wakeupinanewland

Very helpful! Thanks!

Thought you might appreciate a reply from another youngish person traveling with her Mom :)

I'm a Veteran cruiser, but its my first time on Princess. My Mom is Platinum, like yours. I've been reading up because each line is different. I'm used to doing excursions on my own, but this time I'm doing a few with Princess. For one, their excursions are much smaller than other lines (most of the ones I am registered for are 20 ppl or less). Also, I don't want to chance getting stuck in country since it seems to be a thing with these ports.

So far, I registered for the tour that goes to the Volcano and Granada in Nicaragua. Seeing an active volcano was pretty high up on my list (I've done it in Hawaii, but didn't see the actual crater). I also booked the ruins in Huatalco, and will decide in the next few days or so if I want to cancel it (I'm still trying to figure out if I have the option to cancel onboard, in exchange for credit). I'm definitely tempted to Jet Ski instead. I plan to do something in Costa Rica, I'm not as concerned about Cartagena or Aruba. I never book all of my ports unless there is something I definitely want to do.. I like to have some flexibility. Sometimes, walking around and getting a postcard is enough for me. I've done a lot of trips this year, and I kind of need this one to be relaxing.

I will try to do at least one excursion with my Mom. Otherwise, she has several that she is interested in doing on her own. She is mobile and independent. I am going to think about booking the Sanctuary on Canal day for the reasons you gave.. the whole reason we are taking this trip is because my Mom wants to see Panama Canal... this might a great way to do it.

While onboard, I plan to hang out in the covered pool area (Lotus Spa). I'm bringing my Kindle loaded up with books and will load up my Amazon Music with lots of offline music. I have Project Fi (google's cell phone plan), so I can use data in almost any country with no problem.. as long as I'm on land when I do it! When we sail off, I go into airplane mode to avoid ship charges. I'll bring a tablet with me if I have any need to use it while away.. although I don't plan to need it. I cruise to get away from work.

As far as extras... I'll get a massage at home before or after I go.. since their charges are more than our local spa. I might get the coffee card so I can treat myself to a specialty coffee each day. I love doing speciality dining once per cruise with my Hubby, but don't plan to this time. Besides, the really good ones lead to vast overeating for me. I plan to order a side of veggies at dinner, and to eat in the main dining room at our scheduled time (to avoid crazy lines). I will check out the shows, karaoke, and dance classes.

Lastly, we are sticking to the oceanview. I agree with the poster above to get out of the obstructed view if you can... I'm a fan of balconies, no doubt, but as others said, you will be outside of your room all over the ship on the day that you see the Canal. You can spend the price difference on experiences.

I hope this helps! Oh, afternoon tea everyday is pretty cool too. While the fitness center doesn't have an oceanview (it has been replaced with rooms), its completely functional.

Yes, I was able to. I'd recommend just looking at everything they offer, and think really hard about what you actually want in that moment. Then, start to build a package based on those prices.

Did you ladies purchase a photo collection? I've read you can negotiate prices with them? Any truth to this?

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Forums mobile app

Hi All!!!

I'm a 2016 bride just popping in, and am so excited for all of you as you plan your weddings! I got married on the Carnival Inspiration, and we had an amazing experience. I just wanted to be of help on a few things that I saw mentioned. I know some of this will be duplicative, but these are the touches that really made me happy.

I did an embarkation day wedding, so that some of my older family members could attend without sailing. Even though I have a large family, we did a small (for us) wedding. It wasn't easy, but we ended up with the decisions that made us happiest in the end. I prioritized having my parents, their parents, and siblings, and a handful of friends from different stages of my life. I didn't have a bridal party, and ended up being very happy with my decision. Instead, I walked down the staircase alone, met my Dad at the base of the stairs, and my Mom met us at the front. It was a wonderful moment for us.

We made simple snack bags for our guests. We purchased bags from Michaels, and filled them with snacks and from Smart N Final. I even made a few diabetic friendly. People were so excited to get them when they arrived at the ship! Of course, once they were onboard they roamed freely, but had maps of the ship and a slip from the cruise line letting them know the when/where/how of the wedding. No one was late (they really know me!) :)

We made invitations that included every detail people needed to know about the wedding. They received specific information about what to submit, and what time to arrive that day, as well as parking,etc. They were multiple pages, but I found a great website that let me develop a customized booklet. It turned out cheaper than standard invitations. I kept two excel spreadsheets, one for my budget, and one for my the info on my cruise guests. Really helped me stay organized.

Tips are really up to you. I planned tips for our wedding coordinators and officiant. I had them in an envelope, and one of my husband's best friends was in charge of it. I figured I would change the amounts if needed, but did not in the end. I did not tip the photographer, I figured that the incentive there was to get us to purchase as many pictures as possible. I would recommend sitting through all of the pictures before stating what you want to buy. One thing I'm glad I did was book the videographer. At the time, only one wedding onboard could have it (I ended up being the only wedding). We didn't have to pay in advance, and only decided to get it once we saw it and loved it. They used different music, but darn it if one of them isn't one of our favorite songs that reminds us of our special day now.

If you have a sizeable group, look into using the hosted cocktail reception as one of your booking amenities. We had a large group, so we did this as well as give everyone a room credit. We also did meals, a wine tour, and karaoke together, and they clubbed together without us our first night. I did a ladies tea on the second to last day of our voyage (tea is often on your itinerary, but rarely is it well-publicized).

If you can find a picture of a cake you like online, and send it to the coordinators. I thought my cruise cake designer did a great job based on the design. I also provided red rose petals and faux diamonds for decoration around the cake, and explained to the coordinators how I would like them scattered. They hit the nail on the head.

I used a few photos of us as a couple to create a shutterfly book, then made that our guest photo book. I still have it on display.

We purchased a very real looking artificial red rose bouquet and boutonnieres from etsy. I still kept my Carnival bouquet for decoration while on the ship. But this bouquet was customized with crystals and it sits in my livingroom right now, looking every bit as beautiful as they day I bought it!! The boutonniere has a few crystals too. We also bought matching ones for my dad and mom.

We customized our ceremony by combining the provided language, and some that my officiant had. We used our own officiant, but the provided one was on hand and very helpful.

One of my coordinators got very sick the day of the wedding. When they told me they sent her home during the reception, I had not even noticed. They did that great of a job. I literally handed them a box with a sheet that explained everything I needed done with reception decoration, and they did it.

I washed my hair the night before, and had a stylist do my hair at my home the morning of my wedding. I had a natural style that lasted for days. A friend attending the wedding used to do makeup for Mac. I had done a trial with her, and gone to Mac to purchase items and find out what I liked. She did my makeup at the house that morning, and touched it up before the wedding.

When I first arrived to my suite, I had time alone. I used it to stage a few items just the way I liked them. I found a place on the balcony door to hang my dress on my Mrs. hanger. I had a few friends tasked to get me food so I could eat. Then, I had a few friends help me get ready, and spent a minute or two with my Mom, who had been trying to work on decorations :) Before I knew it, I was ready to go.

My mom insisted on decorating our head table with some little elements that incorporated our colors and said Mr. and Mrs. She reserved a few tables for both sets of parents at the front of the nightclub, which I thought was really smart. She also brought some bows that she wrapped around the aisles of the theater. It ended up looking great.

I loved having our reception in the nightclub. It was an intimate space that encouraged dancing (all I cared about). We gave one speech as a couple, did a father-daughter dance, a toast, cut the cake, and danced. I didn't miss anything else. We found the 90 minute time frame perfect. Those who had to leave immediately after the wedding were able to do so, but other non-sailing guests stayed and partied until the last possible moment! The crew service was exceptional. They were on point with our specialty drink, and any other drink that people ordered.

The coconut cake was ridiculously amazing. I liked the ice sculpture, other people raved about the food, but I'm telling you all I remember now is that top layer that had coconut cake.

What didn't go right: I made four copies of my music. NONE worked. My friend had to download my song online so that I could walk down the aisle!! It also interfered with our first dance, but we finally got the song right and did the dance. Oh, and my reserved towncar forgot to show up...so I drove to the ship! We were one of the last of our party to arrive! We were supposed to pack my dress in a box to leave outside the night before leaving the ship. I wasn't happy about that, but decided to carry it out just to make sure it made it off safely. In retrospect, I would have let them carry it off!

In the end, it was a really special day. I lost two grandparents since that day, and I'm so glad they were able to be there and share in our joy.

Of course, now that I've written this, I forgot I wrote a blog with pictures from that day. It might give you some staging ideas: http://www.portiajackson.com/2016/07/our-cruise-wedding/

It is my understanding that the non-sailing children will need the birth certificates on the day of to board for the wedding, but you will not have to submit them in advance. Children who are sailing will need to do online check-in using birth certificates. Please check with your coordinator to confirm!

Congratulations!!! We are coming up in mid-January of 2016.. can't wait, and I'll be sure to post a review. Like you said, the 2015 and 2016 threads have been super helpful!

Leslie, here is the latest price list: http://www.carnival.com/~/media/CCLUS/Images/pdf/Weddingspricelistpdf.ashx

With the upcoming year, its possible that rates will change (esp. for photography). So, I would recommend downloading the latest price sheets from the Carnival weddings department and other lines. Your rates should be whatever they are when you book. Best wishes!

Hey girls!! We have our wedding date set for October 8th, 2016. I am seriously considering a cruise instead!! Can someone please give me pricing info? Deposits? Etc. thank you in advance!! -leslie

I'm very excited that you were able to find a Carnival date that would work for you. I did research all of the lines, and the prices are really different!

I have 40 days to go. The time is finally upon us! Final hair trial, dress fitting, submitting the final guest list and music. I remember just booking all of this a few months ago!

Have you tried calling the Carnival wedding department? I think they would be able to give you exact information based on current rules (policies could have changed).

I can't get over how awesome your special day turned out. That makes me feel really great as we continue to count down. I like the specialty drink, and think it would be a really nice touch!

Hey!!! Congrats!! How awesome it all worked out!! But, we want more details!!

How was the Lionel Richie concert? How was it working with the Carnival team? Were all of your details ironed out? Looking back, what are you really happy you brought with you or did? What would you have done differently?

What appetizers did you order? What were your favorite cake flavors?

I'm really really happy that you had a positive wedding experience!! WOOHOO!!!

So awesome to hear from excited cruise brides!! Now the countdown begins!!!

When is your wedding and are you already booked? Wondering if we should be on the lookout for this as well. I am fine with making our own albums but hoping there is not a price increase. Slord12, how did you negotiate that deal?

My dress came in the day after I posted this! I'm waiting a bit, but will start alterations in 3 weeks. It is certainly getting more real!

You must be very excited! My dress will be ready in December, if not earlier. We are under 100 days out and I'm glad our special day is getting closer :)

Harmony,

Very thankful to hear that it was all sorted out. Focus on your wedding.. your family and friends.. your marriage.. not a company that makes mistakes. We are all taking a chance here and hoping for the best because it sounds like a cool idea. Among all brides, we are risk-takers. Hang in there, and all the best!!

Hoping that this is figured out ASAP. I would be concerned as well. I hope they are able to confirm a much earlier time for your wedding, so that everything goes according to plan.

Exceptional thread. Answered all of my questions. Thank you!

Awh, that is wonderful! Did you also get married out of Long Beach? I will be on the Inspiration.

What an awesome recap of what to focus on! I'm hoping our ceremony will also be short and sweet. Would like to take a group photo like you did, if everyone can organize themselves quickly after the service! We'll see :)

I'm all for whatever makes a fellow bride happy, but just remember we have to lug all of this stuff on and off with the standard boarding restrictions (plus our garment bags).

I reread your message. Its onboard. Ok cool. Now stop buying things!

Harmony,

It is possible agriculture will stop guests from taking the cake back onboard. Please check with your coordinator. If you are serving it onboard, please disregard.