Setting Sail: My First Cruise Experience with Carnival
There’s something magical about the idea of a cruise. The open sea, endless activities, and the promise of adventure all wrapped up in one floating paradise. When I had the opportunity to be apart of a Carnival FAM trip (familiarization trip for travel advisors) to experience my first cruise, it was a full body YES from me. I had high expectations—and I’m thrilled to say they were all met and more!
Embarkation Day: The Excitement Begins
From the moment I arrived at the port, the excitement was palpable. The check-in process was quick and efficient, and I felt the thrill of anticipation as I boarded the ship. The vibrant decor and friendly staff welcomed me aboard, instantly putting me in vacation mode. I made my way to my cabin, which was cozy and much larger than I anticipated, a perfect retreat after long days of exploring. One thing I wish I knew prior to embarkation day was to leave your luggage with the porters! These friendly individuals asked if I needed help with my bag and I said no, however I didn’t realize that would mean I’d be stuck with my luggage until I got to my room (ha). So pro-tip, leave your luggage with the porters when you arrive at the terminal!
Exploring the Ship
Carnival ships are absolutely packed with activities and amenities. I spent my first day exploring every nook and cranny—from the expansive pool deck to the Carnival ‘Bolt’. There’s truly something for everyone: mini-golf, a full-service spa, and numerous bars and lounges to unwind in. I especially loved the live music, trivia and other entertainment scattered throughout the ship. There’s also a really handy app you can download prior to boarding which shows every single activity going on at any given time on the ship. If you ‘heart’ the activity, it will show up in your personalized calendar which was really great to keep track of things I wanted to do or see. I was really impressed with how much entertainment was included in the package. You will never be bored.
Dining Delights
One of the highlights of my cruise was the dining experience. With a variety of restaurants, I was never at a loss for delicious food. From the elegant dining room where I enjoyed a multi-course meal to the casual lido deck buffet, each meal was a treat. The standout? Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse —hands down one of the best restaurants I’ve ever eaten at! It is a speciality restaurant, so not included in your package but was 110% worth it. A close second was the Sea Day Brunch, a brunch exclusive to sea days. Try the salmon benny, you will not be disappointed. I was worried the food in general might be too repetitive, but honestly I didn’t even get a chance to eat at every single spot. There’s just so many options!
Excursions and Shore Activities
Carnival offers a variety of shore excursions *or you can have a travel advisor book for you ;)* and I couldn’t resist diving into the local culture. In Honduras, I opted for Little French Key Resort, which is a stunning small resort just off the coast of the main island. A short 3 minute or so boat ride took me across to this slice of paradise and I spent the afternoon snorkelling, seeing all the animals and enjoying a local Honduran meal! In Cozumel, I took a cab to Buccanos - a boutique day resort with the most AMAZING ceviche and beautiful azure waters. I saw so many tropical fish as soon as I walked into the water, it was incredible. This was definitely my favourite day so for sure I’d recommend checking it out. Then for the Costa Maya stop, I actually just explored the port itself for a few hours which was a good call! If you want to do any port days, I’d say Costa Maya would be the one to do. There were tons of little shops for souvenirs and awesome spots to grab a bite.
Little side note / travel hack is to make sure you take out US dollars prior to travelling. I found that some restaurants didn’t have the option to tip unless you had cash and some of the cab drivers in Cozumel are cash only. So save the hassle and take care of it before you depart for your cruise!
Evening Entertainment
As the sun set, the ship transformed into a hub of entertainment. I caught a couple spectacular shows in the main theater that featured Love and Marriage, and my personal favourite Family Feud! Pay attention to the tryout day on the Carnival Hub App - I missed it but would have liked to audition!
The nightlife didn’t stop there though; one of the Comedy Clubs transformed into a night club until the early hours of the morning for those who love to dance the night away. They also had a few fun theme nights including the Hot White Party and 80’s Rock n Roll. Don’t forget to pack your outfits for the theme nights!
Relaxation and Self Care
Amidst all the excitement, I made sure to carve out some time for relaxation. The Serenity Adult-Only Retreat was a personal favourite—a tranquil escape where I could unwind with a good book and a refreshing drink. There is also a beautiful gym onsite which I used a couple of times. I would suggest using it in the early morning or late afternoon as I found prime time (around 10am) to be a bit too busy!
Final Thoughts
As my Carnival Cruise came to an end, I felt a mix of emotions. I was sad to leave but grateful for the unforgettable experiences. From the friendly crew to the stunning destinations, my first cruise exceeded all my expectations.
If you’re considering a Carnival Cruise, I wholeheartedly recommend taking the plunge. It’s a fantastic way to explore new places while enjoying the luxury and excitement of life at sea.
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, a Carnival Cruise offers an incredible adventure. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to make lasting memories on the open sea!
Yours in travel: Kelsey
