I've been on 11 Carnival cruises and always see first-timers make these 10 mistakes, from buying drink packages to booking beach excursions

Lori A. MayMar 25, 2023, 17:07 IST

The author in front of Carnival Pride.Lori A. May

I've been on more than 10 Carnival cruises in 5 years and consider them a home away from home.
As a frequent Carnival cruiser, I've noticed first-timers repeat the same mistakes.

I cruise on Carnival so often, their ships have come to feel like a home away from home.

The author in the Lido buffet onboard Carnival Radiance.Lori A. May

On embarkation day, I notice that most cruisers head straight to the buffet for their first meal. Yet Carnival offers so many other free dining options with fewer crowds.

The author enjoying a free lunch at Guy's Burger Joint.Lori A. May

On embarkation day, I notice that most cruisers head straight to the buffet for their first meal. Yet Carnival offers so many other free dining options with fewer crowds.

Carnival also has specialty restaurants that do charge extra for dinner, but not lunch. Many cruisers don't know this and miss out.

Guy Fieri has a BBQ restaurant on some Carnival ships that is free only for lunch.Lori A. May

I think that many first-time passengers miss out on Carnival's adult-only Serenity Retreat, which is exclusive to cruisers aged 21 and over, and has no surcharge.

Carnival's Serenity Retreat is an adult-only space with no extra charge.Lori A. May

The pool and upper decks are always buzzing with activities, but there are so many quiet spaces on Carnival ships that go overlooked.

The author enjoys a relaxing stroll on the exterior promenade deck of Carnival Valor.Lori A. May

Many Carnival cruisers buy the drink package, but in my experience, it's not usually worth it.

Some of Carnival's bars have daily happy hour deals.Lori A. May

Carnival has designated smoking areas for cigarettes, cigars, and vaping. But bringing drugs onboard, including marijuana, is not only a big mistake, it's illegal.

Every Carnival ship has designated smoking areas, but marijuana is prohibited.Lori A. May

I think Carnival is a fun cruise vacation with so much to do all the time. But that also makes it easy to never take a break.

A line dance party on the pool deck of a Carnival ship.Lori A. May

Carnival offers many shore excursions, and it may seem easiest to book one through the cruise line. But if you just want to hit the beach or snorkel, you'll save so much money if you go on your own.

The author rents boogie boards or snorkel gear at the beaches she visits during a cruise.Lori A. May

Carnival offers many shore excursions, and it may seem easiest to book one through the cruise line. But if you just want to hit the beach or snorkel, you'll save so much money if you go on your own.

Over the years, I've been guilty of overpacking, and so do many other cruisers. But there's no need to since most Carnival ships have self-serve laundry rooms.

The author doing laundry onboard a Carnival cruise.Lori A. May

It may seem like a small detail, but many first-time Carnival passengers don't know about the towel animal takeover, and in my opinion, it shouldn't be missed.

One morning during each cruise, Carnival passengers will find a towel animal takeover on the pool deck.Lori A. May

Even if you make these mistakes, remember, a first-time cruiser is only a first-timer once.

The author onboard a Carnival ship.Lori A. May

I only book private Airbnb rooms in a shared home. My friends think I'm crazy for bunking with strangers, but I love it for 10 reasons.

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I've been on 11 Carnival cruises and always see first-timers make these 10 mistakes, from buying drink packages to booking beach excursions

I cruise on Carnival so often, their ships have come to feel like a home away from home.

On embarkation day, I notice that most cruisers head straight to the buffet for their first meal. Yet Carnival offers so many other free dining options with fewer crowds.

Carnival also has specialty restaurants that do charge extra for dinner, but not lunch. Many cruisers don't know this and miss out.

I think that many first-time passengers miss out on Carnival's adult-only Serenity Retreat, which is exclusive to cruisers aged 21 and over, and has no surcharge.

The pool and upper decks are always buzzing with activities, but there are so many quiet spaces on Carnival ships that go overlooked.

Many Carnival cruisers buy the drink package, but in my experience, it's not usually worth it.

Carnival has designated smoking areas for cigarettes, cigars, and vaping. But bringing drugs onboard, including marijuana, is not only a big mistake, it's illegal.

I think Carnival is a fun cruise vacation with so much to do all the time. But that also makes it easy to never take a break.

Carnival offers many shore excursions, and it may seem easiest to book one through the cruise line. But if you just want to hit the beach or snorkel, you'll save so much money if you go on your own.

Over the years, I've been guilty of overpacking, and so do many other cruisers. But there's no need to since most Carnival ships have self-serve laundry rooms.

It may seem like a small detail, but many first-time Carnival passengers don't know about the towel animal takeover, and in my opinion, it shouldn't be missed.

Even if you make these mistakes, remember, a first-time cruiser is only a first-timer once.