First Time Cruisers Guide to Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival cruise lines is a good choice for first time cruisers. They are a larger company with a proven record in the cruise industry. They are also very affordable. Finding Carnival cruise deals that make these dream vacations realistic isn’t hard. This means a lot of first time cruisers end up with Carnival cruise lines. If you’ve never cruised before, here are some basic things you should be aware of.

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Carnival Cruise Lines Recommended Attire

Carnival cruise lines is known for their laid back attitude. However, there are times when your attire will need to be a little more formal. It’s suggested that you wear something comfortable on the day you leave. You will also want comfortable shoes for this day, as you’ll be standing around for a little while before you get your room assignment. You want to make sure you have a jacket or sweater, even on sail to tropical locations. The weather can be unpredictable. There is a dress code for the dining rooms. The casual dining room permits jeans, khaki pants, dress shorts, sport shirts, and casual skirts, dresses, or suits for ladies. Sports shorts, bathing suits, cut offs, sleeveless shirts, and ball caps will not be permitted even in the casual dining areas. For the elegant dining aboard Carnival cruise line ships, you will need to dress up a bit. Tuxedos and cocktail dresses are welcome, but not required. However, you will need to wear dress slacks and shirts, or pantsuits or more formal attire for women.

Using the Internet

You will be able to access the internet onboard, but with a catch. You have to remember that reception for your cell phones and PDAs may be limited while at sea. So for those who use a WIFI connection through their cellular carriers, it may not be a great option. You can use the WIFI network set up on the Carnival cruise ships for a charge. The standard charges include an activation fee of around $4 the first time you use it, and then 75 cents per minute after. You can purchase blocks of time that will save you money if you plan in using the internet more often. Carnival cruise lines also offers internet cafes on each ship for those who don’t have laptops.

Restricted Items

It may be tempting to pack a cooler full of snack foods to bring you, but the cruise line can confiscate this. To avoid having any items taken from you, you should take a look at the items that aren’t allowed. Liquor is not allowed to be brought with you. The exception is a single bottle of wine or champagne, and you must pay a fee to bring this. If you purchase alcohol to bring home as a souvenir, guest services will hold this for you until you leave the ship. Candles, heating pads, and other items that can cause a fire hazard are also prohibited. This means leave the coffee mug warmers at home. Pepper spray or mace is not allowed. Knives with blades more than 4 inches are also disallowed. Check your pocket knives before you leave to make sure. You can pack items away to use at port, such as snorkel gear, skateboards, golf clubs, fishing equipment, etc. As long as you use common sense you shouldn’t have any problems with your Carnival cruise lines experience.

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