We are going on Carnival to the Bahamas for the first time - in July. Any hints or tips I should know? Thanks.

The two tips we received that were the most useful were:

1.) get those snap-on hooks with the suction cups for hanging your wet swimming suits on the shower walls. The bathrooms are small and this makes it much nicer.

2.) Bring along a highlighter for highlighting the items on the daily schedule that interest you.

Thanks! I also found a website cruisecritic.com that has a first timer's guide that seems helpful. I will definitely do the suction cup thing and highlighter. Thanks!

Since I don't normally like the taste of the water in the cabins, I carry a water bottle on a strap and fill it on the Lido Deck with either water or lemonade. This way I can use it in the room when I take my vitamins in the morning or I can strap it around my shoulder when I go off the ship. The highlighter is also a great suggestion. I always bring one and it really comes in handly when choosing activities on the activity sheet that comes under your door the night before.

Take a small folding umbrella for rain or sun.

Purell.

Bring your bathing suit in your carry on since your luggage may take many, many hours to be delivered to your room once you set sail.

If you haven't seen Atlantis it is a must. If you have enough time and can afford it, rent a room for a day at Atlantis or Comfort Suites. Or just buy a tour from ship.

I like to bring post it notepads. If you want to leave your cabin steward a message and then leave it on the bed as we do. Or you might meet some new people and want to exchange addresses. You could also leave them notes on their cabin door.
I also recommend seeing Atlantis.
Have a wonderful time on your first cruise!