V_V

We were just there last week and didn't find the construction to be bothersome at all.

We exited the port, turned right, then walked until that street forced us to turn left (to walk around the hotel) and make a right again. It was not a long walk at all. 

Plenty of food and drink vendors at the beach. We snorkeled right off the beach (on our own, no tour) and enjoyed it.

We also walked all over Nassau and never once felt unsafe. Many streets lack sidewalks, so be aware of your surroundings. 

Woohoo!! Yay for single digit two-stepping and finger snapping. 

Thank you, and all Veterans, for your service!! 

Just now, HollyHobbie22 said:

Interesting....I didn't know if you purchased alcohol from the Fun Shop you got to take it right then. I thought it was held until the last night. This may be a nice option for some. 

You can buy bottles online, before you board the ship, to have delivered to your room. 

I think I read online that as long as they are not the duty-free bottles, you can have them in your room. I think....

We've purchased bottles on board and mixed our own drinks throughout the cruise. We didn't find it to be an inconvenience at all. 

I hope it is. We will be using them for a tour in Nov. I'll try to remember to come back and update this post. 

We got $15 refunded to our credit card. 

There are other drinks covered by the Cheers package besides alcohol. Perhaps the OP would also like specialty coffees, soda, energy drinks, bottled water, etc. 

I can't remember if I read somewhere that smoothies/milkshakes were also included.

We received a $14 refund, back to our credit card, from Carnival and were advised, by others on this board, that it was more than likely due to the port fees changing since our itinerary changed.

We also received an OBC for $50 each, the price difference, when our rates dropped a couple months ago. We use a travel agent outside of Carnival and when I checked with him last week, I was told we still have the best rate for our category. I have not received a cabin upgrade and don't know how they determine who gets those.

Thanks for the great review, @natefish95!! We will be boarding Freedom in a couple weeks.

Do you recall what areas were open for lunch on embarkation day? It's been several years since we have cruised and I think I've read that a few places are open for a free lunch buffet, other than the MDR. I'm not sure if they are normally places that charge so they have a small menu that's free on the first day? 

On 10/29/2021 at 1:50 PM, DGNewton said:

Use every prop or excuse seems to be a common thread and once adaptoped, there is no going back....fact of life....

I completely agree with this. 😕

I was told that we couldn't cancel our pre-aid gratuities if it was within 90 days of sailing. Is this not correct? Have others been successful?

19 hours ago, work2cruise52 said:

Where are you seeing updated stops?  We are still showing Grand Turk on Dec 1 on the Freedom.

We received an email from Carnival that stated our itinerary change. I believe I read somewhere that GT is re-opening in November but on a limited capacity so maybe the cruise lines are alternating days?

1 hour ago, CharmCity2000 said:

 My Dec cruise itinerary includes Grand Turk and Amber Cove.  Do you have any idea of what would be the substitution for Grand Turk since Amber Cove is already on the itinerary?

Our Nov cruise had Grand Turk and Amber Cove. GT was replaced with Nassau.
Day 1 - leave Miami
Day 2 - Nassau
Day 3 - Princess Cays
Day 4 - Sea day
Day 5 - Amber Cove
Day 6 - Sea Day
Day 7 - Arrive in Miami

42 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

 My theory is if you have something booked maybe they woukdnt send those low offers to get you to come back. True the prices have never been lower. Wish I'd waited to book.

I thought the same thing but we have cruise booked in Nov and another in April. I don't have any casino or drink offers but the VIFP rates are super low. I found a short cruise (3-5 days) for less than $90 per person. The port fees/taxes were more than the room rate/gratuities. 😲

I don't know if we are going to see any better deals than what is out there right now. They are struggling to fill (the reduced capacity) of some of these ships. I would go ahead and book it now.

I hope you guys come back and post about your experience!! We are on it next month!! 

16 hours ago, DramaQueen22 said:

Booked this trip 569 days ago.  Pre Covid...who knew what would happen between then and now.  

 

We are FINALLY in single digits for our 8 day on the Horizon.  Now just to get over the testing hurdle and I will start to relax.

Yay!! Hope you have a great time!! We are still 38 days out. 

1 hour ago, Rob19462 said:

Any idea how far in advance they are letting passengers know?

They are still taking shore excursion reservations for Cayman in December when the government there will not be opening up yet.

We were notified on September 2nd for a port change on our November cruise (Grand Turks closed). The itinerary changes only mentioned November. I would imagine you should be notified soon for your December cruise. Have you checked your SPAM folder? 

1 hour ago, Neals6 said:

Did anyone notice on Carnival's website that you cannot book a cruise out of Charleston until June 2022? I am booked for Jan. 31st 2022 and I usually go and check the prices. Do you think that it will be cancelled? I just wanted to get someone else's opinion.

Maybe it was a hiccup because I was able to go through the steps of booking a Jan 2022 cruise from Charleston.

27 minutes ago, difi said:

Anyone on the Freedom right now?

The Freedom doesn't leave until this weekend.

@CILCIANRQTS Thank you!

How exciting!! We are still 44 days out over here.

I'm not sure if we are on the same Nov cruise or not....if it makes a difference to anyone with experience, our itinerary changed. Our sea days are now Wednesday and Friday (boarding the ship on Sunday).

Can anyone recommend vegetarian friendly food choices in Nassau? Or did anyone at least notice if there were some options available?