New to cruising and many questions

[eileen2664]

Most of my questions are Carnival specific but I assume if this belongs elsewhere someone will tell me 😉

 

Planning a spring break trip for my 18yo (high school senior) and 6 friends (one will be 17, the rest are 18) along with a few parents plus my 9 year old.  Travelling in April 2020 on the Carnival Vista.

 

How soon should we book?  I assume the sooner the better since we're probably already behind the 8 ball here, right?  

 

What can the 18 year olds do that the 17 year old will be kicked out of (I've read the official policies but realistically, will she be booted from the later comedy show, dance club, etc)?

 

My 9 year old is a SUPER picky eater.  Will we be able to get things like plain pasta or plain rice in the MDR?  He usually drinks Carnation Instant Breakfast shakes (the premixed in bottles), I know they usually don't allow things in bottles to be brought on board, are there exceptions? I'm sure I could get a doctors note if it would help.

 

My other questions are more port specific so I'll post in those forums as well but in case you have advice:

 

Best way to get a large group (14-18 people) from the airport (which one is TBD) to the Galveston port?

Best way to get the same group to a decent beach in Cozumel, Montego Bay and Grand Cayman?  Pretty sure the kids just want to hang out on the beach and be able to [legally] order a beer (except the 17yo of course).

 

Any other tips/tricks are appreciated as well.  Thanks!

[Essiesmom]

The only thing the 18 y/o can do that the 17 y/o can't is gamble in the casino.  It is reported in most of the Caribbean ports that if you can see over the top of the bar to order, they will serve you.  

 

Are you flying in the day of the cruise (not recommended)?  Lots of advice about transport to the port on the Gulf Coast Departures board  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/314-north-american-homeports/

 

Make sure you familiarize yourself and the other parents about the booking regulations and booking drinks packages.  Best researched on the Carnival board here:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/133-carnival-cruise-lines/

[eileen2664]

1 hour ago, Essiesmom said:

The only thing the 18 y/o can do that the 17 y/o can't is gamble in the casino.  It is reported in most of the Caribbean ports that if you can see over the top of the bar to order, they will serve you.  

 

Are you flying in the day of the cruise (not recommended)?  Lots of advice about transport to the port on the Gulf Coast Departures board  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/314-north-american-homeports/

 

Make sure you familiarize yourself and the other parents about the booking regulations and booking drinks packages.  Best researched on the Carnival board here:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/133-carnival-cruise-lines/

Thank you!  We are flying in the evening/afternoon before.  Unless we can find a good deal I think we'll plan on staying closer to the airport and grab a shuttle either from the airport or hire a private shuttle to pick us up directly from the hotel (doubtful it will make financial sense to Uber or rent a car with a group that size).  

 

Correct me if I"m wrong, but we can add drink packages up until a couple days before departure, right?  I know my husband and I plan to get the Cheers package, my 18yo has said he is fine with the free lemonade/tea (he'll room w/ his friends) and 9yo doesn't like pop anyhow so he's good w/ the free lemonade/milk/water.  No idea about everyone else, but it's on the list to discuss.

[Bizmark'sMom]

Re the Carnation Instant Breakfast; bringing the powdered packets won't be a problem at all. Just pack a blender bottle or battery powered frother to mix it well in your room.  Plain rice and noodles won't be a problem at all.

 

I can't help with the other questions, but I hope you have a fantastic time!

[Host Kat]

Howdy eileen2664!

 

Thank you for your first two posts on the Ask a Cruise Question forum and welcome to Cruise Critic! 👍

 

Since your first post is mostly regarding one particular cruise line, I have moved your thread to the Carnival Cruise Lines forum where it will be on topic. Also, the majority of your fellow Cruise Critic members that have sailed Carnival frequent this forum and hopefully will be able to help you.

 

Cruise Critic is a great resource and we are so glad you found us!   Please feel free to browse the Categories list. Read a few threads in various forums to get a feel for what each forum is about. Make sure you read any pinned threads on the top of the first page of threads in a forum. You will find very important instructions or information there.

 

Anytime you want to start a new thread on any forum, make sure you are on the correct forum for your topic. Word your new thread title in a way to help the members know exactly the information you seek. This will help the members that know the information and they will reply to you. It is best to limit each inquiry to only one topic or concerning one cruise line, ship, port of call, etc. and of course, on the correct forum.   You will get more replies that way. Be sure to mention your cruise line, ship, port or sail date in your inquiry if it will help the members with their answers.

 

And don't forget, after your cruise be sure to go to our Member Cruise Reviews section and submit your review for publication!

 

I sincerely hope this information will be helpful to a new member and so glad to have you aboard Cruise Critic!

 

Happy sails,

 

Host Kat

 

Edited November 2, 2019 by Host Kat
Typo due to fat fingers & skinny keys!

[coevan]

4 hours ago, eileen2664 said:

He usually drinks Carnation Instant Breakfast shakes (the premixed in bottles), I know they usually don't allow things in bottles to be brought on board, are there exceptions? I'm sure I could get a doctors note if it would help.

 

 

 

Cans or powder are OK. A doctor's note will not do anything. 

[CoolOne56]

Book as soon as you can in order to get the best cabins.

 

Each person can bring a 12 pack of can sodas.  You must be 21 to purchase the Cheers package.

 

You can also use Carnival's FAQ for research.

 

Happy Sails! 🛳️

[glrounds]

I always advise, be absolutely positively sure everyone has their birth certificate and government identification before you leave. I know it goes without saying, but someone being denied boarding at the port will screw the whole thing up big time.

 

My future DIL once took the whole fam danily on a cruise complete with the air to the east coast, hotel on the beach, Carnival excursions and balconies. Me, my ex, DIL's sister and her parents all sitting at the airport and discovered that my DIL had changed purses at the last minute and didn't have the one with her passport in it.  We would have been dead in the water if only for the fact that we had arrived at the airport early, we had a friend who could get the purse and make a high-speed run to the airport (about an hour). Flight would be gone, cruise would have been gone and all lost (around $37,000).

[eileen2664]

9 hours ago, glrounds said:

I always advise, be absolutely positively sure everyone has their birth certificate and government identification before you leave. I know it goes without saying, but someone being denied boarding at the port will screw the whole thing up big time.

 

My future DIL once took the whole fam danily on a cruise complete with the air to the east coast, hotel on the beach, Carnival excursions and balconies. Me, my ex, DIL's sister and her parents all sitting at the airport and discovered that my DIL had changed purses at the last minute and didn't have the one with her passport in it.  We would have been dead in the water if only for the fact that we had arrived at the airport early, we had a friend who could get the purse and make a high-speed run to the airport (about an hour). Flight would be gone, cruise would have been gone and all lost (around $37,000).

YIKES!!  Ok, noted, thank you.  I will be sure to *see* everyone's documents before we leave home; not just take their word for it especially since the airport we'll likely fly out of is 3+ hours from home.

[MamaBraz]

We took the same type of group when my daughter was a senior.  We took five of her friends along.  It was a great trip for everyone.  I had a signed paper from all parents giving me permission to act as their proxy should anything happen.  The trip was smooth and never any issues.

 

As far as booking, you should book this ASAP.  My husband and I are cruising March of 2020.  I went in to do a mock booking out of curiosity and was surprised at how full the ship was.

 

Let me know if I can answer any specific questions, since I did this exact thing a few years ago. 

[eileen2664]

15 hours ago, Bizmark'sMom said:

Re the Carnation Instant Breakfast; bringing the powdered packets won't be a problem at all. Just pack a blender bottle or battery powered frother to mix it well in your room.  Plain rice and noodles won't be a problem at all.

 

I can't help with the other questions, but I hope you have a fantastic time!

 

13 hours ago, coevan said:

 

 

 

Cans or powder are OK. A doctor's note will not do anything. 

Ok, so I've got 5 months to get the kid to drink the powder mix (apparently it tastes different ::) ) since the stuff he likes only comes in plastic bottles.  If he wasn't underweight I wouldn't worry so much about a week without the extra fat/protein.  At least he can get his noodles, he'll be happy about that 🙂 Do they happen to have whole milk on board or is it only low-fat?  Whole milk would make feel a bit better.

[eileen2664]

8 minutes ago, MamaBraz said:

We took the same type of group when my daughter was a senior.  We took five of her friends along.  It was a great trip for everyone.  I had a signed paper from all parents giving me permission to act as their proxy should anything happen.  The trip was smooth and never any issues.

 

As far as booking, you should book this ASAP.  My husband and I are cruising March of 2020.  I went in to do a mock booking out of curiosity and was surprised at how full the ship was.

 

Let me know if I can answer any specific questions, since I did this exact thing a few years ago. 

Thank you!  I'm so glad to hear your trip went well, I'm hoping ours does too.  I think we have a good group of kids going (a couple I don't know all that well, but they're all respectful enough that I think it will be fine).  I now know that we have at least 2 other pairs of parents going and possibly a 3rd set (if mom can overcome her fear of water, I'm trying to convince her that an umbrella drink will likely help 😉 ) so I feel a bit more at ease.

 

How did you get everyone to where they needed to be on land (from airport to ship; from ship to beach/excursion)?  It seems there must be a cheaper way for a large group to travel then the Carnival shuttle/excursion options.

[MamaBraz]

I may have missed it in your original post.  What port are you sailing from?  That would help my advice.

[eileen2664]

3 minutes ago, MamaBraz said:

I may have missed it in your original post.  What port are you sailing from?  That would help my advice.

No, you didn't miss it, I didn't put it there, sorry!  We're sailing out of Galveston. We'll fly in the night before and likely stay near the airport (hotels near the port are pretty pricey).

[MamaBraz]

We have never sailed from Galveston, but  I always search for a ride service separate from Carnival.  In Fort Lauderdale, we use SAS ride service.  It is very nice and reasonable.  You should be able to find one there.  In fact, search that Galveston port on Cruise Critic and I am sure people have posted about it.  Do a search and I bet you find great information.  In Tampa a couple weeks ago, we did a fly, snooze and cruise deal with a hotel.  

 

Best of luck to you!

[panoramaofthepast]

19 hours ago, eileen2664 said:

 

Best way to get a large group (14-18 people) from the airport (which one is TBD) to the Galveston port?

Best way to get the same group to a decent beach in Cozumel, Montego Bay and Grand Cayman?  Pretty sure the kids just want to hang out on the beach and be able to [legally] order a beer (except the 17yo of course).

For Grand Cayman, do Sting Ray City. You get to touch the sting rays and swim around them in water that is only about 3 feet deep. The ship will have an excursion, but do some research to find one offered privately. they are usually less expensive. If you can find a combo for Sting Ray and Rum Point, that gives you beach and beasties in one!

For Cozumel, Mr. Sanchos is a beach that caters to families; I believe it can be either pay as you go or all inclusive. Lots of kid toys, nice beach. Chacanob [not sure of the spelling] has dolphin swims as well as beach time. Nachi Cocom is an all inclusive near Mr. Sanchos, but quieter - more geared to adults, but  ski-dos, parasailing and snorling tours are available for rent. All of these require getting a taxi at the dock - Coz has posted signs with prices. 

Edited November 3, 2019 by panoramaofthepast
add material

[JaxsMama]

I could see the 17 year old not being allowed in the dance club and comedy club for 18+ shows. They do sometimes scan cards to verify age. And with a group of that many young people my guess is they will. 

[MEUB1112]

How soon should we book?  I assume the sooner the better since we're probably already behind the 8 ball here, right?  

 

Book as soon as possible. It will allow more options for cabin type, location, etc. Beware, as this is your first cruise, you may get hooked on cruising. We did. Have Fun!!

[eileen2664]

28 minutes ago, MEUB1112 said:

How soon should we book?  I assume the sooner the better since we're probably already behind the 8 ball here, right?  

 

Book as soon as possible. It will allow more options for cabin type, location, etc. Beware, as this is your first cruise, you may get hooked on cruising. We did. Have Fun!!

I'm ok with that 😉  My hope is that my husband (who really isn't looking forward to this trip; would prefer a different cruiseline) likes it enough to go on more.  🤞

[CdrescherRBL152]

 For transportation I  would use Elite Limo of Houston.  

 

[missingmaui]

6 hours ago, eileen2664 said:

 

Ok, so I've got 5 months to get the kid to drink the powder mix (apparently it tastes different ::) ) since the stuff he likes only comes in plastic bottles.  If he wasn't underweight I wouldn't worry so much about a week without the extra fat/protein.  At least he can get his noodles, he'll be happy about that 🙂 Do they happen to have whole milk on board or is it only low-fat?  Whole milk would make feel a bit better.

I have 7 year olds (not picky eaters, though) that LOVE the Carnation shakes- they've had one every single morning since they were 2.  😳  They agree that the powder tastes different and won't drink shakes made with it- the bottles are super convenient, but the powder is so much cheaper!  We were on the Vista in October and they had cartons of whole, 2%, skim and chocolate (I think the chocolate was 2%).  Maybe you can grab some of the milk flavoring straws before you go and he'll drink whole milk?  There is such a big variety of food, hopefully he can find something that will meet his protein needs!  

 

I agree- book soonish.  Spring break trips fill up really quickly after the holidays!

[grandmarnnurse]

On 11/2/2019 at 2:07 PM, eileen2664 said:

Most of my questions are Carnival specific but I assume if this belongs elsewhere someone will tell me 😉

 

Planning a spring break trip for my 18yo (high school senior) and 6 friends (one will be 17, the rest are 18) along with a few parents plus my 9 year old.  Travelling in April 2020 on the Carnival Vista.

 

How soon should we book?  I assume the sooner the better since we're probably already behind the 8 ball here, right?  

 

What can the 18 year olds do that the 17 year old will be kicked out of (I've read the official policies but realistically, will she be booted from the later comedy show, dance club, etc)?

 

My 9 year old is a SUPER picky eater.  Will we be able to get things like plain pasta or plain rice in the MDR?  He usually drinks Carnation Instant Breakfast shakes (the premixed in bottles), I know they usually don't allow things in bottles to be brought on board, are there exceptions? I'm sure I could get a doctors note if it would help.

 

My other questions are more port specific so I'll post in those forums as well but in case you have advice:

 

Best way to get a large group (14-18 people) from the airport (which one is TBD) to the Galveston port?

Best way to get the same group to a decent beach in Cozumel, Montego Bay and Grand Cayman?  Pretty sure the kids just want to hang out on the beach and be able to [legally] order a beer (except the 17yo of course).

 

Any other tips/tricks are appreciated as well.  Thanks!

Welcome to cruising! I always book, when possible, one year out, so go ahead and start booking, to get the cabin you want. 

The 17 year old cannot go to the casino, where as the 18 year olds can. As for the Serenity Deck, I’m not sure if the age for that area is 18 or 21. If 21, none of them can go there. Please be careful when ashore, as kids will get served alcohol in bars. Also, not sure what itinerary you are choosing, but always use caution when ashore in some islands, such as Belize. Human trafficking is a problem there, and my 21 year old granddaughter had an issue there with a stranger that she and her BF met in a bar. I won’t go into it, but I’ll say she got lucky, as police arrived in time. 

I have traveled with large groups before, and the one time we all flew together and needed transportation together, we booked a shuttle. Try Viator to book a private shuttle for just your group. As for when on the islands, just have everyone book the cruise excursions they choose, as transportation will be provided. Since you are all newbies, pick only cruise line sponsored excursions, for safety reasons. If you are late returning to your ship, a cruise line sponsored excursion will wait for you. The ship will not wait for you if late on a private tour company. They can promise and guarantee all they want, but things happen. Then you, and your group, are stuck on an island as your ship sails away.

Now, as for the picky eater. There is so much food on a cruise ship, I bet he’d find something. The MDR does have a kids menu with kids favorites, and there is pizza available 24 hours a day. Not sure about whole milk. You may have to settle for 2%. It has less fat, but still a lot of protein. Does he eat Greek yogurt? That’s loaded with protein, and I know they have that. And there’s always plenty of ice cream—LOL! I can’t believe you won’t find anything he’d like to eat. My kids from our generation were raised to eat what’s in front of them, or they didn’t eat at all. Solved any issues with picky eaters, as soon as their belly’s were rumbling! LOL! I wouldn’t worry so much, mom. Go, and enjoy yourself. Everything will work out fine. 

Edited November 3, 2019 by grandmarnnurse

[grandmarnnurse]

Oops, forgot about adult comedy shows. I doubt they would “card” your 17 year old at the door. I’m sure there won’t be a problem at that area getting in.

[PhillyFan33579]

16 minutes ago, grandmarnnurse said:

Oops, forgot about adult comedy shows. I doubt they would “card” your 17 year old at the door. I’m sure there won’t be a problem at that area getting in.

 

 

18 minutes ago, grandmarnnurse said:

Welcome to cruising! I always book, when possible, one year out, so go ahead and start booking, to get the cabin you want. 

The 17 year old cannot go to the casino, where as the 18 year olds can. As for the Serenity Deck, I’m not sure if the age for that area is 18 or 21. If 21, none of them can go there. Please be careful when ashore, as kids will get served alcohol in bars. Also, not sure what itinerary you are choosing, but always use caution when ashore in some islands, such as Belize. Human trafficking is a problem there, and my 21 year old granddaughter had an issue there with a stranger that she and her BF met in a bar. I won’t go into it, but I’ll say she got lucky, as police arrived in time. 

I have traveled with large groups before, and the one time we all flew together and needed transportation together, we booked a shuttle. Try Viator to book a private shuttle for just your group. As for when on the islands, just have everyone book the cruise excursions they choose, as transportation will be provided. Since you are all newbies, pick only cruise line sponsored excursions, for safety reasons. If you are late returning to your ship, a cruise line sponsored excursion will wait for you. The ship will not wait for you if late on a private tour company. They can promise and guarantee all they want, but things happen. Then you, and your group, are stuck on an island as your ship sails away.

Now, as for the picky eater. There is so much food on a cruise ship, I bet he’d find something. The MDR does have a kids menu with kids favorites, and there is pizza available 24 hours a day. Not sure about whole milk. You may have to settle for 2%. It has less fat, but still a lot of protein. Does he eat Greek yogurt? That’s loaded with protein, and I know they have that. And there’s always plenty of ice cream—LOL! I can’t believe you won’t find anything he’d like to eat. My kids from our generation were raised to eat what’s in front of them, or they didn’t eat at all. Solved any issues with picky eaters, as soon as their belly’s were rumbling! LOL! I wouldn’t worry so much, mom. Go, and enjoy yourself. Everything will work out fine. 

 

Serenity is 21 and older.  Earlier this year we met a couple on Horizon who had a 17 year old daughter who  we hung out with a lot on the cruise. We went to Serenity almost every day on the cruise and no one ever said anything about the 17 year old who was in the Serenity area every day with us. However, she was very quiet and didn’t bring any attention her way. However, every time she tried to go to an adult comedy show with us they checked her age at the door and wouldn’t let her into the lounge. After being turned away for the 3rd time, she didn’t try any more. 

[grandmarnnurse]

24 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

 

 

 

Serenity is 21 and older.  Earlier this year we met a couple on Horizon who had a 17 year old daughter who  we hung out with a lot on the cruise. We went to Serenity almost every day on the cruise and no one ever said anything about the 17 year old who was in the Serenity area every day with us. However, she was very quiet and didn’t bring any attention her way. However, every time she tried to go to an adult comedy show with us they checked her age at the door and wouldn’t let her into the lounge. After being turned away for the 3rd time, she didn’t try any more. 

Thank you for that information. I was unaware anyone would question a 17 year old going into the comedy show. This is good to know for when we travel with our older teen grandchildren. I thought they just “advised” nobody under 18 go to those shows. Thank you!