1. You can do everything from check-in and prepare your boarding documents to access the day-to-day schedule for onboard activities. They serve excellent beef brisket, plus pulled pork and chicken, with yummy mac and cheese and other sides. ), Want to fly with your bottle of wine? We developed these Carnival Cruise tips on a two-week Panama Canal cruise from Galveston, Texas aboard the Carnival Freedom. Again, the Carnival fleet sails large ships and there is always limited capacity. Bring your own conditioner and lotion, or plan to go without. A daughter and husband who loved boats and me, the girl who loves to travel. This is great if you have people in multiple rooms and you can communicate about when and where you want to meet up. Join Alice and Tommy T for the Mardi Gras Cruise ship January sailing in 2022. We only link to products and services we recommend. Its fun to see all the families coming and going. It doesnt matter if youve sailed into a different time zone. And be sure to read the promotional emails you get from Carnival as they are often discounts on things you can book in advance like 20% off spa treatments or 10% off of shore excursions if you book them during the promotion. I felt the same way. A wristwatch is always best. Take the stairs. Always pay attention to SHIPS TIME You dont want to be the knucklehead running down the dock as the ship is throwing off tie-lines to sail away. Mitchell & Phyllis Lewis, Curtis & Dana Mynatt, Batesville Arkansas. BlueIguana Cantina on Carnival . Spend a few minutes on your first day figuring out the app. It may seem funny to start thinking about the next cruise, before this one. A cheap pair of water shoes will do the trick. Some of the Carnival Cruise tips on our list were suggested by these Carnival Cruise experts. This post was created as part of my collaboration with Carnival. Of course, if had he pre-purchased a Caribbean plan before we left port it would have been a whole lot cheaper. You've probably already guessed this, but you'll find the absolute best Carnival cruise deals when school is in session. 2. Power Strip Put four or five family members in a stateroom and see how much jockeying for plug-in-time ensues. But better safe than sorry, right? The water on board is perfectly good to drink and a water bottle is a great way to make sure you stay hydrated. Even if you do not want to book a treatment, head to the Spa to access the fitness center, steam room, sauna, and jacuzzi, at no cost. Depending on the ship you may only find one outlet in your cabin, so cruise power strips (like this one) can be a lifesaver if youve got multiple electronics to charge every day. If you own at least 100 shares of Carnival's stock, then you are eligible for free onboard credit. After three nights at our assigned dinner table in Posh, we noticed a nearby booth that was always empty. While the Cheers and Bubbles packages are popular (and I think get more popular with each sailing), the truth is they are also expensive. Pop up laundry hamper While youre at the dollar store picking up your magnetic dry erase board, think about picking up a cheapie pop up laundry hamper as well. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind during your cruise planning. The line to get through customs is LONG and often wrapped around twice. If you're a wine lover, this is a chance to try that high-end wine you've been eyeing at 50% off! Check out this insulated water bottle with a wide enough mouth to fill with ice! If you want to make a change, just ask. Watch your daily newsletter to know which restaurants are open for breakfast. Keep your watch set on ships time. But many first-time cruisers don't know this and write in a hefty tip at the "additional tip" line on bills at cruise ship bars and spas. Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You'll be cruising cashless with Carnival. No lines. On arrival at the port, make sure your luggage is properly tagged and in the hands of the porters. Even if you are traveling in one room, it is totally worth $5 to be able to text when you are apart. In fact, many of the folks on board were Gold, Diamond, and Platinum members with 20, 30, or more Carnival cruises under their belts. "Faster to the Fun" is not available on all cruises (see where here) and it can sell out early. You didn't go on vacation to wait in lines, did you? The Freedom is one of the older ships in the Carnival fleet but it was retrofitted and updated in 2004. Also, once you have one cruise under your belt you will qualify for a return-cruiser rate. Get travel insurance. I like to order room service for lunch and sit out on my stateroom balcony and people watch on port days. Know that not all of your port days need to be spent onshore. From getting to know your ship, to knowing how to skip the lines, these are some of the best ways to make the most of your time onboard your Carnival cruise. And then, about five years ago, the tide began to change. We asked, and were able to switch to that booth for the rest of the cruise. When you are packing up on the last day simply dump all the dirties into a suitcase and fold the hamper back flat and slide it into the suitcase or leave it on the ship. Vacation calories dont count do they? This allows you to use the ships wifi to communicate with any other passengers on board. (On the Carnival Freedom, rooms in the 200s on each level were nearest the Atrium.) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Choose FUN! The deck can be extremely windy at times, but we considered this as extra resistance training. Officially, Carnival defines "cruise elegant" as cocktail dresses, pantsuits, or elegant skirts and blouses. You'll sometimes find complimentary meals at Cucina del Capitano and JiJi's Asian Kitchen. This tip is simple: download and use the Carnival Hub App. McCool Travel tip: Your wine will get a very thorough inspection during the check-in process. Required fields are marked *. 5. Yes, you definitely want to have cruise insurance in place no matter what time of year you're traveling, but make sure you look at a couple of third-party policies before you book. Carnival is obviously doing something right to generate that kind of brand loyalty. Before embarking (stepping on board) your ship, know a few terms to make your first-time cruise more comfortable. You can select your arrival appointment time as soon as you see the online check-in option in your Carnival dashboard (usually 90 days before departure). Dine in the steakhouse on embarkation day or the first elegant evening and get a free bottle of house wine or half off any other wine at the steakhouse. Taking the stairs can save you a lot of hassle! 1 x 750 ml bottle of sealed wine or champagne, per person, Up to 12 sealed cans or cartons of 12 ounces or less, per person, Any beverages you're bringing on board (review Carnival's beverage policy above). To Avoid Delays, do Your Online Check-in Beforehand 3. These are great for first time cruisers. However, you may want to pack yourself a pair of closed-toe shoes. Problem solved. You'll be able to board if you arrive after your arrival appointment.). Carnival Cruise Linehosted McCool Travel but my message is carefully crafted for my awesome audience to make informed decisions in order to Travel Happy on future trips. That said, understanding what is covered with your automatically applied service gratuities can feel a little confusing. 15. Magnetic dry erase board - I pick up one of these at the dollar store before every cruise. Instead, look for off-port parking that can be as much as 50% cheaper. If youre thinking of booking a cruise vacation (and I emphatically petition you to) herearetipsthat I wish I had known as a first time cruiser: 1. That means that, at zero extra cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. May 9, 2022 by admin 0 Comments. Official port parking lots are always the priciest. Check out your ships alcohol policy before boarding and BYOBooze. They may not be able to accommodate your request, but the Carnival Cruise staff is always willing to try. This does not affect the amount you pay in any way. Cash in Empty Travel Shampoo Bottle Most cruise lines are a cashless experience. And following suit from the previous tip, Carnival recommends you book specialty restaurants at least two weeks before your cruise date. You will be offered a porter and you always want to accept. Bring a backpack carry-on Remember how we discussed BYOB in number 3? This is a shore excursion that's available for the day 1 and speeds up your embarkation process. You don't want to over pack, but you'll want all the necessities. My wife and I along with another couple we vacation with just returned from a Carnival Cruise to Belize from Galveston. These Carnival Cruise tips and tricks will make your journey more fun and friendly, no matter which cruise itinerary or destination you choose. https://www.carnival.com/cruise-ships.aspx, 12 Things To Know Before Your First Cruise. MSC Cruises matches your Carnival status. Especially the first day or busy times of day, the elevators can get very crowded and it can take a while to snag one. Be sure to try the yummy arepas! Stay on theshipduring a port day. 4. Check out these bags to keep them safe from spills while they are in your checked luggage: Protective Bottle Bags. If you're sailing on a longer cruise you may want to plan for spending one port of call day on board! Most cruise lines will allow for you to bring at least one bottle of wine onto the ship. Dont forget travel sized dish soap to wash your insulated mug in between drinks! Dinners become a performance and a place to meet new people. Whether you decide to travel carry-on only or not, there is an art to packing a clever carry-on. Premium items like pizza or wings might run up an extra delivery fee (in addition to the tip for your room service attendant). But if you're planning to stay connected to your life back home, you'll want to decide how you'll be connecting to Wifi. If the tread is worn off, you'll want to purchase a pair with a little more tread before you set sail. It was only $1. It can be incredibly relaxing to put the cell phone down and focus on fun.If you are counting on getting work or social media done during your cruise, bring your own wifi or cell service. 14. The VIFP perks are a bit skimpy with zero cruises under your belt, but it's the. Here are a few other posts you'll like: Ready to start planning your cruise vacation? You might even get the poolto yourself! Also, cruise stairwells tend to havea unique piece of artwork hung on each landing. It is amazing how many things on a cruise ship are time specific. 1. 05/18/2019, Such a nice note. Whether you are a repeat Carnival Cruise Line guest or you are looking for first time cruise tips, you will find practical advice on our list. Note: this McCool Travel tip does not work when the ship is docked (lights will be on) or winds are high (it can be dangerous). To search for the best Carnival cruises, click here. I like the flip flops myself. McCool Travel tip: Tea lovers will also want to bring their own tea aboard Carnival sailings. Each person over 21 can bring a bottle of wine on board in their carry-on luggage. You put a credit card on file and then charge everything to your room including drinks, souvenirs, and optional dining. These make amazing nightlights for bathrooms. Watch this short video for a closer look at a Carnival balcony room. Such automatic gratuities also are becoming more common in ship spas. You will find plenty of Bigelow green and Lipton regular tea but they are the only options. Lovely list. We always pose a question of the day on the board to encourage othergueststo interact with us. If you don't listen to any other suggestion, this is the one to do. Tip the Porters Good 5. However there are a few areas where add-ons can really add-up. Carnival is known for its entertainment. You can also customize them to your personality! 20 Carnival Tips and Money Saving TricksHey Cruisers, We've packaged up 20 of our best Carnival Cruise Tips, and squeezed them into this cruise tips and tricks episode. However, it is inconvenient to bring these liquids with you if you fly to your departure port. (But don't worry if you're running a little behind schedule. The clock we have also has a couple of USB ports to help with all your charging needs, especially on older ships. Another really cool feature of the Hub App is the chat feature. While many places will accept US dollars, they'll often give change in local currency. Here's the good news: you can bring both non-alcoholic drinks and/or wine or champagne onboard your Carnival cruise. It is also easy to spend more than you planned if you do not have a strategy for your trip. Not a bad deal at all. No cruises. Dont skip formal night REPEAT:DO NOT SKIP FORMAL NIGHT! The biggest upside to booking your excursions (besides this guarantee) is that Carnival also guarantees that the ship will remain in port until all guests are back on board. There'll be no need to dig around at the bottom of your beach bag for it! Let the Alchemy Bar mixology masters create a special drink just for you. Want an official tour of the ship? Catch a game in the SkyBox Sports Barwhere we watched the Red Sox win the 2018 World Series. This tip is simple: download and use the Carnival Hub App. To. You can also use it to message the people you're sailing with while you're on the ship. It helps that we live on a peninsula surrounded by water with more cruise ports close by than we can count on one hand. Two fun Carnival cruise tips we learned from VIPs are: This sailing was part of the Carnival Journeys program which are tailored to adult passengers desiring a richer and deeper cruise experience. Bottom line: if you have must-do or must-see venues and excursions on your list, book them early! Find some great advice to help you out so you can focus on having fun or relaxing. Article by Julie McCool, whose Northern Virginia travel siteFuninFairfaxVA.comhelps locals and visitors find funplaces to explore, dine, drink, and play in the Virginia, Washington DC, and mid-Atlantic area. My first cruise was way back when. Additionally, those white sandy beaches may be rocky once you get out past the waterline. No, of course not. It was time to revisit cruising. Ginormous even. #ChooseFun. Cruises are generally cheaper when the kids are in school. Those can be paid in advance through the Carnival Hub App. A road trip every summer was about all I could handle between work, college, a new marriage and a toddler. Also, be sure to check out Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que if there is one on your ship. Dont forget day-time trivia and multiple shows by different comedians. Take advantage of being a Past Cruise Guest. Whether this is your first time cruising or not, there are plenty of places to seeand equally as many places to get lost. Don't try to board before your allotted time though, you'll be asked to wait. Knowing what is (and isn't) on your Carnival ship will help you plan your time onboard and help you avoid any disappointments during embarkation. Magnetic dry erase board I pick up one of these at the dollar store before every cruise. This allows you to select a 30-minute window for your boarding and gets you on the ship smoothly and controls the total flow of passengers arriving at once. Bring a magnetic dry erase board and stick it to the inside of the cabin door so that you can leave messages for your family members. This method saves us a few dollars on each cruise we take. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Also neat to know you can bring that much soda and wine onboard. As always, all of the opinions, thoughts, and ideas in this post are my own. You can do everything from check-in and prepare your boarding documents to access the day-to-day schedule for onboard activities. Check it out here:Clock with USB and Battery Backup. Dont be annoyed at long lines, lack of seating or crowds until you have fully explored your ship. Last in our list of Carnival Cruise tips is a general onetry something new while you are on board. Checked luggage may take quite some time to arrive to your stateroom. Pack your favorite little black dress and call it a day. Today the Freedom has many, but not all, of the fun amenities that are part of the newer Carnival Cruise ships. Even if this isn't your first time on a cruise, these tips and tricks may help. Taking the stairs can save you a lot of hassle! Check out the embarkation day specials when you board. Instead, check Yelp or Google maps in advance to find a wine store near your port. But dont feel like you have to be dressed to the nines to enjoy that lobster dinner. Keeping your card on your lanyard means that you'll always have it handy when you need it. You should also consider bringing a brand new power strip (still in packaging), because cruise line personnel can confiscate a power strip thats deemed to be potentially unsafe. However, it is inconvenient to bring these liquids with you if you fly to your departure port. Whether you are a repeat Carnival Cruise Line guest or you are looking for first time cruise tips, you will find practical advice on our list. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, I'm Lisa! If time allows, eat breakfast in the Posh dining room to enjoy a broader menu and more relaxed meal. McCool Travel News Travel Articles We Appear In, 17+ Memorable and Romantic Things to Do in Savannah, 88 Useful Travel Hacks to Save Money, Time, and Stress, Create Your Own Airplane Travel Kit with In-Flight Essentials, 8 Great Reasons NOT to Use a Travel Agent, 7 Important Reasons I Did NOT Renew My AAA Membership, 8 Great Things to Do in Charlottesville Virginia, 8 Sensational Scenic Drives in Florida For Your Next Sunshine State Vacation, buy the drink package so you do not have to worry about prices. While every cruiser should know these things, most don't. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Or just pack a power strip. Its fun. They are also fun to stick on the outside of your cabin door. ), Start searching for the best Carnival cruises here. Carnival ships offer lots of special Spa treatments, for an additional cost, to add to your fun at sea . #carnivalcruise #cruise #cruisetips #cruisingwith kids. However, in general, cruising has become more casual. Most of our fellow passengers, however, were repeat Carnival guests. If you can disconnect from the demands of emails and online life during your cruise, do it. Read on for our top 10 Carnival Cruise Tips! Welcome Aboard! Dont rely on your cell phone, which may switch to local time if you are in port and take your phone off airplane mode. Past cruisers get discounts or upgrades or even free vouchers for a few free drinks. At a time where I didnt have to color these grays Im gettingsay circathe dawn of the new millennium. Want an inconspicuous place to stash your cash? Bringpermittedalcohol and/or mixers on board Cruises are all-inclusive vacations. With so much space on board, you'll want to get acquainted with the layout of your ship so that you can navigate more easily to restaurants, the pool, spa and anywhere else you may want to visit. Take a cruise 14 days or longer, then you'll get $250 in free onboard credit. 11 Must-Have Carnival Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know 404,178 views Dec 19, 2019 4.7K Dislike Share Cruzely.com 41.7K subscribers We dive into 11 things that you'll want to know before. No problem. The locker room showers are also larger than the ones in the stateroom, with water that gets both hotter and colder than the room shower. So much funness on Carnival. Also make sure to walk around port towns on cruise excursion days. Good advice, Jenn. Haven't started planning your cruise yet? . We were impressed with the loyalty and love our fellow guests have for the Carnival Cruise brand. Glad to hear about your Carnival cruise experience. . If you are considering a Carnival Cruise you'll want to check out our latest list of Carnival cruise tips and money saving tricks. For lunch, my fav is Guys burgers. Like this article? Sign up for our updates. ), join at: https://www.patreon.com/CruiseTipsTV CruiseTipsTV Amazon Affiliate StoresUS: https://www.amazon.com/shop/cruisetipstv (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM FOR LIVE REPLAYS! 6. See also8 Great Tips for Selecting a Cruise. A classic in the lists of tips for a Carnival Cruise, but still an important one. Typically formal night isn't as formal as you might think. The multi-step login process is time-consuming and frustrating if you are sharing an account. After our honeymoon, I took a break from travel in general. A cheap pair of water shoes will do the trick. The Cantina makes tasty breakfast burritos and tacos to order. Some Carnival cruise ships have a SkyCourse, which is a super fun ropes course and closed-toe shoes are required. But that doesn't mean you need to waste precious packing space on a gown. Sometimes its only one elevator bank that is crowded and the other one will be completely empty. Carnival Cruise Line is a very popular, large ship, budget cruise brand. This would be a great opportunity to read that book out on a lounge chair on Lido Deck in complete silence and take photos of the ship without anyone in your shot. Thank you for the note, Heidi. We are onboard Carnival Panorama, and we thought it would be a great time to go over some of our favorite Carnival cruise hacks while we take you to a few different spots on Carnival Panorama. I was a seasoned wife with a teenage daughter. Not I. I like a plate of cheese cubes and olives. Thank you. The good news? 3. But I digress. It has what is going on, allows you to book excursions and very important allows you to see the menu for the whole cruise so you can plan what you want to eat each night by the first day! We suggest, only on th first night, to arrive 10 or 15 minutes late to reduce your time standing in line. There are lots of different places to get your meals so do not automatically head to the buffet areas. I forgot how much I loved to stargaze on the ships By far, the best experiences Ive had cruising is with the Carnival Ships, doing assigned dinning. Its fun to read all of the responses at the end of the day. Battery operated tea lights Another dollar store find. Seriously! It has never been so important to have flexible cancellation terms, so skip non-refundable cruise fare and go for refundable. 13. 20 Carnival Tips and Money Saving Tricks Hey Cruisers, We've packaged up 20 of our best Carnival Cruise Tips, and squeezed them into this cruise tips and tricks episode. Want to be a McCool Travel Insider? Pirate Pizza, near the small pool on deck 9 aft, is convenient for a late night or quick meal or a slice anytime. From Guy's Burger Joint to the buffet, and the BlueIguana Cantina to the onboard pizza place, you will never go hungry, even if you don't spend a dime extra. The elevators are slow and when you take the stairs you dont have to feel quite so guilty about the warm chocolate melting cake for dinner. Especially on a Caribbean cruise vacation. We decided it's about time to share a few Carnival tips and tricks. Throw on a sundress and a collared shirt for guys and get your lobster on. Carnival offers assigned dining times or an Eat Anytime option. Rooms near the open atrium are convenient to fun parties, but may also be noisy during those celebrations. Know the Lingo. So many of the guests on our cruise come back to Carnival year after year to try new itineraries or revisit old favorites. Your lanyard will hold your Sail & Sign card, which functions as a cabin key and your primary purchasing method while onboard. 12 Carnival Cruise Tips and Tricks for Happy Cruising 1. Noise, smoke, and walking distance are factors to consider when choosing your Carnival room. McCool Travel tip: We used a Roaming Man device on our 15-day Viking Cruises Into the Midnight Sun voyage. Again, check your Hub App for details about all the entertainment options. This app is useful before and during your cruise. Learn how your comment data is processed. 8. Our favorite breakfast spotBlue Iguana Cantinanever had a line. However, this is such a good travel hacks, that I want to make sure you remember it! They will likely offera package to suit your needs. Want a free bottle of wine? Last minute deals Almost every cruise I have been on has been at a discounted rate. You might have the hot tub all to yourself. On the topic of beverages (wine! Skip the elevator, take the stairs Its vacation! Frequently check in with cruise websites to see what kinds of deals they are running. Do not try to bring in bottles that have been opened or tampered with in any way. You will need cash if you are gambling and its also nice to have some while in port. Breakfast meals were always great and for lunch ( 12:30- 2:30) the Mongolian Wok is the best, hands down! These Carnival Cruise tips and tricks will make your journey more fun and friendly, no matter which cruise itinerary or destination you choose. 12. This a la carte pricing means it is easy to customize your cruise experience to meet your preferences. We skipped the first few nights of movies by the pool, but they turned out to be a favorite way to spend the evening (make sure you grab some free popcorn before settling in). Carnival limits smoking areas on board, but we often smelled smoke on deck 6 from the Casino Bar one deck down. Last minute cruise deals can save you over 50percent! Tips on how to save money on a Carnival Cruise Bring some drinks with you Carnival guests may bring one 750 ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne, per person, in their carry-on luggage. You'll typically have more options than the buffet and main dining room, even though that's where many of your fellow cruisers will eat. Want to travel happier? Let's get started with these carnival cruise tips and tricks! One thing that I have found that helps burn off some of those vacation calories is to opt to take the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Carnival, for example, is mostly Cruise Casual dress code in the evenings, with the occasional Cruise Elegant evening where you have the opportunity to get as decked out as youd like. Six cruises in the past 12 months alone. The stairs can be super helpful, but so can going up or down a deck or two and then across the ship. 7. Soda is not my thing but Julie and I did manage to bring a bottle of wine each. Unlessyou are visiting the casino. 1. It solves the whole Ill be on 10 aft until 4:45 then Ill go downstairs to change and then Ill be in the casino until dinner time. Pay the $5 for the chat. You're here and doing your best to know the insider tips and tricks of Carnival cruise lines before you set sail. They cook, they clean and you enjoy all the deliciousness.
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