Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

Carnival Secrets they usually don't tell you about

Cinderellie

By Cinderellie,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

Recommended Posts

cruzinnluvinit

cruzinnluvinit

Posted
Posted
Well, I'll risk posting here, although I will admit to not reading all 80 pages. I have been taking a water bottle with insulated carrier on trips for at least ten years. Started with the old canteen...I saw those bottle holders on Zenith, but they weren't insulated. the ones I have hold a 22-30oz bottle. I carry a wide moth bottle, nalgene or similar, because you can go up to the buffet and fill it with ice and water...or iced tea, lemonade, whatever is free. Then you don't have to pay for the expensive bottled water as you go off for shore excursions. I also have bottles with filters, for when I visit countries where you can't drink the water. Then, when others in my group/tour are buying bottled water to brush their teeth, I am filling my bottle from the tap, then squeezing the water through the filter and into my glass. E.

Where did you get the filters for the bottles? I have been looking everywhere and can't find thm aymore.

 

Linda

Link to comment
Share on other sites
glentally

glentally

Posted
Posted
I'll continue the "dining room tip" theme with this one: Any pasta dish on the main entree section of the menu is also available as an appetizer. In my opinion, it's a good way to try it without gorging on pasta. Then you still have room for some of the other delicious looking entrees that are available that evening!

 

That's a new one! So if I do that is the pasta a smaller amount or the regular size?

 

Glen

Link to comment
Share on other sites
cruzinnluvinit

cruzinnluvinit

Posted
Posted
We take a couple of travel tumblers to breakfast with us and fill them up with orange and pineapple juices. The juice makes great mixers with rum or vodka if you happen to have any in your cabin!

I was told to pay attention to where the OJ is and it is there all day just not marked.

 

Linda

Link to comment
Share on other sites
bamakathy

bamakathy

Posted
Posted

We always buy the clear plastic "badge" envelopes and lanyards at Staples. We attach two to each lanyard. In one I put the Sail n Sign and the Fountain Card. In the other I put my driver's license and room key. (Yes, the room key fits.) I carry my money in my pocket or belly bag. It has worked out great through MANY cruises. When I want a coke, I just flash the card. It's not hard to grab the S&S card or DL out when leaving or boarding, and it's much easier than fishing through a handbag. People stopped us all over the ship wanting to know where we bought them, but we had to tell them we brought them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Love the blue

Love the blue

Posted
Posted
We always buy the clear plastic "badge" envelopes and lanyards at Staples. We attach two to each lanyard. In one I put the Sail n Sign and the Fountain Card. In the other I put my driver's license and room key. (Yes, the room key fits.) I carry my money in my pocket or belly bag. It has worked out great through MANY cruises. When I want a coke, I just flash the card. It's not hard to grab the S&S card or DL out when leaving or boarding, and it's much easier than fishing through a handbag. People stopped us all over the ship wanting to know where we bought them, but we had to tell them we brought them.

 

Isn't the S&S card the room card? It has been on all my cruises.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
cruzinnluvinit

cruzinnluvinit

Posted
Posted
And I also thought the soda card was actually a sticker that goes on the S&S card. So one card, with sticker, does it all.

When I was on Carnival Triumph in September, the soda card was separate. It was one cost for all week unlimited. I found you would need to drink 4 drinks per day or more to have it be worth it.

 

Linda

Link to comment
Share on other sites
aleahmach1

aleahmach1

Posted
Posted
When I was on Carnival Triumph in September, the soda card was separate. It was one cost for all week unlimited. I found you would need to drink 4 drinks per day or more to have it be worth it.

 

Linda

It is a seperate card. My husband and I shared the coke card all week. I went to one bar and he would take it to another bar. I just can't give them $35-40 per person for cokes to mix with our rum. We average about 4 trips total a day. Both are no no's but this site is full of tips on both subjects.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
KAWS

KAWS

Posted
Posted

We bought one card on the Miracle and that was just a sticker. On Princess it was a sticker too. I'm not sure I'd buy it again because with being away all day at ports you really don't drink all that much soda and it's VERY limited for sugar free - read Coke here only.

 

On Princess they had diet sprite too but it wasn't included in the soda card. They said only fountain pop - not opened cans. So most of the week I drank soda water, mixed with grenadine and lemon/lime for my soda card.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
wawapeg

wawapeg

Posted
Posted

Hi - lanyards are "necklaces" or "ropes" - made of material that hang around your neck. They have a clip at one end to which you can attach a see-through badge holder and put in your sail and sign card, etc. Some companies issue lanyards and badge holders for their employees to use to enter/exit work and sign in.

 

The casino (at least on Carniival ships) has lanyards and will punch a hole in your sail and sign so you can attach the card without the badge holder

 

As for the soda card - I found on Carnval that they only serve you from the already opened cans of soda but if you buy a soda you get the whole can freshly opened. And you do need to drink a lot of soda to make the soda card worth the money. My second cruise I just bought soda when I wanted it...was a lot cheaper and the soda was fresh! Or carry on what you think you will drink!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
aleahmach1

aleahmach1

Posted
Posted
Just bring a 12 or 24 pack on board with you. Use the free space on your return trip for the duty free liquor. problem solved.

You know....I think I will do that this time, we do not drink that many cokes to even pay $35 for one card or sticker. 24 Cokes for a week is plenty and MUCH cheaper than the coke card.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
cruzinnluvinit

cruzinnluvinit

Posted
Posted
We bought one card on the Miracle and that was just a sticker. On Princess it was a sticker too. I'm not sure I'd buy it again because with being away all day at ports you really don't drink all that much soda and it's VERY limited for sugar free - read Coke here only.

 

On Princess they had diet sprite too but it wasn't included in the soda card. They said only fountain pop - not opened cans. So most of the week I drank soda water, mixed with grenadine and lemon/lime for my soda card.

On Carnival all drinks in cans were included on the card but some people have complained that if the bartender sees the card they don't show up quite as fast as an alcoholic drink. I didn't find it to be a problem. We loved the bar as you enter on the Carnival Triumph.

 

Linda

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jacquid

jacquid

Posted
Posted

Now that I have gone blind from reading 81 pages of tips over the past 6 days I'd figure I'd post a summary of all the wonderful contributions made on this thread....along with some that I have picked up on my past cruises.

 

Another good list. Many are repeats but some are new.

 

Do walk the entire ship on your first day. It will help you learn where everything is, and will help you discover spots that others never find.

 

Tip your room stewart in cash on the first day, that can bring rewards.

 

One of the first things I do is ask my room steward for the use of a bath robe during the cruise. These are usually standard in suites, but if you write your steward a note while you are out to dinner the first night (I always include a cash tip as well) there will be one (or two if requested) waiting for you no problem. This saves so much room in my luggage and is useful for the pool and also spa visits.

 

Also the bartenders. Once we tipped a drink waiter. Later when some beers got damaged (Bent cans) that they would not sell, we got them free

 

If you need post cards, go to the pursers desk... they have those with the picture of the ship for free!

 

I don't consider these secrets, but people always say "I didn't know you could do that" when I order a second entree or second anything in the dining room, or order a refill in my souvenir glass at a "discount" rate.

 

If, by chance, you don't like anything they have on the menu, ask them to bring you a steak or chicken.

 

On some of the Carnival ships, you can get a deck of cards w/Carnival logo, just by asking at the purser's desk.

 

When you board, go directly to the casino (it will be closed) and get the free lanyards that are in the slot machines. Sometime during the cruise go to the pursers office and have your sign and sail cards hole punched and attach them to the free lanyard.

 

In the dining room, ask for espresso after dinner - not usually listed on the menu, but I have either espresso or cappuccino every night at no extra charge.

 

Hint: Read your Capers carefully, as some things are in small print. (Take a high lighter.) For instance, "tea time" is not announced in a big separate area, just in the listing of day's activities.

 

You can also ask your Room Steward for the book that is in your cabin. I got one from the Pride. Just ask and they may give it to you.

 

You will need to tip the cab driver that takes you to the pier/ tip the porter a buck a bag when he handles your luggage for the cruise.

 

You will tip when ordering room service -Room Service food is free.

 

On the formal nights - have your picture taken at each of the settings...you don't have to buy them...and it is fun to sit at the photo gallery going through all of the pictures. In the photo galery only buy the good ones. And I don't know the link, but if you google search it, there is a website out there with releases from all the major cruise lines. You can take it along with any pics you buy and get copies made back at home. Also contact Carnival directly and they will send you a photo release.

 

Carnival now charges for the cakes it brings to your table for your birthday or anniversary. I have not heard that they charge for singing however!

 

If you are going on an excursion the next day that does not include lunch...order sandwiches the night before from room service and put them in the frig overnight. Unless you are in a suite, you will not have an in-cabin refrigerator on the Paradise

 

If they have the "Galley" tour on your cruise....take it. It is incredible to see the activity that goes on down there. Sure makes you appreciate your meal a little more as you are eating.

 

A little tip if you have a computer, cell phone or anything else that needs power. Take a small extension cord since most cabins have ONE plug, usually far from where you might need it.

 

bring a travel clock since there are no clocks in the room as well.

 

I bring the glade night light plug in. I will put that on it and leave it in the bathroom at night. Those inside rooms tend to be dark. Just that little light keeps you from bruising a shin

 

Casino tip: If you play blackjack, one secret to keep in mind is the Fun21 table - there are NO QUEENS in the decks - They will tell you this IF YOU ASK but what they won't tell you, and 98% of the players do not realize, is that this forces a change in the way you play.. check out wizardofodds.com and read about SPANISH21 Stay away from this sucker game!

 

The pizza place also makes a very good Caesar salad to order, 24/7

Also about the Pizza.............If there is a special kind you like (different toppings than they show in the display case) if they can get them they will custom make you a pizza the way you want it, it takes about 8 minutes, but you do have to take the whole pizza...........which if it's the way the whole family likes it......no problem.

 

As to the Grill .........usually there are two grill area open on deck (1 near each pool area) and one serves only Hot Dogs and Hamburgers.........the other does the Hot Dogs and Hamburgers as well as Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwiches and Minute Steak Sandwiches (my Mom loves these!).

 

And don't forget ......don't ever forget! about the 24 hour Soft Serve Ice Cream (Chocolate, Vanilla and Swirled) and the Frozen Yogurt (also Chocolate, Vanilla and Swirled). And check your Capers for the Sea Days that they have the Sundae toppings available.

 

Ask your cabin steward for a foam pad for your bed. It makes the bed very comfy. They will put the twin beds together to make one.

 

If you need an asprin, seasick pills, or a variety of general medications, check the "0" deck where the waiting room is for the doctor. There were free samples for the taking in individual packets.

 

Free champagne at the art auction.

 

There was a Bingo game every day. And they are large bingo pots. Usually just one game

 

Money Clip magnets demagnetize your room key and sign and sail cards also the pool chlorine demagnetizes your card (I always put my S&S card in my back trunk shorts pocket) so be careful on that!

 

Not all Spas have hot tubs... Most people don't know this, at least early in the cruise and its a great place to go relax. Sure, your not outside and there is no service in the SPA, but they are usually pretty empty and you have great views out the front of the ship.

 

There are steam rooms and saunas in the SPA that people may not realize are free to use, they are separated so men and women can't go together, but nothing like a good steam after a hard day of cruising.

 

There are showers in the Spa, big deal you're thinking...these aren't the normal cabin showers, they are like the 'rain' showers that you find in some higher end hotels, I believe the destiny class actually have multiple shower heads...regardless, it is a very refreshing shower...we found this one year when we were only one deck away from the SPA...its a great place for a guy to go shower while the wife is using the cabin bathroom for a formal night or something.

 

It was always suggested to us to bring duct tape....only once have we had to use it. The airline put a three inch rip in the side of our luggage and I was grateful I had the tape along (in black) to patch it up.

 

Don’t sit in the balcony when attending shore/shopping talks, they give stuff away and it rarely makes it past first 15 rows of main area.

 

On my suitcases, I tie bright ribbons or whatever I can find at home so I can find my bags quicker once I get to "SuitcaseIsland".

 

If you drink a lot, look into sending yourself drink coupons. They save 25-50 cents per drink (on most drinks) and that adds up if you drink a bit. Buy the drink coupons under the "gifts" section of www.carnival.com - send them to yourself. You'll need your booking # and cabin #. If your cabin is not know then you have to order over the phone. Wait until 30 days before you sail.

 

Try things you'd never do at home. Most of us think Bingo is something at the senior citizens center. I have never seen such cut-throat Bingo in my life. It's a lot of fun, and you might win a free cruise!

 

We brought a light weight rolling foldup ice chest, gave our steward a $10 bill and he kept it in ice all through our cruise.

 

Pack your own bottled water, or at least an empty bottle. Fill it up before going ashore. It's much cheaper than buying it from the ship.

 

Bring extra hangers

 

On formal nights, about 80-90% of the men wear a jacket and tie. Your husband can go with just a shirt and tie but he will be in the minority. If you don't mind that, then go for it. I prefer to be on the edge of being dressed too nice, rather than not nice enough

 

Kids- Camp Carnival will have lots they can do and more

 

They also sell milkshakes at the coffee bar, they were good, but I'm not sure if they were worth $4.

 

Bingo is cheap compared to other cruiselines. $10 or $20 (for 3 cards).

 

- The drinks of the day you can buy in smaller glasses for $3 instead of the souvenir glasses for $6.

 

I find the easiest place to store larger suitcases after they've been emptied us under the bed.... good place to stash stuff you've bought and then lock the luggage... and it's out of sight and you're not stuck tripping over it.

Every room should have a hair dryer

 

They supply dove shower moisturizer in the shower which is in a pump that is displayed on the shower wall. they supply dove hair shampoo right next to the shower moisturizer in the same form. 1 bic razor for men and one for the ladies

a four pack of crest whitening expressions samples that i'm sure could last 4 or 5 days for a couple

 

there are two robes provided for you to use if you ask for them

 

there are two beach sized towels for you to enjoy at the pool or on an excursion. They only downfall is you have to keep up with them. For if you loose them they will charge you $22.00. Although they are very nice and thick. Worked perfectly for us.

 

Bring a salt and pepper shaker and a bottle of ketchup up to our room for our mid-night snacks or whenever we brought our breakfast up. It is quite a convenience.

 

I would suggest you take a large plastic sipper cup and or a large coffee mug for the ones that they supply are not very big at all.

 

Ladies, make sure you don't forget your nylons, for they do not sell these on the ship. I hope this will be of some help.

 

Also for the formal nights, the gents can rent a tux and keep it for the entire week for whatever occasion. It costs somewhere around 85.00, which is not bad, although we did not rent any shoes.

 

Be VERY CAREFUL of cotton or cotton-blend swimsuits in the jacuzzis - these are SALT WATER, and hot salt water will BLEACH your suit

 

Many people on the first day do not realize that the "Souvenier Glasses" are for keeps. We have found quite a few on stairwells, hallways, etc etc. We bring them home for the kids,

 

The "gold by the inch" and "silver by the inch" are all plated, not solid. (I've had mine for over 3 years now and it looks just as good !!! :) )

Don't be afraid to ask for extra pillows

 

On Paradise: Go to the childrens pool at the back, and go thru the little gates at the top of the stairs on the Port (Left) side that says conference room. This is not a crew area, and it is a nice place to sit and read a book.

 

-For first time cruisers, here's the best tip i've ever received and I'll pass it along: there will be some things that don't meet your expectations, and some things that surpass them. Someone will get a better deal than you did, someone will not follow the guidelines, somebody will cut in front of you, someone will let their kid be unruly -

There is one more tip that I use and that is to pack a 9x12" manila envelope with a piece of cardboard in it to keep our photos from getting crushed on the way home. I also take large (1 or 2 gallon) zip lock bags to put things like the Capers and other memorabelia I collect for scrapbooking when I get home. I use one for each day and really makes it easy to separate when I get home. Also, take a journal with you (like the ones at Barnes and Noble) and remember to write each day's events. They are so much fun to re-read years after the cruise. Things like people's names who you met onboard and have forgotten years later or a memorable dinner are right there at your fingertips. My problem is that I have a hard time remembering to write in it each night - LOL. Hope to do better on this next cruise. Thanks again for compiling all these good tips.

 

Use your cabin telephone for leaving each other messages

On the Spirit class ships ( Legend, glory etc..) you do not need a magnet for the balcony door or a bungee cord to keep it open. You can use the door stop in your cabin

On spirit class ships the bathroom nite lite will only work when the light is turned on so bring a flash light anyways...we use the light from our cell phones

bring sanitizing gel and antibacterial wipes for the vest during the emergency drill, those things are never washed :eek:

OFF makes insect repellent wipes, works just as well as the spray and easier to carry

Hope this helps :) ...I've already printed mine out !!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
KAWS

KAWS

Posted
Posted

Jacquid, thanks for doing this list. The only one I don't agree with is this one:

 

"If you are going on an excursion the next day that does not include lunch...order sandwiches the night before from room service and put them in the frig overnight."

 

There are health regulations with regard to this and you can cause some serious problems not to mention possible fines and they will confiscate if you are caught. You can bring things like boxes of cereal and prepackaged snacks though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
cruzinnluvinit

cruzinnluvinit

Posted
Posted
Jacquid, thanks for doing this list. The only one I don't agree with is this one:

 

"If you are going on an excursion the next day that does not include lunch...order sandwiches the night before from room service and put them in the frig overnight."

 

There are health regulations with regard to this and you can cause some serious problems not to mention possible fines and they will confiscate if you are caught. You can bring things like boxes of cereal and prepackaged snacks though.

I heard a person got arrested for taking a cookie. I don't think I would chance taking a sandwich. JMHO

 

Linda

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

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

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • 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...