Going on a CRUISE.... HELP!!!

[GLADIATOR351]

I'm going on a cruise... ports of call are San Juan, St Criox, St Thomas, and St Johns.

Anyone been to any of these places? If so What did you like? What should I go see/visit?

What should I avoid? I want to have the best time possible so any tips/info is appreciated!!

 

[havoc]

Check out the reefs, go snorkeling, its relaxing and beautiful, visit the hills, visit the caves, visit the waterfalls, visit the aesthetics, do all of this extremely high. peace and please be safe and have fun

 

[HumorMe]

When are you going and what cruise line?

I'm going to those places in July.

 

[GLADIATOR351]

When are you going and what cruise line?

I'm going to those places in July.

Leaving May 5th. Going on Carnival (Victory).

 

[dballer]

Bring me with you.. please.

I can play the gutiar.. I can make really good Harvey Wallbangers.. and I have a Coleman Stove...

Please???

 

[HumorMe]

Leaving May 5th. Going on Carnival (Victory).

We are going on Carnival too. Leaving Tampa July 13 - 20. Going on the Carnival Pride. It's a brand new ship.

We are going to basically do what Havoc said. Taking the kids too. I just bought snorkeling equipment for the family. I think I am going to spend more money preparing for the cruise than the cost of the actually cruise. LOL!

 

[GLADIATOR351]

Check out the reefs, go snorkeling, its relaxing and beautiful, visit the hills, visit the caves, visit the waterfalls, visit the aesthetics, do all of this extremely high. peace and please be safe and have fun

Yeah I definitely plan on snorkeling... I just hope I have enough time at each stop to get everything in.. Hopefully I will be able to see the Phosphorescent Bay where the critter glow at night.

And I will light one up in your honor...:havoc:

 

[GLADIATOR351]

Bring me with you.. please.

I can play the gutiar.. I can make really good Harvey Wallbangers.. and I have a Coleman Stove...

Please???

The coleman stove may come in handy.... you can go.

AS for the Harvey Wallbangers... I'm gonna stick w/ the islanders Rum Punch, I've been told those peeps know how to make them so they deliver a KO

 

[GLADIATOR351]

We are going on Carnival too. Leaving Tampa July 13 - 20. Going on the Carnival Pride. It's a brand new ship.

We are going to basically do what Havoc said. Taking the kids too. I just bought snorkeling equipment for the family. I think I am going to spend more money preparing for the cruise than the cost of the actually cruise. LOL!

Cool.... have you been on a carnival cruise before.. I have... It's awesome.. As for the kids they will have a blast.. The carnival kids club is the shiznit.. Damn kids were fighting to go everyday. As for the snorkeling... did you get everyone a BC.. they will be able to swim around a little longer w/ that and it will not exhaust them so quickly. We are just gong to use the equip they provide on the excursions

 

[GLADIATOR351]

gladiator-was yesterday your b-day.. If so happy b-lated birthday.

Yes it was.... and thanks!

 

[rudedawg]

Bring me with you.. please.

and I have a Coleman Stove...

Please???

 

[GLADIATOR351]

NP.. as long as you bring the chick in you avatar w/ you.

 

[HumorMe]

Cool.... have you been on a carnival cruise before.. I have... It's awesome.. As for the kids they will have a blast.. The carnival kids club is the shiznit.. Damn kids were fighting to go everyday. As for the snorkeling... did you get everyone a BC.. they will be able to swim around a little longer w/ that and it will not exhaust them so quickly. We are just gong to use the equip they provide on the excursions

Never been on a cruise! I have worked hard the for last 20 some odd years and never had time to leave for this long of a timeframe. Within the last year and half, all of the years spent working are starting to pay off. Starting to enjoy life more and more each day. We can't wait to go on this cruise, especially our daughters. We have seperate rooms from our daughters, so that is a plus and we have heard about the kids club. The kids are real excited.

I am all new to this snorkeling stuff and I don't want to sound too ignorant but what is a BC? I bought these snorkeling sets from Sam's Club and the adults were $50 a piece and the kids were $25 a piece. It came with fins, mask, and a air tube and a bag to carry it all in. Please explain a BC. It will give me something else to buy!!!!!!LOL!

Thanks!

 

[kronk]

I'm going on a cruise... ports of call are San Juan, St Criox, St Thomas, and St Johns.

Anyone been to any of these places? If so What did you like? What should I go see/visit?

What should I avoid? I want to have the best time possible so any tips/info is appreciated!!

PM Kronkette, as she worked on the cruise ships for a few years. She has been to all of those ports as they were on her route.

 

[GLADIATOR351]

Never been on a cruise! I have worked hard the for last 20 some odd years and never had time to leave for this long of a timeframe. Within the last year and half, all of the years spent working are starting to pay off. Starting to enjoy life more and more each day. We can't wait to go on this cruise, especially our daughters. We have seperate rooms from our daughters, so that is a plus and we have heard about the kids club. The kids are real excited.

I am all new to this snorkeling stuff and I don't want to sound too ignorant but what is a BC? I bought these snorkeling sets from Sam's Club and the adults were $50 a piece and the kids were $25 a piece. It came with fins, mask, and a air tube and a bag to carry it all in. Please explain a BC. It will give me something else to buy!!!!!!LOL! Thanks!

You will have the best time ever... They wait on you hand and foot. The will fully exceed your expectations. The workers are super friendly, The food is awesome and 24x7, and your cabin steward will keep your room perfect. There is something for everyone to do!! I an't begin to tell you how great it is.. (too much to type, PM me and I can call you to tell the rest if you'd like).

AS for the BC (Buoyancy Compensator) it is basically a blow up life vest (really small and thin). A couple of puffs will keep you floating. When you get ready to dive just let the air out (it a push valve. When you resurface just puff into the the vavle a couple of times and your floating again.

 

[Y_lifter]

You will probably dock at St. Thomas and must take a small boat to St. John as an extra side excursion.

Do it, as St. Thomas is a shopping heavan and not much in the way of Scenic beauty IMO...
St. John on the other hand is remote, not built up and has lots to see especially snorkling.
Pay ahead of time or as soon as possible it the St. John excursion is an extra cost. Usually it is listed in the Itnierary but still requires an extra reservation and cost...

Most Excursions provide mask fin Snorkel and a BC. That way you don't have to pack it.
I usually only bring my own Snorkel because they usually don't clean them after they are used.

A BC Buoyancy Compensator is a vest that can be filled and let out of air and allows you to relax and float on the surface looking down. When you want to dive to the bottom you release the air in the bladder and dive. Filling it back up again to float around. Again most places have this stuff for rent for like $10 buck or so for the day. I would rent since you are a beginner.

 

[WormAAA77]

I'm going on a cruise... ports of call are San Juan, St Criox, St Thomas, and St Johns.

Anyone been to any of these places? If so What did you like? What should I go see/visit?

What should I avoid? I want to have the best time possible so any tips/info is appreciated!!

I've been to all of them. They're all really fun and the cruise ship will give you plenty of ideas for excursions.

I was on the Victory over christmas. We went to jamaica, cayman, and cozumel. It's a great ship. Do me a favor... If you go in the casino there will be dealers, etc. from all different countries. I believe the same crew is on that ship still for another month or so. There's a redhead from England, about 23 years old, very pretty face. Tell her the young kid who played at the $25 blackjack table all week over christmas says hello. I got to know her quite well on the ship so she might remember me. There should also be a pit boss from Australia named Melissa. She's drop dead gorgeous. I could care less if I lost my money as long as I got to look at her.

 

[GLADIATOR351]

Y_Lifter,

Thanks for the St John info... I prefer to see nature's beauty over shopping any day.

 

[GLADIATOR351]

Re: Re: Going on a CRUISE.... HELP!!!

I've been to all of them. They're all really fun and the cruise ship will give you plenty of ideas for excursions.

I was on the Victory over christmas. We went to jamaica, cayman, and cozumel. It's a great ship. Do me a favor... If you go in the casino there will be dealers, etc. from all different countries. I believe the same crew is on that ship still for another month or so. There's a redhead from England, about 23 years old, very pretty face. Tell her the young kid who played at the $25 blackjack table all week over christmas says hello. I got to know her quite well on the ship so she might remember me. There should also be a pit boss from Australia named Melissa. She's drop dead gorgeous. I could care less if I lost my money as long as I got to look at her.

I'll pass the hello for ya... The chicks on these boats w/ the british/english accents kill me.. I want to date all of them!!

So the Victory is a nice ship?... I know the Destiny is really nice and the Victory was going to be as nice or better..

 

[HumorMe]

Thanks Gladiator and Y Lifter for the heads up. I feel like I started this thread!LOL!

We are going with my brother and his family. Get this, My brother married my wife's sister. Brothers married sisters. Anyway, they have been several times(4 times, I think) so they kind of know what to expect.

I heard they wait on you hand and foot but what kind of a tip do you give them at the end of the cruise?

 

[WormAAA77]

Re: Re: Re: Going on a CRUISE.... HELP!!!

I'll pass the hello for ya... The chicks on these boats w/ the british/english accents kill me.. I want to date all of them!!

So the Victory is a nice ship?... I know the Destiny is really nice and the Victory was going to be as nice or better..

It's nicer than the destiny. I've been on both. I've gone on 4, maybe 5, cruises and they were all through Carnival.

Ya those english chicks are killer. I'd never heard an english accent like that 1st hand until I met her and it was love at first sight, ha. Ask her to do the shimmy.

 

[WormAAA77]

Thanks Gladiator and Y Lifter for the heads up. I feel like I started this thread!LOL!

We are going with my brother and his family. Get this, My brother married my wife's sister. Brothers married sisters. Anyway, they have been several times(4 times, I think) so they kind of know what to expect.

I heard they wait on you hand and foot but what kind of a tip do you give them at the end of the cruise?

The waiters? I haven't read this whole thread so I think that's who you're talking about. The dinners are fun. The best is when all the waiters, chefs, etc. dance to some really cheesy song. It's great. At the end of the cruise they'll give you little envelopes to leave tips in for the stewards, waiters, and anyone else who served you throughout the week. As for tipping them, I'm not sure how much to give since I was with my family. I'd say act as if it's a normal meal then multiply it times however many dinners you ate that week plus a bit extra.

 

[HumorMe]

The waiters? I haven't read this whole thread so I think that's who you're talking about. The dinners are fun. The best is when all the waiters, chefs, etc. dance to some really cheesy song. It's great. At the end of the cruise they'll give you little envelopes to leave tips in for the stewards, waiters, and anyone else who served you throughout the week. As for tipping them, I'm not sure how much to give since I was with my family. I'd say act as if it's a normal meal then multiply it times however many dinners you ate that week plus a bit extra.

They better hope I do good at the casino!

 

[Warik]

Carnival is an awesome cruise line. Went to on 4-day cruise to Mexico (Cozumel) last year on Fascination. Going on a 7-day Caribbean cruise this year in July on the Paradise... that means.... NO SMOKING FUCKERS!!! YAY

-Warik

 

[HumorMe]

Carnival is an awesome cruise line. Went to on 4-day cruise to Mexico (Cozumel) last year on Fascination. Going on a 7-day Caribbean cruise this year in July on the Paradise... that means.... NO SMOKING FUCKERS!!! YAY

-Warik

What are your dates in July? I'm going in July but it's on the Pride.

Is the Paradise a non-smokers cruise?

 

[Y_lifter]

Read the paperwork you will get probably in the mail before you leave.
It has the recommended amounts to tip and whom.
Yes you will get envelopes at the end of the cruise usually for each of the below.
Hand them out personally on the last day of the cruise...
These people rely on this tip to make a living so don't be a tight wad. They will earn it usually.

Usually you should tip at a Minimum:
Cabin Steward, Give them the most
Head Waiter - Seats you, walks around looking important, runs the resturant
Server - takes your order
Assistant Server - delivers and takes drink order

Breakfast and Lunch if you sit down don't require a tip as these folks also work the dinner meal get the tips that way. You will probably not have an assigned table and resturant for anything other than dinner. You can eat up on deck casual or Buffet style for all meals or sit down and be served in a rest.



Most cruise lines, you will rotate resturants each night and your wait staff will follow you so you have the same ones each night.
They will hopefully get to know you after the first night or so.

 

[GLADIATOR351]

I heard they wait on you hand and foot but what kind of a tip do you give them at the end of the cruise?

tell them: DON'T pet strange dogs!!

J/K ... honestly I can't remember how much we gave last time. (I think they give/tell you a suggested amount sometime during the cruise)

but if I remember correctly you only tip the Cabin Steward and the Maitre d'. And you only tip them once at the end of the cruise.

 

[HumorMe]

tell them: DON'T pet strange dogs!!

J/K ... honestly I can't remember how much we gave last time. (I think they give/tell you a suggested amount sometime during the cruise)

but if I remember correctly you only tip the Cabin Steward and the Maitre d'. And you only tip them once at the end of the cruise.

Thanks Gladiator and Y Lifter. Good info. I always tip good if the service is good. If it is bad, they shouldn't expect anything. We made these reservations back in January and had to send in a deposit for that. The rest is due, I think, about 45 days before the cruise. That will be at the end of May. I guess they will send some info when the balance is in their hands. We are also going to some black-tie affair the first night I believe. Can't wait though.....it all sounds great to me by which you all have described! Thanks again!

 

[Warik]

What are your dates in July? I'm going in July but it's on the Pride.

Is the Paradise a non-smokers cruise?

July 7-14 I believe. Paradise is the non-smokers cruise. If you are caught smoking on the ship, Carnival reserves the right to LEAVE you at the next port... i.e. you get dumped in Mexico or The Bahamas and have to find your own way home. Plus you get fined.

I am confident that I'll be able to breathe this time around. =)

-Warik

 

[GLADIATOR351]

HEY HumorMe,

one more thing.... save some $$$ .. the daily drink specials are like $3.75 or $4.00 and the come in a souvenier cup...just buy one then ask for refills. The refill is only $1.50 or $2.00 and most of the time they are so busy they will just tell you ok, leave your cup and bring you a new one.

 

[HumorMe]

HEY HumorMe,

one more thing.... save some $$$ .. the daily drink specials are like $3.75 or $4.00 and the come in a souvenier cup...just buy one then ask for refills. The refill is only $1.50 or $2.00 and most of the time they are so busy they will just tell you ok, leave your cup and bring you a new one.

Thanks again Gladiator.

Warik

I don't smoke so I wouldn't be stranded anywhere. I didn't know they had those types of cruises available. I'll remember that next time! Thanks.