree with previous posters that this is a power and environmental no-no. There is a reason that they built them to shut off when you open the door).

-Do not book shore excursions through the cruise line. Do a little homework before you go and book your excursions directly. Cruise Critic Boards and an excellent source of information and many excursion companies live or die based of cruise critic reviews.

-If you have early embarkation to the ship (before the cabins are ready) proceed directly to the lido deck for a buffet lunch.

-Cross pack everyone's clothes that way if a piece of luggage gets lost everyone will still have clothes to wear.

-Bring your bathing suit and a change of clothes in your carry on. Sometimes it takes a while for you to get the rest of your luggage. Some people just wear their bathing suit under their clothes so they can enjoy the pool and hot tubs as soon as they get on the ship.

-If you play blackjack, one secret to keep in mind is the Fun21 table- there are NO QUEENS in the deck.

-When the ship is in port you can always come back on the ship to drop off packages, get changed or have dinner on board and you can leave the ship again. Just remember to be back a half hour before the ship leaves.

-Look for specials in the spa on port days. There is also happy hour at the bars on port days.

-When the lights start to dim in the dining room this means entertainment is coming. Make sure you have your camera ready.

-There is a Bingo game every day. They are large bingo pots. Usually its just one game. $500 one day. $600 another day, 1$1,000 another day and even a 7 day free cruise for two.

-Carry off your own bags at debarkation to save time and prevent potential loss of luggage.

-Make copies of your passport.

-Carnival sells Coke products. If you want another brand (ex Pepsi) bring your own.

-Bring a sweater the dining room gets cold.

-Put down a towel on a balcony chair if you are wearing white. There is a light layer of soot and it shows on white clothing.

-Cat 11 or higher have tubs.

(Not on all ships. Unless you are super lucky, or in some quirky cabin refurb, then don't count on this for Fantasy Class ships).

Must Brings-

-Over the door shoe holder.(organize your bathroom stuff, sunblock, sunglasses, camera etc.etc.etc

-Duct tape- Many uses for this from fixing a broken suitcase to taping the drawers closed when there is bad weather.

-Cell phone and camera charger.

-Highlighter so you can highlight the interesting things to do in the Capers.

-Extension cord because there are limited outlets in the cabin.

(Safety hazard! If you are going to do this, then please be sure that your extension, or power adapter has a surge protector on it. You don't want to be the one fluke that causes a fire on the ship).

-Hot/Cold cup with a lid. That way you don't have to keep refilling up their little cups with lemonade, juice, coffee or ice tea.

-Zip lock bags. Good for packing wet bathing suits in for the flight or ride home. Many other uses for them as well. You can also store food in the zip lock bags. You can order room service in advance, pack the sandwiches, cookies etc in the zip lock bags. Take it with you when you off the ship, great if you have kids or on a tight budget.

(Be aware that not all ports allow this. Don't count on it).

-Extra hangers

(Your cabin steward can provide more if you need them).

-Bungee cord

-Magnet

-Downy wrinkle release

-Sunscreen

-Sunglasses

-Extra batteries

-Travel First Aid Kit

-Post it notes

-One dollar bills for tipping

-Nightlight

-Extra bathing suit so you don't have to put on a wet suit

-cheap plastic watch

-sea sick medication, advil, pepto etc.....

-beach shoes

-clothes pins

-frabreeze

-travel steamer- Irons are not allowed on board (Some carry travel irons without a problem)

-disposable water camera

-hat

You can ask your room steward for a foam egg crate pad for the bed.

 

What is that????What is it for??? :confused:

 

Do they have alarm clocks in the cabins?

1. Some people find the beds not to their liking...so they ask the steward for one of those "egg crate" foam toppers for the mattress. With Carnival's new comfort beds and bedding....I can't imagine anyone would find the beds anything other than warm and comfortable...but who knows.

2. No clocks in the cabin. But, you can leave a wake-up call anytime by phone. It is automated and very reliable. For the mornings, may I suggest you fille out the room service breakfast menu and put it out the night before.......let hot coffee and croissants delivered at a specific time serve as your wake-up! Deeeelightful.

For what it's worth, I don't appreciate people advocating this. Aside from the ecological consequences, it costs A LOT OF MONEY to continually pump air conditioning that will just go right out an open door. If you do this, eventually, we will ALL pay the price. The A/C shuts off when the door is open because it SHOULD shut off when the door is open. Enjoy having the door open, and if you get hot, then CLOSE THE DOOR! The A/C will come right back on and cool the room down nice and quick!

Not only that, but if the room steward sees it, he'll take your magnet.......