My husband and I are taking our first cruise (4day/3night to the Bahamas). What should we expect?

For the Captains Ball you will need something formal, not like a gown or anything, a nice dress will do, nothing you need to spend over 60 or 70 bucks on. For the sit down dinners you will be at the table with other people (a little uncomfortable) but you meet new people, for that which is every night if you choose to go, you should wear something casual skirts, slacks, dresses.I wouldn't wear really short shorts or tee shirts, but something nice. As for the rest of the cruise wear whatever you like. My first cruise was also to the Bahamas, went on a tour of the Atlantis, and other places in Nassau you will have fun!

Dress on the ship is casual except for in the dining room which is business casual (no shorts or tank tops) The dining everywhere else is basically "whatever". "The Captain’s Ball" and the dinner that follows are more formal. Some people will go the whole route and wear a Tux and evening gown. A jacket is generally required for gentlemen and a cocktail dress for women. On Carnival it is only casual enforcement so they will not turn you away from the dining room if you are not in a jacket and tie. We always dress up, do the picture, etc as it adds to the event. Some ship suggestions, although the Imagination is one of the smaller Carnival ships it is still quite large. When you arrive, if you have time before muster (the mandatory lifeboat drill) explore the ship. You will find there are areas where you can not traverse the ship without going out of the enclosed areas (or up a Deck) Most activities will take place on the Lido Deck where the buffet, alternative restaurants and the pools are located. They will have live music here most of the day and night while you at sea, but will be greatly "dialed back" while you are in port. You might want to visit the Atlantis Hotel while in Nassau. They have a great aquarium called the Dig as well as a wide variety of pools and beach areas. Read the Capers, the ship newsletter as it will inform you of all the days’ activities. Also be sure to attend the shopping and shore excursion talks as they always give away free items. (sit down front for best chance to win) And finally be sure to have a great time.

You don't have to dress over the top if you don't want to. A nice dress and a tie for him is fine.

Casual clothing for the rest of the cruise is the norm.

Do check out the smaller islands, they are fantastic. I hated Nassau, the people were rude and most of the shops sold junk.

Take the historic tour, will give you a chance to see most of the island, although the driver we had was bossy. The food is great, especially the chocolate melting cake for dessert. Have breakfast in the dining room, your choices are better. If I had the money I would live on a Carnival cruise. Have a great time and bring extra money for the casino!

first I want to say that you should check it out and she what the conditions are like after the Hurricane. I was just there in July, it is much like being in a resort in vegas, and I was on the imagination as well. Black dress for captain's ball, there is one formal night, and the captains ball will be it. Dress is casual for the most part. No shorts tanks allowed in dinning room. they have a sushi bar a buffet, do not forget to check out the midnight buffet on the lido deck. there is a water park Miniature golf, and I think basketball. do not over pack, you will not need a blow dryer although you may want to double check on that. they had one in the cabin when I was there. you may buy your own water before getting on the ship and bring it on with you, water was $4.00 a bottle. have a great time, i do not know what islands you are going to, but if one of them is Half Moon Cay, you will love it. I am so jealous.

Take a cocktail dress or something formal for the captain's ball. You can be casual the rest of the time but you may want to dress up a bit for dinner. Men often wear jackets. During the day it is very casual.

Best Tip that I can give, is to make sure that you take clothes for the first day on with you. Your luggage may not get to your room until late the first day. There have been several times were our luggage didn"t get to our cabin until day 2.

This video might give you a taste of life on a cruise:

http://www.bofads.com/stories/cruise.htm