Godiva@Sea

4 days until I'm on the Ecstasy for my honeymoon! Entirely too long since I've cruised.

My last cruise was booked through Verizon Smart Rewards. Not sure if it was because it was within the 60-day window, but I had to pay in full when booking. Later, I reached out to my PVP with an inquiry. She was unable to access the booking, said it looked like it was done by a TA. I could access the booking via the Carnival site, booking excursions, making Fun Shop orders and completing online check-in. I was also able to submit requests to Special Needs without 3rd-party intervention.

The only communication I received regarding the booking was the confirmation email at booking. I booked an inside guarantee and found my cabin info by checking online periodically. I would have liked more updates and reminders.

I probably will not book through VSR again.

My experience on our 1st cruise was the counselor at registration asking DD, then 9, if she wanted to be in the group with her 3 cousins who were 7 & 8. We did not prompt this inquiry and I thought it was very nice of them to offer. Being an outgoing child, she stayed in her group and made lots of new friends.

On our last cruise, they allowed my niece, then 3, accompany DD and another cousin one night because there were only a few kids in her group and she wanted to be with the girls. They called us to get permission 1st. This was her first time in this type of setting and they were wonderful in trying to make her comfortable.

If the counselor(s) don't bring it up, just ask them about it.

On the Fantasy, there's a layout with 2 twins and 2 Pullmans; a trundle can be added if a 5th person is booked. We've never needed a trundle. There's also a layout with 2 twins, 1 Pullman and 1 trundle. This summer's cruise will be the 1st time our group of 4 has been assigned the 2nd layout, so we're curious to see how it will work out.

This may not be preferred but is a something to consider. MIL could room with your family. I had to rearrange room assignments recently for family booked under ES, same basic setup as you. 1 person was dropped and the remaining 4 were moved to a larger capacity cabin, only incurring a $50 penatly. That was essentially the dropped person's deposit. Due to the current rate, the overall fare became less for all occupants.

I was just able to purchase the $500 cards. I ran into the issue with them and the $100 cards showing as available until I added them to my cart when using the laptop. Tried it on my iPad and was able to complete the transaction. Not sure if it was a fluke but glad it went through.

The cards are available again, just snagged a few for my mom's upcoming cruise.

How long does it take to receive the cards? TIA!

Wow! I just sent in the price protection form and not even 10 minutes later got a new email with a $108 adjusted rate and final payment due date moved back another month. So excited!! Wasnt sure if I qualified or not but went ahead and tried just in case!

I had booked ES, 4 to a room, 4D. The rate difference from ES and kids sail free was $178, so not sure how they got $108, but I will take it!

I didn't even notice the adjusted final payment date in my confirmation email until reading your post. This promo gave my group of five a $287 price drop, which made my mom happy.

On our last cruise, at registration, the counselor offered to let my DD (9) move down to stay with her 7 and 8 year old cousins without us even inquiring. We didn't do it though as she is outgoing and enjoys making new friends. I thought it was nice of the counselor to give us the option.

97 days that can't pass soon enough.

I received an upsell call for the OS last summer on Fantasy (1st cruise, 4ppl booked in an OV cabin). While the pictures they sent were nice, I couldn't justify the cost at the time.

1st and only is Fantasy. Looking forward to experiencing others.

You should be able to request it beforehand as well. When answering an inquiry about medication refrigeration, my PVP offered to note the need for a Sharps container on my account and said it should be in my cabin upon arrival.

Thank you for sharing your experience! I will be on the Fantasy for a second time this summer and this has served to fuel my excitement.

Thank you for sharing your experience. It was a good read on this icy day.

We went to Junkanoo (sp?) Beach last June and I hope to revisit this summer. The water was calm and I found the area to be nice.