Silly questions...try not to laugh!! :)

I am a first time cruiser leaving on Carnival's Conquest on June 15th.  I just had a couple of questions about going into ports and excursions...

 1. I know when we are docked at a port we have to be back on the boat at a certain time.  Say the boat is leaving at 5:00...what time zone is that on??  We are boarding the boat in Galveston, TX.  Will everything stay on that time zone for the whole trip?

2. We have booked a couple of excursions through Carnival, but I was wondering...how do we know where to go for them once we're off the boat?  Are there people waiting off the boat for you or do you just have to figure out where it is located by yourself?

 
Thanks for any help you can give me!  Sorry for such silly questions!
 

I will try and help.  You can also check out my website for more information.

When going out of Galveston it shanges depending on the time of year.  I believe Montego Bay or Grand Caymen you have to switch the clock but Cozumel is on the same time as Galveston.  The Capersm (the daily newsletter delivered to your cabin) will let you know whether to stay on ship time or island time.  You are going to get those that say they didn't change and those that say you do - again this is because of DST.  It is my understnading it was very confusing this year as we changed our DST up while other parts of the world didn't.  You will be fine if you just read the Capers and follow what it tells you.  You have to be back on board no later then a half hour before sail time - this will also be listed in the Capers.

If you book your excursions through Carnival you will be instructed as to whether you are meeting somewhere on the ship or off the ship - depending on the port and the excursion.  On board it is usually a lounge.  Off the boat they will be holding signs as you exit the boat. 

Consider booking "easier" excursions on your own.  There are many reputable vendors out there.  Just do your research. Don't try to travel long distances on your own.  This is very risky.

BTW - there are no silly questions here on the boards.

Cheryl,

Have you ever thought of being a travel agent?  You sure know your stuff and you seem to enjoy it.  I just want to thank you for all your hard work and your site is just awesome.  We have some first time cruisers going with us and I just gave them the link to your site.  Thank you again.

Thank you.  It gives me great joy to know the site is helping people.  I like to help people and show them that they don't have to break the bank to have a great time on vacation.

I have thought on many occasions that I would make a good travel agent but to be honest with myself I probably wouldn't make much money at it as I would always being trying to give everyone the best deal out there :).  Someday maybe when money doesn't matter.  For now I just enjoy passing on those pearls of wisdom (LOL). 

Mike:

Use Ship Time, always.

By all means do not feel silly!  I think I may be able to top your question!  I too am a first time cruiser.  I have a favorite bottle of wine.  Although I know alcohol will be provided, is there any rule that says I can not bring one bottle of my favorite wine in my luggage?  I have been wanting to ask this question for days.  Does anyone know the answer to this question?  Don't Laugh!  :)

Each person over the age of 21 is allowed to bring onboard 1 bottle of wine.  I would put it in your carry on though as they handle the luggage pretty rough.

You said "alcohol is provided"...you do realize that it's at additional cost...?  And is rather expensive.   Each passenger 21 and older can bring one bottle of wine or champagne onboard at embarkation...just carry it on.  When you do buy alcohol onboard, stay away from the souvenir glasses unless you really want them.  You can save lots by asking for drinks in a regular non-souvenir glass.  Sodas also cost extra...and can add up very quickly.  You can also bring a "reasonable" amount of non-alcoholic beverages when you first board the ship.  You'll find plenty of free juices onboard, but it will save quite a bit of money if you bring on a 12 pack or two of your own soda if you'd like to have it.