Sersee

First cruise ...

2 hours ago, twodaywonder said:

Also remember about FREE water in you state room. Any one that has cruised 2 cruises or more with Carnival will receive a 1 liter bottle of water. So if both have. 2 bottles will be in your room.

3 hours ago, HerbertandB said:

If you're going to drink all of the extra stuff that comes with Cheers besides the alcohol then it's a probably good deal.  Will you?

 

Also if you drink higher end alcohols.

 

You said you've been to AI's.  What and how much do you normally drink there? That answer should help you decide if Cheers is the way to go.

Ya I do like the higher end alcohols. At the AI , we had a few frozen rum drinks through the day and a couple beers. I drank some soda and a ton of water.  I also like a frapp here and there. I have no idea what the price would have been since it was included.  But from what you guys said ... it seems like I might at least break even

3 hours ago, Chervil said:

Although the upside to Bubbles is that it is not mandatory for everyone in the cabin to buy it.
My wife is not really a soda drinker, so I get it and she doesn't.
 

If this is your first cruise, I would say to keep in mind that Cheers includes specialty coffees as well.
Their coffee bar is pretty good (better than Starbucks imho) so if you like those in addition to the alcohol, it might be worth it.

Oh yes I do!  

6 minutes ago, twodaywonder said:

·         $8.50 a day + 18% gratuity

·         Soft drinks:  Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Caffeine Free Coke, Sprite, Sprite Zero, Orange Fanta, Mr. Pibb, Barqs Root Beer, Tonic Water, Club Soda, Ginger Ale

·         Juices: Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Tomato Juice, Pineapple Juice, Grapefruit Juice 

Restrictions:

·         Non-transferable and may not be shared. Guests or family members who would like to enjoy soft drinks through this program must purchase their own sticker.

·         One beverage serving, per sticker, will be served at a time.

·         Soft drink is served by the glass (16 ounces); juice is served by the glass (10 ounces).

·         Cannot be used through room service or the Interactive TV system, where applicable, or the minibar, where applicable.

·         Program is only applicable for onboard purchases.

·         Program is not offered on Europe itineraries.

 When i ask for one at the bar they just hand it to me.

Might take the place of the tonic or soda water. no idea.

Ok you’re confusing me haha. You were just saying that bottled water came with the soda package. You said only one has to buy it and you aren’t told it’s only for your use. But this doesn’t say that and I don’t see bottled water.

Sorry if I am misunderstanding! My understanding is basically you can’t share any package and bottle water only comes with Cheers? 

6 minutes ago, coevan said:

 

 

no you can not shares the soda package, however you can bring a 12 pack of soda at every port. Yes, bottle water is included with Cheers and we always grab waters from bars to keep our fridge stocked

I thought so. I was wondering because one of the replies said bottled water came with the soda package which I thought it did not. I didn’t think you could share it either 

8 minutes ago, HerbertandB said:

 

We did have some drinks in port too - but they were pretty cheap. (Of course, we're used to spending $15-$20 on cocktails in Las Vegas so YMMV)

 

Ya Haha Vegas is expensive ordering drinks!

2 minutes ago, coevan said:

 

 

You also prepay gratuities with Cheers, we still tip $1

 

 

 

don't let port days put you off, you can still drink enough to come out even easily. Bloody Mary or Mimosa before you leave. Grab a couple of free waters from the bar. When you return, you'll probably go right to the Lido deck for a drink, have a pre dinner drink, some wine with dinner, and a few after dinner drinks. 

I didn’t think of it that way!  I probably will come back grab a drink and get ready for dinner. Then have a drink at dinner and depending what we do one or two after. 

3 minutes ago, twodaywonder said:

You say you love your frozen drinks. Consider how many you will drink on the cruise vs the cost for a package that both must purchase. If you like a frozen drink lets say one a day. Not worth it. What we do is purchase the soda package. Water is included with it. Only one needs to purchase it. you are told not it is for your use only.  If I want a mixed drink. I get the soda and then pay for the liquor to put in it. Usually about $5.00. Let's say a screw driver. get the OJ and pay for the Vodka. Only a suggestion nothing more.

Bottled water comes with the soda package? I thought it didn’t.  You can share a soda package? Is it different for adults than kids?

10 minutes ago, HerbertandB said:

Yes, you can order water from the Fun Shops.  There aren't any mini-bars any more, depending on the ship/room you should have a refrigerator you can use for the water.

 

We think of ourselves as drinkers but there was no way we would have broken even with buying cheers on our 7-day cruise with 4 port days.  We had our 2 bottles of wine and drank what we wanted when we felt like it and still only spent about a quarter of the cost of cheers.

That’s my concern with the 4 port days. 

Im trying to compare it to when I went to an all inclusive resort.  We enjoyed frozen beverages  while in the pool and definitely had a couple of beers.  

I wont drink more than I usually would because I bought the package.  At home I don’t  day drink to often. Maybe a beer while sitting in my porch in late afternoon. But on vacation I will but that’s normally what we do in vacay.  But I also tend to go to bed earlier because I’m tired from the sun.

i don’t think that will be the case on a cruise though.

We are heavy port wise. We have 4 of them.  

I did not know that drinks without cheers also already has gratuity built in.

Ok soooo I’m still debating it. I know it’s definitely convenient and I have the money saved up for my husband and I. I have tried using the calculators but that’s hard because I don’t know what I will drink and when.

We are definitely drinkers. I love my frozen cocktails when I’m vacation. I do like cold beer in the summer. I’m not much for wine. I will drink eater and I like  a cold soda here and there with my lunch.

Im thinking of winging it and seeing how much I spend and just won’t go over the Cheers package I saved for. We are a heavy port cruise as well with four of them.

I can order water from the fun shops right?  I know we have refrigerators but they are filled with mini bar items right?  I thought i read the steward can remove them so you can use it? We are on the Breeze.

Also if you buy your drinks, how much do you typically tip per drink? 

How much cash cash do you tend to bring on board?

First time cruising... and have never been to St Thomas. 

I have  read a lot of the topics and still confused. There are so many beaches and then St Johns as well. We are in St Thomas from 11:30 to 7pm.

We don’t want to go on the gondola up the mountain. I have also been told it’s hard to get a taxi.  I have read about a ferry to St John.

As a first timer who knows absolutely nothing and just wants to see beautiful St Thomas and  the beach, what would you recommend?

I have Another Question.. Im just putting it here and hoping it gets answered.   Dress code ... I am so confused.  I have read so many different things and know it's a hot topic.  But we have no idea how to dress on a cruise or to eat.  Some of us will lay out in the sun.. so bathing suits and coverups it is.  Some of us will not, so figure either coverups and shorts, or just tees and shorts. But flip flops are ok for getting lunch and breakfast correct?  My son can just wear athletic shorts and tees right?

For Regular Dinner:  Are shorts and tees allowed?  No flip flops though.. more sandals or sneakers( for my son)?

For the formal:  This is where I am really confused. Can my husband where dockers and a collared shirt? What about my son( he is 15 and lives in athletic shorts so he is already annoyed lol)?  

I don't really wear dresses.. just not my thing. Can I wear nice capris , blouse and wedges?  My daughters ( teens) have some cute dresses that are sleeveless ... is this ok?  One has a collar and is very preppy and covers the top of the shoulders and the other has one that is has straps that tie on top of shoulder?

12 hours ago, Sancho_proudfoot said:

Our packing routine does depend on where we embark. If we need to fly to the port, we are very careful, but if we can drive to the port, what the heck, take it! It may not be worn / used but why not?

 

I do think the seasickness thing is overdone. Cruise ships are very stable and if you don't get motion sickness on land you're probably fine on board.

 

After 15 or so cruises we still use lanyards. That way, l always know where my card is, and to blazes with the elitist sneerers.

I am putting all my hopes and dreams on your statement of seasickness being overdone Lol!  On other boards people keep telling me how I will most likely be sick and to take dramamine before I go. I keep saying how I am not doing that because we are drinkers and I don't want to mix. I would rather just see if I get seasick. If I do .. then dramamine it is. I started doubting myself and thought maybe I might want to take ginger pills before I go. Then people started to scare me about when I get off the ship how sick I will feel. I fly home that day and had people actually message me on fb to tell me I shouldn't fly home the same day. I am very anxious about flying anyway... so this .. um no stop it people! lol

3 hours ago, RWolver672 said:

This is what works for us when packing.  We buy a box of the two gallon zip lock baggies.  We pack socks, underwear, t-shirts etc. in them and squeeze all of the air out of them that's possible.  Saves space in the suitcases and when we get in our cabin, just toss the bag on a shelf or in a drawer.  Keeps them all together.

 

If you have any prescription medicine, make sure you put it in your carry-on so that it stays with you.  The same with anything of great value like cameras, etc.  

 

I had to laugh at the lanyard comment.  We still use lanyards and fanny packs.  Both are frowned upon by the "elite".  I really don't care what the "elite" thinks.  I'm going to be using both.  

 

Hope you have a great cruise.  Just remember that if something isn't going right, don't stew about it.  Go to Guest Services and get it corrected right away.  So many people will just shrug it off, then come back on here after the cruise and complain about it rather than get it corrected on the ship.  

 

Keep in mind that unless you purchase FTTF, your cabin won't be available until 1:30.  If you board the ship before that, go up to the Lido Deck and have lunch at one of the several places available.  Right before sail away is the muster drill.  You didn't mention which ship you will be on.  On some, it's held outside by the lifeboats.  On others, it's held inside in the theater or dining rooms.  For all of our cruises so far, the ship has pulled out right at the end of the muster.  Your Sail and Sign cards will have which muster station you are assigned to.  Once inside your cabin, on the inside of the door is a layout of where each muster location is.  The card will also have your dining assignment on them.

 

Each of you will have a folio number assigned to you.  On most ships, you can check your spending on the TV.  Every time you purchase something, it will show up under your folio number.  Don't panic if you check your husbands folio number.  It will show all of the charges for your cabin, not just his.  

 

You mentioned you are taking your kids.  When it comes time to shower, if you have a son, your husband and son can use the showers in the gym to free up the shower for you and daughter if you have one.  

 

Keep coming back on here with any questions you may have.   Seasoned cruises love helping new cruisers.

 

I will be on the Breeze. I don't have FTTF.   We have two connecting rooms each with 3 in them.  I think I am leaning toward Cheers so hopefully won't have to much expenditures. Well I do want to try the casino.  Is it best to bring cash for that?

2 hours ago, keywest1 said:

I take it the whole time.  It's not the rocking of the boat that makes me sick--it's seeing the churning of the water.  I'm fine unless I look overboard and then it's all over but the crying LOL  I get sick on ferries and smaller boats as well, but out of the 12 family members that I have cruised with, it's only me and one of my grandsons who have any issues.  So the odds are in your favor.

Not sure how old your kids are, but they do make children's Dramamine and non-drowsy Dramamine.  Not sure about Bonine.

I think this is my only concern. My kids are older ... 21,17 and 15. We have no idea how any of us will be. None of my family gets motion sickness or has any trouble riding in cars. My older two ride all those crazy roller coasters without issue.  

The kids , I could try starting before.  We were more nervous with the drinking age adults. I was afraid to mix even non drowsy Dramamine? But if I get sick,  I won’t be drinking anyway. 

Has as anyone had luck with ginger pills? I have heard good things

4 hours ago, beshears said:

I have not read your postings, but I'm glad to read that you are getting "excited" about cruising!  I got "excited" over 25 years ago, and have been cruising quite often since.

 

My suggestion, if it has not been posted. Make a list of what you want/think you need on this trip (may be too expensive to purchase on the ship) to take.  While putting the items in your luggage, mark each one off.  I do this up to the last item (these are items like medicine, 1 change of clothes/shoes, cosmetics) I am putting in my carry on luggage that I take on the plane.  This way, by marking each item off, I normally don't forget what I "should" have taken with me. 🙂

I am so excited!!! A little nervous about my family getting seasick since they are concerned. It’s the first one for all of us. 

Oh I am a list maker for sure! Glad I’m not the only one!

6 hours ago, Organized Chaos said:

I know you're just joking around, but you're not a "dumb vacationer" for using a lanyard, and don't let anyone else make you feel that way, because some will try. I'm guessing you said that because you've probably seen some of those comments. Sure, I could put my card in my pocket and the chances of me losing it are slim to none, but I like having it on a lanyard. It's used a lot on board and it's right there, handy when I need it. My lanyard has a quick-release clip on the end, so I can just pop my card off, swipe it, and snap it back on without even looking. Don't let others tell you how to handle your own vacation based on how they handle theirs.

 

It looks like you've got your charging devices pretty much planned out. I prefer a long extension cord (9-10 ft.) instead of a power strip or multi-USB plug of some kind. I take the extension cord plus a 3-way adapter. They just turn one outlet into three. That plug the 3 outlets on the extension cord give us plenty. I take my portable fan and having the long extension cord lets me put the fan right by the bed...for air and white noise. Or to charge my phone by the bed; although, some ships have built-in USB ports next to the bed or in the bedside lamps. The cord is often long enough to stretch to the bathroom so we can put the fan in there after a hot shower to air it out while we get ready. Then all I do is fold the cord up and put it somewhere out of the way when we're not in the room so it's not in the stewards way.

 

If you have a mini-fridge in your cabin, it'll be inside of a wooden cabinet. Prop open the door to that cabinet when you can, even if it's just part way. It gives the fridge better ventilation and usually keeps it cooler.

 

We bought a travel clothesline like this:

It's made of bungee cord and has all those spring clamps that can be adjusted for width. We hang it in the shower and it works well. If you just use the retractable clothesline that's built into the shower, run that line through your clothes (like through the arms of a shirt, for example) instead of draping them over the line. That way they're not doubled up over the line and can air out better. We also bought a mesh shower caddy, but instead of a single pouch like the one pictured above, it has 6 pockets. We really like that. There's all different kinds on Amazon.

You’re right...  I did say that from things I have read.  I won’t have pockets and I would lose my head if it wasn’t attached. Can’t tell you how many times I have lost my keys which I know have hooked to a lanyard. 

Im bringing an extension cord for sure because my husband has a Cpap. So will pack it in with his equipment. I guess I could take my chances and pack another for my fan. I would rather have a plug in fan but was nervous about my extension cord getting take and then would be hard to use the fan

im using the European adapter since they are so cheap as plugging a usb hub into it for all the electronics. Then a plug like you were saying for my hair dryer etc. i just have to figure it which kind is allowed. 

15 minutes ago, keywest1 said:

I totally agree with the suggestion about OTC meds.  You wouldn't believe how much markup there is in the shops.  

Don't forget the sunscreen 😎  I am prone to seasickness and I highly recommend Bonine.  Take it once a day starting the day before you board the ship.  Supposed to be non-drowsy, but Tylenol makes me drowsy, so I take mine at night.  If we are tendering, I take an extra pill that morning.  I never feel the slightest bit queasy.  Also, if you decide to wait and see whether you actually do get seasick, green apples are awesome.  My 5 y/o grand would get queasy at dinner, and the apples helped him to quickly feel better.

Enjoy your cruise and don't stress too much.  

I have no idea if we get sea sick.  I am a drinker though so didn’t want to take something before and mix. Might give my kids this though!  Do you take it the whole time or just the first couple of days? We aren’t tendering so that’s good. I have been on pontoons, speedboats and ferries and have been fine. I’m so hoping  i will be fine on the cruise. This is my biggest worry 

39 minutes ago, Shaded Lady said:

If you have several people using the shower (especially females) the shelf in the shower stall is tiny... this last cruise I bought this item on Amazon for about $3... you can hang it on the handicapped rail in the shower and put your extra shampoos/conditioners/bath gel/scrubby in it... it was so handy!!! FYI if you search for 'Hanging Mesh Holder Clothespin Basket Bag Kitchen Bathroom Storage Organizer' you'll find it.

 

That’s an awesome idea! I am definitely bringing my shampoo and conditioner’

1 hour ago, TNcruising02 said:

I wake up several times a night and really like my battery-operated back-lit clock.  It's very small and I place it so that I can easily see it from the bed. I like to be able to see the time without reaching for my phone and take it on every cruise.

I've cruised many times and still use a lanyard, so you definitely won't be the only one.  I also bring sun screen, insect repellant, individually packaged hand sanitizer wipes, and a small cross body bag for port days.  I keep plenty of bills for tips that I use on port days when going on excursions.
 

Didn’t think of a clock!! Thank you!

Is why I keep coming back and harassing you all with questions 😂

Im starting to get my stuff together. I know there are always questions about suggesting things to bring that you might not think about!  I love those suggestions and would appreciate any you guys think of! I have poopurri ready!

Im bringing a little battery operated votives for light . I have to bring a fan so Think it will be battery. I have my towel holders, magnetic hooks and over the door hanger. I will also be that dumb vacationer with a lanyard lol. 

We we are still debating on Cheers.... but leaning toward it since we are drinkers.

We have never cruised. I’m bringing ginger pills . Are Seabands something i should consider?

I have all my plugs ready. I have a multi usb plug that will go in my converter... thanks to Cheng.  I am wondering though if the one i already have would work for my daughter? I’m not sure about the surge stuff. Here is a pic of it. 

4 hours ago, ontheweb said:

No, but you could try buying OBC. That worked for me on a similar Amex offer last year.

How would I go about doing that? I am a first timer.  I will call to see if I can do it....but if I can, do I just book obc and then use that to purchase the Cheers package?

1 minute ago, Sersee said:

Is it only for reservations? I am paid off but want to purchase the Cheers package. 

NM figured it out.. not available with Fun shops.. 

Is it only for reservations? I am paid off but want to purchase the Cheers package.