Suggestions- Ideas What to Take - Cruises

Girl - you will have so much fun! Everyone will! We cruise each year. I don't have time to go in to detail, but I highly suggest you go to http://boards.cruisecritic.com/ and peruse the boards. There is a board for Carnival, a board for 1st time cruisers, boards for any ports of call you might have...you name it. I will try to post back with some packing lists when I get a chance.

As for food - like a PP said - you don't need to bring anything unless someone HAS to have a certain food or they are allergic. Even then, the ship is very good about working with you.

Check with Carnival's policy about bringing drinks on board. We have been fine with drinking the ship water (including my then 10.5 month old girls)...but everyone is different! However, bottles of water are expensive. Some cruise lines will allow you to bring drinks (water, soda/pop, alcohol, etc.) onboard in your suitcase.

find out if there is a "formal" night and then determine how dressed up you want to be for that.

If you stop anywhere, see if there is an excursion - good excursions book up fast...but you can also do your own thing too (for cheaper).

Are you going to the caribbean? You just need warm (80 degree) weather clothes for on the ship. I wear the same clothes on embarking and disembarking (I know - not everyone is big on this)...try not to pack too much though - really. don't forget your bathing suit. "maybe" a light jacket for night...but I've never needed a jacket.

update: there are many cruise packing lists out there, but here is one I'll throw out to you: http://cruisediva.com/pack_it.htm (on the side you'll see lists for men, women and children). Its very easy to go overboard. Try to look at the list and think "do I REALLY need that". Like t-shirts - do you plan to buy one on board - then pack one less.

You are going to have so much fun, do not be nervous or worried. I have been on three Carnival cruises and have loved everyone of them. One thing I can tell you is that you are not going to need snacks, there is food EVERYWHERE, all day, all night, you will not go hungry. The things I would suggest packing would be a power stip, because if you are like me you are going to need more than two outlets (blow dryer, straightening iron, etc.) We also pack an alarm clock because there are no clocks in the room. I am the type that wakes up in the middle of the night and wants to know what time it is for whatever reason, the clock just helps me sleep better.

Other than that all you really need is normal vacation stuff, clothes, toiletries, a small medicine supply (pepto, tylenol, tums, etc.)

You will have a blast so stop being nervous, have fun!!

You won't need snacks. Cruise lines are notorious for all the food they provide that is included in the price of the cruise. Most cruise lines won't let you bring alcohol on board, but I have been able to get some bottles in, if I put them in between my clothes in my suitcase. Also, most cruise lines let you buy soda cards at the beginning of the cruise. Also, be careful on what you spend. Your key card to your room is your "charge" card on the ship. If is easy, especially when you are having a good time, to lose track of what you are spending and you get an big bill at the end of the cruise.

Hi there,
Make sure to double check all needed paperwork- passport, license, etc...
Having patience is also good as your first day and last day will be spent waiting to dock and exit the ship in "holding" areas. I personally like to take a portable DVD player and a few movies to watch while killing time.
If your cruise offers a Captian's Dinner, you will need one set of very dressy clothes.
If you want to get a massage together, I highly suggest going straight to the spa as soon as you board to schedule that.
I would also suggest taking motion sickness pills with you- just in case. Better safe than sorry.
Just my crusin' two cents,
R.

I would take a couple of large water bottles for your room. They are very expensive on the boat and the tap tastes funny. Have fun!