shellster1

Thank you for the review. I'm taking my son on this cruise next month. It will be our first B2B. We can't wait!! It's great to read about other's experiences and makes us even more excited!

It's not just today. I have that member blocked due to past comments similar to this.

OP: my condolences as well. I've researched this myself and know that you've gotten a lot of good advice here and it seems like you will be fine with your plan. Best of luck Sharon.

Joepeka: Thank you for your input: I had no idea we could block people on this site. Very useful!!

OP: I'm so sorry for your loss. Also sorry for the insensitive comment. I hope you will take other people's advice and not allow it to upset you. I appreciate your post: I have cremations I someday will part with. I plan to do this on CCL...I'm just not ready yet. I sincerely hope your trip brings you the peace you deserve.

Another vote for you to keep FTTF. Sounds like you have thought of every detail, are excited to have a wonderful time, and perhaps budgeted for a very nice vacation. If anything comes up and you need to go to guest services, you will definitely appreciate FTTF: My last cruise, 4-day with no tenders... I purchased FTTF simply because I love being able to board early: Little did I know, something came up and I would be utilizing the GS line. Worth every penny. Enjoy your trip!!! :)

I've been to Dominica 5 or 6 times, Champagne Snorkel, Black sand beaches, Titou Gorge and sulpher springs, and river rafting were some of my fun excursions.Always enjoyed myself. Many of the scenes in the 1st Pirates of the Caribbean movie were filmed here.

 

It's nice to get to a less frequented isle. Maybe Guadaloupe one day? Only been to Martinique twice. A Journeys 10 or 14 day cruise could cover some of these ports that Carnival rarely goes to now.

Wow, those sound like amazing experiences! I agree 100%: I would love to stop at the less visited islands. I've heard great things about Martinique, Guadeloupe, The Grenadines, and others. Perhaps some islands are too small? Not enough to offer cruisers? I don't know..but I sure would love to go exploring some day.

I went to Dominica on my 2013 repo Cruise. The thing I remember most was this little boy about ten years old. I think he was the son of one of the vendors on the beach. He was so excited to see a Carnival ship back in Port. He showed us his collection of Carnival model ships. He was very sweet. I hope for his sake this is true.

Aww, thanks for sharing! What an awesome memory that must be for you! :)

In addition to posting your review here, I would post on Tripadvisor, too. (Are we allowed to mention TA here?? Guess I'll soon find out.) :) I always read reviews from Carnival, then I come here, then I look at TA and I will compare all three before making my decision.

Of course, I agree with jdemps... it's best to take a private tour. However, I enjoy catamaran excursions, so I like to check around.

Best of luck to you and I'm sorry to hear you had such a bad experience, particularly upsetting at the price point.

In the (very little research) I've just done, it looks like CCL's 7-day cruise out of San Juan will once again be a 6 port stop, instead of 5: Looks like there are a few cruise dates listed next Spring/Summer that include Dominica!

This is such wonderful news! I remember my first week-long trip out of San Juan. We stopped here. It was an amazing port! I went to a black sand beach with my mom. Great food and drinks, unique little trinkets and souvenirs, and lovely locals who were always so gracious and more than willing to help and be of service to the tourists.

I remember of course thinking this was an impoverished country, but I feel like this is all the more reason to stop here!

It's gorgeous. There is so much to see and do, and the people are so genuine. I'm excited about this!

Here's my limited experience:

I've been on roughly 15 cruises:

8 - Carnival

4 - NCL

1 - Disney

1 - RCCL

1 - Princess

In total, I've missed 2 ports: First one, Grand Cayman. At the time, I was on the (brand-new) Jewel. It was a real bummer, too because it was a beautiful day...but very windy. I witnessed the crew trying so hard to get the tenders to cooperate, but to no avail. It was a bit puzzling to a lot of passengers because right next to us we saw Carnival having no problem tendering people on and off to the island. However, like I mentioned, I personally saw our crew working like dogs, trying everything to get those tenders going but the winds were too much. The boats were swaying like crazy. It would have been dangerous.

The other time, it was Belize. It was the week of Thanksgiving, 2014 or 2015. I can't remember. Anyway, I was on the Splendor. Unfortunately, we were sailing in a tropical depression. It was the one and only time on any cruise I saw barf bags displayed by the elevators. the pool deck was a mess. Completely flooded. It was still kinda fun though: I thought it was sort of exciting, being in the middle of a huge storm. All the stops were a complete waste, except for Grand Cayman. We had a few nice hours there. It was pouring in Cozumel, but still, it was fun walking over to all the shops and having lunch at one of the restaurants by the ocean. Roatan was totally flooded, too. The biggest bummer was the fact that it took me months to convince my hubby to go on what would be his first cruise. He said at the time he'd never go again, but he's starting to come around. Hopefully, I'll be able to talk him into giving it another shot. I think I'm close. Maybe next Spring. (Definitely NOT in November!!) :)

I don't know what it is about those things, but man oh man, my son and I go to what seems like EVERY trivia contest they have, trying so hard to win a ship on a stick...but we just never are able! We came close once: It was my strongest subject: 80's music name that tune. (I'm darn good if I do say so myself.) I think there were 20 or 30 songs, and I only missed ONE!!! But wouldn't you know it, there, of course, was a team who got them all correct. (or at least they SAY they did). I think they cheated. It was a group of 4 much younger adults, and they were all drunk. It was just my son and me, and then some other more mellow teams. Honest to God, I really did know all of them but one song. UGH!! Darn!!

Truth be told, I wanted to cheat so my son could have the ship, but I didn't. Some of the songs were hard, too!!! My son was so bummed out. In the future, I would love to team up with another group of 2 or 4, but if we were to win, who would get THE SHIP?!?!

First. World. Problems.

We're on Inspiration now, Deck 5 Main deck. Very quiet except for all the preteens running sprints up and down the hallways... lol

 

 

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LOL :) ...And their parent(s) trying to keep up!! (i.e., me...far behind my nine-year-old!)

I have a similar question posted on the St. Martin board and would like to post it here as well since it is relevant:

I have a 9-year-old son about 60 pounds. In St. Thomas, Sea Trek requires participants be eight years old AND at least 80 pounds!! (That's a big 8-year-old.)

However, Sea Trek in St. Martin makes no mention of weight restrictions. Rules state one must be at least eight years old, but there's nothing listed as far as weight requirements. Can anyone offer any experience with a weight requirement?

My son REALLY wants to do this, and it appears as though I can book this in St. Martin, but if he's too light, (regardless of where we book the excursion), I'd rather not see him float away like a mini-Oompa-Loompa!

Thanks in advance.

Hello - the Sea Trek Helmet Dive is one of the options our family would like to consider in St Maarten.

 

Two questions if you have done it -

1. Would you recommend the excursion?

2. How strict is the weight limit? We have a 9 year old that is about 65 pounds...will he be allowed to go?

 

Thanks in advance!

I'm going to revive this thread! I have a 9-year-old boy, also about 60 pounds. In St. Thomas, Sea Trek requires participants be 8 years old AND at least 80 pounds!! (That's a big 8-year-old.)

However, in St. Martin rules state one must be at least 8 years old, but there's no mention of a weight requirement. Can anyone offer any experience with a weight requirement? My son REALLY wants to do this!!

Thanks in advance.

As a parent who travels alone with a nine year old, I'm thrilled about this! My son can't stand the kids club, and enjoys lounging by the pool with a (virgin) daiquiri in his hand. Like mother, like son. [emoji4]. But honestly, I've never been opposed to the adult-only pools. No biggie, but this new rule looks to be steering people away from CCL who clearly can't stand kids. Good for you guys! Go to Sandals or find another line!! I hear Holland America is great for those who prefer less kids.

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Thank you for the replies!

I've found a couple places that will allow one to check-in early for a fee. The Hilton Caribe is one. I believe the fee is $75. Steep, but better than a full night rate. I'm considering this doing this in June. Either that or drop off bags and do a tour.

I have rolled the dice before trying to check in early. It's about 50/50 for me. Funny, the Courtyard Marriott in SJ was one I waited til 3 or 4 to get into my room. Nice hotel though!!

Does anyone know if the Kon-Tiki docks within walking distance from the Carnival ship, or is it a situation where we have to drive to get to the boat?

This would be a deal breaker for me..... I'd prefer not to spend 15-20 minutes driving each way to and from the ship to the other boat(s).

Thank you again!

Hi guys,

I'm considering taking my 9-year-old son on this excursion. I'm wondering at the beach stop, besides chairs, will there be anything for us to rent as far as floating mats, paddleboards, etc..?? Thanks!

BTW: The excursion (on Carnival) does not specify which beach they stop at, so I'm hoping someone here can offer info?? I did read (from an older post) the beach is Honeymoon beach...on Water Island?? (Not the one on St. John.) Can anyone confirm?

Thanks!!

Hello,

 

Honestly, I have been on 69 cruises, I am 53 and live with many medical conditions, fibromyalgia, lupus, spinal problems etc. I booked up a cruise last year leaving out of New Orleans for the month of May. My other half never seen New Orleans and I thought it be very nice and then go on the Dream.

 

My doctor advised me just two weeks ago after going through mri's and other tests that its essential I do not fly or sit longer than an hours time because one of my four herniated disks, one being the the N5S1 is protruding badly into my main and nerve can rupture if sitting longer than an hour and I would have within three hours to get surgery or get paralyzed. As a result, my other half told me to cancel at which I did and we have purchased Carnival insurance and are able to get the money back only they are asking proof of full payment from Carnival. I have written Carnival and to the department that is able to send that proof and my PVP and have totally been ignored. Carnival is not helping me with the information that I need to get my refund. I am very disappointed in Carnival, but my reason for writing this is to tell you all, when you make final payment print out your final payment statement just in case.

I am booked on the Harmony of the Seas for the same week, as we live in Florida and it only involves a 50 minute flight time which the doctor said I am able to do. I may never go back to Carnival, it really hurts knowing that Carnival only cares about getting my money and the booking and when I get their insurance and need their help with proof of final payment I totally get ignored. :loudcry:

 

I

I'm so sorry to read of your health problems, especially at such a young age! I wish the best for you. I sure hope everything works out with Carnival, and you don't lose confidence in them. For what it's worth, they were always so wonderful to my mom who also had many health problems. She was also in her 50's. I realize your post has nothing to do with the treatment of disabled passengers, but I just thought I'd point that out.

Also, they showed a tremendous amount of generosity and compassion to me a few years back: I won't get into the details, but perhaps it's not too hard to imagine...

Anyway, I received a full refund just days before a planned cruise. I didn't have any travel insurance...and I am a nobody, (meaning not platinum or diamond).

I will never forget the compassion they showed. Meant a lot to me.

I sincerely hope you receive your refund, and you will not lose hope in CCL.:)

I lived in LA for 10 years. Another thing worth mentioning...the traffic. Are you debarking on a weekday? With the morning rush hour, it will take you longer than you expect. Still though, you should be ok. Kinda pushing it for a weekday though, IMO.

Seriously? This is ridiculous. I'm stressed out about going on a cruise. Oh my! Please.

 

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Umm, FYI: I mentioned in a previous post these were "first world problems". No need for you to be rude. Also, for some people planning a vacation costs a good bit of money. Sometimes it can be a bit stressful trying to ensure you are spending your hard-earned dollar in a way that best suits not only you but your family as well. I would think that would be quite obvious.

LOL That is funny but what is making you stressed about the Allure, what made you stressed about the Allure? RC doesn't have the staggered check in either? You also have a WONDERFUL cruise!!

Thank you!!

I am cruising with my 9-year-old, who is quite shy. I started to wonder if the size and activities of the Allure matched his personality and preferences. I was concerned about the crowds, and how he would react to the amounts of people. I wondered if he would be ok with only having 3 port stops. I was concerned with having to reserve dinner and show times so far in advance. Yes, all of these things are first world problems. I'm very lucky to have things of this nature to "worry" about! In any case, after (admittedly) over-thinking the whole thing, I decided to stick with a ship and line that I was 100% certain he would enjoy!! (Plus, despite the $500 hit, I was able to book a B2B, sailing my favorite itinerary, the southern Carib leaving from San Juan. That surely influenced my decision!) I'm excited to try one of the mega-ships someday, but maybe when my son is older. :)

Bring one pair of khakis and a polo shirt for elegant night and for the other nights almost anything that you would let him wear to a restaurant at home would be fine.

I cruise often with my 9-year-old son, soon to be 10. This is exactly my rule of thumb, too. :)

YES!!! I recently had an aft-wrap on the Liberty. I loved it!! I feel like any aft balcony will be a lot less windy. With the aft-wrap, it was really cool because on certain days it would be very windy on one side of the balcony...but then no wind if you just turn the corner. So cool! IMO if you can budget for it, then go for it!! For me, I typically have to plan awhile in advance to plan for the extra expense But an aft cabin, (especially the wrap) is always worth it to me. Unfortunately, I'm a last-minute cruiser so usually cannot get those special ones.

I had to cancel our May cruise on the Dream due to medical issues, and thank goodness, for insurance!

 

I just had a thought a short while ago, I didn't realize that prior to going on a Carnival cruise that I had stress thinking about things. Not booking a Carnival cruise, I don't have to worry about my father in law needing to get FTTF as he is not platinum and needs to board with us as he is elderly. I don't have to worry about not getting our desired early staggered check in time as we only want to check in early am, my father in law hates to wear pants lol...(we live in Florida) now he is able to be comfortable on Royal Caribbean who now allows shorts now excluding elegant nights. We always get the drink package but I always worry that I reach the 15th drink and get cut off (never have reached it but hate the worry) and I am able to order breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, omelettes, hashed browns in my room......I didn't realize I have light stress when I choose Carnival......don't get me wrong I love the fact Carnival remains to have the live nightly band, the alchemy bar and we think Carnival has the best steakhouse/specialty restaurant, but now being booked on the Harmony of the Seas I just realized how easier it is to go RC. :o

I can completely relate...except backward! I just canceled a RCCL cruise on the Allure to go on a CCL cruise! It's strange, isn't it? That feeling of stress has gone, when I didn't realize it was there. I feel much happier now, and also can relate to not feeling worried about things that had me concerned when booked on the Allure. Everybody here is different and we all have different needs. I hope you have a great vacation! :)

Well....it is done. whew!

THANK YOU to you guys who replied to my questions!! After going back and forth for weeks, I (finally) made my decision, now set in stone...no turning back:

I booked my first B2B! I'm in the same cabin both weeks, leaving June 3rd from San Juan! I'm thrilled to pieces! I've done this route twice, years ago. Both times it was my favorite. Both times I was lucky enough to take my mom. This time I'm lucky enough to take my (9-year-old) son. I hope to create the same amazing memories, but of course, it will be different.

I've treated him to cruises before, but for some reason, I have had a hard time deciding this time because I thought he would have the most fun on one of the brand new mega-ships. After much thought, I realized that's not him. I asked him what his favorite part about cruising was. His reply? "The comedy shows, the chocolate melting cake, and the waterslides."...This apart from snorkeling and shell hunting at the port stops. I finally figured out his happiness is not dependent upon the biggest and best ship, or even having a balcony cabin. (We saved a ton of $$ by booking a window cabin). Anyway, he loves the experience of it all. He doesn't like to shop and hates to wait in lines. Big surprise, right? :) I've also noticed while cruising with him, he develops quite a fondness of the staff which in my experience, are always so amazing on the Carnival ships. (Not to say they are not on the other lines.)

So....today I booked this B2B....AND also took a $500 hit by canceling another cruise I had already booked on another ship/line. I'm totally Ok with it, though. I'm at peace with it. I'm so excited to take him on this cruise route! I know he'll love it. I hope it will eventually be a memory in his mind that is near and dear to his heart, similar to the memories I have of my mom.

..and a two-week, port-heavy cruise!! YAY! Oh my Gosh, I'm so happy right now!