First Ever Carnival Cruise Booked...Need YOUR Help

[acruisingpeach23]

Yay! So I am now officially booked on my first ever Carnival Cruise!!

 

It is on the Carnival Liberty Dec. 29th 2012 Sailing.

 

I know these questions are probably so redundant but if you can answer any of them or can suggest anything you think is worth us checking into please let me know :)

 

Our rooms are 2 balcony rooms on the 9th floor...Apparently there is an all night pizza and ice cream spot on this floor...eek I need to lose weight now!

 

Questions:

 

1- I have been reading that fixed seating for dining is not at your request meaning you cannot ask for lets say a two seater...however the Carnival rep told my mother that we can have a 4 top for the four of us and all the carnival rep has to do is email the Maitre'd (i know probably spelt wrong)...is this possible/true or should we expect not to have a 4 top for ourselves?

 

2- The sushi bar is this free?

 

3-What is the best bar to get a great drink at?

 

4- Is there a place on the ship where we can hang out at night and listen to a live band and have a drink?

 

5- Can you recommend a place (cheap but clean and safe) in Miami to stay at or know of any pre-cruise packages Carnival can/will offer to us? Meaning transportation to and from the hotel to the port or can we do it on our own?

 

6- What should we NOT miss?

(Food wise, entertainment wise...or maybe to MISS and AVOID)

 

7- CONTROVERSIAL but i have to ask...is smoking on the balconies allowed? We never smoke inside the house so we would never smoke in our room even if it was ok. If not on the balconies then where can we smoke? We smoke regular cigs and electronic. Please no smoking debates we know its bad for our health, your health, my dog's health, the environment and etc but we are respectful people and we dont plan on walking up to non-smokers and blowing smoke in their face :eek: I have many times asked someone on more than one occasion and even my dear friends if the smoke is bothering them and if it is i move away. I have even switched spots outside with my friends if the wind is blowing the smoke in their direction LOL

 

8-How dressy is dressy for the elegant nights?

 

9-ahhh i feel like I am missing something...Am i missing any information that I should be questioning LOL?? Please tell me!!

 

10- Can anyone tell me about room category 8E?

 

Again I apologize if these questions are redundant!

[APDMOM]

I'm sure by the time I am done typing this, someone will already have answeRs posted, but I will try to type fast :D

 

1. Go to your reservation online and see what kind of table they assigned. If you cannot see, you can go to the Maitre'D on embarkation day and look at your seating. If you don't like it, you can kindly request a change. We have always had a small table when requested in advance on our reservation. I'm not sure how you can e-mail them... Never heard of it before, but is worth looking into.

 

2. Sushi is free

 

3. It depends on your preference. I liked Alchemy for the atmosphere... Others may like the noisy pool bars (Red Frog or Blue Iguana) Just try them all. :)

 

4. Best band on Liberty in my opinion was the one by the Casino Bar. However, read reviews closer to the time, because there may be a changeover by December.

 

5. Not familiar with Miami. We drove down and stayed in Palm Beach area.

 

6. Read tips in my review listed in my signature. Definitely do not miss the Cooking Demonstration... Best food you will get to sample for free!

 

7. Yes, you may smoke on the balcony.

 

8. Varies a lot, but mostly not too dressy. Just follw the dress code rules and you will be fine.

 

9. Read reviews and make a list of tips from the reviews.

 

10. Not sure... Will report back after I check what 8E is :)

 

 

Yay! So I am now officially booked on my first ever Carnival Cruise!!

 

It is on the Carnival Liberty Dec. 29th 2012 Sailing.

 

I know these questions are probably so redundant but if you can answer any of them or can suggest anything you think is worth us checking into please let me know :)

 

Our rooms are 2 balcony rooms on the 9th floor...Apparently there is an all night pizza and ice cream spot on this floor...eek I need to lose weight now!

 

Questions:

 

1- I have been reading that fixed seating for dining is not at your request meaning you cannot ask for lets say a two seater...however the Carnival rep told my mother that we can have a 4 top for the four of us and all the carnival rep has to do is email the Maitre'd (i know probably spelt wrong)...is this possible/true or should we expect not to have a 4 top for ourselves?

 

2- The sushi bar is this free?

 

3-What is the best bar to get a great drink at?

 

4- Is there a place on the ship where we can hang out at night and listen to a live band and have a drink?

 

5- Can you recommend a place (cheap but clean and safe) in Miami to stay at or know of any pre-cruise packages Carnival can/will offer to us? Meaning transportation to and from the hotel to the port or can we do it on our own?

 

6- What should we NOT miss?

(Food wise, entertainment wise...or maybe to MISS and AVOID)

 

7- CONTROVERSIAL but i have to ask...is smoking on the balconies allowed? We never smoke inside the house so we would never smoke in our room even if it was ok. If not on the balconies then where can we smoke? We smoke regular cigs and electronic. Please no smoking debates we know its bad for our health, your health, my dog's health, the environment and etc but we are respectful people and we dont plan on walking up to non-smokers and blowing smoke in their face :eek: I have many times asked someone on more than one occasion and even my dear friends if the smoke is bothering them and if it is i move away. I have even switched spots outside with my friends if the wind is blowing the smoke in their direction LOL

 

8-How dressy is dressy for the elegant nights?

 

9-ahhh i feel like I am missing something...Am i missing any information that I should be questioning LOL?? Please tell me!!

 

10- Can anyone tell me about room category 8E?

 

Again I apologize if these questions are redundant!

[kc5grw]

My very first cruise in 1992 formal was formal, tux and all. Anymore I just wear slacks and a long sleeve shirt, wife and girls will wear nice dresses.

 

8E is just a regular balcony on LIDO (deck 9). I have an 8E and a 4H on the Magic on 12/16.

[APDMOM]

I looked at some pics of 8E cabins on another website. They look like the standard balcony cabins, similar to the ones pictured in my review. It is nice that they are on the lido deck!

 

Since this is your first Carnival experience, check prices EVERY DAY! They change quite frequently & we have always been able to either upsell for cheap or get OBC. Even if you did not book Early Saver, you can get a price adjustment before final payment. Enjoy planning! :D

[GuitarPlayer]

Yay! So I am now officially booked on my first ever Carnival Cruise!!

 

It is on the Carnival Liberty Dec. 29th 2012 Sailing.

 

You picked a GREAT ship to start on. Liberty has been one of my favorite ships.

 

Don't miss the "Guy's Burgers" place. Awesome...it was lunch nearly every day. (Yeah, so I'm not very adventurous, so what? :rolleyes:)

 

Don't miss having breakfast in the main dining room. It took a couple of cruises for DW and I to find it, but we have such a great time meeting people there, having a great breakfast, and then seeing those same faces out on deck and saying hi. It is the rare case when we miss MDR breakfast these days.

 

GP

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Yay! So I am now officially booked on my first ever Carnival Cruise!!

 

It is on the Carnival Liberty Dec. 29th 2012 Sailing.

 

I know these questions are probably so redundant but if you can answer any of them or can suggest anything you think is worth us checking into please let me know :)

 

Our rooms are 2 balcony rooms on the 9th floor...Apparently there is an all night pizza and ice cream spot on this floor...eek I need to lose weight now!

 

Questions:

 

1- I have been reading that fixed seating for dining is not at your request meaning you cannot ask for lets say a two seater...however the Carnival rep told my mother that we can have a 4 top for the four of us and all the carnival rep has to do is email the Maitre'd (i know probably spelt wrong)...is this possible/true or should we expect not to have a 4 top for ourselves?

 

2- The sushi bar is this free?

 

3-What is the best bar to get a great drink at?

 

4- Is there a place on the ship where we can hang out at night and listen to a live band and have a drink?

 

5- Can you recommend a place (cheap but clean and safe) in Miami to stay at or know of any pre-cruise packages Carnival can/will offer to us? Meaning transportation to and from the hotel to the port or can we do it on our own?

 

6- What should we NOT miss?

(Food wise, entertainment wise...or maybe to MISS and AVOID)

 

7- CONTROVERSIAL but i have to ask...is smoking on the balconies allowed? We never smoke inside the house so we would never smoke in our room even if it was ok. If not on the balconies then where can we smoke? We smoke regular cigs and electronic. Please no smoking debates we know its bad for our health, your health, my dog's health, the environment and etc but we are respectful people and we dont plan on walking up to non-smokers and blowing smoke in their face :eek: I have many times asked someone on more than one occasion and even my dear friends if the smoke is bothering them and if it is i move away. I have even switched spots outside with my friends if the wind is blowing the smoke in their direction LOL

 

8-How dressy is dressy for the elegant nights?

 

9-ahhh i feel like I am missing something...Am i missing any information that I should be questioning LOL?? Please tell me!!

 

10- Can anyone tell me about room category 8E?

 

Again I apologize if these questions are redundant!

 

You can get the Intercontinental on lastminutetravel.com for $141 plus taxes for the night of 12/28.

 

Bill

[acruisingpeach23]

Thank you everyone for your input...but of course I forgot to ask other questions...

 

1- We will be on the ship for New Years Eve...Does Carnival do anything special for it?

 

2- Can I add money to my account in advance so I have money already on board?

 

3- Are the balconies in an 8E category big enough to squeeze 4 people?..we like to sit on each other's balconies even though we will each have our own and they will be connected LOL:p

[hockeyluver]

Thank you everyone for your input...but of course I forgot to ask other questions...

 

1- We will be on the ship for New Years Eve...Does Carnival do anything special for it?

 

2- Can I add money to my account in advance so I have money already on board?

 

3- Are the balconies in an 8E category big enough to squeeze 4 people?..we like to sit on each other's balconies even though we will each have our own and they will be connected LOL:p

 

When you get on the ship have one person from each cabin go to the guest services and ask that the divider be opened on your balcony's

[acruisingpeach23]

When you get on the ship have one person from each cabin go to the guest services and ask that the divider be opened on your balcony's

 

Great Thank you!

[ccruisequeen]

Thank you everyone for your input...but of course I forgot to ask other questions...

 

2- Can I add money to my account in advance so I have money already on board?

 

you can always go down to Guest Services & add cash to your S&S card, or set up some on your credit card when you check in.

[mrsd912]

I haven't cruised yet so I've got nothing about the ship, but DH and I are stay at Days Inn in Miami. It's actually in Miami Springs (a.k.a. Lame Miami) so there's nothing within walking distance but it was only $75 for the night and they have a free shuttle to the cruiseport.

[acruisingpeach23]

I haven't cruised yet so I've got nothing about the ship, but DH and I are stay at Days Inn in Miami. It's actually in Miami Springs (a.k.a. Lame Miami) so there's nothing within walking distance but it was only $75 for the night and they have a free shuttle to the cruiseport.

 

 

We are trying to find a hotel close to south beach. It may not happen because everything is so expensive! I wonder if you can even go swimming in Miami in late december. It may not be worth it.

[FloridaGram]

We were on the Liberty and our favorite place to hang out was just in the atrium. They had a husband and wife duo at that time and they were really good. A few people danced and it was never too crowded. Things can change over time but I am sure you will find something to your liking. One cruise we loved the piano bar, the next time we hated it. It just depends on the performer and the crowd of that cruise.

[mikel24m]

Yay! So I am now officially booked on my first ever Carnival Cruise!!

 

It is on the Carnival Liberty Dec. 29th 2012 Sailing.

 

I know these questions are probably so redundant but if you can answer any of them or can suggest anything you think is worth us checking into please let me know :)

 

Our rooms are 2 balcony rooms on the 9th floor...Apparently there is an all night pizza and ice cream spot on this floor...eek I need to lose weight now!

 

Questions:

 

1- I have been reading that fixed seating for dining is not at your request meaning you cannot ask for lets say a two seater...however the Carnival rep told my mother that we can have a 4 top for the four of us and all the carnival rep has to do is email the Maitre'd (i know probably spelt wrong)...is this possible/true or should we expect not to have a 4 top for ourselves?

 

2- The sushi bar is this free?

 

3-What is the best bar to get a great drink at?

 

4- Is there a place on the ship where we can hang out at night and listen to a live band and have a drink?

 

5- Can you recommend a place (cheap but clean and safe) in Miami to stay at or know of any pre-cruise packages Carnival can/will offer to us? Meaning transportation to and from the hotel to the port or can we do it on our own?

 

6- What should we NOT miss?

(Food wise, entertainment wise...or maybe to MISS and AVOID)

 

7- CONTROVERSIAL but i have to ask...is smoking on the balconies allowed? We never smoke inside the house so we would never smoke in our room even if it was ok. If not on the balconies then where can we smoke? We smoke regular cigs and electronic. Please no smoking debates we know its bad for our health, your health, my dog's health, the environment and etc but we are respectful people and we dont plan on walking up to non-smokers and blowing smoke in their face :eek: I have many times asked someone on more than one occasion and even my dear friends if the smoke is bothering them and if it is i move away. I have even switched spots outside with my friends if the wind is blowing the smoke in their direction LOL

 

8-How dressy is dressy for the elegant nights?

 

9-ahhh i feel like I am missing something...Am i missing any information that I should be questioning LOL?? Please tell me!!

 

10- Can anyone tell me about room category 8E?

 

Again I apologize if these questions are redundant!

 

Liberty is a great ship ,now better with the new upgrades

 

We book the closest balcony to all the action (8E) and we are always happy and its so conveinient to food/drinks/pools check out the location of 9294 .Best place to be on the ship we think

[cruisinparamedic]

The best advice I was ever given was before the cruise, every month or so - buy yourself the gift certificates from bon voyage for the booze and pictures if you know you are going to use them. I like to buy a couple of pictures and have a few cocktails, so I will usually get 4 or 5 of each (one per month) so by the time I get on the ship, I have $100+ in drink credits and about $50+ in picture credits and I feel like its free money haha :)

[TEXAZJEWL]

We cruised with another couple last year and I called Carnival ahead of time to ask we be placed together at dinner. They do have a way to request that in their computer.

 

As far as elegant night... I always wear something that would be a little bit dressier than church clothes... but I don't go "formal". Maybe a black skirt with a sparkly blouse. DH always wears a nice suit, but many just wear slacks/nice shirt.

[TEXAZJEWL]

Also, we always like the casino bar... just because it's located centrally to alot of things like the shops/bars/etc. My advice though, is to pick one bar you like & stick with that one as much as you can. The bartenders will recognize you & get to know you and that usually gets us quicker service throughout the cruise!

[TEXAZJEWL]

You can add money to your onboard account ahead of time, too... just call Carnival and have a CC ready.

 

Also, if you prefer, you can go to guest services on the ship before the end of your cruise and pay your Sail & Sign any way you want. You can split it between credit cards, you can pay part cash/part credit card, or all cash.

[Ron_L]

You can get the Intercontinental on lastminutetravel.com for $141 plus taxes for the night of 12/28.

 

Bill

 

If you call the 800 number on the LMT site you can typically get a better rate that on the web site.

[Ron_L]

1. Go to your reservation online and see what kind of table they assigned. If you cannot see, you can go to the Maitre'D on embarkation day and look at your seating. If you don't like it, you can kindly request a change. We have always had a small table when requested in advance on our reservation. I'm not sure how you can e-mail them... Never heard of it before, but is worth looking into.

 

We've only been on one Carnival cruise and have a second booked now, but the table assignment isn't on my booking. It shows dining time and that's all.

[marshhawk]

Table assignement will show on your sail and sign card, not before.

One thing that we like to do on our cruises is to attend Tea. Served on sea days. Around 3:30. Always enjoyable to get out of the sun for awhile.

December in Maimi can run from low 60's to the 90's. If a cold front goes through you will notice it. But it wouldn't keep me off the beach.:)

[acruisingpeach23]

I hope for a heat wave then :eek: LOL I just want to get a tan lol

 

Thanks for letting me know about the tea. We did it on Princess and really enjoyed it!

[Grrrover]

We were in the ocean on New Year's Eve last year in Pompano Beach, just north of Fort Lauderdale and it was beautiful ( at least to us Canadians!). We stayed at the Best Western Inn on the Bay on 79th between Miami and Miami Beach for a decent price. They have a shuttle tote cruise port. This year, we'll be on the Destiny for our first cruise for New Year's!

[LornaT]

Haven't been on Liberty yet but to answer a few questions:

Pizza and Soft serve Ice cream and Frozen yogurt are available 24 hours on Lido Deck.

 

Call Bon Voyage and ask to by OBC to be credited to your account, you will get receipts to prove you bought it if the computers don't show it when you get one board, take those receipts with you.

 

If you can get the ships code (like SP is Spirit) then add Maitred'@carnival.com after it and send a request for the type of table you want or get your PVP/CVS to do it for you. Worst case, times to see the MaitreD once on board to change tables will be posted in your "Fun Times" which you can usually get an advanced copy of from many of the bars before you can get to the cabin (usually at 1:30, but the notice will tell you which dining room and which deck).

 

Have your PVP/CVS/TA check with Carnival to make sure the divider between cabins can be opened, some can't because the way the cabins are set up, the divider might block the balcony door to one of the cabins, if it can, 1 person fro each cabin must go to Guest Services ASAP (they only allow so many to be opened) and ask for it to be opened for you.

 

All our past New Year's cruises, we've been left plastics leis, noise makers, horns and hats/tiara's in our cabin during evening turndown service, there is a special menu for dineer in the dining room that night and a MONSTER deck party with dancing, games, free champagne and a special buffet after the ship blows it's horn at midnight all followed by "after" parties in lounges and dance club. Also free champagne is handed out while boarding and usually one or more bars or even the Lido Buffet area has EggNog (Regular and spiked) also for free.

 

Hope I have helped :)