MandaR

Thanks. I will reread the spirit site, again it's a first time for flying them too.  If I can print free at airport I'm ok with that. We have plenty of time between disembarking and flying out.

We are travelling from Canada so hoping to keep phones 'off' during our vacation to save roaming costs.  That said I am pretty sure online passes are not an option, although would be much easier.

  I'm heading on my first cruise at the end of this week, travelling on the Carnival Ecstasy.

  We fly to/from port on Spirit Airlines.  I've done my research and know the pros/cons to this, but we are making it work within our budget. It is alot less stressful than our 19 hour drive with three kids.

  I just realized that although I'm printing my arrival boarding passes at home the day before we fly.  I am on the ship during the 24hours before the return flight.  Spirit charges us $10/pass to print at airport so a $50 cost to me.

  Does the ship have an option for me to print the final night from there? At least for under $50?  I of course am also not purchasing any internet packages, so I will need access to my account too.

  Just checking this so I can plan those extra funds if needed.

TIA.

Thank you everyone I think of got a clear idea of what we are doing.  

3 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

They will hold a lot more than $100 deposit on boarding if OP’s “my family” means the number of people it suggests. You do not “pay off...the final night”;  you put on advance deposit with them whatever amount is indicated - and they will cut off any and all on board spending when that deposit is exhausted.   There is no way they will let you run up a bill and hope to get it from you before you debark.

We are a family of 5. Three are children and I'm not giving them spending credit.

 From what I read it's a $100 hold per cabin for a five day trip.  Do they charge more because we have kids?

 If hubby and I spend $300 in drinks during our trip.  I go down the final night and pay that $300 off with cash, but have my card registered do they not just charge anything I spend that night on the card?

 To the reverse if I've already handed them $600 cash and we spent $550 as of the final night. I go to guest services, link my card and they charge anything above that remaining $50 on it?

 Now I'm confused, why do they say no cash only credit cards if I'm not allowed to run a 'tab' on that card? And why is it not ok to pay that tab off with cash prior to being charged on a card?

3 hours ago, Schoifmom said:

 

You have a few choices here (I always travel with a cash account on Carnival). 

1.  You can keep your credit card listed on your account AND apply cash at the time you embark.  Carnival will use the cash before processing charges to your credit card.  

2.  You can wait until later in the cruise and apply cash to your account either at Guest Services or using the kiosk.

Either method is totally up to you.  I normally only apply cash and then will add later in the cruise if it appears we are going to spend more than expected.

 

 

The hold Carnival places on your credit card is not a deposit, it is a hold.  The amount depends on the length of your cruise.  This hold will fall off sometime after you cruise, tying up your available balance for a period of time following the cruise.  This is why it is never recommended to use a debit card (not that you said you were, just as a point of reference).  You can avoid the hold altogether by simply using the cash on your account.  If you find that you may be going over your cash deposit, you can always go to GS or the kiosk and add the credit card (they will place a hold if you end up presenting it).

Oh perfect.  So I may not need to link any C.C.?  Say I get on board and "deposit" $600 cash for our 5 day cruise. They simply use that till/if gone?  Than I can watch the account various ways, if I'm getting to higher than the $600 I link my card?

  What happens if I deposit the $600, but only spend $500? Is it the same ease to get the remaining funds back?

1 minute ago, Philob said:

Some people settle their account on the last night and let any subsequent charges go on their card.  This is to avoid the lines at the reception desk on the last morning or if you have to get off the ship asap.

Yes, this is what I was thinking as well. Bringing my cash and paying off what I owe the final night. If we've overspent, or decide to splurge that evening it will be the only extra charge on my C.C.

  They hold a $100 deposit at embarkation.  My hope is that is all we end up spending above my cash.

 My family will be on our first cruise is in three weeks.  We are booked with Carnival.

  I've been reading and learning alot about basic ettiqute, fees, excursion, the ship and so on.

I understand they link my credit card to my account and any on ship purchases are processed directly through the ship card/my credit card.

  What I am wondering is whether I can bring cash, and pay that balance before it's charged on my C.C.?  I prefer travelling this way to keep me on a budget

Thanks

First time cruiser here

We are on a Carnival Cruise in August.

We have twostops

  Princess Cays and an excursion at Blue Lagoon Island.

  I know on the ship we can refill water as needed.  What about the excursions? It's pretty much two beach days in the Bahamas.  This is a family trip so water will be our drink of choice.

Will water be provided off the ship? If not can I bring bottled water with us from it? Asking ahead as it appears cheaper to order water online from the App than purchasing last minute on the ship.

Thank you

Thanks.  I had planned to book our port to airport shuttle directly through Carnival, however seeing their price compared to a taxi or local shuttle I'd prefer to save.  Our flight doesn't leave till 2pm, so am I safe to assume getting a cheaper ride will be easy?

 We are a family of 5 exploring our first cruise this August.

 We arrive the night before departure and are staying at the Comfort Suites Airport 

Wondering what are best option is to get from Hotel to Port? The hotel does not offer a shuttle there.

Thanks

1 hour ago, JonesCruiser1978 said:

Could I ask what the name of the excursion was through Carnival?  Very interested!

Dolphin Adventure, Waterpark, Beach and Lunch for all. 

It did not appear on my excursion page as an option until around 80 days out.

Also doing my research I think the dolphin ADVENTURE will just be a brief kiss and 'hand shake' as opposed to the slightly more scaled EXPERIENCE. Still ok for my family at this point though.

Thank you so much CruisinCrow that's so helpful.  This is all so new to me and I just want things to run smooth lol.  Scubagirrl, my TA told me to carry a print out of our passports to use. Would this work as I.D. with credit card, or should I still bring my license? 

Is anyone going to Blue Lagoon island soon(ish) or recently.

I am a first time cruiser and we are heading to the Bahamas in August with Carnival.

I feel like we got a great deal for a Dolphin encounter program, floaties park and lunch on the island so I booked it.

There are just a few things I am wondering, or clarifying based on my research. Sorry I'm a planner so I have a list.  

We are at Port 8-5. Since we booked the excursion directly through Carnival am I right to assume transport to/from the ferry dock is included. I don't see anything stating otherwise.

 What time are they going to make us leave the island? I have yet to be given a time for the encounter, but hate feeling rushed.

The island website says you may be able to upgrade to a dolphin swim upon arrival. Does anyone know the cost of this upgrade? If it even an option for cruise bookings?

Last post about photo costs was about $150 for USB. Still that cost? 

If hubby or I want an alcoholic drink what would it cost? What about water? Cost? Refill area if we bring a bottle?

Thinking of costs, are they like other Nassau tourist areas and I plan just my credit card, or should I have cash?

If anyone has photos of price boards, times etc, and are allowed to share, it would be appreciated. I have tried contacting the island as well as Carnival for answers with no response.

Thank you

I know I'm bumping old but thank you so much! I am in a serious stress mode about whether our (first ever, family) August cruise on the ecstasy will be wrecked due to 5 of us in an oceanview stateroom. It's funny that seeing your photos make me think it will be ok.

On 12/20/2018 at 10:18 AM, jwcruise1 said:

Original post was back in September, just wondering if OP has made a decision and if so what did they decide to book?

Just being curious (or nosey, whichever)

We are booked for August 2019. Five of us on the Carnival Ecstasy (one room) going to the Bahamas for a five day cruise.

    My hope is to book my family of 5 the Atlantis package for our Nassau port day.  At this point I'm looking at the priciest option so that we can combine a dolphin encounter with the water park.   Now I'm finding 3 different packages (or the same really) at three different prices.  Wondering if others have booked through these sites and can help direct me to which one is really saving money.

  Bahama day Pass-   This is the one I'm leaning towards at the moment, its the combo of Dolphin encounter, Atlantis park and lunch and running at $204 US.  Is this a trustworthy company to book through?   

  Carnival-  I can book the same excursion directly through my ship, however the website for them states that it is Dolphin Encounter and Atlantis park for $205.  There is no mention of lunch included however and just wondering if this is just not mentioned or truly not an option. Obviously I'd rather pay $1 less and include lunch if that is good site to use.

  Finally since I am in Canada and booked through my local cruise agency they also offer the excursions to me.  I can book the same package as Bahama Day pass, Dolphin, Atlantis and lunch combo.  I was told "we offer the best prices and Canadian funds" however that package is coming up at $316 CAN each. I know exchange varies, but not certain it will add up to an additional $112.   That said if it makes more sense to book all through one company for convenience than I'd consider it.

   I guess typing it out my option seems obvious, but since I'm a first timer I'd love to hear feedback from these excursions/companies to make sure when I get there I know I'm not going to somehow end up scammed.   

Oh also as a side, does anyone know the current photo prices for the Dolphin Cay encounter.  If I spend the $$$ on the USB option that will include ALL photos from the 5 of us?  Is it hard to get/order/etc.?

TIA

Thank you Parkslopegal  at this point we will probably run the same thing.  The dolphin encounter is way to pricey, but being able to explore the aquarium and hang out on the beach will still be a great time.

15 hours ago, scubagirrl said:

I'm afraid it would be cutting it very close.  Keep in mind that you would need to depart Atlantis at 3:45pm to get over the bridge before traffic backs up starting around 4pm.  Otherwise, you could miss your departure time.   You need to be onboard at 4:30.

 

You wouldn't make the first ferry over so likely have to take the 10:30 ferry.  . leaving just an hour and 1/2 for Atlantis.. 

 

As for the observer pass.. yes, there is one, but one of you will need to pay for an encounter in order for your kids to do the program.   

Here's the info from the website.

Dolphin Swim
Guests age 5 or younger are not allowed in this program. Guests ages 6 to 12 must be accompanied (in the water) by a participating paying adult (parent or guardian must be at least 18 years of age).Guests age 13 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult (Observer ticket is accepted) who needs to sign the liability waiver.

Dolphin Encounter
Guests age 3 or younger receive free admission if accompanied in the program by a participating paying adult (parent or guardian at least 18 years of age).Guests ages 4 to 12 pay normal price and must be accompanied (in the water) by a participating paying adult.

 

Thank you, I was trying to find this information and somehow couldn't see it.  Looks like hubby and I will have to participate anyhow, but the time restraint is also a worry.  Thanks again.

  I am in the early stages of figuring out my excursions.  We make a stop in Nassau, not 100% sure on times, but I believe it is 8am to 5pm.  

 I am hoping to give the kids the excursion as a part of their holiday gift, and they are interested in both Atlantis and a dolphin encounter. So pretty much most expensive options that are there.  From what I'm seeing prices are pretty much the same no matter what company I check.

  So my question is that I can save about $40 PP (we are a family of 5) booking the Blue Lagoon Dolphin encounter and than just the half day pass to explore Atlantis. No water park, but 'The Dig' is what they are actually interested in seeing.  However will I have time to do this?  If I can get a morning encounter than catch the ferry back to Atlantis in time to wonder the site until we need to return?

  Also if my husband and I really would not feel left out if we just watched the kids with the Dolphins is there a spectator pass option?  I can't see anything about it, but my kids are 8, 10. and 16 so maybe they can go in without us and we can save some funds?  Anyone know if this is an option? 

9 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

I think we can lay this to rest, as the OP started another thread about transportation from a hotel in JAX to a supermarket to buy sodas.  EM

 Yes, sorry my TA was able to get my flight switched to the day before our cruise.  Adding to that bonus our total flight/transport dropped $360!  I will need to add a hotel and shuttles, but I'm guessing it will still be under the $300 mark.  Plus I was paying for a hotel the night prior either way since initially it was a 6am flight.

  For return at this point I've left it.  I am researching my insurance options as well as what the Fly2Fun program really offers if I miss that flight, but I did mention there was at least some time flexibility if we miss that flight, if not a lot of funds.

Thanks.  Any chance there is a grocery delivery? Lol sorry I'm a Disney regular and have used grocery delivery there. Most likely though it will still be cheaper to cab to and from a grocery store...or a variety store maybe.  5 of us having 36 cans over five days is plenty and still less than buying the cruise package I'd assume.

First time cruiser. My family leaves Jacksonville in August.  We fly in the day before our ship leaves and seems like there are quite a few hotels that can at least shuttle us to/from the airport. I will have to figure out how to get to port later.

 I am wondering are there any hotels within easy walking distance of a grocery store.  Since we have the extra time I'd like to grab a few 12packs of soda and save the funds.  

Thanks

  I am a first timer.  One of the reasons I booked our cruise with a stop in Nassau is that Atlantis has been on my bucket list since I was a kid.  Of course it is also one of the most expensive options out there and my own children are asking to top it with a dolphin encounter.  Thankfully I can pretend justify this added cost since the excursion is going to be the kids holiday gift this year.

   There are so many different options out there to book these excursions.  My TA sent me a link, the cruise has their own and it seems like each search has a dozen different people offering the same thing.

  What I have decided is I like the option offered by Bahamas day Pass which for one price includes everything I need with positive reviews.  My question is, since I'm not booking with the cruise line or my TA what steps should I know?  I see we are responsible for our own transport to Atlantis, but have also seen that it should not be a big issue.  Are there any concerns I should know when booking through an 'outside' source? 

  Hopefully I make sense, I just don't want to miss something or be penalized because I booked our excursion through someone other than my TA or Cruise line.

5 hours ago, donaldsc said:

 

 

If it is at all possible, I would fire the person who is masquerading as a TA and make every effort rebook your flight for the day before.  Also, the $150 fee for the airport transfer is highway robbery.

 

The supposed TA may charge you a fee to switch the reservation to another TA or to Carnival but if they do, bump it up the chain of command at Carnival until you get to someone who can get it done.  

 

It is a shame that you are not allowed to mention a TA's name on CC since all of us would be interested in the name of your TA.

 

DON

My husband keeps saying the same thing.   I have never really used a TA for vacations before, and like now am usually over informed by the time I book things.  Having no idea about cruising I thought a TA would be useful for money saving ideas and tips to get the best experience. I have never really flown anywhere either, we've always driven to past vacations, so the flight part of it was what had me worried about getting a deal to start with.  The TA has booked everything directly through Carnival, so the price I have is the same as what they would charge me on my own I'm assuming.  Knowing its high, but hoping once they change my flights (and I've been told it will get sorted out today) I can relax and go back to looking into the fun things to do on this trip.

1 hour ago, Krazy Kruizers said:

Not arriving until 2 PM on day of departure would stress me out.

 

I book our own flights and we do arrive a couple of days early.

 

I hope you can get all this straightened to suit you.

 

Please keep us updated on what happens when you talk to your TA.

Thanks, I tried calling but no answer so have also emailed my TA. Hoping it's just a quick fix, but who knows.  Font looks fine for me.