Lots of noobie questions...sorry in advance

[blondie219]

:oMy husband and I will be taking our first cruise in October on Carnival Glory. I have heard and read threads about upgrading. We booked as early savers and have already paid, if we have paid in full can we still take part in upgrading as good deals come available? And how exactly do we take advantage of that. currently we are in an 8B on deck 7 in a balcony room.

 

DH and I are both pretty picky eaters. He would say that I am the pickiest, but he really is. I have looked at some of the menus from the MDR that another cruiser had posted but can anyone tell me what to expect at the buffet?

 

Our ports are Nassau & Freeport, I have been eyeing some of the excursions. Can anyone who has done Atlantis tell me if the price is worth it, seems pretty steep especially when you look at it being only for 4-5 hours. I think it was quoted at 145/person and that didn't include the dolphin interaction. several people have said go it on your own, without going through the ship...Im a big hesitant and leery of trying to get a taxi and get to the points of interest on my own.

 

Any and all advice for a couple of first time cruisers would be welcomed. Thanks so much:)

[firefly333]

People are usually upgrading if the prices on their booking drop. If you are happy with your balcony cabin (why wouldnt you be), dont worry unless your price drops.

 

About the worst ports in my opinion, sorry to say. Nassau isnt too bad, as there are things at the port, but Freeport there is hardly anything unless you take a taxi to a beach or all inclusive. Atlantis isnt the only one, but its the best known. there are some if you reasearch the port on the ports of call threads.

 

Im a picky eater too, and Im always stuffed. Surely with all the appetisers, salads and main dishes you will find way more than enough to eat. My sister never eats her vegetables, but they give them to you anyway with the entree. The buffet will have similar as the MDR, many things the same. There is also the grill or pizza, which I love, it has calzones (sp) and has ceasar or grilled chicken ceasar 24/7, plus room service is 24/7 and free, just tip.

 

You will not go hungry ... and everyone says Im a picky eater. I think Glory has Sur Mer, fish and chips (only open at lunch) but not positive and mongolian BBQ,

[RooksWS6]

If you're wanting to go to Atlantis, I would definitely consider doing it on your own. We were there a couple years ago and were able to catch a cab to the resort no problem. We were only intersted in checking out the resort and the aquarium, so I don't have much information on the water slides and other attractions, but I don't see why you couldn't do it on your own for much, much less than $145.

[STEVENJAN]

Usually the Buffet has everything that the MDR has except fot the high ticket items i.e. Lobster, escargot, prime rib etc. They will have the same desserts and general appetizers like shrimp cocktail and soups. That has been our experience in the past. My wife doesn't care for spicy food and she will find something to eat and plenty of it.

Please take this advice seriously; If you don't like something, ask for something different. You can make a meal on appetizers, salads and dessert if you like. If you like the soup, ask for more.

They are more than willing to satisfy you in the main dining room.

Do you like salad? The buffet will have lots of choices. Like fruit? Lots!!

 

You will not go hungry!!!!!

 

P.S. keep in mind I am speaking in general because we haven't sailed Carnival yet.

I can add to this after we get back in May.

[marybeth200]

Which Atlantis excursion are you looking at? We are going on the Destiny in a few short weeks. They offer a beach day excursion that gives you access to their beach and they have an excursion that includes the Atlantis water park. Those are about $110 and $150 each (sorry, there are issues with Carnival's site right now or I'd quote exact). We just want to see the guided tour of the aquarium and walk around the hotel and that excursion is about $50, which is the one that we are taking. Not sure about Glory, but I'd guess they have an aquarium only excursion for a lower cost since it's offered on Destiny. I read that you can get a "day pass" of some sort for Atlantis to view the aquarium for $40 at the hotel itself. For me, it's easy to pay the $50 and not have to worry about finding transportation on my own. This will be my third time in Nassau and I'm just not comfortable with catching a cab. I live in the midwest and we don't have a whole lot of public transportation around here. I've only ever taken a bus or taxi when on vacation. Maybe if I took cabs more often I might be more comfortable with it, but I'm not. Sorry that I can't be more specific but just some info that I have gathered (sorry, I'm unable to site my sources just remembering things I've read) that helped me make my descion of what to do about Atlantis resort. I have been there once before (took the aquarium excursion when I was on the Fascination several years ago) and I can't wait to go back! IMHO, I would say it's very much worth the $50. Hope that helps a little.

[LambKnuckles]

CONGRATULATIONS on your first cruise...

You've got your answers... Yes you can still take advantage of price drops and upgrades... till, what, 3 days before leaving on ES rate...

The buffet has been answered... Great food there, and mostly the same as the MDR... plus the hamburgers and sandwiches and pizza... And delicious salad bar. You just have to stand in line and serve yourself and seat yourself... But do what you LIKE -- it's all there and all for YOU!!!!

Freeport is not my favorite port... But if you take the taxi to town to the beaches or shopping, you'll have fun... I'd do that one on my own... Unless you want snorkel, scuba, parasailing, etc -- then, since it's all not right at the pier, book thru Carnival...

Nassau I LOVE!!!! I walked the town on a walking tour found on Frommers site. GREAT!!! Atlantis has three aquariums and not enough time to see them or make them worth the cost for me. But the town has so much to offer, in culture!!!

Be a Newbie and ENJOY!!!!! :)

[cjackso8]

Glory is a wonderful ship. I sailed in January before she went into dry dock. There's no way you won't have a wonderful time!

 

Hope you have a great cruise!:D

[Squidly]

Ahh!!! to be a newbie again the exuberance the anticipation the thrill of it all.Relish the feeling you will soon be hooked like the rest of us.Its a great feeling so relax and go with the flow and enjoy.:)

[kimmysmom]

Just off the Pride yesterday, we did do the Atlantis beach break on Thursday. My opinion is not to do it thru the ship, the cost is high. I personally would tell you not to do it. This was one of my "bucket list" destinations and it was a real disappointment. I purchased the excursion to start at 11:30 and to end at 5:30. When we got our tickets on the boat, the start time was 12:30. Once we were picked up and brought to the resort it was about 1:30. The tour guides were every disorginized. The bus drive told us that the last bus was at 7:00 and the woman who brought us in, told us 4:00 pm and then 6:00pm. She gave us a brief tour and advised us that the beach was closed, because it was broke. We were only able to go to a another beach, but could not swim since the waves were really high. We went the the lagoon area so my daughter could snorkel in the little cove. We were told that we could us all non motorized sports, yes for a price, they were going to charge $13.00 each for the use of a snorkel and blow up life vest. There was hardly any chairs left. We go one near a little shed in the way back. We did go the walk thru aquarium. There was plastic water bottles floating in the water and the tank was very dirty. For the money that they charge it was bad. We tried to make the best of it, but I would never go again

[okwriter]

In January, two friends and I did the catamaran and snorkeling (?) excursion through Carnival while in Nassau. It was around $50 each, and we had a blast! The catamaran took us to a reef where we snorkeled for about 30 minutes, then it took us to a beach for about 30-45 minutes. It was a short "beach fix" for us, and we loved it!

 

Enjoy!

[steveaaaaa]

:oMy husband and I will be taking our first cruise in October on Carnival Glory. I have heard and read threads about upgrading. We booked as early savers and have already paid, if we have paid in full can we still take part in upgrading as good deals come available? And how exactly do we take advantage of that. currently we are in an 8B on deck 7 in a balcony room.

 

DH and I are both pretty picky eaters. He would say that I am the pickiest, but he really is. I have looked at some of the menus from the MDR that another cruiser had posted but can anyone tell me what to expect at the buffet?

 

Our ports are Nassau & Freeport, I have been eyeing some of the excursions. Can anyone who has done Atlantis tell me if the price is worth it, seems pretty steep especially when you look at it being only for 4-5 hours. I think it was quoted at 145/person and that didn't include the dolphin interaction. several people have said go it on your own, without going through the ship...Im a big hesitant and leery of trying to get a taxi and get to the points of interest on my own.

 

Any and all advice for a couple of first time cruisers would be welcomed. Thanks so much:)

 

There are no formal nights anymore.

Dress shorts are allowed almost all nights in the dining room.

Consult the website for more details on dress codes for normal nights and elegant night.

Tipping porters at the pier more than likely is not required.Look for signs posted that state that.

 

Steve

[michelle1836]

:oMy husband and I will be taking our first cruise in October on Carnival Glory. I have heard and read threads about upgrading. We booked as early savers and have already paid, if we have paid in full can we still take part in upgrading as good deals come available? And how exactly do we take advantage of that. currently we are in an 8B on deck 7 in a balcony room.

 

DH and I are both pretty picky eaters. He would say that I am the pickiest, but he really is. I have looked at some of the menus from the MDR that another cruiser had posted but can anyone tell me what to expect at the buffet?

 

Our ports are Nassau & Freeport, I have been eyeing some of the excursions. Can anyone who has done Atlantis tell me if the price is worth it, seems pretty steep especially when you look at it being only for 4-5 hours. I think it was quoted at 145/person and that didn't include the dolphin interaction. several people have said go it on your own, without going through the ship...Im a big hesitant and leery of trying to get a taxi and get to the points of interest on my own.

 

Any and all advice for a couple of first time cruisers would be welcomed. Thanks so much:)

 

that was funny!!

 

Carnival excursions are more money than if you go on your own. but for our first cruise we did the carnival excursions because we were very new to all of this. I paid extra for the peace of mind. and it was worth it!

[cookc61462]

Nassau is one of my favorite ports too.

If you want to do the dolphin swim I HIGHLY recommend http://www.dolphinencounters.com/ They were wonderful.

ONe of the best things I have ever done.

 

We booked it ourselves.

If you want to see Atlantis, catch a cab at the pier and they will let you off right there. You can do some looking around for free and then if you want to participate in any of the activities you can pay to do that. Very easy.

[Crusin Hogs]

When leaving the ship ,walking down the pier ,Look to the right

they have water taxi's that will take you straight to Atlantis (across

the shopping area) and give you a return ticket, They run about

every 15 minutes

[littlesnit]

Cabs and vans are just waiting to take you over to Atlantis for a few bucks each. You'll most likely have to wait for the van to fill up, but the ride isn't very long, just over the bridge. You can get a cab back from Atlantis anytime you want. You can get one at the cab stand right at Atlantis.

When I was there a few years ago, you could view a lot of "The Dig" for free, an aqaurium that surrounds their huge dining room. For a charge you can see the rest of it and be able to roam more of the grounds. We didn't pay the extra $40?, but had a great time seeing the free stuff. Also, you can roam the casino and see the great glass scuptures there and, if the timing is right and there are no photographers hogging them, you can take each other's pictures in those huge "golden" thrones.

Lots of stuff to do in town, as well. We did the horse and buggy ride and our guide was very informative.

For a lot of pics, go to falkcor post of his Carnival Pride vacation. Warning: It's 121 pages long so far, but filled with beautiful pics of Atlantis and the sites in town.

You can also google Atlantis and go to their web site for some ideas of what is available there.

I've been in Nassau 3 times and still haven't seen all there is to see. We're planning on getting a cab to the top of the Queen's staircase this time (I have trouble walking, hence the cab.)

Have a great time, and maybe get yourself a map from a Nassau website.