Great Carnival Cruise Tips

[TMWTim]

Without a doubt the best tip I followed was the bungie cord! If you have a balcony, bring a 2 foot bungie cord to keep the balcony door open when you are in the room. Don't ask why, just do it! Trust me, if you are a couple and have a balcony you need a bungie cord holding the door open:D Don't worry about your bungie cord, our steward always picked it up from the floor or from the balcony floor and wrapped it around the balcony door handle every day so we wouldn't lose it.

 

Balcony = 2 foot bungie cord

[iluvdoxies]

Can you really bring sandwiches off the ship? I think the two cruises we have been on before had signs when you were getting off the ship that said you could not do this. One port (St. Maarten?) said $10,000 fine or something like that. Does anyone know if you can in fact bring food off the ship?

 

No you cant----and if caught it will be confiscated.

 

Each port has this rule, not sure about the fine.

[caribbeanboy]

No you cant----and if caught it will be confiscated.

 

Each port has this rule, not sure about the fine.

 

I never do it,but if someone does, who is going to check in your bag ? I think it's something from the cruise lines to avoid a wild west (or to discourage )from people taking food from the ship.

[Calker]

We overslept, we only had 10 minutes to get to the dock, kids were starving, without thinking I grabbed each kid a milk, box of cereal, and a banana. As we were departing the kids started eating, no problem with the milk and cereal. We steeped onto the dock, as soon as I pulled the fruit out of my bag, Carnival staff approached and asked me to return to the ship immediately to dispose of the bananas.

 

Just as I was about to argue, the staff person started to explain. They are trying to protect the environment. Unpackaged items can introduce bacteria/bugs into the ports environment. There are also some pretty strict laws with hefty fines at some ports.

 

It's always best to ask (which we now do) before debarking at a port- if it's not okay there are waste baskets very near the exits.

[cruisinCLT]

FYI.....I've never had anyone check my bag when I got off the ship to check for sandwiches or fruits.....I've never taken these foods off but just thought I'd let ya know that I've never been checked or seen anyone getting checked. I'm sure if you walked off the ship with the baggie in your hand they would stop you but they don't check your bags when you get off the ship at ports.

[allgeeteredup]

Why not just follow the rules. Breakfast is provided before you get off the ship. Don't take the chance of getting yourself in trouble.

 

Also, I read on one thread that they give free granola bars or energy bars away at the gym. Is this still true? We are going on the Conquest in September. It would be great to find out which things pertain to which ships.

[zqvol]

Can you really bring sandwiches off the ship? I think the two cruises we have been on before had signs when you were getting off the ship that said you could not do this. One port (St. Maarten?) said $10,000 fine or something like that. Does anyone know if you can in fact bring food off the ship?

 

It depends. Some places allow it others don't. To be safe the mass market cruise lines all say it cannot be done. Most of the upscale lines will even prepare the picnic basket for you to take off the ship. If you have any doubt just don't do it but in most places it is OK.

[big_duck]

I never do it,but if someone does, who is going to check in your bag ? I think it's something from the cruise lines to avoid a wild west (or to discourage )from people taking food from the ship.

 

Having worked for our Agriculture department I can guarantee the Cruise lines didn't put us up to our regulations.

[zqvol]

Secrets and Tips-

 

-Make your reservations ASAP for the alternative dining room as they have limited space and reservations go fast.

 

You can usually get a space without too much trouble unless you are part of a large party.

 

-You can bring a reasonable amount of wine, soda and bottled water on board.

 

You can only bring one bottle of wine per adult on board. Most people who are bringing wine would not say that is a reasonable amount.

 

-You can see the menu for the dining room on your tv so you can see if you like that day's selections.

 

On some ships, not all.

 

-Coffee, Tea, Iced Tea, Lemonade, Fruit Punch, OJ, Milk and Lemonade are free!!!!!!!!!

 

Nothing is free but it is included in your fare that is already paid.

 

-If you want orange juice any time remember the exact place you got it during breakfast time. All they do is remove the label, making you think there is no OJ.

 

On most ships this is not true. They change out the units, or lock them. If you want OJ get it in the morning.

 

-You can ask your room steward for a foam egg crate pad for the bed.

 

With the new bedding this is not needed.

 

-You can ask your room steward for the book that is in your cabin that is about the ship.

 

Usually they will tell you that you cannot take it and they do not have any extras.

 

-Bring a bungee cord so you can keep your balcony door open.

 

Of course do not expect any air conditioning if you do this.

 

-On some ships the balcony door frame has a button on the inside of the door frame. When you leave your balcony door open, the air conditioner in your room will not work while the door is open. Simply put a small refridgerator magnet over the button and your air will continue to run while the door is open.

 

Don't do this. It raises energy consumption and raises costs for everyone. If your steward finds any magnets they will take them and keep them until the morning of debarkation.

 

-Do not book shore excursions through the cruise line. Do a little homework before you go and book your excursions directly. Cruise Critic Boards and an excellent source of information and many excursion companies live or die based of cruise critic reviews.

This is sometimes good advice and sometimes not so good advice. The key is to research your excursions carefully. Make sure that you don't miss the ship.

 

-Cross pack everyone's clothes that way if a piece of luggage gets lost everyone will still have clothes to wear.

This happens so rarely that it is a waste of effort, especially if you drive to the port.

 

-When the ship is in port you can always come back on the ship to drop off packages, get changed or have dinner on board and you can leave the ship again. Just remember to be back a half hour before the ship leaves.

 

Be back when the ship says to be back whether it is 30 , 45 or 60 minutes.

 

-When the lights start to dim in the dining room this means entertainment is coming. Make sure you have your camera ready.

This is the time to get up and leave to avoid the circus, of course if you want to see why the dining room is anything but elegant stay and watch.

 

 

-Carry off your own bags at debarkation to save time and prevent potential loss of luggage.

Baggage loss is so rare that this is not a reason to carry off your bags. Unless you are in a hurry let the crew deal with the bags and enjoy your last morning on the ship.

 

-Make copies of your passport.

 

And do what with them? Of course the answer is that the State Department recommends that you have a copy with you and leave a copy at home. That way in the event it is lost or misplace you can more easily get it replaced (not easily but more easily.)

 

-Bring a sweater the dining room gets cold.

Some people get cold, most don't. I find the dining room is usually too warm for my comfort.

 

Must Brings-

-Over the door shoe holder.(organize your bathroom stuff, sunblock, sunglasses, camera etc.etc.etc

 

This is a waste. It does nothing but add weight to the bag you have to check on the plane.

 

-Duct tape- Many uses for this from fixing a broken suitcase to taping the drawers closed when there is bad weather.

 

If you are flying all this does is add weight to your luggage. Leave it at home. The ship has anything that you might need.

 

-Extension cord because there are limited outlets in the cabin.

 

Don't waste your time, instead bring a power strip or surge protector with multiple outlets.

 

-Extra hangers

 

No need closest have plenty

 

-Bungee cord

 

-Magnet

 

Bungee and magnets, see above but leave them at home.

 

-Post it notes

 

Why?

 

-One dollar bills for tipping

 

Bring larger bills you can always change them at the casino or pursers desk and they are easier to carry.

 

-cheap plastic watch

 

Bring a watch, preferably one you can swim with but there is no need to bring a cheap watch, bring the watch you wear.

 

-disposable water camera

Only if you don't have a water camera anyway. But keep in mind every time they are X-rayed coming on the the ship the film degrades. also be aware that most do not take decent underwater pictures.

 

Comments above

[Susie51]

I can't remember which E. Carib. port we were at in fall 2007, but we had to have our beach totes and back packs open as we passed by the local authorities stationed at the security gate. They were checking for fresh food. There were large trash cans nearby. You had have beach towels removed from the tote/pack before passing by the guard. It was a quick process.

 

Has this happened to you? Or was this a random inspection? I have cruised in the Carib. 5 times. I have frequently seen the signs NO FOOD and trash cans just before leaving the ship, but never at the security gate before this time.

[crusinpsychRN]

Without a doubt the best tip I followed was the bungie cord! If you have a balcony, bring a 2 foot bungie cord to keep the balcony door open when you are in the room. Don't ask why, just do it! Trust me, if you are a couple and have a balcony you need a bungie cord holding the door open:D Don't worry about your bungie cord, our steward always picked it up from the floor or from the balcony floor and wrapped it around the balcony door handle every day so we wouldn't lose it.

 

Balcony = 2 foot bungie cord

 

I could never figure out how to put the bungee cord on the door and then on...what?

[Kiera99]

Thank you Kstfflet for all the great suggestions and tips.

[toby #1]

ZQVOL, I happen to like the tips KSTOFFLET gave, so you don't like them ? that's to bad. I agree with most of them and I don't think I'd write a post being such a naysayer, so if you don't like them "suck it up" Maybe you don't agree with them but some people do.

[CenTexGal]

ZQVOL, I happen to like the tips KSTOFFLET gave, so you don't like them ? that's to bad. I agree with most of them and I don't think I'd write a post being such a naysayer, so if you don't like them "suck it up" Maybe you don't agree with them but some people do.

 

I totally agree Toby!!!!!!

[angelsbaby1]

I totally agree Toby!!!!!!

Me too, Sandy!!

 

Angel :)

[bmwmom2002]

http://home.comcast.net/~dr.crash/HomePage.html

[chadinennistx]

Me too, Sandy!!

 

Angel :)

me three,sounds like another know it all instead of being helpfull.:rolleyes:

[smiles32617]

me three,sounds like another know it all instead of being helpfull.:rolleyes:

 

I agree too....don't be so negative about everything! Your cruise is what you make of it.....:D

[lovestocruise@yahoo.com]

Nice list - Thank You!!

 

I have been on at least 15 cruises and I learned a few things......

[queenanneitis]

Here is a list of tips all in categories!

 

http://www.prucha.com/modules.php?name=Cruise_Mania

[kmaries633]

Here is a list of tips all in categories!

 

http://www.prucha.com/modules.php?name=Cruise_Mania

 

Thanks for all the great tips. My mom and sis and I are sailing the Fascination 11/25/13 for my 50th birthday:(

[Bluemoon319]

Secrets and Tips-

 

 

-You can call Carnival's Bon Voyage Department and pre-order alcohol to be delivered to your cabin. You can order bottles of hard liquor so that you can make your own drinks in your room. You can't order online. You must call to set this up. It is a bit pricey but worth it and actually cheaper than buying it by the drink.

 

Yes, you CAN order them on line. In My Cruise Manager under the To-Do List, go to Plan Activities. When that window opens, click on Onboard Gifts & Services. Wine, beer, champagne, & liquor are listed here. The only stipulations (other than being of legal age, of course) ids that if your ship leaves from Texas or Alabama, they can't deliver it until the next day due to local liquor laws.

 

 

-Cappuccino and Espresso are free in the dining room.

 

Phasing out

 

-Children under 12 can get soda with their dinner for free in the dining room.

 

Again, no longer. :(

 

 

 

Great list!!

 

However, they no longer give Playing Cards away for free.

 

Catrin

 

Hmmm... Since when? :( I just got some on my cruise this past July.

[Birdlady2]

You can ask your room steward for a foam egg crate pad for the bed.

 

What is that????What is it for??? :confused:

 

Do they have alarm clocks in the cabins?

 

No, but you can set up a wakeup call using your cabin phone.