Hi David. As I discovered just two days ago, this is a great place to learn about cruising by asking questions or just by reading other posts.
1) Have all of your documents in order before you go.
2) Don't overpack!!! For a five day cruise, you will not need much more than a few pair of shorts, a few nice shirts, a few T-shirts and of course your swimwear!
3) Even though cruises are all inclusive, you will spend money on the ship, especially if you like to have the occasional beer/mixed drink.
4)Most importantly HAVE A GREAT TIME!!! Things usually run smoothly and you will be amazed at how the staff deal with the volumes of people. It's as if they do the same thing over and over again! There may be a hiccup or two, but try not to let that spoil your whole trip.
Look around, read some posts, search for any topics you have questions on. If you can't find an answer to a question, feel free to post it and I'm sure one of our members can answer. With a little reading here, you can quickly become an knowledgable cruiser.
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================================================== ========== Carnival Cruise Lines:
Fantasy 90, Celebration 95, Victory 05, Conquest 05, Spirit 6/06, Freedom 6/08, Holiday 7/08, Victory 6/09, Valor 9/09, Dream 6/10, Splendor 8/10,Conquest 8/11,Magic 11/11,Triumph 4/12,Spirit 7/12,Freedom 11/12, Triumph 2/13 - The fire cruise
NCL Dream October 2006, RCCL Mariner OTS June 2007
Hi DavidW, welcome aboard. First and foremost, you're going to have a wonderful experience. Just be warned, cruising is addictive. Don't forget your sunglasses, don't try to do everything in one day-you'll be warn out, don't forget you can have as much as you want to eat at dinner (one member didn't know you could order more than one entree). Do read your daily newspaper, do take an extra memory chip for you camera (or film) and an extra battery (charger), do as much or as little as you want, do do formal night, do smile a lot, do leave your worries behind, and do have fun. Best wishes!
Originally posted by penny3333:
Hi DavidW, welcome aboard. First and foremost, you're going to have a wonderful experience. Just be warned, cruising is addictive. Don't forget your sunglasses, don't try to do everything in one day-you'll be warn out, don't forget you can have as much as you want to eat at dinner (one member didn't know you could order more than one entree). Do read your daily newspaper, do take an extra memory chip for you camera (or film) and an extra battery (charger), do as much or as little as you want, do do formal night, do smile a lot, do leave your worries behind, and do have fun. Best wishes!
Ah yes, the extra lobster or two...
You have to try the chocolate melting cake for desert, YUM!!!
San Diego is a great port for the start and end of a cruise. I have not sailed on the Elation, but I have been on the Spirit and enjoyed it. One tip I read that I want to pass on to a new cruiser is that on Carnival, IF YOU ASK, you can get complimentary capacuino (I know I spelled that wrong), decaf or regular, after every meal in the dining room.
Speaking of chocolate melting cake, for the rest of you cmc junkies, I found that Betty Crocker produces a Molten Chocolate cake under their "Warm Delights" label that is a very close rendition. And it is very easy to make, it come pre-made in a bowl that you just add water to, mix and put the bowl in the microwave and its done.
yummie
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================================================== ========== Carnival Cruise Lines:
Fantasy 90, Celebration 95, Victory 05, Conquest 05, Spirit 6/06, Freedom 6/08, Holiday 7/08, Victory 6/09, Valor 9/09, Dream 6/10, Splendor 8/10,Conquest 8/11,Magic 11/11,Triumph 4/12,Spirit 7/12,Freedom 11/12, Triumph 2/13 - The fire cruise
NCL Dream October 2006, RCCL Mariner OTS June 2007
Hi David W, Welcome aboard! Ask away! The Elation is a good choice for a first cruise. Had the chance to sail on her last year when she was temporarily repositioned to the east coast. A super crew and staff.
I felt the same way about the pumpkin soup, so when I got back, I scoured the internet for a recipe that sounded similar. I finally found one and have made it numerous times. It is delicious!!! I will try to find the web-site and post it for you.
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