shellster1

To follow up on my question, the pizza that they deliver for room service is definitely NOT the same as Pizza Pirate. Not the thin crust yummy kind you get at the Pirate. This is what has me concerned. Oh, I mean (my son) concerned. :D

Ok, so this will be the most pathetic question of the day, if not the week, but I'm going to ask it anyway:

What's the difference between Pizza Pirate and Pizza Del Capitano? If my assumption is correct, they both seem to serve the same purpose which is to be the 24-hour pizza destination. Just wondering if the recipe is the same? My son loves the Pizza Pirate. It seems to be on the older or smaller ships?? Is it just the newer, bigger ships that have the new name of the Pizza Del Capitano?? Thanks in advance for anyone who has input!!

I agree with the previous poster who recommended “stalking” it. I have always been able to nab one, even late into the game! [emoji4]

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Thanks everyone!!! The picture helps. Looks like the spacing of the tables is an improvement from the older ships.

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2 other things:

The drive is long. Takes forever to get out there. You don't get that much time at the beach.

Also, I mentioned the narrow pathway through the mangroves. What I forget to say was to be prepared for random, sharp branches sticking out every few yards or so. They contributed to my bruises. It was a miracle my son didn't have his eye poked out. ( He's not the most observant child. )

Still though...that beach. WOW. Freeport is not my favorite port....but that beach is so cool. It's different from typical Bahamas/Caribbean beaches. The sand is gold, it's shallow forever, and the waves are perfect.

I've done it. I can't recommend it, however, it totally depends on you:

I am in good shape and have kayaked before, but I was with my 9-year-old old just last year. It was a disaster. I had bruises on my arms and legs, trying to navigate through the VERY narrow mangroves, moving the paddle from one side to the other. My son was clueless, so he was extra baggage! LOL!! The guide pushed for tips HARD, telling us it was his birthday. He and the rest of the tour, aside from one very sweet couple, left us in the dust. I was totally exhausted by the time we got to the beach. However, the beach was totally amazing! So beautiful. No services though. Lunch was included, but WOW....bad doesn't even describe it: Cheap white sandwich bread with "science" cheese, generic bagged chips, and generic water. I wouldn't go again.

I would rather pay an arm and a leg for a private driver to drive me there and stay with me because, even though there are NO services, the beach is awesome. Seriously beautiful.

I've been there on 3 occasions with my only son, starting at age 3. He LOVED it every time. They will be fine, as will everyone around you! No big deal at all. We were treated very well by staff and fellow guests. Have fun!!

Need recommendations for nice beaches that do not require reservations. I usually do Nachi or Sanchez but last cruise, I made resi's for 3, (in a cabana no less)...and of course, there was a tropical storm....but they were still open! Totally ridiculous. Obviously, we didn't go and I lost a good amount of money. I'm not willing to take that chance again, so...I'm looking for places I can go that either doesn't take reservations, or will likely have availability??? THANKS!!

I've tried to look up pictures of the dining rooms, but I cannot tell if they have booths, or if at least the space from table to table is reasonable. I remember they had some booths on the Splendor, and I loved it: More comfortable, and so much more private. I feel like (at least on the older ships) no matter what table (for two or four) you get, you are literally 2 inches away from the next table. Doesn't matter if it's a "half" booth or a table...still 2 inches from the next couple. I find it a bit awkward and uncomfortable. It's literally impossible not to hear each other's conversations! (Here I am, with my 10-year-old, and there they are, perhaps on their honeymoon.) LOL!

I do agree that children should be taught some social and etiquette skills that may be useful as they become adults and find themselves in situations where they will put those skills to work.

 

However, what I don’t agree with is that a main dining room aboard a Carnival ship is the place to do so. In my humble opinion, the casual night experience on Carnival (as well as other mass market cruise lines) is at par with a night out at Chili’s or Applebee’s. Same type of atmosphere, cuisine and fellow diners. I wouldn’t dress my children up to go to these venues.

 

Seeing children in shorts at the main dining room on a Carnival ship shouldn’t be an indication that their parents aren’t teaching them valuable skills. Personally, I live in a community where my children participate in many social events where dress codes, social behavior and table manners are expected. Even at a young age (5 and 8), they’ve learned them. But I’ve also taught my kids that, there are places and situations when it’s OK to relax the rules. And casual night on a Carnival cruise is a place where I consider it perfectly acceptable to relax the dress code (although I’d still expect table manners and proper behavior).

 

But my point is that we shouldn’t wrongfully judge, or assume that a parent isn’t teaching their children “some class” or life skills simply because they chose to relax the dress code on a casual night aboard a budget cruise ship.

 

 

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Well said! I couldn't agree more about the "Chili's" atmosphere. Another thing to consider (in ALL cases) would be that people, in general, are more concerned about themselves and their own appearance to really take notice of anyone else....and if they do, well then...that's a bit sad for them. They should enjoy their vacation without judging others. I have a 10-year-old son who actually loves to get dressed up and go to the 2-hour dinner. He dresses better than I do, that's for sure. Kids are all so funny, cute and unique in their own little ways. In certain circumstances, I feel like we should just let them be who they are.

This is the coolest post I’ve EVER read on this board. Congrats!!! You just gave me so much inspiration. Thanks for sharing!!

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I was on the NCL Jewel when it was brand-spankin' new. Good Morning America was broadcasting from the ship, so believe me, they tried so hard to get the tenders out. They were unsuccessful. I saw the size of the waves. SO CRAZY BIG!

Here's something worth mentioning: We came into "the area" second to Carnival. Somehow, the CCL ship was able to tender. It was a beautiful, sunny day, but the winds must have been an issue for NCL. ?? I noticed the waves were crazy, so I don't blame NCL.

I still wonder til this day why we were not able to tender, while Carnival was? Was it was the ship's position, the ship size, etc..? I don't know. The crew was wonderful though, and although it was a bummer, it was still a fun day.

I love telling this story, and seeing this thread, what a great opportunity to share it.

I don't have any comment or opinion on what's legal, or what one considers ethical...but here's my story about sea shells on Turks and Caicos:

I had a cruise booked with my 6-year-old son. It was early spring of 2014. Unfortunately, my mom passed away just 6 weeks prior. I didn't want to go. I wanted to cancel. I had no idea how I would enjoy the trip. I always cruised with my mom. It was a tradition of ours. We spent most shore days going to the beach. I relaxed, while mom collected sea shells. She was picky, though. She liked the very small ones, unchipped. The ones that were no bigger than a nickel. She didn't take many, just the ones she thought were special. At her home, she arranged them in little glass dishes and displayed them on her coffee table. It seemed they were rearranged every time I visited. It was her "thing".

Anyway, one stop on this particular cruise was to the Turks. My little boy and I decided to take a beach excursion. The beach we went to was empty. It was the most beautiful day! So sunny, and it seemed we had miles of beach to ourselves. We took a walk. A long walk. On our little adventure, I was feeling sad. I missed her.

On our walk back, I looked down and started to see these beautiful little white shells. I don't remember seeing them on the way out, but there they were, on our way back. And it seemed to me, they were placed as footprints would have been. There was an abundance of them, perfectly placed. My son and I started to pick them up. We immediately cheered up. We filled our pockets with these precious little shells, and at that moment, I knew my mom was with us. That was my "Sea shells in the sand" day. Possibly the best shore day I ever experienced on any vacation.

Sitting at work, thinking we may try Cheers on our next cruise..... also not really sure what excursions to do in Kitts and Maarten. A little sad we didnt get a spa cabin but will get a pass. Hoping to do Behind the Fun on Vista. Also have to buy a ticket for The Last Jedi.

[emoji23] Stay at home mom here, sitting in the carpool lane (at my son’s school), and literally this post made me laugh out loud! Thoughts like this go through my mind as I️ navigate through my day. Love I️t!!!

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Quick answer: you don't need anything if you are the child's parent. I've taken my kids on multiple cruises without my husband and no one has ever asked for any documentation either on the ship or in any port. [emoji106]

 

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Ditto. (y) I take my little guy twice a year and never bring a letter. Never occurred to me before.

If you find your stateroom attendant, he/she will allow you to drop off your bags...especially if you slip them a $20. I did it EVERY time before FTTF ever existed. Some people here are perhaps just a bit uptight. Gimme a break. It's no big deal. :rolleyes:

Ditto!

I just read a bunch of posts about upgrade offers today! Congrats to everyone who got one! I wonder what happened today?? Was Carnival feeling the Xmas spirit? My offer is for the Dream...I originally booked a balcony on the 8th deck and was offered either a balcony on the Lido or Panorama for $20 more, or a spa cabin (on the same decks) for $90 more. I chose the $20 option as I'm traveling with my little guy, and the spa cabin wouldn't be worth it for us. I'm excited to be closer to the action!

I received an upgrade offer today, too...on the Dream. I accepted immediately. I'm so thrilled...I've never received an upgrade offer before. :)

I suppose I am naive to be surprised that I am not alone among those who have heard the "N" word from a table-mate. Years ago, I was with my mom who was raised in the 60's and one who I would describe as an activist and protester during that time. We were shocked to sit next to and hear an older man with a heavy southern accent use the word. We both thought we misheard him, until later after dinner when we talked about it. Literally, I had never heard anyone actually say the word. It was sad because I remember his wife seemed to be so lovely.

Another issue I have experienced is the wine thing. I enjoy having wine with dinner. I usually order a bottle, and bring the remainder to the cabin afterward. I have had people negatively comment on this, which makes me feel uncomfortable.

Lastly, sometimes I feel shy or introverted. Sometimes I feel like it's hard to be myself around others. I think it might be social anxiety, I don't know. I would hate for my table-mates to think I'm being rude because I am quiet...so that's another tricky one.

I love to meet people and make friends but with a 2-hour dinner, I feel like it's too risky for me, so I always choose MTD.

You will have such an awesome time! This route is by far my favorite, especially for two BFF's in their 20's. I feel like port-heavy cruises are the best choice for young, active people. I did this itinerary twice with my mom on the Victory, then a B2B last June with my son. Best time, EVER!! So much to do. Enjoy the planning, and counting down the days. That's have the fun!

Totally agree, this is awesome!!

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So totally worth it!

Your S&S card was never swiped to have the picture "added" to your card. It's in the system. The cards were always in an envelope in which the rep would go get and give them to you. Only things that have changed is the location of the envelope and you no longer have the 2nd check in line. If you do a search, there is a plethora of threads on this topic.

I don't remember 2 check-in lines. Unless you count showing your ID to get into the terminal?? Or having your card scanned upon actually boarding the ship?

It's not a big deal, I was just wondering why Carnival would switch it up, which now has been answered. Thank you, everyone!

IMO, check-in has always been quite timely. However, it seems most seasoned cruisers agree, it's even more time efficient now. I have always boarded early. Perhaps that's why I haven't noticed any problems previously.

My last cruise was on the Fascination last summer and I received my card at check-in. I’ve read CCL is now distributing the cards at your cabin. This seems odd to me. How do they link your picture with your card?? Is this the case for all ships? Specifically, the Dream and Sunshine? Thanks in advance.

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