Are you planning your first cruise and feeling a little nervous? If so, trust me—you are not alone. I remember feeling the exact same way before boarding my very first Carnival Cruise. I had a mix of excitement and anxiety running through me. I wondered if I would enjoy being on a ship for several days, if I would feel confined, or if cruising would really live up to everything people said about it. This was really going to be a challenge for me. My first cruise was a 4-day Western Caribbean cruise from New Orleans to Cozumel, Mexico, and it turned out to be one of the best vacations I’ve ever taken. Looking back, I honestly believe that starting with a shorter cruise is the perfect way to experience cruising for the first time. A four-day cruise gives you just enough time to get comfortable, enjoy the ship, explore a beautiful destination, and relax—without feeling overwhelmed.
This cruise was even more special because it was booked for our class reunion, and for most of us, it was our very first cruise. The excitement started long before we reached the ship. Our journey began in Memphis, where our group gathered to board a bus headed to New Orleans. Before we even left the city, the fun had already started. My friend’s dad—better known as Soul Bones—kept everyone entertained with a lively puppet show filled with music, laughter, and energy. It set the tone for the entire trip and reminded me that this cruise was going to be about more than just travel—it was about reconnecting, laughing, and creating new memories together.
As we made our way down the highway. People were starting to get hungry. After our breakfast stop at Cracker Barrel, the rest of the ride flew by. Between conversations, laughter, and anticipation, we were pulling into the Port of New Orleans before we knew it. Once we arrived at the port. We loaded off the bus and collected our things. Seeing a cruise ship in person for the first time is something no photo can prepare you for. Standing at the port and looking up at the massive Carnival cruise ship was absolutely jaw-dropping. I remember thinking, There is no way this thing actually floats. The ship felt like a floating city, and suddenly all of my nerves turned into excitement. The boarding process was smoother than I expected.
Once onboard, everything felt well organized, and the crew was friendly and helpful. My roommate and I stayed in an inside cabin, which included two twin beds, a private bathroom, a vanity area, and storage space for our clothes. While the room was simple, it was clean, comfortable, and more than enough for what we needed. If you’re a first-time cruiser worried about cabin size, don’t be. You’ll quickly realize that your room is mainly a place to sleep and shower. Most of your time will be spent exploring the ship, enjoying activities, or relaxing on deck.
One of the things that surprised me most was how much there was to do onboard. Carnival ships are designed so that guests never feel bored. The ship featured multiple dining venues, entertainment spaces, pools, and lounges, all spread across different decks. There were multiple pools and hot tubs, including areas perfect for relaxing during the day. The ship also offered a space where only adults could just relax and enjoy scenery. The waterslides added an extra layer of fun and were popular with both kids and adults. For those who enjoy staying active, the ship had a fully equipped fitness center and an outdoor walking and jogging track that wrapped around the deck, offering incredible ocean views. At night, the ship came alive with entertainment. There were comedy shows, live music, karaoke, and nightclubs that stayed busy well into the evening. I loved that there was always something happening, yet it never felt overwhelming. You could easily choose between a lively night out or a quiet evening enjoying the sea breeze. Most of us enjoyed the comedy shows, the nightclub scene, and karaoke. We really enjoyed watching each other have a blast.
The food onboard deserves its own section because it was truly one of the highlights of the cruise. Carnival offers a wide range of dining options, from casual bites to sit-down meals. Breakfasts were often buffet-style, offering everything from eggs and pancakes to fresh fruit and pastries. The ship also offered brunch time as well. Where you could sit down and just enjoy your meal while being served. Lunch and dinner brought even more variety. Whether you wanted something quick or a full dining experience, there were plenty of choices. The main dining room offered multi-course dinners with rotating menus, giving us the chance to try something new each night. We took advantage of the rotating menu every night. One of my favorite moments of the entire cruise was our final dinner. The dining staff surprised everyone with a fun performance filled with music, dancing, and laughter. They even took photos with us, turning dinner into a memorable experience rather than just a meal. It was the perfect way to close out our time onboard.
As amazing as ship life was, our day in Cozumel, Mexico was the highlight of the cruise. Stepping off the ship and onto the island felt like entering a completely different world. The colors, the warm breeze, and the laid-back atmosphere instantly put me at ease. We booked the Electric Bike, Snorkeling & Island Beach Club excursion through Carnival, and it was an excellent choice. Riding electric bikes along the coastline allowed us to explore the island at a comfortable pace while learning about Cozumel’s history and landmarks. The views were incredible, and it felt like a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Although we skipped the snorkeling and ziplining portions of the excursion, we fully embraced the tequila tasting, which turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of the day. It was fun, informative, and definitely something I had never experienced before. We were able to taste different brands of tequila while on this excursion. Booking an excursion through Carnival made everything easy and stress-free, especially for first-time cruisers.
My first Carnival Cruise to Cozumel was the perfect balance of excitement, relaxation, and adventure. It completely eased every worry I had about cruising and showed me why so many people fall in love with this style of travel. From the moment we boarded the bus in Memphis to our final night onboard, the trip was filled with laughter, connection, and unforgettable memories. If you’re nervous about booking your first cruise, take it from someone who’s been there—it’s absolutely worth it. I’m so glad I chose Carnival for my first cruise, and I’m already looking forward to planning my next one.