Donh44

Had the same problems in New Orleans & Miami. Nothing seems to get the goo off of the luggage tag holders.

Might be worth considering taking some alcohol swabs with you when you travel. That should get the "goo/sticky" off when you get to the cabin. I just now put that on my little list of incidentals to take.

Does anybody know if it will be a problem if I take a few bottles of Crystal Light drops onboard? It seems like a gray area.

Not a problem at all. On my last cruise I took the little envelopes of Crystal Light that one would use to put in bottles of water. Took it right into the dining room and poured it into my water and voila, my drink. Not a problem at all. I never travel without them anymore.

I am sailing on her for the first time January 22nd. I do have FTTF, but they did just change my boarding pass to an hour later. Any clue why?

But with FTTF, it doesn't make any difference unless they have changed. With FTTF, one can arrive at the terminal at any time.

Has anyone else heard what is happening in Jacksonville? The website does not state that staggered check in is being rolled out in Jacksonville. However, after reading on John Heald's FB page, I went to my booking and was only allowed to book 1:00 (it wasn't there until the end of last week). When I called Carnival, she said it was not being rolled out yet. Then she found an email stating that it was, but 1:00 would be the earliest time. I explained to her that I never received an email about it, but that I had for my April cruise in Port Canaveral. She didn't seem to care. Has anyone else been able to pick a time earlier than 1 pm (sailing on 1/28, but she said this begins on 1/23). I can't imagine everyone arriving early, and then having to wait until 1:00 to check in. I told her this, and she said everyone would just have to wait. I've been on 8 Carnival cruuses, and this just seems like a disaster in the making!

 

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Correction to my previous post. I just "Googled" your inquiry and the staggered checkin will begin on Jan 23 in Jax on the Elation. Sorry about the previous post.

Has anyone else heard what is happening in Jacksonville? The website does not state that staggered check in is being rolled out in Jacksonville. However, after reading on John Heald's FB page, I went to my booking and was only allowed to book 1:00 (it wasn't there until the end of last week). When I called Carnival, she said it was not being rolled out yet. Then she found an email stating that it was, but 1:00 would be the earliest time. I explained to her that I never received an email about it, but that I had for my April cruise in Port Canaveral. She didn't seem to care. Has anyone else been able to pick a time earlier than 1 pm (sailing on 1/28, but she said this begins on 1/23). I can't imagine everyone arriving early, and then having to wait until 1:00 to check in. I told her this, and she said everyone would just have to wait. I've been on 8 Carnival cruuses, and this just seems like a disaster in the making!

 

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I am on the Elation cruise coming back on the 23rd. I read recently on here that Jax will start staggered checkin will start on the 28th.

correct me if I am wrong, but if you had already purchased FTTF, there is no need to check in at airport...You should go directly to ship...as you will be ahead of the airport express passengers...correct??

FTTF will allow you to bypass the general boarding passengers at the port terminal whenever you get there. You will be afforded early boarding. Not sure what you are referring to at the airport. FTTF has nothing to do with that or the airport express.

I read several threads recently that some ships are not issuing S & S cards at checkin. They said that they would be in your mailbox outside of your cabin. Does anyone know if this is true or not? I contacted my PVP and he told me that there is some new technology "in the works" which might eliminate the S & S card. I have read some material that confirms this. Was wondering if they have stopped issuing the cards at checkin on any ships at this time.

Faster to the fun is usually available at the 80 day mark (final payment period) when a lot of people who had FTTF are not able to finish paying and cancel. I figure you are past that period so you just have to keep checking. I know others are saying it's not worth it and you should save your money. I tell you it's worth it for sure. It's not just for boarding. There are a lot of other benefits to it. Too bad they raised the price so high though. It as $59.95 when I bought it.

So many say that it isn't worth it. To me it is worth every cent, even tho they keep raising it. I have major back problems after unsuccessful surgery and I cannot stand in those long lines anymore.

Has anyone ever found a Carnival Gift Card at Lowes?

Where have you had luck purchasing one?

PUBLIX Supermarkets here in Florida have them. Just saw them there this week.

After 13 cruises with Carnival over the past 15 yrs, we have a simple question of what's the cost/penalty fees if we have to change one person for another in our balcony stateroom.

Can't get a hold of my TA all day, so figured we can call Carnival's 800# to ask the simple question.

Well, not so simple. Spoke to 3 reps, all the way up to Supervisor, all said that they can't give me the "simple" answer since I booked through the TA. It's against Carnival's policy to give me any answers without TA's permission.

Would take One minute to answer, rather 10 minutes to repeat that they can't answer my question.

Never been so frustrated, figured in today's Tech & online world, the TA are virtually gone from airlines, hotels, & other travel agencies. As a customer, calling directly into Carnival, figured they could give me a simple answer without much hassle...

It could very well be a contractual thing. The TA is an agent for the cruise line. They have the sole responsibility for the booking. Carnival removes themselves from that situation. Another good reason to have a Carnival PVP to work thru. I have had an excellent one for a number of years now and have not had any problems. He is always there to answer my inquiries. Always returns my calls timely.

I am sailing on the Elation for the first time in January. I have booked a pre-night hotel but need transportation to the port. I have searched but only find old threads. Anyone have info on who to use, costs, time it takes to get from airport hotels to the port? Not my first CCL cruise but I am working my way around. I got a great price so I booked a fantasy class as it has been a while since I've cruised one. I loved the Imagination so I wanted to give it a try on the Elation. Any help will be greatly appreciated.:D

I stayed at the Microtel at the airport in Jax. The hotel arranged my shuttle service to and from the port. Contact your hotel for info. Only a 10 - 15 minute ride to the port.

Write your name and address and phone number and even your email address on a piece of paper and take a picture of it. That way if you somehow, unfortunately lose your camera or the SD card, then the finder will be able to identify who it belongs to and be able to contact you. I have read on here of many people who have lost all of those wonderful pics that they have taken. Just a suggestion. The first pic on my SD card is my identifying info.

I am a new cruiser. Tell me the stuff you are glad to have bought prior to the cruise. I have read someone post a must buy is waterproof cameras as they are so expensive on board. I also plan on buying the Cheers package as I know this will save us money. So list your tips on must have purchases prior to cruising. :D

Make sure to take a highlighter. You can use it to highlight the things that you want to see and do in the Fun Times circular that you get every night in your cabin. Print is usually small and the highlighter makes it easier to see.

Not everything that is posted on the net is true may be it did happen and maybe it did not. Its possible a set up.

I am sure it happened. This was a news item on network news.

I know all the risks and fretting of not making a flight. I thought I would ask if anyone has made a 9:15 from FLL arriving Port Everglades?

Sailing the conquest in March and considering booking this flight.

Thanks.

This is my opinion and not to sound disrespectful. But, that is cutting it close. If, for some reason the ship doesn't dock timely, then you will have a problem. Additionally, remember that the airport/airline carrier request (for good reason) that you be at the airport 2 hours prior to departure for domestic flights. I am one of those "nerds" who'd rather be safe than sorry. I always build in extra time and avoid any stress in case something comes up. Have a great cruise and please take this as my opinion only.

We sail for 6 days on the Miracle beginning on December 11th and are driving from Phoenix to the Long Beach port. We plan to leave it about 3 or 4 a.m. to try to the get to this ship by 9 or 10 a.m. Will we be able to check in with faster to the fun or will they make us wait until noon?

 

I'm curious how early anyone has embarked with faster to the fun since the changes and staggered check in?

 

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Platinum, Diamond & FTTF are not subject to the staggered checkin times. If you are asked, you still might have to select a time, but with FTTF, you can bypass that.

In the past 2 months, we have gotten no less than 60 messages from MATTHEW, A PERSONAL CRUISE CONSULTANT at CCL....it's almost a daily message on my machine when I get home from work....and I gotta tell ya, it's starting to get pretty annoying....

 

When we book a cruise, we usually use our regular travel agent or just book it directly on their website...

 

We have never returned 'Matthew's' calls....and never will....he has annoyed me to the point that I would never do business with him....

 

Does anyone else get these calls??

 

(and yes, I am about to shoot a message to Carnvial about their marketing practices)

I must be lucky. I have a great PVP. Rarely do I ever get a call from him as he knows that I only deal with him. Once in a great while if there is something really special, he will call to inform me, but that is all. We have actually become friends.

Hi all, I have booked our very first cruise on Paradise for October 9th-14th 2017. With ports being Grand Caymans and Cozumel. I hadn't found this board until AFTER I booked. After reading all the reviews about the Paradise I am very nervous that the ship wont be enjoyable or as nice as I am imagining a cruise to be. It will be my husband, myself and two children who will be 12 (son) and 10 (daughter). Any advice or tips to make it a great first cruise for our family, as I would love to start cruising with my family since my children are getting older.:)

Not everyone likes everything. There are those who like to complain about everything. Enjoy your first cruise and make up your own mind. I have been on 8 cruises (another one coming up in Jan). There are some things that I didn't care for on some cruises, but I sure didn't let them spoil my trip. You will enjoy the experience. The kids will love it.

I can't get either to work:/!

Just checked it 5 min ago and it worked fine. Fareviewer, that is.

Boy I sure wish we could get double points, if I doubled my solo cruise dates it would be almost instant diamond status. Slowly but surely just chugging my way up the ladder.

I cruise solo most of the time and, of course, pay the single supplement, but only get points for 1 person. Last year, a friend of mine indicated that he had never cruised and expressed interest but couldn't afford it. I invited him to join me in my cabin since I had already paid for it. He only had to pay the additional tax & fees, etc. He got 4 points and I got 4 points. Had I traveled alone, I would have gotten 4 points. Got me to thinking the same as everyone else. If I am paying for 2, why not get the points for 2? At least the solo traveler gets something for that additional supplement.

St Thomas, USVI

I agree

Look at your Itinerary which is included in your documents. It will show arrival time on final day. Unless something unforeseen happens, it is accurate and will be in port usually by 7:00 or 8:00 am.

I am sorry. I misread your original question. You boarding documents should also give you your arrival time at the port for departure.

Hi, I'm cruising in a few weeks from Port Canaveral. How do I find out what time we should be at the port? I'm having a difficult time figuring that out.

 

Thanks,

 

Kristy

Look at your Itinerary which is included in your documents. It will show arrival time on final day. Unless something unforeseen happens, it is accurate and will be in port usually by 7:00 or 8:00 am.

LEaving on Sunday 10/30. Stopping during the week. We have gone to Freeport a couple of times and love it! WE go to the Grand Lucyan Resort and purchase a day pass. Beach, Pool, CAsino! It is awesome. But I know that area was hit terribly hard, Resort closed until mid Nov. Feel terrible for the residence. No word from Carnival what we are doing.

Freeport is now accepting ships again.

I'm booking on the 4 day Carnival Elation cruise in a month and a half. I was wondering if you were supposed to go to Freeport, but your itinerary changed due to the hurricane damage in Freeport, where did you end up?

Trying to get a good idea of where we'll be going most likely if we don't go to Freeport. Thanks!

I am booked on the Elation for Jan 19. In conversation with my PVP yesterday, he told me that Freeport is now accepting ships again. Based on that, they will not be going anywhere else in place of Freeport. I was hoping that we would be going elsewhere. Not much in Freeport except beaches and shopping. Last time that I was there, I stayed on the ship.