So Excited.. Can't stand it!

[TXHillbillyGirl]

We cruise (first time) in 3 weeks. I am sooo excited and nervous. I am seriously thinking of getting my doctor to give me somethiong for the nerves and to sleep....lol I can't take it! Am I the only one that's been like this before their first cruise?

There is sooo much to remember and to do. Especially with three kids.. o.k. with the husband make that 4 kids!

We have passports, permission letter from parents, ... so scared I'm going to forget something important. I have done my homework. I'm on the CC boards everyday "studying". I have learned a lot!

I have the basics, power strip, alarm, door organizer, RR, simple first aide kit... etc., etc.

Is there anything you can think of that has not been post a million and a half times?

Thanks!

[clackey]

Not to worry my friend. You are about to enter a new era in your life. More than likely you will become addicted as we have and will make this an annual affair.

 

If you forget something, it will be available in port or on the ship. You might want to get some earplugs in case of party animals or loud bands. I think that they sell them on the ship too.;)

[cb at sea]

Binoculars...there's alot to see out there!

[ATL2LAS]

I am excited every time. It doesn't get any better. Thats the fun part of going on a cruise. I enjoy everything from the planning, to going on the boards and joining the sail away groups. Its all about the anticipation:D

[TXHillbillyGirl]

Not to worry my friend. You are about to enter a new era in your life. More than likely you will become addicted as we have and will make this an annual affair.

 

If you forget something, it will be available in port or on the ship. You might want to get some earplugs in case of party animals or loud bands. I think that they sell them on the ship too.;)

 

You are right, we are planning for next spring. But, no kids that round!

I think we will be o.k. with the bands and party animals. We are on the Riviera deck.

Thanks for the input. I'm feeling a little more easy about it.

[TXHillbillyGirl]

I am excited every time. It doesn't get any better. Thats the fun part of going on a cruise. I enjoy everything from the planning, to going on the boards and joining the sail away groups. Its all about the anticipation:D

 

I have been planning and organizing and re-planning and re-organizing and it's all been fun up until now.... only 3 weeks left and I've lost my mind...lol So, I keep reading the boards.

Thanks for the input.

[TXHillbillyGirl]

Binoculars...there's alot to see out there!

 

I went and got our small binoculars and put them in the bag as soon as I read this...Thanks

[SuitCaseBears]

don't forget to HAVE FUN.

 

And no the excitement doesn't wear off. This is our 5th cruise (our 4th "REAL" one since 1 was only 2 nights), so I still feel newish but for some reason this cruise has me more excited than the earlier ones.

 

I think it's because I'm reading these boards so much.

[cruiserbryce]

you'll have a blast...hope the time flies

[KAYEF]

The excitement NEVER wears off.....................best to book far out so you have more anticipation!;)

You will have a fantastic time and make wonderful memories.

Remember to take a copy of your Travel Insurance so you have the telephone numbers, "just in case."

At least you found this website BEFORE your first cruise; I didn't.

[pauline664]

Have you taken a photocopy of all your passports, ID's, letters of permission and placed a copy with a close friend or relative before leaving home? Doing this is smart just in case they were to be stolen or lost. I also do a 3rd copy and leave it in my room safe.

[Jimnbigd]

I always take rubbing alcohol (good for any minor cuts & stuff), bandaids, Nyquil, and aspirin. Yes, you can buy these on the ship, but it costs a lot more that way.

 

Don't forget sun tan lotion and something like solarcain.

 

Take some non-perishable wrapped food, like cereal bars. Occassionally boarding is delayed, and there is absolutely no place to get food in the terminal.

 

You might also take your own soft drinks. These cost on the ship -- around $2 per can plus %15 tip. About the only thing free for kids is the lemonade and milk (and in the morning there is juice).

 

Make your own milkshake, especially for the kids (but you might want one also.) At the lido buffet (deck 10, back of ship), get a glass (next to the ice tea machine), half-fill it with cholocate soft serve (just past the salad bar), put in some milk (I use regular milk, but kids might want chocolate milk), stir (gently -- you don't need a "chololate splash'), and enjoy. Great with french fries (available outside by the pool.)

 

At the lido buffet, the food on the left side and right side is different (for the Carnival Ecstasy). Check out both sides. Don't forget the sandwich deli and pizza, both at the back of the lido. And those desserts!

 

Not all food you order or take will be good. Just order or get something else. They can't send the food to Haiti or a place like that -- it will be thrown away if you don't take it. I'm not saying to purposely waste the food, but don't feel guilty if you don't like something -- just get something else. We did the Ecstasy in January, and several dishes were not good (especially some of the fish).

 

You'll need a couple of tote bags / beach bags. Of course you will need these for the beach. Also, on the last night, if you choose, you can put your large bags outside in the hall with a special tag (given to you that day by your cabin steward), and your bags will be take off the ship for you. These tote bags are good for your stuff you don't put in the luggage -- toothpaste, shaving gear, nightgown, etc.

 

Take several $1, $5, and $10 bills. You'll need these for tips, and if shopping in Cozumel it is usually better to have exact change (or close to it). You don't want to be flashing large bills after you've dickered to get a lower price! Plus you'll need $1 for room service tips, if you use room service (which is free). If you need more small bills, go to the casino, the casino cashier can make change.

 

I'll be going to Cozumel as you are returning. We'll pass each other like two ships in the night. OK, exactly two ships in the night. :p

[Peace2U]

That is so normal. Your moods revolve around the cruise. Being bummed out for weeks after return from your cruise, longing for another cruise a few months after that, and nervous butterflies and all consuming thoughts about the upcoming cruise. Yep!

[alibabacruisers]

I am excited for you! Just remember this moment when you get on the ship and finally get a second to yourself... smile! and think "you have done the work and the work has paid off'. As for now, keep reading and thinking about the upcoming cruise...excitement is a great thing! Have fun!:)

[RangerNDog]

At least you only have 3 weeks. I have a little over 4 monthes and its killing me. If I lived alone I would already have everything packed just waiting but the "better half" insistes that I don't.

[TXHillbillyGirl]

Now I know I'm "normal"! Or as normal as eveyone else here on CC...lol! I made the kids a countdown calendar (me one too) and they get excited marking a day off every morning. (me too)

Thanks for all of the great advise. I've written it down in my notebook. My husband laughs at me and the notebook and my "studying", but I told him some of the "tricks" and money saving tips, and he's not laughing any more. He's even asking me to post questions for him.

Again, thanks for the input and feel free to add to it!

[FamilyOfSix]

Hi. Mom of 4 kids here. We have the green light to go on a cruise WITH NO KIDS. My in-laws are giving us 3 weeks in May or June. They will take the kids while we travel. I'm just as excited and don't have any plans yet. A cruise is top of our list but I have much research to do to figure out where we want to go. Fun!!!

 

Sandra

[FoolishMe]

Hi. Mom of 4 kids here. We have the green light to go on a cruise WITH NO KIDS. My in-laws are giving us 3 weeks in May or June. They will take the kids while we travel. I'm just as excited and don't have any plans yet. A cruise is top of our list but I have much research to do to figure out where we want to go. Fun!!!

 

Sandra

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic... planning is a lot of fun, so many possibilities

 

Good luck

[Bonnie J.]

Don't forget a battery clock - NOT the plug in electic clock. For some reason you loose time when you plug a clock in on a ship.

They do have milk at the lunch and dinner buffet. You have to ask for it as its usually not out, they put it away after breakfast but still have it.

If you have a good camera you might want to get the underwater throw aways - I like Fugi better than Kodak. You can take picutres at the beach and IN and under the water with these and you won't have to worry about getting sand it it or someone stealing it (them). You can take pictures anywhere with them.

Any questions as to what to do in the ports? Let us know and we'll give you help there.

Watch out, you are about to become hooked on cruising and will start planning your next cruise before you even get off the ship!

[lovemimi]

Don't forget a battery clock - NOT the plug in electic clock. For some reason you loose time when you plug a clock in on a ship.

They do have milk at the lunch and dinner buffet. You have to ask for it as its usually not out, they put it away after breakfast but still have it.

If you have a good camera you might want to get the underwater throw aways - I like Fugi better than Kodak. You can take picutres at the beach and IN and under the water with these and you won't have to worry about getting sand it it or someone stealing it (them). You can take pictures anywhere with them.

Any questions as to what to do in the ports? Let us know and we'll give you help there.

Watch out, you are about to become hooked on cruising and will start planning your next cruise before you even get off the ship!

 

 

What is it that makes you prefer the Fuji better than Kodak?? I am leaving Sunday and need a underwater camera. Thanks

[Bonnie J.]

We are snorkelers and I found the picutres to be better with Fugi and I like the 800 ASA. When you have the camera developed make sure you tell them they are underwater pictures. I know at Walmart they were better - Walmart is the one who said to tell that.

I now have an Olympus underwater digital camera that I use so don't know if Kodak is now 800 ASA.

[TXHillbillyGirl]

I thought I was excited last week, that was calm. I'm really excited now. Just 16 days now.. almost down to 2 weeks.

My kids are telling me to "Chill". They are excited but they don't have any of the worries and stress to go along with it. I can not wawit to get on that ship and "Chill"!

[Jimnbigd]

Don't forget a battery clock - NOT the plug in electic clock. For some reason you loose time when you plug a clock in on a ship.

 

Reason: The ship's electricity is not exactly 60 cycles per second. I don't know why this is.

[TXHillbillyGirl]

I did not know this about the clocks. I guess I need to go exchange my electric travel clock. Thanks

[Goldmoon]

Now I know I'm "normal"! Or as normal as eveyone else here on CC...lol! I made the kids a countdown calendar (me one too) and they get excited marking a day off every morning. (me too)

Thanks for all of the great advise. I've written it down in my notebook. My husband laughs at me and the notebook and my "studying", but I told him some of the "tricks" and money saving tips, and he's not laughing any more. He's even asking me to post questions for him.

Again, thanks for the input and feel free to add to it!

 

 

My first cruise, I started packing 3 months before I left... would redo it ever so often and change things. I took everything except the kitchen sink as far as clothes went... Now I've learned to mix and match better. I still double check the passport and dl, and insurance many times.. I don't want to get there and realize I left it on the dresser. On the Carnival, you are allowed to bring soft drinks on board or buy the unlimited soda card.

 

Some of the ships I have been on the buffet was different but not left and right.. (easiest way to describe would be north and south instead of left and right) and some have the same food on both sides, and now I just found out there's a few that serve a different theme left and right.. The dining room is not to miss the food is great and service fantastic, and entertainment. They have a childrens menu, classics they always serve, and then new things every night. If you don't like something.. exchange it.. however, if there are 2 things you want to try.. order both.. they may not have it again on the cruise.

 

Don't forget the sunblock, pricey on board and not much of a selection (but if you forget they do have some). Bring a couple of fabric softner sheets in a baggy (they are a dollar or more a sheet on board). I also bought a 2 load container of All, for $1, they also have single packs at the dollar stores or Walgreen, Target, CVS, WalMart. With your crew, you might need to wash once, I do and it's just us, so I won't take as many dirt clothes home with me.

 

Some of the terminals i have been in have snacks or drinks, some did not. I would bring cereal bars, fruit gummies, granola bars, etc.. just in case the kids (or hubby) get hungry before boarding. On board the lido deck has a limited buffet that serves lunch while the rooms are finishing getting ready which is done about 1:30.

 

Watch out... cruising is addictive.. and pretty soon anything less than a 7 day cruise just won't be long enough.