Ask Bahama Mama - The Official Q&A Thread for "Freeps Ahoy!", an FRN Caribbean Cruise

Free Republic Network | 11/01/2002 | MinuteGal

[DoughtyOne]

 

Ask Bahama Mama!

Hey Mon, and Freepers of all ages:

Picture me, your own Bahama Mama, lolling on a sun-drenched beach on Freeper Island.
Warm, sparkling blue waters all around.  Palm trees waving.  Coconut rum punch nearby.
It's a Freeper holiday.

I'm here to answer all those nagging little questions you may have
about our week-long "Freeps Ahoy" cruise to the Caribbean,
May 31st aboard Carnival's "Triumph", a beautiful and fun Ship.

Things such as: What do I bring to wear?...  Are there any hair dryers in the cabins?...
What are tipping guidelines?...  Can my special diet be accommodated?...
How much cash should I bring?...

Bahama Mama will answer all your questions.  Use the links provided on this page for information on cabins,
fare and reservations, plus other topics of interest and "chat" about our cruise getaway.
This "Bahama Mama" thread will be for questions and answers only.
Please keep on topic.  Some answers may take a little time to research, so be patient.
Bahama Mama will respond to each of you.

If you want a private reply to a special query, send a freepmail to Bahama Mama's stateside moniker, "MinuteGal".

Do I hear reggae music nearby?  I'm off to investigate.  It's such an effort to pull myself off the beach.

Fellow Freepers, follow your heart's desire for a relaxing getaway in the sun.  Register now!
On embarkation day, I'll be waitin' aboard ship to welcome y'all with a big warm tropical hug!

Remember, post your questions to BAHAMA MAMA on this thread.
I'm here to insure smooth-sailing for every Freeper signing on for our fun-filled Caribbean adventure!

Freeper cruises rock!!!

Bahama Mama's mainland alter ego...
( Leni / MinuteGal )
 

Bahama Mama thinks all Freepers belong on a beach like this.
Who could argue with that? Register today.
 

This page is for questions and answers only.  If you have general comments
please go to the Cruise Announcement page to make them.
Thank you.
 

Freeps Ahoy Links

Cruise Announcement - Comments welcomed here
Cruise Staterooms, Categories and Rates
Registration Form
The Carnival ship Triumph
More about Cruise Staterooms
Deck Floor Plans
Cruise Map
Destinations
More about Triumph

[MinuteGal]

ATTENTION, ALL FREEPERETTE CRUISERS !

Bahama Mama is now going to give you some tips on the most oft-asked question she gets....."what do I pack to wear?", or, "I just can't afford a new wardrobe for this trip!"

We'll start with the ladies first.

This is a one-week cruise. There are two "formal" nights. Don't let that throw you. We'll get into the formal nights in a subsequent post.

There are two things to note: One, don't overpack! Two, you live in shorts and tops every day! We're going into the very warm tropics, starting in the Miami port. You can be dressed very informally in the terminal waiting to board ship.

So....bring a couple of tops, plus an appropriate tank top or two which are great for the very warm islands, a couple of shorts or shorts suits. One pair of informal slacks, white is great to mix and match with your tops. Perhaps a light-weight pants suit. There are church services and Mass on Sunday morning if you wish to attend.

Also: comfortable walking shoes, sneakers, sandals or thongs. Two pairs will do. A groovy panama or straw sun hat is a must. Perhaps a light sweater or windbreaker. Haven't our mothers always chided us to bring a sweater? "You might get cold, you might get cold!". I've always brought a windbreaker or sweater with me on previous Caribbean cruises, never wore one yet.

A robe, a night gown or pjs, a swim suit and cover-up, cosmetics and other personal items, and costume jewelry to suit your taste. There is a safe in each cabin. Don't forget your sun glasses!

Add this all up, and you'll actually find there isn't all that much you have to pack.

There's the usual little bottles of shampoo, conditioner etc. in each cabin, a la motels. I suggest you bring a plastic container of your own shampoo with you or buy it in the ship's shop.

All cruise lines issue free, roomy canvas tote bags with their logos on to each passenger right off the bat. Guys and gals alike use them. You'll see these bags on the arms of passengers from our ship and other ships in port while shopping and frolic-ing on the islands. Everyone but everyone uses them all day, on shore and around the ship. They hold all those little things, your room keys, your identification passes for getting off and on in port, your schedule of daily shipboard activities, a small camera, your ciggies, whatever. So, I only bring one or two dressier lightweight purses (one, a nice black straw, cloth is also good) for dinner time and the shows, and that's it.

I would also suggest packing a roomy beach bag for use at our proposed Freeper Beach Party on Grand Cayman's beautiful Seven Mile Beach. Towels are furnished by the ship.

There's a gym on ship, so if you're into exercise things, bring what you need for that. Each cabin has a hairdryer.

Most of these things you probably have in your closet, so a big buying spree just ain't necessary. You don't have to put on the dog on a cruise, just be tasteful. There are laundromats with ironing boards on ship, also a quick dry cleaning service. You'd be surprised how clean your clothes stay on the well-scrubbed ship, plus we're not exactly going into any "industrial" areas on the islands, heheh.

Little items you may forget? No problem. There's a variety shop on board for film, aspirins, the latest paperback books, almost anything you need in a pinch. There's also men's and women's apparel shops on board. Or you can buy whatever you need on shore.

Any questions, post 'em here or freepmail me at MinuteGal.

My next fashion tip commentary will be for the gents, then one for the often-dreaded "formal nights" It's no sweat, trust me. Stay tuned.

Bahama Mama

[MinuteGal]

What should the guys pack for the cruise? Shorts (you'll live in them all day) cool shirts, tees, golf shirts, nice tank tops, informal lightweight slacks, ducks, blue jeans.....your choice!

Comfortable walking and beach-type shoes, swim suit and cover-up of some kind, plus your personal gear. Some of the tips posted above pertain to men as well as the ladies. Again, don't overpack!

A sun hat plus a snug-fitting golf or baseball-type hat are a must. The ship's deck is often very windy. If I had a penny for every loose-fitting hat blown overboard on these cruises, I'd be a billionaire.

We are sailing into the sunny tropics, so don't be shy on color. You can dig that cool Hawaiian shirt out of the back of the closet, it will fit right into the ambience. Dress aboard ship is casual, informal and fun, so don't agonize the wardrobe!

Bahama Mama

[Utah Girl]

Another tip that many people have given me is to take two swimming suits. One can be drying while you are wearing the other one. When my sister and her husband went on their cruise last year, she took 3 swimming suits. She said that was overkill, but two is the best number.

I've also been scouting around for airfares. So far, Southwest seems to have the best fares, from Utah at least. $299 round trip from SLC to Miami (actually Hollywood.)

[MinuteGal]

Great tip about the swim suits, Utah Girl. I also recommend folks make their air reservations early in case fuel prices increase later.

Bahama Mama

[MinuteGal]

FORMAL NIGHTS

Ah, formal nights. "What do I bring to wear?" or "I hate to get all dressed up on a vacation" or "I can't afford brand new outfits for the cruise". Never fear!

Formal dinner nights are a little more festive than the other nights. The lights are a little dimmer, the entrees more elegant.....lobster tail, rack of lamb, prime roast beef, filet mignon......oh, my!

In the glory days of cruising decades ago, the ladies wore long gowns, the gentlemen wore tuxedos. Over the years, the long gowns changed to sedate dressy dresses, then to short zippy cocktail dresses.

Tuxedos changed to business suits, then to lightweight summer suits, then to informal sports coat attire. Today, you have your pick of what you want to wear.

FOR THE GENTS

Lots of guys love to seize the opportunity to wear a tux. Some in our group wore them last cruise. Freepers guys look so devastatingly handsome in tuxedos by candlelight, whoo hoo! By all means, bring one with if you have one.

Or, a lightweight business suit will do, or a summer sports coat with short-sleeve dressy shirt and summer slacks. Ties are generally worn these two nights and will make the ship's maitre-de-hotel happy. Bring a colorful or plain tie or two with you. Remember, we'll be in the tropics so leave that heavy tweed jacket with the leather armpatches at home. Nice casual summer shoes and voila! You'll be right in the swim.

A suitable open-neck shirt will be ok with your sports coat on formal night. You won't be kept from entering the dining room for not wearing a tie. But the ship appreciates ties in the spirit of these two special evenings when they work extra hard to please their guests.

You can wear the same outfit both formal nights, maybe with a little change in shirt color or tie.

FOR THE LADIES

You can bring that basic black cocktail dress or any type and color, indeed. Or your dressy pants suit (most gals prefer this). Or show off your suntanned shoulders with a summer dress with spaghetti straps or without, hehee. Chunky, bright, inexpensive costume jewelry adds a great touch. Leave the family jewels at home. A nice bag, and high, medium or low-heeled shoes or dressy sandals and you're all set.

Here's a tip: The last cruise, I found a totally inexpensive ankle-length tropical print cotton dress (brilliant orange and red tropical flowers) in a little Hawaiian-type shop near me. It had the slit up the side and all that good stuff, though it was basic plain sheath design. Red, thin-strappy high heels, a red straw clutch bag (both of which I already had), and chunky, very inexpensive tropical-colored necklace and earrings in bright colors to match the dress gave me a formal night outfit for under $30 dollars TOTAL for the dress and jewelry!

Keep your eyes peeled in the department stores, they all have a section of these dresses. Other summer clothes will be coming in very soon if not already. We have months to go till embarkation, so watch for the sales!

Or you can bring up "sarongs" on your computer to order from a wide variety of tropical dresses at good prices delivered right to your house. Mens' island stuff also can be found on the net.

After dinner (and the evening's stage production if you choose to go) lots of peeples go back to their cabins to ditch the heels and sports coats, slipping into something more informal as they head for the movies, the casino, the deck or the lounges to gab with freeper friends over adult beverages.....or maybe to karaoki or dance. Don't forget the midnight buffet or a late night iced tea on deck watching the moonlit sea and the stunningly-brilliant display of stars before you hit the hay.

Just remember, the ship appreciates you being just a little less casual on the two formal nights from dinner-time up to the hour you retire for the evening.

Astute mixing and matching of the clothes you bring will significantly cut down on luggage-cram.

Bahama Mama

[TheRightGuy]

Freepers guys look so devastatingly handsome in tuxedos by candlelight, whoo hoo! By all means, bring one with if you have one.

I am of the old school and still like to "dress" on formal nights (there should be 2 on a 7 nite cruise), but like the others I hate to have to pack and carry. Most cruise lines (I've never done carnival) offer advance arrangements for tux rental. Guys can call in their measurements, or sizes, several weeks ahead of departure and a complete tux (including shoes) can be hangining in your cabin locker when you come aboard, just leave it behind when you debark. You can usually make a deal for a fresh shirt for each formal nite, and get different color trimmings, or even a different jacket, for each formal night.

It's all handled by an outfit called Cruiseline Formalwear ( or something like that, I can try to find the URL) and it's reasonable. Last time out, 7 night, got black and white jackets, 2 shirts and all the trimings and it cost about $100. I believe they now carry pieces for the ladies was well.

[MinuteGal]

Thanks, RightGuy, for the welcome information. Please do post the URL if you locate it.

"There's something about a man in a tuxedo that starts the ladies' hearts a-flutter", said Bahama Mama formally.

[BearCub]

Are we now in the second week for posting Tom Swifties?

[TheRightGuy]

Here is the link:
CruiselineFormal

But, alas! Their website shows they work with Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, Disney, and Royal Carib -- no mention of Carnival. Maybe Carnival has their own in-house service? It could be worth looking into.

[BearCub]

Slimer,

I'm getting ready to go on a cruise in March & have researched this subject extensively.

The basic answer is that officially, no, with most lines you can't bring your booze on board (anymore - this is a newish policy). However, some lines allow you to buy from the shop on board (the retail shop, not the duty free) and take to your cabin for consumption there. It is considered extremely bad form to drink your own hooch in public areas of the ship, though nobody would know if you took your glass from the bar area and refilled it in your cabin.

The worst that can happen if you bring your own is they'll take it when you embark and return it the last night of the cruise. But I have heard many stories of winks/nods and people getting on with their own stuff. You can bring your own sodas on - some people fill entire 1 or 2-liter sprite bottles with their own vodka. A ginger ale bottle would work for rum or whiskey. If you are careful taking the cap off so as not to bust off the little 'ring', you can put the cap back on and the bottle looks unopened. 20 oz plastic soda bottles would work this way too. You could probably get a rare scotch/tequila on undistguised without much trouble - particularly if it isn't something the ship carries.

One lady told how they wanted to take her stuff when she got on the ship. She took the [whoever it was - the purser I think] aside and politely informed him that in that case, her bar tab would be subtracted from his tip. Her hooch was let aboard.

It really boils down to the officers on the ship - they have nothing personal to gain from the 'no booze' policy - but they are stuck enforcing it. Some will be nice, others won't - your mileage will vary. In any case, if you do get your stuff on and into your cabin, be discreet. And leave a decent tip on the first night in your cabin for the cabin steward. (S)he is the person most likely to notice you've got your own - so $10-20 on that first night will ensure a trouble-free time. FYI you generally tip at the end of the cruise - in this case you give a little cash at the beginning. Don't subtract it from your tip at the end.

For more info on this subject, go to google.com. Click on the 'groups' tab at the top so you are searching newsgroups not the web. Then enter searches like 'cruise liquor sneak' and see what you get - there's a ton out there - maybe even on this ship/crew.

[BearCub]

Oh, I forgot to mention... If you sneak booze on board in soda bottles, also pack an undisguised 750ml bottle of liquor as a decoy - one you won't miss for a week. If they open your bag, they will see the booze and the "soda" and think 'booze and mixers'. They will confiscate the booze for the week but let the soda pass.

If you are taking your suitcase on an airplane, make sure everything is in plastic bottles and well padded!

[dittomom]

YES!! Get your second week Tom Freepies posted before the contest ends at midnight on January 28th!!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE CRUISE CONTEST THREAD

[slimer]

Thank you for all that good information.

[MinuteGal]

The alcohol policy of Carnival Cruise Line:

Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board the ship in the port of embarkation (with the exception of wine and/or champagne). If the wine and/or champagne are brought to the Dining Room for consumption, a $10.00 corkage fee will be charged to the guest. Otherwise, the guests may drink the wine/champagne in the privacy of their cabin ONLY. It may NOT be brought into any public lounge or room.

Alcoholic beverages purchased in any port-of-call will be appropriated at the gangway and stored onboard until the last night of the cruise, upon which it will be delivered to the guests's cabin.

Alcoholic beverages of any kind purchased in the ship's gift shop will also be stored onboard and delivered to the guest's cabin the night before debarkation.

The minimum age for the purchase and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages while on board is 21 years of age. In the event that Bar/Restaurant/Gift Shop staff are in question that the guest is under 21, they shall request picture ID prior to serving such guest.

The legal drinking age of 21 is strictly enforced. Adults are NOT allowed to purchase drinks or bottles of alcohol for minors. Possesion of alcohol by a minor will not be tolerated and any found will be confiscated, even if found in cabin.

Thanks for your inquiries and comments. (hiccup)

Bahama Mama

[MinuteGal]

Please note that Bahama Mama will be off-line for about 5-6 days due to a death in the family. Please hang on to your questions and they'll be answered at that time. Thanks,

Leni/Bahama Mama

[Colonel Jim]

See yah on the boat :)

Colonel Jim

[MinuteGal]

FReeps Ahoy, Colonel Jim. So happy you signed on!

Bahama Mama is now back in her hammock on the sunny tropical beach and will be happy to answer all cruise questions. Just post them on this thread or.......if you want a private reply, freepmail your ole Mama at her stateside moniker, MinuteGal.

Bahama Mama

[Utah Girl]

You mentioned something about a bus that goes from various points in Florida down right to where the ship is docked. Do you have any more information? I am thinking of flying down a few days earlier and spending time with friends in Orlando. It is way expensive to fly just from Orlando to Miami, so the bus would be a good option for me. Thanks for your help!

[MinuteGal]

Taking the chartered bus from Orlando to the Miami port terminal and back is an excellent idea, Utah Girl. I also plan on taking it from where I live on the central Gulf coast. Four of us freepers from my area utilized bus service last cruise and it was such smooth sailing, taking us right to the cruise line's front door at the port. We had a lot of fun on the trip, also.

Give me a day or so to do some investigating on the price to see if the bus line is giving any discount to Carnival guests. If there's no special on right now, passengers will pay around $59 to $79 per person round trip depending on the city you board the bus. I'll probably have to pay the $79, you coming from Orlando which is closer to the port will pay less, I assume. Tipping the bus driver is expected, but not mandatory. Reservations have to be made ahead of time with prepayment.

I'll get back to you with the details ASAP, probably tomorrow. Tonight Bahama Mama will be in her grass hut watching our President make the SOTU address, God bless him.

Thanks for your question and keep 'em coming, folks.

Bahama Mama

[Utah Girl]

Thanks so much! That is much cheaper than flying. I appreciate your help.