LOVINCRUIZIN

I set this up through the onboard check in process before we cruise. Then there is no need to visit guest services.

Again, on Carnival, you can manage via a kiosk to also avoid the lines, if you want to make a change

there is something very fishy about this thread

It is always fun to get on board as early as you can. To view the ship and to explore have a quiet meal and a drink or two and watch the fun from the Deck.

So true. We did a B2B in December, and really enjoyed that day. This pormpted me to purchse FTTF for my next cruise in April

If we get back near the ship early, we choose to make a stop at Senor Frogs, which is RIGHT next to the pier. A fun time, and a pool

My kids are 10 and 13 and we cruise often. I bring a couple of fun lanyards for each of them. Each cruise line if different in terms of how you set up onboard accounts for them.

On RC, I don;t set one up. I give them cash for the arcade, which they can load on the card themselves.

On carnival, I use the kiosk to give them a limit daily.

As for shopping, I prefer to be with them when they want to make a purchase, and I just use my card.

My debit card = my control :)

Don't discount Carnival Breeze (or, for a smaller option, Carnival Splendor - my favorite ship).

I love the comedy shows on Carnival. There is only an occassional show on RC, but almost nightly on Carnival. And the casino perks on Carnival are superior to RC.

We docked nect to Getaway, but have not been on a NCL ship. It was definitely lively and have read great things about their casino program and would consider them for myself.

Happy planning:)

Agree that there is very little difference.

Don't discount Carnival.

We have had some better carnival experiences than certain RC experiences.

Ports and passengers are factors. Think about the length of the cruise, where it is visiting, where it leaves from, and what time of year and you may be able to determine who your fellow passengers will be. THAT, IMO, makes or breaks a cruise.

I think you AND your guests would prefer a Caribbean cruise

AOS - cheaper price nad a great itinerary :)

Stay positive :D

I sailed with my BF and two kids for 2 weeks. I asked mykids to choose 2 connecting interiors or a balcony for 4, and they chose the balcony. It worked fine. The hardest part was coordinating the bathroom use before dinner.

I would just ask for a little alone time (or work it around her schedule).

The cabin is a small part of the cruise.

You sound like you will definitely make it work - and you saved some money in the process!!!

I am a FTTF fan, but generally take longer cruises. Getting priority boarding, debarkation are worth it to me. Are you tendering at any port? Another consideration. And it's nice to have a priority line at the service desk. It's subjective, but to me the $50 is a small price to pay for the priority handling.

If you decide, get it quickly, as they do sell out quickly.

And if you're Platinum, you buy one get one free :D

No - but I'll guess $20

I would just check with your particular travel insuracne carrier. I think this is a great solution to get you where you need to be.

Good luck!

It is just starting to fall in the Hudson Valley.

One year, the cruise before us was delayed coming up the coast to Bayonne (they followed the storm). We were not notified and sat in Bayonne waiting. We finally left NJ at midnight.

Aside from port changes on a couple of occasions, never had a weather problem.

Anyone ever had a bad experience?

I just did my single digit dance. I wil be on Splendor next week doing the Western Caribbean itinerary. I plan on going to the steakhouse the first night. I look forward to the ports, especially Cozumel. I was on Splendor twice last year. It is a great ship

 

Anyone esle doing the single digit dance for Splendor?:cool:

no - but jealous ;) we just broke into double digits :cool:

NEVER will any cruiselines have the formal night on the last sea day. PEople are packing up and putting their luggage in the hall.

 

 

Splendors formal nights are Monday and Friday

You are SO right - sorry :o It's been the second to last. GUess I should be paying 100% attention to CC and stop trying to work at the same time:eek:

Neither, Royal Caribbean

 

 

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I too was a loyal royal once - now I mix it up. I find as many reasons to sail Carnival as Royal Caribbean.

I am a single mother traveling with 2 kids. I have done this 10+ times and have no hesitation. Other islands I might not give you the same answer, but here I am confident. Just give yourself a little extra time to get back. Depending on how many ships in port, the traffic could be bad and 20 minutes could take you 40.

Have a great time!!!

Coral World is a 20 minute taxi drive. I would take a shuttle over and just reserve a time directly with Coral worls for any activity you want to do there. Coki Beach is right next to it to finish your day, and the transporation back is readily available. I would never take a cruise ship excursion to Coral World - it's very easy to do on your own

my fav carnival ship. i love the size of it. the rear pool is adults only. the rotisserie is yummy and quiet. the layout is smart. the steakhouse is awesome. the crew is wonderful, and the casino staff is by far the best at sea!!!

There will certainly be spa specials in port, if you choose to take advantage of them. If not, you will notice the ship being very sparse with passengers, so you can enjoy "your" ship that day!

Eastern and Western itineraries are more common. If you have the ability to do Souther Caribbean ports, take advantage of it. Next time you can always book an Eastern itinerary and start filling in the islands you missed :cool:

Enjoy the Cruise! RCI are my preference however yet to try Carnival

IMO opinion, they each have their strong points and I sail both depending on the experience I am seeking at the time.

Have an awesome cruise!

Thanks for the replies. I contacted NCL and got a great reply regarding the food allergies and CPap.

I asked a police officer friend, who is an avid solo cruiser, regarding security and he reassured me and gave me the advice to watch what and how much I drink.

Now I just have to decide Western or Eastern Caribbean. Fortunately living in Miami I could do both as I'm not paying for flights and hotels.

or both :cool:

One year I forgot to pack underwear for my kids when they were about 5 and 8. Luckily they lived in bathing suits and I washed the one pair they wore each night and hung to dry. They threw them out when we got home, and they still laugh about it BUT now they do their own packing (at ages 9 and 12)!!!