travelling_txgal

:DLess than 24 hrs! We set sail tomorrow and it almost seems surreal. I am beyond ready. We travel often but this will be a new and exciting experience.

If you log into your account on the cruise manager page there is a link for speciality dining reservations located near the right side of the page. It gives you the restaurant options there. I just did it the other week.

12 days!!!!!!!! I can hardly contain myself 😊😊😊💃🏿💃🏿💃🏿☀️☀️☀️☀️

Two weeks turnaround time from the day of the appointment (Feb.9) to them arriving at our door, standard shipping. Very quick and simple process for us. Definitely helps if all your paperwork is in order and free of mistakes.

70 days and they can't pass fast enough.

83 days! They are passing by so fast. Can't wait 😊🎉🛳🛳🛳

Thanks for your detailed review. will be sailing on the Valor in May and can't wait. The pictures were super helpful as well.

I am considering RC for my next cruise in Jan/Feb of '19. I am looking for opinions from those who have experienced either itineraries: Honduras/Belize, Cozumel or Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Cozumel. I realize Cozumel is going to be on just about every itinerary out of Galveston so my focus is the difference between Honduras/Belize vs Grand Cayman/Jamaica. Pros and cons on cost (once in port, not of the cruise itself), excursions varieties, value for the money, etc. of each port. Our group will be a mixed group of children, teens, young adults and older adults (late 30s/early 40s), drinkers and non drinkers, adventure seekers and those who like to take it easy.

Thanks for the advice!

We are traveling to Cozumel via Carnival in May. We'll be in port from 9:00am - 6:00pm. We've decided to do Paradise Beach for half the day and shopping for the second part. Looking for some experienced recommendations on the best way to spend our day.

For example, if we do the beach in the morning, spend a few hours lounging, change and then taxi to shopping, which areas are best for shopping? What areas would be the closest in distance from beach to shopping to back to port? I am very cautious about time so I am looking to be back at the ship no later than 5pm. If anyone could share their timeline or tips on what worked for them, I'd appreciate it! :)

113 days! I view this countdown several times a day especially when some one at work is grating on my nerves. Can't wait!

I see. So the on board credit is not a separate gift card. It will be added to my on board account. Got it. Since I prepaid gratuities, it will go to anything else we purchase. Thanks

We are first time cruisers and received a small on board credit ($50) that we will be able to use starting day two of the cruise. If we wanted to apply this to a wifi package or soft drink package or speciality restaurant, would we be able to do so on day two or are there restrictions? Would we have to purchase these options on the first day in order to utilize them, therefore not allowing us to us the credit?

Are any of the specialty restaurants on the Valor worth the money? I love seafood and wonder if the Seafood Shack is worth the extra money. Anyone tried it? If so, what was the cost for your meal? Also are there any other comparable, free seafood options that might fit the bill?

Thanks for the review. Setting sail on the Valor in May!

Sounds like a headache using my bank card so maybe I will go the cash deposit or credit card route. Thanks!

I know that Carnival places a hold (similar to car rental companies) on your card once you check-in. Carnival says this amount is $100 for a 5 day cruise, however, first person online accounts have stated much more. Some have given a confusing explanation of the on-board hold. So how much should I expect to be placed on hold and what is the procedure?

131 days until we set sail on the Valor!

We are also going on a 5 day and have wondered how much to bring. Typically when we do land vacations, we prepay for as much as possible and rarely purchase souvenirs. Also, we are light drinkers. This is our first cruise, so we are treating this first one as a learning opportunity. We have prepaid for tips and excursions. We also know that we will eat in the stekhouse, play Bingo, maybe get a drink of the day in the afternoons, and the big splurge possibility: a spa treatment. Keeping all that in mind, $1000 is probably a good amount to budget for. I doubt we will spend it all, but it will be nice to know that it's there if we want something. ETA: Also we only do cash on vacation...no credit cards unless there is an emergency.

Thanks for the reply. We have very similar travel practices (prepay for most, try to avoid credit cards, etc.) so I think $1000 is a good amount to stick with.

After consulting the great folks on the boards here and extensive research we have narrowed it down to either Mr.Sancho's or Paradise Beach. So now I am seeking some pros and cons on both places to help with a definitive decision. Some things to consider for us:

• We are not big drinkers
  
• A teenager will be traveling with us but she isn't into adventure seeking
  
• Budget is somewhat open when it comes to the excursion in Cozumel (we know we will have to pay something to enjoy ourselves)
  
• We'll be traveling in late May
  

At the end of the day I know it's up to us what we choose but I value the opinion of others who have actually been there, done that.

$1000? Thanks, that's kind of the ball park we were in but I just want to make sure I am not underestimating the extra costs.

I like to research extensively so I ask a lot of questions. My question for the experienced cruisers is: On average how much cash do you bring?

Specifics:

• 5 day Carnival cruise for two to Cozumel/Progresso in May
  
• We are not big drinkers but partake occasionally
  
• We have researched our excursions so that is already budgeted for but I understand there may be extra expenses during the excursions
  
• Our spending cash will mainly be for extras (souvenirs, shopping, tips and food while in ports, etc.)
  

So how much would you recommend taking in spending cash?

We will be sailing in late May. Looking for some food/shopping options in Progresso. Also open to some excursion recommendations but nothing to taxing or expensive. We kind of want to be the relaxing port stop.

We are really hoping to find a relaxing, affordable, beach excursion but there are so many options to choose from. Any recommendations? I found Nachi Cocom on a travel site but wanted to know if anyone has actually visited here and if so which company did you book with?

First time cruiser May 2018 and super excited! I have been researching excursions through Carnival as well as other travel sites. I am kind of leery about using third party sites. Even reading reviews of some of these companies hasn't helped me feel more confident. Any suggestions, recommendations for booking excursions? Is the safest route to book through Carnival or are their any reputable travel sites?