Cruise Virgins - Need to Know?

[Texaslady22]

We're going on our first cruise on the Carnival Magic in May (62 days). We decided to also pay for my parents a cruise. They own a small business that's barely keeping afloat in this economy and haven't been on a vacation in years. They've never cruised.

 

We're researchers--we've read everything and spent hours and hours on Cruise Critic. They are not and they know absolutely nothing.

 

My mom hates to read, so what are the really important details I should be sure to tell them? I mentioned excursions and my dad said, "We don't need excursions, do we? That sounds too structured!" They're totally not planners at all.

 

What's vital for them to know?

 

(PS - We're prepaying their tips and they don't drink. How much spending money might they need?)

[deedle7544]

Not much spending money unless they are shoppers. What do they like to do at home? My mother can spend days in the card room, finding more bridge players (yuck!). What ports are you going to?

[lgsshedden]

if they don't drink they will need very little spending money: Let them know they have the option to stay on ship or to get off on port days and that they can just get off and wander around the port area: Cayman is real easy to walk in the downtown and Cozumel has a port shopping area that will suffice if they aren't adventurous. Not been to Montego Bay yet.

 

Most important is determining dining time: many "seniors" become more structured in their schedule -- probably your dad will appreciate early dining and knowing what table and time you will eat at each day (just a guess judging from my own FIL). Beyond that, the only other re-assurnace I would give them is that despite Carnival's fun ship reputation and the size of the boat, there are lots of places to be quiet and a wide variety of activities that they can choose on a daily basis to enjoy or pass.

 

One other idea: on our first trip on the Legend we didn't know the ship did an afternoon tea but we did discover this lovely option on our second trip. Not sure if the Magic has it on sea days or not but it might appeal to your parents -- English style afternoon tea with piano music.

 

Anyways, other than that, if your dad is not a planner, the cruise is perfect -- lots to do and minimal planning -- if you research and your mom doesn't , maybe scope out a couple of choices each day from the Fun Times and ask her at breakfast which appeals.

[TGHRS]

There is some basic information available in my signature that covers a wide variety of topics. If you are lucky enough to have the Travel Channel show the do's & don't of cruising it is also helpful.

 

Just kind of sit down with them and have them tell you what their dream vacation would be like. Then you will be able to find it.

[bshow]

Sounds like you are being set up. If anything goes wrong it will be your fault, because they "weren't told."

 

Good luck.

[choclitsnda]

Make sure to stop by the Guest Services desk to get a few Decks of FREE Playing Cards, Post Cards & Ink Pens with Carnival logo on them to take back as souvenirs. :)

 

My parents like taking Island TOURS at each port.

This way they can kick back in a comfy, air conditioned bus/van & enjoy the sights while learning a bit of history about the area. (Some Tour companies provide bottled water & snacks.)

[flag fan]

Be sure to let them know how dining works if you have not picked anytime dining--I was surprised by the set dining times and assigned tables on cruises, which is different than how restaurants work on land. You can also explain about alternative restaurants, the 24-hour buffet, and limited menu for room service.

 

The other thing about cruising that surprised me are the "formal nights." You should make sure they are prepared to dress up a couple nights -- something not very common on land.

 

You can also mention the casino if you think they might want to do a little gambling--if so, they will need money for that.

 

Also spa services are a nice way to spend some downtime--and will require money.

[Bobblefrog]

If they are soda drinkers, of course those will "cost". The bottle of water they leave in the room and any other bottled water has a fee. But there is plenty of iced tea, juice in the morning, lemonade and water at the buffet and main dining room. There is also coffee and yummy hot chocolate. One tip from this boards was to mix the lemonade and tea and make an "Arnold Palmer". If they are soda drinkers then a bottomless bubbles card might be nice and I believe you can get fruit juices from the bar on that as well. Others will correct me if I'm wrong on that!

 

I would also recommend to think a little about meds - because simple over the counter stuff can be expensive on board, so addition to prescriptions you might think about mini travel versions of pain killers (like I can only take aleve), pepto, cold medicine, decongestant, etc. in addition to prescriptions (take a week extra).

 

Very good sunscreen, hats and aloe in case they still get a little burnt.

 

Consider a diuretic (but if they are on meds, check with doctor) and drink lots of water - I never ever retain water BUT boy did I on a cruise - then you need bandaids for the blisters from the shoes that don't quite fit....

 

And finally I understand you can get free seasickness meds from guest services - but I always pack everything - if one thing doesn't work another does....the generic bonine, ginger candy (we use that when we start to feel a little queasy and seems to always do the trick), seabands and I understand you can order green apples and crackers from room service. Some people take the bonine every day just to ward it off, but it makes me too sleepy. I might try ginger pills this trip. People swear by them. Not to worry - I only felt it the first night at dinner when I sat down, then when I would go to sit at the computers and finally the very last night coming back into Charleston we had some rough waves for a few hours.

 

There is so much to do that doesn't cost anything so excursions definitely aren't necessary. We spent our whole time exploring the ship, finding private nooks to watch the sunset, doing things like playing old games in the library that we never had in years like connect four - these times were some of the highlights of our first cruise.

 

Sometimes just booking a taxi and getting a the driver to give you a tour of the island if they want to get away from the port area but still feel unstructured is a great way to see and do. Check the boards about each island though so you know which ones are licensed and what to expect.

 

One place to explore would be the gym and locker rooms - free BIG showers, and may have free steam rooms and sauna: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1560425 - just not sure exactly how the Magic is laid out and which options would be free and which require the spa pass (seems that might be worth some spending money!)

 

We had our first cruise just over a year ago and are HOOKED. I hope they will be too!

[SadieN]

Adding onto Bobblefrog's post---

 

Bring some Immodium. Eating on vacation is different than eating at home.

 

Buy some Bonine or Dramamine. Carnival has started to charge for these.

If you do start to feel seasick eat tart green apples, ginger ale (or clear soda) and crackers. Ginger also helps.

--apples, crackers and pickled ginger (sushi area) are found during dinner on the lido. I bring some candied ginger from home.

 

We get a lanyard from the casino for our Sail & Sign card.

We also attach a small, dollar store flashlight to it.

 

***

I've used brand names but generics work just as well.

[serene56]

from my experience with cruising with my who is 85.

 

we tried anytime .- he preferred regular early dining.

he did not likemhaving to go down and wait in a line then taken to a differnet table each night.

he preferred to know to leave his cabin at 6pm and meet up with us at the table.

he liked that the waiter got to know his preferences, likes and dislikes. he likes a cup'of hot tea with his meal. with the second night it was always there.

 

he also'liked getting up early so he would'go have breakfast and move his way around the ship, then had a cup'of tea with us whne we were having our breakfast.

 

he LOVES the casino. and he budgets 100 per night for casino spendinging.

he does not drink, nor does he shop. he prepays his tips,after final'payment.

[GROUCHPUSS]

if they own a business and need to stay in touch then buy the unlimited internet download Vonage app on smart phone and call for free just make sure is in airplane mode or roaming data is off and if you don't want to pay for incoming call do a unconditional call forward to Vonage # or Google voice #

 

Here is how to turn WiFi on in airplane mode on a iPhone.

 

When you enable airplane mode from the Settings screen, an airplane icon () appears in the status bar at the top of the screen and the following wireless connections and services are turned off:

 

Cellular (voice and data)

Wi-Fi

Bluetooth

GPS

Location services

 

If allowed by the aircraft operator and applicable laws and regulations, you can re-enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth while in airplane mode:

 

Wi-Fi: While airplane mode is on, tap Settings > Wi-Fi, then turn Wi-Fi on and choose a Wi-Fi network.

Bluetooth: While airplane mode is on, tap Settings > Bluetooth, then turn Bluetooth on.

 

For additional information on airplane mode, see the User Guide for your iOS device. Not all wireless features are available on all iOS devices.

 

This works for me. If I could not keep in touch I could not cruise so I have to find an affordable way.

[Seago2]

Make sure to grab a pocket sized ship map. Then remember that usually the carpets are a different color on each deck and... This may sound silly... But port has four letters and so does left. Starboard > right. Getting to know your way around can be the hardest part!

 

Good luck and happy cruising!

[maryred]

They may not drink alcohol, but they will need to pay to drink anything that is not self service on a cruise or listed without a price on the MDR/room service menu. A cruise is not an all inclusive experience the way it was in decades past. Then there are things that could be bought while on board and depending on what they are they can be cheap like bottles of "duty free" liquor & cigarettes to expensive like $8 for 6 Dristan pills. Then of course there is things like on board gambling & gaames of skill or chance for prizes and things to do on shore that will require funding of some sort. Remember if more cash is needed than what is brought initially there are options on board like an ATM or cash advances from credit/debit cards or a personal check cashed at Guest Service but be aware there are fees to do any of these.

 

 

 

If your trying to figure out how much the "extras" on board cost here's a list. Though this might not completely up to date or cover everything that can be purchased it should give you a general idea of what things cost could on board should you or your parents choose to purchase them.

Included with each passenger's fare price:

 

All food and snacks from the buffet, room service (cash needed for tips though), and main dining room.

 

Self service drinks - coffee, hot tea, iced tea, hot chocolate, lemonade, and water are free at the Lido deck buffet 24/7, with boxed milk available at meal times and juices are available during breakfast gratis. There are also water fountains near most of the public areas for tap water. Iced tea, milk, water, coffee and hot tea (juices at breakfast only) are also served without a charge in the MDR during sit down meals, but other drinks will be at the "bar" prices. You can bring a travel mug or your own capped tumbler to fill up gratis drinks at the Buffet drink stations or water fountains (use the plastic cups to fill from the dispenser then pour into you own cup). Any drinks ordered from any bar, lounge, or wandering server, even soft drinks (including the ones you could get at the self service area of the Lido) will be charged to your S&S account with a 15% auto gratuity added to the menu price.

 

All the lounge shows, most ship board activities and entertainers, including the comedy shows (but not the CD/DVDs the comedian may try to sell). Though there are a few activities that do have a participation fee which will be charged to the S&S account (like bingo, the martini tasting, these will be noted w/ * or + in the FunTimes schedule (delivered to you cabin daily), most activities are free to join in.

 

All the pools, hot tubs, loungers, gym equipment, and sports equipment are free to use. Some things may require a "deposit" on your S&S card to ensure equipment return (like the towels from the pool towel hut, mini golf equipment). Some things are popular so there may be a wait to get the equipment or time on the sports area.

 

Items that have a charge and must go on the S&S account once on board, no cash accepted at time of purchase, you must pre-fund the account w/ cash, travelers cheques, or a credit/debit card for last day of cruise billing. A few costs maybe pre-paid prior to boarding so you final S&S bill does not seem so large.

 

Auto- gratuities are $11.50 per person per day. You've pre-paid but still expect to see this as a charge on the listed on the accounts. On some ships, when you prepay, you may see an immediate OBC on your S&S account in the amount equal to the pre-payment (so don't mistake it as a gift) with the actual charge for the gratuities coming out on a later date.

 

Excursions (perhaps the biggest non-included expense) = With Carnival anywhere from $30 to $300 per person.

Some independent tours may take credit/debit cards others will require cash (paid at the time of the tour), but his should be spelled out on their website. These independent tours can be as inexpensive as $1.75 (ex bus fare to a free beach) to costing in the thousands (ex. private air tours). A third option is to arrive in port and go with the flow and just see what's available to do within your $ and time budget for the day.

 

Drinks (I have included the auto gratuity as part of the total):

Sodas, basic bottled water, and glasses of juices (from a lounge or bar) = $2.24. Available for those that drink a lot of soda (bottled water is not included) is the Bottomless Bubbles sticker at a charge of $6.90 (adult) + possibly the departure port's local tax (depending on how soon on board the package is purchased) for the length of the cruise. The BB sticker may also be purchased on board the day of embarkation and the first full day of the cruise only.

Powerade & Vitamin water= $3.39

Imported & sparkling bottled water = $3.73 -$5.46

Espresso = $2.01 - $2.30 + flavor shots @ $0.58 each

Iced Coffees, Lattes, Cappuccino, and Chai (from the coffee shop) = $2.88 - $3.74 + flavor shots @ $0.58 each

Milkshakes = $4.54

Smoothies and virgin drinks = $5.46

(I know you said the parents don't drink but you might like one)

Liquored Coffee = $5.17

Beer = $4.54 - $7.76 per can/bottle you can save $2 off buy purchasing a bucket of 4 at a time (mix and matching allowed)

Cordials & Shots = $5.68 - 11.44

Mixed drinks normal glass = $8.34 - $11.44

Souvenir glass drinks both the virgin and DODs types = $8.62 - $16.04. Refills can be less if you re-use the souvenir glass, most of the time close the normal glass drink price.

Wine per glass= $6.33 - $12.08

Wine per bottle = there are many choices but they tend to start at around $32 per bottle and go up from there .Depending on the cruise there are 3 & 5 bottle wine programs that can be purchased the first day aboard, this generally saves 25% off the per bottle price, but you are limited to picking wines from a pre-set list at each price point.

 

 

Food:

The Chef's Table = $75 per person a great time if your a gourmand.

The steakhouse (if available on your ship) = $35 per person (and well worth IMHO for a special occasion or romantic evening)

A few other specialty dining venues (mostly on some of the newer ships) have a variable per plate or cover charge.

Snacks and sweets from the coffee shop, the FunShops, and Formalities = $1 (a big cookie) to $65 (canapes & wine in cabin)

 

Anything taken from the mini-bar/fridge or bottles on the desk that don't have a gift tag on them that the room steward can not reconcile between Carnival stocked & passenger carried-on items.

 

Photos:

5x7 = $9.99

6x9 = $11.99

8x10 = $19.99

Portraits 8x10 = 21.99

Reprints = $9.99 after buying the original picture

Touch-ups and special effects are available at an extra charge as well as special photos like a 16x20 canvased portrait. Also you can have you own film printed from your camera (sorry don't have the prices for these other services).

Frames and other photo equipment is available for purchase at various prices, the novelty frames & disposible cameras cost as much as any resort area shop and the scrapbooking supplies are not too badly priced but sometimes they have decent deals on the electronic equipment. Scrapbooking classes are also offered through the gallery for a fee.

 

Spa and Salon:

Any where from $45 - $345, and they will pester you when having certain treatments (and afterwards) to buy the (overpriced IMO) products they just used. I've seldom used the services since the on board price is double or triple what I pay near home but they will run some sales or specials for appointments while in port.

Exercise classes, instructor lead = $5 - $20, but use of the gym equipment on your own is free to use. The sauna & steam rooms in the changing areas are also free to enter.

 

Bingo = a 3 board card $20, and I have heard there are 1 board cards available for $10 but have yet to attend any game when this was offered.

 

The "Fun Shops" = These are the on board stores and many times the gift/souvenir prices are better than in the USA and Canada, but not always as inexpensive as in port (especial the Caribbean islands). A few things are outrageously price like toiletries ($15 for aloe) and sundry goods ($2- $5 packaged snacks you could buy at a convenience store for a $1-$3) w/ souvenir prices about what you would expect them to be ($20 graphic tees, $3 keyrings), but you can find decent buys on jewelry, liquor, and tobacco. They do run sales and specials while at sea so look for them in the FunTimes and any cabin flyers you receive.

 

Internet minute packages. The most current prices can be found in the Carnival's FAQs

 

Cabin to land phone calls which I believe are now $1.99/ minute. For some this price is better than the combined price of their carrier's contract per roaming minute rate plus the extra fees charged by the CellularAtSea for the use of the satellite transmission while on board.

 

Places you could spend cash (sometimes you have the option of using your S&S card or a credit/debit card):

On board:

Casino

Slots and Poker Machines = Start at a penny per play and go upto $5 machines. Remember to insert your S&S card because even though you can pay in cash to play, the pay out is cashless and tallied as a Player's Bank. You will need the S&S card to withdraw any funds from the Player's Bank from the casino cage cashier. Funds may also be withdrawn from your S&S account w/ no fee, instead of carrying cash in to the casino, but I have heard there is a daily limit as to how much. (open only while at sea)

Casino Tables = Some start at a $5 minimum, but like w/ roulette you can spread the bet around as single $s (inside #s only). You purchase the chips at the table and cash them out at the casino cage. If you pull money from the S&S account for the tables will will be charged a 3% premium. (open only while at sea)

 

The arcade & Skill games

Like many land based arcades they use tokens and most games are 2 to 5 tokens per play. On many ships machine will exchange cash for the tokens for 4 for $1, but some of the newer ships only take the S&S card. There are bonus token deals for higher amounts bought in a single transaction. Not refunds given for unused tokens. A few skill games in the casino area take cash only.

 

Room service and scattered tips on board = it's unclear if the room service people receive any of the funds from the auto-gratuities pool so we always tip a $1-$2 per plate of food delivered and $1 per free drinks. At fee drinks will be billed at the normal bar price & have the normal 15% added.

On occasion we receive (or want to receive) extra service so we will tip drink waiters and some other assorted crew members an extra $1 or $2 as we travel (especially at the free drink events/parties).

 

 

 

In port:

Independent tours &/or transportation around the port. A few will be set up to take credit cards once you arrive but he majority will require cash. Some companies can have their tours pre-purchased on the web via PayPal or cc/debit card, but inspect their refund/cancellation policy carefully, they may require 24 hours or more notice if you will be late or not making port. Cabs and other non mass transit in ports tend to have high rates for fares especially on islands that need refined gas imported. Research any public transport options for each port some may require exact change or local currency.

 

Shopping and food on land. Some of the "chain" style retailers and restaurants will have the capability to accept cc/debit cards (double check w/ your bank for any associated processing fees for foreign currencies), with the smaller and artisan vendors expecting cash. But if you prefer haggling cash will be the easiest to deal with, though prepare to receive change the local currency.

 

Also be aware many free beaches refer to just the fact that there is no beach badge or entry fee. If you want a beach chair, lounger, hammock, or an umbrella there will be a charge. Many of these beaches also allow roaming vendors to walk around selling their wares.

If you opt for a private or at fee beach some of the optional activities (like water bikes) will be an additional fee but many include seats and towel service with a few adding in food or drink vouchers. Again research ahead of time, to see which options are better (fee or free) especial since the others are looking for you to have the answers.

 

Additionally try to return/exchange the beach towels or robes to the same location they were taken from, so the towel hut person or the cabin steward doesn't mistakenly charge the room for a missing item that were actually returned to a second location. Learned this one the hard way when we found out our DS's BFF was leaving "his" pool towels on "our" side of a connected balcony to dry. The room steward inventoried as us using and returning towel to the cabin, while showing their cabin as being short the towels and providing replacements. We were able to catch the discrepancy before the final charges were recorded because by our 3rd day into the trip we had 8 beach towels for a cabin of 2. (Concerning the towels & robes charges - On a cash account these will need to be reconciled/disputed the last night at sea or you will be called to Guest Services before being allowed to disembark the final day. If you ignore the page & try to walk off your S&S card will get a funny ding and you will be escorted to GS.)

 

Don't forget to warn them about mobile phone use and have them contact their own carrier for additional information that pertains to their plan. After cruise unexpected billing may include a large mobile phone charges for texting &/or data or belated charges from Carnival for towels &/or robes not accounted for.

For the cell phones try to keep them in airplane mode w/ the data service shut off and preferable in the cabin's safe while on vacation. In airplane mode w/ data off you can still use the phone's camera. MP3, &/or apps that are fully installed & don't require an uplink. Do take them in port along w/ the port agent's phone number in case anything unexpected happens. DO check with your carrier for specific port international calling rates under your plan. DO NOT rely on the phone to stay on ship's time.

[ScottsSweetie]

If they are not staying with you while in port, the most important thing to know is DON'T BE LATE GETTING BACK TO THE SHIP!

[serene56]

not on carnival

Then remember that usually the carpets are different

Good luck and happy cruising!

[Seago2]

not on carnival

 

Sorry to give wrong advice- the walls certainly are a different shade- I know on Princess the starboard and port sides have different carpet colors-