First Time Cruisers
Embarking on your first cruise is a thrilling adventure, and breaking the process down into three main steps—Research, Planning, and Relaxing—can help ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Research
Research is the first and most crucial step. With so many cruise lines, ships, and destinations available, it's important to find the one that best suits your interests and budget. But you don’t have to go through this alone. TheLidoLife.com or any experienced travel agent can guide you through the options, doing most of the legwork for you—and the best part is, their services are free to you! They can help you narrow down your choices by providing expert advice tailored to your preferences and needs, saving you time and effort.
Planning
Planning comes next and involves getting everything in order before you set sail. From booking your stateroom to arranging excursions and specialty dining experiences, having a travel agent by your side means you won’t miss a thing. They can also assist with arranging your travel to and from the port, making sure everything is coordinated seamlessly. Understanding cruise policies, packing smartly, and preparing for any special events on board are also part of the planning phase. With a travel agent's help, you can feel confident that everything is taken care of, so you can focus on enjoying your upcoming adventure.
Relaxing
Finally, when the day arrives, it's time to Relax and enjoy the cruise you've worked so hard to plan. Once on board, take a deep breath and start exploring the ship. Use the cruise line's app or daily newsletter to keep track of activities, dining times, and entertainment options. Whether you're lounging by the pool, indulging in a spa treatment, or exploring a new port, remember that this is your time to unwind and have fun. Don’t stress about fitting everything in—there’s something for everyone, and the beauty of a cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like.
Destinations
Explore a wide range of exciting destinations offered by various cruise lines. Whether you're looking for tropical paradises, cultural hot spots, or adventurous escapes, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to click the Explore More link to find out all the details of each destination including ports, What cruise lines sail there etc..
Caribbean
Discover the vibrant and diverse destinations in the Caribbean, from the sunny beaches of the Eastern Caribbean to the cultural richness of the Southern Caribbean.
Explore MoreBahamas
Enjoy the beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and relaxed island vibe of the Bahamas, with options for short getaways and extended stays.
Explore MoreMexico
Visit the stunning Mexican Riviera and Baja California, exploring vibrant cities, beautiful coastlines, and rich cultural heritage.
Explore MoreAlaska
Experience the majestic glaciers, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking natural beauty of Alaska, including scenic fjords and charming ports.
Explore MoreHawaii
Discover the unique culture, lush landscapes, and volcanic wonders of the Hawaiian Islands, offering a blend of relaxation and adventure.
Explore MoreEurope
Explore historical and cultural cities across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the British Isles, each with its own charm and attractions.
Explore MoreAustralia & New Zealand
Adventure through the natural wonders, vibrant cities, and diverse landscapes of Australia and New Zealand, with opportunities for both relaxation and exploration.
Explore MoreCanada & New England
Cruise through the picturesque landscapes of Canada and New England, especially stunning during the fall foliage season.
Explore MorePanama Canal
Traverse the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal while visiting Central American and Caribbean ports, experiencing a unique and scenic voyage.
Explore MoreBermuda
Enjoy the pink sand beaches and British charm of Bermuda, offering a blend of relaxation and rich history.
Explore MoreSouth Pacific
Journey to the remote and exotic islands of the South Pacific, including Fiji and Tahiti, known for their stunning beauty and serene environments.
Explore MoreSouth America
Explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures of South America, from the Amazon rainforest to the lively cities and beautiful coastlines.
Explore MoreAsia
Discover the rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes of Asia, including destinations such as Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.
Explore MoreCruise Lines
Explore the various cruise lines to find the perfect experience for your next voyage.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise Lines boasts a fleet of 26 ships, each offering a unique and fun experience. With over 100 ports of call around the world, Carnival provides a wide range of itineraries that allow you to explore destinations across the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
Carnival targets a broad demographic, making it the ideal choice for families, couples, singles, and groups of friends. With a focus on affordability and fun, Carnival appeals to first-time cruisers, budget-conscious travelers, and anyone looking for a casual, relaxed vacation experience.
Disney Cruise Lines
Disney Cruise Lines offers a fleet of 5 ships, each designed to provide a magical and immersive experience for guests of all ages. Disney cruises are known for their exceptional service, family-friendly activities, and unique entertainment options.
Disney Cruise Lines visits a variety of destinations, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and more. With its focus on creating unforgettable experiences for families, Disney Cruise Lines is perfect for those looking to combine the magic of Disney with a relaxing cruise vacation.
Disney targets families with children, couples, and Disney enthusiasts. The cruise line provides a range of activities and amenities designed to delight both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a vacation filled with Disney magic and family fun.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises operates a fleet of 20 modern and stylish ships, offering a range of experiences from luxurious relaxation to adventurous exploration. Known for its elegant ships and European flair, MSC Cruises caters to a variety of vacation preferences.
MSC Cruises visits numerous destinations around the globe, including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, North America, South America, and Asia. The cruise line is renowned for its diverse itineraries that cater to different tastes and interests.
MSC Cruises targets a broad audience, including families, couples, and luxury travelers. With a focus on providing a blend of comfort, style, and international experiences, MSC Cruises is perfect for those seeking a refined and cosmopolitan cruise experience.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line boasts a fleet of 19 ships, known for their innovative features and flexible cruising options. The line is famous for its "Freestyle Cruising" concept, which offers guests the freedom to dine, dress, and relax at their own pace.
Norwegian Cruise Line visits a variety of destinations, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and South America. With diverse itineraries and a range of onboard activities, Norwegian provides a dynamic and customizable cruise experience.
The target audience for Norwegian Cruise Line includes families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a relaxed and flexible vacation. With its emphasis on freedom and variety, Norwegian Cruise Line is ideal for those who value flexibility and choice during their cruise.
Princess Cruise Line
Princess Cruise Line operates a fleet of 16 ships, known for their elegance and sophisticated amenities. The cruise line is renowned for its focus on personalized service, fine dining, and enriching onboard experiences.
Princess Cruises visits a range of destinations including Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Each itinerary is designed to provide a memorable and immersive experience, with options for exploring diverse cultures and stunning landscapes.
The target audience for Princess Cruise Line includes couples, families, and mature travelers looking for a refined and enjoyable cruise experience. With a focus on exceptional service and a variety of enriching activities, Princess Cruises is ideal for those seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean operates a fleet of 27 ships, renowned for their innovative features and exciting amenities. The cruise line is famous for its bold approach to cruising, offering unique experiences like rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and expansive entertainment options.
Royal Caribbean is home to the largest cruise ship in the world, the Icon of the Seas. This monumental vessel boasts 20 decks, a capacity of over 7,000 passengers, and features such as a water park, multiple neighborhoods, and diverse dining options.
Royal Caribbean's itineraries cover a vast array of destinations including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Asia, and Australia. With its focus on adventure and innovation, the line caters to families, couples, and adventure seekers.
The target audience for Royal Caribbean includes travelers looking for thrilling activities, luxurious amenities, and a wide range of entertainment. With its emphasis on providing an action-packed and modern cruise experience, Royal Caribbean is perfect for those seeking excitement and variety at sea.
Viking Cruise Line
Viking Cruise Line offers a fleet of 88 ships, specializing in both river and ocean cruises. Known for its elegant ships and immersive travel experiences, Viking provides a blend of cultural exploration and luxurious comfort.
Viking's river cruises navigate the picturesque waterways of Europe, Asia, and Egypt, while their ocean cruises cover a range of destinations including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and more. Both types of cruises emphasize destination immersion, with carefully curated itineraries and enriching shore excursions.
Viking targets travelers who seek an in-depth exploration of their destinations, including mature travelers, couples, and cultural enthusiasts. With its focus on providing a sophisticated and educational travel experience, Viking is ideal for those looking to combine luxury with meaningful exploration.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages operates a fleet of 4 modern ships, known for their stylish design and unique approach to cruising. The line is recognized for its adult-only environment, innovative onboard amenities, and vibrant entertainment options.
Virgin Voyages primarily offers itineraries in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe. Each voyage is designed to provide a blend of luxury, relaxation, and excitement, with a focus on contemporary design and experiential travel.
The target audience for Virgin Voyages includes adults and couples looking for a trendy and sophisticated cruise experience. With its emphasis on a modern and refined atmosphere, Virgin Voyages is ideal for those seeking a chic and lively vacation without the presence of children.
Shore Excursions
Carnival offers cruises of varying lengths to suit every traveler's schedule.
- 3-5 Day Cruises
- 6-9 Day Cruises
- 10+ Day Cruises
Guides
Carnival is renowned for its lively and diverse entertainment options, offering something for every type of cruiser. Here's what you can expect across the entire cruise line:
- Playlist Productions™: Broadway-style shows with a modern twist, featuring hit songs and captivating performances.
- Comedy Club: Laugh out loud at Punchliner Comedy Club™, featuring stand-up performances by top-notch comedians.
- WaterWorks™: A thrilling water park experience with slides, splash zones, and more fun for all ages.
- Casino: Try your luck at the onboard casino, offering a range of games from slot machines to poker tables.
- Hasbro, The Game Show: Participate in life-sized versions of your favorite Hasbro games, including Connect 4 and Yahtzee.
- Seuss at Sea™: A Dr. Seuss-themed experience for families, featuring character parades, storytime, and interactive activities.
- SkyRide®: An exhilarating aerial bike ride around the ship, offering stunning ocean views.
- IMAX® Theatre: Watch the latest blockbusters and documentaries on the big screen at sea.
- Thrill Theater™: A multi-dimensional experience that immerses you in the action with 3D visuals and special effects.
- Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™: A peaceful retreat for adults, offering a quiet space to relax and unwind.
- Karaoke Nights: Sing your heart out with fellow cruisers during fun-filled karaoke sessions.
- Liquid Nightclub: Dance the night away at Carnival's onboard nightclub, featuring a lively atmosphere and great music.
- Deal or No Deal: Participate in the high-stakes game show where you can win big prizes.
- Bingo: Test your luck and win exciting prizes during lively bingo games.
- Family Feud: Join in on the fun of the classic game show with family and friends.
- The Love and Marriage Show: Enjoy a humorous and heartwarming show where couples share their stories and compete for prizes.
FAQ
Carnival offers a diverse range of dining options to cater to every taste, from formal dining to casual eateries and specialty restaurants. Explore the full array of choices available across their ships:
- Main Dining Room: Enjoy a formal dining
experience with a variety of menu options, including:
- Anytime Dining: Flexible dining times allowing you to eat whenever it suits you.
- Early/Traditional Dining: Set dining times with the same wait staff each evening.
- Specialty Restaurants: For a unique
dining experience, try one of Carnival's specialty
restaurants:
- Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse: Premium steaks and gourmet sides in an upscale setting.
- Seafood Shack: Fresh seafood dishes including crab, lobster, and shrimp.
- Cucina del Capitano: Authentic Italian cuisine with homemade pasta and pizzas.
- BlueIguana Cantina: Fresh Mexican fare with made-to-order tacos and burritos.
- Bonsai Sushi: Sushi and sashimi crafted from fresh ingredients.
- Bonsai Teppanyaki: Interactive Japanese dining with teppanyaki-style cooking.
- Guy’s Burger Joint: Gourmet burgers created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
- Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que: Smoked meats and BBQ dishes with a variety of sides and sauces.
- Jamie's Italian: Rustic Italian dishes inspired by Jamie Oliver (on select ships).
- Le Bistro: Elegant French cuisine (available on select ships).
- Big Chicken: Comfort food favorites created by Shaquille O’Neal, including fried chicken and sides.
- Rudi’s Seagrill: Seafood specialties created by renowned Chef Rudi Sodamin (available on select ships).
- Buffet: The Lido Marketplace offers a
wide variety of buffet stations, including:
- International Cuisine: A diverse selection of dishes from around the world.
- Made-to-Order Stations: Freshly prepared meals including omelets, pasta, and more.
- Salad Bar: A wide range of fresh salads and toppings.
- 24/7 Pizza and Ice Cream: Satisfy your
cravings any time with:
- Pizzeria del Capitano: Delicious pizza available around the clock.
- Swirls Ice Cream Bar: Ice cream and frozen yogurt served 24/7.
- Casual Dining: Enjoy quick and casual
bites at:
- The Deli: Freshly made sandwiches and deli items.
- Taco/Burrito Bar: Quick Mexican favorites available during the day.
- Cherry on Top: Candy store offering a selection of sweets and treats.
- Serenity Adult-Only Retreat: A peaceful retreat with light snack options (availability may vary).
- Room Service: Available 24/7 with a range of options from light snacks to full meals.
- Breakfast and Brunch: Enjoy relaxed
morning meals with options like:
- Seaday Brunch: A leisurely brunch experience with a mix of breakfast and lunch options.
- Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que: Available for brunch on select days, featuring BBQ favorites.
- Elegant Dining: Special themed dining experiences and events (availability may vary by ship).
Extras
Whether you're craving a refreshing cocktail by the pool or a premium craft beer, Carnival offers a diverse range of beverage options to suit every taste. Explore the various bars, lounges, and drink packages available across their ships:
- Bars and Lounges: Enjoy a wide variety
of drinks at Carnival's numerous bars and lounges:
- Alchemy Bar: Craft cocktails created by expert mixologists using fresh ingredients.
- RedFrog Rum Bar: Caribbean-inspired rum drinks and tropical cocktails.
- BlueIguana Tequila Bar: Tequila-based cocktails and margaritas.
- Liquid Nightclub: Dance and sip on cocktails at the ship’s nightclub.
- SkyBox Sports Bar: Catch the game while enjoying a variety of beers and snacks.
- Lobby Bar: A stylish bar offering a range of drinks in a relaxed setting.
- Pool Bar: Refreshing drinks served poolside, including tropical cocktails and frozen drinks.
- Coffee Shops: Satisfy your coffee
cravings with options like:
- JavaBlue Café: Premium coffee drinks, espresso-based beverages, and pastries.
- Starbucks®: On select ships, enjoy Starbucks® coffee drinks and snacks.
- Wine and Cocktail Tastings: Enhance
your dining experience with wine and cocktail tastings:
- Wine Tastings: Sample a selection of wines with guided tastings hosted by sommeliers.
- Cocktail Tastings: Experience a variety of cocktails with tasting sessions led by mixologists.
- Drink Packages: Choose from a variety
of drink packages to suit your preferences:
- Cheers! Beverage Package: An
all-inclusive package that covers:
- Unlimited cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks.
- Specialty coffees and teas.
- Up to 15 alcoholic beverages per day (includes premium brands and up to $20 per drink).
- Bottomless Bubbles Package:
Unlimited sodas and juices, including:
- Unlimited soft drinks.
- Unlimited juices.
- Access to refills at any bar or dining venue.
- Alcohol-Free Beverage Package: A
package designed for those who prefer non-alcoholic
options:
- Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, including sodas, juices, and mocktails.
- Access to specialty coffee and teas.
- Cheers! Beverage Package: An
all-inclusive package that covers: