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Carnival Cruise Tips

29 Things to Know Before Boarding Your First Carnival Cruise

Mar 28 2018

If you've never taken a cruise before, I highly recommend experiencing it at least once in your lifetime. The almost-all-inclusive perks and fun-packed itinerary on board make it a unique travel experience — not to mention you have the ability to visit multiple destinations in a single vacation! But before you book a Carnival cruise, there are several things to note for smooth sailing. From knowing what to pack and leave at home to learning the best cruise hacks, these pro tips ahead will help you make the most of your first time.

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1. You can BYOB!

Double-check the alcohol restrictions on your ship beforehand to see what your ship allows. Carnival typically allows passengers to pack up to one bottle of wine in their suitcase, but no spirits or beer.

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2. Don't overdo it at the buffet.

You'll regret filling up at the Lido before dinner, so try your best to show restraint. Spread your meals throughout the day and take naps in between to avoid going into a food coma and missing out on the fun scheduled activities.

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3. Remember to pack trainers and workout clothes.

Some of your ship's fun features (like Carnival Vista's SkyRide) won't let your participate unless you're wearing the right gear. You may also want to take advantage of the Fitness Centre included in your room and board. And keep an eye out for any free fitness classes offered throughout the week!

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4. There's a luggage limit.

Carnival recommends limiting your luggage to one suitcase per person for a three- to five-day sail, but will allow up to two if your trip is any longer. A single carry-on suitcase for my six-day sail was more than adequate.

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5. Book a cabin in the middle of the ship to avoid seasickness.

Most of the time, you'll barely be able to detect that your ship is even moving. But in case you're sensitive to motion, book a stateroom in the middle of the ship, at deck one or two, where it's most stable. Ginger and green apples are also great for combating nausea.

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6. Pack your poshest gear for formal night.

You can dress as over the top as you'd like, but there are restrictions when it comes to how casual you can go on formal night. Jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, shorts, t-shirts, sportswear, baseball hats, flip-flops, and swimsuits are not permitted in the dining room when the evening's attire is "cruise elegant." Depending on the duration of your sail, your ship will either have one or two formal nights.

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7. You can leave basic toiletries at home.

Beach towels, hair dryers, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are all provided in your stateroom. But be sure to pack sunscreen and after sun yourself (though you can purchase on board if you forget!).

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8. Download the Carnival Hub app before the ship sets sail.

Not only does the app let you have your account summary information and each day's schedule on hand, but it's also free to use when you connect to the ship's WiFi. And for a few pounds, you and your family members can stay connected via the chat feature.

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9. It's much easier to carry on your luggage yourself.

To prevent your luggage from getting lost or mixed up, opt to take your own luggage on board rather than utilising the checked bag service. Not only will you have access to your belongings right way, but it will also be a hassle-free process when disembarking at the end of your trip.

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10. You should make dinner reservations beforehand.

I strongly suggest taking a break from the buffet and dining room and exploring the various specialty dining options on your ship. The food is admittedly superior to what's being served to the masses (understandably so), making the extra splurge totally worth it. Most restaurants accept walk-ins, but reservations are always recommended (especially at the fancier places).

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11. Bring cash.

Though all purchases on board are made with your Sail and Sign Card, you'll want to have extra cash to spend at your designated ports. Much of the transportation from the pier to other locations is cash-only, as well as local vendors. There is an ATM on your ship, but beware of ridiculous fees.

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12. Your Sail and Sign card is your lifeline.

Your room key is like your credit card and the only way you can board and disembark the ship on port days — don't lose it! It's conveniently punched for you to add to a keyring or lanyard.

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13. Get familiar with your ship as soon as you get on board.

The first day of your sail is the best to take a tour. While other passengers are getting settled in their staterooms, use this slower period to take your photos and check out all the awesome offerings. By day two, every corner will be packed with guests.

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14. Prepare to party.

Carnival Cruise is known to be the "Fun Ship," and you'll quickly learn why. In addition to the welcome party led by your cruise director, a series of other themed dance parties will be hosted throughout your sail.

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15. Soft drinks and alcohol are not included.

Although the dining room, Lido buffet (including ice cream, juice, and coffee), and other complimentary restaurants are part of your all-inclusive price, fizzy drinks and alcoholic beverages come at an additional cost. If you plan to drink a lot of both, I recommend signing up for the Cheers! Beverage Program, which lets you enjoy unlimited drinks for a flat fee.

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16. The shops on board sell essentials in case you forgot any.

In addition to souvenirs and other speciality items, your ship's stores also have basics like after sun and nail clippers. If your ship has a tobacco and liquor shop, they're able to cut your cigars for you if you'd like to enjoy your purchase on board.

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17. Book your excursions ASAP.

Some excursions with smaller groups do sell out, so snag your spot online before your trip. You can always make your reservation at the Excursions Desk on board, but it's best to book sooner rather than later.

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18. Your daily Fun Times schedule has all the information you need.

Fun is literally delivered to your door each day by your stateroom attendant. Be sure to read it thoroughly to see what's planned throughout the day and take note of important port information.

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19. Guests are allowed to decorate their doors.

I noticed that seasoned cruisers brought their own door decorations on board, whether it was to celebrate a birthday or just to add some individuality.

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20. The pools are least busy in the morning and on port days.

As soon as noon hits, you might have to battle it out for a lounger. Avoid crowds by getting there as early as possible and keep in mind that jacuzzis are almost empty in the morning of your port day through an hour before it's time to get back on.

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21. Not every ship offers a daily pass to its spa.

For example, Carnival Vista only grants access to its spa facilities to guests who purchase a week-long pass (or those purchase a treatment). If you plan to check out the spa, do your research beforehand to make sure you're utilizing each day of your pass.

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22. There's important information hidden in your Fun Times schedule.

You'll find crucial tips in between the lines. For example, I had no idea that JiJi Asian Kitchen on Carnival Vista served as a specialty restaurant at night, but a complimentary Mongolian Wok during lunch hours. Similarly, I learned that the Havana Pool area was open to all guests from 7 p.m. to midnight.

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23. Schedule out which shows you want to see.

There are a variety of different shows each night of your sail. It won't be possible to see them all — trust me, there's so much to do on board! — so it's best to plan out your week as early as possible. My two favorites, Love and Marriage and Lip Sync Battle on Carnival Vista, were only shown once the entire time, whereas the same comedians will perform a different bit each night.

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24. Some of the bars on board offer daily drink specials.

Cut costs where you can by taking advantage of drink deals. Alchemy Bar on Carnival Vista offered ladies discounted martinis on one night, for example.

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25. You'll be able to escape to kid-free zones.

If you need some time away from all the children on board, head over to the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. Here you'll find towels, drinks, and cabana service but no one under the age of 21.

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26. Outdoor areas are least crowded at night.

If you just need to get away from everyone, step out onto the deck when the sun goes down. Most passengers will have moved inside for dinner and shows by then. The front and back ends of the ship will still be fairly busy, so stick to the sides, where you'll find it to be nearly empty. The outdoor temperature will almost always be warm if you're sailing to tropical destinations.

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27. All gratuities are taken care of at the end of your sail.

You won't have to worry about tipping your stateroom attendant or dining room staff after every turn down or meal. You'll be given gratuity envelopes and comment cards on the very last day you're on board. And be generous! They provide excellent service to you and your family all week long. If you order room service, however, you should give whoever brought your food a small tip since he or she isn't part of your assigned rotation.

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28. You won't be able to cash out your winnings on the day you disembark.

If you plan to hit the casino, be sure to redeem your money and settle all outstanding balances at guest services on the last day (aka the day before you disembark). Any unclaimed balances that are less than $10 will automatically be donated to St. Jude Kids; if your balance is greater, you'll have to wait for your check in the mail.

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29. You'll have a blast!

Each Carnival ship has something for everyone, regardless of age. While on board, you'll soon learn how stress-free the entire experience is — and who knows? You may just find yourself booking your next cruise as soon as you return to shore.

Travel and accommodations paid for in part by Carnival Cruise Line for the purpose of writing this story.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Yi

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