From the moment you look up and see the expanse of white, painted steel and the waving bunting on deck, you can’t help but feel the exhilaration of your impending Carnival cruise. When you arrive at the top of the gangway, your vacation truly begins! How on earth will you decide what to do first? Once you locate your stateroom, fling open your luggage and find your swimsuit, the world is your oyster. The atmosphere is filled with up-beat music. The air is heady with the scents of salt air, coconut suntan lotion and that indescribable but enjoyable ‘hotel smell’ and everywhere you look, people are smiling, laughing and having a good time.
A Carnival cruise ship is 1,000 feet of party territory. Two thousand other people are on board for the same reasons … to forget the daily grind, find entertainment, dine on scrumptious cuisine and enjoy the stunning scenery. One week on a Carnival cruise and you’ll either be ready to face the world again or you’ll never want to leave. Perhaps you should party to the point of exhaustion and then call in sick for two days before returning to work! Here are some tips on getting the most out of your Carnival cruise.
1. Pace yourself
Experienced cruisers know that the best way to enjoy a Carnival cruise is to pace yourself. There’s no sense in stuffing your belly full for three days and then paying for it with stomach cramps for the rest of the cruise. And if you stay up around the clock, you’re going to come crashing down at some point. The best advice is to alternate between days and nights of relaxation and full-blown celebration.
2. Head ashore to see the world
Make the most of your Carnival cruise by remembering that it’s not just about the ship. It can be tempting to spend the entire time on your thrill-a-minute home away from home but there are fascinating worlds to discover on shore. Ask the tour guide office for information, grab a map, a hat and some sunglasses and explore the area. Meet the locals, sample some unique foods and take a million pictures.
3. Learn something new
Yes, you can party, party, party 24/7 but why not make clever use of the time you have on your hands? On a Carnival cruise, you can learn belly dancing, golf, blackjack, Pilates, island crafts, languages and how to cook local treats.
4. Pack appropriately
It can be difficult to know exactly what you’ll be doing on your Carnival cruise but it’s wise to pack at least one dressy outfit along with your shorts, t-shirts and casual shoes. Consider throwing some kind of costume into your suitcase because theme nights are popular. Never forget your swimsuit unless you intend to buy a new one onboard. Comfortable shoes are essential and for shore excursions a sweater or jacket may come in handy.
5. Be prepared to tip
Cruise employees really appreciate their tips. They work hard and although a Carnival cruise ship may seem like a fun zone to you, it’s simply ‘the office’ to them. Carry enough small bills to reward the staff for good service because paying tips by credit card is inconvenient for the staff.
6. Cruise remedies
Aside from seasickness, you should carry something for a hangover and for an upset stomach. It is a Carnival cruise, after all! The onboard pharmacy will have most required remedies but it would be much cheaper to bring with you what you may need.
7. Carry ship’s credit
For the duration of your Carnival cruise, you can use a ship’s credit card to purchase drinks, onboard photographs, souvenirs and duty free items. It’s simpler and safer than carrying your own credit card and the only cash you need will be for tips.
8. Leave home without it – your cell phone, that is!
Come on, you’re on vacation! For starters, you should be relaxing on a Carnival cruise, and secondly, cell phones are not always functional at sea. If there’s an emergency, there are onboard telephones that can be used if you must call someone.
When you need to get away from it all, a Carnival cruise is the perfect answer. Live large, party, relax, make friends, eat well and forget about home until the minute you absolutely have to think about it.
