Any advice on cruiseing?

Question

My husband and I are going this year and it will be our first time, we are going to the bahamas on carnival for 5 days, leaving from Miami

Answer 1

I'll give you some quick advise that I give to those cruising for the first time and out of Miami...

- If you still can, book the flight a day earlier to Miami and stay over in South Beach or Biscayne Bay. This is extra insurance that any delays in your flight won't effect you in not making the cruise if you book for the day of the cruise. It also adds a little to the trip. There are numerous little (and old, but still nice) art deco hotels on South Beach at good prices. At Biscayne Bay, I've always recommended and stayed at Holiday Inn which is right across the street from Bayside (tons of shops and entertainment - that's where Hard Rock of Miami is at) and the hotel is popular with cruisers. Check sites like Travelocity or Expedia for places and prices. It also allows you less stress in the morning getting around and to the port.

- Arrive at the Port of Miami mid-afternoon and not early. With everyone having to check out of hotels at 11 and the embarkment not being until usually 1:30, the lines are long to get in and register and TSA usually doesn't open the security check until then, so you stand in line a long time. (Ask the hotel you are staying in to hold your luggage for you until then while you go checking sights and whatever - I haven't found one yet that doesn't do that and the Port is only 15 minute taxi ride from South Beach or 5 minute taxi ride from Biscayne Bay)

- When arriving at the Port of Miami to register and board the ship, just take your Carnival Fun Pack registration packet, your drivers license, Passport, credit cards and cash with you into registration. Give the rest of your luggage to the porters to load onto the ship for you. It's a kind of long process (especially if you get there early) and long walks, and you don't need anything else, so let them take it on the ship and to your room for you. When you get on the ship, check your room quickly and then head straight up to the Lido Deck to get something to eat and hang out on the deck to watch yourself leaving the port. Your luggage will get delivered to your room at the least early evening.

- Set your watch to ship time since that's what everything goes by. Don't try the "my watch is still a hour ahead, so it's really....", it's just so easy to forget the time and miss things.

- Despite what others say, I say as a first time cruiser, book your shore excursions through the cruise line. They make sure you get to the place you need to be at to get on the excursions and get you back in time. Yes, they are a little more expensive, but until you get a little more experience under your hat, it's good insurance to know that the vendor has been checked and approved by the cruise line and won't rip you off or get you to things and back on their own schedule.

- Keep your purse and wallet in the cabin safe and don't take them with you in ports. The only good your Sears card or all your makeup does is make it easier to steal. Dedicate one credit card you will use to make purchases while in ports and take a little cash ($150-$250) with you in your front pocket or in a little fanny pack (worn on the front with the strap wrapped once around your belt or in a belt loop for exra security).

- If you gamble, use cash in the casinos (only place you can actually use cash instead of your Sail and Sign card to make purchases while on-board). Too many people fall into the pit of just inserting their Sail and Sign cards and lose track of how much they are gambling until they see the bill at the end of the cruise.

- Relax, have fun and leave the world behind you - you are on vacation!!

Answer 2

On going on my 12th Cruise this August. I can tell you this -- you'll love it, and you'll go again.

A couple of thoughts:

1. don't book excursions with the cruise line they charge way too much -- either buy them online from third parties, or just wait till you get off the ship. There will be plenty of vendors selling the same packages for alot less right there at the peir.

2. don't take your cell phone. Most won't work anyway. Not to mention that's the whole reason for cruising.....to get away from it all. If you really need to contact someone at home there is internet (for a fee) on the ship and ship to shore phones ($15 a minute)

3. Finally ---- Relax -- don't stress --- Have a drink and watch the water roll in the wake as the sunsets behind the ship

Have a great time

Answer 3

Your travel agent should be able to give you some tips. From my experience, you have to watch for the "hidden extras". Your tipping may be included, if not their are usually guidelines furnished, Any side trips that you plan on taking, should be booked immediately upon boarding. Usually this can be done at the service desk. As it is a "cashless society" it is very easy to run up charges, and then go into shock afterward, when you get your bill. Liquor will almost be forced upon you, and is quite expensive. Most cruises seem to give you a tropical drink, as you are checking in. Once you accept it, they hand you a slip to sign. It is not free. You are usually required to give them a charge card number, so as to get billed when the tour is over. If you agree to pay cash, you will not be allowed off the ship, at the end of the tour, until the bill is settled. When you take any land tours, stay with your group. Some of these islands can be dangerous, if you wander off. You can have a good time on these tours, with a few precautions. The only place that accepts money on board is the casino. If you gamble, try and budget for it, on a day to day basis. Don't gamble more then you can afford, and be prepared to lose. As with the American casinos, they weren't built by the winners. After all this enjoy your trip, cruising is a fun experience.

Answer 4

We've been on a cruise from Miami to Bahamas 2 years ago. Advice: Get a room with a window, near the center of the ship. That way you won't rock up and down if the seas get rough. If going to Nassau, catch a ferry to Paradise Island. Nassau is dirty and not friendly. Paradise Island is much better so spend your day there.

Other than that have a great trip... you'll love it!!!!!!

Answer 5

My only advice is relax, bring plenty of sunscreen and money.
Oh yes, do some research on what you want to do and the cost. This way, if you do want to book a excursion with the ship, you'll know if it's too much.
Try to do the Robinson Crusoe tour. A fun filled day with snorkeling, lunch and calypso entertainment all day. If you have the time.
Have a fun trip

Answer 6

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