dporter

like to have 3 sea days, 1 on the first day and then 2 at the end before day of departure.

If you are on deck 11 are you in a spa cabin? if so you should try the thalassotherapy pool in the spa.

Going in February and looking forward to the journey and being back in NOLA.

According to the Carnival website there is an Alchemy bar on the Breeze. If you select Explore, Onboard Activities, Bars, then the ship you want it lists all the bars on that ship. It does indicate that it is new.

following

We would stay on board because getting off interferes with people already in the area trying to get out and I wouldn't want to use resources they need when I already have a safe option of staying onboard. Even if we drove to the port, my car could always be replaced, that is what insurance is for.

We would prefer to get of the ship later, after the masses, we have a later flight and are not in a rush. Besides, I don't like to haul my luggage off the ship (just a personal preference). i am not opposed to the Carnival shuttle but we would prefer something smaller than a large tour bus.

Thank you everyone.

Just curious if anyone has used either LYFT or UBER to get from the pier back to the airport. If you have can you share your experience and if you think it is better than just using Carnival's transfer.

Thank you.

Thank you for sharing, we will be on the Dream in February 2018.

That was a terrible spa experience. I have been pretty lucky in the cruise spa experiences I have had in the past.

Most spas on cruise ships are not owned or managed by the cruise line. Most of them are other companies/franchises, not affiliated with the cruise line. I wish they would be more transparent about this to passengers.

I typically do not pre book spa treatments online, I will book directly with the spa once on board and I always ask for a confirmation card so I don't forget. Maybe this is why I haven't had an issue with time changing. After hearing your experience I will stick to booking on board. I figure if they don't have the treatment I want on the day and time I want then it wasn't meant to be.

I hope those that are worried they will now get the wrong treatment will not be afraid to stop their treatment if it isn't what they booked or wanted. I have found that just making it known right away the employees will go out of the way to make things right. It is harder for them to make something right if you are halfway through or finished with a treatment and say, that wasn't what I wanted.

I also do not like the hard selling that has become all too common. I have had some luck with letting the technician know at the start of my service that I do not want any sales pitch, I am on vacation and not interested in purchasing products. Should they forget or ignore at the end, which they often do (I figure they have a quota or something), I stop them and tell them no. Again I have been lucky that it normally works. Of course, I have no problem walking away from someone who is talking if I have already told them twice I wasn't interested.

I had no idea that the spa would allow you to pay with a credit card and not use your sign and sail card, I didn't even know that was an option. After hearing your experience I won't try because the last thing I want to do on my vacation is spend time arguing about being over charged.

I am really glad to hear that Carnival made it right even when it really wasn't their responsibility, that was nice to hear.

Thank you so much for sharing!

Ok, thanks all for your responses! I admit it, I was having a "stress out" moment. It's over now....I think.;) but I do thank you all for your advice. I told my hubs about going to port without them. He likes the idea of the 2 of us going the night before so he can see me off.;):* Then the other 2 ladies can get there when they get there and I will be finding a spot in the shade. lol

This is a great way for you to be able to arrive and board when you want and lesson the stress of someone who is always late. Enjoy your cruise.

I do not tip above the 18% gratuity. But of course you can if you feel that the service warrants an additional tip.

Yep just booked our third garden villa. Collin start the count down lol

 

And omg it's on the Dawn what do we do if the hot tubs not working? Lol

Knock on the neighbors door to see if they will share!!!!!

We have been on the Jade in a Haven 2 bedroom in January 2016 and we are going again this month. We absolutely loved it!

following as we leave in 7 days

I hope they fix it quick as we are on the 1/15 cruise on the Jade

Hawaii is easily done on your own. Just watch your time to make it back to the ship on time. Here on cruise critic you can go to the port section and that should give you lots of options on the various islands and tips from others what they have done. Trip advisor is another great source of information.

Now the road to Hana in Maui is long and may be best to do as a ship excursion if that is what you want to do so that you are guaranteed to be back on time. Unless you overnight in Maui and then you should have no issues renting a car and driving it yourself.

I prefer Bonine instead of Dramamine as it doesn't make me as drowsy and yes it is over the counter.

I only take it if I need it, which isn't too often.

These are the T&C for UBP. The OP asked about 'unlimited open bar'. It is only on Sky and has different rules.

Actually on NCL.com the Free at Sea now is FREE Unlimited Open Bar as a perk

Here is the fine print from NCL website:

Unlimited Beverages:

Applicable to guests 1-2 on the reservation.

Guest must be at least 21 years of age at time of sailing to qualify for the Ultimate Beverage Package. Guests under 21 will receive the soda package.

Variety of spirits and cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to $15 USD. Includes fountain soda and juice, and non-alcoholic beer.

A 20% discount will be given on bottles of wine (champagne and sparkling included) purchased on board.

Does not apply to the Ice Bars. Does not include room service, package sales, bottled water, ship specific promotions or beer buckets, designated super premium brands (subject to change), bottled wine, mini bar purchases, fresh squeezed juices, Lavazza coffee beverages, wine dispenser, energy drinks or vending machines.

Guest who receive the Soda Package may obtain fountain soda at any bar, lounge or restaurant throughout the duration of the cruise.

Guest's check may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries.

Guest is responsible for 18% gratuities & service charges on the retail value of the Ultimate Beverage Package and/or Soda Package prior to cruise, except when booking a Haven or Suite.

18% gratuities & service charges on the retail value of the Ultimate Beverage Package and/or Soda Package are included when booking through the Australia office.

Is there a difference between that and ultimate beverage package?

I see this now instead of Ultimate beverage package.

There is no difference.

You are limited to 1 drink at a time up to and including $15. Any amount over this you pay, we had no problem staying at or below the $15.

However, if you are a wine drinker the by the glass options available on this are limited. Not much of a choice, but it didn't bother us as we just tried lots of other cocktails.

Thanks DPorter, that is what I will do too :)

Welcome

No you do not need to tip. However, you can always tip if you feel someone went over and above your expectations.

For example, last year on the Jade the bartender was great. He created us by name, always came over to serve us quickly. In my opinion he went above what was expected so we gave him cash in hand on the last night of the cruise to recognize his extra efforts.

Hey there, thanks for any help.

 

We got the all-inclusive alcohol package, but how does it actually function on the ships? I have sailed Disney before only and basically everyone has a card (like a credit card) that the carry around with them. Waiters will then come up (or you can go to the bar) to see what drink you need. You then "pay" for the drink with the card, sign a receipt, and at the end of the cruise you were charged.

 

With the all-inclusive drink package, will it basically work the same except that at the end of the cruise you are not charged? Will the waiters already know that their tip is included?

 

Also, since I have you here and you are nice :P Will the 3 speciality dinners included package (also a freebe) work the same way? You "pay" for your dinner with the card but at the end of the cruise you are not charged. We would still, I assume, pay gratuity for those specialty dinners?

 

 

Thanks so much!

Hi!

The drink package on NCL is tied to your card. However, on NCL you will not need to sign a slip unless the cost of your drink goes over the $15 per drink maximum amount allowed per the package. If your drink is $16 then you will sign a slip for the additional $1 plus 18% tip on the $1.00.

The dining package on NCL is similar, on some ships there are restaurants that are not included or have an uncharge. The gratuity will only be charged on amounts over what the dining package covers. Here is what NCL website says about the speciality restaurants:

Food Republic, The Bake Shop, Ice Cream Bar, Gelato, specialty items in the Asian restaurant, Special Occasion/Holiday menus (New Year's, Christmas, etc.), Jazz Brunch, Wine Lovers and Murder Mystery lunches, and beverages are not included as part of the Specialty Dining Packages.

You may choose to dine in the following venues as part of your Specialty Dining Package for the corresponding upcharges: The Supper Club ($15 USD), For the Record ($15 USD), Ocean Blue ($15 USD), Bayamo ($15 USD), Cirque Dreams and Illusionarium ($10 USD regular seats/$15 USD premium seats/$35 USD VIP seating on Breakaway), Sushi Bar ($7 USD), Pincho Tapas Bar ($7 USD), and Raw Bar ($7 USD).

Specialty Dining Packages include one main course per person at Cagney's and Le Bistro restaurants. Additional main courses will be charged at the a la carte price listed on the menu.

Enjoy your cruise.

Grand Pacific is supposed to be the more formal, by more formal it means no shorts. This is also the larger dining room with the high ceilings. Alizar is a little smaller but the ceilings are not as tall, I didn't enjoy the ambiance in there as much as we did in the Grand Pacific.

If you are eating with more than 4 you will probably want to make a reservation but you can do that on board if you wish, even the day of.

On the Jade there is no pre reserving for the show, there are 2 shows nightly, except the 1st night I think.

Enjoy your trip!