shellster1

Same happened to me. I had priority boarding and had the platinum card with all the benefits as soon as I boarded the ship, first leg. This was 2 years ago. Congrats on your 20th anniversary. Have a great time!

My two cents:

I thought is was good advice by another poster to contact customer care with an email of your dilemma. It cannot hurt.

Second, I'm platinum now, but not too long ago I literally had always been lucky finding a FTTF, even at the very last minute. That said, I used to check about 3x a day. I always had great luck.. I don't know what your schedule is, but if you are able to check 3x's a day, I would suggest that you keep checking back.

Now if I was in your position and these things do not work, since you already have one, and are boarding with your kids and a dependent adult, I would roll the dice and just kindly ask at boarding.

People here on this message board may disagree, but guess what? All the boarding agents are different. As with any customer service agents, it all depends on who you get, how understanding they are, what kind of mood they are in, how polite you are, etc..

One of my favorite personal stories is on the Disney line. I was with my mom and 3 year old. Mom was on oxygen. The first agent was not sympathetic. I simply went on to another agent, whom I believe was above her in status, and explained the battery issue of mom's O2 machine. He understood and boarded us immediately. 

This proves it all depends on who you talk to.

FYI: The many times I was lucky enough to go on cruises with my mom, CCL was always (by far) the best and most understanding of our situation. That's why even now, I don't think I'll ever cruise with another line. Carnival is just wonderful, IMHO.

I hope you have a great time on your vacation!! I really believe it will all work out for your family!

Gross. So gross. At least this will force me to drink more water.

12 hours ago, shellster1 said:

I feel the same way! I grew up near the ocean, but now I live so far from it that I need at least an aft balcony so I can be out there with more room and without the annoyance of the wind. Plus having a better view of the stars (and sometimes moon) at night is so worth every extra cent (for me)....and the aft-wrap is a huge bonus. I can't ever book more than 6 months out, but I've still been lucky in getting an aft, then I stock the website daily to see if a wrap becomes available. Usually, one always does. 

Not that it matters, but last night I had some wine when I posted this. I re-read it a few times. Something about it looked weird, but I couldn't figure it out. So I just thought, "oh well", closed my computer and got ready for bed. Then this morning, I woke up with a visual of my post. I realized I typed "stock" instead of "stalk". So odd, that was my first thought when I woke up! I had a bit of a laugh, and thought I'd get on here and correct it. So, yeah, sometimes I "stalk" the website for better cabins. On another note, I used to "stalk" the website for FTTF which has worked as well. :)

30 minutes ago, BTromboneFrack said:

We've done a number of aft wraps.   We're not picky on our itinerary or where we leave from, but we love the view and the privacy of the aft wrap, so we pretty much take the best itinerary that still has one open.    It's closest we can be to being outside while cruising.  We never have to fight for a deck chair and we can have dinner with a view any time we want.

I feel the same way! I grew up near the ocean, but now I live so far from it that I need at least an aft balcony so I can be out there with more room and without the annoyance of the wind. Plus having a better view of the stars (and sometimes moon) at night is so worth every extra cent (for me)....and the aft-wrap is a huge bonus. I can't ever book more than 6 months out, but I've still been lucky in getting an aft, then I stock the website daily to see if a wrap becomes available. Usually, one always does. 

In my experience, FTTF is not needed in San Juan. My first time is San Juan, I arrived at the port around 10:30 and there was barely anyone there. San Juan is a great place to walk around. There are wonderful shops and dining, plus lots of places to take beautiful pictures and explore. I think because the departure time is later, most guests take advantage of this and don't board until the afternoon. This itinerary is my favorite. Have a great cruise!!

25 minutes ago, mrlddst said:

I was in a Havana on the Horizon this past August. It was packed after 7 every night. It was loud and boozy. It didn't bother us but we definitely didn't try to go back out to enjoy it after 7.

Thanks for your input. It's good to know. I also wonder if perhaps the cabana cabins get too much foot traffic after 7:00? Isn't there a walkway on both sides on deck 5 that goes to the rest of the ship? I have wondered if there are doors, or how it's accessed?

I'm surprised about all the not-so-impressed aft-extended balcony reviews. IMO, the only negative thing about booking an aft or especially the aft wrap is that you'll never want to go back to a regular balcony. I feel like the regular balconies are far too small and windy to really enjoy for an extended period of time, and the view isn't as impressive. 12 night cruise though, awesome! You'll have a great time no matter what you decide! :)

19 minutes ago, purplephenom said:

Carnival confirmed this on their fb page as well in response to a visitor post.  

 

I womder if this means Havana will be opened to all suite guests or if a certain number of guests will be able to pay for access onboard. 

I wonder this as well. From what I've read, the havana area doesn't get too crowded after 7:00pm since this is usually when people are eating, going to shows, etc..I have to wonder what the reasoning is to this. I've also read on the Horizon, it's already open to all ocean-suite guests, as well as they've expanded it to all aft-cabin guests. Iv'e read this hasn't been an issue though. However, opening it as a "pay-to access" area might make it too crowded. ??

I admit, I'm concerned. I just splurged on one of these cabins for a New Years cruise with my (now 12-year-old) son...specifically for the privacy, as it's always just the 2 of us. It's a dream to think of not actually having to battle for a spot in the hot tub or pool, or fight for 2 chairs together. The reviews from previous havana guests have been so incredible. I'm so excited to experience this. I would be so disappointed to find out I spent a bunch of extra money for nothing. I'll be following this thread for sure. Thanks to the OP for posting.

I was lucky enough to spend a summer in St. Martin. Because of a couple of cruises I took prior, I just had to see the whole island. There are so many amazing beaches. Although the restaurants and services are nice at Orient, it is actually one of my least favorites because of the sargassum. Same goes for Dawn. My faves, (in no particular order) are Mullet: a bit crowded, but the beach is great, Friar's: similar to Mullet but the food is better and you can snorkel over to a secret beach plus it's usually not as crowded as Mullet, The Rainbow at Grand Case: Staff is amazing, lots of fun and the beach is gorgeous, Anse Marcel: because of the beauty and it's always pretty quiet. There's also a wonderful upscale restaurant with has nice chairs and excellent food. I'm actually surprised no one has mentioned Anse Marcel. It might be my top choice. And lastly, of course, Pinel Island. It might be my favorite...hard to choose. I've been back a couple times since, on a cruise. One day I picked Mullet because it's not too far from the ship. The other time I picked Anse Marcel. It's a hike from the cruise terminal, but totally worth it.  St. Martin is by far my favorite island that I've ever been lucky enough to visit!! 

19 minutes ago, fyree39 said:

We just go home this morning from a Mexican Riviera cruise.  We got off the ship in Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta and took excursions in both places.  I'm here to tell you that both ports are FANTASTIC. I just don't understand why Americans seem to think Mexico has dead bodies lined up in the streets. I love, love, love Mexico and it's people. So friendly, so accommodating, so happy to see us touristas there enjoying what Mexico has to offer.

 

My husband works with an engineer who is Mexican, though born and raised in this country. He has many relatives in Mexico and they think people are crazy for coming to the U.S. what with our school shootings, workplace shootings and so forth.  His relatives see the U.S. as being way too violent and dangerous.

 

Well Said.

I leave with my 11-year-old son next weekend. We have a couple of cultural excursions planned, as well as a beach day. I love Mexico, and can't wait for this cruise!

I feel like the pillows are just a bit too firm. That said, I have had neck surgery in the past and need a pillow my head will sink into to keep my spine aligned. I always travel with my own pillow. I sleep well on their beds though!

12 hours ago, MEUB1112 said:

We are also Platinum and we cruised on the Splendor this past November. We stayed on the Queen Mary which is right next to the pier where Carnival docks. We had sailed from Long Beach before and it USED to be the worst port to cruise from. Now, it is awesome. We gave our bags to a porter around 9:30 or so and went back and checked out of the hotel. We were allowed into the terminal well ahead of our check in time (allowable for priority guests), we were led to the VIP waiting area which is very nice and probably 30 minutes later we boarded. In the past you waited outside under an awning, they had a small building for priority guests but it was small with office style seating. Since Carnival remodeled the entire dome it is very easy to board. Hope this helps. Have a great cruise!

 

THIS!!

The cruise terminal is my favorite! They have a "Captain's Lounge" for plat's, diamonds, and suites that really is super nice. That said, I've only cruised a few terminals since turning platinum, so maybe there is a nicer one, but I love Long Beach. CCL did an amazing renovation. It's a wonderful way to start off your cruise if you're an early arrival. You will be so happy.

Sailing in 2 weeks and hoping for the blanket as well!! :)

Did anyone click the link and read the article? I did. Couldn't help myself. LOL! Imagine that, a bunch of ministers/priests/clergy, etc... throwing a fit because the DJ played "Bump and Grind", then later played "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke. LMAO!! I can't stand R Kelly either, but c'mon...who here CANNOT help themselves but dance like fire when they hear Blurred Lines?!?! 

14 minutes ago, Purvis1231 said:

In June 2018, the Dream aft pool was not an adults only pool. There is a serenity area above the waterslides that is adults only. 

 

Hmm, I wonder if they change the rules once in awhile? I know in March of last year the aft (hot tubs) were because there was a small sign posted and my son got booted. Oh well. :)

idk I'm sensitive to light too, and the balcony curtains have done a decent job keeping the sun from waking me up. in any case, OP, you made a great decision. If you're a light sleeper, I don't think you would have slept well near the dance club... And now you have a balcony! :)

I've never sailed the newer Vista-class ships, but I've noticed on other CCL ships the hot tubs are just luke-warm. I'm wondering if perhaps the Havana area hot tubs are actually hot? Has anyone noticed this? Thanks. 

No idea, either! Very cool.

4 hours ago, coevan said:

 

 

It will be the best $510 you ever spent. the only problem is once you get a balcony, you'll never go back.

 

I agree. I was in an aft balcony cabin last summer on deck 6, above the Punchliner. Since it was an outside cabin, I didn't think it would be an issue. It was. My white noise maker and the Ambien didn't help.

One of the best things (for me) is the sound sleep I get on a cruise ship. I love the gentle motion of the waves. It typically puts me right to sleep, but the music kept me up til the place closed. I would upgrade if I were you.

Not sure about the Magic, but the Dream is adult only...although kids can still be in the general area... they just cannot go into the pool or hot tub. I believe this is generally how it works for most or all CLL ships, excluding Vista class which have different rules regarding stateroom catagory. Perhaps someone else has more accurate info on the dream-class ships, or any other class ships, for that matter?? I think it was the same for the Conquest and Victory last summer when I sailed.

3 hours ago, clskinsfan said:

 

We rent a car and go to Gold Rock beach. One of the prettiest beaches I have ever seen and worth the drive.

 

THIS! Yep! I completely and totally agree. People who bash Freeport have never been to this beach!

So glad you got it! I personally think it's totally worth it and you made a great decision! I wasn't trying to be mean at all, I just know they don't last long so wanted to let you know to grab it while it was still available! Yes, you'll need to reprint everything. I usually show up around 11:00am, depending upon the departure port. Happy travels!!!

If you want it, get it, like NOW! Ignore the check-in time that's listed on FTTF. It doesn't apply. 

That's awesome! I love the comedy shows! So FUN!!