I absolutely love cruise vacations! I love being surrounded by water, the entertainment and of course the destination spots. If you haven't been on a cruise, stop what your doing and go book your next vacation. Check out my post on why its the most cost effective vacation.
I wanted to write a post about the harsh realities of cruising and the things that aren't really explained. My fiancé just took me on a Mother's Day/Birthday cruise and I wanted to write about my experience while its still fresh.
Do you want the In's and Out's of Cruising with Carnival Cruise Liner? Check out This post which breaks down the good, bad and the reality of Cruising with Carnival
1. LINES. There are lines everywhere you go! There are lines when your waiting for food on the LIDO deck (9th Floor where the food buffet is located: pizza, tacos, burgers, breakfast buffet , Italian), exiting the boat to explore the island, and entering the comedy show and finding a seat. Honestly, you have the best conversations while waiting in lines and what are you rushing for? Your on vacation!
Be patient and bring comfortable shoes.
2. DRINKS. Drinks are the money makers on the cruise ship. People are on vacation, gambling, sun tanning, dancing and ready to party. They're some people . . . .(Kanye Shrug) that sneak alcohol on the ship. You are at your own risk when it comes to security checks! If you don't take advantage of the drink cards/packages, you may be left with a hefty bill when leaving the boat. The average alcoholic beverage is about $9.00. Research the drink packages ahead of time and make the best decision for you.
Now, Carnival does allow you to CARRY ON (literally) a 12 pack [cans/cartons] of juice or soda and/or an unopened bottle of wine. Those can't be packed in your checked bag. It must be located in your carry on luggage only. They will throw those items away. I learned this the hard way.
Bars are located all over the boat. The piano room, Casino, Nightclub, Comedy Club, Outside on the Lido Deck. Each designated area has their own drink menu and specials. For example: The Comedy Club on Carnival Valor has shooters 4 for $20 but only in the comedy lounge.
TIP: If you purchase or bring a wine bottle to be enjoyed in the dining room, its $15 to get the server to open it. I learned that at the bars its FREE.
Guess what I got from Carnival for my birthday!?! Find out here!
3. ACTIVITIES OVERLOAD! One thing for sure you will never get bored on a cruise. Where else do you have a hairy chest competition, karaoke, comedy show, waterslide, wine tasting, shopping, full musical theater productions. . . .the list goes on. Did I mention the spa and fully equipped gym on board too? Carnival has perfected providing scheduled events and activities for the entire family!
Each night, you receive the schedule for the following day. If you are not organized and prepared, you will miss that show you wanted to see, dinner in the dining room or a giveaway! Carnival has perforated the paper, so you can easily take that valuable info everywhere you go.
Tip: Don't forget your on vacation! It's time to pamper yourself! Take a nap and unwind.
4. GRATUITY! Did you know that Carnival Cruise Line automatically adds their recommended gratuities to the guest's Sail & Sign account on departure day? Their website states for "OUR GUEST CONVENIENCE". . . .Wait, WHAT?!? If you are over the age of 2 years old, you are required to extend a tip.
Now, I can say this last cruise provided the BEST service. I mean, Top Notch. They were not only professional, but personable and courteous. (My disclaimer) lol
However, don't you want to set your own rate? I do.
I'm the type of person that when dining at a restaurant, my server starts are 15%. Based on your performance, I either deduce to 10% or advance to 20%. Below, I have given two examples of the required tip charges. The below cruise gratuity is based on the standard room rates. (Here is the full graph from Carnival Cruise Line).
3 Day Cruises/Per person = $36.00 (before 8/2016)-------------------------------> $38.85 (after 9/2016)
5 Day Cruises/Per person = $60.00 (before 8/2016)--------------------------------> $64.75 (after 9/2016)
5. PORT DAYS. Be wise about your money when on the island and destination ports. Planning ahead will save you money and time. Try to book your shore excursions through Carnival.com. You do have the option of selecting shore excursion on the ship, however the best activities are usually sold out by then. Early bird gets the worm! When your dealing with a company that works directly with Carnival, the quality and sketchiness improves!
The locals will hustle you and try to sell you anything: HANDMADE JEWELRY, WATER, HAIR BRAIDING, TOURS and EVEN DRUGS! My favorite line is "It's free to look, sweetheart (Caribbean Accent)" NO means NO People! Keep your eyes open and stay alert! They already know your a tourist!
With these helpful tips, you are ready to experience your best vacation! Here's Why!
According to the study done by CLIA, Cruise tourism contributed $1.99 billion of direct expenditures in the participating 21 destinations for the 2011-2012 cruise year. In 2014, a record 22.1 million passengers were estimated to have cruised globally! There must be something to it.
I can't wait to hear your cruise stories and
Be sure to remember my tips!
