Twin A

Anybody ever forget their cash?

 

 

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My husband left his Carnival gift cards that I painstakingly collected from Verizon before our last cruise. I did give him some of mine, though rather begrudgingly. I tend to spend more than him on the ship and had been happy with the amount I set aside for myself. Lesson learned, though. He'll have them on his packing list next time!

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I just wanted to share that if you're cruising from San Juan in December and long layovers don't bother you, check out American Airlines. They have flights running $180-$240 roundtrip from Reagan National over some dates, with layovers at CLT and PHL. I usually book direct flights on Jet Blue or on Southwest out of BWI (I really don't like layovers), but the cost savings - half what I've typically spent - is more than worth it this time around. My two roundtrip tickets come to $365.

It'll depend on your policy. I have purchased ones before that provide reimbursement for missed ports.

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Do you need kids to do this or can adults book it?

 

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Adults sans kiddos can go, too! My sister and I went this past May and really enjoyed it. The menu is fun, and they do a great job with the decor.

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From all the research that I have done, it looks like both are offered on the same morning...the last sea day.

 

Is it possible to do the early Seuss breakfast and still make the Behind the Fun tour?

 

Thanks

My twin sis and I wanted to do both on the Glory a few weeks ago but couldn't. The tour was at 9:00 with an 8:45 meeting time, and the breakfast was at 8:30 and 9:45.

Because I'd gone all out on fun Thing 1 and Thing 2 stuff for us to wear to the breakfast, we chose that over the tour.

There was a parade with story time on the first sea day, but we left that to the kiddos.

It really is a shame they schedule both activities on the same morning - we would have loved to do both.

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Gran Turk would be nice if you are the only ship in port. We had two ships in port, The Liberty and the Victory..... it was a total clustermuck.... Margaritaville and the shops were shoulder-to-shoulder... it was a complete zoo as was the beach area....

 

Also, this is just my honest opinion, but Jack's Shack is totally overrated. Perhaps it is because I am from Florida and am used to really good beach bars.... Jack's is just a normal beach bar, very ordinary , nothing special.... yes the dog is cute but that was about it.

 

If I were to visit again, I would book an excursion or rent a golf cart and tour the island.

 

 

 

 

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Thanks for this info. I was just about to write to ask if anyone had any feedback on how crowded it gets with two ships in port. I was in GT for the first time in November and loved it - such a nice, relaxing (and free!) beach day. I'm going again in a few weeks on the Glory, but we're sharing with the Sunshine that day - and that ship arrives 3 hours before we do. [emoji17] Just a bit worried that it'll be really crowded.

You can do the martini tasting (flight) on any ship. The Ships with the Alchemy bar have the Martini mixology class. That was so much fun.

How much is the mixology class? Is that also $17?

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Our desires were very similar to yours....after much research and anxiety, I kept coming back to it....so we finally gave in and booked the El Convento for our August cruise.

We visited this hotel as stops on tours. It is a bit pricey, but I know we are going to enjoy it and the area tremendously.

You might also want to check out Villa Herencia, a small B&B across the street from El Convento. Their prices are a bit more reasonable, and you're still able to enjoy the charm and walkability of OSJ.

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We flew in the day of for our first few cruises. But after one anxiety-filled delay, I now book our flights for at least the day before. I don't think I would cancel a cruise if I had to change to a day-of flight. I'd take the chance. I also always book travel insurance.

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We are on the Oasis in June from FLL to the western caribbean. We just learned the airline changed our flight time to 10 am!! To change our flight would be a charge for our 3 tickets. We plan on doing the self-disembarkation. Will we be able to make this flight???

If you're not comfortable with such an early flight, you could try calling the airline. I've had this issue a few times after flight times have changed, and they've offered to rebook my party free of charge. The only time this didn't work was when the time change was only a 15 or 20 minute difference.

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I'm heading out on my 1st solo cruise January 31st, a B2B on RCCL Jewel out of San Juan. I was in the situation as you, my usual cruise buddies (daughter, sisters, hubby) were not able to make the trip. I am afraid I will enjoy the freedom of having the entire cabin to myself so much, I'll want one even if sailing with family.

 

I have found plans for the ports a bit more challenging, as I am having second thoughts about venturing out on my own in some of the locations. I've booked a couple ship excursions, and have joined a couple from the roll call, but still have some places where I haven't firmed up plans.

 

I agree with others that said you will probably enjoy the dinner experience more if you pick fixed dining. Of course, if you just show up for YTD, and ask to be seated at a large table, you will probably have a great time also!

I'm getting so excited about sailing solo that I might ask my husband NOT to join me on the cruise we've booked for next January. Lol!

My toughest port to figure out has been St. Thomas. A former colleague of mine lives there, though. I plan to email her to get some suggestions on safe things for a solo female traveler to do. None of the tour options really interest me; but I don't want to rely on cabs and end up riding alone. Just a preference.

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I just booked the Queen Victoria for New Year's Eve. Decided that I wasn't going to be at the mercy of other people and whether or not they will include me in their plans. So, I took matters into my own hands and was awarded for this decision. I booked the cheapest cabin and was upgraded the next day to a balcony!

Nice! That's a great upgrade! NYE at sea sounds awesome. My husband and I were booked on a NYE cruise last year but cancelled it for an earlier cruise with all new ports for us.

I really want to sail over Christmas but can't convince anyone to join me. But I can't leave the hubs behind for that one. I'd feel terrible!

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Having done Carnival as a solo a few times I would suggest Traditional Dining. If the first night doesn't work out, ask to be moved. It may take a couple nights but I have always ended up with people that I enjoyed dining with for the rest of the cruise.

 

 

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Thanks for this feedback. That seems to be the direction I'm headed in. I'm just a bit anxious, as I've only had traditional dining on one out of maybe 12 cruises so far.

I'm glad to know that I can change tables, if need be.

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Hi there! I'm taking my first solo cruise on the May 30th sailing of the Carnival Glory. I booked it as a Christmas/Birthday present to myself. I love to cruise 2-3 times a year and had no one to join me this time, so I bit the bullet.

I'm so excited to be able to do what I want when I want and to have an entire cabin to myself - just don't tell the hubs that last part!

Still trying to decide on which dinner option to pick. I usually select YTD when traveling with others, but I think I'd like regular tablemates for this cruise. Decisions, decisions...

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Twin A, I work at a veterinary clinic & wash my hands many times daily. The jamberrys also survive cleaning with windex & various other household chemicals. They hold up really well. Regular nail polish is typically chipping by day 2 when I paint my own nails. The jamberrys lasted 10-12 days & the main reason I remove them was because my nail was growing out. A few times during the 10-12 day period I heated a nail or 2 with my hair dryer and applied pressure because they were trying to loosen on one edge. I still paint my nails if I have the day off with time to wait between coats, etc. The jamberry nails take me a bit of time to apply because, let's face it, I'm not all that coordinated. However, once they are on I can jump up & do whatever I want without worrying about dry time or hardening time. Also, the jamberry nails have so many different designs that I would not be able to do myself.

Thanks, dmdiver! That's really good to know. I've just been too lazy to try applying them and keep going in for my gel manicures. It would be great to not spend as much money on my nails in the future.

And I've seen some really cute nautical designs that I would love to order for my next cruise!

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How do the jamberries hold up in repeated exposure to water? I do a lot of snorkeling and would worry about them peeling.

I actually have some but keep getting the gel manicures to avoid having to do my nails myself!

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I have a question along the same ....I don't think my mom will need a wheelchair, but she just had her knee replaced and she is still in rehab. I do think it is possible for her to have a walker.

1. Do I have to pay extra to take one on the plane?

and

2. There is a good chance she will not need it (or want to take one), but I am a bit concerned about any long walks to get on the ship (I can get her transportation at the airport). Sometime the cruise terminal can be a lot of walking too. Can I get her help at the terminal?

Thanks!

1. Assistive devices such as walkers and canes don't have a fee. Also, most airlines offer some level of priority boarding should your Mom need extra time getting down the jetway.

My Grandmother has issues with diatance. When we've arrived at the airport, we've typically gotten quick and easy help from a wheelchair attendant to get through security and to the departure gate. You can also include on the flight reservation that you'd like a wheelchair. They'll have one waiting when the flight lands.

2. You can get wheelchair assistance in the terminal during embarkation and disembarkation, but there could be a wait since wheelchairs are limited. And you can't do self-assist with wheelchair assistance during disembarkation.

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Hi all. Just got back from my first solo trip. I had an absolutely wonderful time!! It really is true no one pays attention to you while waiting to board. All my concern was for nothing. Went to a solo meet and mingle first night in a piano bar and met a great group of people I ended up hanging around with during the days by the pool and/or dinner and the clubs at night. I had my me time which I thoroughly enjoyed but it was nice to have others to do things with when I so chose.

If you've been nervous about cruising alone don't worry at all..book it and go!! :D

That's so great! I'm glad to hear that you had a good time.

I took the plunge yesterday and booked my first solo for May! Now that I've finally made that step, I am beyond excited!

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I appreciate everyone's comments/suggestions regarding my mothers first cruise. Wow-so much to do to ensure she is safe and has a great memorable cruise.

 

She is so against getting the chair but I think it is in everyone's best interest for her to get it if she needs it. She can do some basic walking to dinner etc...but other than that she will need a chair

 

So, I need something portable and doesn't take up too much space in her room. I don't think she can wheel herself...so do I rent an electric scooter? and are they portable? I am just going to get whatever to be safe. This may be her last cruise..who knows...I want to make it memorable and also want to make sure she has a nice time.

 

So, with that being said....not having any knowledge in any assisted devices...I think I need something portable and electric. I have no clue if they fit in our cabin. We have rooms next to each other. They are just a normal balcony room. Can the scooter fit in the room?

 

Not that I am confirmed getting her a device-I need to make sure it will fit in her room.

 

Thanks everyone for your help. I do appreciate it.

I'm really glad to hear that you're going this route! Having traveled with my Grandmother quite a few times, it's easier on both of us when she doesn't have to worry about trying to keep up or slowing us down.

If I recall correctly, scooters will fit through the doorways of handicapped and modified cabins but not regular cabins. If you haven't booked her in one of these rooms, I'd call to see if one is available. Scooters aren't allowed to be left in the halls and will need to fit in the cabin.

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I agree with the others. I would suggest renting the chair anyway. It'll cost less than $100 for the week, which to me is worth the peace of mind. You can tell her that you know she said she wouldn't need one, but it'll be in the room should she get tired or have any difficulties with walking long distances.

My own Grandparents often shun assistance because they want to be independent. But I also strive to make sure that that independence doesn't come at the cost of their comfort or enjoyment. Whether we're flying, cruising, going to a festival - whatever - I get the chair.

And as my own Grandmother says about so many things: It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Your Grandmother may never use the chair (or a cane or a walker), but it'll be so much better if it's there just in case.

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I hope you enjoy your cruise!

I'm embarking on my first solo cruise at the end of May. I've always traveled with my husband, sister, and other family and friends, so this will be a change. But I've reached the point where I can either stay at home since no one can join me or just go by myself. And I've chosen to go by myself!

Like you, I'm an introvert, so I have some concerns there. But I'm so excited to try solo cruising and looking forward to doing whatever I want when I want!

Enjoy your week on the Norwegian Sky! I hope you'll share your solo travel stories when you return.

Bon Voyage!

We have not seen priority boarding for people who need assistance for some time now, maybe since FTTF started.

Just had to say that I love your name, stargate fan! My sister and I LOVED the movie and the TV show. During our summer jobs, we would wear black tee-shirts and green cargo pants on casual Fridays - we loved the show THAT much!

Sounds great! How did you grandmother react? I am so excited I want to tell her now that she is going and she will have a balcony. I am horrible at surprises! The above activities sounds great for her. In fact I might even try some of them...which I never do...

It was hard for us to keep this a secret, too! We made it until Christmas Eve. In our family, we get to open one present that night, and that was shen we told her about the trip. She cried. She was so happy and excited! She did express her concerns that she would "be a burden" on us due to her mobility issues, but that wasn't a concern that my sister and I shared. We knew what we were getting into when we planned the trip.

It was really fun to be able to take our Grandmother to the activities that she enjoyed. She felt special and pampered for the whole trip, which was the point. This was Grandma's trip!

In addition to the music and trivia, she liked Tea Time, people-watching, the champagne and art event, and watching us take part in the dance lessons. She would sit in the audience and cheer us on. Haha!

We coordinated with her on the type of room to book. We started with a HC cabin, moved to a modified cabin when we decided not to rent a scooter, then scrapped those plans all together and upgraded to a suite (that part was a surprise, though). We contacted the Special Needs department to make sure there were handle bars in the shower and near the toilet so that she'd have extra security there. But she mostly used the tub - she loves baths and didn't have to worry about slipping.

We also got her input on shore excursions. She was excited to return to Nassau and really enjoyed Ardastra, and Freeport was just a lazy day spent walking the port area and sipping wine on our balcony. In Port Canaveral, we surprised her with a trip to Disney World - she had always wanted to go back after our last family trip there over 20 years ago. We didn't tell her where we were going until the night before when we gave her some Mickey Mouse ears.

Some other pointers:

If you're renting a wheelchair or scooter through Special Needs at Sea, it will be waiting for you in the room when you board. You'll also need to leave it there on disembarkation day. Be sure to coordinate with Carnival on getting assistance should your Mom need help getting on and off the ship. The ramp in Bmore is ridiculously long and steep.

If you happen to be staying in a hotel the night before, Special Needs at Sea can the chair deliver there, so you'd have it for embarkation (you might need to drop it back off there, though). Just make sure to ask for help pushing the chair. The twin and I didn't and wished we had. We did get help during disembarkation - we had learned our lesson!

You can't do self-assist and get assistance with a wheelchair during disembarkation. So if you're flying, be sure to give yourself enough time so that you don't have to be rushed and stressed on your last morning.

That's all I can think of! I hope you all have a fabulous time! Let me know if you have any questions.

My twin and I did the exact same thing for our Grandmother! We surprised her last Christmas with a March cruise on the Pride this year.

She really enjoyed the trivia, the Mardi Gras craft activities, the live music (especially country and doo-wop), and watching the sea pass by while sipping wine on her balcony.

I would suggest ordering the wheel chair just in case your Mom needs it, even if she says she doesn't want one. It's a nominal charge for peace of mind. Our Grandmother has problems with distance and mostly used hers in ports; she had a rollator for use on the ship or when she didn't want to use the chair.

If you go with a scooter, you'll want to rebook her into a room that has a doorway wide enough to accommodate it.

Also, if your Mom needs handlebars in the shower, the Special Needs team can help with that.

Have fun!

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The two rooms upstairs are pretty quiet and have direct access to the gorgeous courtyard. I believe we stayed in H8 last year, and I believe H9 is the one with the second room.

As an FYI: some rooms don't have windows.

We absolutely loved our stay at Villa Herencia. We'd be there this fall except that I wanted a beach experience this time around. The hotel is lovely, offers a small but adequate continental breakfast, and is walking distance to most of OSJ. We only needed a cab to get from the airport and to the port.

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