HELP! First cruise (carnival miracle) I have questions

I can’t think of any other questions

we’ll actually what is de-embarkation like? I can bring my own luggage with me right? What is that process like is there a particular time for your own deck to get off the boat?

I really appreciate everyone’s responses.
mom organized type a personality so it’s difficult for me to relax and go with the flow but I’m trying.

Agree completely with AUNTIE...really nice to have someone who asks questions and gets a bunch of replies come back to acknowledge the effort...All too often someone will go thru the drill of joining, ask a question, get some replies trying to help, and simply disappear. Cyber can be like that.

So yes, ask away, your questions and our answers may help a lot more folks than you realize..and when you come back, by all means let us know how it went!...You can certainly post a review...don't be shy, mebbe not everything was to your liking, and thats ok too. But do it realizing its your first cruise.. If anything stands out in your mind, stick it in here...you're definitely getting a response. Either way. don't become a stranger!!!

Thanks for coming back. Any new questions?

I’m still here reading replies. My sail date is March 29th I’ll let everyone know how it goes.

I certainly hope the original poster (Minuet888) returns and lets us know how the cruise went and if our advice helped at all!

1) how easy is it to get lost on the ship? - - - the Miracle isn't huge, so while you might take a minute to find your way to different venues, once you're on the correct deck, if you keep walking around you should be fine. When in doubt, as a friendly crew member for help. There's also a map of the ship in the app you can start looking at or print out and do a little studying of the deck plans to know where most stuff is. In general, aside from your cabin most things will be on the Lido deck up top, and on decks 3-4-5.

2) there seems like a lot to do I feel like I’m going to miss out? - - - you probably won't be able to do everything, don't stress about FOMO, plan the things you want to do the most and be flexible with the rest.

3) how long does check in take? - - - can depend, especially right now, but go at your check-in time (not earlier right now) and you hopefully will be on the ship is under an hour, sometimes much less.

4) I’ve prepaid everything (wifi, drink package, shore excursions etc) what can I expect to pay for on the ship? - - - stuff you might buy in the shops, casino, some drink taxes if you have drinks before leaving US waters, spa treatments, specialty dining/seafood shack...so all optional stuff.

5) we had to select a dinner time but no breakfast and lunch time? Is dinner different? - - - yes, your set dining time for dinner will be at the same time, same table, with the same servers each night. Breakfast and lunch have open times for the various places to eat and you can check-in to the dining room via the app and the buffet, Guy's burgers, and Blue Iguana are come whenever you want (when they're open).

6) is the dinner the buffet or ive heard the “main dining hall” is that like restaurant style?? - - - You can choose to eat in the buffet if you like, or you can go to your assigned restaurant at your dining time. The menus for the restaurant will be available in the app so you can decide where you'd like to eat.

7) is there a dress code for any part of the ship or time? - - - most of the time is just casual. No swim/beach wear in the dining room. And 1or 2 nights on your ship will be "elegant" night where most folks dress up a bit and they don't like you to wear shorts and t-shirts (though you can probably get away with it if you're not too dressed down). The app will always tell you the evening dress code.

8) where do you set your room key/sail and sign card when you are in the pool, going on the water slide etc I don’t want anyone to take it and use my sail and sign. - - - you usually can just leave it with your towels and stuff...they don't really have too many issues with people taking them and using them since they have cameras everywhere and would be able to track people down, plus the waiters can see your picture when you use your card. If you're really concerned, you can keep the card with you in a pocket or something. Water won't hurt them.

1.) It's easy to get lost BUT there's maps everywhere. Push comes to shove, that's what the crew is there for!

2.) As an Activity Director, it's our JOB to keep you busy. Don't even try to do everything, trust me, you can't! We don't mind if you miss a few activities, sometimes we encourage it so you can rest. We want to offer variety, that's why we offer so much.

3.) Depends on how the company runs the check-in process

4.) Souvenirs from the gift shop or casino money

5.) Yes, dinner is different. They expect folks to eat at the buffet or other specialty restaurants during the day or on land during port days. Dinner is somewhat more formal.

6.) Yes

7.) Sometimes the MDR, but that's about it

8.) I travel with family so I ask someone who's not going in the pool or riding a slide to watch my things.. Either that or I leave my things within eyesight..

Just noticed you have not joined the roll call for your ship. You might want to. Here is the link: Cruise roll calls. Meet your Shipmates before you sail. (cruiseline.com)

Okay, I'm back. Yankee, thanks for the compliment, but not necessarily true. I am typing as I am thinking and that often gets me in trouble. I agree with your comments but having just returned from a cruise a lot of this is fresh in my mind.

Back to number 4. Photos are extra but you might consider having them taken (posing for them is at no cost). You might find one of the family worth the extra cost. Spa treatments are extra, and more than land-based services. If, you go to teatime and want something other than Lipton, the special tea is an added expense (can't remember how much). Any medical needs are also costly.

6. Mostly covered already. You will have several dining options. All will be shown on the HUB. Not only will you know what is available, but the HUB will tell where it is located on the ship. Pizza and soft serve ice cream are available 24/7.

7. Dress code. Carnival is very relaxed about this. While they do require shoes and a cover in the buffet near the pools (some ignore the signs), many people are in shorts and t-shirts all around the ship. On "cruise elegant" night they would like long pants on the men (ladies dress accordingly) in the main dining room. Gym shorts, sport t-shirts (like basketball t-shirts), cut offs and swim wear are not allowed in the main dining room. There is often a debate about hats being worn in the dining room, not a thing I worry about. You'll see a bit of everything.

8. Unlike Yankee, I wear my room key on a lanyard because most of my cruise clothes have no pockets. You can get waterproof carriers for them. I am not a waterslide person, so it isn't much of an issue with me. But now that I carry my phone with me (for the HUB) I have a special carrier for both the phone and card. I often leave the phone in the safe. If you lose your card, go to customer services and it will be replaced. If the laminate starts to peal (happened to others this last cruise) it can be replaced as well.

I wish I was going with you. I dearly love seeing a cruise through the eyes of a first-time cruiser. Things we "experienced" cruisers find mundane are often a surprise the first time. Don't be afraid to ask questions once on the ship. Most fellow passengers are willing to help, and all the crew will always help.

Your sail and sign card will be blue, this indicates it is your first Carnival cruise. Don't be surprised if someone asks if you are having fun. My husband and I often ask first time cruisers, what surprised them most.

Relax! Enjoy! Have fun! Please come back and tell us all about your adventure.

AUNTIE says it better than me...probably types way better too...as for #4...I thought you meant cash...greenbacks...but as far as everything else like on AUNTIES list, it all gets charged to your shipboard account ...just try to keep track of it...no surprises!!! and as far as #5...once upon a time we were seated with a couple...well..he just retired and it wasn't his idea...didn't want to be home 24/7 with her, clearly...she booked the cruise to get reacquainted (kaff kaff)...you think we were spending a week with THEM as dinner companions?..no way Jose...marched off to the Maitre D' stand at the entrance, they reassigned us no problemo...and that was back in the days when ships were usually full..crew can be VERY accommodating, especially nowadays...they're just so darn glad to be working steady again!

And don't be shy if something isn't right...speak up..you're paying serious $$ for all this, and you'll NEVER see these folks again....