j1d1

2 hours ago, ruru107 said:

It’s gluten free?? I wish I had known that 😔

You can order it gluten free, but the usual version is NOT gluten free.  The GF version is not quite the same although close.  As GF desserts go though, it is a very good option.

As others have said, your best experience is likely to be at the MDR.  On embarkation day you'll see a time in the afternoon for Dining Requests (or something like that).  It is usually in one of the dining rooms.  They will have that night's menu available and you can put in your order.  Then at each meal, tell your server you want to put in a GF order for the next meal.  This system seems to work pretty well. 

In our experience, allergies/intolerances are taken very seriously, and staff, especially officers and chefs, will bend over backwards to accommodate you if they can.  However, you are unlikely to get quite the same level of service from quick service servers such as at Guy's Burgers and Blue Iguana.  They are very busy, and it is very challenging for them to change up the workflow to produce something that is truly GF.  Guy's fries have a dedicated fryer, but they serve using gloved hands which makes cross contamination very likely.  With that said, if you are willing to wait, they will do their best.  It may just take a good long while.  I've asked at Blue Iguana before and was told they don't offer anything that they consider GF.  Others may have had a different experience.  Our experience at the pizza place has been good, but again expect to have to wait.  I'll try to go to some of these places when they aren't as busy and acknowledge to staff up front that I'm willing to wait.  Our experience at the Specialty Dining has been hit or miss.  You would expect a higher level of service given the extra cost, but we've found the MDR to be better.

We haven't found the person who is supposed to help with special food requests at the buffet to be very helpful.  There will be things listed as GF on the buffet but not all that much.  You can always ask staff to check if something isn't listed as GF and you think it likely is.  They will go ask a chef.

One trick at the buffet is to find and officer (white shirt) and ask for something.  For example, we will ask for GF french toast in the morning.  Again, expect to have to wait.  While the wait is sometimes annoying, it signals to me that they are doing the things that really are necessary to produce something GF.  Let the officer know where you are sitting, and they will bring it out to you.  Another example would be asking for a burger and fries w/ GF bun.  They will get it made and brought out to you.

Bottom line is that the MDR for breakfast and dinner is going to be your best bet with the most variety and highest likelihood of them doing it right.  Unfortunately Carnival doesn't offer lunch in the MDR but does offer the Sea Day brunch until noon on sea days.  I personally think that cruise lines handle GF better than any other tourist/vacation industry.  With that said, there are never any guarantees as I'm sure you know.  Search the board for Gluten Free and you'll find other advice.  Good luck.

6 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

And, a bit of the surrounding neighborhood. This area used to be famous for hooker's and druggies, but now great dining options are beginning to pop up left and right. Right down from Fishmonger is Atlanta's famous (infamous) Clermont Lounge, a seedy strip club, where the average age of the "dancers" is between 40 and 50... Blondie, (age 65) the most famous stripper in all Atlanta still holds court there, and crushes Pabst Blue Ribbon cans between her, eh "cans"... 

 

 

 

A few more shots from the area... The Majestic Diner and Plaza Theater have been there wayyy since before I was born, and I'm old...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Never thought I'd see the Clermont Lounge on Cruise Critic.  I remember seeing Blondie when I was there a few times back in the late 90s.

58 minutes ago, mac_tlc said:

Here you go:

 

Day 1:

 

 

Day 2:

 

Day 3:

 

 

Day 4:

 

 

Day 5:

 

 

Day 6:

 

 

Day 7:

 

Super helpful.  Very much appreciated.

2 hours ago, mac_tlc said:

Here is the last page of the compasses that show the music/dancing. It is from the 5/1/22 Oasis sailing.

Thanks for this @mac_tlc  We leave a week from tomorrow and have the UDP.  Would you happen to also have the pages with restaurant open times?

Since the 5/1 sailing didn't have Aqua80, does anyone know what days and times it usually runs?

Hello fellow Gator Dad.  We have both Celiac and DM1 in the family as well although not in the same child.  First I would recommend checking in with either her Endocrinologist or Diabetic Nurse for any advice.  My advice will be general and not specific to RC as most of our cruises have been on other lines, but thus far I haven't found much in the way of differences between the lines in this regard.  Also please remember that any advice I give is not specific to your daughter as I can only give our experience.  In other words this is NOT specific medical advice.  Any advice is somewhat dependent on what technology you are using to manage her DM (i.e. shots vs pump, finger sticks vs CGM) and the age/independence of the child.  A cruise is definitely a situation where a pump and CGM come in very handy.  If she is not using a CGM, I would recommend that you contact her Endocrine and insist on starting one.  They are a complete game changer.  One downside is that you need to purchase the internet package for at least two devices if you want to monitor the CGM while separated.  You'll also need a way to communicate which can be something like iMessage or WhatsApp if using the internet package on two phones or the cruise line specific texting.  Note that I have found the cruise line texting apps to be very hit or miss in how well they function and don't trust them.  We use iMessage which works fine as long as all phones are Apple and you have the internet package on both.  I like iMessage because I can see if message was delivered and read.  My understanding is the WhatsApp is a good alternative if not all phones are Apple, but I have never used it.  Also consider different types of pumps.  We use Omnipod which is nice because they can be kept on even in pools, waterslides, and the ocean.  One thing to consider though is the adhesive for pumps/pods and GGMs.  They tend to not work as well after exposure to sweat, chlorine water, salt water, and being more active.  Backup adhesive/overlays can be very helpful.

My primary advice is that you have to adjust expectations for the time on the cruise.  It will be VERY challenging to start.  Especially with a recent diagnosis.  Our first goal is to avoid low blood sugar.  This can be very challenging as a child may be much more active than usual on a cruise.  Reducing your basal shot or pump basal rate can be helpful, but that is going to be very specific to the child.  Secondary goal is to prevent highs, but my tolerance of highs is adjusted up a good bit during the time on the cruise.  You will not be perfect.  There is no way around this.  Do the best you can.  Prevent lows and major highs.  Do your best not to let DM ruin her (and your) vacation.  Having set reasonable expectations for both her and you can make this more manageable.  Remember that it will get easier.  CGM goes a long way here as the alternative is a lot of finger sticks.  It is very important that she stay hydrated.  Have hydration plans for ports and shore excursions.

Our diabetic child tends to eat the same things repeatedly.  I have been doing this long enough that I don't necessarily need to carb count because they don't stray far from the usual.  Adjustments using a pump are also helpful if I miss on estimated insulin needs.  The cruise lines don't generally have carb counts available unfortunately.  You are welcome to ask, but don't be surprised if you don't get an answer.  Use apps to estimate.  Consider goals above regarding lows and highs when dosing.  This will require trial and error unfortunately.  It is hard to give specifics here.

Our child never really took to Kids Clubs.  I think that was partially due to diabetes.  The staff want to be helpful but are very limited in what they can do.  If you are lucky, one of the staff members has experience with DM1.  This is an area where the independence and age of your child make a big difference.  The ability to monitor blood sugar and communicate can also make a big difference.  I don't have much else to add as our child hasn't spent much time in the Kids Clubs.

When packing, have backups for your backups.  That's for everything.  Insulin, pump supplies, CGM supplies, glucose monitor, test strips, preferred sugar/glucose source for lows, etc.  Whatever it is, assume that you can not easily replace if lost or broken.  Try to keep insulin cold without freezing if at all possible.  You will leave insulin in a hotel or stateroom refrigerator at least once.  You will end up with a good sized bag just for DM supplies.  Give yourself extra time to get through security at both airports and ports.  Technically DM technology should not go through x-ray machines although some will tell you that no damage is caused.  We still avoid the x-ray machine and request that child not go through the scanner when wearing DM tech.

TL;DR. Try not to get overwhelmed.  It does get better although it will remain a challenge.  Avoid lows.  Learn from mistakes.  Triple pack everything.  Give yourself extra time for everything.  If not using a CGM, insist on starting one.  Remember you are on vacation.

Does Oasis OTS have a Wonderland?

Looking forward to following as we are on Oasis at the end of May.  Really hope Aqua80 is up and running by then.

On the flip side, we are very excited that Lazer Tag is on the schedule.  I don't think it's been running.  Only seems to be a few hours on two nights, but my sons and I will take what we can get.

3 hours ago, cruisetorelax44 said:

Mushroom soup is the best thing you'll eat on any ship! 

Not sure I can agree with the "any ship" part, but the mushroom soup was the most memorable thing I consumed at Chops on Mariner a few years ago.  Initially tried the Lobster Bisque and it was just ok.  Tried the mushroom soup towards the end of the cruise and wished I had tried earlier.  Looking forward to having it again on Oasis in a few weeks.  Everything else we had was very good, but the mushroom soup was amazing.

Update:

I finally received back email communication from Carnival about 2 weeks after my first email to them.  Their records showed that the Refund was emailed.  I've searched my Junk and Trash but cannot find the email.  They have told me that it will be re-issued via email.

So as @labscientiststated above, they are sending out gift card refunds via email.

2 hours ago, n6uqqq said:

Carnival never reloads gift cards ever. You can read about that in the terms and conditions of gift cards. Like you said they will send you new ones via FEDEX usually. I have on a couple occasions received egift cards as a refund but this is not the norm (but should be to save them money for FEDEX 2nd day). I always square my account before leaving the ship, even if that entails loading money left over onto casino account and then cashing out. I really don't like the uncertainty of Carnival having to send me new gift cards and getting through on the phone being a long arduous task.

I've used gift cards for OBC multiple times and have received any amount owed back very quickly.  This is the first time it is a problem.  Getting everything back in your pocket using the casino is a good idea.  Having never had a problem before, it wasn't something I considered.

The real frustration for me is that there seems to be no way to talk to someone at Carnival about it.

16 minutes ago, iamsteph said:

Does Carnival use your refundable OBC first when applying it to your balance? 

Carnival uses non-refundable OBC first.  Once that is used up I think the order goes Refundable OBC, Gift Card OBC, and finally credit card/cash.

Our final Folio clearly states that they owe use money.

32 minutes ago, rwilk1129 said:

Did you check the balance on your gift card? They sometimes refund onto gift card that you used.

Despite the fact that Carnival crew/employees tell you to hold onto the card, they don't have any way to "reload" the balance.  I have confirmed that previously with Carnival.  Also I have confirmed that the balance on the card is 0.

We've been back about a month from the Carnival Sunshine.  Really fun cruise although it's a challenge getting used to normal capacity again.  We had a good bit of OBC from prior cancellations.  A small amount of that OBC was refundable although I'm not entirely sure why.  I also put down a gift card of a little over $300 (around $306 I think) to back up the OBC.  Our folio at the end of the cruise says we were owed back $323.  A few days after the cruise I received a check for a little over $12.  I have not yet received anything for the gift card refund.  In the past, I have received the gift card refund via FedEx just a few days after the cruise.  I have called, but Carnival doesn't have anyone taking phone calls for after cruise issues.  I have emailed guestcare at carnival but have not received any response other than an automated email that in no way addressed the issue.  I have DM'd Carnival on Twitter.  They responded but said there was nothing they could do.

Does anyone know of an alternate contact?  I'd really like to either get the money back or get an update as to why it has not been returned.  Thanks for any help. 

Interesting that a lot of people are saying that they get Baileys on Carnival.  I regularly drink coffee with Irish cream for breakfast and at the end of dinner.  Carnival got rid of Baileys in 2019 (I think).  They offer a different brand of Irish cream.  It is similar but not quite the same.  I can't recall the name.  Baileys was available on my NYE cruise 2018-19.  Then later in 2019 I was told they no longer had Bailey's on Valor.  No Bailey's on recent Horizon and Sunshine cruises.  Right after they got rid of it, if you asked for Baileys they would let you know that they had Irish cream but not specifically Baileys.  Now if you ask for Baileys they just serve you the alternative brand.

33 minutes ago, mjkacmom said:

Have you booked your tickets from Statue cruises yet? I recommend getting pedestal tickets if it’s not too late. Make sure to have ID.

Thanks.  I will look into this.

1 hour ago, navybankerteacher said:

For two nights why not consider a hotel in Manhattan - which is not that far from Cape Liberty, and offers more interesting ways to spend the time?

1 hour ago, njhorseman said:

My main thought is that Manhattan should be toured on foot, not on a bus. I would consider a HOHO bus as the only reasonable exception to that. What does your planned bus tour cover? How much time do you spend with your feet on the ground as opposed to sitting on the bus?

I also agree with @navybankerteacher's suggestion to stay in Manhattan.

Thanks for the replies.  I did consider a hotel in Manhattan.  For a family of 5, finding the right hotel at a reasonable price can be a challenge.  Also I generally found planning for NYC to be quite overwhelming compared to the other trips I've planned.  I spent a good amount of time researching.  Ultimately the Hyatt House seemed to offer the right mix of factors for us with reasonable accomodations, "reasonable" price, and easy access to transportation.  I will do another search to see if anything new presents itself, but prices seem to have gone up since my original searches several months ago.

One of our children has some special needs that make all day walking tours a potentially difficult proposition.  For our first trip with really only two days of touring, my thinking was to try and see a little bit of everything.  Then we can decide on where to focus for potential future trips.  As I said, I found this planning experience to be overwhelming.  I'd like to get my feet wet just a little and have jumping off points for future trips.

The tour description is as follows:

Make your way to Midtown Manhattan, to meet your guide and group. Board a mini-bus for a ride through Times Square, passing Radio City Music Hall, NBC Studios, Rockefeller Center, and St. Patrick's Cathedral while your guide narrates their history. Stop for a short guided walkthrough. Next, head to Fifth Avenue and Madison Square Park, with time for photos of the Flatiron Building and Empire State Building. From there, it’s Trinity Church and the 9/11 Memorial. You also see some of the oldest architecture in Manhattan in South Street Seaport. Hop on the Staten Island Ferry. On board, hear commentary and take in views of the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, Governor’s Island, and Brooklyn Bridge. During off-season (January 1 to April 1), take a guided tour around Grand Central Terminal instead. End at the tour’s starting point in midtown. [End description]

I appreciate any replies and will re-evaluate.  Thanks

My family of 5 are going on Oasis leaving 5/29.  This is our first trip to the area.  We will be spending 2.5 days or so before the cruise leaves.  We are booked in the Hyatt House Jersey City.

Current plans are the following:

Arrive LGA on Thursday, 5/26 mid-afternoon.  Plan on booking car service for trip to Hyatt House.  Seems like Dial7 or Carmel get the most mentions and seem to have similar price points.

Friday: Take ferry from Paulus Hook to Midtown.  Take complimentary bus to location for a bus tour of NYC.  Any suggestions for bus tours would be appreciated.  Currently plan on booking the top ranked on other travel site for $99/person.  Tour is 6 hours.  Take bus back to ferry for trip from Midtown back to Paulus Hook.

Saturday: Plan to check out Ellis Island and SoL.  Likely use local rail +/- ferry for this.

Sunday: UberXL or car service from Hyatt House to Port.  Is it worth booking a car service for this or are rideshare services readily available?  Looks like car service base fare would be about $85.

Following Sunday: Cruise returns.  Plan to again book car service for trip from port to LGA.  Our flight isn't until 4pm, so we have plenty of time.

Any thoughts or feedback from those more experienced would be greatly appreciated.  The only things set in stone are the cruise, the flights, and the hotel (not entirely set in stone but seems like the best option and booked at reasonable price).

Thanks

Youtube Music worked for me on the Basic (non-premium) plan on Horizon last October.  I was surprised that it worked on the Basic plan.  I would expect that music streaming would work without any problems on the Premium plan but cannot personally verify.

Thanks for the replies.  I'm looking at booking a later flight.

We are scheduled on Oasis of the Seas out of Cape Liberty in late May 2022.  I have no experience traveling to/from NYC or surrounding areas and am hoping to get some advice from those more experienced with the area.

LGA is really the only airport with direct flights.  Current plan is to arrive on Thursday before Sunday embarkation.  We have a reservation at the Hyatt House in Jersey City for 3 nights.  We are hoping to use ferry rides to explore NYC, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty.

My main concern is the flight home when we return on Sunday.  There are no reasonable options out of EWR, so it is not an option.  As such we will be flying out of LGA.  There is an 11:50 flight.  There are also a couple flights around 4PM.  I've heard that travel to LGA isn't as bad as it used to be as a lot of the construction is complete.  Is it reasonable to book an 11:50 flight out of LGA on the Sunday of disembarkation?  

Also, any general advice would be appreciated.  Thanks for any help in advance.

19 hours ago, Saint Greg said:

its only $15. It’s significantly better than anything I have on the ship other than the steakhouse and there are only three ships in the fleet on which you can have it.

Don't forget about the Sunshine.  Also has a JiJi's.

2 hours ago, Saint Greg said:

That bartender is a bit of a joker. He folded this napkin and put a lime under it so it seemingly floated across the bar

 

 

Smokehouse bartenders on the Horizon were doing the exact same thing a couple week ago.

We did this on Roatan in January 2019 on the Dream.  We put together a kit of school supplies for kids and wanted to drop them off at a local school.  We also had arranged a local private tour that had agreed to help facilitate this.  I tried to arrange things through Guest Services to do things by the book, but Guest Services really had no idea what to do.  Different crew on a different occasion may have been more helpful in arranging a legal and allowable way of doing this.  I will elect not to go into detail about how we decided to proceed.  What we did may or may not have been allowable, and I do not want to encourage others to do something that may get them in trouble.  I will say that we were successful in delivering the school supplies to the school without incident.

I will also add that the actual experience of delivering the supplies didn't feel quite "right."  The children were happy but didn't seem very enthusiastic about the experience.  It felt like a contrived experience created for the entertainment of the "rich Americans."  In retrospect I wonder how much of what we delivered was actually left with the children and how much ended up in the hands of the tour operator (or someone else) to sell.  I have a very strong suspicion that the experience was a scam in a sense.  We were with a very popular and well regarded tour company.  I will not mention who as I have only feelings and no specific proof to offer about the experience.  My wife who is generally pretty trusting walked away with the same feeling as me.  Others who have done this may have had a totally different experience.

Ultimately I decided that between the potential legal issues and the sense that the whole thing wasn't on the "up and up," I would not attempt that same type of charity again.  I think there are more "legitimate" ways of giving through organizations that are less likely to get you in trouble and more likely to offer direct assistance to those who need it.  It's been almost three years now, so I haven't done any recent research in those types of organizations but know that they exist.

I appreciate any attempt at giving and wanted to offer up my experience and thoughts.  Hopefully you are able to figure out a legal and effective way to be charitable.

Off Horizon a week ago.  I did not get an official capacity number but heard numbers between 40-60% which sounds about right.