Merchant43

I bought refreshment pkg for my recent cruise 2 weeks prior to sailing. Paid $18 per day.

My niece bought pkg a couple days before sailing at $12 a day.

For my upcoming Feb cruise...I think I'll wait close to sailing date to decide.

Thanks for the info...hopefully we get a better view than just gray.

Sailing on Explorer of the Sea in 2 weeks. First time with RC. Anyone stayed in a virtual balcony room?Looks pretty neat but if anyone has stayed in one, I would like to hear about it.

Thanks!!

Going on Alaska cruise June 22 on Explorer of the Seas.

Not first time cruising but first RC and Alaska.

Been on numerous Carnival; so I know all about their dress code they don’t enforce. What about Royal....how strict are they in MDR?

Also, I’m from Alabama, use to HOT temps. Can anyone tell me if temps in Seattle middle June is comfortable for shorts on embarkation day?

Thanks for any info

Just returned from the Explorer - we lucked out with lovely weather (only a short sprinkle while at Mendenhall Glacier). Had an excellent week - interior virtual balcony rooms for each couple which worked out just fine. Very easy boarding, arrived at about 11 am (after flying in that morning) and meeting up with the family. Used Seattle Elite Town Car for pickup of 6 adults/luggage - they met us at baggage claim quickly after our calling them. We had arranged for a stop at Whole Foods by the pier so we could purchase wine. Be careful when dropping luggage to go to the Explorer handlers as we heard of at least one couple sending their luggage on the Celebrity ship sharing the pier. Almost no line and even the non-priority line (worker would not allow our kids to use the Diamond line, but not a big difference). We were able to find a seat in the Windjammer for a little lunch then off to explore - so much fun for the girls as they had not been on a ship before. Rooms were ready at one - love the virtual balcony. Sail away was cool but not cold.

 

Then off to dinner - we had MTD every evening at 6:15 which worked out great. Our wait staff was lovely and we had the same table each night. Food was fine to excellent depending on the dish. We had a gluten free need and they took great care of her, almost to the point she was embarrassed. Food in the Windjammer was less impressive but I found something tasty when we were there.

 

They offered a 15 drink coffee card for $44 - any size drink was just one punch. On day 4 there was a 10 drink card for $65 available at the bar.

 

Ice show was so nice - there was some sea movement that day and they performed so well. The only production show was the Dance show on Wednesday - this cast first performance which was excellent. Other headliners - magician (so so),comic (not funny),

jugglers (good) and pianist (good) : understand my opinion is subjective.

 

As I started with - lovely port weather. In Juneau we rented a car and drove out to Mendenhall Glacier Park. A stop at the Alaskan Brewing Company tasting room (the Magic porter was excellent). Then back into town for dinner at the The Twisted Fish, all meals were rated as very good.

 

Skagway was windy and cold at the pierside but better in town. We again rented a car, this time for a drive up the highway into Canada and the Yukon. Awe inspiring drive - easy to stop along the way to take in the vista. With only 2 ships in town we were able to really enjoy the historical exhibits in the park area.

 

The Glacier day dawned early - 6 am, only to find us stocked in with fog. Captain Mal waited patiently (not so some of our fellow passengers) and it finally started clearing around 7:45 so we started up the water, threading through some ice bits. Entered the Dawes Glacier waterway and were greeted with a large calving at the center of the Glacier front - the sun was shining so it was quite a sight. We were treated to sunshine and calm seas the entire sail of the inner passage that afternoon. We did see a number of northern porpoises playing beside the ship.

 

Passage back to Victoria on the open ocean remained very calm on Wednesday - the pools and hot tubs were popular places.

 

Our final day in Victoria was also sunny- their flowers were starting to bloom. We spent our time walking and enjoying the architecture and all the greenery of the downtown area.

 

Easiest departure ever - walk off announced at 6:45, we went down at 7, walked off, in cab and at the airport by 8 am for our 10am flight.

 

If you have any questions I will attempt to answer. Great trip for our family - made lots of good memories.

What day was the 15 coffee drink for $44 offered?

I think I read some where that all ports will roll out staggered times in 2016. It started in Galveston as a trial.

I'm sailing on Elation in March and I went ahead and checked in to see if it would be in NOLA. It didn't show up. A couple weeks later I received an email stating I had to chose a time. So I went back under there and there was a place to choose time.

It could be Jacksonville hasn't started it yet, but it's coming.

According to the email I received, if you don't select a time, Carnival will select one for you. If you show up earlier than your selected time, they will turn you around and not let you in terminal until selected time

The only negative I have is when some don't come on time. I have been at a table when a party would come 30 mins late every night.

Thanks for the replies....sounds like a wonderful cruise.

I am thinking about an Alaskan Cruise next year in May for my 25 year wedding anniversary. It would be end of the month.

If anyone has cruised during this time....can you tell me how the weather is and if May is a good month for Alaska.

Thanks!:):)

My first cruise back in 1991. It was our Honeymoon cruise.. Didn't set foot on another ship until 10 years later.

I just sailed my 19th cruise with Carnival last month.

If the manicure don't work out....wait until luggage arrives to cabin then tell her u need to go to guest services and she can unpack while u are gone

I've been on 18 cruises with CCL. I don't think I've ever received an email but my boarding pass always has a time on it.

I generally get there around 11:30 or 12.

I did participate in a survey and I think they will probably start sometime in the near future with enforcing these times. It will probably be at the Miami port.

Platinum, Diamond and FttF will still get to board early

Had grand mariner dessert on the Elation last month. I love it too. I don't remember having it on the ships that have changed menus

It was checker/chess board on Glory, March 31 and I sailed on Elation May 16 and received same gift. I gave both away

I was on the Glory last month. Roulette was $5 minimum with $1 chips

Was on Dream last Oct and it was $10 minimum. $2 chips

Don't know how to play craps. Can't help there.

I had one of those offers and I booked a 5 day OV with 3 ppl in cabin, 2 ppl would have been $305 total with $100!onboard credit. 3 ppl was $525 total with $100 onboard credit

I will be taking my parents on an Anniversary cruise in 2 weeks on the Elation. I am a frequent cruiser, this will be their second and I think their first was 10 years ago. I have been to Cozumel many times but never Progreso. Tried but to windy to dock. My dad is 76 and he told my mom he didn't want to do climbing, walking, or water....lol. I guess I should remind him he will be on a cruise ship.

My sister will take my mother and do some fun things and I will look after Dad.

I have Cozumel covered. My question is progreso. And yes....I'm taking him off the ship, it may only be a hour but we are getting off ship.

I've read at end of pier you can ride a double decker bus and it takes you around town. Has anyone did this? Or what do you recommend?

Thanks

When you get on the ship you need to go to excursion desk and select your villa. Put in order for your sodas and snorkel gear. Your ticket will tell you where to meet to get off ship. People who book cabanas and villas get on first tender. You want to get there first so you can get all your money's worth...lol

We had a cabana last month and it is definetly worth it.

I forget the times but you will probably have to catch last tender by 3

Hope this answers your questions

We will be on the Carnival Elation, leaving New Orleans on May 11, 2015, with stops at Cozumel and Progreso. While at Progreso, we plan to take the (Carnival excursion) "Ancient Ruins & City Tour With Lunch" which I believe is one of those tours with "unlimited food & drink".

 

My biggest concern is that I will probably have my walker (with fold-down seat) along, though we will also have my folding wheelchair on the cruise. I have had Multiple Sclerosis for over 20 years and mobility is a problem. I am worried that this excursion will require too much walking &/or uneven terrain for me. Add to that my MS gets worse with heat and I expect it to be hot there. Will I be walking into a nightmare on this excursion?

 

This is my first cruise ever and my wife's second. If I have a flare-up, it can take DAYS to recover (ruining the rest of the cruise). If this excursion is one that I travel mostly on bus or other motor vehicle, and when I get out I can restrict my walking (while others may go further) I may be ok. I just don't know what to expect.

With this being your first cruise...you may want to consider an excursion that don't include the ruins. Look for an excursion that is considered Easy. The excursion you have planned says medical restrictions

QUOTE=RichMaes;45914668]We will be on the Carnival Elation, leaving New Orleans on May 11, 2015, with stops at Cozumel and Progreso. While at Progreso, we plan to take the (Carnival excursion) "Ancient Ruins & City Tour With Lunch" which I believe is one of those tours with "unlimited food & drink".

My biggest concern is that I will probably have my walker (with fold-down seat) along, though we will also have my folding wheelchair on the cruise. I have had Multiple Sclerosis for over 20 years and mobility is a problem. I am worried that this excursion will require too much walking &/or uneven terrain for me. Add to that my MS gets worse with heat and I expect it to be hot there. Will I be walking into a nightmare on this excursion?

This is my first cruise ever and my wife's second. If I have a flare-up, it can take DAYS to recover (ruining the rest of the cruise). If this excursion is one that I travel mostly on bus or other motor vehicle, and when I get out I can restrict my walking (while others may go further) I may be ok. I just don't know what to expect.

My first choice would be an AFT balcony followed by a cove balcony. Deck doesn't matter if you get either of these.

Location of room would matter for Cove Balcony. Dining rooms and galley above Cove balconies. I'm hearing impaired so noise isn't a problem for me but I've read other post about some complaints

I sailed on the Dream last Oct. had a Cove balcony. It was wonderful if you want to be close to water.

Check out the deck plans and see what is over and under each deck.