Some more rookie questions!

[Emme]

Just bought 2 books (8 drink coupons), I have a shipboard credit of $75 I'll probably use toward drinks too but I'm wondering if I might end up using the credit for other things and not have enough credit toward drinks. How many coupon books do most people use. DH drinks beer, I like the foo foo drinks, (8 day cruise).

Also, not sure if we should even think about booking an excursion in San Juan. We only get there at 3:00 and leave at 12:00. I understand most stores are closed by 5:00. Is there going to be anything for us and our 5 yr old to do?

I'm not to thrilled about only being able to book excursions once I get on the ship so I'm thinking of booking ahead with someone else. Anyone care to offer some advice? We'll be going to Tortola and St Thomas. We are pretty sure we want to snorkel in Tortola.
Has anyone ever taken a 5 yr old snorkeling? She loves to swim and has her own life jacket too.
One more question (okay, I lie, there will be more later! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif lol) In the dining room, do they try to seat people together who are around the same age and other then formal nights, do people bring their kids to the dining room to eat?

Thanks in advance for your help. I've learned so much here and appreciate everyones help! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[stlrboo]

Kids can dine in the dining room whenever.. hopefully they will be well-behaved! It's an experience for them to get dressed up too, and enjoy dinner with us 'adults!
Snorkeling can be fun for everyone. We had two young children on our Capt. Marvin's tour, but only one of them 'went snorkeling'! Seems kids are usually braver than their parents. The YMCA offers courses in snorkeling if you are a member! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
Both of my excursions were booked directly with the vendor, vs. waiting to book on the ship. And the prices were a little easier on the wallet! Not familiar with the eastern, though.
I've gone western both times. Lots of people claim SanJuan is a 'stay on the ship' day, but others love it! Check the Port of Call board for more info on each port of call.
Happy cruising!! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif


I married my best friend in OchoRios, April 22!

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Triumph 4/04
Imagination 5/00
OceanBreeze 11/96
USS 'Neversail' SanDiego 10/65

[Bookbug53]

We actually arrived in San Juan around 1:30. Most people have said that the ship generally arrives earlier than planned. They will let you know if the ship will be early. Be on deck. You can get some very nice pictures sailing into the port. We wanted a chance to get off and walk around after two days but did not book any tours either, However, you can easily walk to San Cristobal Fort (about 10 minutes)and take a self guided tour. Admission is about $3.00. A little bit of history and you can see most of the fort in an hour and a half or so. When you get off the ship be prepared to have many people try to sell you tours, etc. One guy tried to tell us that we were miles from the fort and needed a cab. Thanks to helpful tips here we knew better. I also think of San Juan as more of a stay on the ship stop but only because of the time factors. The fort is interesting but I find shopping limited and I am always back on board before dark! Oh, and you can get some fantastic shots of the ship and town from the vantage points in the fort.
Have you checked out Godfrey's in St. Thomas as a possible tour option? You can book on line before leaving. $20.00 pp (don't know about children). He has a website and there have been a lot of posts here as well. He is great and you would be well served to book with him. I think he is one of the best bargains in St. Thomas. He includes shopping, island tour and beach time.

Destiny 1/99
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[serene56]

Do not use the drink coupons for beer. You will lose money on those. Best used for the frozen foo-foo drinks. How many you want to drink is how many coupons you will buy. I get us enough for 2 drinks a day. We are not big drinkers and get the drinks at the shows. Coupons do not have an expiration date nor do they have the name of the ship on them. They can be used for another cruise.

Your ship board credit may be used for tipping. Carnival takes off the top of your sign and sail card a 70pp fee for tips which breaks down to 10$$ per person per day.

www.godfreytoursvi.com (http://www.godfreytoursvi.com) best 20 buck excursion I ever took. We did it all, shopped island tour and snorkled..

We did San Juan at night and the stores do stay open. Just the tourist stuff closes at 5 like the Fort. We walked left at the end of the pier and jsut walked around. There were a few vendors that gave freebies. There is also a toursit center that way also that you can stop in to find out what is there to do that late in the day. It was not a wasted port to us - we had a very good time.

Bring your kids to the dining room- its a great experience and one they can learn about. Order something for the table to pass around that the kids have never tried before. Like the soups. We found that we liked the pumpkin soup and ill bet your kids will love the strawberry soup. Take the earlier seating as it wont conflict with Camp or their sleeping.

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Legend, October 22,2004
Voyager August 31,2003
Victory September 22,2002
Regal Empress,June 2001
Sensation,August 2000

[Emme]

Wow, thank you so much for all the info. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gifI definately will check into that tour, sounds like something we might enjoy.
I think after sailing for 2 days, we'll pretty much just be happy to get to land and just walk around.
I'm just trying to get myself prepared for the unexpected like being told we need to take a taxi to something that is within walking distance! That cracks me up. That's why I like this board, we can all talk to people who've been there and done that.
We never have been away from home from more then 4 days so this 8 day trip will be a challenge for us. Also, some of you might think I'm completly crazy but I am going to be so sad leaving my dog behind, I know we're going to miss her.
Thanks for all your help. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[madelinerose]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif Emme - We understand EXACTLY how you feel! Our Maddie, a 10 year old Standard Poodle, is the love of our lives! We try to book as many pet-friendly vacations as possible!

In October, we're spending the first week in the Outer Banks in a pet-friendly oceanfront house in Duck. Our girl LOVES it there! Then, when the 24th arrives, she won't hate us so much for leaving and we won't be so sad because she just had a great vacation.

Do what you can. Hopefully, you can find a friend, relative or a dog sitter to care for your dog, rather than a kennel. If a kennel's your only option, believe me, I understand.

Cheer up and have a fabulous cruise!

Karen http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Carnival Miracle 10/24/04
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[madelinerose]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif btw...where do you get these coupon books and how did you get a credit? I'm a cruise rookie, so I need help also.

Thanks!


Karen http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Carnival Miracle 10/24/04
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[Emme]

Madeline,
You can order the coupons on line or dial the Carnival Bon Voyage department at: 1-800-522-7648. You will get them on the first night at dinner.
People get their credits usually because of a price drop. If you see the price has gone down, call your TA and there can be an adjustment. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[fascination 5/10]

Are the coupons good for drinks like high end liquor martinis? If so, that may be a good value. I think I read that they're 5.75 or so. Anyone know? We leave in 5 days!!

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Fascination 5/12/03

[serene56]

I know they are good for frozen foo-foo drinks. Do not use the copons fro beer or regular mixed drinks like rum and coke as you will be losing money.
If you are sailing within 5 days and want these coupons please call carnival as soon as possible as you may run out of time.

Mostly the coupons are used to keep your sign and sail bill down. These drinks are prepaid.

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Miracle, February 13, 2005
Legend, October 22,2004
Voyager August 31,2003
Victory September 22,2002
Regal Empress,June 2001
Sensation,August 2000