RoperDK

15 hours ago, thesmiths said:

Thank you all.

Much appreciated.

 

Will check into the early disembark ? This can be done onboard?

Is this self carry luggage?

 

Yes, the low number tags needed for early disembarkation for an early flight time is done onboard at guest services. If it were me, I'd go to guest services early in the week.  Pick a time when the line isn't too long.  I'm not sure that you can pick up your tags early in the week, but they can explain the process and answer any questions you might have.  If you wait until the last day, guest services will be a zoo and the best tags may be gone already.  

You can get the early flight tags for either self carry or checked the night before luggage.    

6 hours ago, PortSideCruzan said:

 

Hi matymil ☺️

 

That's true, dinner hours will be available at Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse Brewhouse on Mardi Gras from 5pm until late. The restaurant will also be open for lunch, embarkation day & sea days 12:00pm-2:30pm; and will have a complimentary barbecue buffet.🐷🐖

 

 

🌴

We have 2 cruises on the Mardi Gras booked.  I have a feeling we will be eating, drinking, and listening to music at the Pig and Anchor.  Sounds like our kind of place.  Thanks everyone for your responses.

1.  Your flight times qualify you for the "early flight" debarkation  process.  Guest services can help you with the details.  We've never personally done this, so I'm sure others can give better details.

2.  With elderly parents and a disabled wife I would ask for wheel chair assisted debarkation (and embarkation).  It is so tiring with the long walk and awkward using the escalators.  I am able to walk, but getting to the point that wheelchair assistance is on my horizon.  You can let Carnival Special Needs know pre-cruise about your concerns and they will help with details.  Once onboard, guest services can help you with any follow up. The important part is to contact Special Needs before your cruise. 

46 minutes ago, fligster said:

Last night for dinner, we had missed our 6 pm reservation, went around 7:30. There was a little line but went to the suite guest podium and got right in and a window table. So thar worked out. I thought I had read beforehand that suite priority reservations don't apply to my time dining but at least on harmony they have a separate suite podium.

Are you planning on dining at the Coastal Kitchen? We really enjoyed it it the past when we booked suites. Really enjoying your review!

35 minutes ago, johnjen said:

I read everyone's feedback on here. All sound advice. Particularly in leaving the firearm behind.

 

I'd personally just do a park and ride at a nearby hotel to the port, leave my car there for the duration of the trip and take a shuttle to the port and ensure there's a way back to the hotel. We always do this because, dollar for dollar and being on vacation, it's better to do this than pay that parking fee. That way you also get to relax in a nice hotel the night before and chill!

Well, doing a park and cruise/fly from a nearby hotel in any city would make me reconsider leaving a weapon (or any valuables) in a vehicle.  We only park at the port nowadays.  We consider the extra cost a part of our cruise budget.  The port security is worth it for us.  Don't get me wrong, we used to park at hotels all the time.  Convenient and budget friendly.  When we flew to our cruises in Hawaii and Alaska we used carefully selected fly and stay hotels and I have to admit that I spent a fair amount of time worried about our car.  All was okay though.  I remember the good old days when parking and shuttles were FREE. Now that was a bargain!

6 minutes ago, karena1 said:

I always over pack and don't care.  I like choices.  I take a dinner outfit for each night, but on a week cruise I probably take 15 swim suits as I don't know what I will want to wear.  I also take at least 10 pairs of flip flops and/or dressy sandals and also my tennis shoes as I work out every day.  Again I don't care, I am not flying or we fly SW, so I can take whatever I want.  If I don't use it, who cares??? I just bring it back home. I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it!

I like your packing philosophy!  

On ‎4‎/‎23‎/‎2019 at 9:05 AM, Tntt said:

Our cruise leaves out of port Miami and we decided we are driving to the port, it will take about 12 hours and I am trying to organize this trip to be as fun as possible especially with 2 teens. I just have a few questions....

 

1. I thought about packing food & drinks to minimize spending tons of money at gas stations, would that be wise or it that too much?

2. I thought that we should leave at least 2 days prior to cruise so we can stopover and rest and not try to drive 12 hrs straight. Would that be a waste of money getting hotels?

 

3. So my spouse is licensed to carry guns and even though we know we cant take it on the ship, my spouse is in law enforcement and thinks we need to bring a gun to keep In  the car for safety reasons, but that means we would have to leave it in the car at the port for a week and risk someone breaking in our car and possibly stealing it, should we even bring it? 

 

4. Packing ..... I think Im packing too much ..... Our cruise is in may is it extremely hot in the bahamas like it is in July or august? 

1.  Snacks are always a good idea and don't take up too much room.

2.  We live about 12 hours from Miami and wouldn't attempt that long of a drive in one day.  Traffic congestion/construction or an accident could add hours to your drive.  The Orlando area has tons of hotels at every price point and is our go to stop over area. I grew up in Miami and I suggest you do your homework on locations for a hotel pre-cruise.  Staying close to the port is expensive, but traffic problems getting to the port will be lessened.  We have even stayed a bit north of Miami and driven a bit further to cut down on the costs, but don't even think of trying that if your cruise leaves on a workday or there is an event in town that weekend.  With 2 teens, you might want to have an extra day for exploring.  In my experience, if there is a pool on site, they will be entertained.       

3.  We have concealed carry permits and always bring a weapon in the vehicle.  We are both retired military and that is just how we roll.  Please make sure that you bring any required permits with you and make sure that your state's permit is recognized in Florida.  There is a reciprocal agreement between many states in the south.  If it isn't recognized, then your license may not be valid. I have no idea about law enforcement guidelines, seems that would be a valid license.  We were pulled over in Tampa at the port once for a random homeland security screening.  There was absolutely no problem with having a weapon at the port with the required permit.  I would only park at the port in Miami.  I know any vehicle could be broken in to, but if any valuables are out of site then how would someone know you had a weapon in the vehicle?  Just our opinion and experience.  

4.  The Bahamas will be hot in May, but not as wilting as in July or August.  The ship may be cold.  We always bring a light jacket for on the ship.  You are driving, so a little overpacking won't hurt. Enjoy your cruise!    

We've only been on ships that had Guy's Pig and Anchor for lunch and we really enjoyed it.  We were wondering about the dinner pay options.  What did you think about them?  What about the prime rib and rack of ribs?  We've changed how we eat on cruises now.  Rarely go to the MDR and would rather have smaller portions and snack more often.  We could make a meal out of the nachos.  I actually like the a la carte pricing because we don't eat that much and can keep costs down.  

We are on the Harmony in mid-September in a Junior Suite.  I plan on running up to the Coastal Kitchen as soon as we board to attempt reservations.  Could you post the menus for each day so that I can go prepared for which days to try to reserve?  Ugggg...never again.  We are always booking a Grand Suite in the future.  So worth it for us.   

I found a picture of the new breakfast door hangar.  Don't know what ships have them.  I guess they are doing a trial.

On ‎4‎/‎21‎/‎2019 at 9:56 PM, SecretSK said:

 

Yes, we just sailed Magic (off the ship this morning, boo boo) and one morning ordered the breakfast sandwiches from the hanger you put on your door. As I recall it was $3 for each, with three options. English muffin with egg, cheese & ham. Biscuit with sausage, egg & cheese and one with a crispy chicken something.

 

I love breakfast sandwiches and eggs and mine (with sausage) was really bad. I was disappointed. The egg was good but the sausage was thick and chewy and the biscuit was odd. Hopefully we caught them on a bad morning and others liked them.

I was afraid that the breakfast sandwiches wouldn't be up to par.  Carnival needs to know that if someone is paying for an item, it should be good.  I've had the breakfast sandwiches on Princess and enjoyed them.  

13 minutes ago, sanmarcosman said:

We've not seen a breakfast sandwich on Carnival's menu. Princess has a hot breakfast sandwich on their menu, the McPrincess. Could you be thinking of them?

I've been on Princess and I know what you are talking about.  This is a new item on several Carnival ships.  I can't offer the link to clarify.  I believe it must be a trial on a few ships.  Hoping someone has first hand knowledge and can offer a picture.   

21 minutes ago, coevan said:

 

 

I agree that many people do not know their light is on. The first day the night was on all night. We ran into our neighbors going to breakfast and asked if they knew their balcony light was on. They said no and thank you for telling us, simple.

We have done the same.  I think that most people are considerate and don't want to disturb others.  I have heard of someone who wanted their light on in case someone came on to their balcony.  A bit paranoid, but it is their space.  (They were not our neighbors, just someone on the board in the past.)  I had one "neighbor" that didn't like being asked about their space.  We are overly polite, too.  In that case, we asked our cabin steward to please turn off the light if it is on during the day.  He did it.  They never noticed. Problem solved.   

15 minutes ago, coevan said:

 

 

I have never seen any eggs on the room service menu and I love eggs. 

I hope they add egg items and bacon and sausage.  I know there will be a charge, but as long as they offer the usual free items, I am okay with that. 

This doesn't just apply to cruising, but if you aren't USING a slot machine, don't just hang out sitting at one.  The casino area on the ship is pretty small and is often really crowded.  Hanging out to sit next to your friend or to smoke when people are clearly wanting to use the slot machine is rude.  

9 hours ago, SeaScout said:

Please. If you are not actually using your balcony light at night, would you be kind enough to turn it off so that others can enjoy their balconies.  Thank You. 

 Oh my, yes!  I love to sit on the balcony at night.  In the dark.  Watching the stars.  If someone is out on their balcony and wants the light on, then that's okay with me. Please turn the light off when you are done. So many times the light gets turned on and stays on for days.  The occupants probably don't even know.  

Has anyone been on a ship recently that had breakfast sandwiches for a $3 charge added to the breakfast order form? I saw a picture of the new form on a site that we can't mention here.  I believe there were 4 different kinds of typical breakfast sandwiches.  The normal breakfast items were the same and were free. 

2 hours ago, cruisinwithdad said:

I love this topic!  Our cruise is just 24 days away now 🙂  We have 4 ladies staying in one cabin 😮.  My SIL and I went on our very first cruise together with my Dad ... totally over packed (yes we had one tote with just shoes).  So we have been giving ourselves pep talks about not over packing this time.  Not sure how successful we will be.  I like options too and have also purchased just about every cabin hack idea I have read about here or watched on youtube... but I am pretty sure my new packing cubes will save the day!!!  LOL

I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my packing cubes! I don't know how we got along without them.  My husband and I have different colored ones and the mesh part let's you see what's in them.  I've found so many uses for them besides clothes.  The smaller ones are great for electronic cords/accessories and medicines/toiletries.  They keep everything so organized!

6 hours ago, linky99 said:

Thank you all for your replies. One thing, I am most definitely taking more than I/we need. I'm a hoarder packer. Can't help it. Thanks for your concern though! Appreciate the clarity on the amount of luggage "suggested." 

Lol....this is me.  I try to cut down on what we take, but it is a struggle.  Since we no longer dress up in the evenings, it has helped quite a bit.  I get the usual "How many different colored flip flops do you own?" and "You really bring your own pillow?  Actually, we have been cruising for 20 years and I have a packing list that I tweak all the time. After all, you can't run out to grab something at Walmart in the middle of the ocean!  Bottom line is that you can check as many bags as you wish.  The "suggestion" is to try to cut down on the amount of luggage they have to handle.  Enjoy your cruise!

9 hours ago, Cruisegirl6 said:

What era music do they mostly play?  I tried googling them can't find a video.

They did a variety.  One night was country. Other nights were 70s and 80s themes. 

We are platinum on Carnival.  We got tired of the same old thing and switched it up a bit with RCCL and Princess.  We just cruised on the Breeze in February and I am back on board with Carnival! Our cruise on the Breeze was close to perfect for us.  This is my take.  Princess was great for Alaska, but we will only cruise in a mini-suite because the regular cabins are too small.  I know you didn't ask about Princess, but I wanted you to know that we were searching for an alternative.  Princess is fine, but a bit old fashioned.  Not the "fun" experience we enjoyed.  Not a "drunken" experience as most people assume, but there is so much fun.  Don't really know how to explain it.  We have cruised on RCCL Oasis twice and LOVED it!  It is a WOW experience.  We are booked on Harmony this fall.  Can't wait!  I see that you are looking at Harmony and I would definitely book it.  It will be a good comparison to the newer ships that Carnival has to offer.  However, there really isn't a comparison.  The Oasis class surpasses the newer Carnival builds.  I have the Carnival Mardi Gras booked.....that may actually be an apples to apples comparison.  We will see.  My suggestion is to try the Harmony.  It has some major plusses compared to even the newer Carnival ships.  There are some negatives.  Free lunch options and such.  Try the Oasis class.  Our take away is to only cruise on Carnival's newer ships.  We have only cruised on RCCL's newer ships.  To us, newer is better.  Hope this helps.     

We were on the Breeze mid-February.  The main band was 6  O'Clock Dock. They were great!  They did sets with a duo.  Then the next set added more musicians and the final set added horns.  The Ocean Plaza was rocking!  Hope you get to see them.  We loved the Breeze.   

We cruise in Carnival suites often.  I have never noticed a different bed type than in other cabin categories (balcony) that we have sailed in.  I believe that the mention of pillow top mattresses began with the introduction of the Excel suite category.  Since no one has sailed on the Mardi Gras yet, I think we will have to wait and see what differences there are in mattress type.  I have always found that Carnival mattresses have been very comfortable.  In fact, much more comfortable than mattresses on RCCL and Princess.  Even in their suite cabins.

Has anyone else noticed additional Excel suite amenities that haven't been announced but are listed on Carnival's website? I was looking at the Mardi Gras deck plans and clicked on our Excel Aft Suite. It opened a pop up that showed additional information including floor plans.  If you look under amenities it lists a few that I hadn't heard about before.  There were at least two (unlimited complementary on demand movies and a coffeepot) that were news to me.  Did I miss something?  I thought I'd been pretty thorough gathering details concerning the suites.  I know that Carnival doesn't always get their details out consistently.  I don't know if that is done on purpose or not.  Has anyone else heard about the movies and coffeepot and what do you think about them?  I like both amenities!

6 hours ago, ginger123snaps said:

I haven't sailed Carnival in a long time.  We have been enjoying the ship within ship concept for quite some time on other lines.  Looking forward to trying something new.  I am curious though...what are the chances they will include a private restaurant for those staying in the suites?  On RC they open up one of the specialty restaurants as a "private" restaurant for suite guests for breakfast and lunch.  I only say this because the price was not much less then what we would pay on other lines.  I booked directly through carnival.  

I know I'm dreaming, but wouldn't it be perfect if the Excel suites had a private suite restaurant like the Coastal Kitchen on the RCCL Oasis and Quantum class ships?  The food is amazing. The service is amazing. The views and ambience are amazing. Not having to fight the crowds is amazing.  We save our pennies to book at least a Grand Suite so that we can eat there. BTW, did I say it was an amazing perk. 😀