Sersee

41 minutes ago, chengkp75 said:

Since the pure USB isn't grounded anyway, it will work fine there, and your high wattage appliances like curlers and hair dryers are safer than with the "C" type.

Perfect.. so that has like 5 slots.. so phones and tablets could be charged there without any harm.

For my hair dryer, curling iron and C PAP ..I have one of those rubber 3 outlet and bring a plain old extension cord for the cPAP.. that should be ok correct?

1 minute ago, chengkp75 said:

Yes, the metal band in the middle of the plug engages the two spring tabs in the outlet to provide grounding.

Perfect... Thank you very much!  You learn something new everyday! This would be fine to plug the pure usb  into.. 

38 minutes ago, chengkp75 said:

I can't read the print on the back of the Tessan unit, so I can't say whether it is surge protected or not, but I usually don't recommend converting a 3 prong US device to the "C" type Euro plug, as this is only two prong (no safety ground).  The better choice for a plug adapter is the "Schuko" or "E/F" type that engages the outlet's ground connection.

 

The second device you show is a "pure" USB, and since it has only a two prong plug it cannot be surge protected, and typically all lines let these onboard.

Is this the one you are talking about? It says : 

Ceptics Schuko, Germany, France, Russia Travel Adapter Plug Type E/F (3 Pack)

15 minutes ago, Sabalon said:

 

Yes.  We didn't do any sign up ahead of time.  We just went to the club o2 and talked to the people working there and explained the situation.    

 

Even if it doesn't work out - when mine with the Circle C, she LOVED it.  She would get up and want to go straight there, wanted to eat with her friends, hang out with the core group having pizza and ice cream on Lido at all hours.   (Oddly enough, dad just happened to keep "randomly" passing by where they were, getting a drink, etc.)   She even went to the dance event they had - this is someone who avoided every school dance she could!

 

Good luck!

 

BTW - Oct 11th is the actual bday and the other is Feb.

HA so weird.... one day ahead of my son and my 17 year old is also feb.

21 minutes ago, jbethel11 said:

Here is a huge tip: SIGN YOUR TEENS UP FOR THE TEENS CLUB ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOU GET ON BOARD. Sorry to have it in all caps, but it is soooo important!

I did it on my online check in... should I wait to get on board to do it?

Thank you ALL for your replies .. It was extremely helpful. Im still trying to figure out my electronic situation. I am hoping to use the converter above and use it as chengkp75 described. I was going to buy the multi usb hub so we can charge all of our tablets, phones, etc.  We have connecting cabins and there are six of us.  Then maybe a simple extension cord for each room. We can use it for the CPAP and then during the day anything that might be needed. My kindle uses a usb or a plug. 

Are there any issues with bring a Ninetendo Switch on board?  Not that it will be used on ship much but my son brings it on the plane to play so we will have it . Also I am also assuming no problems for a portable charger?

Thanks for explaining the texting. So everyone in my groups needs to download the HUB app and then we can pay through the app when we get on board?

Sea sick wise. ... I forgot to ask about the ginger capsules so glad people kept mentioning them. I heard good things so I think we all will take those prophylactically since it won't make us tired. I normally don't get motion sickness and  can be on my phone in the car for long trips. I was on speed boats when I was younger a lot and never bothered me.  I do get a little woozy with heights. Everyone else in my family seems ok. But my son can't ride roller coasters. But I don't know if it's more just a fear of them.  I will bring all the meds just in case but hold off and see how we do. 

14 minutes ago, jbethel11 said:

Yes, but I am sure under certain conditions they would allow. I wouldn't want to be with my younger brother after I met a few friends, maybe your children can relate.

Exactly.. It's just the initial nervousness and being more so for my daughter. My son doesn't care but he said if he can he will go with her. Then I am sure they will go their separate ways lol. 

1 hour ago, five. said:

Here are two threads that might be useful:

Also, here is why you don't use surge protectors at sea.

 

And a tip that I use when searching for articles is to use google and limit to either:

site:boards.cruisecritic.com (forums) or site:cruisecritic.com/reviews/ (reviews)

 

Here is what I used to find the link to the one that I posed.

Thank you ! Super helpful and tips on how to search! 

5 hours ago, chengkp75 said:

A plug adapter (device simply changes the shape of the outlet blades and holes) works well for a pure USB multi-hub (one that does not have a power outlet on it), as virtually every USB charger accepts 100-240 volts and can be used in the European outlet, and this frees up the US outlet for things like hair dryers, etc.

 

Be very careful when selecting a combination USB device (one that has USB ports and power outlets in the same device), as most of these are surge protected, even when they say they aren't.  For sure, the "Cruise On" "cruise approved" device (oval shaped, white device with power outlets and USB) claims to be non-surge protected, but their own photos of the back shows that it has a "VPN" of 800 volts.  VPN is a measure of surge protection.  Look for VPN or "clamping voltage" on the device, and if it is there, the device is surge protected.

Interesting.  That is what I am afraid of that they will be confiscated because they are surge protected even though it doesn't say it is.

So maybe I can get a plug adapter and the pure usb for the European plug  and then a straight extension cord for other things?  I had one in mind but it is a combo usb.   So maybe like this?:

15 hours ago, robIsCruising said:

Suggest taking a simple extension cord with a few plugs on the end as a fail safe if your main solution is confiscated. We took one and also had a non surge protected power strip that was confiscated. Briefly tried to show that it was labeled as not having surge protection but security was not interested in discussing. 

 

Also had a usb hub to plug in the extension cord. Worked fine. 

Good Idea. I have to take one anyway for the CPAP.

15 hours ago, Sabalon said:

Club O2

Last trip my oldest was 14. She'd wake up an abandon us for Circle C. This time she's 17 and the younger on is 14 (15 in October) We signed them up for Club O2. Youngest wanted to stay with her sister (they are close). They said she was close enough and let her in O2. 10 minutes after explaining they wanted to stick together, the oldest shows up standing next to me watching the band, abandoning her sister. Go figure.

Thank You!  I guess we can just try. I am assuming you went to Club 02 to check? I signed them each up for their clubs but they want to stick together( well at least for now. lol)  They seem to think they need each other until they meet people.  But Your kids are the EXACT same as mine. My oldest is 17 and my youngest is 14 turning 15 in October. When I signed them up on the hub... I couldn't put my 14 year old in Club o2.

1)Ok so I have tried searching for this because I know it gets asked ALL the time, but the search function isn't working well for me . I can't locate the thread that had suggestions.  I am asking the dreaded non surge protected strip I can bring.   Someone had a round one that they said made it on the ship. It had plugs and usb.  I would love to see what you guys bring with a link to it!

2) Also I will be on the Breeze...do you do anything with the European plug side to have more outlets( like an adapter)?

3)My husband has the CPAP. How long should the extension cord be that I bring? I know to pack it with his CPAP. Just a simple non surge protected extension cord?  Is the desk across the room? How do you not trip over it at night?

4) So everyone in party should download the hub app and put our reservation in... do I pay $5 for the texting portion for each member or per reservation?

5) How long does it take to normally get off the ship if you have your own luggage?  Im not in a rush , I was just wondering how much time I had to explore the area before the airport.

6) First cruise so don't know if any of us will be seasick. Was told to take Bonine days before cruise.  But for those of us that drink , do we just wait and see how we do? I am planning on the seabands. They also sell all natural patches for behind the ear on Amazon...anyone have good luck with those? I know that the prescription patches and dramamine don't do well with alcohol.

7)Is it really hard to get a lounger by the pool? Do people get up early to save their chairs? 

8) how strict are the age limits in the kids clubs. I have a 17 year old and a 14 year old. He will be three months shy of 15 when we go on the cruise. My son wanted to stick with my daughter who will be at Club o2 since they are both kind of shy. 

9) Im tempted to buy the social media package because I have someone watching my house and animals so I can use messenger. Does it work pretty well? 

10) Last.. I am psyched John Wick 3 will be the midnight movie!! LOL

Oh i wish that would be the July movie list.. not imax though since I will be on the Breeze

1 hour ago, SNJCruisers said:

They can be used to pay for everything.  Deposit, balance, gratuities, Cheers, specialty restaurants, excursions, pictures, etc.

  I knew balance and other things. My final is due before I could get the gift cards, but I sure could get them to pay for the Cheers program. I don't have to purchase that until 3 days before leaving correct? That makes me feel even happier about the Cheers program being able to save an extra 10%.  This girl is buying the Cheers lol. 

My husband was going back and forth trying to see if it was worth it. He was asking me what I might drink. He had read you need to drink 5 drinks to make it worth it and asked me if I would drink that. Um ? Hello? Do you not know me? On the weekends he and I can have at least 4 just sitting watching tv and hello mimosas!  I think I will make it worth my while lol

Ok ... sooo with the Dive in movies, do you have to get a seat ahead of time( I dont want to watch from the pool). Im a first timer so I think it would be fun to grab some blankets, drinks , snacks and watch a movie under the stars!!

Well I just learned something so thank you! I had read you can NOT use carnival gift cards to purchase Cheers! But reading here, I guess you can. That helps me out a lot!

I have a question as well ( first time cruiser).. Do they differ on each ship or all the same?  Also, Im cruising end of July, do the movies change a lot from month to month? Wouldn't mind seeing Captain Marvel! hahah. Ok so I had two questions..

We will be flying in two days early for our cruise out of Port Canaveral. 

Our flight doesn’t land until 12:35am. We have six people.

I have points that I am using for a night at Homewood Suites.

So I’m trying to figure out how to get everywhere. I don’t think renting an suv would fit us. It would need to be a minivan. But it’s actually cheaper to get a limo.  

I waa was thinking of after landing , going to Hyatt Place Orlando Airport(is this hotel ok?) and then getting picked up( by limo ) the next morning to go to Homewood Suites . Then we might Uber to Kennedy for the day and then take the shuttle to our cruise the next day.

I still have to figure out how to get from  cruise to airport on way home?  Go port canavaral transportation?

Is there an easier way that I am missing? 

Thank you so much. Im looking to long at this so my brain is shutting down on it lol

1 hour ago, JohninDC said:

Six plus bags will likely not for into an UberXL - usually a larger SUV or minivan that seats 7 counting the driver. You definitely will not fit if anyone packs like my wife! 

 

Listen to the CAPT and rent a van or pay a bit more to shuttle.

I didn’t think of fitting the bags. I was going to rent a large suv . Although i had an armada and we did fit all of our bags in it to go to the airport.   Hmmm.  Is there a shuttle that takes you from MCO to hotel at the port?  I can pay for a shuttle on the way back to the airport 

1 hour ago, Capt_BJ said:

Im trying to find the easiest way to get back and forth.

 

hmmmmm ... what's YOUR metric for EASIEST?

 

I thought you were looking at cost ...... NO?

 

IMO EASIEST means call a limo company and have a car waiting for me on either end .... the guy in the black suit with a sign that says "NAME"

 

it ain't the least expensive but there is NO CONFUSION ... he carries the bags .... the car is huge .... no worry about when it leaves or how many others it picks up (shuttle)

 

 

what's not to like?

Hmmm I may have to look into this😂😂 We did a limo when we went to Vegas because it wasn’t that much different then other options

Well it will be more than that. I’m thinking of renting a car to Canaveral and returning it the next morning before getting on The cruise. I think people told me that the rental car place will drop us off at the port( will have to check that). Then when I get back... was going to use go port canaveral back to airport. That would be about $85. 

Im trying to find the easiest way to get back and forth.

ok will do!

I have more questions.   This is about where to stay and transportation pre and post cruise.  I will be flying into MCO the day before.  I have enough points for one free night at Homewood Suites near Cape Canaveral. But how do I get there from the airport?  We have six people with the youngest being 14 , so if I ubered( which we don't like), I would need the XL one. I thought about renting a car which is still on the table since it might be my cheapest option at about $120. I know about Go Port Canaveral which is what I might use on the way back to the airport.  But I wanted to use my points and the package is $535 if I don't use points.

What do you guys do? 

2 hours ago, kaylahszoo said:

I went to buy AARP gift cards last night & they are the physical cards now.  Last September they were e-cards.  Am out of luck this time.  10 business days minimum  for shipping.  Just got done saving $$ for it and final payment is May 14. Don't want to chance them not getting here on time.  Now I have to save up another $500 Lesson learned....

That's what I was afraid of. My final payment is the 13th so it's to late for me as well

1 hour ago, Crazy4Camping said:

I didn't read word-for-word every response but I will answer what I can.  We just went on our first cruise in February and I researched like crazy a well.  Main points:

You've already prepaid gratuities.  Don't sweat extra, it won't make any difference.  

 

Laundry-you need quarters-bring some with you or you will be waiting in guest services line to buy some.

 

Excursions-if you want fun without breaking the bank, we did the Kon-Tiki boat in St. Thomas and had fun.  Unlimited rum punch, a great band, dancing and plenty of beach time.  I haven't been to the other ports, so I can't comment on those.

 

Formal night-as long as you have pants on, I think everything is a go.  Guys at our table wore Hawaiian shirts every night and no one blinked an eye.

 

Take lots of pictures!  You will be hounded by photographers all over the ship and when you get on/off at ports.  If you don't want to pay a ridiculous amount for the pictures they take, then make your own memories.  One thing to note thought, we did buy just  3 of the photos specifically because then we got a couple freebies-we were able to come home, sign on to Shutterfly and use codes they gave us for a free photo album and a luggage tag using our own pics.  The album was really a nice touch cause we will always have that from our first cruise.

 

Cheers-definitely do this.  With over 21s going with you, they will drink and now you don't have to worry about it.  Because it includes specialty coffees, soda, energy drinks, etc. it's worth it.  I'm so glad we did it since I didn't realize until a few weeks before we sailed that no pop or perrier or anything is included, that's all extra.  

 

Something you may not have thought of:  

Carnival gift cards.  Go onto the AARP rewards for good site(no you don't need to be a member)and earn points then buy the cards at 10% off.  It may not seem like much, but I paid for the whole cruise this way and our $3k cruise was $300 off using those cards.  

 

Ship temperature-if anyone in your group "runs cold", they may want a sweater or light jacket when they are on the ship.  The open areas of the ship are plenty warm in the Caribbean but they have the AC up so high inside the ship that I was shivering much of the week we sailed! 

 

Have fun!!

Thank you for the great info! I did know about the Aaro gc. Question: Do you receive them in email? How quickly? My final payment is coming up so was wondering 

10 hours ago, TomCruise48 said:

DW sailed on the Breeze earlier this year, and was able to use magnet hooks on the wall.

 

Make sure you tell your waiter about food allergies.  We once were assigned to a table with a lady who had food allergies, and the waiter brought her a 3-ring notebook containing menus each night so that she could pre-order for the next night.

Ohh that’s really good to hear. I heard Carnival was good with allergies!

10 hours ago, Stacie. said:

Oops! Double post! 

It deserved to double lost! 😂Thank you so much. I loved your reply and it was very informative!!! I feel like I kind of know what to do at the ports now!

10 hours ago, coevan said:

 

 

 

No you won't, 15 cruises, never took a Carnival excursion. My son was a Captain in St.Thomas and took cruise passengers snorkeling. His company was contracted with RCCL anf the trip was $75 through the cruise line. If you did some research and found his tour privately "Top Sails" you would pay only $55. The point I am making is the tour operators wear many hats and they do private and contracted tours. This is all they do year round sometimes 6 days a week, twice a day. They all have watches and cell phones. You will not miss the ship.

Thank you! I didn’t know that. That makes me feel better.