Cruise Rookie .. Leaving on 10-24

[Kahhli]

Hi

 

Wow its great to find this message board and read some of the tips that are given.

 

As my title says Im a cruise rookie.

My husband and I have never cruised before and will depart on the Fascination on Oct 24th.

 

I would appreciate any advice from a seasoned Fascination Cruise poster.

 

Anyone else from this message board departing on that cruise as well ?

 

We did opt for a Jr Suite , and I would love to read anyones critque of those as well.

 

This rookie thanks you !

[mkk]

Congratulations..you will soon be addicted!

I haven't been on the Fascination so don't have any specifics...but I'd advise you to do searches on the topics you are most interested in....there is a wealth of info on these boards! Read the reviews..read other first time cruisers takes on their experiences.

When you board get a map of the ship (usually around the pursers' desk) and learn your way around..I know on my first cruise there were places I never explored and wished I had. There will be a clock on the tv in your cabin but you may want to bring your own...also bring a power strip for extra plug ins...

Be prepared for the small cabins and smaller bathrooms!

Pay close attention to the bulletins for daily activities..delivered to your cabin the night before..lots to see and do..

Above all..RELAX and ENJOY!!

[Kahhli]

Thanks for the tips Mkk :D

 

The countdown is beginning ... nervous and excited !!

[cruzeluver]

Best thing I could tell you is to not sweat the small stuff. Something is bound to not go as planned (ship departs late, obnoxious people next to you at dinner, seas get a bit rough, etc.). Just relax and don't let little things bother you.

 

My recent Carnival cruise was my first with them after having cruised with other lines. For the very reasonable fares they charge, Carnival does an excellent job overall. They certainly know how to pack in a lot of activities. The last thing you will have to be concerned about is a lack of things to do onboard!!

 

Hae a great time and let us know how it went when you return. (But beware the post-cruise blues!! :( )

[woodman]

Be prepared for a wonderfull experiance. I have sailed the Sansation and Inspiration. The Fascination is a sister ship to them. You will love this ship. It is not the largest one I have been on but I think one of our favorates. Easy to get around on and plenty of room. I think you will be pleasantly surpised at how large the cabin and bathroom is for a cabin on a ship. At least we were.

The power strip is a great idea don't forget one. ALso have a pocket of $1. and $5. bills for ready tips for onboard and shore excursions.

Most important don't let the small stuff get you upset and put a damper on you vaction. Take every thing as it comes and expect a mistake here and there. Life is not perfect.

OH ya one more thing if you have room take me along.LOL

[Kahhli]

Thanks all!

Woodman.. question ...

Since you have done this before , what it the going rate for tipping besides the standard 20% on a resturant bill ?

Who gets tipped and how much ?

We opted to include tips on the price of the cruise when we booked .. but something tells me thats not going to quite take care of all of it.

What would that pre paid tip take care of ?

I hate to look cheap just because Im clueless !

Thanks

[Kahhli]

Best thing I could tell you is to not sweat the small stuff. Something is bound to not go as planned (ship departs late, obnoxious people next to you at dinner, seas get a bit rough, etc.). Just relax and don't let little things bother you.

 

My recent Carnival cruise was my first with them after having cruised with other lines. For the very reasonable fares they charge, Carnival does an excellent job overall. They certainly know how to pack in a lot of activities. The last thing you will have to be concerned about is a lack of things to do onboard!!

 

Hae a great time and let us know how it went when you return. (But beware the post-cruise blues!! :( )

 

Will do Cruzeluver !! Thanks for your help !

[iluvdoxies]

Tips for cabin stewerd, dining room staff will be billed on your sail and sign account- you can adjust up or down if you see fit. Or you can give then xtra cash too if you want.

Each time you order a drink tip is automatically there= if you use the same waiter a lot- we usually tip 5 bucks a day.

 

Dont misss the deli- great sammies-it;s back by the pizza station.

 

Have a great cruise.

[woodman]

I note that you paid the gratuities when you booked your cruise. I always do that also to keep the S/S bill down. Hate to come home to new bills.LOL

This will cover your room steward and wait staff as well os the staff in on the Lido deck(buffet) dinning. It is based on a 15% bases. If you find that your room steward or wait staff is really great you can always give them cash at the end of the crusie. I always start off by giving the room steward $5. when we first meet. Then if service is good I will leave a thank you note to him along with $5. maybe every other day. Room service you are expected to tip about$1. for each person getting food. When ordering wine in the dinning room I would give the bar waiter or waitress $2. the first night along with my order. The next night she will be at your table as you sit.LOL Also at the Capt. reception I would give the waiter working my area $2. with the first round. You won't go thirsty.LOL When you order drinks at a bar or on deck by the pool there is a 15% tip added to the price of the drink.

The only draw back to prepaying your gratuities is that if you get bad service you are unable to adjust that amounbt down. If you wait until you board the ship to pay the gratuities they add it on to your S/S account and you have the option to take it off and work with cash or reduce the amount for a particular department. We have never had bad service on Carnival.

The only other place I would use cash would be in the Casino. You can use your S/S card but you will be charged the cash advance charge on you crdit card (ouch).