Let's cruise now!
Robbie Crismon
Emabarkation Tips
Prior to cruising, go to Carnival's site (
www.carnival.com), pull up the layout of the ship and make yourself familiar with the deck plans. This way when you get on the ship, you basically already know your way around.Fill out all paperwork PRIOR to embarkation lines.
Don't forget to put the luggage tags on your suitcases (they will come with your documents).
These will tell porters which cabin to deliver your bags to.
When going to embark, keep in mind that there are several thousand people trying to do the same embarking so be patient. The workers are doing the best they can.
There will be porters at the pier to take your bags (just like at an airport). $1 per bag is the usual tip.
Have documents out and ready including your passport. You will have to show it 2 to 3 times before actually getting on the ship so keep it out to speed up the process.
Avoid using a debit card for your Sail & Sign account. Because of holds and the way debit cards work, you often get double charged when you first leave the ship. Once the hold is cleared, the second amount is cleared off but unless you keep a really high balance in that account, it can throw you way off with available cash for a few days.
Trip insurance is worth it just for peace of mind!
Put bright colored yarn or anything "eye catching" on your luggage for easy identification. This is especially important at debarkation when you are picking up your bags.
1. If you don’t like what is offered on the main menu, you can ask the waiter for either a steak or grilled chicken. And you can order all you want from the menu!
2. Any pasta item on the main menu can be ordered as an appetizer.
3. 24 hour pizza place also serves Calzones and Caesar salads. If you want a special topping and they have it they will make you that pizza.
4. Ask for children’s dessert menu (banana splits)!!
5. Room Service food is free, but you do need to tip.
6. Take the tour of the galley!
7. Bring $1's for tips. Change isn't always easy to find
.8. Post cards, foreign postage stamps and playing cards are available at the pursers desk.
9. Ask the steward if you forget something -i.e. toothpaste...they often have samples.
10. Bring Ziploc baggies of assorted sizes for saving snacks for excursions, keeping up with small items, and to put wet clothes in for the trip home. It's a good idea to pack liquids (makeup, lotions, shampoo etc) in these incase the bottles should come open in your luggage.
11. Bring a plastic water bottle or reusable cup with lid to refill on the ship.
12. Ask for your mixed drink in a plastic cup (not the fancy souvenir one). Saves $$$
13. You might get a free facial if you call the spa and ask to be a volunteer.
14. Tie a bright ribbon/scarf/tag to your luggage for easy spotting. Also can work on cabin door.
15. When the regular hot tub is too full, use the spa one.
16. Use of the sauna/steam room is free.
17. Bring duct tape. It's great for emergency tears, broken zippers on suitcases, etc.
18. Bring a highlighter to mark the things you want to do on the daily newsletter.
19. Bring post it notes to leave messages for your cabin mates or steward.
20. Sit close at the port talks sometimes they toss out free stuff.
21. Bring an extension cord/power strip if you have multiple items to plug in. (We've never needed this)
22. Baby powder helps remove sand.
23. Make sure to stock up on "snacks" before debarkation. The wait can be pretty long and everything is closed during this time. Except for the coffee shop which takes cash. (Or make sure you eat a big breakfast).
24. Cards become demagnetized don’t use your credit card for the room safe. A blank gift card will work.
25. If you get sea sick you can go to the Pursers desk and ask for pills. They are free there. Ginger tabs are much better than Dramamine (for most people anyway) as they don't make you tired and goofy. You should start taking Ginger or Dramamine a couple days before you cruise if you are prone to seasickness.
26. Bring travel alarm clock.
27. Bring water shoes if doing water excursions.
28. Bring a sweater/jacket. The dining room and theater can be cold.
