coondog99

I've read a few things that states elegant nights are on:  

Day 2 (at sea)

Day 5  (San Juan)

Currently only on three ships:

https://cruisefever.net/carnival-expands-pizza-delivery-to-more-cruise-ships/

In 2017, our group of six did the tour below before cruising the next day. It was a great tour and my on-line review is included.

https://www.theriverofgrass.com/

We are cruising March 8th with Carnival and had originally booked the Trunk Bay excursion. Keeping an eye on reviews, we read that they weren't great recently. We also reconsidered the amount of time it would take to get to the beach and how much time would be spent in the water. It was a long excursion and some had posted that they had gone without food and water.  We have a group of 8 ranging in age from 13 to 74.

In closing, we ended up switching to the Fast Cat Snorkelling/ Beach. 

Thanks for the tips! I sure appreciate it. We made reservations with Cortrans Shuttle Service for round trip service from our hotel, but I like this idea so much more!! So budget offers pick up right from the ship to the rental?

Yes, most of the major rental companies have shuttles from the terminal to their locations.

Budget https://www.budget.com/en/locations/us/fl/port-canaveral

Shuttle comparison link: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2683694

Ditto to the post above, my suggestion would be to pre-book a rental vehicle (one way) at a location (Budget?) in Cocoa Beach. Once you're off the ship, take the specific rental shuttle from the port to the pick up location to get your vehicle. You then have the rental vehicle for that debarkation day as well as to get you back to MCO.

We rented a vehicle one way at MCO to get to Port Canaveral for our CCL Sunshine cruise a few years ago. Unfortunately, the shuttle wait at the drop location in Cocoa Beach was too long so we paid for a cab to take us to the terminal. Keep that in mind.

If you plan to do a rental, do an internet search for promo codes to get your rental rate lower.

Lots of hotels in Cocoa Beach to choose from.

Here is a link for shuttle comparisons: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2683694

Usually. I've been on three different Carnival ships and the popcorn maker is by the Red Frog Tequila Bar.

edit: Blue Iguana Tequila Bar

It wasn't that busy or rushed when we were on it in 2015 unless they have changed parts of it: Tender to Gibbs Cay, Stingray interaction, snorkelling, return to the island.

If it's a strong west wind, the snorkelling may not be the greatest as there will be a lot of chop.

If you are looking for snorkelling only, take an excursion that heads to the "Ledge" as it would be better.

Awesome job on the video. Brought a smile to my face watching your family have so much fun. Carnival should use it for advertising!!

We sail a week from today on the Vista. Can't wait!!! :)

We depart on the Vista on Feb 11th and booked it back last April. Our early dining time request has been waitlisted since then. IF we don't get early, we will go with Your Time Dining.

I know of other cruisers with Carnival who have found out their dining time at check in.

Great reviews.

As a Canadian, it's nice to see cruisers enjoy our unique ports of call.

BEACH: Magen's Bay is rated as one of the best in the world. Trip Advisor offers some good info in it.

SIGHTSEEING:

-Mountain Top is one of the highest points on the island and offers beautiful panoramic views including Magen's Bay and neighbouring islands

-Skyride would be a good thing to do and your youngster should enjoy it. Sometimes there are coupons online to use as well. We did it in 2015 and just walked up to it not bothering to book through ship. Only a 5 minute walk from the terminal

-Coming into port--if you have a chance, watch the island as you come closer and to the dock. The ship will follow the coast offering some great scenery to see.

FOOD/ SHOPPING: There is a Senor Frogs at the dock and lots of shopping beside.

SOUVENIERS: There is a massive shop at Mountain Top and also lots of spots near the cruise area to browse.

Mistake: attending the Welcome Aboard Show on our first cruise back in 1999. Although the CD was great, it was obvious that the cruise line was being compensated to promote businesses for port shopping. Although some cruisers would like it, I have never attended another one.

Regret: not cruising sooner. The cruise above was our first when I was 30 and my wife 28. We wish we had gone sooner. My kids, ages 15 and 11 now, have reaped the benefits of that regret with our cruise next month being their 4th already. Lucky ducks. :)

We did this excursion in 2015 via the Carnival Sunshine.

It was a good excursion and everything was done from the beach so you could remain there if you didn't want to snorkel if that's how they still do it. The beach was very nice and on the southwest side of the cay. There was also a walking trail to the top of the hill that offered a great view.

Was there a stop for lunch on this tour or food provided somewhere?

Feb 11th, 2017 (coming up...yahoo)

8 day cruise: Miami, Grand Turk, DR, Aruba, Bonaire

4 people including a 15 and 11 year old

Deck 9. Cat 8D (balcony)

Booked in April 2016

Cruise Rate $3,816.00

Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses $851.44

Total Charges $4,667.44

$50 onboard credit

We thought it was very expensive compared to other cruises we have been on but we wanted to be on the Vista at that time of year.

Beware, I poured one on the Sunshine a couple of years ago and all I got was foam despite titling the glass and following all of the instructions.

I will pay the extra and keep the bartenders employed.

Picture attached that shows the approximate location to the ship

Picture attached that shows the approximate location to the ship.

The Conch beach is down to the right about 5 minutes after you get off the ship. Just past, the second smaller dock you will see hundreds of shells on the beach. Worth the walk. Farther down is the southernmost tip of the island.

Also near that is the NASA exhibit that is very interesting

The Margaritaville pool is free as is the beach.

There is a rental hut close to the pier that rents various items as well.

After you get off the pier, take a right and walk past the second dock used for excursions/ tours. That's where the Conch beach starts and it takes about 5 minutes (if that) to walk to. Waves can hit the shore pretty hard so your feet could get wet. Lots of shells and worth the journey! Our family went there in 2015 when we were on the Carnival Sunshine. There is also an interesting NASA exhibit up above.