BigDfromTN

We sailed her in March of this year.

We spent most of our time on board up in the Serenity area, Our cabin was on deck 11.

Only time we smelled the odor was late in the trip just forward of the atrium around the shops or photo areas. (cant remember exactly which one). A friend was on one of the lower decks and said it was more prevalent down there.

I mentioned it to our PVP and was told it is a by product of turning sea water into drinking water. ????

Will be sailing on sunshine in October :) just upgraded to an interior spa room 11003 from interior 2206. Has anyone had this Cabin? This will only be my 2nd cruise, we were lower midship on the 1st. I'm a little concerned about the swaying and getting sea sick. Never got sea sick on the previous Paradise cruise at all. Also we are 2 adults and a 15 yr old. Hoping we won't be too cramped...

We were in 11011 in March, An interior. It was a pretty small room. Our friends were in 11001 at the end of the hall and their room was a good bit larger than ours. 3 in our cabin would have gotten a little crowded at times. But who spends much time in the cabin any way...

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We do it in carry on and not always in original bottle.

Our last trip DW took her prescription meds in a planner in her carry on. Also carried an extra set just in case we got held up some how...

No Worries.

I use credit cards for every purchase that I make. Then I pay off the cards at the end of the month. I gain points and nobody has access to my bank account. Hold charges are then a non issue.

 

(This isn't just for cruises, I do it all year long.)

 

Me too! Works for me!;)

I called CSA to check on this....

I was WRONG above.:eek: They only pay for non-refundable and Pre-Paid losses. In their eyes having to repay the no show part is a penalty, and they don't cover penalties.

I do agree, everyone that gets a free cruise should insure it with the CCL VPP. OR check to make sure their carrier will pay in the event of a loss.

This is what my TA had me purchase the ships insurance. I'm thinking other think you can just cover your butt by buying it somewhere else and I didn't think the info was right. You can only claim what you paid when taking out the policy and since you paid the much lesser amount your not going to be covered if your a no show for the cruise....it's coming out of your own pocket.

I think I will check on this further... As I see it.

Since IF you cancel you have to repay that amount. I think they should cover it. You would likely have to pay it and then file for reimbursement. That way you show the payment (Loss) and that sets the amount of the claim. Assuming it is a covered reason for cancel.

Thanks a bunch Big D!! That is exactly the info I was looking for. I can not wait for this cruise!

 

When I booked I was hoping my hubby would end up with the same Spring Break (we teach in different schools) but secretly kinda looked forward to giving this quiet..sun-drenched relaxing solo vacay a try. Don't feel too sorry for him though...we have 2 others planned in the next couple years that he is joining me on. :p

 

I do not dislike children but as a teacher..I just don't want to be surrounded by them and hear them screaming on my Spring Break...bring on the DOD ;)

You are quite welcome!

I fully understand your position. Renee works at our High School and enjoys her breaks from the kids.;)

Can anyone tell me if all of the Serenity decks have wheelchair access, looking at the deckplan it looks to me as some of the levels have stairs to the outside

There are 2 elevators that go all the way to Deck 14. They are marked by a sign above them on the lower decks. It is the 2 on the Port side forward.;)

When buying insurance from an outside company can you insure your trip for more then you paid?

 

Yes you can. BUT there is no need as they only remimburse for actual loss subject to that as the maximum they will pay

 

If you took the free cabin and only paid for the taxes and port fees let's say $200.00 can you insure the trip for what the regular fare price would of been .

 

If above is correct about being charged for not showing up. I would say you should insure it for the value it would have been.

 

I'm thinking not and think that's why you would want to but the ships insurance.

If you make a claim wouldn't you have to show proof of how much the trip cost you.

 

Yes you do. They ask for not only invoices but also actual proof that you paid the money out. IE: credit card statements.

This is a very interesting subject. I like travel agent above don't normally suggest buying from the line. Others will give you higher medical cover at less cost as a rule.

I went to the 3rd party site for myself (we leave in May) and was looking into the trip interruption for my friend. Sounds like a good deal but a few mentioned that it needed to be purchased around the time the cruise is booked. I'm just looking for overall coverage and booked back in Jan....so not sure we could do that for us.

I buy the CSA Custom Luxe plan.

That one covers Pre-existing conditions as long as policy is purchased with in 24 hrs of final payment. the best deal for me... https://www.csatravelpro.com/20140307

When you purchase third party insurance, do you include the cost of your excursions? Or just the cost of the cruise itself?

Only include the cost of "NON-refundable" expenses.

Port fees and Taxes do not fall in this class and most shore excursions don't either.

Reason for this is that insurance only pays what was not refundable. Even if your trip is Interupted (cut short) the taxes and fees are pro-rated back to you.

Also if you leave home the day before the cruise sails, include that in your policy dates.

This question is for anyone who has recently cruised on the Sunshine and had cabins on decks 10-11 or 12. I am wondering if you felt it was an advantage being so close when it came to finding chairs on the Serenity Decks??

 

1. Did you get up early to "save " a chair? (not chair hog...actually sit in it) ;)

 

2. Which level is the best one to set up shop for the day IYO? This is my first solo so I am hoping to relax ...read.. and tan on at sea days.

 

3. Actually any and all opinions would be awesome!! :D

We sailed her in March.

Loved being on deck 11 and Serenity being right out side. With the options of seating including the Clam Shell chair/bed, Chair with ottoman, Loungers and on deck 14 the beds, and Hammocks. It was great. Spent all of our sea days up there.

From deck 11 and 12 you could partially see and always hear the things going on down on lido. If you wish to get away from that go to deck 14.

The sunshine (IMO) has added amenities to the point of crowding the Lido and deck 10 over looking the Lido. Adding the Red Frog and Blue Iquana took up some prime sea day real estate. Very crowded down there on sea days. The overflow also moved up into serenity each day. A good thing is that the "Towel Police" did remove items starting about 10:30 as I recall. If you want an all day seat... Plan on being out there before 8:30 at latest.

Enjoy your cruise and plan on deck 14 for your sea days.;)

We booked during it and all is good.

Did you get an email confirmation?

We were in an inside on deck 11 and that room has a fridge...

Good Idea!

I always have flowers delivered to the room. BUT, delivery in public really ups the "Points" earned. ;)

Hopefully you will get one as good as mine! Or even get mine.

She is very prompt and accurate.

Best of luck!

Current gift on the Carnival Sunshine anyone????

 

 

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Sunshine was beach bags a week ago.

I think. IS, denotes an inside guarantee cabin. They pick which cabin from available inside rooms.

When you checkout it will ask you when you want it delivered.

I always have it delivered on Day 2. This will avoid any sales tax being charged for that purchase. If it is delivered while docked the local sales tax will be added.;)

Anybody have any suggestions on International calling? ATT does not partner with Carnival Cruise so I would be charged 2.50 a minute unless I buy the international calling plan and use it while at port/land. Anybody have any other suggestions? Let me know what you did...

I tell everyone to text me if needed. In the case of my parents who don't text... I tell them to call someone that does text and have them message me.

I then turn phone off and put it in safe except for one or two times a day. I turn it on check for text messages and turn it back off.

I don't know any way around the $2.49 while onboard. For detailed cost while in ports and possible advantages of any International plan. I suggest you call AT&T or go by a retail store. Just to be sure.

NO WAY, NO HOW...

Besides the obvious. That form they want you to sign also makes you responsible for them and their actions.:eek:

so, I've been having a back and forth with CCL about two cruises I took in 89 and 91 that they would not give me VIFP credit for. First they tell me I need proof since they have no records of olders cruises. The only two things I found were a photo album with Carnival Holiday on the front with no photos inside and a port of call photo that clearly shows us at Nassau on the Fantasy which I have only been on once. When speaking to CCL on the phone I was told neither was acceptable, even the port of call, they will only accept a date stamped embarkation photo. I remind them digital photography didn't exist 24 years ago. They still said no go.

 

Knowing I was going on a cruise the next few weeks I was determined to get my gold pin and status just on principle. I packed all the evidence I was onboard these ships and on first sea day when up to the guest services desk presented my case. They pretty much told me the Holidaay book would not be accepted and scanned my photo and sent it to corporate and said they would have an answer in the morning.

 

By 9 pm that evening we get a call, we are now gold members and come for the new card and pin and invites, I thought they gave us credit for all 11 days but no, only for the 4 Fantasy days, so how were we gold, we had 16 days prior to the cruise we were sailing, the not included 11 would make us 27, but since they only accepted the 4, we were at 20. Did they include the cruise I was on?

Yes.

Good Morning All! I have been on cruises in the past and never tried calling someone from the room phone. My family is traveling with me this November and some wanted to know could you call room to room? If so is there a fee? Is there a fee for calling home?

Room to Room: Yes and Free.

Room to Home: Yes and a Fee of $1.99 per minute.

This like so many things is a personal preference. Our first inside was a 4 day on Elation and booked last minute also. On Elation we normally book a porthole for the value of the room. On our next 2 trips we have one booked in an interior and one in a balcony.

Dont worry its only 4 days and the best way to try one. The rooms are VERY dark. Enjoy you trip!