NOLadyCruiser

My mom's best friend just recently lost her boyfriend rather suddenly so we added her to our cruise & we sail in 2 weeks. She did get a copy of her birth certificate but was unable to get a passport in time. Her birth certificate is in her maiden name & her DL is in her name from her 1st marriage. Only the first & middle name matches DL. Is this okay? I'm sure there are plenty of women in the same boat. Thx so much for your help!!

I was wondering when they have 3 people in a balcony room if they keep the sofa bed made up like a bed throughout the whole cruise or if you get it made up for evening cabin service. Thx!!

Our first time cruise is coming up on the Carnival Freedom in April and me and my mom are interested in gambling but just a little bit. I heard that your gambling money comes from your sail and sign card. But - my question is do you determine how much to put on machine to play or do you just play and not know how much you are spending? Thx so much!!

So I have a stupid question. Now keep in mind - I haven't been on a cruise yet. Going in April for the first time.

But my question is if the passengers are to stay in their rooms - how are they eating?

Prayers everyone is okay!!

Wow!! The Grand Ocean View Cabin is such a beautiful view! I was trying to see how much they ran but it looks as if they are always sold out. I can find the ones in the very front and they are pretty good prices. I was just curious how much the ones on the corner run. Are they worth it? Or is it better too have a balcony?

Which ship?

Freedom

The iced teas aren't made like you think. None of the mixed drinks have more than two shots; as I read a while back, I believe on carnivals site. I have also found out myself on my last couple of cruises. I used to drink iced teas as they economically did the job----and I like them... A lot... Now they make them with some kind of mix. They don't taste right. If I want to tie one on I get a martini. They don't have any way to make one except to fill a glass with gin or vodka.

I agree - Martinis can be very helpful to tie one on! A good dirty martini always hits the spot. But - I have to limit myself on them but since I do the vodka kind - I can easily switch to another vodka type cocktail if needed.

Yes, you can purchase the pass for the day or the week, and it covers the thalassotherapy pool, heated loungers, and various steam rooms. You can check the available treatments on the Carnival website. Go to MY CRUISE BOOKING and choose CRUISE DETAILS on the far right, then choose PLAN ACTIVITIES in the box on the right, then on the left is a list which includes SPA TREATMENTS. That said, there are always specials on the ship so I would recommend waiting until you're on the ship to book.

 

Which ship are you going on? I will be on the Breeze in 14 days :)

I see you mentioned that they do spa specials on the ship. This is my first cruise with my mom and I did see some pics of what looked like spa specials where you could pick 3 to 4 services for just around or over $100. This seemed like a really good deal after I checked the prices on the spa menu. So when they run those specials on the ship, do they sell out real quick? Do I need to book rather quickly? Thx so much!!

I also have issues with binging. I have learned to control it to a certain point. I now keep really low calorie items (sugar free popsicles or fresh veggies) and will try to just eat those type of items when I am having an episode. Happy to say I have lost 70 lbs & have about 40 more to go. :)

I noticed that several of the Carnival Ships have an "open blank" space next to room 9209. Does anyone know what that is for? Is it a supply closet? I'm in room 9209 and worried it may create noise. Thx!!

Has anyone won doing the slot pull with a group? Was it a pretty good amount?

The Hilton Riverside has the streetcar that goes up and down the river. You can catch it right there by the hotel and take it to Jax Brewery (which is right by the quarter and St. Louis Cathedral). My suggestion for dinner is Mr. B's Bistro or Draggo's (for fine dining) or Oceana Grill (for seafood but not as pricey). You should definitely go to Pat O's (the piano bar is a lot of entertainment). You can also take the streetcar down to the French Market which is an open air market and they have great Bloody Mary's down there too. The best red beans in my book is Maspero's which is right there on Decatur across from Jax Brewery. Have fun!!

Just saw on hotel.com that The Whitney Hotel has a special during that time - about $169/night which is a really good price for where it is located on the border of the CBD and The Warehouse district. It is only 6 blocks from the river so it is close to Harrah's Casino. The French Quarter is on the other side of the CBD which is about 5-6 blocks towards Canal Street. Food suggestions depends on your taste. For charbroiled Oysters - I suggest Drago's (in the Hilton Riverside) or Crescent City Brewhouse (on Decatur) - they alos have great raw oysters and wonderful different types of beer. I usually get the oyster sandwich there. My favorite place for red beans is Maspero's (also on Decatur). I like Oceana grill which is in the quarter. Have to try a Hurricane beverage at Pat O's. but be careful - they sneak up on ya! :) Do try the beignets at Café Du Monde and also Mother's on Poydras has great big biscuits. Ambience is a bit lacking (more of a hole in the wall but the food is good - the lines speak volumes). Have fun and be careful!! Try to be out of the French Quarter after midnight - all the problems tend to be in the middle of the night when there are problems.

Do they have hangers in the cabin closets? If so - about how many & do they have clip type hangers for pants or skirts? Thx!!

Having a tour guide is great especially if you have even 1 Mint Julep at Oak Alley. I have had some strong drinks in the past but that drink takes the cake. Oak Alley grounds - SO beautiful!! They have a restaurant and gift shop in the back. We had a company function there last year and the food was really good!!