Since 1994 fans of cruise ship vacations in Louisiana have made their way to the Port of New Orleans to board vessels that sail under the registration of Carnival Cruise Lines. It is estimated that some 4.5 million guests have made the fascinating voyage from New Orleans down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. And those tourism numbers are expected to keep growing.

A Bit de Todo via YouTube
A Bit de Todo via YouTube
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Over the years a cruise vacation has become a popular choice for Louisiana travelers. These giant sailing cities offer guests a similar experience that an all-inclusive resort might offer. But the fact that the ships move means that guests aren't locked into the same old scenery every day, at least when the vessel is in port. Now, if you're in the midst of a sea day, well that's when things can be, a bit monotonous.

Which is why all the major cruise lines offer onboard entertainment. The onboard entertainment is actually the subject of a piece of key advice handed down by John Heald. John is the Carnival Cruise Line CCL Brand Ambassador and he offers advice and answers to cruisers via social media.

John is the one who so eloquently vocalized the Carnival's position on a very important rule while sailing on their ships. If you have a cruise vacation planned, make sure you check this story out before you board.

Thomas Shea, Getty Images
Thomas Shea, Getty Images
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Heald has also been commenting on questions and concerns raised by guests about the "adult nature" of some cruise activities. I can tell you from personal experience that if you hang out by the pool on a Caribbean cruise you're going to see things that will hurt your eyes.

Heald seemed to agree with my thoughts about that suggesting that "not everyone from around the world" shares the same fashion sense or modesty that you might. So, expect to see some thongs and banana hammocks. And no, you won't be able to unsee them.

Karl Callwood via Unsplash.com
Karl Callwood via Unsplash.com
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The other topic that Heald addressed recently on Facebook was about the comedy shows on Carnival Cruises. Here comes that piece of key advice. If you go to an on-board comedy show don't expect it to be 100% family friendly. Most of the comedians hired by Carnival are good at reading the room. So, they won't be too explicit, at least for the early show.

Here's what John Heald, Brand Ambassador for Carnival had to say in his Facebook post regarding the comedy shows.

John is spot on about sitting up front for a comedy show. If you sit up close you should expect to be part of the program. If you don't want the attention sit at the back or in the balcony. There is no bad seat in a cruise ship theater unless you're on the front row at a comedy show.

Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
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Just remember, a cruise vacation, like any vacation is all about expectations. If you can manage yours you will have a great time. Just know that there will be things that make you laugh. Things that make you upset. And things that you can't unsee if you go hang around the pool. But, the bottom line is this, you're on vacation, just chill.

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Gallery Credit: Bruce Mikells