My first cruise ever....leaving from Baltimore on the "Pride"--

(Springtime)...what do I need to know before I blunder into it?
I have read about required gratuities...upgraded dinners,...but when it pulls into the port in the Bahamas...now what?

to make matters worse: I fall asleep in concerts, stand-up commedians are generally not funny, & I don't want to swim (95%) of the time....nor do I blow $$ in casinos. Looks like I'll spend my time:coffee:

Thoughts?

Gruess Gott Hessian! Froehliche Weinachten!
So, you plan on cruise on Carnival from Baltimore. How long, how many ports? You should get list with your tickets on number of formal nights (Tux preferred or business suit, informal nights, jacket and tie, and casual, no jacket, but collared shirt.
As for gratuities, Carnival Corp has a system, which has spread to their other lines they bought, of adding $10/ person/ per day to room charge. So, only give an extra tip where really good service. Tip also added to beverage orders, 15%.

Don't worry, follow the rules, go to life boat drill(s) and have fun.

My first cruise ever....leaving from Baltimore on the "Pride"--

(Springtime)...what do I need to know before I blunder into it?
I have read about required gratuities...upgraded dinners,...but when it pulls into the port in the Bahamas...now what?

to make matters worse: I fall asleep in concerts, stand-up commedians are generally not funny, & I don't want to swim (95%) of the time....nor do I blow $$ in casinos. Looks like I'll spend my time:coffee:

Thoughts?

Check out all the hotties on the beach? Visit Anna Nicoles grave?

Is it stopping at Nassau Bahamas? If so, check out "The Dig" at Atlantis but don't pay for it through the cruise, it's cheaper to do on your own. There's also the aqua park at Atlantis, the rapid river ride is a blast.

You have to pay for the waterpark @ Atlantis. I was lucky enough to have an all expense paid trip to Atlantis, 4 nights, 5 days. My GOODNESS it was the best place ever!! The waterpark then was FABULOUS & it's so much more now. We re-vistied Atlantis off the cruise ship last year. They've done so much more there. I definately agree, DO NOT purchase the shore excursion from the ship. Disembark & there will be PLENTY of folks bidding to drive you around. BARTER BARTER BARTER. I've been on 7 Carnival cruises. They will automatically charge your credit card $10 per day per person in your cabin for gratuities. You can also tip extra to your head & team waiter & room steward. Keep in mind you DO NOT have to eat in the formal dining room if you choose not too. The last cruise I just took some folks thought they HAD to eat dinner down there. The cab drivers took us to Anna Nicholes house in the Bahamas before we headed to Atlantis. They are awesome folks there, just be ready to barter.

The Carnival Pride was my first cruise experience as well. You will have a blast. When at sea, the best thing to do is just people watch. They have all kinds of games, shows, throughout the ship.

:blahblah: I'm spoiled little rich bi tch :blahblah:

:lmao:

:lmao:

Don't be hatin!! Marry a man in the military & send him overseas!!!

Don't be hatin!! Marry a man in the military & send him overseas!!!

You think if I wear the dress I am wearing today I can get one :jet:

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Love ya!

Du bist richtig herr Bavarian! Ich hatte über Kleidung vergessen.

They said I would get my tickets & room assignment about three weeks before launching. I did reserve a cabin with a small balcony.

Stops will include one in Florida and two stops in the Bahamas (7 day trip)
Has anyone felt like you were "Nickel & Dimed" to death?

I have the meals arranged for 5:30-6:30 ish...
So, the overwhelming advice is NOT to prepay for excursions while on board. (Shop, but wait til we go ashore)
I understand when a ship comes into port, the local venders pounce like hobos on a ham sandwich,...what is a reasonable taxi fee ??? pay in US dollars??

"Must visit"...sounds like Atlantis...I will look that up on line. I actually would be interested in underwater treasure dives & ancient forts.
(Should I bring my detector for the beach or is that a no-no?)

Places to avoid (due to crowds/behavior?)...
Thanks Forumites,...you guys come through again!

Stops will include one in Florida and two stops in the Bahamas (7 day trip)
Has anyone felt like you were "Nickel & Dimed" to death?

I have the meals arranged for 5:30-6:30 ish...
So, the overwhelming advice is NOT to prepay for excursions while on board. (Shop, but wait til we go ashore)
I understand when a ship comes into port, the local venders pounce like hobos on a ham sandwich,...what is a reasonable taxi fee ??? pay in US dollars??

"Must visit"...sounds like Atlantis...I will look that up on line. I actually would be interested in underwater treasure dives & ancient forts.
(Should I bring my detector for the beach or is that a no-no?)
Places to avoid (due to crowds/behavior?)...
Thanks Forumites,...you guys come through again!I don't think you get "nickel & dimed" on purchases. If you book excursions through the cruise line, they are more expensive. But, you have reassurance that if something goes wrong, the ship has to wait for you to return. Pay for excursions up front if you don't want to have a lot of money charged to your account upon debarkation.

If you plan on stepping off the ship while in port, remember you'll have to return early for dinner. I prefer late dinner seating. I munch on goodies during the day so if I had to eat at 6pm it wouldn't be enjoyable.

Atlantis is amazing!!!!

Tip: become a member of cruisecritic.com. Search your ship and "rollcall" for tips and good information. They are the cruise experts!

I'll be on the Triumph in March! :yahoo:

But you don't have to go to dinner in the restaurant. You've got the million buffet's on the Lido deck. So feel free to miss your posted dinner. Going to dinner is 5 star. By the way, you can order AS MUCH OF & AS MANY of whatever's on the menu. Last cruise I ordered 2 prime ribs & lobster tails. OHHH YEAAA. In addition to appetizers, I usually ordered about 2 of the appetizers listed. you HAVE to try it all. LOL. Keep that in mind. If you want the shrimp cocktail & the fruit plate & the salad, GO FOR IT! Then get 2 or 3 dinner courses. You'll look like a pig, but if you look around, EVERYONE else that cruises does it too. Pass around & share. Order a second go around of something you really like. Then leave w/out a bill. That's the best part!! The deserts were ehhh.

But you don't have to go to dinner in the restaurant. You've got the million buffet's on the Lido deck. So feel free to miss your posted dinner. Going to dinner is 5 star. By the way, you can order AS MUCH OF & AS MANY of whatever's on the menu. Last cruise I ordered 2 prime ribs & lobster tails. OHHH YEAAA. In addition to appetizers, I usually ordered about 2 of the appetizers listed. you HAVE to try it all. LOL. Keep that in mind. If you want the shrimp cocktail & the fruit plate & the salad, GO FOR IT! Then get 2 or 3 dinner courses. You'll look like a pig, but if you look around, EVERYONE else that cruises does it too. Pass around & share. Order a second go around of something you really like. Then leave w/out a bill. That's the best part!! The deserts were ehhh.
Why eat on the Lido when you can get a full, served, 5* meal in the dining room? It costs the same. We only eat in Lido when dining room times don't fit with shore excursions.
We book most tours through shore excursions, no worry of missing ship. For instance, last cruise our 15 hour bus trip to the Valley of the Kings was very late, held the ship since practically all pasengers and many officers on the trip. I would risk booking onshore if small port and long time.
Gute Reise! Froehliche Weinachten!

Why eat on the Lido when you can get a full, served, 5* meal in the dining room? It costs the same. We only eat in Lido when dining room times don't fit with shore excursions.
We book most tours through shore excursions, no worry of missing ship. For instance, last cruise our 15 hour bus trip to the Valley of the Kings was very late, held the ship since practically all pasengers and many officers on the trip. I would risk booking onshore if small port and long time.
Gute Reise! Froehliche Weinachten!

I personally do not eat on Lido, I'm LOVE LOVE LOVE my 5* dining. However, if you're caught up in something & can't make it to the dining room, or you don't wanna dress up, that's your option.

I'm going to look for another cruise. I've got the itch. Just went on one out of San Diego in Sept, actually it was 2 back to back 3 day cruise. I want to retire on a cruise ship.

I personally do not eat on Lido, I'm LOVE LOVE LOVE my 5* dining. However, if you're caught up in something & can't make it to the dining room, or you don't wanna dress up, that's your option.

I'm going to look for another cruise. I've got the itch. Just went on one out of San Diego in Sept, actually it was 2 back to back 3 day cruise. I want to retire on a cruise ship.

We were told of a women who did this, she booked continuous cruises on one of Cunard's ships. It may have been QEII, but that ship is being retired. When ship goes into dry dock, they put her up in hotel. The World by Residencesea is condominium ship, nice, but no services, you cook and make your own bed.

On last cruise, our big one, heard people say they eat in Lido to save time, Hello, what are you in a hurry for on a cruise?. Saw people bringing trays from Lido to Stateroom when 24/7 room service is included. On our table, the only time people missed dinner was when they were sick. The biggest luxury on a cruise is dining room service and cabin service, use them! We wish we had bought unlimited laundry, next time we will, and soon we will have cruised enough days to get it for free. Hated the Laundromat.

So what has been your best cruise thus far?? I was suppose to take a 14 day Greek Island tour for my 25th bday. I was flying to Greece on September 11, 2001, HENCE I NEVER MADE IT!! When I did finally get the trip resched it was late Dec. It was too cold, so I just hunkered down for my 4 weeks in Crete.

So what has been your best cruise thus far?? I was suppose to take a 14 day Greek Island tour for my 25th bday. I was flying to Greece on September 11, 2001, HENCE I NEVER MADE IT!! When I did finally get the trip resched it was late Dec. It was too cold, so I just hunkered down for my 4 weeks in Crete.

Mine was my trip around the world I took a few months ago... it was quite relaxing. :smile:

:killingmeMine was my trip around the world I took a few months ago... it was quite relaxing. :smile:

I have made many cruises. I especially liked the World Cruise my wife and I made in 2008 on HAL, 114 days (113 real days because we lost a day in paradise. Left in January returned in April. Greek Island of Santorini was only stop in Greece. Beginning relaxing, but at end, each day another port. We are glad we did it then, excellent itinerary, and now ships skip Egypt and the Med because of pirates. Another good one was South America from Rio to Valparaiso, round the Horn, left a little after 9/11 so security at Miami was bad. Made pre cruise trip to Iguazu Falls. Worst was New England Canada on old Westerdam, we think we saw George and Barbara Bush in Maine, maybe.
Liked Hurtigurten trip from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. Not a luxury ship, more like a big ferry boat. Got to see a cousin in Norway before she passed away the next year.

A cruise is as much fun or misery as you make it! Go with the flow, go to lifeboat drill(s)! so you won't be forced to do it again. Re Lifeboat drills, many go to lifeboat before signal, so they have no practice going down corridors, some off-limits most of the time. I think they should be surprise, like the fire drills we had in school.

I have made many cruises. I especially liked the World Cruise my wife and I made in 2008 on HAL, 114 days (113 real days because we lost a day in paradise. Left in January returned in April. Greek Island of Santorini was only stop in Greece. Beginning relaxing, but at end, each day another port. We are glad we did it then, excellent itinerary, and now ships skip Egypt and the Med because of pirates. Another good one was South America from Rio to Valparaiso, round the Horn, left a little after 9/11 so security at Miami was bad. Made pre cruise trip to Iguazu Falls. Worst was New England Canada on old Westerdam, we think we saw George and Barbara Bush in Maine, maybe.
Liked Hurtigurten trip from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. Not a luxury ship, more like a big ferry boat. Got to see a cousin in Norway before she passed away the next year.

A cruise is as much fun or misery as you make it! Go with the flow, go to lifeboat drill(s)! so you won't be forced to do it again. Re Lifeboat drills, many go to lifeboat before signal, so they have no practice going down corridors, some off-limits most of the time. I think they should be surprise, like the fire drills we had in school.

Are Protestants welcomed ?......:killingme

BTW, Merry Christmas to you and yours.....:yay:

Tip: become a member of cruisecritic.com. Search your ship and "rollcall" for tips and good information. They are the cruise experts!

I'll be on the Triumph in March! :yahoo:


We just went on the Triumph in October to the Bahamas. Loved it! We were on the boat for Halloween which was a blast. We can't wait to book another one.:yahoo:

My first cruise ever....leaving from Baltimore on the "Pride"--

(Springtime)...what do I need to know before I blunder into it?
I have read about required gratuities...upgraded dinners,...but when it pulls into the port in the Bahamas...now what?

to make matters worse: I fall asleep in concerts, stand-up commedians are generally not funny, & I don't want to swim (95%) of the time....nor do I blow $$ in casinos. Looks like I'll spend my time:coffee:

Thoughts?

Go to CruiseCritic.com.. Find your cruise and start chatting to people who are also going on your cruise.

They have hints and tips columns for first timers.

We met about 30 people through that site, had dinner the night before we cast off in Miami at Bubba Gumps, and dinner on the boat the first night, and basically everyone paired off with people they could relate too. We hung out with about 5 different couples (Plus the couple we originally went with) which made the cruise a LOT more enjoyable. We did dinners together, shore excursions together, you name it.

That and you can NOT be shy on a cruise. Just join in on EVERYTHING and have a great time.

So what has been your best cruise thus far?? I was suppose to take a 14 day Greek Island tour for my 25th bday. I was flying to Greece on September 11, 2001, HENCE I NEVER MADE IT!! When I did finally get the trip resched it was late Dec. It was too cold, so I just hunkered down for my 4 weeks in Crete.

We did a TransAtlantic, ship relocation cruise (cheap).. 13 days total. Did the Azores, Portugal, Mallorca, Mallaga, Gibrlatar, and Barcelona..

We had a penthouse suite and got TOTALLY spoiled. Private dining room for those in penthouses and above.. private Butler, Concierge.. maid.. HUGE room (comparitively).

Tip: become a member of cruisecritic.com. Search your ship and "rollcall" for tips and good information. They are the cruise experts!

:high5: I second this. We had a special meet and greet on our cruise - sponsored by RCI but only opened to those whoe registered online

Tip: become a member of cruisecritic.com. Search your ship and "rollcall" for tips and good information. They are the cruise experts!

I'll be on the Triumph in March! :yahoo:

Oops, missed this..


:yeahthat:

Are Protestants welcomed ?......:killingme

BTW, Merry Christmas to you and yours.....:yay:
A very good thing about Holland America, don't think applies to Carnival, the now parent company. Always a Catholic Priest, ten days or longer, a Protestant service, A Rabbi if over High Holy Days. Also, had similar on Royal Carribean.

Thanks for posting that Bavarian!...being that my Cruise will be in the Easter break,...I hope something like that might be on board!

OK...I will now check out the cruisecritic site too...
I also have too look up my two stops in the Bahamas and see what can be enjoyed in the day we are there.
hmmm, plenty to plan for.
Hessian

I also have too look up my two stops in the Bahamas and see what can be enjoyed in the day we are there.
hmmm, plenty to plan for.
Hessian

Snorkeling in Freeport is a must!! Afterwards, take a stroll downtown to do some shopping, drinking and eating. There is really not a whole lot to do in Freeport and the port itself is...dirty. The same can be said about most Caribbean ports though.

How much time will you have in Nassau? If you plan on visiting Atlantis, you can reserve a room at one of the nearby hotels and access to Atlantis is included. I've heard of people getting rooms for CHEAP, but it really depends on the time of year. Go to Hotels, Rooms, Reservations, Hotel Lodging, Motels - Choice Hotels (http://www.choicehotels.com), type in Nassau, select your dates, etc. It could save you money vice booking directly with the cruise line.

Port Orlando
Nassau (12 hours)
Freeport (7 hours)...all nights are aboard the ship.

I suppose that limits our exploring huh...?
I am officially looking forward to prime rib & all the Lobster I can eat.

...... "Must visit"...sounds like Atlantis...I will look that up on line. I actually would be interested in underwater treasure dives & ancient forts.
(Should I bring my detector for the beach or is that a no-no?)

Places to avoid (due to crowds/behavior?)...
Thanks Forumites,...you guys come through again!

Atlantis is super. Expensive but super. We own a condo in the Harborside section of Atlantis. We always say we're going to exchange our week and go somewhere else but we keep going back to Atlantis each year.

If you're into diving, you'll want to get in touch with these folks: Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas Scuba Diving Nassau Bahamas Best Snorkeling Adventures (http://www.stuartcove.com)

They were a pretty small outfit when we first went to New Providence in '91 and they've grown quite a bit since.

Since you mentioned ancient forts, you'll want to make your way up to Fort Charlotte which is the highest point on the island. Great views of the cruise ships and Atlantis. Fort Charlotte is ajacent to the Queen's staircase.

You might want to try the Fish Fry for lunch. Just follow Bay Street west of the cruise ship piers and it will come up on the right. It a bunch of locals who set up and cook local, cheap, and yummy food. The biggest day seems to be on Wednesdays at lunch.

If you want to snorkel and relax on a beach that's not crowded, try a trip on the Flying Cloud.

Flying Cloud Charters, Nassau, Bahamas (http://www.flyingcloud.info)

It goes to Rose Island and includes all the Bahama Mamas you can drink.

I hope this helps.



.

Thanks for posting that Bavarian!...being that my Cruise will be in the Easter break,...I hope something like that might be on board!

OK...I will now check out the cruisecritic site too...
I also have too look up my two stops in the Bahamas and see what can be enjoyed in the day we are there.
hmmm, plenty to plan for.
Hessian

CruiseCritic is great. We're going on the Oasis of the Seas in March and we've already been communicationg with folks who will be there the same week. Royal Caribbean also hosts a Cruise Critic Meeet and Greet party during the cruise. Carnival probably does also so check that out.




.

I did a westbound transatlantic on the Queen Mary 2 this past August. It was the best time I have ever had! I've gone overseas with the military 5 times and spent a little time on Navy ships, but this was awesome!

A very good thing about Holland America, don't think applies to Carnival, the now parent company. Always a Catholic Priest, ten days or longer, a Protestant service, A Rabbi if over High Holy Days. Also, had similar on Royal Carribean.

Such great info...:bigwhoop:......ty.

Now go shove your rosary beads straight up your ass....:yay:

Such great info...:bigwhoop:......ty.

Now go shove your rosary beads straight up your ass....:yay:

:eyebrow:

:eyebrow:

Oh, ...I have my reason.....

Just got off the Pride yesterday. It was nice to get out of the cold for a while. Had a good time. Ocean water was too cold to swim.

Just got off the Pride yesterday. It was nice to get out of the cold for a while. Had a good time. Ocean water was too cold to swim.

How'd you like the ship? How was processing in Baltimore?

How'd you like the ship? How was processing in Baltimore?

It was my first cruise on a ship that wasn't painted haze gray. The check in process is pretty painless. You have to wait in line but the line moves pretty good. Everyone was very helpful.

My first impression of the ship was gaudy. Sort of like I remember the Atlantic City casinos in the early 80s. But overall it was good. I was even looking at other cruises. Lots of things to do. Comedians were good. We went to a show every night.

The ship is very clean considering the # of people on board. Waiters and stateroom staff are excellent. Most of the behind the scene help are from the 3rd world. Most speak English but you often have to ask them to repeat themselves. Food was hit or miss, lucky more hit. Great desserts especially if you like chiffons.

The check out takes a while. If you do the self debarkation you go before the folks that get the staff to move their bags. Pack light should make it easier in the long run.

Check out this cruise deal Discount Cruises, Last-Minute Cruises, Short Notice Cruises - Vacations To Go (http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=19811&id=npfy)

Great desserts especially if you like chiffons.



I'll be on Triumph in 62 days. I can't wait to have some delicious warm chocolate melting cake. It's one of my favorites! :drool:

I'll be on Triumph in 62 days. I can't wait to have some delicious warm chocolate melting cake. It's one of my favorites! :drool:

Can't you just stick a hoho in the microwave for a few seconds...:shrug:

Can't you just stick a hoho in the microwave for a few seconds...:shrug:

Nomoney will not fit in my microwave. :duh:

I was on the Pride from Jan 17-24. Trip was fun.

Lots of fun stuff to do on the ship.
Places to know...

Taj Mahal(forward, levels 2-4, ) is on the front of ship. Bingo, entertainment such as shows will be here.

Mermaid Grill(midship, level 9) buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner. Pizzeria is open all night long.

Normandie(rear, level 2 and 3). See swipe card for table number, seating time and floor. You can keep ordering more food. You are not limited to one plate.
Try the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake!!!!!!!!!! BTW, there is one formal night for dinner. You can go in shorts. I did. Just tell them you haven't got your luggage.

Shops(midship, level 3) Wait until the last Fun day at sea after leaving Freeport to go to the souveneir shop. That Saturday they will clear inventory in order to make room for the following week. For example, I bought shirts 2 for $20 on Friday. Saturday, they were 3 for $20.

Jafur Currey band - often plays jazz music. Lots of Stevie Wonder. They are usually at Butterflies(forward, level 1) This is directly under the Taj Mahal.

There are two pools on level 9. The one near the stage is covered until you get closer to Florida. They open the roof.

There are 4 jacuzzis. Sorry I can't spell. All of them on level 9. The one on the rear of the ship on level 9 is only for adults. The one in the gym is the only one indoor.

Lots of foreigners working, but the staff is really friendly.

Gratuity is added on the final bill for everything. So tip if you choose to.

For me the days at sea were rough. So, Tuesday once you are out of the Chesapeake Bay, it's going to be rough. Returning will be even worse since you are coming back in half the time that you spent going down to Bahamas.

Advice for the Bahamas. You won't see prices on anything at the Strawmarkets...BARGAIN, BARGAIN, BARGAIN!!!!! I got my best deals in Nassau after the Ferry ride to Paradise Island. I got 4 shots glasses for $4.

I think there are roughly 9 bars/lounges throught out the ships.
Corona costs $5.69
Bud Light costs $5.99
White Russians costs $6.33
Tall white russians costs $12.65
Mojito costs $10.06

You can check your Sail & Sign Statement at Guest Services located in the Atrium(midship, level 2).

Shore excursion desk is also in the Atrium.

Carnival puts their schedule of events in your mailbox outside your door the night before every day. This schedule shows everything that is going on that day for the entire ship.

Take your Sail & Sign Card everywhere. When you leave the Pride, take your Sail & Sign Card and a photo ID with you.


BTW, if you smoke, you can buy single packs of cigs at the bar at the rear of the ship level 9 near the huge Chess game.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Like I said, I just came back Jan. 24 from the Carnival Pride.

One last thing, when you first get on the Pride, you will not be allowed in your room until 3:30pm. Just go straight to Mermaid Grille on level 9 and eat lunch before the crowd figures lunch is already being served. Casinos and shops aren't open until you hit international waters.

Why 3:30pm? Keep in mind, that the same ship just got back to Port of Baltimore around 9:30am and is leaving Bmore at 5:30pm, so the cabins are getting cleaned that same day.

Wow,...this is a great review for someone who has never cruised before. My wife still has not been told...we go in 7 weeks.
I think the food & accomodations are my priority. However, I have been spending a little time looking at the three stops.

what is there to do in Port Canaveral?
a) Take a Taxi to see...Launchpads & museum?
b) Beach nearby?
c) Decent restaurants?

I understand Freeport got hammered by a hurricane a few years ago,...and has not really rebuilt...Should we find a taxi to get us down the coast a bit?

Did you bring your passport or some similar ID? (my passport expired:faint:)
naturally I'll bring my Drivers license...maybe my BirthCert.

How accomodating are they to newbies? It seems like veterans know how to see & do the things they want to while the newbies get lost, miss meals, wait in lines...etc.

If they don't let you get to your room until after 3:30...how much earlier should you arrive? I watched a Carnival Pride Video on You tube and it looked like people were waiting in this cargo hall for quite a while.

I might watch a few more and then...ask a few more questions: Hessian & Frau Erlöschen zum Meer!-- Marz 28!

Do not buy the cruise tours.... I repeat DO NOT BUY THEM... they are double the cost of what it costs on shore.

Pay a taxi driver to give you a tour of the area. We spent $100 for a very detailed tour of the area for 4 of us. If you did that on the ship it would have been 50 per person.

Here is an example of how we got jacked. We paid for a cave tour 65.00 per person and it was friggin free to go in to the cave. The next day when we paid for the taxi he took us to the area of the cave and no extra cost to go in.

I'll be on Triumph in 62 days. I can't wait to have some delicious warm chocolate melting cake. It's one of my favorites! :drool:


That was my hubby's favorite also! We went on our cruise back in Oct. and he is STILL talking about it! :lol:

That was my hubby's favorite also! We went on our cruise back in Oct. and he is STILL talking about it! :lol:

I plan to have one every night for dessert. :lol: Or maybe I'll just skip appetizers and entree and head right for three of the cakes. :roflmao:

passport FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/New_Passport_Requirements.aspx)

Do not buy the cruise tours.... I repeat DO NOT BUY THEM... they are double the cost of what it costs on shore.



from what i've heard and experienced, it really depends on what port you are visiting. In some places I would rather have the peace of mind that the guy I'm dealing with is legit (screened by cruise line) and pay the extra bucks through the ship

from what i've heard and experienced, it really depends on what port you are visiting. In some places I would rather have the peace of mind that the guy I'm dealing with is legit (screened by cruise line) and pay the extra bucks through the ship

:yeahthat: Not to mention, the cruise line can't leave you if the excursion is running behind schedule. :smile:

:yeahthat: Not to mention, the cruise line can't leave you if the excursion is running behind schedule. :smile:

This is very important. On our last cruise, our excursion was over an hour late but we bought it through Royal Caribbean so once we did get back, the ship was still there, waiting for us. Once we got onboard, the first annoucement we heard was, "our last group has arrived and we are now getting underway". If we had bought that excursion on our own, we would've come back to an empty pier.

from what i've heard and experienced, it really depends on what port you are visiting. In some places I would rather have the peace of mind that the guy I'm dealing with is legit (screened by cruise line) and pay the extra bucks through the shipYou're absolutely right about the "peace of mind" thing, but a flip side to that argument is this:

if using an outside source to do your shore excursions, it is impatative that they maintain a good reputation to ensure continued business from recommendations and reviews of previous customers. It behooves them to stay on track and get you back to the ship at the appointed time. To lag behind and get you back too late hurts their future business dramatically. One bad review on a vacation/cruise forum could/would cause them to lose their independent travel guide license (and yes, these guys are regulated and taxed!), and would negatively hurt their wallet. They will do everything in their power to get you back to the ship before departure.

But having said that, their are still instances - obviously - that gets people back to the ship too late.

We've had the best tours and experiences from the independent guys, and not the cruise-ship provided tours.

:yeahthat: Not to mention, the cruise line can't leave you if the excursion is running behind schedule. :smile:

that is a great point!


I do agree though that the cruise sponsored tours may not be the best overall experience.

One just has to weigh all of the factors and make an educated (i.e. sober) decision.

speaking of sober. It's a good idea to budget in a couple hundred bucks for adult beverages. Nickel and I probably spent $300 on drinks during our 7 day cruise a few yeara ago. Rum Runners are my breakfast Fav!

speaking of sober. It's a good idea to budget in a couple hundred bucks for adult beverages. Nickel and I probably spent $300 on drinks during our 7 day cruise a few yeara ago. Rum Runners are my breakfast Fav!
I'm pretty sure it was much more than that. :lmao:

Wow,...this is a great review for someone who has never cruised before. My wife still has not been told...we go in 7 weeks.
I think the food & accomodations are my priority. However, I have been spending a little time looking at the three stops.

what is there to do in Port Canaveral?
a) Take a Taxi to see...Launchpads & museum?
b) Beach nearby?
c) Decent restaurants?

I understand Freeport got hammered by a hurricane a few years ago,...and has not really rebuilt...Should we find a taxi to get us down the coast a bit?

Did you bring your passport or some similar ID? (my passport expired:faint:)
naturally I'll bring my Drivers license...maybe my BirthCert.

How accomodating are they to newbies? It seems like veterans know how to see & do the things they want to while the newbies get lost, miss meals, wait in lines...etc.

If they don't let you get to your room until after 3:30...how much earlier should you arrive? I watched a Carnival Pride Video on You tube and it looked like people were waiting in this cargo hall for quite a while.

I might watch a few more and then...ask a few more questions: Hessian & Frau Erlöschen zum Meer!-- Marz 28!

A. I was in a tour group from St. Mary's so we ended up going to a zoo in Port Canaveral. Zoo was pretty cool, but I think NASA would be better. There are plenty of taxi's waiting at Port Canaveral once you go through the Customs building.

B. Not sure about beaches down there. I focused more the beaches in the Bahamas.

C. We went to some seafood restaurant for lunch and they barely had any seafood on their lunch menu. Maybe, we got a special menu since we were on a tour group?

Definitely get a taxi in Freeport to the beach. It was like a 10 minute car ride towards the beach/Strawmarket/casino area.

As far as newbies, I'm pretty outgoing when I'm on vacation. Just talk to people. Find the veterans and ask how you should approach time, meals and things to see. Everyone was pretty nice. Carnival crew members are pretty relaxed to. They go off the ship when they get a chance. Keep in mind, the work 6 months straight and then 2 months off, so they know the places to go since they have very little time off the ship. Talk to your waiter or waitress in the Normandie or even the bartenders in the lounges, they could point you in the right direction as well. :)

Passport...I would really focus on that now. Its' better to be safe than sorry. You can get in done at the post office and pay a little more to rush it. To be honest though, I think they only asked for the passport once, when board the Pride in Baltimore. Don't risk it though.