almendrada

We've prepaid for both cruises that we've booked.

Personally, since the crew works so hard and depends on the income they receive from gratuities, I feel that gratuities should be made non-optional and added to the fare as a service charge.

Since Carnival hasn't done that (yet), I'm putting my money where my mouth is and imposing it on myself. ;)

After booking our March 2016 cruise back in March 2015, I checked for FTTF almost every day. It finally showed up on the first weekend of July 2015.

When we booked our December 2016 cruise in September 2015, FTTF was available immediately and we snatched it up.

I think it varies by the ship and by the sailing, and based on how many platinum or diamond cruisers have booked.

Hi everyone!

We're about to go on our first cruise in 30 days, and we're flying to the port. We're hoping to bring our allotted bottles of wine, but no clue as to the best way to pack it in our luggage.

Wisdom from experienced cruisers would be appreciated!

Hmm... I wonder if they have the ability to work with dreadlocks?

I actually really love this idea! Post pictures when you're done with it.

I'd be bummed too. I'm sorry this happened to you.

Thanks for this review... it sealed the deal! We just booked our cruise on the Glory for this same itinerary.

Subscribed! :)

Definitely no to a kids' menu at the steakhouse. If your kid wouldn't appreciate a really nice meal (and know how to behave in a nice restaurant), feed him/her at the buffet.

Free lamb on Carnival Miracle 8 day Alaska last September

 

 

 

Not sure about American Table ships, but they have other tasty options.

:eek: That looks incredible...

I don't normally chime in on these conversations but as someone who has suffered loss throughout my life, the worse being my 8 yo grand-daughter....the why's only matter to those who have never suffered an unbearable loss. That is the only way some of the statements on this thread could be substantiated, their losses obviously not of the unbearable kind. I hope all those that have made such rude and un-founded speculations in an incident that cost a person his life never, ever have to eat those words, I truly do. I know after losing (and probably before, but definitely afterwards) my grand-daughter, I grieve for those that lose someone so dear to them, no matter the cause...loss is loss, pain is pain, grief is grief.... regardless. I pray to my God that he grant peace to those loved ones left behind.

Hear, hear.

354 days...

http://www.sadtrombone.com/?autoplay=true

Looking forward to doing it!! :D

I'm adding my voice to the crowd... looking forward to the review! We're taking our first ever cruise next year on the Pride and I'm soaking up all the info, pictures, and tips I can get. :)

Enjoy your 1st cruise. If you are like us, you will come back ready to repeat the FUN experience you can have on a Carnival ship. Let us know your thoughts when you return.

I hope we will! Thanks for the welcome :)

I just read all six pages of this wonderful thread, and now I can't wait to go on our first cruise! I just love the feeling of goodwill and community that seems to be fostered by so many of Carnival's employees. Thank you everyone for sharing!

How tragic. :( I've been thinking of this guy ever since the news of his fall came out on Sunday. Really, really hoping for better news. I hope his loved ones will find peace.

Thanks for the quick report. I will be on her in 25 days, 2 hours, 37 minutes and 5 seconds. :D Can you tell I'm excited? :p

I hope you will do a review after your Pride cruise! I think you may be going on a similar itinerary to ours. :)

How arrogant and rude. I am simply asking if they changed the menu for the upsell lobster. If you don't know don't answer and don't be rude.

Sorry... I've been following this thread (I love whole lobster too!) and yours are the only messages that seem to carry an undercurrent of rudeness.

People are telling you the extent of what they know; they're trying to help! It could be that what you're asking is simply unknowable at this time. Without a crystal ball or a TARDIS, it may not be something that anyone can answer. And that's ok... right?

Thank you for coming back to finish this thing out! I thoroughly enjoyed your review and CAN. NOT. WAIT. for this time next year when I'll be onboard that beautiful boat. Here's hoping you get to cruise again soon!

SPRINGS741 is right. You might not be able to book the 2016 excursions but you can certainly read about them. Go to the Carnival Cruise Line web site. Select EXPLORE. Then on the right, select SHORE EXCURSIONS. Select a port and they will appear. On our 1/16/2016 cruise, you cannot book them at this time. it just freezes up when you try to book but at least you can read the descriptions and make your decision.

I've been exploring that section of the site, but as a first-time cruiser, of course I have questions. :rolleyes: Like for example, our Nassau port will be from 11 to 8, and our Freeport stop will be a short one, 7:30 till 1:00. I figure that will by definition eliminate or change some of the excursion options, based on the time that the excursions occur. That's one reason I'm hoping to see the excursion list for my specific cruise. Am I way off on this? :confused:

Yes but we do! We live in Fort Myers and it is a 2 hour run to Miami or Ft Lauderdale. No worries about flights, hotels or taking a shuttle to the ship and the cost savings is amazing. Then we park in covered parking within a couple of hundred feet from the ship. With VIFP, we are first on and first off. That's what I call cruising. Now if we could only get some one to do our carry-ons. ............................. You think that's asking too much .... eh? Maybe some robots that you would not have to tip.

It's good to know you appreciate your sweet set-up. I like the robot idea... maybe one to shovel my walk! ;)

Thanks for posting this! We're really getting excited for our cruise on the Pride, though it feels like it's a long way away. We will actually be on the ship exactly one year from this moment. (How can I possibly be expected to wait?!)

They should start to become available about eight or nine months out, so for a March sailing they may start showing up around June or July. Doesn't hurt to keep looking before then just in case.

 

ETA: I got FTTF for my last Carnival cruise at eight months out. Don't know if the full schedule list was up by then or not.

Great tip, thank you!

It is really hard for vendors to give pricing this far in advance. It is normal to have the excursions get put on little by little as they all get set up.

Just keep watching.

I mean, that makes sense. But it would be nice to be able to book FTTF already. :)

We're sailing in March of 2016 on the Pride, and there are no excursions listed for us either. I certainly hope they don't wait until next year to make them available!