26 Carnival Cruise Tips For First Time Cruisers 

CORRECTION: You can only bring 12 pack of sodas per person not 24 and you can only pre-purchase 12 pack waters onboard per person

Funny how you addressed the “pick your cruise partner wisely” I chose my sister, and she actually paid her half and then just started acting weird so I sent her money back and am going alone tomorrow for my birthday. Great info

I brought $500. Tips, buying souvenirs, food. A lot of places in Bahamas don’t even take debit cards. Take small bills. Most vendors “don’t have change” and will add another item. Example: your total is $16, and you give a $20, they will sell you something extra that’s $4 to make an even $20.

As a Carnival employee you did great informing the most important.

One thing I recommend is a copy of you boarding pass in you check in luggage. This is in case of lost luggage tags. They can open your suitcase and know who it belongs to it. It also lets them know it belongs to you.

My husband and I leave for the Bahamas in a month, to celebrate our 7 year anniversary ❤ We are BOTH first time cruisers and this video was exceptionally helpful- thanks!

Took my 15th cruise last month to Jamaica,Cayman Island,and Cozumel Mexico. Wishing all the first timers to have a blast!! 😊🛳

We just got off Carnival Conquest last week. Came in the day before...we caught a flat tire on our rental...glad we did the day before. Be ready to see booty booty booty rocking everywhere. People wear their swimsuits all day long everywhere except the fine dining. Many don't wear cover ups. And they giving you whatever body they got 😂.

Truthfully, if you tip the bartender generously in the morning for the day, they will give you above and beyond and FAST service no matter how crowded the bar is! 💯

You not only have to put your phone in airplane mode. You also have to go to cellular data and turn off roaming. If you don’t, your phone will continue to search and continue to use data.

One thing I never do is get the internet package. When I’m at home my cell is my life line both professionally and personally. But when I’m on vacation, I’m on vacation. I unplug.

Me and my man are going on I’ll first cruise in November 2024 and we trying to prepare and make the right decisions this video is helping a lot y’all are very transparent and I love that

Prepaid debit cards to setup your onboard account. This keeps your bank cards free from holds. Hassle free from guests service and limiting yours kids if you bring them too.

"Hold the phone!" 7 minutes into this video and im blown away by some of the tips I've never heard other cruise channels give eg: getting to that email asap to choose your boarding time,,,guys you did a GREAT JOB with this video.

I've cruised with Carnival 8 times and these are great tips! I'm just nosey, thats why I'm here 😂

You are the first couple to recommend joining the Facebook group for the cruise I am going on. I have cruised about 7 Carnival cruises and listened to hundreds of podcasts for Carnival cruises. Great idea, thank you so much.

Another tip: pack cloths that are a little loose. Between the extra weight I put on I also seem to put on some water weight (inflammation) I find cloths that are comfortable before the cruise are tight by the end of the cruise.

Definitely pre pay Gratuities. So much easier!

I went on a Carnival Cruise and the server told us that most of the people who serve the tables don't get the tip that's prepaid. They have no way of knowing that a tip was left unless you tip them personally with cash

Just to clarify - the Cheers package, the limit is 15 alcoholic beverages, not 15 drinks. Plus they tell you up front that they can cut you off before that if they think you might end up on a ‘did you see what happened on Carnival’ video. Or just face down somewhere

I stumbled upon your video, I love the cohesiveness between you two.No overtaking and just the information I needed as a first time cruiser

Listen here! I'm going on my first Carnival cruise in one week. I am shocked how much I didnt know, I cannot tell yall how much this video has helped. I try to limit surprises when traveling and this has helped me to be in more control of not only my preferences but my financial coins. Thank you thank you and THANK YOU!!!!!

Taking a cruise in June !! After i graduate from nursing school & taking my man with me bc he needs to celebrate his biggest investment 😂

I first started crushing in the late 80s on a day cruise. I fell in love with the water. Then In the 90s I went to the Bahamas. It was scary after seeing all the land disappear. But once I started drinking and having fun that fear went away quickly. I say everyone needs a cruise in their lives. The best party you will ever experience with strangers who become your friends

Another several reasons I like Virgin. All of the check in info can be done on the app far ahead of time (already have most of it done for my April 2025 cruise). No luggage tags needed (I don’t even own a printer). No lanyards or sign & sail cards because they have the bands. I got to pick my embarkation time when I booked. No drink package necessary and if you do buy bar tab it doesn’t have to be for both people in the room.

This my 3rd cruise and i still watch these videos 😅

1st cruise in 6 days and my anxiety is getting the best of me, Ive watched all these videos and watching them again. 😅

I really appreciate you for the tips. I stayed up and waited for pre check in to drop at midnight and was able to get a early slot to board ship. Also paid the extra money for faster to the fun. I also went straight to guest services and asked all my questions before the line got too long. I went from terminal parking lot to boarding the ship in under 30 minutes. Thanks again.

I love his shirt. I got into a heated debate with one of my professors when I was in college because I told him that I do not believe in loosing. Loosing is a state of mind; not winning is an opportunity to learn and to grow. Which makes life a win win experience (some lessons are more painful than others “die or grow”)

1. My friend said she didn't know about the tipping. She advised me don't double tip! Going on my 1st cruise this month

Thanks for sharing Lynette and Stanley. I’m headed onto cruise #4, but I still head over to your house for anything that may be of use to me in making my cruise experience smoother and with little to no mishaps. With these videos, your cruise vlogs and content from other creators I cruise like a.seasoned cruiser. Thanks for sharing. Stay blessed.

Additional point to travel insurance; you are not limited to the insurance sold through Carnival. You can purchase travel insurance policies from multiple insurance corporations not sold through a cruise line.

I just took my first cruise since 2000 on Carnival Sunrise last week. I'm so glad I came across you guys. I was binge watching y'all videos for the last month lol. You guys helped me prepare & to know what I needed to do & to look forward to. My friend used a travel agent for our cruise. And she gave no tips or anything. I was using what I learned from your videos & I'm so glad I did

I thought about not watching this video after seeing that it was almost an hour long, but I watched it, and I’m so GLAD I did! Y’all were very thorough and I’m looking forward to going on my cruise!! I had to hit that follow button!! 🚢🎉😂

Thank you for all the tips you provide. Have not cruised since 2007, learning from your videos definitely made our cruise planning easy and the cruise more enjoyable. Even with all the planning there are always a learning experience or two, my son let his phone battery die before he charged his the phone at night. The phone powered on and was not on airplane mode. Phone was roaming all night!!! We were lucky our phone service provider stopped phone services on the phone since it was out of the ordinary usage. Because we listen to you and pre-paid for all the activities and services, we had a little extra left over from our travel money which covered the extra cell phone charges. Thank you❤❤❤

We are experienced Carnival cruisers and these are great tips, well done👏👏👏 Our next cruise is on the Celebration next week so we’re really looking forward to enjoying this ship. We love the Mardi Gras and will sail it again later this fall. Recently we had friends who were first time cruisers that chose Carnival based on our experiences and recommendations. Talking about cruising is one of our favorite topics and it’s nice to know you covered so many areas in this video that we can share with other new cruisers.

Cruise number 3 and I still come back here 🎉💕

Hey y'all, heyyyy!! Just wanted to thank you all for all the tips. We took our first cruise a few weeks ago and had a BALL without the "hiccups". Everything from purchasing water, to not buying clothes if you're trying to budget (I had all new outfits I never wore 🤦🏽‍♀️🤣). The meals, tips, what not to take.. what TO take, using a credit card for the sail and sign card, EVERYTHING was on POINT!!! You all are awesome!!! I'm so glad to see my namesake doing her thing!!! 👌We're looking forward to the next.

Kindness is a weakness to the indecent but virtuous to the decent. Thank you for being among our most decent. Just watched a different video and your content auto played. I’m glad it did perfect delivery and perfect information. I have been on multiple cruises and your advice is what I wish I had on our fist cruise. Bravo. Thank you.

me & the hubby leave for our very 1st cruise fron charleston to bahamas on the sunshine this saturday🤗were super excited and nervous at the same time..i cant wait 🛳️🏝️🇧🇸i hope this is a wonderful experience & we have no bad experiences🙏🏼🤞🏼thank u guys for all the tips❤️💙

Just got off my first cruise and I sure wish I watched this first. I sure did get off the cruise with a $700+ hold. I thought I was crazy as it appeared I was charged twice for everything (as you said. Once to pay and hold showing as pending) It took 9 days for the holds to drop. Thanks to this video I did not call the cruise line or my bank, but it was so hard to wait for the funds to come back. I was stressed!

OMG, you guys are awesome!!! Thankfully I found this video 7 days before sailing on my 1st cruise and you two has answered every question that my group has been asking or confused with. Thank you so very much ❤❤

Just came off our first cruise to the Bahamas. Everything y’all stated is 100% correct.

I watched you guys' videos before our cruise on the Carnival Breeze on May 22nd with our 8 year old daughter and man. They helped so much. It was smooth sailing. Thank you so much for your videos because they do help. We have booked another cruise for the Jubilee on May 11th thru 18th of next year can't wait ❤

You two are awesome! First time seeing y’all and you hooked us up with some good tips and info. I’ve been on 19 cruises but it’s been 7 years since the last one so I’m sure things have changed. I’ll be checking out your other videos out while getting my finances together for a trip 😊

I can't thank y'all enough for just getting straight to it! I love the tips!

1st cruise! Got all the documents needed. Got the hotel booked for the night before! Did not know I needed to pick a boarding time!! Thank you for the information! Gonna keep an eye out on my email! Wrote out a to do list from your video! Thank you!!

Y’all have been the most helpful! You have been my preferred source for information for my first cruise this July. I also joined the MAS FB group because of y’all and I love it there lol. I don’t care how many times you repeat the same information, imma watch because y’all get me so hype!

Thank you for sharing! You gave out some good tips. I just learned several months ago from another content creator to stay up late at 12 am to check in. All these years I’ve been checking when I had the time and my boarding time would be 12:30 pm or 1:00. My last cruise I went on I checked in early and I had the choice to board at 10:30. Also, you are right about those luggage tag and putting them in a holder. However, what I like to do is put them in every bag that I check in and I have the apple tag in my luggage. Lastly. I just don’t understand, us women love to make sure we have enough clothes. I am learning to pack according to my itinerary using my luggage cubes. You gave great tips

We've been cruising since 2008 and I still watch these videos ❤

Terrific video. So many great tips and tricks. I also just want to compliment and share how proud I am of you for living out your dream and purpose. While I miss the TV reviews, your pivot is a beacon of success.

This is my 8th cruise and I still find this helpful. Good reminders even for experienced cruisers. On my first cruise I punched a hole in my sign and sail card on the wrong side to attach to my lanyard...then I had to take it off the lanyard to use it Plus it got stuck in the door. Now I get the plastic sleeve to hold the card on the lanyard

Thank yall for making another video I watch almost all yall video. Love yall. Very educational which is making my first cruise experience a breeze and I will be get everything from the packing list. Y'all dope frfr ❤💯

Guys....I absolutely love y'all. I am so glad I ran into your channel. Y'all are doing a wonderful job. Thanks for all your info. I havent book yet, but Im going on my first cruise next year, and I'm hoping y'all are on it.😁. I wish yall a lifetime of success!!

I’m so glad I found your videos!! I’m leaving soon for my first cruise and had no idea what to expect, but you guys had so much great & honest information/advice! Not to mention you’re both non stop smiling & funny, so it’s fun to watch too lol. Thank you so much for making these vids, it’s so helpful ❤️

2nd time cruiser here. I booked an ocean view cabin on the mardi gras, got lucky & was upgraded to a Cove balcony room for a few hundred more. my girlfriend and I are so excited for this cruise in July

WOW. This was THE best video for first time cruisers that I've seen! I have just started my research on preparing for my 1st cruise ever, and this is my go-to video for cruise tips. And I don't think it matters that much whether I take a Carnival Cruise or some other one. These tips should apply to every cruise line. Sure the terms on what a drink package is called may vary with other cruises, but I think that's about it. Loved how you guys explained everything in detail, and in a way that newbies can understand. I can't tell you how happy I am to have stumbled upon your video. I have liked and subscribed immediately! Loved your enthusiasm and your obvious concern for leading us in the right direction. Great job!!

I’ve booked my first cruise for January 24, 2024 and I am so excited. Your videos have helped me a lot!!

I leave for my cruise on Sunday and I’m glad I watched this, just rushed over to Amazon and purchased a luggage tag case, lanyard, and tumbler!

I’m glad I came across this channel. These are really helpful tips for someone like myself preparing to go on a cruise for the first time in a long time next summer.

I think I did well for my first cruise after listening to your tips and advice. 😊 Thank you all. I am sharing this with people who haven't gone.

I’ve been a subscriber for about a year now, and just recently FINALLY booked my carnival cruise with my best friend in February! My homework has been basically watching all of your videos and reading your blog. Thank you for everything you do. I can’t wait for my trip!

Planning a cruise with my mom and sister. Their first, my second. This is a great refresher for me and I’ll be sharing your video with them!!😊

We have our first Carnival cruise booked for next year. We've been on other cruise lines. I appreciate your tips for Carnival. It helps me be prepared. I'm so glad I watched your cruise cash video. Thank you so much for these helpful tips.

Going in March first time. I'm so happy you said bring a jacket and pants !!

Here I am once again, watching these “First Time Cruisers” videos as if I’m not finna take my 8th carnival cruise June 2024 😂😂.. love this page and the information they share! #VaLOVE ✊🏾

I love your videos!!! So much info I never knew while I’m in the process of booking my first cruise!!!! 👍🏼👍🏼 thank you!!

😩😩 My cruise isn’t until September for my birthday & I’ve been watching cruise videos like crazy. Thank yall 🩵🩵

You two are so cute and funny! First time viewer here! I enjoyed your content and enlightened me to something new. The FB groups that are initiated before travel. I'm so glad to here this. I will be a solo traveler and am glad to know there's an opportunity to get to know like minded people before our journey. Thank again family!

Pre-purchasing is the way to go. Also, I use carnival gift cards on sign & sail. If you have AARP you can get a $500 gift card for $450. Also you can pay off your cruise with these & purchase excursions, etc beforehand.

Great video. Were cruising with Carnival in late 2024 for the first time. I've been on a cruise before, but my husband is a first-timer. I really needed this video to understand Carnival's process. Glad i found you now.

I'm so excited for my first cruise. It's not until may 2024 but I can't stop watching videos and researching. And you were right, there's already a Facebook group for it

Always best to have a passport. Thank you for your Tips the one I never thought about was about joining the Facebook group for the cruise you are booked on. Thank you so much for that one love all your tips.

I watch y’all everyday since I came across y’all me and my wife going on our first cruise this month I appreciate y’all on all the advice

I thank God for you both. Your energy spirit and love you show one another is a blessing! I love all of your videos.

My 3rd cruise and I still love watching you two. You’re really special and I got nothing but ❤️ for you😊😊🙋🏾‍♀️

Very helpful. My husband and our two children leave soon on the Mardi Gras! We’ve been watching videos. This the one right here! 🙌🏾

Hi guys, thank you so much for this very informative video. Looking forward to my cruise in a few weeks and all these tips you shared are so helpful!

I enjoy how thorough your videos are. Just recommended you to my sister for a family reunion cruise. Thank you so much for sharing.

Thank you for this video…very informative and helpful for not only first time cruising but also repeat cruisers as well!!

I love y'all's videos! Your tips are so helpful to a first-time cruiser like me. I'm going to take this advice in hopes that I'll have a good first cruise :)

This was entertaining!!! Thank you for the positivity and help!!!

My wife, daughter, and I are going on our first Carnival cruise to celebrate wedding anniversary with my parents. Found your videos to be very helpful and informative. Keep doing what your doing. Peace y’all.

I really enjoyed this chat with my new auntie and uncle! This was super helpful, loved your personalities and the tips were totally clutch! ❤

Hey you guys, we are retired and started cruising listening to your tips. We are gold cruisers now and I still listen to your tips for additional info. We will be on Carnival Celebration for our 50th Anniversary soon. Thanks for all the help. I want try RC in the future and I will be contacting you.

You two are awesome! I love how many times you say you "highly recommend" or "listen". This was really good.

Wow great video love the tips. Very detailed and informative thank you !

Something that I really liked on carnival was the kids camp. Idt a lot of people know but they take the kids to dinner! My son was having so much fun he didn’t even want to eat with me by day 2! Lol

@LifeWithUsTV We’re going on our 3rd Carnival Cruise in December. Already did two 4th of July cruises last year (Paradise) and this year (Sunrise). A couple CRUCIAL TIPS that I would add….. 1st, each person can bring a 12 pack of soda with them but DO NOT PACK IT IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE!! 2nd, bring a set of walkie talkies for your family and friends group. It will help you keep in touch with each other while onboard without having to pay extra for the chat feature. 3rd, make sure to contact both your banks/credit card companies and cellphone providers and let them know that you are traveling as well as to the countries you’re traveling to. The banks won’t freeze/block usage thinking it’s fraudulent activity. And your cellphone provider may have a temporary package or a blocking feature to prevent high international roaming fees.

I thank you so much for this information. This is my first cruise, and your information has been so helpful.

Just got back from my 1st cruise today actually it was really fun and your videos helped me out so much

Never been on a cruise before and I would like to take myself and my daughter one day next year in 2024. I’m excited!

Our travel agent smooth talked my husband out of prepaying for our gratuities.... "Why pay for something that hasn't happened" those were her words.... Next time, I will override her!!! 😊I so Enjoy y'all!!!!!

Thank yall so much!! I binge watch yall video and greatly appreciate all the tips and suggestion. Took yall advice on a few.Sailing for the first time tomorrow.

Love you guys! Thanks so much for all of the great information!

Just got back from my first cruise thank you for all your videos great help now I know what do for the next one

First time cruiser here…Thank you for your expertise… I appreciate you!

I actually really enjoyed your video. Ty for the info. I'll be watching this over again, it was that good 😊

Just booked a cruise with carnival for my brother’s 18th bday and y’all are lifesavers with these tips!!

I ordered that pill box from your list and my husband LOVES it! I love all of your advice. Thank you!