Barsnikel

Don't think you need to worry about this any longer. It appears the decision will be made before cruise date :)

You will have one AC outlet at the dressing table. Nothing special needed, but I would suggest a multiple-outlet adapter, so you can plug multiple things in at once.

Here is a document which will answer many questions you might have. If there is something specific, please don't hesitate to ask.

Tips For New Cruisers.docx

Your kids will have a blast. Make sure you gt them in the kids camps. Carnival does a great job with those. Also, since you have not cruised for some time, here is a document which may be useful....

Tips For New Cruisers.docx

Oh, the snorkeling at Chankanaab is good. There are some small reefs just a short swim off the beach line. They need to swim out there, and they'll see plenty of fish

Check your luggage. But be smart about it. Make sure your luggage tags are clearly visible and legible. I put a minimum of 2 tags on every bag, including carry-on. I also place a luggage tag INSIDE each bag (just in case...). We also place bright colored duct tape on all 6 sides of each bag (top, bottom, front, back, left, right). No matter how they stack it, you (and the crew) can clearly see which bags go together.

We've never had a problem....

All the above info is correct. We've done Chankanaab on our own, and it's an easy thing to do. You may also want to consider Paradise Beach. About the same in terms of taxi cost and time, but they don't have an entry fee like Chankanaab does. Don't misunderstand - Chankanaab is great, but there are other places in Cozumel as well

Just a comment... you can usually get some decent hotels in Webster / League City for less than $144/night...

Don't get your hopes too high... I've tried several times in the past to watch hockey games on different ships, and was told each time they don't carry hockey... I figured the Sports Bar would have a game once in awhile, but nope.... :(

You make a good point.... after your cruise, you will receive an e-mail from Carnival enticing you to immediately book another cruise. It will have some type of incentive with the offer

All the discount rates are the same. Whether you book Early Saver or Military, you'll get the same price. The different is pretty much in the timing. ES has to be 60 days in advance, where as military does not. If you are 60 days out, then you might not see the Military discount, as it would be better to book ES than military (for the guaranteed pricing aspect)

Don't plan on metal. There is some metal in the doors, and some cabins will be different than others. But generally, you are not going to find enough metal in the doors for magnets. Plan on "stickys", but be certain not to mare the door finish

It use to be different. You could get some "deals' while booking on-board. Not anymore. I think you are better off going home, doing some research, and finding the best deal available. AS others have said, "...IF you can find a great deal, then book it"... I just don;t think you will find one

Since you have not cruised in a number of years, I'm going to attach a Word file that may be helpful...

Tips For New Cruisers.docx

On a 7 day cruise, the formal nights are the first sea day and (typically) the last sea day). If you book the Steakhouse on the first night, you will receive a free bottle of wine.

yes, and bring a big travel coffee mug with a lid. You can fill that, then have a nice walk around the ship

They won't take it. We pack a fan in our luggage every cruise

... and yes, they do have a game room. Don't know what type of games. But your teens should definitely participate in the teen clubs. My kids had a blast in those

Cost of drinks varies, depending up the drink. A Bloody Mary runs about $8 or so. Take note of a couple of things :

1) all "for pay" drinks (alcohol, soda, specialty coffees. etc) have an automatic 15% tip included in the bill. When they bring the bill for you to sign, there will be a line there for gratuity. Anything you add there (which most people do not) will be in addition to the 15% already included...

2) Some types of drinks (for example, Vodka) have several prices, depending upon the brand of vodka you request. If you do not specify, they will use the most expensive brand and charge you accordingly. Unless you are a "top shelf" type of person, ask for the lowest priced vodka (or whatever)

We always get into Galveston about 4 PM... check in, drive around a little, have dinner... Do the free Bolivar ferry ride... nice ride to the other side, then turn around and come back. Your son will enjoy it

Don't forget that on the first night of the cruise, the Steakhouse offers one bottle of complimentary wine. Also, the Steakhouse price includes gratuity.

Most all of the popular tourist restaurants in Cozumel will accept Visa and Mastercard. The local mom & pop shop isn't going to take credit cards, but everyone will accept US dollars.

Pro tip : take small bills ($1, $5, $10's). If you take large bills, you'll end up paying more, and the change they give you will not be in US dollars.

Negotiate the best price, pay exact amount or in small bills, and be sure your change is in US dollars

Probably help if we knew which port

oh... one more thing... I see you are from outside the United States, so take into account any differences in plug types and voltage differences...

You need a 12-15 foot extension cord. They pack small, so I highly recommend you take your own. Carnival does have extension cords, but they are pretty much "when available". I wouldn't place a high degree of confidence in being able to count on them, although contacting the "special needs" desk at Carnival may provide some assurance. I can't speak for other cruise lines

Carnival does provide distilled water for a small, nominal fee.. so if your CPAP requires water, don't try to carry that on yourself. I can't say whether other cruise lines offer that

oh.. one more thing... book your hotel in Galveston early. Prices widely fluctuate, because Galveston has a lot of "local" events which can make the prices jump high from one weekend to the next.

An alternative is to stay in the Webster, Texas (League City) area... right off I-45 and about 45 minutes from Galveston. Hotels are much cheaper, lots of nearby restaurants... NASA is close by if you want to tour that.