ToddnMichelle

The Visa redemption people process OBC redemptions in order of sailing date. If they are really busy, the OBC might not show up until a couple of months before sailing.

pretty much what I thought but wanted to just double check. Thanks Bob!

at what point will OBC's show up in the cruise planner? currently have an April '19 cruise scheduled and no OBC's yet from C&A points. i'm assuming they will pop up around the 1yr out mark of closer to embarkation?

great value and great for people watching. Just be prepared for the possibility of some extra noise during promenade events. Far from bothersome to us, we actually enjoyed it. i could see it being a challenge for some though.

here's to hoping that it doesn't go over well on the test runs lol

Thanks for sharing your trip with us. I know how it is after the kids have their first cruise. Took both of ours last October and they havent stopped asking about cruising again ever since. Little do they know i've got another family cruise planned for next year. ;)

So far my wife and I have cruised once on both lines and loved each for different reason. We took our kids on Breeze last October and we all had a blast. Nothing against CCL but our first (honeymoon) cruise was on the Mariner and there was just something we loved about RCCL that the Breeze was missing. No one thing really, maybe just the overall atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, i wouldn't hesitate to cruise the Breeze again or even the Vista once it moves to Galveston next year however with the current influx of specials going on lately, I jumped at the opportunity to give the LoS a try in April. Will be an "adults only" trip this time with my in-laws and we can't wait.

If you buy Cuban cigars in either Jamaica or Cozumel they are likely to be 99.9% fake.

this. there are plenty of legit online distributors (outside of the US) to by Cubans for cheaper than what you will pay for "tourist prices". don't waste your money on buying them in Jamaica or Coz.

One bottle per person!

One bottler per adult, maximum of 2 bottles per room

sorry to hijack but other than having all couples grouped together for MTD reservations, whats the (other) benefits of linking?

Dallas cruiser here as well. the cost of a hotel room will be much cheaper that the cost of a cruise that you missed because of an unforeseen traffic problem popping up. The small cost of a hotel room is pennies on the dollar for the peace of mind that you will have arriving early. I'm an OCD cruise planner (already been getting my lists together and whatnot for my 2019 cruise) the thought of driving same day to port stresses me out just reading about it. LOL

i've found that when using Chrome, RC's website more often than not would lock up during bookings over the last 3 weeks. As much as i hate IE, once i switched over to that, problems seemed to go away.

Born and raised in JC, Left Missouri for Amarillo in the late 90's and moved to Dallas about 10yrs ago. What'd that take you guys to drive, 13 hours or so? Yikes! Just booked us for Liberty in 2019. looking forward to hearing more on your trip. Will be our first time sailing her

Wife and I did RC Mariner of the Seas last sailing in '13 from Galveston before she moved overseas. Was the first time cruising for both of us. Just last year we switched up and took our kids on Carnival Breeze. For us, between those two ships, Mariner really gave us that "wow factor" Don't get me wrong, we loved Breeze as well, especially for our kids but Mariner felt fancier which is funny because we're two regular country folks from Texas and fancy isn't really our thing but it also didn't feel snobby either if that makes sense. Breeze was a huge ship in comparison to the Mariner and kids had a blast doing lots of exploring. With that being said, I just booked us a cruise on Liberty of the Seas and we can't wait. This will sound cliche' but growing up with parents who cruised all the time back in the 70's and 80's and hearing their stories and experiences on ships, RC gave us more of THAT feeling for lack of better words. Both have great offerings depending on what your needs are. From Galveston, port choices typically run the same regardless of line you choose. While we've never had bad experiences on either line, I'd say no greater time than the present to jump back on RCCL and give em a shot especially during the Maycation sale.

only 710 days til embarkation on LoS but working on sneaking in a few more before then.

They may be the richer folks kids who are more well-mannered and home schooled.

i have to disagree here. We just got off the breeze on 10/9 with our 2 boys (12 and 14). While we aren't "rich" by any means, we are a middle class family quite happy with our station in life. Quite honestly, i chose that cruise for the price which allowed us to take our kids on their first cruise. Yes there were some kids on there who've cruised more than most, but I'd have to say it was well rounded group of kids regardless of financial means so don't let that sway your decision. Furthermore, this was our first jaunt on Carnival and definitely won't be our last. we all had a blast!

same for us, we're Breezin' out on Sunday as well. I have no doubts that CCL will keep everyone safe and reroute if necessary.

direct from CCL's website

Yes, you can set up a separate Sail & Sign card for your children or others in your group to use.

If this is linked to your credit card/debit card account, you are responsible for paying this at the end of your cruise.

It is possible to set a spend limit on all Sail & Sign cards linked to your account.

We recommend this if you are travelling with children/others using your account. You can set the limit up at the Cash Desk or Kiosks.

Can you please tell me how to get the Verizon gift cards? I have Verizon for my house phone and Verizon Wireless for my cell.

 

Thank you

you have to log into your Verizon account and go to the rewards section. right now they have $100 card for $90 and $500 for $450 assuming you have enough "points" in your rewards account

I very much appreciate your honest review of Carnival as a new-comer to the line. My only past experience has been with RCCL which we loved. Taking our 2 boys on Breeze for this same cruise on 10/2 and sounds like this will work out perfect for us. I wasn't aware of Resort For a Day and it looks like they have some great packages available, thanks a ton!

what were the cruise dates? based on your description of the lines/crowds, i'm assuming this took place over the Memorial Day holiday?

It's my understanding that if you want it limited to a certain amount per day, then you have to manage / deposit X amount to their cards each day. If you put a lump sum on it, they have full access to spend it all at once. I may be wrong so please see what others have to say.

I believe you are on our roll call....October 2nd???

Yep, my wife and two boys. We can't wait! Saw you post over there about you guys being from MO. I lived in Jeff City until I moved to Texas about 15 years ago.

Lido!!!! Deck 10. So convenient to everything and super quiet! You won't regret it. :D

thats great to hear. I booked a mid-ship lido balcony for DW and I on the Breeze for our first CCL cruise out of Galveston in October. Can't wait!

Shiner is a start for long standing local-ish for Galveston but so many more options from the Austin/Houston areas that provide much better choices. Pedernales, Thirsty Planet and St Arnold and Buffalo Bayou from Houston to name a few.

What time do the waterslides open on the Breeze on Sea days?

 

Thanks.:)

I was just thinking about this on Friday for my family. Thanks for posting!