Carnival Cruise: Baltimore....

[Hessian]

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

Thoughts?

 

[Bavarian]

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.

 

[lovinmaryland]

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

Thoughts?

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

 

[DQ2B]

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.

 

[jonkyandme]

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.

 

[lovinmaryland]

I'm spoiled little rich bi tch

 

[jonkyandme]

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

 

[lovinmaryland]

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

 

[jonkyandme]

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Love ya!

 

[Hessian]

Wow,...now we are getting somewhere...

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!

 

[Chasey_Lane]

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!!!!

 

[Chasey_Lane]

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!

 

[jonkyandme]

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.

 

[Bavarian]

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!

 

[jonkyandme]

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.

 

[Bavarian]

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.

 

[jonkyandme]

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.

 

[lovinmaryland]

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.

 

[jonkyandme]

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

 

[Bavarian]

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.