zoiebear

On 4/11/2022 at 11:22 AM, brillohead said:

I've been to Daniel Johnson's a couple times now, always booked directly with Daniel's website.  

I've also snorkeled with them each time.  Highly recommend!

This is what I am looking at doing directly through Daniel Johnsons.... was wondering about the snorkeling...did you go out on a boat to somewhere or right off the beach? And was it guided or on your own? Thanks!

On 3/15/2022 at 5:55 PM, Drazil65 said:

Oh you only got 72 hours? I got 96 hours. ..hmm. 

 

My hold was an additional 96 hrs per my reply above, I put the hold on during the 72 hr sale.   We completed the booking well after the 72 hr sale offer expired with the hold and the additional 96 hrs we had.  

This is what we did. I put the hold on our cabin the last day of the sale with no money down and then had 96 hours to book it with a payment. I booked it with 3hrs left on the hold! LoL Got a suite for the first time ever! Pretty excited!

Did you have a spa cabin? If so, wondered if there were discounts or advantages to booking massages on board rather than ahead of time?

On 10/17/2021 at 12:05 PM, Nike4000 said:

Howdy all! Just back from a fantastic 5 day cruise on the Carnival Breeze. It was the first time back on a cruise ship since my wife and I were on the Carnival Dream in January 2020. It was great to be back onboard and enjoying every hospitality Carnival offers. My thoughts on the trip are below, please let me know if you have specific questions!

 

Pre-Cruise Covid Test = We took the Abbott BinaxNOW at home Covid tests on Saturday afternoon. They were super easy, all told took about 25 minutes each to successfully complete. Most stressful part of pre-vacation prep was waiting for the results of our tests. I strongly recommend watching La Lido Loca's helpful video prior to taking the test.

 

Pre-Cruise Lodgings = We drove to Galveston on Sunday and stayed at the Best Western Plus Seawall Inn & Suites By The Beach. It was under $100 for the night. The room was clean and the staff was friendly. I'm not saying I'd want to stay there for a week, but for one night it was perfectly acceptable. 

 

Pre-Cruise Dining = For dinner on Sunday night, we at at Miller's Seawall Grill. It was okay, don't know that we'll head there again for future cruises. Service was pretty poor. Breakfast Monday presented 2 options - the hotel's complimentary breakfast, or heading out into Galveston. We'd read great things about The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe on these forums, so we opted for that. So glad we did! It was terrific! So much food, we wished we could have taken to-go boxes with us. If you're in Galveston - go to The Sunflower and enjoy! We did check out the breakfast at the hotel, it looked like a pretty standard complimentary hotel breakfast. 

 

Parking = Our hotel offered cruise parking, but we always use Galveston Park N Cruise. It's right across from the cruise terminal and the rates are good = $80 for covered, indoor parking for the length of our cruise. 

 

Embarkation = We had an 11-11:30 arrival time and showed up at about 10:45. We walked our luggage over to the drop off and then made our way through the process. By 11am we were onboard getting lunch at Guy's Pig & Anchor. The whole process was so simple and straightforward. We had read all of the documentation Carnival sent pre-cruise and had all of our paperwork ready. The only things they looked at were our boarding passes, passports, and vaccination cards. After the first checkpoint, we stowed our vaccination cards and only needed our passports & boarding passes.

 

Day 1 - Monday = As mentioned, as soon as we got on board we headed to the Pig & Anchor for a BBQ lunch. I got the pulled pork, brisket, potato salad, and mac & cheese. My wife got the chicken, beans, and coleslaw. Her chicken was one of the best things we ate the whole time we were on the ship. It was very tender and moist. Mine was fair to average BBQ and the sides were nothing special. After eating, we made our way to our muster station and got scanned in. We were there for maybe 10 minutes. That whole process is much improved from the past. So easy and quick!  We did a spa tour and booked several treatments. We were in a Spa Stateroom, so we would be crazy to not take advantage of the discounts offered. Dinner was in the Main Dining Room (MDR), food was pretty standard, service was good.

 

Day 2 - Tuesday (at sea) = The spa treatments we booked occupied the morning. For lunch my wife got a lobster roll with a bowl of clam chowder from The Seafood Shack while I waited forever for pizza from Pizza Pirate. The lobster roll was amazing! We highly recommend it! The rest of the food, not so much. The clam chowder was inedible and the pizza had zero sauce and the crust was burnt. The guy working Pizza Pirate had no sense of urgency and were cooking 1 pizza at a time, even though the line was super long. We spent the afternoon in a lounger on the Serenity deck, napping, reading, people watching, etc. It was absolutely heaven! MDR for dinner again.

 

Day 3 - Wednesday (Costa Maya) = We spent the morning in the thalassotherapy pool and thermal rooms before prepping to head into Costa Maya. Our venture into Costa Maya lasted maybe 30 minutes - it was way too hot and crowded, so we headed back to the ship. There were 3 ships in port - ours and 2 Royal Caribbean ships, which seemed overwhelming. Back onboard, we grabbed some yummy burgers at Guy's Burger Joint and made our way to Serenity where we spent our afternoon enjoying frozen drinks, reading, and napping. MDR for dinner again. Had fun watching people racing back to get on the ship before our 7:30pm cast off. For us, it was a great day of relaxing and enjoying the ship.

 

Day 4 - Thursday (Cozumel) = We booked the All Inclusive Isla Pasion by Twister excursion. I did a mini-review of the excursion HERE, so I won't go into detail. Main thing is, we'd do it again and had a wonderful time. After returning to the ship, we hit Guy's Burger Joint again - they were just as good as the previous day - and made our way to the thalassotherapy pool and thermal rooms. I'd had a bit too much fun in the sun (and maybe too many margarita's on Isla Pasion) so I napped until it was time to get ready for dinner. MDR again. 

 

Day 5 - Friday (at sea) = We lazed around, hit the thalassotherapy pool and thermal rooms one last time, read, and just hung out. We tried Bonsai Sushi for lunch and thought it was pretty good. None of the rolls we ordered really jumped out as being outstanding. Once again, MDR for dinner. We did watch the show tonight and found that the female singers were outstanding, while the male singers paled in comparison. The show was just a series of songs from various movies, no real story to follow, and was over super fast. The background imagery was very good.

 

Debarkation = We planned on rolling our suitcases off, however being on deck 12 made this very challenging. It took a good 30 minutes before we found an elevator that had room for 2 people - they were all full from passengers climbing on from the lower decks & just taking the full circuit ride to try and debark. The issue was that of the 10 elevators in the front of the ship, they only had 4 in service and only 1 of those ever made it all the way to deck 12. This part of the process needs to be reviewed, it was absolutely ridiculous and poorly planned. HOWEVER, once we finally got to deck 3 to debark, the process was very smooth. Basically, they kept us walking the whole way through from the ship, across the gangway, through the terminal, and past customs. We only paused occasionally due to someone in front of us stopping to make an adjustment to their load or to take a picture at customs. Super EZ PZ! I will say that the people who didn't have passports looked to be having a more difficult time going through customs. People with birth certificates or driver's licenses had to stop and speak with a customs agent, but that seemed to be moving pretty quick.

Thanks for the review! We have a spa balcony booked for our upcoming cruise in November....first time in a spa room and first time using the spa at all! So I have been trying to figure out the discounts for a spa room....is it best to wait till we are on board to book spa treatments,  mainly massages? Are the prices different than what I see on my online planner if I booked online?? Thanks!

19 hours ago, luckybecky said:

Thursday October 14

 

Today we were in Cozumel. We had an early docking time and early back on board time of 3:30pm. This time, I reserved a Carnival excursion. We just wanted a little beach time so I booked the Beach Escape tour. It only included transportation to and from the beach, about a 20 minute drive away. This was a private beach which we were told was only for Carnival passengers. The Vista was also in port, but the beach was still very uncrowded. More than enough loungers. Clean white sand and crystal clear water. There was food and drink available for purchase. There was also a pool. It was a nice relaxing break. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don't recommend this excursion if you have very small children, because the water gets deep very quickly. You can take only about 2-3 steps into the water before it takes a drop off to knee deep, and then just a very few steps more and you are up to your thighs and then waist. Before you know it, you can no longer touch bottom at all. This would not be good if you have small children because the water is just too deep for them to play along the beach. Otherwise, it was a terrific excursion.

 

We headed back to the ship after a couple of hours enjoying the beach. We had another Player's Club gift waiting for us in our room: a huge fluffy beach towel. 

 

 

 

 

Great review! Going on the Breeze next month! Was wondering if you have more pics of this excursion and if you know what the name of the place is? We are looking at doing this and there is also a snorkel excursion with beach club, thinking they both go to the same beach, any idea? Thanks!

We are doing the same...arrive at 1100 and taking the 1130 tour with Juneau Whale Watch...I emailed them and they said we should be just fine with those times...

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Do you pay from your bank directly or credit card? Can I use paypal? I don't want to put anything on a credit card unless I absolutely have to.

I figure out how much I needed to pay on my cruise each payday to have it paid off by final payment date...then each paycheck I make a payment with my credit card and immediately pay that amount on my credit card the same day so its pretty much an in/out situation on my credit card.

And if you have a rewards card or a Carnival card where you get points, then use that card so you get the points at the same time!

And I do it myself online...

Thanks for the above links. Checked them out, not sure if that's my plan. Was in Cozumel last October. Had to goto Senor Frogs as part of our tour itinerary and did not like it. Went to Margharitaville and had a great time. Will gladly go back, but looking for other options.

Senior Frogs is just the meeting place, not actually part of the tour. We didn't even go into Senior Frogs when we went last time. Does not go to Margaritaville at all....just to local bars right on the beach on the east side of the island.

We have done bar hop two times now and had a blast both times! It's so beautiful on the other side of the island and the food is great! Will probably do it a third time at some point!

That is what I did! I thought Harv & Marv were fully booked but I reached out via email and did get a spot.

 

I am so happy to get on such a highly recommended tour.

I got a response from them as well that they are available! However, I went and did some more research for a backup plan before I got their response and found a different tour we may go with....the times for it may work better for us, so now I have to decide! LOL :eek:

Thanks everyone! This gives me some good ideas of what we may have time for after we land and before the cruise! :)

Thoughts...

Day 0

• 2pm wheels down
  
• 3:30pm hotel check-in
  
• 4pm ready for sightseeting.....grab a Capilano hotel shuttle for a late afternoon exploration. The bridge is open until 8pm. However pay attention to the last downtown bus if you don't want to ride public transit
  
• Return downtown in the evening at catch Fly Over Canada
  

Day 1

• Grouse Mountain with Capilano afterwards. if you missed it on your landing day. The Grouse Shuttle offers drop off at Capilano. You can return downtown on the free Capilano Shuttle. The Capilano shuttle can drop you off at near Stanley Park on the return trip.
  

Day 2

• Aquarium. Look up the show schedule the week before visiting to get best value for your visit.
  
• Hop on Shuttles can get you to the aquarium. Hop on can take you to Granville Island and Gastown as it explores neighborhoods.
  

Day 3

Board ship. Get there around 11am or after 1pm to avoid the peak noon crowds.

 

Grouse Mountain and Aquarium is best done in the afternoon after an early lunch for best value to see all the shows.

Thanks for the suggestions! However, we don't really have a day 2... Flight is in on Saturday, ship leaves on Monday...so just have rest of day on Saturday, all day Sunday then board ship on Monday... Was hoping to have a some time Monday before we board to do a little something...but may have to nix that....

I have encountered sold out tours for mid June already. I sure wish I'd tried earlier than September

Saw this post and while reading it decided to book my whale watching tour with Harv and Marv and it is showing unavailable for my date (June 2017)...I am so bummed! I sent them an email just to make sure... I actually had looked at booking several times over the last few months but they didn't show the 2017 dates so was just waiting...now I may have waited too long..

So does anyone have another good recommendation for whale watching in Juneau? I have read some people wait until they dock and go with someone at the pier??

Hi, we are doing the same! Thanks for posting this MaryJo, not trying to hijack your post, but I have the same question!! :D

We are doing Vancouver to Seward next June and our flight comes in on Saturday arriving at 2:00pm. Cruise leaves Monday at 4:00pm(?).

Three things we want to do are Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain and the Aquarium...maybe see more of Stanley Park or something... Wasn't sure if there would be time to do much on Saturday, figure once we get to our hotel and all that it will be at least 4:00...but want to make the most of our time so any suggestions would be great!

Figured on Grouse Mountain and the bridge for Sunday, then wondered if we would have time on Monday pre-cruise to go to the Aquarium...??

Might email the Bar Hop and see what they say - they are super good about getting back with you and very accommodating! Or just get a PayPal account, very easy to set one up and we use ours anytime it is available when making online purchases!

I have done this tour my last 2 times in Cozumel and absolutely love it! The guides are wonderful and it is beautiful on the "other" side of the island! If you can get it to work, do it for sure!! :D

I called my Nationwide agent 7/21/16 and he said they didn't have travel insurance. I was excited about being able to get travel insurance from someone I knew and trusted so I was very disappointed.:(

You can also find them on http://www.insuremytrip.com We have used them in the past and are using them again for upcoming Alaska cruise.

Never any issues, but have not filed any claims. Had to make some changes and they handled that part very easily for me.

Do you have any claims experience yet with them or just the mental security of having the policy? That, IMHO, is the true test of any company's policy.

 

When I buy life insurance, I select a company that specializes in that category. Same with Homeowners or auto insurance. I never considered Nationwide because I've not heard positive follow-up experience after something happened. Don't they specialize in Homeowners/auto insurance or am I thinking of another company?

 

This has nothing to do with Nationwide, however I've come to believe that a cheap policy isn't worth the paper it's written on if there is a lot of grief collecting on a claim. Learned that lesson the hard way with TravelSafe who uses TripMate for claims.

 

Regarding the missed ports provision, that's not important to me. My first priority is medical in case something unexpected happens. Then cancellation/delay for out of pocket costs/expenses I can't get refunded. I can live with missing a port for whatever reason.

I was just trying to pass along info on some insurance I have used for those who may not know about insurance with cruise specific benefits being available, just like you are doing with your information on who to go with. And to some those cruise options are important. And I said reasonable rates, not cheap - I have bought cheaper policies and more expensive in the past. And they also offer medical/evacuation and everything everyone else does - it just has some added cruise benefits available. Wasn't this thread called First Time Purchasing Insurance??? Just giving more options is all...:rolleyes:

Just because a company does not specialize in one specific product does not make it any less efficient than one that does. Look at USAA for instance. A lot of people buy travel insurance through them, yet that is not their main product, not even close, yet they are recommended often. I have USAA for both auto and home insurance so I am quite familiar with them...

As far as claims, no I have never had to file a claim for any of the travel insurance I have gotten as seems to be the case for most people who buy the insurance. But I do read all the reviews which can give you a good idea of how a company handles things.

Anyway, whatever, was just a suggestion of another resource/company to check into for those that want to.

I am kind of surprised I do not see more mention of people on here using Nationwide travel insurance as they offer a cruise specific travel insurance at reasonable rates.

I have always used http://www.insuremytrip.com and found Nationwide listed on there a few cruises ago and have purchased it a couple times now. They have 3 choices that are cruise specific (also cover airfare and everything others do as well), but they offer benefits for missed ports/itinerary changes/shipboard service disruption and such. And on at least one if not two of the choices they offer a cancel for any reason for those that like that option as well as cancel for work reasons...

Thanks, that what I thought I had read somewhere... :)

I know I have seen something on this, but I cannot find the post again so I am just going to ask. Is Discover widely accepted in Vancouver?

My Discover does not charge any foreign transaction fees, so would be great if I could use it, but was thinking I had read somewhere about Visa/MasterCard, but not Discover??

Thanks!

Yes, I have! It was a ton of fun! The guide was very patient with us as it is different than snorkeling and took a little getting used to using the regulator. But once you get the hang of it, so much fun! Then after we did the snuba we went and snorkeled - they have a great snorkeling area with lots of fish. :)

Oh, and I think it was $60 each which also included entrance into the park (I think?)...this was in 2014, so not sure if is the same.. We did NOT go through the ship, we booked it on our own.

I booked 2 weeks in advance. But if it's high season, I would book much further out.

 

As to what to do - they have a set tour they do which combines snorkeling, beach breaks, tequila tasting, the lighthouse, lunch, etc. but you can totally customize as I did. I don't snorkel - I wanted to see Punta sur, the chocolate factory and east side and we made it happen. And we made the decision right before we drove off. So you don't have to tell them anything ahead of time.

Thanks, sounds just like what we are looking for! This is my 6th time to Cozumel (DH's 5th time) and wanting to see some different things. The last two times in a row to Cozumel we did the Cozumel Bar Hop which takes you to the east side and it so beautiful over there, we love it!

Where did you stop for lunch? We have eaten on the east side at Coconuts, Playa Bonita, and Rasta's...

Just did the private jeep tour this past week. With .net company. I spoke to my guide about this issue. They are well aware of it and trying to find a solution.

 

But for me, the owner was in touch within 48 hours of booking and all went as planned.

 

I would highly recommend them.

Could you tell me a little bit about what you did on your tour? My husband and I are wanting to book a jeep tour with them, will be just the two of us. And how far in advance did you book. We sail on December.

Thanks!

Would love to hear how your experience is with this tour ... My dh and I are thinking about doing this in December.... :)

Just bumping this up to see if anyone has had experience recently with this company? I read on Trip Advisor or on their website or somewhere that unfortunately the wife did pass away but maybe things are starting to get back to normal...??

We are planning to book a private tour with a Jeep through cozumelcruiseexcursions .net It is a private tour where you can drive or let the tour guide drive and you pick where you want to go and what you want to do...the price includes all entrance fees, lunch and snorkel gear if you want to stop and snorkel and some other stuff. The cost is $69 adult and $55 children.

You can look up ToursPlaza online - looks like a car for 4 people is $107 for the first 3 hours, then $25 for each hour after that. You still have to pay all your entrance fees and if you want any lunch, so depending on what you want to do and how much the entrance fees are at any of the places you want to go, it may be cheaper to the ToursPlaza, you would just have to figure it all out in the end. When I saw this post I had to see if ToursPlaza would be less expensive, but for just my DH and I, the Jeep one is cheaper.

Now there are 2 Cozumel Cruise Excursions sites... one is .com and one is .net. The .com one has a Jeep tour, but it is with a group, and the .net one has the private one, so make sure you are looking at the right one if you check them out! Hope you have a great cruise! :D