ggtjr

17 hours ago, Organized Chaos said:

 

Part of this thread's discussion has been about the risk of taking on prohibited items and the likelihood of getting caught with them. So the fact that someone experienced drug dogs being used on board the ship is quite relevant. The thing is, drug dogs would have to be trained to detect CBD and/or hemp oil in order to alert on it. The chances that they are trained on those substances is probably slim to none.

Agreed. Not sure what the dogs were trained to find but probably some sort of prohibited item

We were on a recent cruise with a stop in Cozumel. Coming back to our cabin, we were surprised to see some drug dogs with their Mexican handlers making the rounds. One dog alerted at a cabin and the officer recorded the cabin number. They did not go into the cabin. Never did see what happened if anything. 

50 minutes ago, augirl409 said:

My husband and I are planning a cruise for the two of us and our eight children (will be ages 18,17,13,11,9,5,5,and almost 2) for next May.

 We have narrowed it down to a five day on either the Dream or the Valor.(same destination)

 

 A little info...we won’t be doing kids club. Our older three are boys and are  responsible enough to walk around and explore (eat, arcade,etc) together without us for certain amounts of time.

 

We cruised without the kiddos on the Fantasy last month and LOVED the simplicity/size of it. Because it’s so small, walking around with all eight kids would be no issue.  But the pool was ALWAYS either too crowded to fit anyone else in or it was closed, so I know they would have been bored during sea days with little to do.

  Here are my concerns (having never been on either ship myself)... Is the Dream so big that navigating it with five younger children (and some times all eight) in tow will be difficult? Does it’s size make pool/water areas a bit less crowded and easier for young children to play and have fun in the water? 

Does one have an advantage over the other for families?

I’d love any helpful info you can give!

Why not enroll you children ages 2 to 13 in the youth group. They can meet new friends and the programs are great. For the 2 year olds, they will give you a phone to contact you. The 11 and 13 year olds can check themselves out of the area with parent permission. Sometimes they can hang out with their new found friends.

13 hours ago, lupaglupa said:

I'm afraid the teen wants ALL the "bells and whistles" but we may be able to satisfy him with just some. Are there things we should be sure not to miss? 

Liberty out of Galveston would be great. There is a teen group, water slides, rock climbing, and a bit laid back for the other crowd that would rather relax

In September, we had a family of 6 at my time dining and made reservations for each night. We didn't have to wait at all and all six were at the same table.

On 5/2/2019 at 2:30 PM, papaflamingo said:

As twangster said, if you have wifi calling in your cell plan (all major U.S. carriers do), simply activate it before you leave.  Then on the ship buy the internet plan and turn on your cell phone, place it in "airplane" mode, then be sure your wifi is on and hookup to the voom wifi.  Your phone will go into "wifi calling" mode (this is easily verified) and you can use it as if you are sitting in your own home.  Works anytime you're on wifi so you can also use it on shore in any place that offers wifi service.  No need for any apps or anything.

My husband and I did this exact thing when on Liberty. Not only could we call and text home, we could also call for text other cell phones on the ship--while phone is in airplane mode

On 2/5/2019 at 4:18 PM, briri said:

OS bathroom is definitely larger w/ separate tub and shower.  GS is combined tub/shower which is not totally enclosed. Tub is larger in OS. Rooms are almost twice as big in OS as are the balconies. Pic  is of GS setup. OS pics on a different computer but I'll try to find.

My sister and I will be in a GS and I wondered if the tub is slippery while standing to shower. My balance can be challenging at times and wonder if I should bring a non-slip bath mat to put in the tub. Advice??

3 hours ago, Crunchymom said:

Anyone here use a CPAP machine? My husband just started using one last week. Our cruise leaves Monday. The thing takes distilled water? We're flying, so are they going to allow us to bring some or are we going to have to somehow get some when we land? But I thought we weren't allowed to bring food/drinks on the cruise. Help!

Cabin steward will provide distilled water and extension cord. When you fly, take the CPAP as carryon. It should have a label that says it is a medical device. I have traveled and sailed with mine for years.

Do G suites on Liberty have to pay the service charge for room service? This is our first time in a suite.

We did it on Liberty and it was a fun experience on the first night

You also can put your cell phone in airplane mode, select wifi calling on your cell phone settings, and call and text each other with your phones. This worked for us on a recent Liberty out of Galveston

WWhat class of ship?

5 hours ago, lindalo5032 said:

If I have the Voom package and am on Wi-Fi calling, can I call someone in their cabin?  Do you just dial the cabin number?

 

 

You can call another cell phone that has voom and WiFi calling...cell phone in airplane mode

We enjoyed Garden of the Groves in Freeport. It was one of the Carnival ship's excursions

2 hours ago, matj2000 said:

 I would choose another cruise line before I would

book directly with RC....

Why?

9 hours ago, xxHadleyxx said:

Hmmmmm  So as Diamond Plus I get things for free that others might get if they pay for a suite or The Key (though as other pointed out, there really is minimal crossover with the key, but let's pretend it was exactly the same perks as D+).   Sounds like a winner for me and a nice way to reward my loyalty to the brand: giving me, for free, what others pay for

Oh, you have paid for those perks whether it is the number of cruises you have taken or the suites you booked.

We used Victor Boden tours. This was the first time we did an excursion other than a ship's excursion. We felt safe and our tour guide said he would be sure to get back to the ship on time.

On 3/28/2019 at 10:13 AM, MaddyandMax said:

 

Oh boy, I never even thought of that.  Though she's friendly I think she would know better...  I do credit myself as a good parent but really you never know what your children will do when you aren't around and are getting peer pressure.

Also, don't just assume that she knows better not to go into other staterooms. One our last cruise, there were several youngsters wandering together and some decided to sit on the ship's railing. We told them the dangers of doing that and to get down and sit in a chair or on the floor. We have always told our own children and now grandchildren about not going into staterooms and sitting on the railing. Like others have mentioned, just discuss expectations beforehand

8 hours ago, LBumb said:

Hard to reply due to vagueness

some people’s serious problem is trying to find a table at WJ

 

Agreed, not sure what the OP is trying to say.

My now 36 year old son was a diamond while sailing with us. After he turned 18, he was lowered down to Emerald since that was his actual cruises he did.

Does the room steward know if a person has prepaid their grats?

I believe the price guarantee is for when Carnival's rate changes. I am booked for Panama Canal cruise for the end if September. I have gotten it lowered three times now saving almost $1,000 total.

1 hour ago, FLASHINGLIGHTS83 said:

My wife will use Whatsapp Messenger to stay in contact with our parents who are watching our son for us.   VOOM should work for this, correct?   

At least it worked for us. We have Samsung 9s. I am not familiar with Whatsapp and how to use it. For us, phone on airplane mode with WiFi worked

Voom allows social media---facebook, email, even searching internet

Streaming allows Neetflix, etc.

My husband and I both got Boom on our last cruise on Liberty. We set our phones on airplane mode and WiFi call. We were able to text or call each other when not together on the ship. We also were able to call friends and family at home. All this with phones is airplane mode.

Use a cross--body purse big enough for phone and SS card