airlink diva

Glad to hear!

Sailing only with Carnival for short trips and HAL for my longer trips.  Booked the Equinox for November 2019 and glad to get intel on the ship.

On 3/25/2019 at 7:02 AM, satxdiver said:

I just tried to order the water before our upcoming cruise.  The price was $4.95 which I expected and went to check out.  Surprise they added an $8 delivery fee!!  Order canceled. 

I just order an additional case of water for my cabin and my charge was only around $0.90.

Now when I ordered the prior order of a small pastry tray, water and towel set, it was a couple dollars.

Hi know a couple who did this and raved about it!

I really want to do it, but since I'm a fluffy gal and quite over the suggested weight limit, can't.

But they stated would do again even with the pricing

Hi everyone!

First of all disclaimer. !!!!!!!!!!!!

I know someone is going to post, "I never been able to book that type of cabin", or "XYZ wouldn't allow a solo cruiser to book it".  I will tell you some cruiselines won't, but it don't hurt to try and such might work in your favor.  Now on to my posting

I'm sailing on the Carnival Valor in September for my birthday.  When booking I got a good offer on a balcony cabin. I wanted to actually have a cabin on the Lido deck, but traveling solo and what they wanted was more than I wanted to spend.  End up on middle deck.

Now this balcony cabin was one that sleeps four people (two beds, sofa, and Pullman bed) I was able to book.  I will admit booking with the hopes of an upgrade.

About week and half ago, about to head for bed (work graveyard) around 3:30 p.m. when an email from Carnival pop up.  

They wanted to offer an upgrade for $32.

I had the option of the deck above the Lido or Lido deck.  I went to check out rooms location for both.  Closer to the action, quick access to cabin and now just cabin for two people.

I opt for the Lido balcony cabin.

Close enough to go to my cabin for the restroom and relax, just quick walk down hallway to food, coffee and pool action.

Even with the $32 added to what I'm paying cheaper than what time of booking.

I think the offer was because they wanted my cabin for a larger group.

Now may not happen on my next cruise, but happy with the outcome!

18 hours ago, 30scruiser said:

I did this on our cruise 2 weeks ago. There was no appetizer I wanted and two entrees that I couldn’t decide between so I asked for an appetizer portion of a pasta dish for my entree. 

 

The only other situation where I ordered a second entree was on RCCL where I got a fish dish that was gross. The waiter noticed I wasn’t eating it and asked what else he could bring me. I saw a few other people didn’t like that dish either so I wonder if the waiters were on the look out for people who weren’t eating it. I would

hope with HAL that they wouldn’t charge in that situation.

 

 

I normally just order one entrée, but there been times I order something and didn't care for the dish and will ask my wait staff to bring another entrée.  There have been times when I can't decide and will forgo a salad and or soup and have two entrees.  Hate to hear this

Would I sail on a ship with no MDR, will say no.

Now I enjoy the dining room most of my sailings.  Yes it can be a two hour plus affair.  But overall I've enjoyed being waited on, not eating in a rush, talking to my tablemates.  Been bless to sail with several WWII vets, writers, historians, and some of everyone in between.  There are a handful of people in which I'm still friends years after sailing and sailed with again.

Now there are times, like on my last sailing, if it wasn't for the sea brunch last day, didn't set foot in the MDR.  On that cruise, it was a total just relax and not bother with people cruise.  It was just me time.  But that's the exception to the rule.

In December I requested twice a day service ( I was asked which did I want).  Traveling solo on that cruise.

Found out that when it just me, the morning service was just fine and the evening was really not needed.

Sailing in September, solo again.  Think I will opt for just once a day, morning service.

Now if I sail with others and a full cabin, twice a day would be a better option.

Hi not sailing on the Dream, but Valor in September.  Received the same notice of departure time from New Orleans.

Going to check my Cozumel time didn't look to see if there was a change on that.

Curious if it's due to traffic on the river?  I know in December was on the Dream and we left New Orleans late due to heavy river traffic.  Or maybe due to river tides?

On 2/14/2019 at 11:03 AM, Bernardo62 said:

Somewhere I saw Spa cabins get 20% (1) 30% (2) 40%(3) discount on any spa packages...…

This 20% for Valentines Day is not bad. But if we get this much off I will wait.

When I was on the Dream in December and this was the offer also.

Mid cruise I got a starch off card offering a discount of $50 of any service.

I tried to book the cheapest thing, a massage.  Even with the discount it was over $100.  It was nice and relaxing.  but the young lady of course tried to sell some $60 must needed oil and another message.

In hindsite, could had forgo the $50.

Now I know that I wasn't the only person to receive a card.  One evening at the desk, someone was asking for the pricing of various items because they had a card.  However the lady at the desk (I had dealt with her earlier in the cruise and she was rude) refuse to show them one with pricing.  Don't know if they were in a Spa Balcony or not.

Not with Carnival, but Holland America.  Had Cozumel until 10 or 11 that evening.  It was great, spent the morning and early afternoon at the beach and shopping.  That evening went to dine on shore.  It was nice not having to rush.

There were fewer employees in the duty free store if you wanted to shop.

Like someone mentioned Barbados is another one.  The reason we left late because for some cruisers this was their embarkation.  Had cruisers coming over from Europe on late flights. Carnival did have overnights and or midnight sailings from Nassau.

For some ports I think should stay later to enjoy

 

Hi Nancy, I am not on the cruise but I have taken the train from Seattle to Vancouver before. It is a lovely ride with some beautiful scenery

Hi Lois!

Finally trying out Celebrity next year on a 12 night Southern Caribbean on the Equinox.  Found a price that was reasonable with the $25 deposit.  Can't wait

17 hours ago, hsolis67 said:

please share your experience on this Ship/Line!

Hi never sailed on the European ( sailed on the Oosterdam, Westerdam, and Massadam-3 times).

I love HAL, more classic and traditional than most.  Overall an older crowd, but not always.  Sailed on a 10 day full of families and 14 day with a small number of kids.

As for solo, with the exception of one sailing, excellent tablemates and met other great solo cruisers.

Solid line.  The only reason didn't pick for my upcoming cruises were due to pricing and ports.  At the of most my sailing had an excellent TA who even sailing solo got good deals and with the Massadam, same cabin for all three sailing.

Hope this helps

Hi years since my sailing.  But still recall a few items.

May can be iffy.  When I sailed, the weather was clear, cool in the evenings, no rain.

I would pack for layers.  Cool evenings and days, rain and t shirts or light long sleeves.  Jeans and leggings with wearing more than one day on each.

Alaska is expensive so it might be sticker shock wanted to buy a six pack of soda or food in ports.

Excursions,esp the ones with flights or whale sailing can be expensive.  Check out the port of call and read which ones others did and reviews.  Since you are going early in the season, some tours may not be available pending your sailing date.

If you do a flight tour, they will weight you and charge double if over a certain weight.

You can do cheaper options on tours.  In Sagway (sp) I picked up a map and did a walking tour around town and it was enjoyable.  Also in Juneau picked up a local tour in port to the Mendenhall Glacier and return to town.

If you want to do the train in Sagway, need passport.  

On 1/15/2019 at 12:33 PM, coevan said:

 

 

it's even easier to use your S&S for everything and pay it with a credit card when you get home and get all those miles for a free flight

I don't fly enough for miles and same with credit card usage.  Very limited card usage

Hi Y'all!

Took advantage of Celebrity $25 deposit sale and booked a cruise that I've been eyeing for awhile.

Sailing on the Equinox, 12 night November 27, 2020.  Normally don't book so far ahead, but plans to pay it off and then focus on airfare and hotel.

The airfare is going to be a hard one.  I worked for an airline for right at 16 years and haven't paid for flights since before 1996.

First time on Celebrity!

I used this option because it's easy to go online and place funds on my account.  I know as a rule how much I spend on a cruise and instead of getting in my car, going to the store, standing in line, can do the option in a few minutes.

10 hours ago, cruisegus said:

Ok thanks ... not imposing my opinion on anyone else, but rules this parking place out for me.  I'm still leaning towards Fulton place then, but the roof top is definitely a long drive up ( of course that's $20 cheaper for a week than other levels and I don't know what other levels are actually included in the more expensive cruise rate)

Understand.  I had to think about this part also.  No issues at all but I know everyone will not want to do so

just booked the Valor September 9, 2019 for my birthday.  Short cruise.  But looking at longer one in 2020

I just recently return from a cruise with a stop in Cozumel.  May I suggest the Cozumel food tour?

It was a great experience enjoy local food in various places.  Also not a long all day tour where you can enjoy Cozumel a bit more.

Here are a few photos from my tour

I primary pick with factors of ports and dates

If there are ports that I like or want to visit, that is main factor in the majority of my cruise.

Equally is the date.

With my current job, we have to request time off in advance and certain time of the year, during our peak time is harder.  Also while not at the bottom, still not high on senority so that plays a factor.

Sailing solo makes cost a factor too.

18 hours ago, cruisegus said:

is this a place where you have to leave the keys to your car??

They have your car keys. 

Evening times after 6 p.m. was a great time to visit.  Fewer people able to enjoy more

I used Machu Picchu on my December cruise.  I loved them!  

First I got a call that morning to make sure I knew how to get there.  Once arriving you are greeted, bags unloaded.  I had a short wait for the van.  Once it arrived, loaded up and headed to port.  No waiting for anyone else.

Same when getting off the ship.  I called and within minutes van there, loaded up and arriving back to the lot, my car was out front waiting.  Bags loaded in my trunk and gone.

I have used Fulton several times and had no issues with them.  But love the fact didn't have to wait on others, line up to get my luggage in the van.  Will use them again if sailing out of New Orleans

The last sea day was just spent relaxing, packing and enjoying my balcony.

Since my level is gold, got a coupon for a free drink after 5 p.m.  One thing I missed is the past cruisers party.  Yes it was cheesy with sweet drinks, but loved cheering when a ship you sailed on came up on the screen and hearing new info about Carnival.

One thing couldn't use in the steakhouse with a frozen drink, so saved it for one of the bars.

Debarkation was a breeze and was off the ship before 10 a.m.

Overall it was a good cruise.  I enjoyed being back on a ship and finding my little moments.  Yes not everything was great and some things I just didn't get a chance to enjoy.  Looking at booking another cruise later this year.

If you have any questions just ask!!

More photos from the Cozumel food tour