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A Beginner's Guide To Cruising

Cruise 101

Well, there's a first time for everything.

 So read up, then watch these short videos and then check out our

Beginner's Guide to find the answers to all your cruising questions.


From staterooms and dining to nightlife and youth programs, first-time cruisers will find all the information you need about cruising right here. Find cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Bahamas, Mexico, Europe, Bermuda , Hawaii, Canada, Panama Canal, & more. Search for cruise ports close to home. Get the best deals on some of the Cruise Line's most popular cruises. See the latest specials on cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska and more. Book online now. Get more out of your next vacation.

Cruising is all about giving you the freedom of choice to have your style of vacation. Relax or be adventurous. Eat a burger or filet. Dress up or go casual. And never have a fixed schedule or restriction to slow you down. It's your vacation, so make sure it's exactly what you've been daydreaming about. With over 24 cruise lines and some 350 ships, You'll find they have everything you need to have your perfect cruise vacation.

 

It would be a daunting task to write about everything all 24 brand-name cruise lines have to offer, so we've chosen Carnival Cruise Line to illustrate what there is to see and do on a cruise. Check with the individual cruise line web sites to see the similarities and difference unique to each line.

 

So, if you are ready, take a guided tour of the Carnival experience including Daytime Fun, Dining, Nighttime Fun, Family & Youth Programs, Accommodations and Destinations. Just scroll on down to read all about it.

 

View the 7 most viewed "Cruising 101" videos by clicking on this link. Enjoy!

Don't miss  the “Introducing Carnival Fun” video that provides a comprehensive overview of what you can expect on a Carnival cruise.


What Your “Fun Ship” Cruise Includes:

Food & Drink

  • Fine Dining in the dining rooms (includes lobster and steak served on every cruise)

  • Casual Dining at our Lido restaurant, convenient 24-hour Pizzeria, soft-serve ice cream and frozen yogurt around the clock

  • Sushi Bar

  • Lemonade, coffee, tea, water (from a fountain, not bottled water)

  • Spa Carnival menu offering healthful selections low in calories, fat, sodium and cholesterol

Onboard Activities Day & Night

  • Serenity - adult only retreat (on select ships)

  • All onboard clubs, bars and lounges (activities including karaoke, dance lessons and more)

  • Spectacular stage shows

  • Live music, including three bands and orchestra

  • Comedy acts and international singers

  • Fitness center, steam room, sauna and outdoor jogging track

  • All pools including children's wading pool (on select ships) and whirlpool/hot tubs

  • Carnival’s Twister Waterslide OR Carnival Waterworks
    (depends on ship)

  • Mini Golf

  • Basketball Court/Volleyball court (on select ships)

  • Library

  • Carnival’s Seaside Theatre (on select ships)

  • Sliding Sky Dome – enjoy the pool rain or shine
    (on select ships)

  • Table tennis

  • Poolside entertainment (live music, games,
    dancing and more)

 

Youth Programs

  • Camp Carnival for ages 2 through 11

  • Circle “C” for ages 12 through 14

  • Club O2 for ages 15 through 17

Stateroom Amenities/Services

  • Carnival’s Comfort Collection in all rooms

  • In-stateroom toiletries and amenities

  • 24-hour stateroom service

  • In-stateroom movies

What’s Extra On Your “Fun Ship” Cruise:

  • Various beverages (alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees and bottled water)

  • Unlimited Soda Program (entitles you to unlimited sodas while onboard)

  • All items from the patisserie (pastries, baked goods, indulgent sweets, etc.)

  • Use of Spa Carnival and Cloud 9 Spa services

  • Ship-to-shore communications (i.e. WiFi capability, cell phone roaming charges apply)

  • Internet Café

  • Photographs, portraits or film developing

  • Onboard duty-free shopping

  • Medical services

  • Shore excursions

  • Casino, bingo and other gaming

  • Arcade

  • Gratuities

  • Golf Academy

  • Babysitting Services (from 10PM to 3AM in Camp Carnival
    for ages 11 and under)

  • The Steakhouse (on select ships) - reservations recommended

 

 

 

We're talkin' $70-a-day affordable!

Here it is. Everything you wanted to know about cruising with Carnival, but were afraid to ask. Bring the kids. Bring your honey. Heck, bring the whole gang. We're fun for all!

The Most Popular Cruise Line in the world with a Las Vegas-style atmosphere specializing in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico with convenient close to home departure points all around the United States. View Cruise Deals for Carnival Cruise Lines To explore the ships, destinations, special offers, tips, dining, entertainment, kids programs or read a review and use the sailing calendar, visit the Carnival Cruise Line Information Page



There are a gazillion super fun things to do on a Carnival Cruise, including incredible activities, gourmet dining options, nighttime fun, and more - all included in your cruise fare. Keep scrolling and we'll even tell you what's extra.


A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO CRUISING

Incredible Deals on the Best Cruises. Double-booked days, working lunches, late nights--you need an escape, and now!

By Day

  • Serenity - Adult Only Retreat (on select ships)
  • Fitness center, steam room, sauna and outdoor jogging track
  • All pools, including children's wading pool (on select ships) and whirlpool/hot tubs
  • Carnival's Twister Waterslide OR Carnival WaterWorks (varies by ship)
  • Mini Golf
  • Basketball Court/Volleyball court (on select ships)
  • Cozy lounge for small gatherings or quiet reading time
  • Table tennis
  • Poolside entertainment (live music, games, dancing and more)

All in a day’s play.

Morning yoga? Coffee on the lido deck? Breakfast in bed? However you decide to start your day, the possibilities for the rest of it are virtually endless. It really is a question of "what should we do first?" Pack your days full of activities or make plans for a whollotta hang-out time. It's totally up to you. After all, isn't that what vacation is all about?

 

At Night

  • All onboard clubs, bars and lounges (activities including karaoke, dance lessons and more)
  • Spectacular stage shows
  • Live music, including bands and orchestra
  • Comedy acts and international singers
  • Carnival's Seaside Theater (on select ships)

AFTER DARK, FUN GETS A SECOND WIND.

Our sunny and fun-filled days are only rivaled by our starry and fun-filled nights. Reserve a table at one of our fine restaurants, hit a club for some dancing, or try your hand at Blackjack at the casino. Want some fresh night air? Catch a movie under the stars at Seaside Theatre, featuring a jumbo LED screen and 70,000 watt-sound system. You'll never run out of things to do!

A Beginner's Guide To Cruising continues after the sponsored link below....

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Carnival Cruise Lines® - The Fun Ships®

List of all Carnival cruise ships with their ports of call, departure dates, cruise critic ship rating, and pricing.

View Cruises on Carnival Cruise Lines

For a great vacation value, choose the be-yourself ease of a Fun Ship® cruise. Do what you want for three to eight days or longer. Relax in the sun. Work out in the gym. Play in the casino. Enjoy lavish shows. And explore new destinations. There's something for everyone, including Camp Carnival® for kids and Club 02(SM) for teens. This is your time to enjoy a million moments of fun, one right after another with Carnival Cruise Lines.

Form a Group. Save BIG!

Did you know the most overlooked way to stretch your dollar is to form your own cruise group. Traveling with family or friends, or both, can lower costs enough so you can travel even when the economies not that good. Of course, most of us don't have the time - or inclination - to make the calls and do the research for an entire group. It's a big job. On the other hand, booking a group cruise is easy for a professional travel agent. Your agent can create a package that works for you, while your group will realize across-the-board savings  from group discounts that your agent discovers. Find Out More

 

A Beginner's Guide To Cruising continues....

There are a gazillion super fun things to do on a Carnival Cruise, including incredible activities, gourmet dining options, nighttime fun, and more - all included in your cruise fare. Keep scrolling and we'll even tell you what's extra.

Dining for all

  • Fine Dining in the formal dining rooms (includes lobster and steak served on every cruise)
  • Casual Dining at our Lido restaurant, convenient 24-hour Pizzeria, soft-serve ice cream and frozen yogurt around the clock
  • Sushi Bar
  • Lemonade, coffee, tea, water (from a fountain, not bottled water)
  • Spa Carnival menu offering healthful selections low in calories, fat, sodium and cholesterol

DELICIOUSNESS SERVED

Fresh daily.

You'll be truly amazed at the amount of gourmet and casual dining options you'll find onboard a Carnival ship. What's more amazing is that most of it is included in your cruise fare! From breakfast in bed to lunch on the lido deck to dinner in the main dining room or the steakhouse, you'll always have a variety of options. And if you're traveling with the family, you'll find plenty of kid-friendly menu items like sandwiches, burgers, pizza, ice cream and more!
 

For Kids

  • Camp Carnival for ages 2 through 11
  • Circle "C" for ages 12 through 14
  • Club O2 for ages 15 through 17

 

 
 

Accommodations

  • Carnival's Comfort Collection in all rooms
  • In-stateroom amenities
  • Attentive 24-hour stateroom service
  • In-stateroom movies

Beware of spontaneous

pillow fights.

That's how fluffy our pillows are. And thread count? C'mon. Our Carnival Comfort Collection mattress and fine cotton linens make for the perfect spot to recharge your batteries after a fun-filled day. And from room service to turn-down service, your attentive steward is at your service - making sure you have everything you need.

IN THE NEWS.....

We're talkin' $70-a-day affordable!

There are a gazillion super fun things to do on a Carnival Cruise, including incredible activities, gourmet dining options, nighttime fun, and more - all included in your cruise fare. Keep scrolling and we'll even tell you what's extra.

By Day

  • Serenity - Adult Only Retreat (on select ships)
  • Fitness center, steam room, sauna and outdoor jogging track
  • All pools, including children's wading pool (on select ships) and whirlpool/hot tubs
  • Carnival's Twister Waterslide OR Carnival WaterWorks (varies by ship)
  • Mini Golf
  • Basketball Court/Volleyball court (on select ships)
  • Cozy lounge for small gatherings or quiet reading time
  • Table tennis
  • Poolside entertainment (live music, games, dancing and more)

All in a day’s play.

Morning yoga? Coffee on the lido deck? Breakfast in bed? However you decide to start your day, the possibilities for the rest of it are virtually endless. It really is a question of "what should we do first?" Pack your days full of activities or make plans for a whollotta hang-out time. It's totally up to you. After all, isn't that what vacation is all about?

 

At Night

  • All onboard clubs, bars and lounges (activities including karaoke, dance lessons and more)
  • Spectacular stage shows
  • Live music, including bands and orchestra
  • Comedy acts and international singers
  • Carnival's Seaside Theater (on select ships)

AFTER DARK, FUN GETS A SECOND WIND.

Our sunny and fun-filled days are only rivaled by our starry and fun-filled nights. Reserve a table at one of our fine restaurants, hit a club for some dancing, or try your hand at Blackjack at the casino. Want some fresh night air? Catch a movie under the stars at Seaside Theatre, featuring a jumbo LED screen and 70,000 watt-sound system. You'll never run out of things to do!

 
 

Dining for all

  • Fine Dining in the formal dining rooms (includes lobster and steak served on every cruise)
  • Casual Dining at our Lido restaurant, convenient 24-hour Pizzeria, soft-serve ice cream and frozen yogurt around the clock
  • Sushi Bar
  • Lemonade, coffee, tea, water (from a fountain, not bottled water)
  • Spa Carnival menu offering healthful selections low in calories, fat, sodium and cholesterol

DELICIOUSNESS SERVED

Fresh daily. ( see a sample menu )

You'll be truly amazed at the amount of gourmet and casual dining options you'll find onboard a Carnival ship. What's more amazing is that most of it is included in your cruise fare! From breakfast in bed to lunch on the lido deck to dinner in the main dining room or the steakhouse, you'll always have a variety of options. And if you're traveling with the family, you'll find plenty of kid-friendly menu items like sandwiches, burgers, pizza, ice cream and more!
 

For Kids

  • Camp Carnival for ages 2 through 11
  • Circle "C" for ages 12 through 14
  • Club O2 for ages 15 through 17

 

 
 

Accommodations

  • Carnival's Comfort Collection in all rooms
  • In-stateroom amenities
  • Attentive 24-hour stateroom service
  • In-stateroom movies

Beware of spontaneous

pillow fights.

That's how fluffy our pillows are. And thread count? C'mon. Our Carnival Comfort Collection mattress and fine cotton linens make for the perfect spot to recharge your batteries after a fun-filled day. And from room service to turn-down service, your attentive steward is at your service - making sure you have everything you need.
Stateroom Types

» Interior -- Excellent values, these spacious accommodations include generous amenities.

» Ocean View -- Large stateroom windows give you excellent views of the ocean and each destination.
» Balcony -- Sit outdoors, relax, enjoy the privacy and admire the passing scenery.
» Suite -- These extra-large accommodations have a separate sitting area and spacious balcony.
» Grand Suite -- The same features as a Suite plus a walk-in closet and whirlpool bath.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR FARE: Notice how much shorter this list is? Just sayin'.

  • Various beverages (alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees and bottled water)
  • Unlimited Soda Program (entitles you to unlimited sodas while onboard)
  • All items from the patisserie (pastries, baked goods, indulgent sweets, etc.)
  • Use of Spa Carnival and Cloud 9 Spa services
  • Ship-to-shore communications (i.e. WiFi capability, cell phone roaming charges apply)
  • Internet Cafe
  • Photographs, portraits or film developing
  • Onboard duty-free shopping
  • Medical services
  • Shore excursions
  • Casino, bingo and other gaming
  • Arcade
  • Gratuities
  • Golf Academy
  • Babysitting Services (from 10PM to 3AM in Camp Carnival for ages 11 and under)
  • The Steakhouse (on select ships) - reservations recommended

Save $900 or More over Resort Vacations

  Resort Hotel for 7 days* 7 Day Fun Ship
Accommodations $875 $855**
Dining $630 Included
Broadway-style entertainment $140 Included
Supervised kids programs $175 Included
Gratuities $95 $140
Total $1,915 $995
Savings of $920

 

Sample Dinner Menu

Varies from Day to Day

 

Starters

The Chef Recommends

Asparagus Velouté

Asparagus Cream Soup

Tropical Fruits

Marinated with Lime Juice and a Touch of Tequila

Cured Salmon and Candied Tomato

Dill Cream, Stewed Apples and Grapes in Lemon Dressing

Fried Chicken Tenders, Marinated Cucumber and Lettuce

Served with a Zesty Honey Mustard Sauce

Heart of Iceberg Lettuce

Zucchini and Vine Ripened Tomato Fritters

Choice of Blue Cheese, Thousand Island, Ranch, Balsamic Vinaigrette, or French Dressing

Beef and Barley Soup with Diced Root Vegetables

Gazpacho Andalouse

Chilled Tomato Broth with Diced Plum Tomatoes

Peppers, Cucumbers and Mediterranean Herbs

Fresh Fruit Cocktail

Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail

Served with American Cocktail Sauce

Caesar Salad

Hearts of Romaine Lettuce Tossed with our Caesar Dressing

Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese, Anchovies and Herb Croutons

Marinated Fruit with Papaya Smoothie

[130 calories, 3 grams of fat, 0 grams of Trans-Fat]

Gazpacho Andalouse

Chilled Tomato Broth with Diced Plum Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers and Mediterranean Herbs

[61 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of Trans-Fat]

 

Main Courses

The Chef Recommends

Pan Seared Fillet of Tilapia

Green Pea and Sundried Tomato Fondue

Vichy Carrots and Mac ‘n Cheese

Sweet and Sour Shrimp

Large Tiger Shrimps in a Tangy Sweet and Sour Sauce

Served with Scallion, Garlic and Shrimp Fried Rice Noodles

Chicken à la Grecque

Broiled Boneless Chicken Breast with Herbs and Tomato Confit

Virgin Olive and Basil Oil

Grilled New York Strip Steak from Black Angus Beef

Accompanied by Three Peppercorn Sauce

Mac N Cheese and Vichy Carrots

Linguini with Italian Sausage, Bell Peppers and Mushrooms

Served with Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (Also available as a Starter)

Indian Vegetarian Dinner

Cottage Cheese and Peas, Roasted Vegetables Mash with Indian Spices

Slow Cooked Chick Peas, Indian Bread Stuffed with Cumin Scented Red Onions

Broiled Fillet of Fresh Norwegian Salmon

Served with Vegetables of the Day

Grilled Breast of Corn Fed Chicken

Served with Vegetables of the Day

Barbecued Baby Back Ribs

Served with Creamy Coleslaw, Grilled Spring Onion and Fries

Baked Idaho Potatoes, French Fries or Steamed White Rice

Assorted Steamed Vegetables

Pan Seared Fillet of Tilapia

Vichy Carrots, Romaine and Melon Salad Dressed with Mango Salsa

 

Desserts

Grand Marnier Soufflé

Served with Orange Vanilla Sauce

Cappuccino Pie

Coffee Ice Cream Pie with Whipped Cream

Diet Apple Pie

Dessert is Prepared with a Sugar Substitute

Warm Chocolate Melting Cake

Served with Vanilla Ice Cream

Fresh Tropical Fruit Plate

Ice Creams

Vanilla • Chocolate • Strawberry • Butter Pecan

*Sugar-Free Ice Cream is available upon request

Sherbets

Orange • Pineapple • Lime

Cheeses

Port Salut • Brie • Gouda • Imported Swiss • Danish Bleu

Beverages

Freshly Brewed Coffee, Regular or Decaffeinated • Milk • Skimmed Milk

Hot Chocolate • Iced, Hot and Herbal Teas • Espresso • Cappuccino

Liqueurs

Sambuca • Kahlúa • Grand Marnier

Amaretto Di Saronno

Cognacs and Brandies

Hardy V.S.O.P. • Rémy Martin V.S.O.P. • Courvoisier V.S.

Fundador Brandy

Dessert Wines and Ports

Dow’s Late Bottled Vintage • Graham’s Six Grape

Quady Electra, California

Regular Bar Prices Apply to all beverages


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Ecstasy

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Fascination

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Imagination

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Inspiration

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Sensation

 Destinations

Wherever they go, they always pack more than enough fun to go around. And considering Carnival sails to 60 of the world's most beautiful destinations, it really is a win-win for everyone. There's a good chance you'll even be able to sail from one of our convenient close-to-home ports. How great is that?

CruiseReport.com Alaska
CruiseReport.com Bahamas
CruiseReport.com Bermuda
CruiseReport.com Canada
CruiseReport.com Eastern Caribbean
CruiseReport.com Hawaii
CruiseReport.com Mediterranean
CruiseReport.com Mexico
CruiseReport.com Nowhere
CruiseReport.com Panama Canal
CruiseReport.com Southern Caribbean
CruiseReport.com Transatlantic
CruiseReport.com Western Caribbean

 

Cruise Ship Reviews: Carnival  • Celebrity • Cruise West • Crystal • Cunard • Disney • Avalon Waterways • Holland America • NCL • Oceania • Princess • Regent • Royal Caribbean • Seabourn • SeaDream • Viking River • Windstar

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