Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

Tips for 1st timers in my group...

heatherkristin

By heatherkristin,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

Recommended Posts

heatherkristin

heatherkristin

Posted
Posted

Hi everyone!

 

My fiance and I are getting married aboard the Carnival Paradise sailing in April. We have about 30 sailing guests with us, most of which are first time cruisers. I am trying to make an informational newsletter for all of my guests with hints/tips they may not have thought about.. I figured I should come to the experts to help me with this one. :) Any tips you all think would be helpful for them I would really appreciate!

 

Thanks!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Justsyd

Justsyd

Posted
Posted

There's so many to choose from! I would explain to them about onboard gratuities, and stress that they need to bring Passports, Prescription and over-the-counter meds, sunscreen, and half the amount of clothes they'll think they need! LOL.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
ShedQueen77

ShedQueen77

Posted
Posted

I would also outline what drinks are free and what drinks you have to pay for. Many newbies are surprised that alcohol and soda aren't included. Also a note about available shore excursions might be helpful in their planning their time and their budget.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
CRZCRAZY

CRZCRAZY

Posted
Posted

Stress the fact that they must have the required documents ON THEM and not in their checked baggage. We've taken groups with us and every time there was one person that left it in their luggage. We started going through the bus before leaving town asking to physically see everyone's papers to make sure they had them in their possession. Once we had the bus run by a passenger's house because they left it on their kitchen table! Glad we found it early.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
heatherkristin

heatherkristin

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Stress the fact that they must have the required documents ON THEM and not in their checked baggage. We've taken groups with us and every time there was one person that left it in their luggage. We started going through the bus before leaving town asking to physically see everyone's papers to make sure they had them in their possession. Once we had the bus run by a passenger's house because they left it on their kitchen table! Glad we found it early.

 

It's funny you say this because I saw the post a few hours ago about someone denied boarding because of this. It's what prompted me to create this letter!! I will definietely be making sure everyone has their information on them. I can only imagine SOMEONE will do that. Thank you for the idea of checking with everyone before you leave. great idea!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
In2why

In2why

Posted
Posted

Remind them to remove everything from the safe before leaving the ship after the cruise. My brother left his wallet and discovered after leaving. Luckily Carnival sent someone to his cabin to get it while they waited, but they had to race to get to the airport in time for their flight out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jobell

jobell

Posted
Posted

First of all, congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

 

Biggest piece of advice, don't stress over the little things (for you or any of the cruisers).

 

Carry on 1 bottle of wine or champagne per person, case of water/12 can pack of soda. Soda will help those who like a couple per day but don't necessarily want to purchase the soda plan.

 

Most of all, just have fun and enjoy the start to your new life. ;D

Link to comment
Share on other sites
martini_guy

martini_guy

Posted
Posted

Here's a few of my essential tips:

 

1) bring a small powerbar if you plan on plugging in more than one thing at a time.

2) FRS radios (walkie talkies) are very handy for keeping in contact onshore and off the ship. We use ours alot, it's like a poor man's cell phone when you want to contact someone and you don't know where they are on the ship.

3) if their are any big drinkers in your group tell them to smuggle some booze or else they'll be broke by the end of the cruise.

4) research your ports of call and plan your excursions ahead of time. Deciding once you're already on the cruise usually puts you at quite a disadvantage.

5) if someone in your group really needs to check email at some point during the week the best options is to bring a smartphone or laptop and find a wifi hotspot at one of the ports. Using the ships internet can be quite expensive.

6) If you need to make calls back home you can usually get a calling card at most ports and call from there. One time we rented a cell phone for $15 with unlimited minutes in Grand Cayman. Beats the $5/min or whatever it is on the ship!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • Hurricane Zone 2024
      • Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com June 2024
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • 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...