Being the planner that I am, I stalked Pinterest for outfit ideas and ways/things to pack for a cruise. I wish I took my research a little bit more seriously and to heart because when the time came to pack and leave, all of that information left my mind and I just threw my entire wardrobe into an over-sized suitcase. (oops!). The trip was a graduation gift for my boyfriend from his dad and step-mom, so being that we are both naive 22 year olds, we did not take the tips that we read on Pinterest at all, and by the time the trip ended, I wish we had.
The only tip I think that we did follow was that Carnival cruise lines allow passengers over the age of 21 to pack one bottle of wine! Adults, take advantage of this luxury when packing for your cruise. The prices for drinks on the ship are a little steep compared to what you may be use to and the wine will make drinking cheap and fun! Thank goodness for Matt though (the boyfriend) for reading any fine print, because he was smart enough to pack a bottle opener last minute. If you forget one at home the cruise ship will come and open and pour your wine for you, for a charge of course (of $50!!!). So DON'T forget to pack that wine bottle opener.
This cruise was a 4 day adventure leaving out of Charleston, South Carolina. On this specific cruise, there was only one 'mandatory' formal dinner night. Being first time cruisers, we had no idea what they expected when they said cruise formal wear. We googled thousands of pictures that showed a wide variety of outfits from simple sundresses and khaki pants and a polo to prom gowns and suits. What we realized was that it is really based on your own judgement as well on if you plan on sitting at the captains or chefs table (this would mean your outfits would need to lean more towards the prom gown category). If you find yourself as torn I was, sitting on your bed with three different outfits to choose from for formal night, you could a) pack them all :) or b) use my outfit as a guide.
Simple (and cheap!) black dress with a statement necklace and fun colored closed toe wedges! And of course Matt is in his Sunday best!
One tip that Matt and I wish we knew from day one was that you could eat free at the Celebration Dinning room every night of the cruise, not just formal night! And another HUGE tip that we didn't learn until the last day from a very sweet family, order as much as you want! They make it seem like you should stick to one appetizer, main course, and dessert per person, but trust me, if you order 3 appetizers, 2 main courses and 5 desserts, they will bring you just that! Also take advantage of room service when you are in need of that late night snack. IT'S FREE! and who doesn't love free?! Gratuity is already added to your sail and sign card (your room key plus credit/payment card all in one) so take advantage of it!
Although it can be pricey, make sure to plan offshore excursions for when you are docked. You can do this before you board the ship or the morning of your shore day. Carnival Fantasy has a deal where if you found that another company offered the excursion for cheaper than what you paid for with them, then you could get reimbursed! Matt and I enjoyed a day of snorkeling while in Freeport, Bahamas and a day of Para-sailing and sightseeing while in Nassau, Bahamas.
(Snorkeling in Freeport, Bahamas. Such a breathtaking and amazing experience. And our tour guides/lifeguards made the trip that much more fun. Picture taken with a GoPro)
(Before we headed out for some sightseeing and shopping in Nassau, Bahamas. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes that way you are enjoying your experience instead of wishing you wore different shoes!)
(Para-sailing in Nassau, Bahamas. Incredible view of the city and we were also right next to Atlantis!)
Take a lot of pictures to capture all your memories! And if possible, invest in a gopro which is what Matt and I used to take all of our pictures and videos, plus it comes with a waterproof case, or just invest in a waterproof case if you already own a digital camera. The cruise ship offers so many different activities from trivia, to comedy shows, to poolside corn hole competitions, so try to plan and enjoy as much as you can. But don't forget, it is vacation so don't feel bad or guilty if you just want to lay out and relax ;)
Hope you found these tips helpful while planning your Carnival cruise line vacation, and remember, keep smiling! :)
Thanks so much for this post. I'm going on my first cruise next month!
ReplyDeleteSorry I am late responding to this but I hope this was helpful and that you had an amazing time!
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