justme_85

Ok so we had originally booked a Eastern Caribbean cruise out of Miami but due to the Hurricanes they switched us to HMC, Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. All of the excursions we are limited on because we have a 4 yr old (will be 5 on 11/1). My questions are

1. What ports can we not walk to a beach and hang out all day?

2. What is the most expensive drink we can get on the Cheers! program? I really like bourbon and scotch but cant find a full bar menu

I just got off the Glory this past Saturday and we too were supposed to go Eastern, but they switched us Western that Saturday night at dinner.

Half Moon - beach is right there

Montego bay - not sure, we went to Ochos Rios

Grand Cayman - we took a taxi ride to seven mile beach, it cost us $5pp each way. I am not sure if there is a walkable beach. Where we went, it took about 5-8 minutes to get there.

Cozumel - We also had to take a taxi to the beach - beware, we were the 6th ship to show up this day at noon and everywhere we wanted to go was full.

I can't comment on the Cheers program as we did not purchase it.

Enjoy your cruise!

I'm hoping carnival gives a heads up on the port changes...I'm hoping I can have enough time to book excursions. Thanks for sharing :)

When we left Miami, we were set to go to Half Moon, San Juan and Amber cove (Grand Turk was replaced with Amber Cove) with 3 days at sea. That is what the itinerary said in our stateroom when we got on the ship and we were given the funtimes for Half Moon that night in our cabin. We only went Western because of Hurricane Maria. I believe if Hurricane Maria was not a threat, we would have went Eastern. Do yourself a favor and have things lined up for the Western Itinerary just in case. That is what we did before we left when Irma was causing havoc in the Eastern ports. The only port that felt really packed was Cozumel for sure and a little bit in Honduras as it was us and I think either Freedom or Pride. Can't remember exactly which one.

I just got off the Glory on Saturday - not a single child in the adults only pool all week. They also have a crew member that stands guard watching as well. I have never seen this before, but it was welcomed.

Thanks so much, great information.....just curious about the last minute port changes: where they ports extra crowded do to everyone being re routed?....Im thinking with the damage that Maria did we wont be stopping in San Juan or even St. Thomas (from Irma)....I dont mind being re routed, but Im hoping there won't be too many ships in each port at once.

I just got off the Glory yesterday. We were supposed to go Eastern and was set to go Eastern. Then last Saturday at dinner the captain announced we were going Western due to Hurricane Maria. We went to Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Honduras and Cozumel. We got to Cozumel at noon on Thursday and we were ship #6. The cab driver estimated 35,000 people in port. We had a hard time finding a beach/all inclusive to get to since we were the last to arrive and everywhere was full. We did end up at Oceans VIP and paid $65pp for all you can eat and drink. It wasn't the best beach but it sufficed. It was a good day.

This was my 2nd time on the Glory. Our room steward Felix was outstanding as well as our waitstaff Marius and Marijanna. They were the best I have had on any cruise hands down.

We booked a fwd interior, 7232. Great room location but only thing I was not expecting was being able to hear the theatre when they practiced that nights show at 430 each day as well as the 815 and 1015 shows. It blew my mind as we were above other rooms and I stayed in a suite across the hall 3 years ago and didn't hear a thing. It was loud enough we could hear every word they were singing. Didn't have to look at the Funtimes to know if it was Getaway Island or Cubana going on that night lol

We didn't personally enjoy the breakfast on Lido or the dining room. Lunch and dinner was good. We did do the steak house and was well worth it.

Overall great cruise. The staff were friendly, seas were exceptionally smooth, I still love the Glory. Had a lot of fun riding the water slides. Enjoy your cruise!!

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Hopefully it is all straightened out by then. Don't let this one time deter you but a good reminder to always buy insurance. I try and cruise every October and actually went the middle of last month. I was sweating it for a little while when the tropics were heating up thinking that I didn't care where we went as long as I was able to get on the ship. I'll be thinking the same thing next month. I would rather take my chances hurricane season vs winter with snowstorms although I have done that too. Fingers crossed for you!

Thanks! We usually cruise in May (winter is too stressful to cruise worrying about snow in Canada) but this year it was only feasible the week we booked. I am trying to stay positive and also coming up with Plan B and C should our cruise get cancelled.

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I'm guessing they will return Tues when the cruise that is scheduled to leave this Saturday embarks. It's being shortened to a 4 day.

I am scheduled on the 9/16 cruise on the Glory. We are scheduled to be flying from Canada next Friday to Miami. I understand the risk of cruising in hurricane season and this is my first and last time but I just can't believe this storm and all of this is happening. I am keeping all of those islands and Florida in my thoughts. I really hope this is more hype than reality, but I feel like that hope is getting further and further away.

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We have the Glory booked for this September. It will be my first cruise during hurricane season. I do try to cruise in May but it wasn't feasible for us this year. I am quite nervous about cruising during hurricane season not with missing ports but more so rougher than usual waters. I also made sure I booked my flights to arrive a day early in Miami. I am crossing my fingers and hoping for the best! Reading everyone's experiences has definitely calmed me!

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This was on Discovery Channel Canada mid-way through January, I think. As NitsirK21 says, it was the season opener for this year's "Mightly Cruise Ships" show, which lasted 6 episodes and is now done. Aired Sunday nights at 7 pm.

 

As much as I enjoy watching this show (and don't get me wrong I DO- also Mighty Ships, which often featured cruise ships like Oasis of the Seas and Norwegian Epic), I would trade being able to watch this show in order to access the great additional savings on Carnival that our Americans friends have access to (ie. Carnival credit card, AARP gift cards, recent American Express credit card statement offer).

 

These little savings would add up for us Canadians, especially at today's exchange rate where we pay 30% more right off the bat.

Agreed! Very well said!

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When I was there in May, they didn't kick us out. We just sort of left when it was our time. I am not sure if they would come and find you because you don't check out or anything.

You will love it there!! My boyfriend and friends hubby made friends with a server, Papi. He took care of us the entire time. He showed us where to go, we spend the day at the lazy river and he kept the drinks coming all afternoon! We didn't even make it to the beach. I hope you have an amazing time!! Enjoy!

I was just there 2 weeks ago and when we got there, there was sea weed but the guy came and cleaned it up. The beach itself was small, water comes all the way up. I had my nose up in the air when I first got there because it was no Barbados where I was 2 days earlier but by the end of the day my opinion changed and I loved it. Here are a few photos on my phone.

Oh great, I was wondering if we start boarding late since we are departing late.

 

Do you know when is the latest we can board/check-in since it is a late departure? Or is it the same, like everyone must be checked in by 4:30 or something like that? I know we can get on and off but is there a difference in time for the initial check-in?

Everyone has to be on board at 830. So you can check in up until that time. Just keep in mind if you want to eat in the dining room you need to be to dinner by 730/8 by the latest to have time to eat before muster. Some people even go, check in and then leave again. It's a different experience leaving from San Juan.

This seems like a perfect question for the Carnival board, I wonder why it was moved. Or was it moved from some place else to the Carnival board? Oh well.

 

 

I'm liking these responses and am interested in hearing more since we will be on this cruise in December. This will be my 22nd cruise, and although I consider myself a veteran cruiser, this cruise makes me nervous. Never sailed out of Puerto Rico before and never had such a late departure so I'm not sure how everything will play out.

This was my first cruise out of San Juan with such a late departure time as well and like you I was extremely nervous. But it's just like any other cruise. We were on the ship by noon. Dropped off our things in our cabin and went for lunch. We got off the ship and explored a little in OSJ. I believe we were back on the ship at 530 and the first night is open seating so we went to the dining room for dinner. muster drill was at 9 I think? Very quick and efficient.

The one thing I do have to say about this itinerary is be prepared to come home tired! It is full days! I was up each morning at 7 to have breakfast and off the ship by 830. Back on the ship by 4 and dinner at 6. I felt like I was back in bed at 10 because I didn't even have time for naps. I got to see one show, one comedy show, the love and marriage show and the MJ tribute. As much as I loved the itinerary I also love the ship and felt like I missed spending time on the ship. All the more reason to book another!!

I just got off this cruise a week ago.

St Thomas - we did Godfrey Tours. Included shopping downtown, trip to mountain top with free banana daiquiri and to Botanical gardens and 2 hours beach time for $35. Well worth it.

Barbados - Boatyard - $15pp. Had a great time!!!! Highly recommend. Transportation back to ship is included in the $15 as well as your chair, umbrella, drink and use of facilities.

St Lucia - Rendezvous Couples only all inclusive $65pp. Wonderful experience, great food, can't say enough about it!!

St Kitts - Shipwreck Bar on Friars Beach I believe. I enjoyed it!

St Maarten - Orient Beach.

I hope the OP comes back and tells us what happened. i saw she posted the photo and what happened on JHs FB page and asked for his help. It would be good to know what was done.

I just got in from my cruise. I went to customer service right away and they asked me to bring them my suitcase. I did and they were going to see if they could fix it on board. By Tuesday they told me they could not fix it and gave me the option of going shopping on my own and they would reimburse me for the new suitcase to the value I paid for my damaged suitcase or they will shop for me in St Martin. I opted to have them shop for me. The suitcase they gave me is no where near the quality the Swiss Gear bag was but it allowed me to get my belongings home in a rolling suitcase and I am happy. I am not sure if JH had any assistance in it but I was pleased with the outcome. I did record the porters whipping luggage on the carts from my balcony. I saw after I posted to JH about my luggage he started posting questions about it on his Page. I almost want to post the video for him to see for himself. Lol.

It happened to me with new luggage. I didn't report it right away so I was SOL. I did happen to find on amazon some reviews of the luggage I had and they were saying that the luggage company would send you a replacement wheel. I emailed the company and they did in fact ship me a new wheel.

 

 

 

Supposedly a shoe repair could repair it for me, but DH fixed it himself.

The funny thing is this is new luggage!!! My trusted suitcase is 10 years old and weighs 20lbs on its own so I went to a newer piece of luggage that weighs less. I bought it after Christmas. I am so disappointed but trying to NOT let it ruin my vacation before it even starts. I just want Carnival to do right and rectify this.

Hi Everyone!

I just got on board the Carnival Liberty and found my luggage in front of the door. Except the wheel has been busted off somewhere between me handing it over to a porter and being delivered to my room. I went down to guest services and they told me to empty my luggage and take it to them so they can inspect it. Has this ever happened to anyone? In 10 cruises this has never happened to me! Just want to see what they do in this type of situation as it is no longer rollable.

I am in San Juan right now and as soon as we got off the ship and started walking down the Main Street and he walked up to myself and my group giving the same story! I told him I've heard of his story on CruiseCritic and he told me he doesn't know what that is but this is the truth and we said sorry we're not interested and he stormed off. He is still at it!!!!

Confirmed, 7am open

Stef you are awesome!!!

You know where I will be on Sunday!!!! :)

Ah! The good old days! I actually found these from my Valor cruise in 2006 along with my tickets that they would mail out! That was when you knew your cruise was really happening!

I went to Staples today and laminated my tags and will hole punch and zip tie to my luggage. It's not going anywhere.

Just got back. Rendezvous was an excellent day. Great food and drinks, excellent beaches and pools. The staff is very friendly. The walk was not too bad once you get passed all of the hounding taxi drivers.

Thanks for posting this! I have the rendezvous booked in 2 weeks. Did you have to call before hand to confirm your reservation. I have my confirmation email. How was the beach? Was it rocky when going into the ocean or nice and smooth?

CORRECTION POST...I got it backwards on my last one...please ignore that one...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liltee42

Thanks for the awesome review. Can you please tell me if Liberty docked on the even side or odd side at each port? I am in 7439 and just wondering if I get to be port side for at least one of our stops! Thank you.

 

It's different all the time. When we sailed on the Valor we were pointed in towards the island at St Thomas...so our room 1059 was facing the pier...we watched for pier runners... :)

 

I've been watching the webcam on the valor (and liberty when it works) for the last couple years and it mostly docks with the front of the ship toward the land...but only sometimes does it turn around and face to the ocean.

 

St. Thomas - most of the time front towards the island so the starboard side faces pier.

Barbados - on average, they dock next to the warehouses facing toward the stores...makes for great pictures with the Welcome to Barbados sign... (so port side towards land)

St. Lucia - Almost always comes in facing the island (port towards the pier) but then spins around and has the starboard side next to the pier when they dock. Either way it's a great view there.

St. Kitts - 99% o the time they dock forward towards the island (port towards the pier) but again, either way is a gorgeous view.

St. Maarten - I'm not sure if I've ever seen them dock any way but with the front toward the island... Port side by the pier.

 

So Port (even numbered rooms) for most of the ports and Starboard for 2 usually. There really isn't a bad view from either side no matter what though. And when you are sailing towards them, you'd always have a great view for St. Thomas on either side... Barbados Port sees it best and then the rest you'll see from the Starboard side as you sail up to the island. However most of the time you get to the island right at sunrise...which can make for some beautiful pictures! :)

 

Sorry for the confusion...I'm left handed and somehow that always messes me up when I think of port and starboard....don't know why...I should just think of my left hand as being port... LOL...

Haha I worked in a yacht building facility and the way I remember it is left and port both have four letters. So port side is left side :)

I am so skeptical on this right now. Today on my roll call, people received literally 7 different answers from carnival from emails to over the phone to social media. One rep even told a girl she had no idea where we were getting information on missing St Kitts at all. I am waiting to see what happens next Friday!

Only having been on one cruise so far, the one lesson I did learn is to make room for my own hair dryer. I will definitely be packing one for our cruise in October.

 

 

 

The power, wattage or having to hold the button was not the problem for me.....it was the dryer's constant need to suck in my hair. And i'm not talking a strand here and there, i'm talking non stop.

 

 

 

And to be honest, kinda gross to have my hubs help pull it out and see all different hair tangled in with mine.

I agree! My friend and I were just talking about this. Every cruise I use the hair dryer in the room and every cruise after I use it I vow never again! The thing is constantly sucking my hair in! I couldn't figure out if it was just me because I rarely hear others complain about it!!

OP - do yourself a favor! Take your own!! You will thank us later!!

OP - I am not sure it is going to happen anymore? I know there are so many rumours going around but someone on my roll call posted on the Carnival Site about the change and they responded saying the change was only for this week and the ship would resume all regular itinerary. Yet, someone else called carnival directly and they said Antigua and the poster brought that up to carnival and they responded by saying they were provided old information and the statement was released yesterday. We may not know for sure until it happens. I am still holding out hope for St Kitts. If not, send me to Antigua! :) let's hope we get an email this week from them!

Yes, it's only the liberty because the liberty's thrusters that help it dock safely in windy conditions are not working. You won't have any problems.