Best Cruise Tips for First-Timers

Are you taking a cruise for the first time? We’ve got you covered. We’ve gathered the 10 most important first-time cruise tips and tricks to know before you set sail with Carnival. Read on, and you won’t feel like a newbie for long with the following advice for a first-time cruiser.

 

1. Cruise Helpers

When preparing to set off on a cruise for the first time, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Well, no need to worry, ​​Carnival provides guests with all the information they might need through the trusty ​​Carnival HUB app. The HUB app​     ​will serve as your go-to platform for booking shore excursions, making dinner reservations, purchasing a Wi-Fi package, completing online check-in, and so much more. You can also access the $5 chat feature within the app, which easily allows guests to communicate with each other while onboard. Not too tech-savvy? No problem! The Carnival Fun Times planner is printed daily and filled with everyday activities, shows, and happenings onboard. Grab a copy for yourself at the guest services desk or find a digital copy on the HUB app​​ to help plan your perfect day at sea.  

 

2. What to Wear

One of the most important tips is knowing what to wear on a cruise. If you’re cruising to the Caribbean, of course, be sure to bring your best beachwear for fun in the sun. But you’ll also want to be ready for different dress codes. Don’t get caught without everything you need, no matter where your cruise takes you: 

• Look cool while staying protected from the sun with a trusty pair of sunglasses, a hat, and UV protective clothing options. 

• Celebrate themed nights like White Out or ’80s Night. ​​These vary by sailings, but don’t worry, guests will be emailed with the necessary details.  

• Pack at least one dressy outfit suitable for special onboard occasions, as you never know when you’ll need something a little more glamorous.       

• Comfortable walking shoes are ideal for shore excursions; leave high heels and fancy footwear in the stateroom for your time onboard. 

• Always pack some gear for cool and rainy weather, such as a hoodie or light jacket 

 

3. Know the Best Staterooms 

Every stateroom is the best stateroom, but for your first cruise, it helps to know what’s right for your own needs. Here’s the quick lowdown on each of  the five stateroom options: 

• Suite staterooms: Larger rooms are ideal for cruising with your family, as these spacious rooms can sleep up to 5 guests and feature a private balcony, so everyone can comfortably stretch out and relax together. 
• Specialty staterooms: In select ships, you’ll find rooms with themed settings, such as the Family Harbor staterooms when traveling with kids, and the Cloud 9 Spa staterooms for couples or solo guests who want a pampering cruise. 
• Balcony staterooms: Rooms with outdoor balconies for invigorating sea breezes and perpetual views. These rooms provide guests with front row seats to the best views, so you won’t miss any unexpected wildlife sightings. 
• Ocean view staterooms: Rooms with portholes or windows to gaze out at the ocean. 
• Interior staterooms: The most affordable and cozy of the rooming options on the ship, the interior staterooms are designed for guests who are looking for a comfortable spot to curl up in after a fun-filled day. 

 

4. Surprising Conveniences to Pack 

One of the first things that guests want to pack is a camera. While a classic digital camera will provide great, high-quality photos, we recommend that beginner photographers take an inexpensive compact digital camera or stick to their phone. This way, they can still enjoy their cruise and take great photos of their trip. 

Here are some other helpful things that you should pack for your trip: 

• Bring a bag to keep your personal items safe and handy while out on a shore excursion. 

• A lanyard to hold your identification and room essentials while on board and on shore. 

• If you’re packing sunscreen, choose a reef-safe and biodegradable option that protects both you and the coral reefs during water-based shore excursions. 

• A towel clip is useful for keeping your towel from blowing away or getting lost. 

• Pack an electronic handheld fan to keep you cool on especially warm days. 

 

5. How to Reserve Anything 

Veteran cruisers know to make important reservations and bookings through the Carnival HUB app before they ever get on the ship. Make it a priority beforehand or in your first few hours on board to do the following: 

• Specialty Dining: Booking one-of-a-kind dining experiences is essential when going on a cruise. From Cucina Del Capitano to Steakhouse, there are plenty of unique experiences that will make your voyage unforgettable. However, it is important to make reservations at these restaurants quickly, as spots are limited and they fill up fast!  

• Spas: Book your hair appointments at the onboard salon, time in the onboard medi-spa, and a soak in Cloud 9 Spa’s Hydrotherapy Pool. 

• Tours: If you haven’t already pre-booked your port activities, that’ll also take priority. Some shore excursions are more popular than others, and spots quickly fill up. 

• Babysitters: Grab spots in kids’ clubs if you’re traveling with family. For example, if you want some time at the onboard Casino, stop by Camp Ocean for your 2 to 11-year-olds, Circle “C” for your 12- to 14-year-olds, and Club O2 for your 15- to 17-year-olds. Want to make the process even easier? Make it a priority to fill out the registration form prior to boarding so that the kids can jump right into the fun on day 1.  

• ​​​Bonus: Although it’s not a reservation, guests can plan ahead and save by purchasing Wi-Fi and drink packages before they set sail.  

 

6. Indulge in Cuisine 

One of the best things about a cruise is the variety of foods, both on and off the ship, you can try. Whether you’re hankering for a hamburger, exotic dishes, or one-of-a-kind cocktails. Every ship has its own unique line-up, so make sure to check your specific ship to see all of your included and additional payment options.  

​​​Included: 

• Dining Room: Sit down for a three-course meal featuring a premium selection of menu items ranging from salads to steaks and decadent desserts. 

• Lido Marketplace: ​​Step into a more casual buffet spot, highlighting a wide range of dining options that offer unique flavors and variety for every guest to enjoy. 

• Guys Burger Joint: Bite into the best poolside burgers served at sea, piled high with toppings and served with hand-cut fries.                                     

• Pizza: Although pizza spots vary by ship, from each you can enjoy hand-tossed dough made with imported Italian flour, topped with fresh ingredients, and baked to perfection before being served to cruisers all day long.    

​​​Additional: 

• Steakhouse: Enjoy premium cuts of beef, perfectly paired with an award-winning wine list. 

• Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse: Devour classic barbecue, deluxe hamburgers, and craft brews at Guy Fieri’s newest BBQ spot.   

• Cucina del Capitano: Pull up a chair and a big appetite to be met by rustic Italian dishes, inspired by authentic recipes and served family style. 

• The Chef’s Table: Indulge in a multi-course, full-service dinner hosted by the Master Executive Chef onboard. This popular dining experience with limited seating, reservations are a must for this one-of-a-kind dining experience.  

• Bonsai Sushi: Sit back and enjoy this interactive dining experience as your chef prepares a selection of filet mignon, grilled tofu, or seafood options right before your very eyes. Seating for this unforgettable experience fills quickly, so make sure to reserve your seat for lunch or dinner.  

 

7. Know Your Ship 

Although nothing can take the place of real-time experience, for a first-time cruiser, it helps to gain your bearings before embarking. One of the best first-time cruise tips is to access the deck plans on the ship, so research your ship and enjoy virtual tours, and view the deck plans. Download the deck plans and review them from your phone or computer before your cruise. For ships you’ve already booked, the Carnival HUB a​​pp is a great tool that allows you to access your ship’s map. You can even get a copy of your ship’s map at guest services on embarkation day. With all of these easy options at your fingertips, you’ll be navigating your ship like a pro in no time! 

 

8. How to Pay On Board 

Carnival uses cashless cruising. All of your onboard expenses are charged to your own Sail & Sign Card, which is directly linked to a credit card on file. Just present the card when purchasing anything on board. You can check the balance of your Sail & Sign Card accounts at onboard kiosks or through the interactive TV system in your stateroom. 

As for gratuities, those can be paid in advance through the HUB a​​pp, while fine dining gratuities are paid onboard. With that said, in case you need cash, there are indeed ATMs on board. 

 

9. Know the Lingo 

Before embarking (stepping on board) your ship, know a few terms to make your first-time cruise more comfortable. Here are a few choice words and terms to keep tucked in your back pocket during your first trip: 

• Embarkation vs Debarkation: Embarkation is boarding the ship, and Debarkation is leaving the ship.  

• Ports of Call (POC): The place or places the ship will visit on your sailing. 

• Cruise casual: This is tasteful attire, which you can wear most nights during dinner. It includes slacks, khakis, jeans (but no cut-offs), long dress shorts, and collared sports shirts for men. For women, it means casual dresses and skirts, summer dresses, blouses, pants, capri pants, dressy shorts, and dress jeans (no cut-offs here either). 

• Cruise elegant: This is evening wear for one or two nights of dinner on your cruise, specifically for when you’re eating in the main dining room. Men are asked to wear dress shirts, dress trousers, slacks, and a sports coat is suggested. Ladies dress in pantsuits, cocktail dresses, and elegant skirts and blouses. You may also have a formal night on board, where more formal wear is required. 

• Early seating/late seating: This is an assigned schedule and seating for passengers in the main dining room. Early seating runs from 5:30-6 PM, while late dining is from 7:45-8:15 PM. 

• Your Time Dining: ‘Your Time Dining’ is offered fleet-wide between 5 PM and 9 PM. All guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis and are typically accommodated within 20 minutes as long as all members of the party are present. Guests can also use the Carnival HUB a​​pp to check in ahead of time or once your party is ready.  

• Stateroom attendants: This is the person responsible for keeping your stateroom in order with your requests and amenities. 

• Lido deck: This is the most popular deck on the ship because it’s where some of the outdoor pools and outdoor activities like the Sail Away Party are located. 

• Ship time: The time the ship operates on, regardless of time zone shifts. 

• Return to ship time: This is the latest time you can come back on board during a day at port. Arriving late could mean that the ship will set sail without you on board. 

• Muster station: The designated assembly point in case of emergency. Each guest is required to visit their muster station for a quick safety presentation before sailing. 

• Aft: The back of the ship. 

• Starboard Side: The right side of the ship. 

• Forward (FWD): The front of the ship. 

• Port Side: The left side of the ship. 

 

10. Take Advantage of the Nightlife 

There is a variety of nightlife you’ll find on a Carnival ship that rivals the most glittering nights you’d have during a vacation on land. Always check which events your ship will offer on board to create your very own can’t-miss itinerary, but here are some guest favorites: 

• The Punchliner Comedy Club: Here’s the best place for laugh after laugh. 

• Dive-In Movies: Snuggle up on the poolside and watch the (movie) stars. 

• Playlist Productions: Enjoy musical productions on the high seas.  

• Live Music: Come here to party along with live performances and jams on the lido deck. 

• Piano Bar: This lively yet sophisticated bar is a great place to sing or sway along to your favorite songs while sipping your favorite cocktails all night long. 

• Nightclub: Here’s the spot for dancing to the hottest hits. 

• Casinos: Step right up and try your luck at winning big at one of the onboard casinos.  

 

11. Find Some Peace and Quiet 

Scope out the little nooks and crannies on your particular ship where you can get away for some quiet time on your cruise vacation: 

• Serenity Adult-Only Retreat: Slip away to this 18 and over lounging area to find complete peace on board. 

• Cloud 9 Spa: Imagine being pampered in a spa while traveling to Bermuda. You have the choice of the hair and beauty salon, Medi-spa, facial treatments, and massage. For men, there are men’s services on board for a ship-shape shave and more. 

• The Library: Our ships come with a place for all the great literature you need to enrich your mind. 

• Loft 19™:only on Excel class ships: You’ll find a secluded retreat modeled after the world’s finest resorts on Mardi Gras, Carnival Jubilee, and Carnival Celebration ships.  

• Art seminars and art exhibitions: Enjoy a cultivated good time while talking to art experts. 

• Beauty treatments for your teens: ZSPA is a place where teens can get facials, mani/pedis, and newfound self-esteem. ZSPA is for teens only, and it’s a place where they can feel pampered. 

It’s perfectly okay to ask questions and learn as you go. There’s a lot of information for first-time cruisers to know, but cruise enthusiasts and crew members love to use their knowledge to guide other guests. After all, each of them started out with a first cruise. Once you get to know the ship, you’ll always feel comfortable on a Carnival cruise. Allow yourself to experience the best vacation on the perfect cruise, and who knows, you might just pick up some insider notes and insider tips to share with others. 

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