StormTight

33 minutes ago, chipmaster said:

 

 

Its been awhile since I came here to this one, nothing has changed, I forgot how entertaining the internet forums are.

 

Anyone seriously have a real story, I'll venture, the parents are frantic, the kids depending on age and disposition somewhere between so cool ( got a ship guardian maybe hang in cabin or go with guardian to someplace else etc. etc. )  to total melt down.  

 

Cruise ship has probably identified on every ship for such a situation; medical, or otherwise and they baby sit and family gets an crazy bill that makes the drink package look cheap and a lesson learned about many things, LOL

Yep!  You're funny!  As we say in Texas ... you should be on the stage ... it just left town 10 minutes ago!  And as  you quote: "LOL"

3 minutes ago, ZandZ said:

I am finding this whole thing super amusing... The original question makes sense, the poster did say what the reasons for this are and yet now there are some heavy statements being made.

 

Yes, when we sign up for parenthood we know that our lives will not be the same.  However, we do not die for the next 18+ years.  Nor do we give up our own identities.  Nor do we expect our kids to.  And not everyone can be a one income family.  And not everyone has a partner - sometimes for reasons entirely outside of our control.  I think this type of discussion is the reason why i do very little posting around here....   People are too righteous and its funny - cause I know exactly what happens when life decides to change it up for ya.

 

~ A single full time employed parent of two kids.  One of them wants nothing to do with organized activities, sunshine, or tourism, while the other one LOVES the kids club. 

Well said.  Forget the DarrenM & Clo comments.  Just keep on being a single parent that loves & cares about their kids and would never even think of making the type of comments they have made on this post!  

6 hours ago, Schoifmom said:

Once again, the topic has crept away from what the OP intended.  I cannot believe how a simple question can turn into an all-out battle regarding parenting styles!!!  Frankly, I believe that you should all be ashamed.

 

The decision to leave or not leave a child on board when leaving the ship is the individual parents' decisions, and I do not judge other people's parenting styles.  BTW, I have raised two well-adjusted adults and I will NOT comment on whether I would have left them on board or not.

 

All cruise lines who permit parents to leave children on board and leave the ship have documented procedures in place.  Some require the parents to be on a ship-sponsored excursion.  Some require the parents to have working cell phones and leave a number.  All have an agreement that must be signed.

 

As far as what happens to the children on the ship if the parents do not make it back (in case you forgot, THIS was the original topic), I do believe that the ship assigns personnel to, in essence, babysit the kids until they are reunited with their parents.  The cost of this, I'm sure, is born by the parents and is outlined in the agreement that is signed when leaving the children behind.

Thank you for addressing my initial question.  I really wanted to avoid all the comedic / snide remarks ... to my disappointment.

Thanks!

Okay ... we've all chuckled, laughed, and made comments about those late-comers at a port that just missed getting on-board ... and ship is seen leaving without them.

My question is ... does anyone have first-hand knowledge of how the cruise line handles a (their) child that was on-board, such as, left in the child's "day-camp" while the parents were off ship?

Please, not looking for snide remarks about the parents "failure", as my question could encompass many other unusual circumstances ... just a real parents' worst nightmare ... just wondering if anyone has first-hand knowledge of the facts of what / how the cruise line handles that child!

Thanks!

The DW love's diet Dr Pepper. It is our understanding that Celebrity will not allow soft drinks (regardless of can or plastic bottle) to be carried onboard.

If that is the case, does anyone know if Celebrity offers diet Dr Pepper on board?

Just became aware:

crochet-************

Have no knowledge of their legitimacy ... but the website offers interesting cruises.

Anyone experience one of their crochet cruises?

We'll be taking our first Carnival cruise in the Spring 2016. Our reservation registration allowed us to pick the MDR time, but did not ask what table size we would prefer. On Princess, we've been able to submit preferred table size (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8, etc.) How does Carnival select seating? And, will we know prior to sailing? We really like to sit with the same folks each night to become better acquainted and have more in-depth conversations, otherwise we'd go with "anytime dining", so we're hoping that we do not get assigned to a different table each night!

Thanks!

Is it a fact that Princess will no longer sail out of Port Houston starting sometime in 2016?

If so, we sure hope they maintain presence somewhere in the mid-south Gulf area. If they go back to Galveston, or perhaps sail out of New Orleans, that would be great too!

Concur with Happiness as to the couch inclusion. That's where you will experience the added sq. ft. and comfort The balcony cabins only offer a single lounge chair, while the mini-suite offers the couch (queen-size sleeper) and a lounge chair. That is really nice if you want to snuggle and read, talk, or watch TV (on the second TV), and not have to sit on your bed to do so. We've enjoyed the bath / shower combo, not so much as to using the bath portion, but as to the additional space in taking showers. The shower-only could be a "tight fit" for us big & tall folk!

We are looking at Eastern Caribbean cruises out of Texas (i.e., Galveston) with Carnival to Key West and the Bahamas (i.e., Freeport & Nassau).

Background:

• 
  We have never cruised with Carnival;
  We have been loyal Princess cruisers out of Texas (i.e., Galveston and subsequently, Houston) for many years;
  We have never taken an Eastern Caribbean cruise;
  We choose not to fly from Texas to Florida to experience same;
  We are retired seniors and the "nightlife" on the ship is not a significant deciding factor. We're more interested in the stateroom features & location on the ship as well as the quality and service of food and cabin service.
  We would want a balcony in a "mini-suite" or full suite in the best locations (could be aft, rear, port or whatever).
  

All that being said, there are three (3) different Carnival cruise ships offering the exact same itinerary out of Galveston, TX. Our choices out of Galveston are the Freedom, Magic, or Triumph. The departure dates are not an issue.

The question is, are there any suggestions regarding which of the ships may offer the best stateroom and ship features for us "older folks"? Specifics as to the ship, the exact stateroom to try and book, etc. would be appreciated! Additionally, any excursions to be sure and take in the Bahamas would be helpful.

Thanks!

One of the most interesting scheduled on-board activities that my darling wife ("DW") has noticed recently on Princess cruises is a get-together for crocheters, knitters, and related crafters. Unfortunately, the get-togethers have not been well organized, as neither Princess, nor anyone else, has accepted leadership responsibility (not to be confused with "dictatorship"!)

My DW is an avid crocheter and really enjoys getting with other knitters and crocheters, etc. during a cruise to crochet, talk, crochet some more and talk some more, and perhaps explain some of their techniques, as well as show some of their creations. Bottom line? True crafters will understand the objective or motive!

If there are enough other thread or yarn crafters that have an interest in participating in a crafters group while at sea, post a response! Perhaps two or more cruisers will connect!

For my bride of 46 years, we stretched our pocketbook and reserved the Owner's Suite (A753) on the Caribbean Princess for the Cruising for a Cause this month.

Prior to our cruise, we were trying to find specific pictures of the Owner's Suite for the Caribbean Princess ... without success. So, thought we'd post this link to some pictures of the stateroom from our cruise for the benefit of others.

https://picasaweb.google.com/107642415701643694241/CaribbeanPrincessOwnerSSuiteA753?authkey=Gv1sRgCNyTw4_joY2I1gE