Barbees61011

I think that is very reasonable. We've had an aft balcony before and I LOVED watching the wake. It is so relaxing and mesmerizing.

However, the downside to an aft for me, was that there was pretty much no shade and during the day, the chairs would be scalding hot from the sun and there was no breeze back there. I would book again if we were going in the winter or to Alaska, but that is probably about it.

Thank you thank you!

We have been to Port Everglades once before, but it has been several years ago and we parked at an offsite lot where they dropped you off at the entrance to the port where you check in.

I am wondering what the proximity is between the parking garage at FLL and where you walk inside.

We like to park at the port for convenience and doing self debarkation since we have a 13+ hour drive back from this cruise, we like to get a headstart on debarkation day.

My dilemma is, I've had a knee injury and I would like to limit the amount of walking I do on it, especially since there will already be a ton of walking on the ship that day, up and down stairs, etc.

Does anyone remember how far the parking garage is from where you enter the building to check in?

If it helps, we're on the Carnival Conquest in September.

Also, I know distance is subjective, but it was really nice in NOLA where the parking garage was right there next to the terminal.

Thanks so much!

We booked the Conquest in September and got FTTF mainly because we hate dragging our carry ons around for a few hours before cabins are ready and to get the priority tendering. Thankfully we paid lower price. I definitely wouldn’t be buying it for what they’re asking now. Not even worth it. That’s more than one DOD per day of the cruise!

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I think it may have something to do with the ships moving ports next year? I don’t think they’ve finalized where each ship is going to be as far as Home ports go.

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Half Moon Cay, we get a cabana when we go here so we're away from the cruise crowd down in a secluded part of the island. It's paradise.

Are there chairs in front of the cabanas blocking the view or is it pretty much a line of cabanas with open beach in front? We were looking at getting one in September. Thanks!

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I don’t have children so I have no experience with the kids activities BUT I have been to Mahogany Bay twice and it is awesome! Rent one of the private cabanas if you can. Worth every penny. It’s nice to have some shade and AC if you get too hot. There’s a safe for your belongings. The hammocks are nice and relaxing too and your ride on the ski lift thing over to the beach is included in the price for up to 6 people I think.

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IT's not because they're new. It's because the new ships are often bigger, more crowded yet with smaller venues. They pack more venues on the larger ship, but when everyone wants to do the same thing at the same time, long wait times and lines form. It was the same problem with the NCL's Breakaway. Add on top of that many of the cruise companies are cutting back on staff and people really begin to dislike the larger ships.

I can agree to this. I’ve been avoiding booking on one of the new ships for fear of crowding. Also, I don’t like the “shopping mall” feel that a lot of them have on other lines.

Does the Vista have windows in the main dining rooms? I love being able to look out at the ocean during dinner and I think a lot of the newer ships have layouts with the main dining areas in the center of the ships with little or no ocean view.

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Thanks for the review! On the conquest for the same itinerary in September.

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Now’s your chance! John Heald posted a poll on his Facebook taking a vote about changing the strawberries!

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We’ve had an extended aft balcony and the views can’t be beat! The wake is mesmerizing.

BUT there is zero shade and zero breeze back there. Our chairs would be burning hot from the sun beating down on them all day. Might have been more bearable if there was a breeze but I wouldn’t book it again for the simple fact of no shade.

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If the buffet is closed, how can you get coffee there 24/7?

The food part of the buffet is closed but they keep the drink stations with coffee, tea and lemonade open 24 hours.

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We had an aft extended view on our last cruise and the view was unbeatable but there was no breeze ever. You couldn't sit outside without breaking a sweat because there was never any shade either.

Do the cove balconies get a breeze or just have less sun in general because of the lifeboats overhead?

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Before Carnival did some updating on their website, you could tell on the excursions how many spots were left to be purchased. Like on FTTF it would say only 5 left or something like that. Anyhow, we are going to Mahogany Bay this fall and we want to rent one of the cabanas on the beach, but I can't tell how many are left...if all 8 are still left, I wanted to wait and book one later.

Does anyone know if there is a way to tell how many are left now? Thanks!

How fantastic! i see this was posted on the 3rd and they still have it up. I got some for our upcoming cruise too. Thanks for sharing!

Excited to read the rest of this. Will be doing this itinerary in September!

We stayed on the ship in Jamaica once and it was amazing. The serenity deck was deserted and so were the hot tubs :) It was a great day and we plan on doing it again at another port on our upcoming cruise.

I did really love Grand Cayman though. We went to a gorgeous beach just a few miles away and really loved it.

Tough choice for sure, but what ever you decide, it will be great!

Following this thread because I'm interested in the same thing...awesome beach with maybe a little lunch and some drinks!

I am looking to stay in a 2br condo or hotel suite near Port Canaveral (maybe an hour outside the port) for 2 nights before our cruise in September. We would be there for a Thursday and Friday night. Has anyone stayed in a condo or hotel that is beachfront? I've looked on VRBO but several of those seem to have 4+ night minimums. Any input appreciated. Thanks!