http://boards.cruisecritic.com en Wed, 16 May 2012 22:04:09 GMT vBulletin 60 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://boards.cruisecritic.com http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1635307&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 16:48:23 GMT I have to major milestones for 2012. I just recently became single again... I have to major milestones for 2012. I just recently became single again after 10 years of marriage and I am celebrating my 40th birthday this July. Can anyone reccomend a cruise I would enjoy with my friends. I would love to go on a Disney cruise but prefer not to be around so many kids and families. ]]> First Time Cruisers Rubyrose04 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1635307 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1635290&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 16:30:21 GMT I need to share this because I don't want it to happen to someone else. I was given all sorts of false information by Carnival and they pushed and pushed until I made a reservation with them. I called to get my past guest number and let the woman know that I had to book through my credit card site to use an $80 certificate. She assured me that I could book with them and then the credit card travel agency could transfer the reservation. I literally asked her several times and went over the fine print on my certificate. She assured me I would be fine. (Commission hungry/willling to lie.) I called the agency, they said they could transfer it no problem. I paid Carnival and then I promptly called the travel agency to be switched over. Carnival absolutely would not transfer the reservation or honor the $80 even though I told them about it repeatedly! Carnival told me all these things and then would not honor it. I asked if I could cancel everything then, only 45 minutes after making the reservation and they said I was now in a "penalty period." Really!?! after a matter of mere minutes. So sad that a company is set up to 100% protect themselves and not be accountable for even a basic level of customer service. In the end, they transferred the reservation, but I won't get the $80 off before I go on my trip. I spent 4.5 hours and lots of tears trying to figure this out. Carnival also refused to give me any onboard credit for my time and hassle. They were actually quite rude and downright mean. So sad! I just had to take the time to post because I would hate for something like to happen to my grandma or someone else.
Please beware!
One mighty stressed out cruiser ]]> First Time Cruisers downward cruise http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1635290 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1635279&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 16:07:45 GMT Just doing some research on Med cruises. Not really sure at moment so... Just doing some research on Med cruises. Not really sure at moment so thought I would register to see. Found some interesting views. :) ]]> First Time Cruisers sahara222 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1635279 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1635227&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 14:55:43 GMT We are traveling on our first cruise on Carnival and as a family of four... We are traveling on our first cruise on Carnival and as a family of four we all have passports now, my dh and I just got ours. I have read some threads that are saying they take along their birth certificates also? We are just doing a 3 day cruise from Miami to the Bahamas, so I thought the passport would be enough. I looked on Carnival's website and it appears that it should be. I'm just a little confused, and want to make sure we have all our documents that we need! Thanks in advance from the first time cruiser:). ]]> First Time Cruisers poohbear60 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1635227 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1635139&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 11:35:18 GMT I have a balcony room on the Sky in late June. I have been reading in an... I have a balcony room on the Sky in late June. I have been reading in an atttempt to know what we are expected to do, pack, etc.

I still have a few questions. I have read that on the Sky there is a coffee pot in the balcony rooms. Is this correct? I am interesting in bringing my own coffee packs and wanted to know what kind of coffee pot is it? (single cup, 4-6 cup pot, etc.) The size will determine the coffee I buy.

Has anyone taked the Trik Pony excursion and if so, what did you do after that? It seems too early to return to the ship. Are there any afternoon tours you can suggest?

I have also read of folks being offered upgrades. Is this offer only made to Latitude members?

If your clothes need ironing, can you do this yourself (not in the room but at the washing facility) or do the employees have to do it for you? What is the tip?

I greatly appreciate any information you can provide. ]]> First Time Cruisers grammieo http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1635139 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1635111&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 09:04:54 GMT Hi Just wondering if any of you will be travelling 24.Sept.2012 with... Hi
Just wondering if any of you will be travelling 24.Sept.2012 with Equinox Celebrity Cruises to Eastern Mediterannean : Greek Islands, Turkey, Italy?
And can anyone tell me if it is recommendable to have an "inside " Cabin? Does one get claustrophobic and maybe too dark and what about air? I have booked a 2B cabin with balcony but am waiting to hear from the Travel Agency for a rommate match. Until then I can`t book my flight. Should they not be able to offer me a roommate, I would want to go a little cheaper as I would book a single and take an "inside" cabin. Can anyone give me advice on this? ]]> First Time Cruisers jazzlady http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1635111 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1635096&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 07:16:27 GMT DAY 1 – ARRIVE FOR CRUISE P215 Arrived at 11:30am at terminal.... DAY 1 – ARRIVE FOR CRUISE P215

Arrived at 11:30am at terminal. Dropped, luggage off at drop off point. Booked in 12:05pm after filling out health form, having P&O ID card issued with photo ID for all ships computers. Number issued by P&O staff at book in. Had to wait for customs to call numbers. Number called for Customs at 12:30pm. Went through metal detector and managed to find room by 12:40pm. Found room, dropped carry on bags off and met cabin steward, Archie.

Lunch in Plantation buffet 1pm. There was a BBQ Grill found outside on deck 12. Generally explored the ship, where we could. Had ship safety drill at 3:15 in the designated muster areas with life jackets from our room. We then caught a lift back to deck 12 for sail away party. Let the party begin!!
It can be a bit cool up on deck when you are underway so it is a good idea to take a jacket. All you need is your lanyard with cruise card, which acts as your door key and ships credit card on it. Don’t forget your camera.


The photo for embarkation picture was $35.
The photo for departure picture was $20.
Portraits are $30 each so if they take 9, this equals $270. You get 2 free = pay $210. $10 for putting on USB.
It is a pity that photos are expensive as a large number go to waste at the end of the cruise. (shredded).
If they reduced their prices by half then I am sure people would buy them and they would maintain their big profits.

Small pocket sized maps of the ship are available from reception on deck 5. This is where you must pay for your cruise items, pay cash or credit card. Organise this on arrival on ship.
Ship very rocky overnight. Even the Commodore apologised for the rough ride. We didn’t get sick.

On day 2 -

Gold / Silver necklace chains for sale 55cm which, are from 85c to $2.50 per centimetre. You get an 18cm Bracelet free. This occurs on level 6 on sea days.

There is an art and sports memorabilia auction on level 5. There is one on sea only days.

Bingo 6 squares per game,
5 games = $30
3 games = $20
1 game $10
You play 1line x2 games
You play 2 lines x2 games
You play 1 square x1 game

Washing machines = $2
Dryers = $3

Plantation restaurant is buffet on level 12. Any clothing – no bare feet, bikinis or shirtless men.
There is free water and coffee / tea available in the Plantation all day and night.
Waterfront restaurant on level 10 is smart casual (good collared shirt and good long pants, ladies in a dress)
Salt grill by Luke Mangan is smart casual (good collared shirt and good long pants, ladies in a dress) Surcharge is $30 lunch. Same menu night is $40 extra per person.
Plastic Cocktail glasses $5 in either blue / pink / yellow, when you buy a cocktail for it.
The Grill has a BBQ lunches available but charge for evening / night snacks.
Tea / Coffee is available from the shop opposite Luke Mangans Salt grill named The Cafe – Expresso $3:50 plus 3 cookies $5. This shop also has ice cream, alcoholic coffee, Iced coffee or frappe. Charlies Bar on level 5 has same items.

PLEASE NOTE MENU ON WEB SITE IS NOT UP TO DATE. IT IS OLD.



Passport stamps available at Isle of Pines = $2
Passport stamps available at Mystery Island - not available
Passport stamps available at Vila = $2
Passport stamps available at Lifou = $2
Passport stamps available at Noumea = Free

Take the blue and white striped beach towels provided by P&O on your shore tours. It is very strange to be on a beach and everyone has the same towel. When you get back on board, there is a large bin for wet towels. Just put them in there and your cabin steward will provide clean ones.

You can hire snorkel equipment from the Aqua Hut approx $50. They do have some specials on. If you take your own get good quality goggles and snorkels. We didn’t use flippers, as many others didn’t also.

Isle of Pines has some stalls – clothing, candles and souvenirs – reasonable prices. Ships tenders take passengers to shore. Good easy to get on and off tender. The islanders sell lobster that is on ice $20+ depending on size.

Mystery Island – small, you can walk around island. No inhabitants. Locals have brought in an impressive number of clothing items, they also do hair braiding $10 - $15 depending on style, sell lobster that is not on ice $30 - $50 that we seen. Some people bought 2 for $50. Children were singing also. Good swimming and can snorkel as well.

Vila – the heart of duty free shopping. With markets from front gates of wharf to as far as one can see there is a large range of goods on offer. Just tell all the taxi drivers – no thanks and keep walking- the bus drivers aren’t as bad. Go to Feng Kuei for all your duty free grog. They have vanloads of grog going back to ship. Lots of clothing and cheap name brand (billabong, quicksilver etc) in many shops. The ships crew / security take all grog here for release on last night. $3 each for bus to town. $10 each for, taxi. We had Island night day after this port, so you can buy things here if you want for dress up night.

Lifou – We did a tour to the other side of island – had a swim then when returned to dock there was stalls with food and clothing purchase. They had some islanders there singing for ships people. Eat food cooked by Islanders at your own risk. Better to get back on ship for lunch. Tenders come back and forth all day from ship.

Noumea – We took yellow train around Noumea. Stops a couple of times for snack and drink and stops in town if you wish to shop. You then walk back to ship and check out the shops at the terminal. We had crepes at the ferry building separate to the terminal – nearly opposite ships bow, that was recommended by tour organiser. Very tasty. Other shops in town were a little expensive.

All ports of call take Aust $. Noumea in town doesn’t.

Cabin Room – Vanity, shaving cabinet old- showing signs of wear and tear. We would replace if at our home. Bed uneven with single bases and causing a lump in the middle of bed. It was quite comfortable to sleep on and very wide although not that long. Plenty of storage available for use. A/C not really controllable although a dial switch is found near headboard. Fridge not that cold. Shower, toilet all good. Cabin steward service the best.

Alcohol – Although we didn’t drink as much as the young ones we found that the following prices applied:

Soft drinks $2:75 (note coke smaller and not made in Australia, tastes different)
Carlton cold, Tooheys new $5:50
Corona, Blonde, Crown were all $8:50
Wine I believe was $9 a glass
Cocktails varied from $8:50 to $11:50



All theme nights were good – not many people dressed up for the night however. Island night on deck12 was a shambles due to no seating (no chairs available). People were taking them from the Plantation Restaurant outside if the manager didn’t see them. We got to deck 12 at 4pm to look around and there was no seating then. Main show started at 10pm. A very long time to stand. Deck chairs were removed and packed away. Had no provision for disabled, impaired persons or persons with moderate afflictions. They could use a car disability sticker to keep track of these persons who need a disability seat or access. P&O need to fix this problem.

There are several sales held during the cruise so keep an eye open for them in the Atrium Level 5, 6, 7. Perfume, toys, bags, jewellery and alcohol were some.


Take a power board for all your electrics. There is only one power point. You may need to plug in your battery chargers and stuff. We took a double adaptor. Not very high off table for battery chargers that are tall.

A hairdryer, soap, shampoo and conditioner are provided.

The cabin stewards come in twice a day. Once in the morning or afternoon when they make the beds, clean the bathroom etc. And again when you are at dinner where they tidy up again and turn down your beds.

Take a highlighter to mark out things you want to do in the Pacific Daily. It is put under your door each evening. It would be a shame to miss something.

Waterfront Restaurant is a 3 - course A La menu. Lunch, no booking required, casual attire. Dinner booking required after 5:30pm day before, smart casual attire required.

Theme nights as follows:

Day 1 -
Day 2 – Cocktail
Day 3 –
Day 4 - Pirates
Day 5 – Country
Day 6 –
Day 7 - Island
Day 8 –
Day 9 – Cocktail
Day 10 -

Entertainment in the Marquee, nearly every night, with musicals, comedy or guest artists.

Then there is Trivia, Karaoke, Game shows throughout the day. Golf chipping, Shuffle board, Table tennis, Deck quoits, Cricket, Touch rugby, Volleyball are some items that can be played mainly on deck12.

Oasis is free now – spas, bar, sundeck (adults only area) not many people here.

Filled out disembarkation form, as our pick up was 8:30am. We were allocated 7:45 meeting in the Orient bar. On time out of ship through customs and ready to be picked up at 8:05am. Very quick and efficient.

We declared my wife’s medicines as asked on disembarking card. We went through quarantine. Too easy walked in the officer asked her about lollies (some) and wood (none). We continued on to pick up.

On the cruise itself we had a great time exploring islands, shopping both on and off the ship. There was so much to do one could not find enough time to fit all activities in. Shows each night with, theme nights. Food, where do I stop? During the sea days there is so much to do and look at, morning – afternoon – night.
The show nights were superb.

Casino has a number of games for you to donate to P&O.- Pokies, Roulette etc

THANKS TO THE CAST OF ALL THE SHOWS. ]]> First Time Cruisers Legends - old http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1635096