CM1984

We have cruised twice and we breezed right through using VERIFLY. Loved it! BUT I can’t seem to get it to process for our 11/5 cruise on the Nieuw Statendam. 🙄

Thank you so much for your info…… @bguppies & @ninjacat123 It sounds like Resort World will be it, plus DH might want to hit the casino to lose a bit. 😂. Can we make a reservation ahead of time, or do we show up and ask? And best way to get there? (Or did someone already share that?) Mimi & Craig Virginia

…so for couples in their 70’s it sounds like Resort World would be a better fit? Your thoughts, considering there is so much conversation here?

We have been looking at this excursion either through Holland or a non-ship company. Wondering about either a Martha Brae river raft or White river rafting. This is right up our alley. Is anyone familiar with the White River adventure?

Thanks everyone for the feedback and help. If I purchase prior to boarding does that still count towards onboard purchases? (I wouldn’t think so, but wanted to ask anyway. I have already purchased using gift cards, so maybe I should cancel items, then purchase with OBC?). Such decisions! 🤦🏼😂 (and isn’t it just spectacular we will be cruising again? 😎🛳)

Thank you @Mary229 . I researched a bit further and saw it was as you said. Jumped the gun!

Has Holland changed how they compute Mariner Society status? I just looked at the website and it indicates the numbers of cruise days required for each level. I know in the past we earned points with cruise days and onboard expenditures. I was hoping we would get to 3 Star on this upcoming cruise, but not so sure now. 😔. What can you tell me? TIA Mimi/ Virginia

Thanks…I did use them for OBC with that intention, but it’s still a good idea! 😃

When pre-paying gratuities, you must pay with a credit card, HAL will not allow payment with HAL gift cards. That would be a great change to be able to pay with gift cards.

Thank you for this helpful information on Mark’s Tours. I checked out his Trip Advisor and Facebook info. We are going in November and will contact him now. My only concern is there are only 4 of us, so don’t know if he will take that small of a group…or it may be two of us. 😎

Here is how I found out about Luggage Direct originally. We have used it in FLL and loved it! But flights leaving must be 11:30am or after. https://maketraveleasier.com/holland/services

Thanks so much @14Terry

I really want to do this raft ride, and found four different companies that offer it. Did you go on the White River? How long was the bus ride each way? Thanks so much. Mimi, Virginia

Thank you for this information. I tried to pay the Gratuities now for our November 5 cruise and pay with Holland Gift Card. Holland's website stated I had to pay with credit card. I will just use the gift card for OBC, then pay gratuities once on board! Problem solved! Thank you again!

Thank you so much, very helpful. What category Cabin?

Your information is very enjoyable to read. Thank you! Question: are masks mandatory? I’m reading elsewhere people were required, to wear them anywhere on the ship (Holland). or just recommended. Thank you…

Oh, bad smell would not be good - ick! We were sent laundry twice on the Elation in April and it came back just fine with no bad smell.

This is from Carnivals website: https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1134/~/laundry-service

Ship - ELATION Deck - V Stateroom # - V9 Stateroom Category – JUNIOR SUITE Starboard or Port Side – PORT SIDE Quiet Stateroom? – YES Was stateroom a connecting stateroom? - NO Balcony View – THESE JR SUITES ARE FWD ON THE SHIP, AND THE VIEW BASICALLY IS THE LIFEBOAT FLOATS ON THE LOWER DECK, YOU DO SEE THE WATER, HOWEVER, YOU CANNOT LOOK STRAIGHT DOWN AND SEE THE WATER. Balcony Size? Normal or oversized for class? – SMALLER. IT WAS LARGE ENOUGH FOR 2 DECK CHAIRS AND A TABLE, HOWEVER YOU HAD TO WALK “CRAB STYLE” TO GET TO A CHAIR. Was wind a problem? - NO If an aft cabin, was soot a problem? – N/A Any specific problems with this cabin? – NONE – THIS JR SUITE IS THE SAME LAYOUT AS A STANDARD BALCONY ON A LARGER SHIP. Any other comments? - WE VERY MUCH ENJOYED OUR 5-DAY CRUISE, AND ENJOYED THE SIZE OF THE SHIP.

These questions are important! I understand. We called the hotel directly, only way we could get the package. Shuttle service was recommended by the hotel. BUT - if you go to the Jacksonville Port website - www.jaxport.com they list taxi and shuttle services available. I saw that after we had already booked a private car for a treat. No round trip shuttle booking - BUT taxis are right there as you come out of the cruise terminal with a gentlemen asking where you are going and off you go - you just have to pay for it. (But we always see that as a part of a cruise cost - we have found sometimes the free shuttles are awkward and unreliable) Have a wonderful trip! Mimi

Hi @SmoothFlying I'm meandering through this Thread looking for a park and cruise hotel for Ft. Lauderdale and came across your post. We found a hotel for our cruise out of Jacksonville, FL this past April. Here's the information and it provided what we needed. Does not include any meals..... Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Airport/I-95N 14670 Duval Road Jacksonville, FL 32218-9429 US Front desk: 19047414404 Cost was $197.49 with 7 days parking included in price. Good luck! Mimi in Virginia!

Thank you for your recommendation. Did you book through the ship?

MOM’S….sometimes us kids just have to step past their decisions and do what’s best, just like you did…..I hope you had a great time.

It was a great service, and the laundry smelled nice and fresh, no perfumes.

I have enjoyed your comments everyone. We are driving to Miami on July 7 for an 8-day on the Carnival Horizon. We were looking for a park and cruise hotel that "won't break the bank" but lovely and comfortable. Anyone familiar with this? Thanks. Mimi, Virginia