gpgirl

...which you can ignore for check in. Again, you may not be able to board right after you check in.

Got it! Thank you!

Checkin at any time, boarding time may depend on your status/cabin.

Printing the online set sail passes and it has you select a time. It states arrival appointment 1:30-2pm. But it sounds like we can arrive at most any time.

We have only cruised on NCL. Sailing Harmony of the Seas in 2 weeks and we have a boarding time of 1:30-2pm. Are they very strict/can we board early? NCL was not very strict and even with a late boarding time we were on the ship by 11:45am. TIA

Other things to do there like raft through caves (cenotes) or drive all terrain vehicles. Wasn't aware of a weight restriction/minimum, only a height (4'7") and age restriction (6 for entry to the park).

Yes, he makes height but not minimum weight to do the zipline of 88 lbs. He can do everything else. Just trying to figure out a way that both my husband and I could zipline with our 13 year old. Don't want to be split up the entire day. Would like to ride all terrain vehicles together, swim in caves together.

We are thinking of booking the Xplor excursion. However, my 9 year old does not make weight to zipline. I am not sure how this will work. For those that have been-1) Can I wait with him and switch with my husband? 2) can myself and 9 year old explore another part of the park?

Thank you! The cost for Xplor is $101 for adult and $50 for children. I found the ferry schedule online and it looks like there are 3 ferry companies between Cozumel and Playa del carmen. DIY price is 1/2 of cruise line (here is my struggle! lol). Just want to make sure we get back to Cozumel ferry by 5pm is the issue. We dock at 8am but does not look like the next ferry leaves until 9am from Cozumel to Playa.

Assuming you catch an early ferry, you probably have enough time to DIY. It's only about a 15 minute taxi ride away from the ferry pier in Playa del Carmen. That's maybe $10 for a taxi each way plus you'll have about the same fare from southern cruise piers to ferry dock on Coz. Ferry will cost about $11 each way ($6 for children). I was under the impression that tickets for Xplor were around US$130 a person. Maybe US$ 85 for children under 16. And there are vendors on line who can arrange tours ( some directly with the park too) that include transportation. So add all that up and for 4 adults it's not a lot of savings to DIY. The park has a web site too.

 

But at the park, you are free to do what ever you want. So how much time it takes will depend on crowds and what you want to do.

All that, however, by taking the ship excursion you're assured of getting back to the ship before it leave. The ship will wait. Return ferries from Playa only run every other hour on the odd hour Coz time.

We have a dilemma. Trying to decide between Xplor shore excursion through RCCL or on our own? If we choose Xplor through RCCL it will be double the price for the 4 of us (around $800).

Can we/should we go on our own? We are in port from 8am-7pm. Thinking of taking ferry to Playa del Carmen then the Xplor transport will pick us up or we can take taxi. I know the ferry is 45 minutes-1 hour each way plus taxi ride. But will the Xplor tour take more than 5 hours? Think this can be done?

We would choose Sapphire simply because it's a gorgeous beach and has natural shade and the amenities we need. But Lindbergh Bay (aka Emerald Beach) is also a nice beach and has more of the resort vibe and amenities if that appeals to you. The Emerald Resort did still offer a day pass (not cheap but adds convenience) which includes a room, chairs and umbrellas, and pool access, give them a ring.

Sapphire offers good snorkeling if that's something you are interested in.

Are there restrooms that can used at Sapphire Beach? Any beach chair/umbrella rentals? Would love to visit Sapphire but just need some basics.

Trying to decide between Sapphire and Emerald Beach with 2 adults and 3 kids (ages 16, 12, and 8). It will busy in St. Thomas that day with 3 large ships in port so want to avoid Magen's Bay.

Looking for 1)clean/adequate restrooms 2) food and drink options 3) chair and umbrella rental. Have not found any resorts that offer a day pass to have access to a pool...that would be great but not a deal breaker. Thank you in advance!

Can't find info I need on MSC website...not much of a shocker! But I have some questions.

Sailing with 2 adults and 2 kids (ages 13 and 10). Fantastica experience. (I have only sailed with Carnival and NCL.

1) Do we sign kids up for kids club when we first arrive on ship like other cruise lines?

2) Do we sign kids up for cooking and language classes offered with Fantastica experience?

3) Do we reserve show/entertainment like other lines. My hubby is huge Michael Jackson fan and I have seen video of this show on Divina. Will we need advanced reservations for this?

4) We have dining time of 5:30-6:30pm. Will this info be given to us upon check in at the port. Do we just show up at main dining venue or do we rotate? (can you tell we are very used to NCL freestyle?)

5) Is there an adults only area/pool?

6) How many formal nights on a 7 night cruise? Which nights are they offered?

7) How do we match our current Carnival loyalty status?

8) I have read that some people have drink vouchers with their Fantastica Experience...I don't see this info anywhere. Maybe it was a special promotion?

Anything else you can think of that would be of help...I thank you so much...kinda freaking out a bit over here!

Have only been on Norwegian Getaway in which there was lots for my 16 and 12 year old to do: ropes course, rock climbing wall, mini golf, teen club, etc. My teens loved it!

How will Divina compare for teens? There are 3 sea days on the itinerary we are looking at and I want to make sure they will be entertained. Thank you!

Hi,

Cruising out of Miami port in a few weeks. Flying in to both FLL and Miami are very comparable.

Are there any hotels that offer free shuttle to port from hotel or free shuttle from airports to hotels? Or even better yet.....both?

Thank you!

Hi all,

We are 30 something couple traveling on Carnival Sensation (without kids) for our anniversary in a few weeks. Have a few questions

1) Which restaurants on board are without a fee?

2) where should we go to eat when first arriving on ship?

3) Which entertainment is a must see?

4) Freeport-just want a low key inexpensive beach day....options

5) would it be worth it to purchase beverage package? If so, how much is it?

Any other advice? Thank you

Planning on renting car driving 5 hours to port. Is there a rental car location near port canaveral that we could drop car off and has transport to port? Would only like to rent car for one day going and one day coming back instead of having to pay for a full weeks rental and port parking fees on top of the that. Thank you!

There are no irons in the staterooms and you are not allowed to bring them onboard. There are launderettes located throughout the ship that have one iron for passengers to use. If you have anything to iron my suggestion is to do it early in the day as I have seen very long lines on cruise elegant night. Wrinkle release and / or hanging clothing in the bathroom helps.

Thank you!!!!

Getting ready to sail tomorrow. Are there irons in the cabins or will they bring one to the room for you?

Sailing in a few weeks on the fantasy and have a couple of questions.

1) How much is wifi on ship? Would it be easier and less expensive to purchase international plan on my wireless carrier? (I purchased an international plan last year while cruising another line and it worked fine). Or is there an app I can download?

2) Can you only purchase drink package onboard ship or can you purchase prior? Can you only purchase for the adults in the stateroom or do we have to purchase the soda package for kids to include everyone in stateroom?

Thank you for your help!

We are looking into booking the Breeze in Feb 2016. The only category available for that sailing is Deluxe Oceanview on Riviera/Deck 1. The category states midship. However, it appears to be aft/midship. I don't mind being on Deck 1 but being so far back (aft) on Deck 1 worries me a bit.

Has anyone stayed on Breeze riviera deck towards the back? Did you feel alot of vibration being more aft and lower on the ship?

We have only been on one other cruise and we stayed midship, Deck 12 so this will be a change for us. Thank you!

Thank you so much for the input! So are the iguanas aggressive?

I also read today that the Hippo Slide on GSC is now free!

Hi,

Will be sailing in a few weeks on Norwegian Sky with 2 adults and 3 kids for a three night cruise.

1) Is there a formal night on this cruise?

2) The white hot party is on this cruise and not Glow party correct?

3) Any adult pool or adult sundeck and hot tubs? If so, where located?

Any other tips to help us enjoy our cruise? Thank you!

There are Family cabins on the newer ships (Breeze, Magic etc) that sleep six. These have two bathrooms--- one regular and one that has a sink and tub, no toilet.

Should be able to book it online.

I thought that the Breeze would accommodate larger groups. When you go to book online, however, the option is up to 5 people or multiple staterooms. Not 6 or more people. Unless I am missing something?

Hi,

I am looking on the Carnival website and it lists staterooms for families of 5 only.

Are there staterooms or suites on any of the Carnival ships that sleep 6 or more?

I know of another cruise line ;) that offers 6 or more in suite but you have to call in to book and you cannot book it online. Is this the same for Carnival? Do you need to call in to the reservation line to inquire about staterooms that accommodate 6 or more people?

Thank you!

I think your disappointment will be in the Haven itself.

The Haven on the Gem is very nice but doesn't compare to the Getaway Haven. I haven't been on the Getaway but stayed in Haven on Breakaway

I preferred my one bedroom Haven cabin on the gem than the one on the Breakaway(same configuration as Getaway).

The gem Haven one bedroom is two separate rooms with bath and huge shower that have windows to watch to sea. The BA was one room and the bathroom was smaller and no window

Either way a Haven vacation is heaven

Enjoy!!

Just to clarify....you think that we will be disappointed in the Haven on either ship or on the Gem in particular? Just clarifying. ;) I assumed that the Haven would have the same "perks" and configuration but from what you are describing it might vary from ship to ship?

Be aware the water slide on the Gem is EXTREMELY slow going. If you're bigger than a five year old, you have to scoot all the way down. It's a bit sad.

 

That being said, we sailed the BA in the spring last year and followed it with the Gem late summer. The kids had a great time on the Gem, as did we. My 13yo daughter was gone most of the day with the kids she met at the teen club. My BFs 6 yo son was happy to go to the kids club or the arcade. They both enjoyed the pool, bowling, the sports court, etc. Absolutely no complaints from them!

Thank you for sharing your experience. I think it may help a bit that we are planning on a room in the Haven on the Gem. We were only in connecting inside cabins on the Getaway (still had a blast).

There is huge difference, especially with kids. We went from the Breakaway to the Gem.

 

Breakaway/Getaway

newer

younger crowd

3 water slides

ropes course

new style video arcade

pub style O'Sheehans with games

club style venues

more restaurants

spice h2o

 

Gem:

worn

older crowd

1 old water slide

a rock wall

dated video arcade

O'Sheehans is just a restaurant

no clubs, just a strip of bars

Spinnaker lounge

 

The Gem is a great ship, it just lacks the flare and activities for a younger crowd or families. Many ports will help this though. We love both. When we are by ourselves(my wife and I) we like the Gem. When we are with others or have kids along, we like the Breakaway.

Thank you for the comparison! I am hoping with only 1 sea day on the itinerary we are looking at will help the kids to not be bored. Kinda feel like we are spoiled a bit since sailing the Getaway!