First time cruising and new to the forum

[KandyCruise81]

Hi, new to everything! My husband and I will be setting off on our first cruise July 31 on the Inspiration out of Long Beach. Staying at the Days Inn Long Beach City Center the night before. All the hotels with parking for the cruise were sold out, so unfortunately we will be using the parking at the port. What are some of your general tips and tricks for first timers?

 

We decided to pass on the Cheers package but will probably do the bottomless bubbles (is ice tea included in that?).

 

Managed to score a $100 Carnival gift card from my credit card rewards! Does that get transferred onto our Sail and Sign card or can we use it outright?

 

Gratuity/Tipping - I saw that some of you have said that this is prepaid. Was that paid at time of booking, Can I log into the Carnival website and pay for it, or is it something that gets automatically deducted at the end of my trip?

 

I tend to be an over packer for any trip I take, so there is no helping me there, lol! What types of random items should we bring that we wouldn't have normally thought of.

 

What are some "cant miss" experiences on the ship? We dont have any shore excursions planned right now so I want to be able to take the whole ship experience in.

 

Thanks for the read and help. Sorry about the newbie questions!:)

[pirate4me2]

Hi, welcome to cruising and CC!

 

I cant really answer any of your questions as I have not sailed that ship, but I can tell you that iced tea is free on the Lido deck and in the dining room. It isn't really sweet tea, so be prepared for that!

 

Also, in regards to your gift card, you can take that to Guest Services or to a Sail & Sign kiosk once onboard the ship and get it applied to your onboard account.

 

Have an awesome cruise!

[hckyfan68]

Hi, new to everything! My husband and I will be setting off on our first cruise July 31 on the Inspiration out of Long Beach. Staying at the Days Inn Long Beach City Center the night before. All the hotels with parking for the cruise were sold out, so unfortunately we will be using the parking at the port. What are some of your general tips and tricks for first timers?

 

We decided to pass on the Cheers package but will probably do the bottomless bubbles (is ice tea included in that?).

 

Managed to score a $100 Carnival gift card from my credit card rewards! Does that get transferred onto our Sail and Sign card or can we use it outright?

 

Gratuity/Tipping - I saw that some of you have said that this is prepaid. Was that paid at time of booking, Can I log into the Carnival website and pay for it, or is it something that gets automatically deducted at the end of my trip?

 

I tend to be an over packer for any trip I take, so there is no helping me there, lol! What types of random items should we bring that we wouldn't have normally thought of.

 

What are some "cant miss" experiences on the ship? We dont have any shore excursions planned right now so I want to be able to take the whole ship experience in.

 

Thanks for the read and help. Sorry about the newbie questions!:)

Hello Kandy and welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

Hopefully I can be of some help....

 

• Ice tea is free, you do not need Bottomless Bubbles for that.
  
• You need to apply the gift card to your sign and sail card. You do that at the guest services desk after you board, or you can add it to your account from the website.
  
• It gets added to the end of your trip, however if you booked through a Carnival PVP, give them a call and see if you can still add it to your booking.
  
• I always over pack (old Boy Scout habit). May people suggest that you bring an over the door shoe tree to help keep organized.
  
• Most ships only have one outlet, so bring something along to compensate that. Personally, I bring a 4 port USB plug so I can charge 4 items at once (phone, camera, underwater video camera in my case)
  

I have never been on that ship but here are a few things I can suggest:

• If you are interested, go to the Steak house on the first night. It is worth the extra fee, and unless something has changed you get a free bottle of wine for going on the first day.
  
• Room service is free. It may sound silly, but may first time cruisers don't realize that.
  
• I personally love the pizza they serve
  
• I'm not sure what rate or how you booked your cruise, but if you booked early saver, check your rates often for price drops
  

That's what I can think of off the top of my head. I love talking to people about cruising, especially new crusiers. Feel free to message me anytime if you have any questions

 

 

- Alan

[gottaluvcruises12]

Gratuities is something that you can add prior to sailing. Either way it will be included in your final balance at the end of the cruise. I like to pre pay so I don't have to worry about it.

 

For the over packer. I over packed for my first cruise. Now I am down to a carry on...lol...Just make sure it is light and comfy.

[Rebeccar8612]

Congrats on your first cruise! OK, I'll answer what I can.

 

As stated before ice tea (unsweetened) and lemonade is available free of charge.

 

You can call carnival and prepay your gratuities or they will be charged to your account. Is up to you how you want to do that. I prefer to prepay so it's another thing I don't have to worry about. But it's just my opinion.

 

I also overpack but we drive so I don't have to worry about fees from airlines.

 

I'm not familiar with your ship but in general things we love to do are the sail away party, lido has different activities that are fun to watch for us such as hairy chest contest and mixologist contests. These are fun to people watch! We love the comedy shows.

 

Some things I've seen people recommend bringing were power strip without surge protector. You will only have one plug in the room so it's helpful! Over the door hanger to keep all your toiletries etc organized. Over the counter meds ( Tylenol, Advil, sea sick meds, things like that) or small first aid kit ( items are expensive on ship!) We also bring a few small laundry detergent pods and do laundry night before we leave so I don't have to once I get home-- you'll be depressed about leaving the ship and won't feel like doing anything😂😂 or that may just be me😉

 

What type of room did you book?

 

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

[KandyCruise81]

Congrats on your first cruise! OK, I'll answer what I can.

 

As stated before ice tea (unsweetened) and lemonade is available free of charge.

 

You can call carnival and prepay your gratuities or they will be charged to your account. Is up to you how you want to do that. I prefer to prepay so it's another thing I don't have to worry about. But it's just my opinion.

 

I also overpack but we drive so I don't have to worry about fees from airlines.

 

I'm not familiar with your ship but in general things we love to do are the sail away party, lido has different activities that are fun to watch for us such as hairy chest contest and mixologist contests. These are fun to people watch! We love the comedy shows.

 

Some things I've seen people recommend bringing were power strip without surge protector. You will only have one plug in the room so it's helpful! Over the door hanger to keep all your toiletries etc organized. Over the counter meds ( Tylenol, Advil, sea sick meds, things like that) or small first aid kit ( items are expensive on ship!) We also bring a few small laundry detergent pods and do laundry night before we leave so I don't have to once I get home-- you'll be depressed about leaving the ship and won't feel like doing anything😂😂 or that may just be me😉

 

What type of room did you book?

 

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

Great! Thank you! We got an Ocean View on the Riviera level. I will be adding all of that stuff to my list of things to get. Im an ice tea drinker so Im glad that is part of the beverages that are offered. We are driving up from San Diego so we dont have to worry about airline fees or anything like that.

[KandyCruise81]

Hello Kandy and welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

Hopefully I can be of some help....

 

• Ice tea is free, you do not need Bottomless Bubbles for that.
  
• You need to apply the gift card to your sign and sail card. You do that at the guest services desk after you board, or you can add it to your account from the website.
  
• It gets added to the end of your trip, however if you booked through a Carnival PVP, give them a call and see if you can still add it to your booking.
  
• I always over pack (old Boy Scout habit). May people suggest that you bring an over the door shoe tree to help keep organized.
  
• Most ships only have one outlet, so bring something along to compensate that. Personally, I bring a 4 port USB plug so I can charge 4 items at once (phone, camera, underwater video camera in my case)
  

I have never been on that ship but here are a few things I can suggest:

• If you are interested, go to the Steak house on the first night. It is worth the extra fee, and unless something has changed you get a free bottle of wine for going on the first day.
  
• Room service is free. It may sound silly, but may first time cruisers don't realize that.
  
• I personally love the pizza they serve
  
• I'm not sure what rate or how you booked your cruise, but if you booked early saver, check your rates often for price drops
  

That's what I can think of off the top of my head. I love talking to people about cruising, especially new crusiers. Feel free to message me anytime if you have any questions

 

 

- Alan

 

Thanks! From what I have been reading, this ship doesnt have the steakhouse but they have selections on the dining menu. Our wedding anniversary lands on the second day, so we will definitely pay the extra to enjoy a delicious steak.

 

 

The hanging shoe bag sounds like an excellent idea that I never would have thought of!

[Rebeccar8612]

Great! Thank you! We got an Ocean View on the Riviera level. I will be adding all of that stuff to my list of things to get. Im an ice tea drinker so Im glad that is part of the beverages that are offered. We are driving up from San Diego so we dont have to worry about airline fees or anything like that.

Ocean view on Riviera was our first room on our first cruise as well!! I loved it! That cruise hooked me 😍 Now I'm an addict always looking for my next cruise fix😂 Luckily I'm getting it in July.... Thank goodness! Seriously though, have an amazing cruise and enjoy every minute! Even boarding, seems mundane but you will be amazed at the size of the ship and the sounds of all the commotion. It's wonderful! Welcome to the community!!!

 

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

[Drrandall]

Welcome. Lots of good advice here. Try to prepay for everything including tips. Makes the cruise so much more relaxing.

I did prepaid grats, bottomless bubbles for kids, cheers for me(had to, all you can drink Starbucks!), paid for all excursions. It's a good feeling.

Shorts, flip flops, tank tops, bathing suits, sun screen and you are complete

[jdemps]

I will add that the iced tea is a mixture from a box like on a soda fountain, it is not real brewed iced tea.

I think it's fine and drink it all day but just know that going in.

 

Bring a few pairs of earplugs. The ship and it's passengers can make some strange sounds at all hours of the day and night...lol

 

Bring downy wrinkle releaser to spray your clothes because there isn't an iron in the room. That stuff is amazing!

 

I also bring a travel size hair dryer because even if there is one in the room, it doesn't really work.

 

You may order as many things in the dining room as you wish. I'm not a fan of wasting food but the portions seem to be sized so you can try several things on the menus each night. All included for no extra charge.

 

Have fun!!

[my kids mama]

Bring a lanyard for your sign and sail card and look for the free red bus in Long beach that will take you very close to your hotel. No need to take a cab!

[my kids mama]

Or rather to the port from you hotel.

[Katng0826]

Don't forget to bring your own tumbler unless you prefer kids cup. It's great when you want ice tea or lemonade and your sun bathing.

 

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[broadwaybaby123]

Hi, new to everything! My husband and I will be setting off on our first cruise July 31 on the Inspiration out of Long Beach. Staying at the Days Inn Long Beach City Center the night before. All the hotels with parking for the cruise were sold out, so unfortunately we will be using the parking at the port. What are some of your general tips and tricks for first timers?

 

We decided to pass on the Cheers package but will probably do the bottomless bubbles (is ice tea included in that?).

 

Managed to score a $100 Carnival gift card from my credit card rewards! Does that get transferred onto our Sail and Sign card or can we use it outright?

 

Gratuity/Tipping - I saw that some of you have said that this is prepaid. Was that paid at time of booking, Can I log into the Carnival website and pay for it, or is it something that gets automatically deducted at the end of my trip?

 

I tend to be an over packer for any trip I take, so there is no helping me there, lol! What types of random items should we bring that we wouldn't have normally thought of.

 

What are some "cant miss" experiences on the ship? We dont have any shore excursions planned right now so I want to be able to take the whole ship experience in.

 

Thanks for the read and help. Sorry about the newbie questions!:)

So here are my answers to some of your questions as a 15-time cruiser.

 

Iced tea is included in the package and is worth the extra $50, especially if you're not a big drinker.

 

Get off at the ports as often as you can. Del Sol is my favorite store to shop at: everything they make changes color in the sun. Beaches are good to check out too.

 

Things to pack: a book (or 2 if you're near the end of one), 2 bathing suits, swim socks (some beaches are very rocky!), waterproof camera, binoculars, and lotion (for sunburns). Safety pins will come in handy for dinner as well.

 

Sent from my LGL22C using Forums mobile app

[Saint Greg]

Veteran cruisers always have a secret get together the first night...deck 9 at 9. Wear your elegant night clothes.

[Rosefloater]

Veteran cruisers always have a secret get together the first night...deck 9 at 9. Wear your elegant night clothes.

Op -Ignore this comment.

 

Parking at the port is $19/day prorated. After paying the attendant, keep the ticket out. You will need it again at the next ticket area past the outside parking lot.

 

Get off the ship at the ports. Check out the California and Mexican Riviera boards under Ports of Call.

[SkyPiglet]

My own cruise advice for first-timers...

 

1) In the dining room, there is not a limit to what you can order. If you want two entrees, get two entrees. I try not to go crazy with it, but once in a while I may get a bit extra. Many first timers don't realize this.

 

2) Over-packing. My wife and I bring a few laundry pods and use the ship's laundry to decrease how much clothing we bring. The cost here is a few bucks and a few hours. I think it's worth it to have less luggage.

 

3) Magnets: I buy a cheap set of magnetic clips at a dollar store. The walls of your cabin will be magnetic and it is useful to hang things like schedules, excursion tickets, etc.

 

4) Gratuities: Yes, you can pre-pay gratuities on the CCL website. I am sure you can call their call center as well. I strongly recommend it. Gratuities are bit controversial, because some folks prefer to hand cash to waiters, stewards, and other staff as they go and avoid the gratuities through Carnival, but they don't realize that many staff are cut out if this happens. If you pre-pay, you know you take care of the people who take care of you. We usually give the cabin steward an extra $20 or so anyway.

 

On a side note, pre-paid gratuities do NOT cover room service, so if you order room service, be sure to tip the waitstaff who deliver it like you would for delivery at home :)

 

5) As mentioned earlier, YES, the steakhouse is worth it. Do it the first night. You will get a free bottle of wine and won't miss anything too exciting in the main dining room.

[cruise_everywhere]

A lot of great advice here! I think most of your questions have been answered by my advice for 1st time...

ENJOY EVERYTHING!

Don't try to do everything as well - there are a lot of activities on board. Some will be of interest and some won't.

 

If you are a drinker - enjoy the Alchemy at least 1 night - don't order off the menu - ask them to make something for you and you won't be disappointed!

Serenity is a nice getaway but it'll get crowded quick especially on sea days.

If you like food - The Chef's Table is always a good choice - Personally have never done it but every I heard has gone has always raved about it! (same for the Steakhouse but I don't think that's on the Inspiration...)

 

As for over-packing - I think even experienced cruisers still have an issue with this!

[summersigh]

To anyone new to cruising or new to Carnival my suggestion would be to go to the Carnival site and read the FAQ's at your leisure. There are answers there to questions you didn't even know you had.:D

We've done that each time we sailed a new cruise line - then came here to Cruise Critic for clarification or to ask about how those FAQ's play out on a real cruise.

[kollarism]

Bring a lanyard for your sign and sail card and look for the free red bus in Long beach that will take you very close to your hotel. No need to take a cab!

 

We're going on our first cruise in July too, the conquest. Did the s&s cards have a hole in them for a lanyard, or did you put them in a plastic sleeve?

[Mleonardelli5]

Looks like you have already gotten some great advice. As for bringing some little things, a small fan, and your own cup, I bring my yetti and can have my water, coffee or lemonade anytime. If you do bring a cup bring a little dish soap and a sponge to wash it out. We also bring a travel steamer to get wrinkles out. And like another had said a small first aid kit. With pepto and antacid.

As far as over packing it's all a personal thing but remember that you have limited space and there's a laundromat on board.

 

 

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[Mleonardelli5]

One other thing I don't think was mentioned.. read your fun times so you know what's going on that day.

 

 

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[AR Patriot]

YouTube CruiseTipsTV. Great channel. I am pretty sure they are members of CC under a different name. Long Beach is their HomePort so you will get a lot of info applicable to your cruise.

 

Sent from my Honor 8 on Forums mobile app.

[Rosefloater]

Did the s&s cards have a hole in them for a lanyard, or did you put them in a plastic sleeve?

 

It's hit or miss if the cards have a punched hole or not. If they don't, you can go to Guest Services and have a hole punched. Or wait for the casino to open and see a slot attendant to punch the card and to give you a lanyard.