Llamabear

We have a spa balcony on deck 12, so if we're not enjoying our balcony, we're right by the serenity area anyway, but I saw a lot of complainers saying it was all full, and lot saying there were chairs to spare. I guess it kinda varies anyway. Hope you're having a great time!!!

Cruising in 35 days on Sunshine! Can't wait!! I've heard mixed reviews of the Serenity area, are you finding it crowded, or are there open loungers throughout the day? Thanks!

I always bring my own body wash, shampoo, and conditioner in case I don't like what the hotel/cruise cabin offers. My cruise next month is also my first time in a spa cabin so maybe I'll love their Elemis stuff, but I'll bring my bath and bodyworks anyway😎

4 hours ago, wthomp said:

Can someone explain the beverage gratuities? Is the gratuities included in the pricing? Or is it $10 +18%

It's $10 + 18%

You have to buy a pass to the thermal suites unless you book a spa cabin.

I usually just get the social plan, and it's definitely too slow for a game. If she absolutely can't live without it, many games do have an offline mode, and most ports have good wifi so she could update her game status onshore there. I've done a similar scenario with Candy Crush Saga😉

It's a bit on the 2 star side, but my friend and I stayed at the Red Roof Inn before our cruise, and had no problems. We flew in that afternoon day before the cruise, so we didn't mind that it was a 2 star hotel since we're barely gonna be there. They had a free airport shuttle, port shuttle (for a fee, I believe it was $12pp), and continental breakfast. Wasn't rundown, everything was clean, I'd stay there again.

I'm going to Amber Cove next month for the first time, and really wanted to get some amber or larimar jewelry. Do you remember what the pricing was like in the gift shops? Pretty sure my excursion is going to some of the same places.

I went to Dunn's river falls in Jamaica and encountered the vendor village we had to walk through to get out. One vendor was selling cheap wooden beaded necklaces and just grabbed my hand and started putting necklaces in them, then demanded $5! Hope the Fort vendors aren't like that, cuz that's one of our stops. That Jamaican vendor kinda made me want to never sail to Ocho Rios again...😐

I've always prepaid grats, but leave a note along with a few dollars everyday for my stewards and have gotten great service! Twice a day servicing, ice bucket always full, always greeting me in the hallway and asking if I need anything. I also always mention them by name and how great they were in the post-cruise survey. Take care of those that take care of you.

Haven't cruised with this new system yet, but I sail next month. If you have FTTF, do they have your S&S cards ready with the room, or do they do them the same time as everyone else's?

1 hour ago, ToriB said:

We’ve stayed in a spa room twice. I’ve taken the slippers home and have not been charged. Also they come in a little bag thing. They are brand new. 

Thank goodness!!! 

I got upgraded to a spa balcony on the Sunshine, and I was wondering if we get to keep the spa slippers or are they like the robes. I personally hope they're not like the robes...I don't really like the idea of wearing shoes hundreds of other feet have been in for a week😐

I do this too!!! 🎄Just look around the port shops, I always find one selling them at every port.

The views from the chairlift are pretty amazing though! I do agree Magic Mountain wasn't very magical at the top. Once you do the bobsled ride there's really not much else going on. Probably better off just doing the Fall's unless you're a bobsled history buff🤪

I used a cheap pair of water shoes I bought at Walmart, but once we got to the falls I decided the rocks were too slippery to try and climb them and went down to the beach instead.😎 No matter what sole your shoes have there is a level of risk on those falls, be cautious no matter what!

The water bottles can be purchased through room service and a lot of the treats can be purchased at Cherry On Top. I would just check back on the cooler deal.

Saint Greg, you are living up to that screen name!!! Thanks for the info and the menus!!!

I heard lunch at Cucino is included, it's just dinner you pay extra for, can anyone confirm this? TIA

I bet more ppl would dress up if Carnival sent out an email explaining theme nights before cruises. I'd totally pack some kind of getup if I knew in advance.

I agree something needs to be done with the rewards program, I'm just at red, but I don't really see the added value in the next tiers up. I was wondering if the "special" offers and pricing on cruises increase in discount with the tiers, or are we all getting the same deals?

My offer came 52 days out

Lol!!! Yeah I'm kind of afraid I might get hooked on the spa balcony now, and suites are just a tiny bit more...Carnival has me on the line, and they're reeling me in ya'll!!!😂

I got an email offering an upgrade from my normal deck 8 balcony to a spa balcony on deck 12 for the Sunshine for $40. Better believe I took it!!! I'm pretty sure it was a flat $40, but even per person it's a great deal!

12 hours ago, Beachfrog said:

Thanks, guys.  I guess I am stressing over this too much.

I like to be well informed about new situations too. That's why these forums are great! 

Not sure if Alaska attire codes are different from Caribbean but my general rule of thumb for MDR is dress like you would when you go out to a restaurant to eat. Casual works fine for lunch, maybe slightly dressier for dinner, but not formal wear dressier. Hope this helps.