carol louise

Thanks for the responses. Indeed I logged on this morning after "regular" check had opened up, and was able to continue as if nothing had gone wrong (the info I had earlier submitted was still there). So, all's well!

As Platinum, I was able to start early check-in yesterday April 10, for our April 26 cruise. I was not home, so did it except for passport number and emergency contact, and it had seemed like information was saved for completion later. I logged back in tonight at home, and am blocked. It tells me check-in is available tomorrow, April 12. What gives? Does early check-in have to be done all at once, or you lose it?

If your ship is in port until 10 pm, there may be some evening Carnival excursions available. Several years ago we took an excursion in Aruba called something like “Sunset catamaran cruise” and it included cocktails. It was scenic and convivial, and transportation to where we boarded the catamaran was provided since it was a ship’s excursion.

I’d say it’s comparable to walking to Margaritaville in Grand Turk.

I live on the West Side of Manhattan and almost always travel out of Newark. But I second the suggestion of flying in the day before, so it won’t matter so much which airport (LaGuardia, JFK, or Newark) you choose. And stay at a Manhattan hotel. That way your transfer to the terminal on embarkation day will a much shorter taxi ride than a taxi from any of the airports.

Be aware that there is a large meandering pool at Amber Cove, but no beach at the port area. Grand Turk has beach and the Margaritaville pool.

Who knew? Just did an image search online for “ducks on Jeeps.”

I agree with this. I took a solo cruise in 2009 (obstructed-view balcony on Carnival Miracle). I emailed every evening with my sister (my frequent cruise companion) and an old friend, to bring them up to date with my trip. Between those connections and the open friendliness of fellow cruisers, it was a pleasant combination of quiet solitude and companionship. Wishing you smooth travels home today.

I have found that the deck plans on Carnival’s own site to be very accurately to scale. So if you measure with a ruler how far from the elevator or stairway you are on your deck, and measure the same distance on the deck below, you will see what is there.

Happy New Year, @Haljo1935 and best wishes for a smooth, delightful return trip from Hawaii! CL

I’ve been to Nassau several times. The straw market near the dock burned some years ago and I have not seen it since it was restored/rebuilt. It was good shopping, as I recall. I can recommend the Ardastra Gardens—there may be a ship excursion there. A lovely combination botanical garden and zoo, including a fascinating performance by trained flamingoes. https://ardastra.com/ Half Moon Cay has the whitest powdery sand and clearest water I’ve ever seen. Highly recommend!

Yes, a little luxury when on vacation. I used to envy my former boss’s wife when she mention on the phone that she was heading out (to the salon) to get her hair washed. I only got it washed professionally when I went for a trim and color touch up. Now, it’s pandemic long and natural color and I never go to a salon!

I love facials. Sometimes it includes a soothing scalp massage (so maybe don’t get your hair done just prior!).

My first-ever spa treatment was a spa manicure. It’s a more luxurious version of simply shaping and polishing the nails. I agree with posters who suggest a pedicure, as well.

There is a trip report on the Carnival board by a poster who traveled with her two grown sons, one of which has a service dog. She wondered about the dog in an emergency situation, only to find upon arrival in their cabin a dog-sized life jacket! (She realized that’s why the line had asked pre-cruise about the dog’s weight.)