ishap

I have always done the early dining option, but on my last cruise I decided to do the late dining option as I figured it would be better because of sleeping late, having breakfast, having lunch, etc.  Well, I didn't like it. I felt like I was having dinner so late.  I always like to be a bit dressy for dinner even when it's not elegant night (khakis, polo/dress shirt) because I like the experience of dining that way.  But being late dining, it just was so late when I wanted to enjoy the night life, see a show, go to bed a little earlier, go to the piano bar, etc.  Eating at 8:15, well, I just felt like I was missing a lot.

On 1/18/2024 at 11:52 AM, dabomb6608 said:

I wouldn't say the ship itself is the reason we cruise. But it is a contributing factor towards our cruise selection. Especially if I am spending 7+ days on it minus a few hours per stop. 

 

We have talked about trying Royal Caribbean. But Carnival hasn't disappointed us yet so we haven't been "pushed" to doing so just yet. 

I think the ship is a big contributing factor when I choose a cruise...at least for Caribbean destinations.  You do spend a lot of time on the ship and if it doesn't offer the amenities, entertainment, and food options you want, then it won't be nearly as an enjoyable trip.  That being said, if the destinations aren't right, then it won't work out.  I avoid Nassau and Freeport every chance I can get.

But, as everyone here has said, there is no reason to not try some of the others. I have sailed a few of the different classes but tend to enjoy the bigger ones a little more.  Everyone finds their favorite.

18 minutes ago, Earthworm Jim said:

 

Wait, what? The specialty restaurants are open for lunch embarkation day without charge?  I assume that's only the specialty restaurants open for lunch other days. Which, according to the Carnival website, is Bonsai Teppanyaki, Bonsai Sushi, and Seafood Shack (which isn't really a restaurant per se, so I'm guessing not free?) So is it just the two Bonsai offerings that are free?

 

Presumably not the steakhouse? Surprised to see Cuchina del Capitano isn't listed as being open, I thought that was open for free lunch every sea day. Also surprised Pig & Anchor Smokehouse isn't listed as open for lunch. Sounds like a lunch type place.

The pig and anchor is open for lunch without charge as well.  But as staceyglow said, it's the Italian and asian spot that's open.  I don't believe the steak house is and I know the sushi and seafood shack are always a charge.

21 hours ago, CreamsicleCatMom said:

I added a picture to clarify. The free water says redeemable in the stateroom. So, the expensive water that is sitting in your room when you arrive is that the free water if you are in red benefit or higher?

Yes, if you use the bottle in the stateroom you will NOT be charged for it.  If you have two red/gold members in the room, then both bottles are no charge.  The steward will replace the bottles in your room but don't use the replaced ones or you will be charged.

Last time I was on Horizon the dining room was not open, but the specialty restaurants were.  And there is no charge for lunch at these places. 

On 1/15/2024 at 10:29 AM, sparks1093 said:

I forgot to say that one needn't get drunk in order to enjoy the drink package. On a sea day I usually start drinking around noon and will typically have one drink an hour throughout the day, turning in around 11pm. That's 11 drinks right there and unless I group them closer together I don't even get a buzz from it. For most port days we are back onboard at least 2 hours before sail away, so if we get back at 3 that's still 8 hours or so. 

I consider myself a decent drinker and can hold my booze rather well, but I have yet to hit the 15 limit.  I came close once with 14 but wasn't drunk.  But truthfully, if I was trying, it wouldn't be all that hard.  Start with a mimosa in the morning after coffee, then beers at 11am all the way to 11pm...yeah wouldn't be hard and still not be buzzed.

I really feel what happens is people drink when off the ship in port, then come back on board and then try to hit their 15 limit.  That can be bad.

I have stayed in a Havana patio before and I loved deck 5.  Ended up rarely going up to Lido except for a burger.  Deck 5 has Guy's BBQ joint, plus, what they didn't advertise, was that the Ocean Plaza area had a small breakfast buffet.  No one really knew about this until late in the cruise so didn't have to fight crowds at the buffet on Lido. 

With the private pool area and all the other bars/amenities on 5, it makes it well worth it.  I will be cruising in a Havana patio room again in September.

Are their tours all just snorkeling from the beach?

20 hours ago, OCSC Mike said:

 

Here's my review from 2017 if you're interested. It's a bit long-winded; you've been warned. Also, if you do read it, sadly the small bar/restaurant Bob used to take people to lunch at was completely destroyed by Hurricane Irma and never re-built so lunch is now sandwiches on french baguettes. Obviously it's not stopping me from going back but I'll miss that little lunch spot.

 

 

Thank you very much for this review!  Sounds fantastic!

On 1/2/2024 at 5:02 PM, OCSC Mike said:

Big fan of Captain Bob's boat tour on St. Martin. Has a little bit of everything... snorkeling, beach, lunch, limited beverages, Maho airport, etc.

 

We went in 2017 and are going back in March.

 

https://www.soualigadestinations.com/most-popular-tour-for-cruise-ship-visitors/

I really like the looks of this tour.  I will be going in September and was looking for something like this.  I like to snorkel and the beaches, but I also wanted to see the Maho experience.  I was debating on just taking a taxi to the Sunset Beach Bar, but have also heard that it's very crowded and not worth it.

7 minutes ago, aborgman said:

 

 

That is generally 12x16oz beers, not 12x12oz.  The equivalent of 16 12oz beers per day.

 

I suppose if you're drinking "canoe beer", I can see that.

I drink basically nothing but IPA's - so a dozen pints is pretty significant.

 

....and are you drinking a dozen pints on days you're in port? I'm not - I get off the ship. That drastically reduces the spend 3-4 days of a 7 day cruise.

 

As I noted - if you start adding on specialty coffees, milkshakes,Gatorades, waters, etc. - it becomes a much better deal. I don't buy any of those things.

 

Current prices appear to be:

$7.00-$7.50 for 16oz Domestics

$7.95 for 16oz imports

$7.95 for 16oz craft beers

 

https://profcruise.com/carnival-bar-menus-and-drink-prices-2023/

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for posting those prices.  Now that I read through them, it does look familiar. 

On 12/22/2023 at 1:56 PM, aborgman said:

 

Just bringing the wine and paying out of pocket for the other drinks (not buying a bottle) would save a little... plus you'd get to pick from a lot better selection of wine.

 

I feel like if you're wine or beer drinkers who don't hit any of the specialty coffees or milkshakes - Cheers is a pretty bad deal.

 

If you're a cocktail drinker who is picking up a couple coffees/shakes a day - Cheers can actually save you a good bit of money.

 

 

I'm mainly a beer drinker and according the calculator if I drank 12 beers a day (don't judge but yes I can do this starting at 11 and rolling through the night) and 2 specialty coffees, it would cost me $982 out of pocket compared to $566 for Cheers.  Now, the calculator also shows beers being $8 a piece.  My cruise last January I don't think I remember an $8 beer, but I could be wrong.  I did have the drink package so I didn't pay attention but I feel that's high.  Maybe not.  Anyway, according to the calculator, even just drinking beer it is worth getting the package.

Does anyone have a pic of the latest prices?

Since this is a Cheers topic, I will ask this here since a search of the forums brings up a lot of non-related posts...

Got Cheers for the first time for my upcoming cruise.  I know there is a 15 drink/day limit.  Does anyone know if non-alcoholic beer goes against the limit?  Since I typically do not drink liquor, on a sea day it would not be unheard of me to possibly drink 15 beers over a 12 hour span and not be buzzed.  I enjoy the taste of beer so I could supplement it with non-alcoholic beer as long as it doesn't count against the limit.  I know zero-proof frozen drinks and such do not, but nowhere could I find non-alcoholic beer.

I have no questions on if it will be worth the price, as between beer, coffees, milkshakes, etc, yes I will get my money's worth.

Also, if people are interested in the latest drink offerings, you may find this site helpful as it breaks down the menus to each bar on ships, and will tell you which ships have that bar: https://cruisespotlight.com/carnival-cruise-line-drink-menus-and-pricing/

I sailed the Horizon a few years ago and had a Havana Cabana.  In my opinion, it ended up being the best cruise I have done to date!  I loved the uncrowded Havana pool and hot tub.  Plus, if you stay on 5, a little secret not known to many is that in the Ocean Plaza area they have a small breakfast buffet and light lunch time foods.  So you can avoid some of the crowds by stopping by there for breakfast when you get up without having to go up to Lido.

The only time I have ever stayed in an interior room, I hated it.  I didn't like not having a view of outside.  Plus, while I know I can look at a clock to see the time, but while on vacation, when I wake up I much prefer to be able to tell if it's morning by the daylight and sunrise out the window.  I may have been ruined by having a balcony on my very first cruise, but in the end, I found the interior was not really worth the savings.

Do you have to pay for all days you are on the ship or just the day that you use the the internet?  I just want to be able to send a few messages to keep in touch with people back home on sea days, but find wifi when in port.

My kids always tell me I can find a friend anywhere, even though I don't consider myself a openly social person, but since I got divorced I find myself in the same situation.  Here is my tip for ice breakers or getting conversation...

I usually sit at the bar and people watch, listen to conversations.  If the people are having a personal conversation (like relationship, issues, etc.) I keep quiet.  If I hear an opener, like them talking about a movie, or someplace they have been or want to go, I usually interject a comment if I can relate.   That almost always gets the conversation started.  If people don't want to really talk to you, they give hints like turning back to each other, or changing topics so I take that hint and keep to myself again till I find someone else to talk to.  I've had many an interesting conversation with people and met some really cool  people that way.

I may just ask my PVP when I get closer and see what he says.

1 hour ago, Elaine5715 said:

I was told, it gets pulled back. Give it a shot and see what happens.  There used to be a way for the non sailing person to transfer it to you. I did when my sister choose not to sail but I did it at booking. I would guess you would need to check her in 100% with her ID documents.

My plan was to check her in like she was traveling, and then when I get to port just say she couldn't make the trip or something.

1 hour ago, Elaine5715 said:

 

The OBC and FCC that was given for the Carnival cancelled cruises belongs to those people on the original booking.  It will be divided between them.  

So again, if she just is a no show, what happens with that OBC?  Or do they just leave it for the cabin?

2 hours ago, ladysail2 said:

I was under the impression that OBC was per cabin and not per particular person. I happen to be solo on a cruise coming up in November. Received a nice OBC from a cancelled cruise back in Dec 2020….and everytime I used the OBC to prebuy water, Pepsi, dinner rezzies, etc….a reminder comes up for me to check with other cabin occupants to make sure that they are in agreement with my using it.  I don’t see why your ex-wife ‘owns’ half the OBC….perhaps ask your PVP where she gets that information?  I believe an OBC is per cabin for all to use or agree to use.

I figured it was for the cabin so if I just left her on the booking and she "couldn't make the cruise" so was a no show, I would have to assume all the OBC would stay.

So question for you all...

I have a cruise booked for January and after money already paid, and FCC from previous canceled cruises, I ended up with a 7 day cruise, fully paid for, with 1000+ OBC.  This cruise was booked with someone else (ex-wife) because my PVP said that half belonged to her.  So, my question is this: If I keep her on the booking, then make her a no-show, will all the OBC stay with me?

I am recently divorced but before I went through the divorce I had a bunch of FCC and OBC from past canceled cruises so I decided to go ahead and book a cruise to use all that up.  To my surprise I was able to get a 7-day cruise w/ 1k of OBC and it didn't cost me anything out of pocket. 

I am young (47) but am having trouble finding someone to go with seeing as though all my friends have other commitments, or being young, still have young kids at home.  My kids are all grown.  Anyway, I am going to take this cruise alone to just get away, clear my head, relax, enjoy myself.

Just curious as to any tips you solo cruisers may have for a solo newbie.  Definitely not my first cruise, just would be the first one I've done solo.

There are definitely worse jobs in the world than being part of the skeleton crew aboard an empty cruise ship.

In truth, Carnival needs to come up with a better method for submitting for shareholder OBC.  I recently submitted for mine for the first time at the beginning of the year and followed the official instructions which stated to mail or fax.  Not having a fax machine I mailed the documents.  Never heard a word nor received my credit after 2 months.  Finally found a post on here about email guest services, which I did, and received my credit a few days later, along with an email stating that email was not the proper way to submit those documents, and while they gave me the credit, it could not be guaranteed to be accepted in the future.

Yes, I realize email is not the most secure method, but a corporation as big as Carnival should be able to implement a submission process online that is both secure and efficient.  

2 hours ago, blueskadoo said:

Hey everybody! So we're leaving in a few days to go on the 8 night Horizon trip. We've not planned much because we weren't sure until the last minute we'd actually be able to go, so now I'm trying to figure out what we can do in the different ports. In Grand Turk, we don't seem to be there that long (7-2), but I would like to try to visit the Bohio resort for some beach time based on reviews that I read. My fear is that with the time frame, its pretty much pointless and not relaxing. We'd prefer to get away from the crowds and just have some quiet, which doesn't sound like the usual Jack's Shack/Margaritaville route.  The place I wanted to go in Aruba is sold out, the DH isn't excited about Curcao, and we don't know if we'll get off the boat in La Romana...so I'm just striking out all around. Opinions are welcome and requested. Thank you

Ps: I scoured the Grand Turk board but its very quiet and time is flying by on me. 

We did the 8 night Horizon trip last year.  The ship is awesome!  Hopefully you have a Havana Cabana!

We did not get off in La Romana so I won't comment on that piece, however...

• Grand Turk - I always like to swim in the ocean so we made this a beach day.  Couple of options...
  • Use the beach right off the ship.  Yes, it may be a bit crowded but on this particular trip we weren't planning on speding ALL day at the beach, just an hour or two, so we dropped our towels along the waters edge so we could keep an eye on them and hit the water.  Once we were done, headed back to the ship that was right there.
  • Jack Shack - I have been to Jack Shack a few times and have NEVER seen it crowded.  Most people don't want to walk that far (as was our case this trip) and therefore stop before they make it down that far.  Water there is actually better than right off the pier as there are almost no rocks to contend with.
  • Governor's Beach - I've never been here as the other two options always worked for me, but you can head here which appears to rarely have people.
• Curacao - This stop was fantastic for walking around and seeing the city.  There are no annoying vendors right off the ship trying to sell you crap.  Everyone was just as friendly as can be.  We did this in two trip.  First, we got off during the day and walked around the city looking in shop, taking in sights, and having a few of the local beers at a restaurant.  Second, we had dinner on the ship, then went out to see the city at night.  The floating bridge is all lit up as are a lot of other sights and it made from some great pictures.  I have heard that Curacao has some great snorkeling so next trip I will do that.  
  • As a side note, we stopped in one shop to browse their selection of Curacao (alcohol) and the wonderful young lady in there gave us a full tasting of all the flavors so we were able to buy the ones we liked.
• Aruba - I highly, HIGHLY recommend Trikes Aruba!!  You have to book this independantly as they don't have an excursion through the ship, but OMG was this a fantastic trip!!  You get to drive/ride the trike over the ENTIRE island and get to see some beautiful sights!  Both my wife and I thought this was one of the best excursions we have ever done and I can't say enough about it.  Just do a search for Trikes Aruba and you will find them.  They pick you up right outside the port and will make sure you are back to the ship on time.  I'm pretty sure we had 4 couples from our ship that booked them and every single person absolutely loved it.  My wife took a ton of videos of us riding around the island.

Hopefully that helps you a little but you will enjoy this cruise.  I plan on booking it again in the near future.