Log In | Customer Support
Home Book Travel Destinations Hotels Cruises Air Travel Community Search:

Search

Search CruisePage

Book a Cruise
- CruiseServer
- Search Caribbean
- Search Alaska
- Search Europe
- 888.700.TRIP

Book Online
Cruise
Air
Hotel
Car
Cruising Area:

Departure Date:
Cruise Length:

Price Range:

Cruise Line:

Buy Stuff

Reviews
- Ship Reviews
- Dream Cruise
- Ship of the Month
- Reader Reviews
- Submit a Review
- Millennium Cruise

Community
- Photo Gallery
- Join Cruise Club
- Cruise News
- Cruise News Archive
- Cruise Views
- Cruise Jobs
- Special Needs
- Maritime Q & A
- Sea Stories

Industry
- New Ship Guide
- Former Ships
- Port Information
- Inspection Scores
- Shipyards
- Ship Cams
- Ship Tracking
- Freighter Travel
- Man Overboard List
- Potpourri

Shopping
- Shirts & Hats
- Books
- Videos

Contact Us
- Reservations
- Mail
- Feedback
- Suggest-a-Site
- About Us

Reader Sites
- PamM's Site
- Ernst's Site
- Patsy's Site
- Ben's Site
- Carlos' Site
- Chris' Site
- SRead's Site


Cruise Travel - Cruise Talk
Cruise Talk Cruise News

Welcome to Cruise Talk the Internet's most popular discussion forum dedicated to cruising. Stop by Cruise Talk anytime to post a message or find out what your fellow passengers and industry insiders are saying about a particular ship, cruise line or destination.

>>> Reader Reviews
>>> CruisePage.com Photo Gallery
>>> Join Our Cruise Club.

Latest News...Norwegian Cruise Line celebrated the official christening of the all-new Norwegian Aqua in Miami and unveiled its plans to reimagine Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's idyllic private island in the Bahamas, with new experiences debuting in the fourth quarter of 2025, including an expansive pool area with a dedicated bar and kids splash zone and so much MORE. With a history of delivering guests ...

Latest News...MSC Cruises officially named its highly-anticipated new flagship, MSC World America, in a dazzling ceremony on April 9 at the line's new state-of-the-art MSC Miami Cruise Terminal, the largest cruise terminal in the world. MSC World America's Godmother, Drew Barrymore officially named the ship at the glamorous event with the maritime tradition of cutting a ribbon and triggering the breaking of a champagne...

Latest News...Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel, celebrated the maiden arrival of Seabourn Encore to the continental United States on April 9, 2025, marking a major milestone as the ship docked for the first time in Long Beach, Calif. The visit offers a rare opportunity for guests and local travel advisor partners to see the award-winning ship up close..

More Cruise News...


Post New Topic  Post A Reply
my profile | register | search | faq | forum home
  next oldest topic   next newest topic
» Cruise Talk   » Cruise Ships   » HELP!! 1st time cruising need any advice(carnival destiny)

UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!    
Author Topic: HELP!! 1st time cruising need any advice(carnival destiny)
oceangrl
First Class Passenger
Member # 2222

posted 07-22-2001 11:47 AM      Profile for oceangrl   Email oceangrl   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
we are taking a cruise on the carnival destiny southern caribbean...we've never been on a cruise and need any advice from experinced cruisers!! What should we expect as far as prices for alcohol and should we take the shore tours or explore on our own? we are very excited and very nervous we want this to be a memorable trip any feedback would be greatly appreciated...thankyou!! null
Posts: 20 | From: calif | Registered: Jul 2001  |  IP: Logged
Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 07-22-2001 01:29 PM      Profile for Green     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
quote:
Originally posted by oceangrl:
we are taking a cruise on the carnival destiny southern caribbean...we've never been on a cruise and need any advice from experinced cruisers!! null

Click on 'search' up in the top right hand corner - type in 'Carnival Destiny' - Click All Forums - any date - Enter - Lots of info there. Also have a look at 'Reader Reviews'.

Hope this helps

Happy Cruisin'

P.S. Your TA should have info on drink prices, etc.

[ 07-22-2001: Message edited by: Green ]


Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99  |  IP: Logged
Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 07-22-2001 04:27 PM      Profile for Malcolm @ cruisepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
...yes check out the 'Readers Reviews', menu left.
Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago!  |  IP: Logged
Dean
Just Boarded
Member # 2224

posted 07-22-2001 08:42 PM      Profile for Dean     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
quote:
Originally posted by oceangrl:
we are taking a cruise on the carnival destiny southern caribbean...we've never been on a cruise and need any advice from experinced cruisers!! What should we expect as far as prices for alcohol and should we take the shore tours or explore on our own? we are very excited and very nervous we want this to be a memorable trip any feedback would be greatly appreciated...thankyou!! null

[ 07-22-2001: Message edited by: Dean ]


Posts: 1 | From: Ca | Registered: Jul 2001  |  IP: Logged
MagnmPI
First Class Passenger
Member # 299

posted 07-23-2001 02:09 AM      Profile for MagnmPI     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
Hey Oceangrl,
Regarding shore tours (provided by Carnival) vs going off on your own, it really depends on you. Things I consider before deciding: whether I have been there before, how many sites I really want to see, how much time we have in port, and crime problem or civil unrest. I like the cruise tours because I have the peace of mind of knowing I'll be getting back on the ship. But, I have gone off on my own before and had alot of fun. My problem though is that as soon as I lose sight of the ship I get stressed and paranoid that I will not make it back in time before it leaves.
As far as alcohol prices, triple what you pay for your favorite drink on land and then add 15%. But c'mon where else are you gonna get a screwdriver halfway between Ocho Rios and Cozumel. Once you overcome the "sticker shock" and put everything in perspective you get used to it.

Posts: 545 | From: San Francisco Bay Area | Registered: Aug 99  |  IP: Logged
Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 07-23-2001 02:41 AM      Profile for Malcolm @ cruisepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
Shore-tours tend to be a little pricey on all cruises, but they tend to be of good quality and they effectively 'put it on a plate' for you!

On the other hand, if you buy a good guide book of the ports, do a little advance research, and don't mind walking, getting a bus or Taxi, you can save a lot of money and often see more!

The choice is yours.


Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago!  |  IP: Logged
cruznut6
First Class Passenger
Member # 543

posted 07-23-2001 06:34 AM      Profile for cruznut6   Author's Homepage   Email cruznut6   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
oceangrl

All ships have port talks, usually the day before the next port of call. They'll give you the "do's and don'ts" in each port. You can save some money taking tours on your own, but some ports are safer than others to venture out on your own, especially if it's your first time there. Regarding drinks, I never drink more than I can afford , that's why I charge it ! Have fun and report back after the cruise.

Regards...Bob


Posts: 161 | From: Mount Laurel, NJ, USA | Registered: Apr 99  |  IP: Logged
oceangrl
First Class Passenger
Member # 2222

posted 07-24-2001 02:09 AM      Profile for oceangrl   Email oceangrl   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
THANKYOU SO MUCH!! All of everyones info is so helpfull I really appreciate it, I really got alot of info clicking on what you told me to Green thanks!! I will definetly write about our 1st cruising expeirence when we get back we are going with two other couples we've all been friends for 20 years so we are all very excited!! If you think of anything else I need to know please respond again....thanks
Posts: 20 | From: calif | Registered: Jul 2001  |  IP: Logged
hhornblower
First Class Passenger
Member # 1047

posted 07-30-2001 11:05 PM      Profile for hhornblower     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
Just got back from the Destiny yesterday (7-29-01) and I did ALL excursions on my own and had a great time and saved a lot of money. Most private companies, if they know you have to get back to the cruise ship by a certain time, will get you back in plenty of time because they know that they get business by word of mouth. Remember a ship shore excursion is nothing but a local tour operator that has a contract with the cruise line and they often use the same taxi drivers you can get on your own. You pay the extra fee for the ship being the middle man.

HOWEVER, it took LOTS of reserch, reading, communicating by e-mail and contacting tourist bureaus for me to do my own thing. But I find that a part of the fun of travel. Plus I tend to be the type of person that likes to do what I want to do and not follow the group. Also I find that too many ship excursions are to extreams - either riding in a bus all day which is too boring or adventure activities which too strenous or stressful.

The key is to know what you want to do on this cruise and how comfortable you would feel going out on your own. Go to the cruise line website and see if the excursions are what you want to do. This will help you decide whether to go with the ship or on your own.


Posts: 84 | Registered: Jan 2000  |  IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)  

Post New Topic  Post A Reply Close Topic    Move Topic    Delete Topic next oldest topic   next newest topic
Hop To:

Contact Us | CruisePage

Infopop Corporation
Ultimate Bulletin BoardTM 6.1.0.3

VACATION & CRUISE SPECIALS
Check out these great deals from CruisePage.com

Royal Caribbean - Bahamas Getaway from $129 per person
Description: Experience the beautiful ports of Nassau and Royal Caribbean's private island - CocoCay on a 3-night Weekend Getaway to the Bahamas. Absorb everything island life has to offer as you snorkel with the stingrays, parasail above the serene blue waters and walk the endless white sand beaches. From Miami.
Carnival - 4-Day Bahamas from $229 per person
Description: Enjoy a wonderful 3 Day cruise to the fun-loving playground of Nassau, Bahamas. Discover Nassau, the capital city as well as the cultural, commercial and financial heart of the Bahamas. Meet the Atlantic Southern Stingrays, the guardians of Blackbeard's treasure.
NCL - Bermuda - 7 Day from $499 per person
Description: What a charming little chain of islands. Walk on pink sand beaches. Swim and snorkel in turquoise seas. Take in the historical sights. They're stoically British and very quaint. Or explore the coral reefs. You can get to them by boat or propelled by fins. You pick. Freestyle Cruising doesn't tell you where to go or what to do. Sure, you can plan ahead, or decide once onboard. After all, it's your vacation. There are no deadlines or must do's.
Holland America - Eastern Caribbean from From $599 per person
Description: White sand, black sand, talcum soft or shell strewn, the beaches of the Eastern Caribbean invite you to swim, snorkel or simply relax. For shoppers, there's duty-free St. Thomas, the Straw Market in Nassau, French perfume and Dutch chocolates on St. Maarten. For history buffs, the fascinating fusion of Caribbean, Latin and European cultures. For everyone, a day spent on HAL's award winning private island Half Moon Cay.
Celebrity - 7-Night Western Mediterranean from $549 per person
Description: For centuries people have traveled to Europe to see magnificent ruins, art treasures and natural wonders. And the best way to do so is by cruise ship. Think of it - you pack and unpack only once. No wasted time searching for hotels and negotiating train stations. Instead, you arrive at romantic ports of call relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the world.
Holland America - Alaska from From $499 per person
Description: Sail between Vancouver and Seward, departing Sundays on the ms Statendam or ms Volendam and enjoy towering mountains, actively calving glaciers and pristine wildlife habitat. Glacier Bay and College Fjord offer two completely different glacier-viewing experiences.

| Home | About Us | Suggest-a-Site | Feedback | Contact Us | Privacy |
This page, and all contents, are © 1995-2021 by Interactive Travel Guides, Inc. and/or its suppliers. All rights reserved.
TravelPage.com is a trademark of Interactive Travel Guides, Inc.
Powered by TravelServer Software