yort44

We had 2 extended balconies side by side and opened up the door between the two. I'd suggest just running to Guest Services as soon as you get on (if early enough before the crowds) and put in your request. Your room steward doesn't have the authority to open it and will tell you to go to Guest Services. They'll send someone up from maintenance to open it, and he will secure it so it won't sway. Keep in mind that opening the deck dividers is always at the discretion of the captain. We've been on cruises where the captain declined to have any doors open (never got an explanation why, but we assumed security of some sort). However, on the Pride in December we had it opened the first day out. Good luck!

Yort, post is well stated, very respectful. I would just take serious exception to the highlited part above....For guys, that consists of a pair of dress slacks, a collared shirt and a pair of dress shoes. That is what, $80 if you bought that new....Some people will say "i dont own dress clothes" or even better " i cant afford to go out and buy new clothes"....Do they really want to argue they can afford a $1000 - $4000 for a cruise but cant spend $80 for what Carnival considers "Formal Wear"....nah, sorry, i aint buying that line ;)

I should have elaborated a bit. One of the groups were an obvious inner city group who were onboard as recipients of some sort of charity (Not Make A Wish, but something similar--I don't recall the name on the shirts). And I overheard one of the younger kids saying she didn't own a dress. My point was that there may be some onboard who simply can't afford or don't have what we may consider formal clothes (even khakis apparently). I wasn't insinuating that someone who could afford a $5k cruise can't buy a golf shirt. ;)

Out of respect for all as well as the request of the cruise line, we always attend "Elegant Night" wearing appropriate clothing (I wear a jacket and tie; my son a jacket and my wife and daughter dresses). My only complaint is that Carnival should either enforce Elegant Night or simply tell people it's a "suggestion" and let people dress as they like. On the Sunshine last year, I was wearing a suit and the people at the table next to us were wearing---not kidding-- baseball hats and basketball jersey's (tank tops) and shorts. Nobody said a word to them and they were served as if they were wearing Armani. And they weren't the only table wearing similar outfits. I know I would have been embarrassed had I worn that when the majority was dressed nicely, but that's just how I was raised. I also understand that many people may not own appropriate clothing and they also paid their money, so not sure if it's "fair" to ask them to leave either. I'd suggest a change in policy to make it a "suggestion" night for those who want to dress up and for those who don't, fine. I think this is why NCL just gave up and made every night come as you are. Regardless, how another dresses won't ruin our vacation as it's about "us" anyway. ;)

10am is scheduled unless there are high winds, then the ship must travel slower and you'll arrive late. The latest I've seen is about 2pm, but that was during 30MPH winds. Just something to keep in mind. Also--if you arrive early and the ship is late, you'll not be allowed to park as they'll need to clear the returning cruise first. I'd suggest you keep an eye out to make sure it's running on time if you're driving to the pier. Was on the 12/24 cruise and arrived at 12:45pm (had a 2pm board time) and was parked and on the ship by 1:20pm. You won't find an easier pier to park and board! Unfortunately caught norovirus on the 12/24 cruise, so we're doing what any real cruiser would do. We're going back on the 4/1 cruise to get this right! :)

We were also on the 12/24 cruise. Did anybody else come down with norovirus? Was bedridden for 3 days. Fortunately got better by the last day. Unfortunately, my daughter just got hit with it yesterday. My wife spoke with the guitarist in the band and he said that he had it the week before and was out for a few days. I also noticed the last night that the same guy who was working pizza was running across the room to also work desserts in the buffet. It made me think that they were short manned and perhaps there was something going on with the crew. And IMPORTANT FYI-- for those coming aboard soon, regular alcohol based hand sanitizers do NOT work on norovirus. You need something that contains benzethonium chloride. I forgot to bring it (and man did it cost us) this time. We've used Gold Bond Ultimate Hand Sanitizer (no longer made, but available online at different places) on past cruises and have never caught a bug. Unfortunately, these things happen and it wouldn't stop us from cruising in the winter next year! Enjoy!! :

Our daughter has a life threatening allergy to nuts and we've found that Carnival has been by far the best cruise line for those suffering from allergies. On RCCL, we actually -TWICE- had our waiter bring my daughter meals with nuts, and when we spotted them he's like.. "oh, sorry". RCCL is best at the buffets as they'll have the ingredients listed, although all buffets are inherently risky. One note-- we did go with friends who had a child with an egg allergy, and it seems almost everything (bread, etc.) on RCCL contains eggs, where he was allowed to have a lot more on Carnival. NCL was a bit better than RCCL (they took orders, etc-- so the sit down was good), but at a dessert buffet when we asked what was nut free, she pointed at a pie and cut us a piece.....then we waited. Sure enough, she put the cake cutter in the same water with all the other cutters-- pie in garbage. When cruising Carnival, we meet with someone every night who takes our order for the next night and they've been flawless wherever we dine (anytime dining) as they have her info and bring what she ordered. They'll even make things that normally have nuts, nut free, for her. Our daughter is the one now who asks that we only cruise Carnival as her comfort level is high. Overall I think they all do a good job and I wouldn't hesitate traveling with an allergy over the concern of contamination, but more based on what is actually available to eat as a result.

Good luck!