28 Tips for First Time Carnival Cruisers

[@thomasmcculley7969]

Your tip to use a night light if in an inside cabin is good, but a better idea is to put the TV on the live camera view from the bridge. Mute the sound. The TV acts like a night light and keeps you mentally aware of the night/day shift. Very dark picture at night, gradually lightens as day dawns, just like having a window.

[@saliman4874]

Hi, I used to work for Carnival so I have to give you some tips as well. The money you gave to the guy in the port for your luggage is a complete waste. That guy will not be handling your luggage inside the ship, he will only bring it inside the port building and place it in the crate. This crate will be loaded to the ship by forklift. Once inside the ship, sorting is done manually by hotel stewards from housekeeping department, and delivered to cabin by cabin steward. The people in the port just take money and the people who do the job are penniless. My tip to you: next time you go for a cruise with Carnival, give your tip to cabin stewards HELPER ( the guy who clean your toilet everyday) as he is working 15 hours every day and get $400 a month. It is however very important that you use the correct tag for you luggage, otherwise it will be lost. On the normal embarkation day, crew is dealing with over 12.000 bags (crew of 20 hotel stewards).....Also have you notice what flag is your ship sailing with? That flag means that the ship is registered in that country, so the employment laws of that country apply. The fact that Carnival is US corporation doesn't mean they pay the employees american wage, most of the waiters are making only $70 per month from Carnival ( in my opinion, slave labor) so yes, tipping is the livelihood of the people taking care of you, PLEASE TIP YOUR WAITER, NOT THE F&B MANAGER or MAITRE'D AS as they have big salary even without tips. and the last tip, try other cruise line as Carnival is considered the lowest class cruise, I can recommend Royal Caribbean

[@MzKedaKares]

sali man question, you used to work for Carnival, I believe most cruise ship have similar set ups. So I was wondering the difference between the waiter and the assistant waiter and the cabin steward & cabin steward helper. I know they have different titles but I couldn't remember it lol. I do keep the daily tip but I also tip my wait staff and cabin stewart separately just because I feel that they provided personal attention to me.

[@saliman4874]

Mz Vakashun Hi, in cabin, the helper is just hotel steward doing overtime on the top of his 12 hour night shift. Cabin steward is paid from your tips only, but this can come to nice bunch of money. They will share your tips between them, but cabin steward will keep bigger portion as he is getting paid only like $70 from carnival. Helper is getting $400 for his night shift and whatever they agree with cabin steward for his overtime. Ussualy comes to $1300 (17 hours daily). In the restaurant it was waiter and headwaiter as far as I can remember, unless they change the titles. Waiter is doing the running and head waiter talking at the table... They both deserve the nice tip if you can afford it. Do not feel bad for not tipping everyone, remember they are not taxed and don't pay for accomodation and food. DO NOT GIVE YOUR TIPS TO MAITR'D OR RESTAURANT MANAGER, they have plenty of money and dont work hard.... I hope it helps. I would use my gut feeling... If they are nice to you give them tip (unless they are in white uniform, ignore those they are ritch)

[@kingkon164]

✌✌👍👍

[@tylayoung1056]

sali man I know I'm really late but do they really search through your bag? I really wanna bring alcohol lol

[@saliman4874]

Tyla Young they will search your bag everytime you come back to ship from island (port). you can get lucky when you bring alcohol on the first day of cruise in your big luggage

[@bill1154]

Good job young lady. Another good tip - Facebook. There are FB groups created for people cruising on each individual ship. No question is a stupid question there and you will get any question answered based on personal experiences, much like this video. There are also FB Groups created for your individual cruise date. There is where you meet people you may run into on your ship. Sail-away parties, Cabin Crawls and other things are planned and discussed there. Some things have changed in three years, you will learn them there.

[@playgirlc]

that's a great tip, bill! I've just gone and joined a fb page for our (first) cruise in june - thanks!

[@arnettet4483]

You are SO right about tipping the porters! I wanted to tip the porter last year (Carnival Fascination - Jacksonville, FL), and my husband didn't (he said this in front of the porter too). Well my luggage got on the ship intact and delivered to my room promptly, but the porter snatched my husband's tags off, so we had to look for his luggage.

[@jeff30458]

+AR T exactly lol. It's a definite one dollar per bag. One time we had 6 bags and tipped $5. We had to go searching for one bag.

[@saliman4874]

can't find your cabin? easy tip: even numbers are port side ( left side, when facing the direction of the ships travel) the crew will never use the term left side, or right side, it will be port or starboard side. so: LEFT=PORT=EVEN (4 letters) easy

[@stephsman18]

I have been cruising for 8 years, I'm a long time gold member of Carnival (30 days from platinum), have been on various ships (Triumph, Valor, Freedom, Dream, etc) and in 20 minutes you made me feel like a first time cruiser. Consider yourself subscribed to. Awesome job on the video.

[@cindy19812009]

Please remember if you are going on Carnival you can not bring bottled drinks anymore. Only cans or cartons, no more than 12 oz each, no more than 12 pk per person. The only alcohol is 1 750mil bottle of wine or champagne per adult 21 and over. Also if you bring extra plug ins they can not have a surge protector anymore.

[@Dinahsaurs]

You have great tips, I just wanna add that you can bring a case of bottled water on the boat instead of using their pricey water.

[@mariama.7482]

That's true, or you can also just request cups of water from room service or even grab water from the lido in a large waterbottle.

[@YazzieL90]

Your video helped me soooo much,im obsessing over getting everything perfect for my first cruise in Sept 2015

[@mariama.7482]

Carnival was awesome! Thanks for the tips :) It is so important to tip people on these ships. They work sooo so so hard and they live on these ships for months without families or close friends (or good wifi, apparently). A lot of them are trying to earn money for their families. And they are all sooo sweet and kind so tip them! Went on Liberty and just got off Victory like less than 24 hours ago LOL I am still in that heartbroken stage *sigh*... Felt like I was living a dream.

[@janicehull8017]

Teenagers cruise videos are almost always better than adults recording. Good job. Thanks

[@Phlebo]

your video on tips was really informative, and I appreciate you taking the time to put this together for other so they will have a heads up on some very good information. I resent all of these people commenting negatively about your voice. Thanks again for your time and effort!!!

[@SweetDaddyBarron78]

Are we suppose to tip her for this video of tips?

[@hittingtax2670]

Absolutely

[@paulhinde99]

Some great tips in there I had not thought of before. For us -not yet- Platinum cruisers, - Some ships do have laundry facilities on them, check it out beforehand, if so bring a bunch of quarters and you are good. You can buy detergent on board, just like at a regular laundromat. Another tip you forgot was pack your swimsuit, meds, and anything else you might want right away in your carry on bag. It will take a few hours for your luggage to be delivered.

[@lharb704]

As a veteran cruiser, I can confirm this is mostly good practical advice. The only thing I really disagree with is going to the back of the ship if you get sea sick. There is a tiny bit of extra noise back there but the vibration is not really an issue and when you're underway, it's the front of the ship that tends to bounce around since you're sailing into the waves up there.

[@AngelDRose]

Yes! To 28. TIP! The workers on the ships work really hard. Long hours with no time off for most of the year. And they make very little money. Tipping really helps.

[@tempocontour]

this is from Carnival website - "Voyages departing October 9, 2014 onward; the total amount is $12.00 per guest • Stateroom service team $3.90 per day • Dining room service team $6.10 per day • Alternative services team* $2.00 per day (*galley, entertainment, guest services and other hotel staff members) The amount is automatically added to your shipboard account, but can be adjusted in either direction at the guest services desk. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to bar bills. Tipping for room service at delivery is expected (and appreciated) by the service staff."

[@SANxJONERO]

tempocontour thank you, but maybe Carnival should get a tip on how to pay their people. Sad how they take advantage.

[@tempocontour]

SANxJONERO You must remember that not all jobs are hourly pay. Local restaurant servers are payed by tip. Carnival isn't the only cruise company that pay by tip. I think all cruise company are the same when it comes to paying by tip. If the cruise companies payed all the workers hourly wage, the cost would have to be passed along to customers before hand. Best to "hide" the pay by leaving it to the customers to tip. But over all, cruises are one of the best value for people looking for a vacation bargain. Where else can you find a deal where all-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and midnight snacks) from hot dogs to prime rib, desserts, entertainment (movies, Broadway shows, comedians), cabins for sleeping and showering are ALL included at such a low price, especially during the slow periods (fall, winter).

[@SANxJONERO]

tempocontour, that is a good point. I still think they can do better. I ended up taking a cruise after my comment. I was practically forced to pay the tips through a prearranged bill.

[@SANxJONERO]

Al San Miguel yup, they pretty much make you pay it that way. They don't seem to like using cash on the ship, except at the casino.

[@HoldenWorldTravel]

Great info Thank you. You did a great job. I'm going on my first cruise on my 50th bday. I can't believe I played the video twice just to take notes because you tips are so helpful.

[@ThomasDowdyWinslett]

I've been on 14 cruises and the tips you gave are exceptional. They are very similar to the ones we've learned. I need to emphasize to people who have not been on a cruise before that you should when you are booking you should look at the deck above and below your cabin as well as what is around you. People used to say book in the middle of the ship to experience a more stable ride but with modern day stabilizers we've not found the middle to be any less rocky than the fore or aft. So we book based on what is above and below and we get as far from elevators, stairs and other public areas as possible. If you have mobility issues you may want to be near the elevators but that is not us. After all our trips and airlines charging more for luggage, we continue to find we can leave more "stuff" at home. We find a mini extension cord is worth the space but not many other gadgets. We bring fewer clothes and try to make it so we can mix--n-match top/bottoms. Thank you for your insightful, informative, and practical tips. Anyone would be wise to listen. I hope you continue to post more of the lessons you learn from your life experiences.

[@rncook2471]

More tips, get your photos taken often, you only have to purchase your favorites if you want to, no obligation and they do a great job. Wear comfortable walking shoes, Don't wait on a line at the buffet if the dining room is open,they give great service in the dining room! Soda in room refrigerator is not included in the soda plan and you are charged extra.

[@playgirlc]

are the photos expensive (i'm guessing yes...)?

[@wardoexe]

Awesome video! I love your tips and can't wait to cruise again. Just adding my two cents. By the way these are all specific to carnival also. You can bring a case of bottled water per guest and a bottle of wine per person 21 and over! There may be a corking fee unless you are sneaky though. Also if you're planning to buy liquor at ports keep in mind they will hold it on ship until the last night. Again unless you are sneaky. I do not drink soda but I am an ice tea aholic. The tea and juice are free, but the cups are so dinky. I bring my own large plastic cup so I don't have to constantly refill. One last tip although I have many more to share. Catch a show if you can. All entertainment is free so be sure to check it out at least. Try to plan your dinner around it. I usually go for the late dinner seating and catch the early show. Then off to the casino for a bit and a late dip in the hot tub. I've found that most suitable for my tastes. Happy cruising!

[@dez2dar]

We did the pre paid tipping & tipped over and above that... the staff is really attentive! We packed our own cups for tea & coffee because their cups are rather small! We cruised Magic in oct 2013 had the best time of our lives :-) your tips are great points... wish I would have seen this before many first cruise!

[@GGperiesYT]

Some good tips, and some funny, like the toilet flush.*** I really recommend that you check in a suitcase, and pack a carry-on "survival bag" with a light sweater(whole ship is climate controlled), empty water bottle(so you don't have to walk a mile to get a drink), swimsuit, sunscreen, full toiletries. This survival bag will allow you to transition from pool to dinner in the most likely scenario that your suitcase doesn't get delivered to your cabin until after dinner. ***One of the main side effects/symptoms of sea sickness is drowsiness. If you are prone to this, rise late, and brunch late, then choose the second dinner service at 8:15pm. Cause if you dine at 6pm, then get hungry around midnight, late night food choice is slim pickings, not fresh, and junk food.

[@chilannguyen6447]

#4 is very important

[@MINHOMES]

Great 28 tips. Have been on Carnival 3 times 1990 (honeymoon) -1995. Looking forward to another trip for our 20 year anniversary with our 14 year old son! Thanks again Artii!

[@myheberts]

I leave soon for my first cruise and have watched several videos. Yours has been the most helpful to help me prepare!! Thank you so much!

[@Debbycosner]

This was very informative for me. I have been on 2 royal carribbean cruises, but never carnival. Going on June 22, and now I am more prepared. Thanks!

[@bobprice6274]

This is my first cruise your tips are great! Very helpful! I would recommend to anybody take two power strips. Also plenty of USB powered chargers for iPhones and other devices. Your idea of putting the cruise map on the iPhone or other phone is a good idea. Carnivals videos are not very good because are too short. The deals like yours make the difference thanks for doing that... Also your highlighter ideas excellent thank you! Battery operated low-power nightlight is a good idea.

[@montiraruba2831]

Thank you so much for this helpful video. We are going on the Carnival Ecstasy in January and this video tips are good to know.

[@laurenp7904]

You are so precious for taking the time to make this video!! These tips are awesome! Thanks!!! :)

[@trinasteeldiva5]

Great tips! I have for the Breeze. I'm not sure which other ships have them, but the lights turn on with your stateroom key. You can use another card (gift card, credit card, etc.) Once you remove the card, the lights turn off after about 5 minutes. It makes it easier than using your stateroom key, because if you are leaving out of the room and others are still in there, the lights will turn off and they may forget to put their key in the light switch. It's very dark and they may have trouble scrambling to find a card and then make it to the light switch.

[@carriemcclaine2049]

Disney ships' cabins are much bigger than the other cruise lines. The difference in space is very nice. If you cruise on Disney you don't pay for sodas. There is a free drink station. Powerstrips/surge protectors will be confiscated from your luggage, it is a big fire hazard on a ship. Also, they have wave phones so you don't need walkie talkies. I don't know about Carnival's ships but the Disney ships have magnetic doors. Many people print out signs and decorations on magnets and decorate like crazy. It is easier to spot your door walking down a long hallway full of doors. The Disney Dream and Fantasy have "virtual portholes" in inside cabins so you don't feel like you're in the dark. Free room service is nice. Ask for sandwiches, chips, and cookies and take them in a cooler when you get off the ship in a port. Unlimited Mickey ice cream bars are great too, but you have to ask because they're not on the menu.

[@heatherg1706]

Carrie McClaine Power strips are ok - not the surge protector.

[@younglady2789]

You offered so many great tips to first time cruisers; seasoned travelers can benefit from your tips as well! Experience is the best teacher and we can see you are very experienced with cruising the ocean blue! Excellent job!

[@djrolo813]

Cool video...especially for new cruisers. Be mindful that Carnival automatically adds the tips for the room steward, dining staff, etc. to your bill. However, you can go to guest services and have those automatic charges removed. If your cabin stewards treat you right (room clean, friendly and act like it's not just a job) and your dining staff is on point, please tip.

[@rcbronxnyc4353]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I was only able to watch the first 2-3 tips. The 'like' this, 'like' that was just too annoying. I 'like' couldn't get through it.

[@gonebananas777]

RC Bronx, NYC exactly my thoughts!! I spent tips 2-10 just reading these comments. It was too much, it reminded me of a pot head! I probably missed a lot of good info but I just couldn't listen to it any longer.

[@joannewman1656]

And leave your hair alone

[@DIYAllied]

@@joannewman1656 aren't you miss perfect

[@dej92]

Don't tip! She did not mention that Carnival charges each person $12 per day for tips! For a 7 day cruise that's already $84 they have charged to your account card before you start cruising. It all adds up people. Then the bottomless bubbles for $6 a day that's another $42 for the week. Now your over $100 that's before excursions, gambling, photos, mixed drinks etc. You have to be smart about cruising. Here are some ideas take your own drinks and drink them BEFORE doing bottomless bubbles. Don't buy anything from the ship store until the last day things will be marked down. They are going to charge you a lot for meds like Tylenol etc so bring your own. No internet. Enjoy what's free first!!!

[@tempocontour]

Don't be cheap either. Cruises are one of the best vacation bargain, especially off season. Think of what is included in your price. You get breakfast, lunch and dinner, whether at buffet area which is all-you-can-eat or at a dining room. Entertainment like Broadway shows, comedians, dance clubs, current movies, etc, etc, etc, then divide the amount you pay per day and you'll see what a bargain it is! On average, you'll pay around $100 per day. Try to get all that entertainment and food at home and you'll never come close.

[@amandadevries7130]

just so you know you can choose not to prepay gratuities (I think I spelled that correctly lol) just booked my cruise on carnival today and opted out of prepaying tips due to im sure they are taking more than I would just tip.

[@ChenieceBurke]

mandi D even if you choose not to prepay, they still add the $12/day gratuities on your Sail & Sign card every day of your cruise. By the end, you still have to pay the $12/day and that money gets split btw your cabin steward(ess), your dining team, and the rest of the staff on board.

[@georgeleong1572]

Cheniece Burke $12 per day is cheap. Think about it. All day long you are being served from morning to night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, buffet, cleaning the ship, laundry, room service (cleaning and remaking the beds), etc, etc, etc. $12 per day is cheap. Plus, even tho you are charged $12/per on your Sail & Sign card, you can contest the amount. You'll need to go to the pursers desk and change the amount there, whether to subtract the amount because of bad service or add because service was above what you expected. Last cruise, back in 2013, I gave out-of-pocket tip, in addition to what was already taken in the Sail & Sign card, to my dining room servers because I thought they did a fantastic job.

[@ChenieceBurke]

George L Oh I know $12/day is cheap... I was just letting her know that even if you choose not to pay up front, you'll still need to pay it by the end of your cruise... You should only contest the amt if there was a problem with your service. $12/day for those worker is still not enough IMHO... NO worries though. My next cruise is in 2 months and I can't wait!!! :)

[@Houston-ss8zf]

Hi, I wanted to take the time to say thank you for the tips. We sailed on the Carnival Sunshine and had a great time. This was our 1st cruse and your tip to use the power bar really helped. Some of your other tips helped too. Thanks for taking the time to share.

[@missanca1]

I'll be on carnival glory on the 23rd...so excited. Thanks for the tips

[@111marcie]

This really helped us, we we're first time cruiser last yr and I want to thank you! We are going again already booked yay! We did the poster on the door and also walkie talkies does help bec my son did get lost and I sent my husband and son after him and they communicated through the walkie talkies, plus my son loved it.

[@AngelDRose]

3:Know your ship. I always know my ship. I study the deck plans and even go on YT and watch people's tour vids. It makes it a lot easier when you actually go on the cruise. Means more time vacationing. Less time trying to figure out where things are. I mean you only have a few days, and the time goes really fast.

[@kkitty44]

this video was great. i watched it before my 4th cruise ... i thought i was pro enough. i knew all these tips and practiced them all except the power strip. i did that on my january cruise and it was the best tip ever. especially with four of us in one room who have ipods, ipads, iphones, rechargeable batteries for cameras, etc. thanks for the tips! i also have collapsible closet organizers that i bring

[@WonderlandRiots]

Best cruise tips ever! I didn't know about half of what you mentioned! Thank you so much!

[@savedc1095]

Thanks for the great tips! First time cruise for me in Jan and Going on the Carnival splendor in less than 3 weeks and cant wait!!

[@jadeanthony3809]

This is awesome! Thank you so much for this, what a lifesaver your a sweetheart :)

[@actionbraxton]

Here's a tip: watch your alcohol consumption. Each beverage you order from a bar on the ship will have a 15% gratuity added. If you're feeling brave, it might be better to invest in a set of rum runners. Also, if you must use the bars, find 1 specific bar and bartender and try to utilize them for the duration of your cruise. Building a rapport with a certain bartender always nets me free drinks on cruises and might do the same for you.

[@BrandonBlackmoor]

This was super helpful! Thanks. I hope you get over your cold soon.

[@twainville]

Awesome tips. thank you for the tipping everyone info! Super nice lady.

[@johnjang-jjessentials1132]

This was really helpful. I am going on my first cruise with my parents in l8 days and super excited.

[@ryanstango6774]

Thank you so much! My family and I are going on a carnival cruise in june and I found this SO helpful!

[@laurabranch4471]

Heads up for anyone who wants to get walkie talkies: there is a setting on some models that can make your stream between devices private, turn it on. It also helps reduce static while keeping your conversations private.

[@tiakiss97]

Thanks for all the great tips.

[@P0RC3LINA]

Tipping Tip: As a former server and bartender I feel the need to pass along a simple guide to tipping... Great service: 20% or more Bill- $37.00 Tip- $7.40 or round up $8 Okay service: 15% Bill- $37.00 Tip-$5.55 or round to $6 Could have been better service: 10% or less (remember they are human!!) Bill- $37.00 Tip- $3.70 or round down $3 Thanks for reading!!! -A

[@mariama.7482]

a tip on tipping LOL thanks :D

[@jynad]

I break out laughing You must be kidding!

[@VenishaButler]

alysha huff This is a wayyy late response but very true! I've bartended 11 years. A lot of people don't understand that tips are primarily a bartender's livelihood. Take care of your bartender and they will take care of you.

[@Virtualhan]

Your tip about the toilet was soo true! 😂 my first cruise was last August and literally my family screamed when they flushed!!

[@1LoVe3020]

Heya, I just got back from a carnival cruise and I watched this video before going and noted some of your pointers down. My family were so impressed with the pointers I was putting into practice (as some of my family members have been on a few cruises before) but it was my first haha it was cool having the "upper knowledge" and appearing to be cruise educated hahaa - So thanks heaps for the pointers, it was very helpful and made me look switched on :)

[@KezB]

I'm going to the Caribbean in December, cant wait! Thanks so much for the tips!

[@divox9pqr]

Thank you so much for your tips...I,am going out on the Splendor in Dec,2013 to the Bahamas. Your incite is amazing.....Thanks again

[@tammielw4500]

I haven't been on a cruise in a long and I am planning to go August 2014. Thank you for all of your excellent tips and ideas.

[@louisecynberg4487]

Parking didn't cost me anything! And I tipped the people £20 and I didn't get my items until 8:30 pm and we arrived at 10:00Am, that's the only snagg. My table got double booked with another family. I'm not mad, the girl is my best friend now. Your tips are amazing.

[@audreyscott6918]

OMG YOUR AWESOME... THANKS FOR YOU TIPS THIS HELPED ME ON MY 1ST CRUISE.... THANKS THANKS THANKS.

[@BrittneySamoneSilver]

I'm cruising today! Thanks for the tips! :)

[@blde29]

Thanks for taking the time to give us tips! I was just thinking about doing the Splendor!

[@dice010]

Excellent Video! This was very informative and really well explained. I'm planning my first cruise and this video helped tremendously. Thank You.

[@amt8134]

I've been on two carnival cruises and your video is by far the best and has the best info good job I hope to see another video

[@boa2193]

I'm 12 I've been on two cruise my first was carnival triumph my second was the Royal Caribbean oasis of the seas and in 3 weeks a cruise to Alaska and the ship is carnival legendary so excited

[@cujo9999]

I'm going on a cruise on the Carnival Valor starting on Saturday morning to the West Caribbean. It will be my first cruise. I'm finishing up packing and trying to make sure I've got everything...lol...Nice video, especially tips about air freshener and power strips, stuff like that...

[@barbarawhite5859]

Thank you so much. All valuable. The most important is location on the ship. Been on Queen Mary II and ended up over the disco. Madness.

[@chelleum]

Great tips!! I'm taking my 3rd Carnival cruise in January.

[@mojohood]

Thanks for the great tips. You did a great job.

[@saydeehansen6325]

Thanx for the tips!! I've been on a cruise before but I was like 11 so it's nice to remember tips!!

[@seanwentink997]

Great tips. Can't wait for my first cruise coming up.

[@elizabethdonaldson89]

Great tips, love your infectious attitude about cruising!

[@angeli1332]

Hi Thank you so much for your tips they were very helpful.🤗🤗🤗

[@javi_fms]

very informative video! thanks a lot for the info. planning a trip soon! you look such a pro at this topic! 😀

[@joynerhampton]

Great tips very informative before we cruise I will take all the tips you gave and put them to use! I love to tip that one is to easy for me I take care of people who take care of me I appreciate great service! Can't wait to travel Carnival on the Splender thanks again!!!!!!!!

[@asmartbajan]

The tip to bring a power strip tip I saw on another video. Makes a lot of sense.

[@georgeleong1572]

+Wayne Phillips Be aware that cruise companies are starting to ban power strips. My guess is that it will lessen the chance of fire in a cabin. They don't want too many cords plugged into a power strip which could over heat and/or cords left plugged unattended.

[@asmartbajan]

+George L Thanks for that info. I guess I'll ask each ship about their policy regarding power strips before bringing any with me.

[@nahnahadvisor689]

Carnical does not allow powerstrips at all!!

[@georgeleong1572]

Per Carnival web site: Electrical devices such as fans, power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, and extension cords (without surge protectors) are allowed on board when used with proper caution. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard, they will be removed and returned the last day of the cruise prior to debark.

[@dannyclifford6619]

thanks this was Really Really Really helpful ...walkie talkie idea!!!

[@loomlover390]

thanks sooo much! im taking my first ever cruise on the carnival paradise in January it this was really helpful!

[@knightaudit]

Thanks for posting this .. tons of good information for us first timers

[@bonione8611]

I don't mind tipping but young lady, you must rely on your parents for income. The $5-10 tip thing is much too much for people like me. Now if I pay the tip for the 4 of us than maybe $6-8 will tip the luggage person. Room service might get $1-2 per person. And why would we call room service often when we plan on buffet for each meal. LOL

[@grannatana]

If you can't afford to tip the staff for their hard work, then i suggest you stay at home...... they work so hard and depend on tips......I used to wait tables and people like you , i would just as soon you go to a drive thru and eat.....

[@bonione8611]

Ruff, ruff, grrrrrrrr. I laugh at your comment. where did I say I didn't tip

[@lenalegoreci4660]

Well than again, it's plain out unjust for employers to discard that obligation to the customers. There really should be a law in place for that! grannatana

[@teaberryXti]

We have cruised 4 times, actually 3 times, all on the Carnival Pride out of Baltimore. For our first cruise (non-cruise) we headed up to Baltimore and hopped on the Pride. Of course, there was a problem. Hurricane Sandy was headed up the Atlantic coast. I had followed the weather closely, contacted my travel agent, Port of Baltimore, and Carnival and all said the ship would be sailing on schedule. So, even though I thought this crazy, we drove an hour to Baltimore and boarded the Pride. All this was a first experience for us, you can imagine the excitement! We had lunch on the Lido deck and headed down to see if our room was ready, it was. Just as we started to unpack, the Captain announced that the cruise was canceled and everyone must be off the ship by 4:00p. At least we hadn't unpacked yet. So we had actually boarded a ship that was about to sail into a hurricane, or maybe they thought they could get out to sea before the worst hit, but it would be a long way and a long time down the Chesapeake Bay. Captain said U.S. Coast Guard had shut down all traffic in the Chesapeake. So our first try proved to be a "dry" run but not a total loss. So much for our first cruise. Carnival treated us fairly, and we didn't sustain any losses. Your cruise tips are excellent and I kept watching to see if I could add a tip or two, but you nailed it. Your tips are thorough, accurate and excellent. If one follows your tips, weather permitting, they will have a smooth cruise. Great video, thanks. Ron

[@chevybarboza]

Lol tthat I g rriyirorityyi riii iirritation p frrtpwyuweerreweet ejjyq

[@sandrasmith4658]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@Bellinghamster]

Great tips. And the rules apply for just about every ship out there. The very best tip ever is "Pack half the clothes and twice the money".

[@aussiemale9]

Thanks , I haven't cruised at all but plan to do so in the near future, good info, I like your voice !

[@Snakeeyesrty]

Good video! I just got back from my second cruise, wish I could have seen your video before I went. Good tips you have indeed.

[@trinichick76]

I wish that I had looked at this video before I had cruised. Great tips.

[@ic3cold87]

thanks, liked all the tips. we set sail on our first cruise march 2 2014 on the Pride, then cruising again Dec 6, 2014 on the Liberty

[@emilyrundle5792]

I go on the Pride next week (sets off March23, 2014) how was it??

[@ic3cold87]

Emily Rundle it was awesome!! we left on sunday, weather was warm on tuesday. davids steak house was great, if you eat at the steak house the first day you get a free bottle of wine. only ate in the dinning room on the first elegant night, food and service were great, just prefered the lido deck, MDR was to fancy for my taste. comedy club was really good, bar waiter Jose was great, State room Steward Deddy was very nice and wonderful. Booked on another cruise oct 24 this time on NCL (only because carnival doesnt offer bermuda cruises.) you will love the pride. keep in mind it is not as uprgraded as the sunshine or the liberty but was very nice

[@ic3cold87]

Emily Rundle so, how did you like the Pride?

[@sharonmagc]

Great tips! Thanks for posting!

[@giddyupmama]

Thanks for the info! You did a great job and I will be using every tip that you mentioned in your video.

[@doraleeeirby716]

am a first timer and your tips really helped me and it also come my nerves down thanks.

[@nelson3001perez]

love the Splendor. been on it twice, hopefully three times in October

[@jeffwads]

Balcony room only. Only tip you need.

[@jaybrick8973]

A lil under 30 days until my first cruise im so excited

[@Lyrics9801]

+Jay Brick I'm researching cutting costs on cruises and discovered an awesome website at Carls Cruise Cutter (google it if you're interested)

[@Josh070589]

Same here can't wait!! June 11th!!!

[@Justdancethewop]

Now it's a lil under 30 days for me.. Aha can't wait June 21st

[@jaybrick8973]

Bri. S nice 14 for me

[@Justdancethewop]

Jay Brick i hope you have a fantastic time cruising!

[@nealschneider1082]

Thank you so much for the info. We are going to Alaska on the Legend in July. This will be our first cruise so these tips really helped. Thank you so much. Can't wait very excited.

[@georgeleong1572]

+Neal Schneider I was on the Legend about 10 years ago. I love that ship. Your 1st cruise, you're going to have a blast!!!!

[@stepstone100]

Carnival Cruise Line also gives Veterans Discounts.....A big plus.

[@Healsoflove]

I'll be on the Splendor 1.12.14!!! Can't wait! Thanks for the tips.

[@mantonmanton8213]

bro... if you want my opinion, cruise Disney. don't ask why. it's just amazing. i've talked to carnival cruisers on there. they say that Disney dwarfs the fun they had on carnival

[@lizzymarin2000]

Manton Fain I would like to point out that there is a HUGE cost different on Disney than on Carnival. You can get a balcony room for around $800 on Carnival per person but you are LUCKY if you can get ANY room on Disney for $800 a person.

[@tiffanypagan2525]

Thanks I think these tips are going to be helpful for when I go on the cruise!

[@alishacureton9392]

Can't wait until this Sunday can't wait to go on the cruise😘❤️👑😅😅😇😃

[@princesstiaraable]

Thanks so much, I'm taking my first cruise in March on Carnival!!!

[@denniseperri]

The room service is NOT free 24 hours a day. After 10pm you have to pay. (that may have changed since this video was made, not sure....but that is the way it is now.)

[@heatherg1706]

denniseperri This changed recently. I think they e had several times recently.

[@troydavis1064]

Nice video. Very thorough and informative!

[@los5manantiales]

Just got off my Carnival Cruise last Saturday and wow

[@Gennessessy]

To help find your luggage at the port, we used vinyl marking ribbons (from Home Depot) on out luggage to make it stand out in the piles of luggage.