Hawaiifrank

You've got a couple of answers already, but I have another possible reason. Sometimes a TA will book a block of cabins and get a group rate. I suspect that you can't combine the C&A discount with a group rate.

http://www.carnival.com/shore-excursions/port-canaveral-orlando-fl/faster-to-the-fun-102043

(Note: VIFP Club Platinum and Diamond members do not need to purchase this package as these and other benefits are included as part of your VIFP Club status.)

I also looked at the Platinum benefits list. It mentioned "priority check in and boarding", but does not specifically list that your cabin will be ready. I guess it goes without saying, because FTTF does specifically list that your cabin will be ready and your luggage will be delivered faster.

Driving and thinking Miami but not set in stone. We are closer to east . I'm in indiana

Don't forget Galveston! That's just about the same distance as Fort Lauderdale and New Orleans is probably even a little closer. Both Galveston and New Orleans have Carnival ships and as a bonus are much closer to many Caribbean ports and no farther from your home.

Galveston gets the Breeze in May 2016 too. We will be on the Breeze for a b2b in Nov/Dec 2016.

Hey Frank I will be with you on the Freedom (12/5 only). What area of the ship is your grey space? We sailed the Freedom over to Galveston on the repo in February and really enjoyed her. But we did have a great deal of noise as our door was right across from a storage area. Every time a cart crossed the threshold it was noisy and the crew wasn't the best about not letting the door slam. We were in stateroom 1055. All that grey area was storage. Yikes!

I'm in 6329, an inside over one end of the casino (actually partially above the Cherry on Top). Right at the back wall of our cabin is a gray area. One thing is, the access door will not be on our hallway, so no noise from carts, etc.

Probably not. Most ship elevators are pretty quiet. Think about the times you've been in an elevator. Pretty quiet usually.

Maybe some noise from people walking by, to or from the elevator, but you'd have that anywhere, just more traffic closer to the elevator.

I have a gray, unlabled space behind my cabin on the Freedom next month. I'm kind of wondering what that might be. I hope it's not a cabin steward preperation area and storage closet.

OP is sailing in October not November

I see that now after reading right past "sailing Sunday". Nevertheless, I did mention the start date and hope the information will be useful to others as well.

I don't get how this will work with FTTF...............and I hope the other ports don't follow suit!

I too wonder how this will work with FTTF. I've never bought FTTF myself so I don't know how it works now. I've heard the Sail Away pass, or whatever it's called, is marked somehow so the door keeper knows to let them in anytime. I suppose Platinum and Diamond VIFP Level check-in sheet is also marked for priority boarding as well. Suites too, or is that another cruise line?

A few months ago, I was looking at those October under-$1000 pp prices for a 22 day b2b Journey cruise. Great deal and I would've jumped on if I hadn't already had a Nov b2b booked. I added a week to that one to make it a back-to-back-to-back, or b3b.

We did 1 other b2b, on Carnival Spirit in 2009, but we were inexperienced cruisers then and didn't know that a b2b passenger got special treatment. We just got off with everyone else, did our own tour (and our laundry), then boarded the ship with all the new passengers.

This time we made sure all 3 cruises were linked and that the VIFP department knows we'll be making Platinum on this string. Someone else can do my laundry this cruise.

Also, Galveston will be starting a new boarding "assignment" in November, around the 15th depending on the exact cruise dates. You will select your preferred boarding time from a list. When a time slot is "full", it won't be shown on the list. I believe the time slots are 30 minute intervals beginning at 10:30 AM.

On Monday, I just did the pre-check-in and printed my docs for our Nov 28th cruise on Carnival Freedom. I selected the second time slot, 11 to 11:30 AM. All slots were still available when I selected my time, however, this selection option just started (the new policy doesn't actually take affect till mid - November) and I expect once it is widely known, the early slots will be gone within days after pre-check-in starts for every cruise.

The explanation on the page says you will not be allowed into the terminal until your designated time. You will be accommodated if you arrive later than your time slot, just not earlier.

I guess no one paid any attention to the emails they used to send. I know I didn't.

If you want to be boarding right after the wedding parties and Diamond/Platinum, you need to be in the terminal, through check-in and waiting before those groups are allowed to board. Boarding can start as early as 11 am, maybe sooner. Not something I'd do, but if you shoot for arriving by 10 or so, you should be one of the first in line.

You may also still be sitting there in the Priority Lounge for a couple of hours. Boarding may not start at 11 or even by 12 noon if there is a delay disembarking last week's pax or if there's extra cleaning needed due to a Noro breakout or something.

I try for 11-ish arrival and the line is usually moving, people are already getting onboard and the wait isn't so bad if boarding is delayed.

I have 10205 for a b2b Nov 2016. The ship was wide open when I booked because it was the first day of booking and I could have had any cabin I wanted--I selected the the deck 10 4J. We love those rooms.

For a few short calls to home, you could just use the phone in your cabin. It would be about $3/minute, maybe only $2/min. No big deal for a 2 min call to check up on things at home.

Another idea is to make friends with someone in your roll call thread (You did join your roll call, right?) who has a regular cell phone. Text messages are usually 50 cents to send and 5 cents to receive. Cell phone calls would be more than a call from the cabin phone.

On most ships internet access is sold by the day (24 hr period) or for the whole cruise and is kind of expensive. Lots of people buy an internet plan, so you could ask around in your roll call if someone would be willing to message or send an email for you to check up at home. I know I would be willing to do that small favor for someone if I had an Internet plan already.

Thanks again for the feedback. A couple things:

- Our choice to do 4 nights is part financial, part practical. 7 nights just isn't an option. We have a 1-year old at home that will be with grandparents, and we can only get away for about a week total. There is more we'd like to do than cruise, but think a 4-night cruise is a great way to try cruising on this trip. Then we could look at a longer one later down the road if we really like it. So if your solution is to have us do a longer cruise, that's not going to work.

- Similar to the first issue, we just don't have time for several days to Key West. Maybe we will be inspired to go back for more time after our quick visit, but as I initially mentioned we generally enjoy the touristy highlights and are good with a quick visit.

 

I'm still unclear on the differences between 4 and 7 night cruises that some have mentioned. Some have said the 4-night plan is fine/great for a first cruise, and I know it's a matter of opinion but I appreciate the input. We don't care for a "booze cruise".

 

The other issue is NCL vs RC. That NCL review helped a lot, though I'm still unclear on the Freestyle thing. Maybe I need to research this separately. I gather the Carnival cruises aren't worth looking at since nobody has mentioned these? Or should I check them out too?

 

Thanks especially to those who tailor their responses to our needs and interests. I appreciate it a lot... Keep them coming :)

I don't know why no one mentioned Carnival. Some people feel it has a reputation as a party boat. Really, it's what you make it. There probably will be lots of kids and families at that time of year. People with kids can only go when schools out or on holiday breaks.

That said, we were on the Carnival Magic for a 6-day at spring break. The family areas were swarming with kids, but the Serenity adult area was very quiet and....well, serene. I doubt if you'll get a lower price than Carnival. I just checked a 4 day to Key West and Cozumel on June 13th 2016 (I think) and it was $400 pp. Not bad.

I usually sail Carnival or Royal Caribbean. I've been on 2 NCL ships and did not care for free-style dining. The free main dinning room is small and we had to wait 20 to 30 minutes to eat around 6 pm. That is, admittedly, a peak time. Not without reason since any later and you miss the evening's entertainment--unless you wait till half-past 8 and see the show first. That's too late for us, and even then you'll have to wait sometimes because that's another peak time.

So, the alternative is to eat at the optional pay an extra $20 to $30 pp. venues. There's no denying that the food and service is superior. If you get the optional Ultimate Dining package, UDP, for free then you can eat anywhere, I guess, but "free" is relative if the cruise costs several hundred dollars more.

Cruise lines bill you for internet usage by the minute of connect time... and get away with it! I guess when you have a monopoly on a service, you can do as you please.

 

Billing by the minute for internet "connect" time is about as ridiculous as billing by the minute for time spent drinking in one of the lounges or eating in one of the specialty restaurants!

 

And it's particularly insulting to pay such high rates when the data throughput rates slow to a crawl. It's the industry standard with land-based wireless data plans to bill by the amount of data transacted.

 

I'd encourage all passengers who use internet to leave a comment on their customer surveys at the end of their cruise and encourage the cruise industry to fix this arbitrary billing method! ;)

I guess your protest worked. The 2 lines I've sailed in the last year (Carnival and Royal) now charge by the day or by the cruise now. No more per minute plans, unless a particular ship hasn't changed yet. Thanks for your hard work getting this changed. :thumbup:

I probably should have elaborated more on the Sail & Sign card since that was your original Q.

Basically, the S&S card is your ID, your cabin key and your credit card while on the ship. That's all you really need to carry while roaming the ship.

Bartenders will swipe the card into their terminals to to charge your account. They also can verify you're 21 for alcohol purchases, and can see your picture (not visible on the card, but attached to the card in their computer) to be sure it's you. That's the picture they take as you board the ship.

The card also has part of your cabin number, your loyalty level, maybe a Coke logo if you have the soda package, maybe a sticker for Cheers if you bought the drink package.

Your shipboard "folio" number, aka account number, is on there so you can buy things (like bingo cards and drinks from walk-around waiters) even if there is no register terminal available. They just write down the number and enter it later. For this reason, I recommend checking your account regularly for accuracy. You can use either the interactive TV or an account manager kiosk near guest services to monitor your charges.

When we were on Carnival Magic in March this year, you could still put cash money (bills) into the slot machines. You could insert your Sail & Sign card and use it like a casino loyalty card to track your play and earn a free drinks, free cruise or other comps. You can also transfer money from your ship account to the slot machine. You cash out by collecting a ticket to take to the cashier.

If you started your ship account with cash or gift cards or have (refundable) OBC, I'm pretty sure there's no fee for transferring money to a slot machine then immediately cashing it out or playing it, if you feel lucky.

:thumbup:

If have a credit card securing the ship account, I have read that there is a cash advance fee. I believe at one time there was no fee, but when it became widely know, too many utilizes the trick and the cruise line started charging. I have never done this myself so I can't speak from experience, only what I've read here on Cruise Critic.

There have been several threads recently on the different sub-forums about using a slot machine to turn OBC into cash in hand. Try a search.

My nephew, who lives in Florida, says he likes to go to the beach and bury little metal discs that say, "GET A LIFE". Just joking...hope you find lots of rings and watches. ;)

Never been on Oasis, but have been doing lots of research for our February 2016 b2b on her. I believe they open up the venues a few minutes before show time for those without reservations. You'll have to wait in line and may not get choice seats, but you probably can get in later if you miss a show reservation

Will you be using the kids club for your toddler? Some kids like it, some don't. It's free during normal daytime and evening hours, but you can pay for late night service.

If you're flying to the port, make it easy on yourself and pack it checked baggage, if you are checking a bag. When you get to the port, take it out and place in carryon bag. Port security doesn't restrict liquids like they do at the airport. As previously stated by others, use small containers of a few oz or less. Everyone is bringing shampoo, conditioner, perfume, sanitizer, mouthwash, etc. so it shouldn't be a big deal. Split it up between you and your husband's carryon so it doesn't look like an excessive amount.

Great start. We're going on Oasis for our first time in February. Not our first cruise, but it'll be our first as Diamond. Looking forward to see your choices for embarkation day lunch and your breakfast venue choices for the rest of the cruise.

We don't plan on using our cell phone on board, however, we do want to take pictures with our cell phone - will we be charged if we turn the phone on? Does using Airplane Mode prevent international phone charges? Or do we need to bring a digital camera with us? Sailing on Freedom of The Seas.

Short answer is Yes. You may also safely turn WiFi back on after putting it in Airplane mode. Even if you don't care to pay extra for an Internet plan, you should be able to access some free sites on the ship's website.

I always travel single and I always have a suite.

 

90% of the time, I have to call in after the cruise and have them correct my C&A points.

 

Such a simple thing for computer software to calculate. Yet so difficult for a company with awful computer software

MrT,

I know one gets double points for cruising solo and double for a suite. How do they award points for cruising solo in a suite? 3X? It seems like it should be 4X.

It's way out of my budget unless I win the lotto. :eek: We just made Diamond last cruise, mostly PR catagory cabins. Happy sailing.

(Apologies to OP for the momentary hijack. Glad you got his account straightened out. I've kept all of our ship cards so far, but don't know if that'll go on forever.)

Thanks - I wanted the 1hr package that I can log into, and out of, for just a few minutes at a time. Hopefully that is still offered for $30/$40

We haven't done this yet, but my research indicates it will work. My wife and I are both Diamond, as is my brother and his wife. We plan to to each use our free day of internet one at a time staggering the 4 days to cover the whole week, say noon Monday through Tuesday noon will be one 24 hr period covering 2 days. We will each login for alternating periods, even hours for us and odd hours for DB and wife, for example.

All 7 days are covered so everyone can check email and FB as necessary during our turn. If it's just you and spouse, you can still do a similar arrangement, but can only cover 4 days with your 2 free periods. Buying one additional 24 hr plan would let you cover all but the first day. I'll be trying this out on our Oasis b2b in February 16.

What about getting back on the ship? Would it be difficult getting back on with all of the new people checking in?

 

We've done a B2B before, but never got off the ship.

 

Thanks!

We did a b2b to Alaska in May 2009. It was on Carnival, but that shouldn't make a difference because we treated it just like 2 separate cruises. It was only our 3 cruise or so and had no clue how b2b passengers are usually handled.

We just packed our bags and tipped the cabin steward $20 to move them 3 doors down to the second week's cabin. We took our laundry bag and headed for the rental car location on the pier. We drove to Anchorage, did some sightseeing and stopped at a laundromat to wash our clothes.

When we got back to the ship, we boarded with the rest of the new passengers. We never received any instructions or information about how a b2b is usually done. We just got off and re-boarded as you would for any cruise.

In Nov we have a b2b2b coming up, also on Carnival, and we plan to take full advantage of the perks for b2b passengers. Nothing to see in Galveston that warrants an excursion.

You can buy internet at a daily, 24 hours continuous rate of about $20 for one device, which you can use several devices but not at the same time, or two devices, which can be used at the same time, for about $30.

This is what we plan to do when we cruise Oasis next February with my brother and his wife. We are each Diamond so we'll have 4 free 24 hr periods to use between us.

We will schedule each of our 24 hrs so as to cover 2 days, the afternoon of one day and the morning of the next day. During the 24 hr period one couple will have even hours, 2, 4, 6 etc, to login and the other couple will use the odd hours, 3, 5, 7, etc. We'll each be able to check mail or FB or whatever throughout the day.

Each person has to remember to log out at the end of their hour each time.

One more thing, once on the ship, put your phone in airplane mode, then turn on WiFi only. This will prevent any accidental cellular data from being used. Also, many times, your phone apps are set to automatically update when connected to WiFi. Be sure you have auto-update turned OFF. The connection speed is slow enough without trying to update 47 applications on your phone at the same time you are trying to read FB.

I haven't been on a Carnival ship since they started this, but I have read about it here on CC. I believe it's called a Social Media plan and it's $5 per day or $25 for the whole cruise. You have access to FB (including Messenger), Twitter and a couple of other sites. I don't believe you can check email or surf other sites. The next package is $60, I think, like you said and it gives you full internet access, but restricts data speed. The most expensive package gets you higher data speeds, but even that can feel slow compared to home cable service. Anyway, that's what I've read. I'm going for the $25 plan for my b2b2b in just 50 more days.