Pyrate13

27 south of Orlando is a different world, traffic wise, than the area of Gainesville to the Orlando area. But, the OP is not going south, but to Port Canaveral, so that's a moot point.

Coming from a non-swimmer, I love to snorkel. My first time was in the British Virgin Islands on a boat where the operators were excellent at assisting non-swimmers. I was apprehensive at first but grew to totally enjoy it. What we found works perfectly for me (at the crews suggestion) is a water skiers belt and a small foam 'boogie' type board for my hands to rest on when needed. I strongly suggest purchasing a good face mask that fits well, the cheap ones will turn you off very quickly. Your non-swimmers need to go for it, the undersea world is amazing to say the least.

For what it's worth, I would consider US27 the worst option but...

17 hours ago, Marie51 said:

I just booked with Cortrans for $40 per person round-trip. I was told the price on the website of $50 per person is for customers who book after September 2021.

Yes, the price I gave was one way so $50 round trip, per their website. Great that you were still able to get the $40 rate!

Yes, the route I suggested is thru Gainesville. I driven it many times and might have been backed up once. Nothing like Atlanta though. Yes, you can get backups in Orlando, but I've also been in long backups multiple times in Jax both going 95 thru downtown and on the 295 belt. Driving thru cities is a crap shoot no matter where you go.

Living in Florida for 25 years (now in NC, but soon to be back in FL) I would just stay on 75 then pick up the FL Turnpike  (yes, it's a toll road but...) to Orlando where you then pick up 528 (the Beach Line) directly to PC. But that's just me.

By the way, I-20 goes from Atlanta to Florence, NC. From Macon, to get to 95 you would need to be on I-16.

If it was me I would stay at one of the hotels that are very close to MCO and take the Cortrans shuttle in the morning. Cortrans has very good, reliable service and is well liked on these boards. They have increased their price by $5 per person from $20 to $25 but still worth it. You can set up a round trip and have them pick you up at the ship for return to MCO at the end of your cruise.

Christmas week is one of the two busiest weeks of the year at Disney World. Remember, it's an hour or so drive from the port on a good day. If you got off the ship at 1 (probably not, more likely a bit later) then got a ride to the rental cars and go thru the process there, then the drive, I don't see you making it before 3 and possibly later. To get back I would not leave the Springs any later than 7, probably earlier, as you need to reverse the whole process.

For me, a few hours of shopping just isn't worth it, but that's just me.

If all goes well it can be done. That being said any delay, whether it be in getting off the ship (one time we were held on the ship until after 10 AM for unknown reasons),  transportation issues, accidents on the Beach Line, long security lines (which do happen in MCO), etc,  and you could be SOL. 

My opinion and mine only, I would not book a flight that early. I'm sure others will come on and say go ahead so...your choice.

14 hours ago, CPT Trips said:

Does a forged vaccination card cost less than the card you get for free when you take your free jab?

I have no idea what one costs, that's not the point. It's folks that don't want the vaccine and don't care what a fake card costs. As I said, I'm already fully vaxxed so I don't need the fake card but others will go that route.

The problem with this is that the vaccine cards are easily forged, heck you can find them for sale on line if you look hard enough. Oh well, we're v'ed and don't have a cruise booked until Dec 2022. It'll likely all change before then.

If they can't stop an unvaccinated cruiser what's to stop anyone from saying they are vaccinated and avoiding all the expenses and restrictions? Just wondering, as we all know it will happen.

#1 would be my first choice and #2 my second.

Our go to when in the port is Fishlips, Grills would be our second choice.

Just for the record and uninformed, you do not need to be obese to be diabetic. Type two can occur in very slim folks as well.

Agree with the above, 18 or 19 cruises for me and I too am diabetic. Go for it, easily handled with proper medications and insulin if necessary.

We have sailed on Glory several times and also the Conquest and Valor, all the same class of ship and also our favorite class.

It's all opinion on this subject but our choices would be St Lucia and the BVI.

8 minutes ago, Shih-tzu said:

Now that I have seen the form (posted above) I do have a couple of concerns.

 

I know that we had these to fill out prior to embarkation over the years, however it was a paper copy where you could add "notes" or comments (which I did) and answer a question if they asked.

 

With this electronic version, unless the whole form isn't showing - there is just a "yes" or "no" answer with no room for any type of comment.   When we answer honestly (which we plan on doing), they are going to look at our forms and their red flags are going to pop up and wave . 

 

There is no place to add comments or clarification (i.e. allergies and therefore I have a runny nose and take this Rx, or he has arthritis, therefore body aches and pains and takes this, or I have had **insert whatever** ..for x number of years.   Perhaps it should have been worded  "in the last 14 days have you developed new or worsening......." or a clarification block so they will know whatever could be a chronic condition and not at all related to COVID.   Also notice it does not ask if a person is partly or fully vaccinated (although I understand that there is a law in some states that does not allow that).

 

People say they have to answer this type of question when reporting for work (as do I, with no issue), but to get to work I haven't spent over $2000 for two airfares and paid for a cruise. it's easy to explain to someone why you answered "yes" to a question but this is all electronic.   Is Carnival going to look at these and send an e-mail saying "Sorry, you can't sail" or will they come back for exxtra information?   Or wait until you've crossed the continent to say "Oh, you checked off "yes" to a question, we're sorry"?   If think some fine tuning/rewording may be necessary.

Pretty much what I was saying. The form needs clarification.

1 hour ago, kdr69 said:

The question is asked in the context of COVID and is not about "normal" symptoms you may experience on an ongoing basis due to ongoing health issues.  Wearing a mask too long makes me cough but i wouldnt answer yes to that question because of it.

1 hour ago, regoodwinjr said:

It usually means only new symptoms. I made the mistake of not assuming that and I got a COVID test as a penalty.

I'm not willing to assume this to be the case. Stating it to be COVID, or new symptom related, on the questionnaire would be very easy for CCL to do and would make it very clear. Oh well.

I don't see any issue with this except perhaps the first question. They should consider that folks with COPD, Asthma and similar lung diseases may often have the cough, breathing difficulty but they are certainly not a threat to anyone else on board. I would hope they don't deny them boarding for this.

Both Montego Bay and Isla de Margarita were horrible and made us feel very unsafe, even on a ships tour. Never again would I get off at either. On the other hand, we found the folks in Belize to be very friendly outside of the port compound area.

I like 10273, close to the Lido doors but less chance of noise from there as well as less traffic past the cabin. Most people further down seem to tend to go thru the atrium area to head out the doors.

Carnival as well as RCl and others have been visiting at St Maarten ever since the cruising stopped. Possibly for supplies and fuel?  They have also been stopping at Miami, FLL and Canaveral. They still have to feed the crew on board.

Like pe4all, we have been using our pvp for many years and she is great. Handles everything we may need quickly, knows our likes/dislikes very well and makes suggestions if she thinks we will be happier with something different. Does not bother us with promos or stuff like that or if we haven't booked on a while. If your pvp is not like that you probably need to find a new one.