> On 9/20/2007 11:09 PM Matthew consulted a Magic 8 Ball and declared:

>> First time poster here so please bear with me. I am going on my first
>> cruise thru Carnival this January. I am going to the Bahamas. The boat
>> is the Sensation. The ship leaves on Sunday and comes back on Thursday.
>> It will just be me traveling.
>>
>> The ports I am going to first is Freeport from 8 am to 5 pm than the
>> next day. The boat spends 24 hours in Nassau than back to Port
>> Canaveral.
>>
>> I also have a few questions about the rooms. I am on the Rivera deck
>> with unassigned stateroom. My agent said I will more likely get upgraded
>> with all the deals going on.
>>
>> How big are the bathrooms for example? I am a big guy standing over 6 ft
>> and football player build. Need some room if you get my drift ;-). Same
>> for the shower. Do they provide descent amenities ( soap, shampoo ) or
>> should I really being my own?
>>
>> What is the best sitting times for eating? Is there a good restaurant on
>> board that anybody can share some experiences with me? I see cruise
>> critic talking about a few but I like to hear about some personal
>> experiences please? Also I am not a drinker.
>>
>> Is there a site that I can go to that can tell me the do's and don'ts of
>> cruising. I know about cruise critic is that the best one or is there a
>> better one.
>>
>> I did scan the group but did not see any post talking about this ship or
>> the destinations I am going to. Thanks in advance
>>
>> On the boat are there any in house excursions to avoid that are not worth
>> it such as lets' say the spa. Or anything else that is definitely should
>> be avoided
>>
>> Also I am a big bottle water drinker. Will they let me bring a big
>> cooler and a couple cases of water with me?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Below are the shore excursion I am interested in at Freeport. Looking
>> for some feed back on them please?
>>
>> Bahamas Jeep Adventure
>> See the best of the vibrant Grand Bahama Island in this adventurous
>> jeep tour.
>>
>> Discover Scuba Diving
>> Learn the fundamentals of scuba diving as you experience your first
>> dive in the waters of Freeport.
>>
>> Dolphin Close Encounter
>> Take this opportunity to experience an amazing close encounter with
>> Dolphins.
>>
>> Freeport Island Tour
>> Take this opportunity to explore the Island of Freeport in the heart of
>> the Bahamas.
>>
>> Freeport Snorkel Tour
>> Spend a day in the sun over one of the many pristine reefs snorkeling
>> off Lucaya Beach.
>>
>> Glass Bottom Boat
>> Visit the shallow coral reefs off Grand Bahama Island aboard a
>> custom-built 60ft double-deck glass bottom boat named the "Ocean Wonder."
>> I am going on this go this for free.
>>
>> Grand Bahama Coastal Cruise & Shopping Tour
>> Take a fantastic coastline cruise to the Port Lucaya Marketplace.
>>
>> Junkanoo Beach Party
>> Sand, surf and a whole lot of fun in the sun await you at Junkanoo
>> Beach Club.
>>
>> Open Ocean Dolphin Swim
>> Don't miss this once in-a-lifetime experience to swim with the dolphins
>> in the open ocean.
>>
>> Peterson Cay Kayak & Snorkel Tour
>> Explore the natural beauty of Freeport on this multi-activity
>> excursion.
>>
>> Sailing & Snorkeling Tour
>> Relax and enjoy the tranquility of sailing along the Lucayan shores.
>>
>> Sea Safari Snorkeling
>> Snorkeling, rock climbing and a waterslide - this floating fun machine
>> has it all!
>>
>> Swim with the Dolphins
>> See how remarkably intelligent and friendly dolphins can be when you
>> take a swim with them!
>>
>>
>> Than at Nassau which I get to spend 24 hours. Here are there excursions
>> for Nassau.
>>
>>
>> Ardastra Gardens & City Tour
>> The Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Center is part jungle, part
>> garden and home to hundreds of mammals, birds and reptiles. I am
>> going here definitely
>>
>>
>> Blackbeard's Beach Break
>> Named after the infamous pirate, Blackbeard's Cay features fun for the
>> whole family.
>>
>> Blackbeard's Deluxe
>> Sit back and relax on a scenic 25-minute boat ride through Nassau
>> Harbor to the private island of Blackbeard's Cay.
>>
>> Blackbeard's Treasure Beach Snorkeling Tour
>> Live the "pirate life" for a day as you search for treasure and relax
>> in a private island oasis.
>>
>> Catamaran Snorkel
>> Experience the marvelous underwater kingdom and all its incredible
>> inhabitants.
>>
>> Discover Atlantis & Historical Harbor Cruise
>> Discover Nassau, the capital city as well as the cultural, commercial
>> and financial heart of the Bahamas.
>>
>> Dolphin Encounter at Blue Lagoon
>> Experience first hand some of the ways these amazing creatures are so
>> fascinating.
>>
>> Dolphin Swim at Blue Lagoon
>> Don't miss this amazing opportunity to swim with a dolphin!
>>
>> Glass Bottom Boat
>> See everything a scuba diver sees without getting wet.
>>
>> Historical Highlights Tour
>> If you are interested in the sights and history of the most famous Port
>> in the Bahamas this is your excursion.
>>
>> Pirates of Nassau & Historical Highlights Tour
>> David Cordingly, world pirate authority, describes this tour as "The
>> best pirate attraction in the world."
>>
>> Power Snorkel
>> Explore Nassau's underwater world as you glide through the water in
>> your own power scooter.
>>
>> See Nassau the Fun Way on a Segway!
>> Discover the sights and sounds of Nassau while riding your own human
>> transport vehicle.
>>
>> Stingray Adventure & Beach Break
>> Meet the Atlantic Southern Stingrays, the guardians of Blackbeard's
>> treasure.
>>
>> Tiki Island Snorkeling Safari
>> Board the Tiki Island triple deck floating island boat and discover
>> Nassau's colorful marine life.
>>
>> Tiki Island Treasure Hunt Snorkeling Safari
>> Search for real pearl oysters and Bahamian conch shells underwater,
>> relax at the beach and half the fun is getting there!
>>
>> Yellowbird Party Boat
>> You have to experience this legendary party cruise that takes place off
>> the coast of the Bahamian islands.
>>
>>

> I mostly sail on Holland America Line ships. When to eat is sort of a
> personal preference. I like a late seating so I won't feel rushed to get
> back to the ship for dinner. In the main dining room, you might ask the
> maitre d' to seat you at a table with other singles. That way you'll have
> something in common from the start. This usually isn't a match maker kind
> of thing, it's just that like tends to go with like. There's nothing
> wrong with sitting with couples, it's just that often couples pair up and
> talk about couple things like children, schools and such.
>
> If you are a strong swimmer a dolphin swim or experience might be
> something you'll remember for quite some time. While it isn't important
> to be a strong swimmer, much of dolphin's activities happen under water.
> You'll be snorkeling most of the time. If you wear anything metallic,
> wear braces on your teeth, or have a metal implant in your arm or leg
> dolphins are very curious. They will be drawn to you and will sonar you
> like crazy. It's a unique experience, you feel it more than hear it. It
> can be like a massage. My first time I came away feeling that these
> dolphins are intelligent beings, just as interested in us as we are in
> them. This is true for subsequent wild dolphin encounters that I've had.
>
> --