What to expect on your cruise...

First a disclaimer, most of this post will be referring to our experience on Carnival Cruise Line ships. Each cruise line is different in many ways. Some are casual, others are very dressy. Some offer educational seminars, others offer 80's parties and kid games. Ask questions, talk to others who have cruised that line, research to get the best fit for what you are looking for.

Yesterday we posted a lot of basic information for first time cruisers. Most of it was applicable to any cruise line while some was more Carnival specific. Today our Q&A will speak more to Carnival since that is what we have cruised the most.

Again, please feel free to post questions in the comments below.


Is the amount I see advertised the full cruise cost (less the items mentioned in the first article)?

Yes and no. There are taxes and port fees added to the base cost of any cruise. Read carefully to be sure you are looking at the cost including those fees.

What about cruise insurance? Should I get it? What does it cover?

We always get cruise insurance for two reasons. One, you never know what life might toss your way to delay your trip. It's never fun to have a fully paid for trip, including plane tickets, and have a family emergency, someone get sick or weather/traffic other delays or lost luggage. Basic cruise insurance should cover these items (always read the fine print).

The other type of coverage is medical. If you fall ill on the ship, you will have to pay the cost for the medical care provided. There is a medical staff but they are also limited in what they can treat. For serious things you may be taken to a local port facility or even airlifted somewhere (and not necessarily the US). There are plans to help defray these costs. As full-time RVers, we have carried the Good Sam Travel Assist insurance. There are higher level plans from Skymed and MASA.

Because Stu belongs to Diver Alert Network, he carried some coverage for diver related issues through them. With all our cruises this year, we upgraded to their higher plan that covers everything for both of us.

What should I pack to wear?

This is a common question and it can be partially answered by checking the weather in your port destinations for the time of year you are traveling. Summer months in the Caribbean can be quite hot. Europe, not so much, in many areas.

For us, cruising on Carnival, we pack several pairs of shorts, one pair casual pants, one pair of dressy pants, two dressy tops, two long sleeve shirts and at least five short sleeve shirts in addition to nightwear, underwear and 1-2 bathing suits. For shoes we have a good pair of walking shoes, sandals or flip-flops for the pool and daily on-board use and one pair to go with our dressier outfit. We both carry a light jacket, sweater or sweatshirt (sometimes two, depending on time of year). Some areas of the ship can be quite cool.

I recently purchased a great dress that packs well and looks good on all body shapes and I also have a couple of very lightweight kimono type jackets as well as a black lightweight dress jacket to mix and match over my dressy tops.

Others love to dress up and will bring much more formal wear. Suits for the men (and yes, we have seen a tuxedo from time to time) and both short and long formal dresses for the ladies.

Will they take my picture?

Oh my, YES! First, anytime you want a photo taken, anyone of the staff members will take an informal shot for you. But there are professional photographers who take photos as you board, as you get off at ports, at dinner and every late afternoon (in front of fun backdrops). There is no requirement to buy the photos they take and there is also no requirement to let them take your photo. For a guideline, here is Carnival's photo pricing page. Every day the photos get added to the Pixels gallery photo boards. It is always fun to browse them, hoping to find your photo as well as see others.

What happens the first day on the ship?

Once you are on board and have checked out your cabin, most folks walk the ship or go to the buffets for lunch and maybe a dip in the pool. Just before leaving the port, there will be a MANDATORY safety briefing. Each cruise line differs. Some require you to bring the life jacket from your cabin, some don't. Some require you to line up outside on the decks, some in the theater areas and other places.

If you have ANY type of disability (I can't stand for long periods), talk to guest services to find if there is a designated meeting place that is better suited for you. There are often folks in wheelchairs, on scooter, using walkers and canes that might need assistance if lifeboats were needed. They MUST be sure guest services know they will need special assistance.

What kind of dining is offered?

There is typically one to several main dining rooms. We have moved from an assigned dining time to the 'Your Time Dining' plan. Both plans allow you to chose a table for just your group or a table with strangers. Both can be fun. You will be presented with the menu with the appetizers, main courses and side dishes. Ask questions. Special needs? Tell them! Special diet? Notify the cruise line in advance and they will do the best they can to meet your needs.

Did you know? Just ask!

• You can order double entrees
• You can order more than one appetizer
• You can order off the kids menu (hamburger, PB&J, banana split are some of the items available on Carnival)
• You can request smaller (or double) portions

Of course everyone talks about the buffets. One thing to note is they aren't open 24/7. Your daily guide will give you the hours for each eating spot. We tend to do both breakfast and lunch at the buffet but others choose to eat all meals in the main dining room. One note, the table you are assigned for dinner will not be the table for other meals.

Most ships will also offer one or more specialty restaurants. A steakhouse is fairly common, also Italian and other cuisines on some ships. Same for a hamburger shack, pizza spot, deli sandwich corner and more, especially in pool areas. Check the ship your are considering to see what is offered.

Then there is room service. Carnival offers several items at no charge, a few specialty items for an additional charge (like Buffalo Wings) and a continental breakfast. They do suggest you tip your server.

What if I don't like something I've been served?

Two choices, off hand. One is to get it replaced, corrected, etc. The other is to order something else. The waiters will go overboard hoping to keep you happy.

Is smoking allowed on the ship?

Yes, with exceptions. On Carnival, there are designated smoking areas in certain outside deck areas. There is also smoking allowed in the casino. Since I am allergic to smoke, I avoid the casino area as much as possible.

Note, there is NO SMOKING on the stateroom balconies! If you know someone on either side of you is smoking, please report them to guest services. A lit cigarette butt can start a fire when carelessly flicked away.

Is there more than one pool?

That varies by ship (and size). On the ships we have cruised recently, there is an open pool and an adult only pool as well as several hot (warm) tubs. Also, don't be surprised to find the pool filled with salt water. In addition, some pools may have a cover so they are usable even during bad weather.

On Carnival, you will have two blue beach towels in your room for use on excursions or the pool areas. Do not lose these or you will be charged! In the pool areas you can pick up towels, as well, but they are signed out to your room. Again, return them to the area where you got them and get them signed back in.

What else is on the ship?

There are typically night clubs, stages for various performances, multiple bars (often a sports bar with TV sports coverage), areas for kids, spa services (usually high dollar but daily specials might be offered), exercise facility, walking/jogging track, mini-golf & other game areas, possibly a water slide for the main pool, serenity/quiet deck area (adults only), library (games/books), movies, shopping and more.

Shopping? On the ship?

Oh yeah! And it all goes on your account, no cash or credit cards used. Some clothes, jewelry, watches, candy, sundry items (high priced snacks and toiletry/drug items) and, of course, lots of souvenirs. We've bought t-shirts, some jewelry, candy, mugs and a few other items. There are often daily sales announced as well.

What is available in the ports?

Shopping! Be careful, the cruise lines will steer you to shops for "bargains" in jewelry. We've never bought any in ports. You will find a lot of souvenir places, food & drinks, music as well as places to walk and sightsee. You may even see big name stores like Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Harley-Davison, Piraña Joe's and more.

Some ports will have free beach areas, some will have pay areas. Bigger ports will have many excursions that can be booked. Side note - we ALWAYS book our excursions through Carnival. Why? Two main reasons. If an excursion is late returning (for any reason), the ship will be held for you. If you are on an excursion you booked yourself and miss the boat - oops! It's up to you to get to the next port to pick up the ship. Here are some good tips!

The other is if you are hurt or injured in any while on an excursion booked through the cruise line, you pay nothing for any necessary medical care.

What happens when we get back home?

The cruise line goes out of their way to make sure you know what to do. Often the day before arrival in your home port, there will be session in one of the theaters describing the disembarkation process. That will also often be run on one of the television channels in your room.

The fastest ways to get off Carnival are:

• Be a high level loyalty member (Diamond or Platinum)
• Stayed in a suite level cabin
• Purchased a 'Faster to the Fun' package
• Have an early flight (never a good thing to have, you could easily miss it due to weather, customs, etc)
• Carry ALL your luggage off with you

Once off the ship, you will pick up your luggage (waiting, just like you do at an airport), then go through customs to turn in your customs form (left in your room for you the night before). Then you head out and grab your shuttle or other transportation.

Any other tips?

Choose your time of year wisely, if you have the option. Christmas-New Year, Mid-February, Spring Break weeks and summer cruising will bring more kids and young folks who enjoy drinking. Hurricane season can bring it's own challenges. The shorter the cruise, the more of a drinking crowd will be found. Our favorite months are Oct, Nov, Jan for the warmer climate cruises. If going to Alaska, Europe and other destinations, other time periods work better.

A couple of key things - RELAX and don't be afraid to ask ANY staff member a question. Smile and chat with them, they love talking to you and telling you about where they live, their families, how long they've been working the cruises, etc. 

Try to not get annoyed at slamming cabin doors (some of the balcony doors have to be slammed to close securely), voices in the hallways, etc. This is their vacation, too. But if you have a major issue with something or someone, talk to guest services. Typically they will do what they can to help make this your best cruise ever!

Ciao for now!