R3D3P

We were in a suite and I stupidly assumed that the order would be perfect, but it wasn't.

So if one has a cabin that is not a suite, they should expect their room service order not to be perfect?

:rolleyes:

Thanks for posting these. I am doing this same itinerary next January, and while it is still 11 months away and subject to change, it gives me a general idea of what I can expect and what to plan for.

I have also noticed a lack of Valor reviews here. I figured it was because this itinerary is so port intensive, that everyone was too exhausted afterward to write a review.

RdP :)

I am 325 days out from our next cruise. When I logged into Carnival this morning to look at what shore excursions would be available during the cruise, nothing appeared. Is this common? Do shore excursions appear at a certain number of days before sailing or is it just me and my computer? I have never booked a cruise this far out before so I never have had an problem not being able to look at or purchase shore excursions.

RdP :)

My money is on an overloaded extension cord in a cabin. :D

RdP :)

The best (and really only) location for snorkeling on Half Moon Cay is near the rocky area over by the Grand Oasis. Some people have reported good snorkeling on the far side of the beach, but I had no luck over there. Your experiences may vary.

RdP :)

I would not assume that you will have land-signal the full first night as they usually head for international waters pretty quickly (in order to open shops and casino).

Baltimore is a little different than most other ports due to its location. The ship spends several hours after departure in the Chesapeake Bay between Maryland and Virginia before reaching international waters. The ship casino opens after right after departure and I believe sales tax on beverages also ends at that time.

RdP :)

I should have added that we did not experience any problems with people using our cabana I believe mostly because our cruise director during the Fun Ashore & Fun Aboard show mentioned that the use of cabanas were for those that reserved them. Not all cruise directors do this.

RdP :)

I have AT&T and it was around midnight on departure when we lost regular service and around midnight upon return when service returned. If I remember correctly, the ship position at the time was around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

I was able to send and receive texts after/before that but it was considered roaming and I was billed for each one.

RdP :)

I always go with warm chocolate melting cake unless it is creme brulee or bitter and blanc night.

RdP :)

How is playing tracked at the tables? We played roulette and I gave them my sign and sail card as I heard I should but he just immediately set it on the table without looking at it. We play roulette and other tables every cruise but never gave them my card before this cruise.

The pit boss will take your sign and sail card and track your play. For the On Us program, on average, they are looking for a $15 wager per hand for 3-4 hours per day. Since there is no points for table games, it is up to each pit boss to determine eligibility. What you wagered on the Pride that earned you On Us status may not be enough to earn it on the Breeze. Depending on the ship and how busy the casino is, most pit bosses will not even fart in your direction for less than $10-$15 per hand. My first cruise, I played about 20 hours of $5 Let It Ride and the pit boss never even acknowledged my presence. Do not expect anything if you are playing minimum table limits unless you spend the entire cruise in the casino and/or become friendly with the dealers and pit boss, which in that case, the pit boss may offer you one free drink. Rare, and while I personally have never had or seen it happen, it does happen from time to time.

For comps/discounts/free play/etc. through the Ocean Players Club for future cruises, they are looking for a $25 wager per hand for 3-4 hours per day.

RdP :)

Final payment date of October 28, 2014 for our January 11, 2015 cruise. We usually try to book about one year out and pay $100 every payday until it is paid in full. We also try to set aside another $100 every payday in cash to cover travel, excursions, on-board expenses, etc.

RdP :)

Good evening everyone! My husband and I booked a cabana for our stop at Half Moon Cat and I was wondering if as a perk you get to go on the first tender ship? Also anyone who has stayed in a cabana did you have any issues with people invading your space? Thanks in advance:o

Yes, you will receive priority tendering to the island. We did not experience any issues with other cruisers coming into our cabana. We had cabana 7.

RdP :)

Ocean Players Club

If you are gambling in the casino, you do not need to contact them in advance. Just use your sign and sail card to track your play. If you are inquiring about comps/discounts based upon your previous gambling history with them for an upcoming cruise, then you can contact them though the website.

RdP :)

Take the airline tags off and put the Carnival tags on after you pick up your luggage at the airport. Putting the Carnival tags on before then could result in your luggage being sent to Brazil.

I always laminate, hole punch, and cable tie our Carnival tags to the luggage. Some would say that is overkill, but I disagree. My first cruise, there was a monsoon at the port and the paper tags got so wet they ripped right off the luggage. I had to go down to the lobby after dinner and search for all my luggage.

RdP :)

Wow...So if your not winning these free drinks are expensive!! :eek:

It can be. If one is already gambling that much, then the On Us program is just an added benefit. However, one should never gamble that much with the sole intentions of receiving free drinks. Many times, what one loses in the casino is more than they would have paid for the drinks.

RdP :)

How much do you have to spend to get 1500 points for the free drinks card.

 

And is it unlimited drinks?

One point equals $2.50 coin in for slots and $5.00 coin in for video poker. Table game ratings vary but on average pit bosses are looking for three to four hours of play per day and an average of $25 per hand.

Once one earns the card, drinks are unlimited only while one is playing in the casino. One can only order one drink at a time. The card is not valid outside the casino.

RdP :)