1st time cruiser...general Qs

[msu11y28]

Hi everyone... this is the first cruise for both my husband and me. Just had a few general questions about what to expect...please forgive any ignorance on my part! We'll be sailing on the Carnival Victory this Dec.

 

The Carnival website shows lots of dining options, and we have an 8:30 seating...does this only apply to one main dining room? What if we want to try one of the other restaurants? Would we show up there at 8:30 as well?

 

Will we be sitting with other people? Is it possible to get a table for two in the main dining room? Is it easier to get a table for two in one of the other restaurants?

 

Are there ATMs on board? Do you suggest carrying a certain amount cash because it's easier, or because any on board ATMs might have a large fee?

 

What is a reasonable amount to expect to pay on your "sign and sail" bill at the end of the cruise? We booked this cruise months ago and have been budgeting accordingly but as relative newlyweds I WOULD like to have some idea of what to expect...I don't want to be completely broke when we get back!

 

What is the latest you would recommend booking a shore excursion? We're still trying to decide (too many options!) and have been putting this off. Also, when purchasing an excursion is your credit card charged right then and there, or is this added onto your sign and sail bill so that you wind up paying for it at the end of the cruise?

 

How good is Carnival with providing upgrades? Is this a hit-or-miss thing? Are you more likely to receive one during the holiday season (fewer cruisers?)

 

Sorry for all the newbie questions... thanks in advance for any help!

[yesaccasey]

Yes, there are ATMs on board, however, I would suggest trying to bring cash or charge everything to a credit card via your sail and sign card. As to how much you will spend really depends. If you want to gamble, drink, and shop you will need money for that. It is possible to go on a cruise and not spend any money... but I have yet to do it. You also need money for parking (if you are parking your car at the port) and they required cash up front last time I went.

 

As for dinner, I would try to stick to your set dining time if you want to eat in the dining room. It is possible to switch times, but you will have to speak to someone in charge of seating at the front of the dining room. You can skip the dining room dinner and eat at the buffet or order room service, which is free.

[cruisers5]

Hi, I just got off the Victory on Sunday. There are two main dining rooms, Atlantic and Pacific. You will be assigned to one of these according to where your cabin is located. Both are two tiered. If you decide to eat on the Lido deck (basically only other option unless you use room service) you can show up there any time you want to. You won't know until your first dinner if there are other guests at your table. When you get on board, go to the dining room and check with the Matre'd and see where you are assigned and ask to change it if you can. No guarantees on it being changed.

 

Yes, there are ATM's on board ship - but you will be paying an additional service charge for using them.

 

Your Sail and Sign card will be charged $70 each for gratutities and $1.28 each for the new terminal in Miami. What else goes on there depends on what you decide to spend (drinks, gambling, shopping on board ship)

 

As for shore excursions, if it's a popular one, book asap. Your credit card will be billed when you book it, and then it depends on your billing cycle when you get the charge. If you wait and book on board the ship, then your Sail and Sign card will be billed (but again, if it's a popular excursion it could be sold out). Check the Ports of Call boards to see about private excursions. We did the Sting Ray Swim in Grand Cayman with a private excursion (cheaper than Carnival) and it was awesome.

 

Upgrades are hit and miss.

[*Mach*]

Hi everyone... this is the first cruise for both my husband and me. Just had a few general questions about what to expect...please forgive any ignorance on my part! We'll be sailing on the Carnival Victory this Dec.

 

The Carnival website shows lots of dining options, and we have an 8:30 seating...does this only apply to one main dining room? What if we want to try one of the other restaurants? Would we show up there at 8:30 as well?

 

Will we be sitting with other people? Is it possible to get a table for two in the main dining room? Is it easier to get a table for two in one of the other restaurants?

 

Are there ATMs on board? Do you suggest carrying a certain amount cash because it's easier, or because any on board ATMs might have a large fee?

 

What is a reasonable amount to expect to pay on your "sign and sail" bill at the end of the cruise? We booked this cruise months ago and have been budgeting accordingly but as relative newlyweds I WOULD like to have some idea of what to expect...I don't want to be completely broke when we get back!

 

What is the latest you would recommend booking a shore excursion? We're still trying to decide (too many options!) and have been putting this off. Also, when purchasing an excursion is your credit card charged right then and there, or is this added onto your sign and sail bill so that you wind up paying for it at the end of the cruise?

 

How good is Carnival with providing upgrades? Is this a hit-or-miss thing? Are you more likely to receive one during the holiday season (fewer cruisers?)

 

Sorry for all the newbie questions... thanks in advance for any help!

 

That dinner seating will apply to one restaurant only. You have the option of eating at the buffet on the Lido Deck, grabbing a pizza or a burger. On some ships (Conquest and Spirit Class) supper clubs are available for an additional cost, $30pp, and are well worth it.

 

Using one of the other dining options frees up your time as you are not required to stick to the 8:30 time assigned for main dining.

 

Upon arrival on the ship you can visit the Maitre'D and request that your seating be changed. Normally, you will be seated with other guests. It's a great way to get to meet some wonderful folks.

 

There are ATMs on board but the fee is fairly high. You might want to bring Traveler's Checks. You can cash those at the Purser's Desk.

 

How much you spend is a function of how much you elect to drink and what other items you purchase on board. You can spend as little or as much as you like. I'd expect four to five hounded per person for a seven day would be reasonable. You can do it for much less.

 

Any excursions you book through Carnival are charged to your card at the time of booking.

 

Upgrades are very hit and miss. I'd suggest you book a class of cabin that you won't be disappointed with. Should the upgrade fairy not visit you there won't be any long faces!

 

Hope this helps.

[Wennfred]

The Carnival website shows lots of dining options, and we have an 8:30 seating...does this only apply to one main dining room? What if we want to try one of the other restaurants? Would we show up there at 8:30 as well?

 

They will issue you a table for the 8:30pm seating, this is the table you will be using, the table number, dining room name and time will be listed on your Sail & Sign card. This is the card also used to open your cabin door. If you wish to eat somewhere else you can go to Lido Deck at the buffet, just check the times on the Capers.

 

If you want a Table for 2, I recommend as sooon as you board the ship, head to the Midship Dining room before 1pm, usually at 1pm they open the dining room doors and the Maitre'D will be there to handle table and time change for passengers. Be sure to be the first in line as these tables for 2 go fast.

 

 

Are there ATMs on board? Do you suggest carrying a certain amount cash because it's easier, or because any on board ATMs might have a large fee?

 

We bring cash and keep it in the cabin safe. There is a ATM machine by the Casino but they charge you around $5. per transaction.

 

What is a reasonable amount to expect to pay on your "sign and sail" bill at the end of the cruise? We booked this cruise months ago and have been budgeting accordingly but as relative newlyweds I WOULD like to have some idea of what to expect...I don't want to be completely broke when we get back!

 

First time cruisers will usually spend $1400.00 or more if they do not watch their spending. The good thing about the ship you are on, you can view your Sail & Sign account using your remove control on the T.V., I suggest you check this every day and keep your reciept and so you can balance them out on the T.V. with your account. Sometime they add a drink or something that doesn't belong to you and you need to despute that later. 140.00 will already be billed for auto tips and any you will see any excursions you already paid for but with a (money) around it meaning it was already paid or that money was deposited into your account.

 

What is the latest you would recommend booking a shore excursion? We're still trying to decide (too many options!) and have been putting this off. Also, when purchasing an excursion is your credit card charged right then and there, or is this added onto your sign and sail bill so that you wind up paying for it at the end of the cruise?

 

Its best to book something you really want to do because there are some excursions that sellout first, one of them are like horseback riding. If you find that one is completely booked, you can always find a private tour operator either online or at the pier. Your credit card will be charged right away, if the excursion is cancelled once on the ship they will credit your credit card back right there.

 

How good is Carnival with providing upgrades? Is this a hit-or-miss thing? Are you more likely to receive one during the holiday season (fewer cruisers?)

 

If you booked a cabin Gurrantee, its hit and miss, some people get luck while others don't, its like playing the lottery.

 

 

 

Fred

[habby]

The Carnival website shows lots of dining options, and we have an 8:30 seating...does this only apply to one main dining room? What if we want to try one of the other restaurants? Only other dining options currently on Victory are lido deck buffet/windows or room service. Would we show up there at 8:30 as well? You will receive your assigned dining time and table number when you check in and get your Sail and Sign card. If either of these will be a problem, talk to the maitre 'd as soon as possible and they will try to accommodate you.

 

Will we be sitting with other people? Maybe. Is it possible to get a table for two in the main dining room? Maybe. Is it easier to get a table for two in one of the other restaurants? Never tried, but we've had a group of four and were always seated at a four-top. Wouldn't mind being seated with others, but we do interact with tables nearby.

 

Are there ATMs on board? Yes. Do you suggest carrying a certain amount cash because it's easier, or because any on board ATMs might have a large fee? You're right, large fee with ATM, plus they tend to run out of cash before the end of the cruise. I'd suggest cash. Make sure you have plenty of small bills for tipping cab drivers, porters, tour guides, etc. and purchases on islands just to make things easier.

 

What is a reasonable amount to expect to pay on your "sign and sail" bill at the end of the cruise? Our S&S has been $200-300, mostly for beverages. This did not include cash we used in the casino. We booked this cruise months ago and have been budgeting accordingly but as relative newlyweds I WOULD like to have some idea of what to expect...I don't want to be completely broke when we get back!

 

What is the latest you would recommend booking a shore excursion? We're still trying to decide (too many options!) and have been putting this off. Also, when purchasing an excursion is your credit card charged right then and there, or is this added onto your sign and sail bill so that you wind up paying for it at the end of the cruise? We don't have experience with this, usually wait until we get to the port and then find an excursion with an independent (mostly from recommendations from the ports of call boards here).

 

How good is Carnival with providing upgrades? Is this a hit-or-miss thing? Are you more likely to receive one during the holiday season (fewer cruisers?) Upgrades are always hit-or-miss. If you've booked a guarantee such as OV, you should not be assigned to anything less than an OV. If you want a balcony and book an inside, GOOD LUCK!

 

Sorry for all the newbie questions (no need to apologize. We were all newbies once)... thanks in advance for any help!

 

Congrats, and enjoy your cruise!! Please come back afterward and tell us how things went.

[Kurbanfan]

Just a side note. You mentioned you have 8:30 dining time. That is probabley what you requested, but it could be a different time once your board. As soon as you receive your S&S card check the time listed. If it is not 8:30 you need to go to the dining room as see if you can have it changed. If the time is correct go to the dining room and locate you table number. you can see how big the table is. If it is not a 2 top you can request one.

[hogtyde88]

They will issue you a table for the 8:30pm seating, this is the table you will be using, the table number, dining room name and time will be listed on your Sail & Sign card. This is the card also used to open your cabin door. If you wish to eat somewhere else you can go to Lido Deck at the buffet, just check the times on the Capers.

 

If you want a Table for 2, I recommend as sooon as you board the ship, head to the Midship Dining room before 1pm, usually at 1pm they open the dining room doors and the Maitre'D will be there to handle table and time change for passengers. Be sure to be the first in line as these tables for 2 go fast.

 

 

 

 

We bring cash and keep it in the cabin safe. There is a ATM machine by the Casino but they charge you around $5. per transaction.

 

 

 

First time cruisers will usually spend $1400.00 or more if they do not watch their spending. The good thing about the ship you are on, you can view your Sail & Sign account using your remove control on the T.V., I suggest you check this every day and keep your reciept and so you can balance them out on the T.V. with your account. Sometime they add a drink or something that doesn't belong to you and you need to despute that later. 140.00 will already be billed for auto tips and any you will see any excursions you already paid for but with a (money) around it meaning it was already paid or that money was deposited into your account.

 

 

 

Its best to book something you really want to do because there are some excursions that sellout first, one of them are like horseback riding. If you find that one is completely booked, you can always find a private tour operator either online or at the pier. Your credit card will be charged right away, if the excursion is cancelled once on the ship they will credit your credit card back right there.

 

 

 

If you booked a cabin Gurrantee, its hit and miss, some people get luck while others don't, its like playing the lottery.

 

 

 

Fred

 

Pardon the hijack.

 

Fred, congrats on reaching platinum!!:)

[Wennfred]

Pardon the hijack.

 

Fred, congrats on reaching platinum!!:)

 

Thanks, it took awhile, now I have to work on 25 :D

 

 

Fred

[hogtyde88]

Hi everyone... this is the first cruise for both my husband and me. Just had a few general questions about what to expect...please forgive any ignorance on my part! We'll be sailing on the Carnival Victory this Dec.

 

The Carnival website shows lots of dining options, and we have an 8:30 seating...does this only apply to one main dining room? What if we want to try one of the other restaurants? Would we show up there at 8:30 as well?

 

Will we be sitting with other people? Is it possible to get a table for two in the main dining room? Is it easier to get a table for two in one of the other restaurants?

 

Are there ATMs on board? Do you suggest carrying a certain amount cash because it's easier, or because any on board ATMs might have a large fee?

 

What is a reasonable amount to expect to pay on your "sign and sail" bill at the end of the cruise? We booked this cruise months ago and have been budgeting accordingly but as relative newlyweds I WOULD like to have some idea of what to expect...I don't want to be completely broke when we get back!

 

What is the latest you would recommend booking a shore excursion? We're still trying to decide (too many options!) and have been putting this off. Also, when purchasing an excursion is your credit card charged right then and there, or is this added onto your sign and sail bill so that you wind up paying for it at the end of the cruise?

 

How good is Carnival with providing upgrades? Is this a hit-or-miss thing? Are you more likely to receive one during the holiday season (fewer cruisers?)

 

Sorry for all the newbie questions... thanks in advance for any help!

 

We just complted our first cruise last week and had a ball.

 

The most important thing is "don't worry" you are on vacation. Don't fret every little expense. Unless you drink alot or go nuts in the casino you should be fine. We put about $700 on our S&S card while on board and part of that was extra photos we purchased for x-mas gifts. In addition to the S&S account I put about $250 on a credit card for on-shore purchases and spent about the same in cash( which included cab fares , tips, etc,).

 

And don't worry about your "newbie" questions. That's why CC is here. Read as many of the threads as you can, most of your questions will be answered.

 

Have a great cruise.

[chitown cruisers]

Welcome to our addiction..........not much else to add to what has been answered.

 

If you take extra cash to avoid the ships charges you can use the room safe (assuming the Victory has a swipe safe). After you put your valuables in the safe close the door and swipe a magnetic stripe card (NOT YOUR SIGN AND SAIL/ROOM KEY). This can be a drivers license, gift card, canceled credit card etc. That very card will be needed to open the safe. Instead of carrying the card, you might want to agree on a hiding place for the card so that your other can have access too without you being there.....(example: in a pair of socks, a book, the top zip pouch on the black suitcase). To lock the safe you will then repeat the process.

 

I take a post it note pad and a small pack of thank you cards. The post its to pass request on to the cabin steward (usually everything is done so I just wish them a nice day) and the thank you cards for the end of the cruise just in case a bartender or someone from the dining staff had exceptional service.

 

Good luck, enjoy and BON VOYAGE

 

and the only cure for PCD Post Cruise Depression is to book another.....it doesn't hurt as bad if you have another booked before you sail, because when it is coming to an end you know you have something definite to look forward to.

 

I'm an addict and do not want the cure!!

[TennisLover]

All of your questions seem to have been answered, except I want to clarify one thing regarding your question about: Are you more likely to receive one during the holiday season (fewer cruisers?)

 

Others have answered about the likelihood of an upgrade. But I want to add that the ships are usually full during holiday season! This is the only time when many families with children will travel, so they are very popular cruise weeks. I have read that it is quieter (less kids) during the first half of December.

 

As you can see from my cruise list, we always cruise during a holiday period.

 

Victory was our first cruise, too. Plan to get addicted very quickly!

[habby]

Welcome to our addiction..........not much else to add to what has been answered.

 

If you take extra cash to avoid the ships charges you can use the room safe (assuming the Victory has a swipe safe). After you put your valuables in the safe close the door and swipe a magnetic stripe card (NOT YOUR SIGN AND SAIL/ROOM KEY). This can be a drivers license, gift card, canceled credit card etc. That very card will be needed to open the safe. Instead of carrying the card, you might want to agree on a hiding place for the card so that your other can have access too without you being there.....(example: in a pair of socks, a book, the top zip pouch on the black suitcase). To lock the safe you will then repeat the process.

 

When we were on the Victory in April, the safes were the swipe kind. We used the same "hide-a-card" system described here and it worked great.

[luckycruzer]

I always call each cc company, and my banks to let them know I am leaving the USA, and when and where I'm going, and length..and rtd to US.. The CC cos are very good, but my bank has missed twice in more than a year..this is a preventative security measure, so I take what I need shore for walk a round cash

....as well as $1.00 bills for tips and taxis...cash..for a beer, snak, or small purchase..in Mex, and some ports will give local currency for change..so I take lots of ones and $5's ashore. $$ speaks volums for bargaining. good Luck, Welcome, and bon voyage..lucky

[msu11y28]

Thanks everyone for all the help and suggestions. This site has been really helpful. I will be sure to post my review, although from what I've heard about cruising I am going to love it!