glomarrone's Tips

Crown Princess - Be sure to notice the bubbles outside the Piazza (glass) elevators once you are above the 7th deck.

Oasis of the Seas - Be sure to pre-book online all your dinner reservations and shows. It will save you time once on board and you will get the times that you want.

Carnival Freedom - Visit the casino and request a lanyard and a hole for your Sign & Sail on your first night onboard. Crew will be around the casino offering them to passengers. Wear it around your neck when you board or exit the ship for easy access.

Celebrity Constellation - If you choose Select Dining ask to be seated at one of Gede's tables if he still works on this ship. He is a terrific waiter and earned Crewmember of the month just before we sailed on the Constellation.

Celebrity Constellation - If you choose Select Dining on the Constellation, try to dine before 7 PM. We always ate between 6-6:30 and never encountered a wait any evening on our 14-night cruise. We noticed lines starting to form after 7 PM. We were always able to get a tble for two also with the waiter that we wanted.

Celebrity Constellation - If you enjoy sushi, visit the Seaside Cafe at 5:30 for a great variety. Stir Fry food is also available.

Carnival Sensation - This holds for any Carnival ship. If you never mastered using chopsticks, bring a fork with you to the Sushi bar. They only have chopsticks available. I'll have to remember to leave a plastic fork in my evening bag for just this purpose or borrow a fork from the buffet.

Carnival Sensation - Visit the complementary sushi bar before dinner. Check the Fun Times for when it is available. Sometimes it is closed if another event is scheduled there.

Carnival Sensation - Don't wait until the ship drops off your statement on the last night/very early morning to review your charges. The line at Guest Services will be too long the next day if there is a problem you need resolved. Get a copy the day before the last so you can get it fixed ahead of the crowd.

Carnival Sensation - If you want to try out the big water slide do it while the ship is in Port otherwise you will probably encounter lines.

Allure of the Seas - Seriously consider pre-reserving show times online. You can due this from 90 - up to 4 days before your cruise. You can do it on board also but do so right away after you board. You are seated on a first come first serve basis. Without a reservation, you aren't ensured a seat in the theater.

Oasis of the Seas - Seriously consider pre-reserving show times online. You can due this from 90 - up to 4 days before your cruise. You can do it on board also but do so right away after you board. You are seated on a first come first serve basis. Without a reservation, you aren't ensured a seat in the theater.

Freedom of the Seas - Seriously consider pre-reserving show times online. You can due this from 90 - up to 4 days before your cruise. You can do it on board also but do so right away after you board. You are seated on a first come first serve basis. Without a reservation, you aren't ensured a seat in the theater.

Liberty of the Seas - Seriously consider pre-reserving show times online. You can due this from 90 - up to 4 days before your cruise. You can do it on board also but do so right away after you board. You are seated on a first come first serve basis. Without a reservation, you aren't ensured a seat in the theater.

Freedom of the Seas - Even if you don't want to try out the FlowRider yourself, go up to Deck 13 and watch the action. There is stadium seating and the "show" is very entertaining. You may even get up your nerve to try it yourself. Bring your camera.

Freedom of the Seas - Don't get lost on this huge ship. Throughout the ship there are signs called "Cruise Compass." They are navigational aids to help you find your way to everywhere on the ship including your own stateroom and rest rooms. The interactive screens are easy to use.

Freedom of the Seas - Stop in at the Cafe Promenade for delicious complementary confectionaries. We all tried different ones and all were delicious. I had a rum and nut one & it was quite unique. You can also get small deli sandwiches & Starbuck's Coffee here.

Freedom of the Seas - Look for the complementary soft ice cream cone machine on the pool deck. I loved the swirl chocolate & vanilla.

Freedom of the Seas - The Crypt is a gothic themed nightclub. The DJ welcomes requests. It is a neat place with lots of atmosphere. Be sure to check it out.

Freedom of the Seas - Females who want to try the FlowRider, you might want to consider a tee shirt over your bikini. I've seen a few tops come off. Guys make sure that your trunks are on tightly for the same reason. Have fun! They help you get started & demonstrate tricks for you to try.

Freedom of the Seas - If you wish to try out the ice skating rink you will need to wear long pants. Be sure to bring a pair of comfortable one. The ship provides the skates. I'd bring heavy socks too for comfort.

Freedom of the Seas - Be sure to try the pizzas at Sorrento's in the Royal Promenade. They are much better than most other cruise line pizzas. They have yummy desserts also and they are complementary.

Freedom of the Seas - If you are booking an inside cabin consider the Promenade staterooms for a little more money. You get a large picture window overlooking the Royal Promenade. These have an excellent view of the parades, dance shows and Meet the Captain events. They have a more open feeling.

Carnival Dream - Pick up a casino lanyard & ask them to punch a hole in your Sail & Sign Card. Even if you don't gamble, it's a neat way to keep your card handy around your neck when exiting/reboarding the ship. It keeps your hands free & ensures that you don't drop the card. Guest Services can also punch it.

Carnival Dream - Wear closed-toed shoes and bring bug repellant with you just in case -also drivers license & sunscreen.

Carnival Dream - Feeling romantic or celebrating an anniversary, consider renewing your vows onboard. The Captain conducts the ceremony. Remember to bring a camera. See Guest Services for details.

Carnival Dream - If you are celebrating a very special ocassion consider signing up for The Chef's Table. It is a pricey $75 but it is worth every penny. You will spend an evening with the Executive Chef, enjoy a special multi-course dinner & receive a private Galley Tour & a commemorative photo. Reserve early!!

Carnival Dream - If you take the Cave & Land Rover Expedition - Belize, be sure to wear sturdy shoes. The rain forest/jungle/cave area is muddy & slippery in spots with uneven surfaces. You will have to climb over a large rock in the cave, Also you will need closed shoes to drive the Land Rover.

Carnival Dream - Don't miss the Singing in the Rain Show with Full Force.

Carnival Dream - Try the Mushroom Cappuccino soup in the dining rooms. It is almost as good as that served in Chef's Art Steakhouse. The truffle oil adds to the flavor.

Carnival Dream - If you need a printout of you account statement, use the machine near the front desk. You can avoid the line at the Guest Services Desk & get updates as you need them. It is simple to use.

Carnival Ecstasy - On all Carnival, visit the shops daily for each night's special deal. Shop early for best selection. If you miss the deal, leftover stock is often still available, later. I loved Pandora-style glass charm bracelets - 2 for $40 or crystal charms bracelets - $40 each. Sets of charms available,too

Carnival Dream - The Dream uses a really novel technology. They are machines using face recognition software to find all the photos that the ship photographers takes of each passenger. Insert your ship card & up pops all your photos including that first one taken at embarkation. Order right from the machine.

Carnival Dream - Don't miss the cooking class offered in the Chef's Art steakhouse specialty restaurant. You receive a large sample of each dish prepared. My favorite was the Mushroom Cappuccino Soup. It is usually held on a sea day. On my cruise it was on the second day of the cruise.

Carnival Dream - Check out the Serenity decks on the ship. They are lovely areas that are much quieter than the pool areas - adults 21 & over only.

Carnival Dream - Be sure to see the dancing show performed by Full Force in the Atrium. It will give you a taste of what they will do in the full production number "Dancing in the Street."

Carnival Dream - Don't miss the "Dancing in the Street" show in the Encore! theater. It is simply fabulous and you will be talking about it for days later.

Carnival Dream - Pack all your own reacing material on the Dream. The Library is not well-stocked.

Celebrity Constellation - If you/friend/family member will be cruising here, visit the online gift shop ahead of time. Your purchases can be delivered directly to the stateroom w/o shiping costs. A nice selection of Tote bags, fanny packs, bottle holders, ship card holders etc are available. They make nice gifts.

Carnival Dream - If you are considering booking a new Carnival cruise within 24 months, purchase a voucher for $100 onboard. You can use the voucher as part of your initial deposit & receive up to $200 in shipboard credit depending on length of new cruise. Completely refundable if unused. Redeem online or by mail.

Carnival Dream - Attend the shopping presentation. You will receive a VIP packet of discounts geared to your needs. Also obtain a free charm bracelet & charms on the ship & in each port. You can always give it as a gift to family or friends if you don't want it. Jen gave us all a ship charm after the talk.

Carnival Dream - To get a good view of ice carving demonstration, go upstairs the Panorama Deck #11. After completion of the sculpture, you can move downstairs for close-up photos.

Carnival Dream - If your travel agent or family/friends purchase a bottle of wine for you & it is delivered to your stateroom on a Carnival ship, you may bring it intact (with the bow & note still attached) & they will serve it to you without a corkage charge. This will save you at least $22 or more.

Carnival Dream - Carnival asks passengers to print out their luggage tags. We coat ours with clear packing tape before stapling on luggage handle. My 2nd tip is to print out duplicates; place second on another handle in case one is lost or ripped off in transit. We saw lots of missing tags on the Ecstasy.

Carnival Ecstasy - Carnival proivides free transportation from its dock to the downtown area. Use it as the drivers provide a running commentary on the area.

Carnival Ecstasy - Arrive at the terminal either before 12:00 noon or after 2:30 to avoid the lines on embarkation day.

Carnival Ecstasy - This applies to any ship actually, never feel that you must order a drink in theaters, comedy clubs, nightclubs or bars.

Carnival Ecstasy - Be aware that many ships including Carnival will not allow you to bring your own hair dryer or other small appliances like a mug heating element. If you have questions call Carnival or check the Website. We were told that they would confiscate such items if found in your stateroom.

Carnival Ecstasy - Carnival Comedy Club shows are terrific. If you don't want to be part of the show don't sit in the front. Even sitting in the back is no guarantee. It is all in good fun, so enjoy just be aware. However if you do enjoy active participation, get there early when doors open for a front row seat.

Carnival Dream - Ships are so big-it is really important to wear comfortable shoes.Keep in mind even at night since the theater is often at the opposite end from the dinning roon. You will end up walking a lot even if you take elevators. Pack pretty comfortable sandals. Nothing ruins a trip more than sore feet.

Prinsendam - On any ship consider presenting the cabin steward with a small tip right at the beginning of the cruise if you desire extra consideration such as wanting more ice in your room. You will find that the steward never forgets your needs.

Carnival Miracle - On any ship, if you experience a problem don't wait until the end of the cruise to complain in a survey.This doesn't make you a good pasenger. Speak up right away & let the cruise director, front desk, waiter or maitre'd fix it. All cruiselines want to make you happy & go out of their way to help.

Carnival Miracle - Don't over pack. On casual nights, capris, dress shorts & nice jeans can be worn in the dining room.

Carnival Ecstasy - Plan on embarking the ship around 12 noon. That is when passenger are first permitted to board - sometimes even earlier. As the day wears on, lines are longer. You'll eat at the buffet earlier (when it is also less crowded) - especially important if you have early dinner seating reservations.

Carnival Dream - Carnival now asks passengers to print out their paper baggage tags. I suggest that you print out 2 for each bag & put clear packing tape completely over them. Place them on different areas of your bag in case one rips off. I saw many bags without tags sitting undelivered in the security area

Carnival Ecstasy - When the Carnival Dancers & Singers are performing in the theater, plan on arriving at least 1/2hr before showtime especially if you are a party of2+. Best seats fill up fast. Don't miss these multi-million dollar extravaganzas. At least two different shows are offered on each cruise.

Carnival Ecstasy - Sometimes the music around the Lido Deck pools can get very loud. For quiet time, sit on the Serenity deck. It's a little tricky to get to but well worth the peace & quiet you will find there. There are two jacuzzis. Also there is some shade if you sunburn easily.

Carnival Glory - Carnival cruise lines permits passengers to carry onboard a reasonable amount of soft drinks. If you want diet deffeinated beverages, you won't find them on any ship. Bring your own if you are driving to the ship.

Carnival Dream - Be sure to pick up a deck plan for your ship - especially the small ones either at embarkation check-in desk or the front desk on the ship. It will keep you from getting lost. They are small and easy to carry with you.

Carnival Ecstasy - When possible, book shore excursions online before your cruise. Lines on the ship's Shore Excursion Desk are always long and some tours sell out quickly - especially ones that limit the # of participants.

Carnival Miracle - If you are waitlisted for any dining option, be sure to stop at the Maitre 'd as soon as you board the ship. Lines can get long later & you will have a better chance of getting you choice if you do so early.

Carnival Miracle - On any cruiseline, be sure to pack a beach bag to stow your belongings when visiting the pool or visiting a beach in port. Keeping you stuff out of sight in a bag is prudent.

Carnival Sensation - Carnival permits passengers to each bring one bottle of wine per adult on embarkation day. Consider taking a bottle with a screw off top so you don't have to also bring a corkscrew with you. There is a corkage fee if you bring the bottle into the dining room.

Carnival Sensation - If cruising out of Port Canaveral or almost any US port & you are driving from a distance, consider staying at a local hotel. With a one-night stay, you get free parking for the length of your cruise. Parking at the Port is $15 daily unless handicapped. Transportation to the ship is included.

Carnival Magic - Stop by the Sushi bar on any Carnival ship for complementary sushi. Most guests who know about it visit before dinner.

Carnival Ecstasy - Don't forget to pack a bathing suit, coverall & suntan lotion in your carryon. On many ships, although you may embark the ship early, your stateroom isn't ready. By having these items with you, you can change in a public restroom & lounge comfortably by the pool.

Carnival Miracle - At the end of all cruises, Carnival holds a Farewell Party where drinks and sometimes hors d'oeuvres are complementary. For some reason, it isn't well publicized and poorly attended. Don't pass this one up. It will be listed in "Fun Times" but without any details.