CatlinSTJ

Matt's a good guy, funny, and very visible.

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

We have sailed similarly and purchased FTTF for each cabin. If you don't care about boarding early, you could purchase it for one cabin and put your stuff in that cabin until the others are ready, but only the cabin that purchases the perks will receive them, regardless of the others being minors.

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

Always give yourself a cushion before the due date, but I wouldn't pay it off TOO early. First, money in the bank = interest for you instead of the cruise line. Second, a few years ago I had paid about 3/4 of the cruise fare thinking that left plenty of room for price drops, right? Would have until the Triumph incident when cruise fares plummeted. We ended up paid off with about $800 in OBC. We didn't lose the money, but I would have preferred that money in my bank account. Typically, once the money is paid you end up with OBC, not a refund if the price drops below what you've already paid.

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

Had you called or gone online to make the final payment by the due date?

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

Very rarely do ship tours.Been going to Europe for 15 years and always use private tour guides or public transportation.Join your roll call for lots of help on private tours.

Same here. Italy won't be an issue, but we'll most likely book something for Marseilles as the only one of our party that speaks French will be 8 when we cruise. Probably not an issue, but I think she'll have more fun on a tour. (Kiddo goes to a French school.)

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

Think of it this way...if you were doing a land based trip, you would book your own tours through reputable companies, correct? Thousands, if not millions, of people travel successfully and book their own adventures, take cabs, etc. in these cities without the cruise lines every day.

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

If you fly out of ATL check out Turkish Airlines. You have to change at Istanbul and kind of backtrack but I booked 4 tickets to BCN with a return from FCO for $3129. This was directly on their website so no third party sight involved. They also fly from other hubs in the US with similar fares.

Nice! Also a perk of Turkish Air, if you manage a long enough layover they will arrange for a free sightseeing tour while you are there.

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

I hope so! Pretty excited about the dedicated space. Our last chefs table experience was on the Ecstasy and we were in the library just outside the dining room and had tons of faces stuck to the glass watching us.

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

Cozumel is way too easy to get around and find great options on your own. Cab prices are flat rate and regulated. Do some research and decide where you want to go and just catch a cab at the port to get there.

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

In most cases, the excursions are long enough that you can only do one per port. Very rarely you will see a time option - such as the excursions on Half Moon Cay where they are more activities and do not require additional travel. In that case, you'll select your time preference at checkout. I've seen the times combined though if not enough people book, so be aware that it could happen.

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

The double door actually has more noise insulation than a regular wall. You just paid an extra unnecessary $380.

Not necessarily. We had a connecting door with my kids the first time we took them and you could hear EVERYTHING - much worse than the through the wall noise. I've also had issues with having a connecting door and having the other person try opening our door to get into our room. I avoid them whenever possible now.

Congrats on getting the cabin you really wanted OP!

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

Haven't ordered it yet, but will be before we go!

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

I have no advice about staying on the ship as we haven't done it, but we have visited Progresso. It is not a touristy port, but we found the people very genuine and had a lot of fun. My girls will tell you that it has been their favorite port! We booked an excursion to Uxmal and it was a very cool trip and it is one of the few Mayan ruins where you are still allowed to climb one of the large pyramids. We still had time to visit the marketplace, pick up a few souvenirs, and practice our Spanish.

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

Interesting! DH and I tried to play pool on the Breeze last year and it is impossible, you couldn't even break, the balls were just rolling everywhere. Bowling should be humorous :p

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

Our flights will most likely be significantly more than the cruise, unfortunately. We're looking at about $1300-$1500 per person. The dates we need aren't posted yet so I haven't seen exact numbers. The problem is that we do not have any major international hubs near us and the travel cost of getting to one would be as much as just flying. Still watching and hoping we end up with decent fares!

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

I can confirm FiremanBob wife's experience! I put a 24 hour hold on my reservation then contact my PVP. Even though my husband and I are causal cruise travelers, she treats us like gold. I might think I m a Carnival expert but

 

I will continue to rely on her expertise.

 

 

 

If no payment is posted for the reservation, the PVP can claim it.

This is what I do as well. Our PVP (at least the current one) answered a lot of questions for us so I wanted to make sure she received the credit so I just held the cabin and had her call me to complete the reservation.

Now, if the PVP did not assist you other than sales calls, I wouldn't feel bad, but I would just call the 1-800 number for any changes.

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

DH and I were trying to remember if we had ever worn the robes and we have on one cruise. We did a Canadian cruise a few years ago and it was damp and freezing much of the trip - unseasonably so, even for Canada! A lot of people were using the robes as jackets any time the sun went down to try to stay warm.

Honestly, I'd rather have the extra space in the closet but have the robes available upon request.

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

We were laughing about this - cruising Europe with the American Table menu! :)

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

We used MJS transportation and the service worked great!

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

My daughters were in the clubs, and our little one is a HUGE fan of Camp Carnival. We sailed the Breeze a year ago and it was fine. (Our teens had some issues with the Club O2, but that would have no impact on your children.)

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

The Glory is still my favorite ship to date - have fun!

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

Nothing so far for us! (July 1 from Barcelona) Darn it...LOL

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

If it was sailing in an inside cabin to Europe or not going at all, I'd definitely book the inside cabin! :). That said, I would not select one as a preference. We're actually in a 4J for this trip - inside cabin prices, with a window overlooking one of the front (secret) decks.

We're sailing with a (will be) 16 year old and 8 year old. Not worried about the cruise itself as they're both seasoned cruisers, just worried about the little one on the flight over and back.

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

Best review EVER - H, you made me laugh, you made me smile, you made me cry a bit there at the end even (btw - we're all registered organ donors here!) Most of all though, you made me look forward to our next cruise. Great job, little buddy.

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016

Cozumel is one port where I would never pay for an excursion through the cruiseline. The taxis (official) have set prices and are very reliable and it's very easy to get where you need to be. Pick the resort that best suits your tastes (we've done Paradise Beach twice), get in a taxi, and go. Just make sure you stay on ship's time and give yourself plenty of time to get back and it will be fine.

Grand Cayman is the opposite. Unless you just want to shop, pick an excursion. The stingrays are always fun if you've never experienced that. Last year we did the a Land & Sea tour with a bit of everything and we really enjoyed it.

Next cruise: Carnival Vista - July 2016