Sersee

33 minutes ago, chengkp75 said:

All of the walls in the cabins, on all ships are metal.  It is just that they are covered in a vinyl coating (like an industrial wallpaper), and some of that is so thick it requires a really strong magnet to hold.  Also, some of them are aluminum.

Do you happen to know about the Breeze?  I have read many suggestions about these magnetic hooks from Amazon that people like. They say it can hold up heavy purses.  I could use command hooks too I suppose. 

1 hour ago, pyropoodle said:

I have only read this far in the thread, so someone else might have mentioned it...for the Soda drink package, unless your kids just drink a ton of soda, this might be something you want to skip on.   you can bring a 12 pack of soda per person on board.  I'm not a soda drinker, but I think like one or 2 sodas a day is a lot.   you might put that money toward an excursion.  but if you drink a lot of soda, then you should get the soda package.  just putting that out there for you.

Hmm I didn't think of this. My teens are allowed soda on vacation and they love it. But I do remember the soda package does not include water bottles. I had it in my head that it does.  So maybe it would be better to bring soda. I guess they could bring cups to pour it in.  Question: we are going out of Port Canaveral. We are flying in. Is there anywhere to get this stuff easily enough near the port? 

11 hours ago, Cruzer1102 said:

Bring pants! 🙂 My FIL was turned away from formal night when he was wearing nicer dress shorts and a collared shirt. I swear he almost swam back home he was so mad. (We told him wearing pants one night wouldn't kill him but he wouldn't listen). That was on the IL's first cruise in 2015. They have since taken 3 more but that interaction has completely soured him/them on the MDR. 

Haha.. Oh my gosh...the picture I have in my mind of him swimming back. I can see my husband being that mad LOL

9 hours ago, CChamp said:

My wife and I always get the Cheers package. We seldom "break even" but as someone else mentioned above for us it the "convenience". What I mean is between all the bars they make a lot of different drinks. Sometimes on the menu's something looks good but if I had to pay for it, I probably wouldn't take the chance of not liking it therefor wasting my money. With Cheers we are not afraid to order different drinks and have found some that we like that we probably wouldn't have tried otherwise. Also, don't forget that with Cheers you also get Coffee's, Milkshakes, Water and a few other things. 

 

You are going on vacation to have a good time. I say YES to the Cheers package.

Ohhh I didn't think of milkshakes.  You are right about the convenience. It's why I love all inclusive. We get the Disney Dining Plan for this purpose. So I guess it's sort of the same thing. Thanks for making me think that way!

5 hours ago, chengkp75 said:

If the multi-outlet device you mention from Amazon is the "Cruise On" device, please do not bring that.  Despite it's advertising that it is "cruise compatible" and "non-surge protected", it is in fact surge protected and therefore dangerous to use on a ship.  If you look at one of the photos, of the back of the unit, you will see "VPR=800 volts".  VPR is voltage protection rating, and is a measure of surge protection.

 It was. Thank you! I won't buy that one. I think this is the biggest confusion I have. We definitely have to bring an extension cord for the CPAP. I also want to bring a fan . We were thinking of those hooks that a magnetic? Although I know that some walls aren't metal on some ships. I was hoping they were on the breeze. We were going to try and use them for the extension cord or hide it somehow so people don't trip. Although I am not sure how this will work since the CPAP will be on one side and the fan on my side. But sometimes extension cords only have two slots for plugs. Is there a multi plug that can be used ? 

1 hour ago, louanne93 said:

I don't have anything to add, just wanted to say I love how organized your post is! Cudos to you for doing your research and asking questions! I am a research kind of person and love how much time you are investing in your trip! You will love cruising!

Oh thank you! I research the poop out of things. I can't help myself. I like to know what to expect and what I am doing. That way I can completely relax on vacation lol

28 minutes ago, JaniceB said:

Do they have blow dryers you can use in the fitness/spa area?

I didn't think of the fitness area. Someone else mentioned that to me awhile ago. I know you can  use the exercise equipment as well.  But the rest of the spa is $$ correct? I am bringing my own hair dryer since those little wall ones eat my hair lol 

13 minutes ago, 2wheelin said:

One thing I have not seen mentioned is that the fitness/spa area has free shower area. Very handy if you have more than two people in a cabin getting ready for dinner. Showers are larger and you can also dry hair there.

In San Juan, look up Barrachina on Fortaleza street (where the umbrellas are). It is the birthplace of the pina colada and you can even get them to go.

I would guess your only problem with noise may be that many young people annoying the neighbors. This is said with tongue in cheek but do remind them how well voices carry and doors should not bang shut.

Your dining room attire sounds just fine. Do go to the Alchemy Bar if you like trying different things. They will make drinks even they can’t repeat..Lol

I will definitely check that out. I think Alchemy sounds fun and definitely want to try it. 

Ha well my kids are 17 and 14 and they mostly sleep😂 so they shouldn’t be to loud.

1 hour ago, cloudninecat said:

I didn't see anyone answer this yet. My daughters and their friends did the dolphin swim and loved every minute of it and they were 16 & 20.  They got to spend quite a lot of time with the dolphins even though they went in a big group. If you want to go along to watch you have to purchase a day pass to the park. They also don't let you take photos so if you want photos you have to purchase one of their packages. You do have time after the swim to explore the other exhibits at the park. They had the usual birds that eat out of your hand, iguanas, sea lions, sting rays, etc. It was a small park, but nice. We wouldn't go just for the park though.  

Thank you! That’s good to know about the photos. It look exactly what my daughter wants to do! That was Amber Cove right?

1 hour ago, robc1972 said:

If you want to swim with the sea lions look for it from an outside tour, they take you to the same place.

People scared me from this because they say I could get left behind . I figure we wouldn’t begone the whole day? Can you suggest someone to use? Viator?

1 hour ago, dmdiver said:

I think everyone pretty much hit most of the answers I would have given.  I am surprised no one mentioned Topher & Calypso at Jack's Shack.  If you are a dog lover, you will enjoy them.  There are also some other dogs, but I don't know their names.  They may be strays.

 

In St Thomas, we have gone snorkeling through Carnival & we've also just grabbed a taxi to Magen's Bay.  Puerto Rico, we usually just walk around.  The first time, we took a walking tour, which was interesting since we got a little bit of history.  

 

Even though Carnival doesn't consistently enforce their elegant night dress code, I would still have long pants for any males in your group.  Our neighbor didn't pack any once & we had to beg to get them to let him in.  It's kind of funny, though, because no one could tell he had on cargo shorts once he sat down, as the tablecloth blocked any view.  He had on a collared short sleeved shirt & looked fine.  

Ok will do. I will bring him some pants! I think he has one pair lol.  

9 minutes ago, purplephenom said:

 

If you're trying Alchemy the break even point will probably be a little less because those drinks are more expensive.  Another option, is to move people around for booking purposes (depending on your fare code, you'll have to see if you can adjust).  So one cabin gets cheers and the other one doesn't.  Once youre on board switching back is no big deal.  Some people book that way, so i really don't know if you can switch after booking but couldn't hurt to find out.  

4

We definitely wanted to try it!  The way I have it set up is we have two over 21 year olds in each room and each room has one under. All four of us are drinkers. My daughter and her bf are paying for their own package. 

9 minutes ago, purplephenom said:

Don't skip dinner due to dress code.  Skip if you're tired or not feeling it or want to eat elsewhere or whatever.  But the dress code really isn't enforced much, and you don't sound like you're planning to show up in whatever you wore to the beach 🙂

 

Haha .. no I definitely won't do that .

13 minutes ago, Organized Chaos said:

 

Cheers - Many people buy Cheers for the convenience. They don't worry about drinking enough to equal the cost of the package, but instead like the convenience of not having to pay as you go and wonder what the drink bill will be at the end. Whether or not you drink enough equal to the daily price of the package depends on the drink. Obviously it'll take fewer higher priced cocktails to reach the daily cost of Cheers. If you're drinking beer that cost ~$6, it'd take 8-9 of those. None of this factors in the 18% automatic gratuity. If you're big drinkers and you think you'll be drinking just about every day, and you can afford the package, I'd say go for it. Especially if you like the idea of not having to worry about a per-drink bill at the end of the cruise. Feel free to take your waters back to your cabin. Or you can buy a 12-pack of water for $4.50, either before your cruise from the online Fun Shops or when you get on board through room service.

 

I forgot we could buy water as well.  That would be helpful for the kids. We are going to definitely buy them the soda package but I didn't think that came with the water. I am already going to be buying a bottle of distilled anyway.  I do think it makes sense to buy it. When I was in Jamaica , we were at an AI and hung out at the pool all day. We all had 4 frozen rum drinks throughout the day and a few beers with lunch and dinner. I actually may be low in my estimate about how many frozen drinks we had lol. 

13 minutes ago, Organized Chaos said:

 

Outlets - A lot of people recommend (non-surge protected) power strips, but we prefer taking a long extension cord (9-10 ft.). And we also take one of those 3-way adapters. This gives us plenty of outlets to suit our needs, the extension cord isn't as bulky as a power strip, and with the extension cord, we have much more room to move something around than with a power strip. I take a portable fan, so I can put it right next to the bed or my wife can stretch it into the bathroom to air it out after a hot shower. She can also use the extension cord to use her curling/straightening iron in the bathroom when she wants better lighting. As has been said, the ships that do have an outlet in the bathrooms is low voltage and usually only good for an electric razor, not blow dryers and such. The cabins do have blow dryers in one of the drawers of the desk (not in the bathroom), but they're not always the greatest. They're similar to many wall-mounted hotel blow dryers. The portable charger in your carry-on won't be a problem. I also recommend carrying any of these extension cords, power strips, whatever you might bring in your carry-on. Terminal security are employed by the port, not Carnival, and they occasionally aren't familiar with items Carnival allows or doesn't allow. If you have these things in your carry-on, and they question them, you can point out that they're allowed (especially if you print out the FAQ page from Carnival's website). Otherwise, if it's in your checked luggage and gets confiscated, you won't know until you get to your cabin and get the letter.

1

The 3-way adaptor sounds like a good idea. We will have three per room so that should be enough to charge everything. I am definitely bringing a fan for sure. Good idea airing out the bathroom with it!  I'm going to have to bring an extension cord anyway for the CPAP . Another great idea printing out the FAQ page and putting them in my carry on. 

13 minutes ago, Organized Chaos said:

 

S&S account - When you reach the 90-day mark from your cruise, you'll be able to complete the online check-in process when you log in to your account. You'll set up your S&S payment methods at that point. Or, if you'd rather wait until you're on board, you would choose the "cash" option on your account. Everyone has the ability to set up their S&S to their own credit card, if that's the method y'all will be using. Then you'll link your son to your credit card. If you're managing everyone's booking on your Carnival account, you can do all of this. Otherwise, one person from each booking would have to do it from their own accounts. The arcade uses the S&S cards (swipe them on each game like a credit card). I don't know for sure, but I'm assuming the laundry rooms on the Breeze also use the S&S cards.

 

Good to know! I manage all the bookings so that should be easy enough.

13 minutes ago, Organized Chaos said:

 

Gratuities - Technically, once you've pre-paid gratuities, you don't have to worry about it anymore if you don't want to tip extra. Gratuities on drinks is added automatically, either through Cheers or if you buy them individually. Room Service is not included in the pre-pad grats pool. I think the average is $1/plate when you order room service, but it's up to you.

 

Food allergies - I'd start by contacting the special needs dept. to have it noted on your booking. You can also go to the MDR on embarkation day, or ask your waiter that night, to confirm. I don't know if dietary restrictions are listed anywhere. Possibly on the menus. Yes, you can bring store-bought, pre-packaged/unopened snacks on board. You can also bring one bottle of wine per drinking-aged adult and up to 12 cans of soda per person.

 

MDR attire - Elegant nights aren't as formal as they used to be years ago. What you described would be fine. I don't think your son's cargos will be a problem, they just can't be shorts on elegant night. Nice pants and tops at a minimum for elegant night. Here's more info. on MDR attire: https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1093/~/what-to-wear

 

Ports - Grant Turk: Jack's Shack is to the left, farther up the beach (north) from Margaritaville. To the right of the pier, there will be a smaller area with some lounge chairs under palm trees. This area was always much less crowded when we've been there. We always snorkel on our own at Grand Turk. We go to the right (south). It it kind of rocky closest to short (big rocks you have to walk over) but it clears just a bit farther out. Last year, we walked to the southern point to snorkel. It's not far, you can still see the ship. Hardly anyone there, we don't like the crowded places. I've also heard that Governor's Beach, which is to the north (left) right by the big shipwreck you'll see when you pull into port, is a good place to find sea glass (pieces of glass that have been worn down smooth from waves). We want to have a look around there when we'll be there next March.

 

 

Amber Cove - We were there last summer. We took a taxi ($30 for 4 of us each way) to the cable car that goes to the top of Mt. Isabel. The cable car is $10/person. It's about 15-20 minutes from port. At the top, there's a smaller version of the Christ the Redeemer statute that's in Brazil. And there are walking paths that you can take around a large garden and forest area. We loved it. If you want to do anything here, besides stay at the port, you'll have to do an excursion or take a taxi. There are signs posted in the loading area with taxi prices for all of the most popular places to go. The port area is very nice. All the usual port stores, plus a huge pool with food & drinks. There's also one water slide (free) and a zip line that goes directly over the pool area (last year it was $20 for unlimited runs).

 

St. Thomas - We took a taxi to Sapphire Beach. Do some research, there are a few beaches people like to go to in St. Thomas, but all require a taxi ride.

 

San Juan - You can pretty much walk everywhere here, but they do have free trolleys that go around and stop at certain places, including near the port. Google San Juan trolley for more info. about those. We toured the two forts ($7/person gets you into both forts, just show your receipt at the next one). Grabbed the trolley outside of one, took it to the other, then walked back to port.

 

These are the ports we did last year. FYI St. Thomas and San Juan are U.S. territories, so most cell phone carriers offer service in those two places without any special plan. Just like you were back home. Yes, you can use cash at all these places. Some will accept credit cards, but not all. Don't forget to notify your credit card company you'll be traveling so they don't think it's being charged fraudulently.

 

If I repeated any previous answers, I'm sorry. I just started typing and didn't stop. LOL If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. There's always someone here happy to answer.

8

Thank you for the port ideas as well. Your Grand Turk suggestions are just what iI am looking for. I am not a crowded area person either and the videos I watch in with all those chairs all packed in gave me anxiety lol.  Do you bring a big blanket to sit on when you walk to the other areas. I think I may want to check out both sides. Sea glass would be awesome to find and bring home. 

2 minutes ago, purplephenom said:

You said you weren't sure about St Thomas, I highly highly recommend swimming with the sea lions.  It's expensive, but you get a LOT of water time, more than any dolphin excursion I've seen.  And the picture prices weren't awful, and you get a ton of pictures, both candid and posed.  The sea lion girls (their name for themselves, not mine) seem to really love their job and love the sea lions- and when one sea lion has had enough, they will switch him out in the middle of the excursion.   We only had 5 people in our excursion group so it was really a great experience- and I didn't even want to do this excursion in the first place. 

1

Oh I wanted to do this one. This was the only excursion out of everyone I saw that I wanted to do. I love sea lions. But it sold out 😞 

2 minutes ago, purplephenom said:

 

Cheers- it sounds like you'll break even, so for you I'd suggest it.  Even on port days, you're not going to be off the ship all day long. And if you are a drink short on port days of breaking even, you can easily make up for it on sea days.  Yes you can take the water to save for later. The only thing is if one 21 in a room buys it, everyone will need to- so hopefully it is a good deal for everyone.  

2

That's what we are trying to figure out. My daughter isn't a beer drinking and only drinks cocktails. When we all went to Jamaica, we always had a frozen rum drink in our hand. So I know she will want to drink those kinds of drinks. My daughter's boyfriend is definitey a drinker as well.  We wanted to try Alchemy as well. My daughter and I are dying to get either bellini's or mimosas in the morning just to do it lol.  I think it sounds like it would work for us. We were just iffy since it is expensive. 

2 minutes ago, purplephenom said:

 

Dinner- dress code is a touchy subject on this board mainly because Carnival has a dress code they sporadically (rarely?) enforce.  Take a look at the dress code, and assume whatever you wear, there will be people dressed nicer than you and people dressed more casually than you.  I think you said it's your first cruise- there are a lot of photo backdrops set up so its a nice way to get a family picture together if that appeals.  And you're not required to stay dressed up (whatever amount of dressing up you do) after dinner.  I think what you have listed meets the dress code FWIW

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh I didn't know it was a touchy subject! Thank you though, I appreciate the insight and that I will be up to dress code! I guess I could always skip it as well although I heard dinner is good on elegant nights

Thank you so much for your responses.  Thank JennyB for that calculator. That is very helpful to try and figure it out. 

I was confused with the sail cards because of online check-in. It's asking me to put in a credit card. I stopped at that point and skipped it. But I went back in after reading your responses, I went further and see that I can add who is allowed on my card. So thank you!   

I also had no idea I couldn't dry my hair in the bathroom. Haha that should be interesting with 3 girls. But thats why we have connecting rooms. 

For the  Elegant nights.. I don't wear dresses at all so was worried about it. But if I wear a pair of  nicer capris with a top and nicer heeled sandals, hopefully I will be ok. I have seen so  many different answers on this. I will just bring a pair of dockers for my son and a polo. I just didn't want to be completely out of place if people are ball/prom/homecoming/etc. fancy. 

So if I have the drink packages( soda one for the kids), there shouldn't be to much else on ship that I will spend money on correct besides casino, spa and excursions?

PR will be great just walking around since I hear Old San Juan is beautiful.  Wow about Grand Turk. I  definitely want to get away from that crowded Margaritaville area.  I will look into Trunk Bay !!

Hi Guys... So I know you get these posts every day. I tried to do as much research as I could but on some, I keep finding conflicting info. I do have a few questions and bear with me if they are dumb lol.

I am going on the Breeze and have connecting cabins. Our Cabin is on deck 11 which I am a little nervous about. It says mid ship but looks kind of forward. We are first time cruisers so have no idea if we get sea sick. I am definitely bringing all the meds just in case. Im hoping it isn't super noisy either .   We have four over 21-year-olds and 2 teens. Our itinerary ( 7 days)  has us stopping in four ports.  So here goes...

-The Cheers Package: I know you get a lot of questions on if it's worth it. This is another one of those. We are definitely drinkers. I read that you need 5 drinks to break even.  If we do a few beers, lots of bottled water, some soda, frozen rum drinks, and more beer.. it seems like it would work for us? But my concern is the port days. Although we don't have any excursions booked, I know we will get off the ship for a bit. I guess I don't want to be worrying about trying to make the Cheers Package worth it.  What do you guys think? Do you rest easier (if you buy the cheers package) and don't have to worry about it?   Can I get an alcoholic drink and water at the same time? Is it wrong to take the water back and put in the fridge for port days? 

-The Outlets: I am so confused about this. I keep reading different things. Can I bring a non-surge extra outlet plug-in? I know that there is a Cruise recommended one on Amazon? My husband has a CPAP  so we are going to bring an extension cord and keep our fingers crossed. I know it has to be non-surge protected.  Having a portable charger in my carryon isn't a problem correct?   I read that the outlet in the bathroom isn't super strong, but would it be ok for a dryer or curling iron?

-Sail Card Accounts:  I'm confused about this as well. Does every person need to be linked to a credit card?  Can different people be linked to different credit cards? Is it by room? For example, my daughter's boyfriend would have his own credit card. My son is also staying in that room. He( my son)  is young so I would want him linked on my credit card. Do the Laundry and arcade use this card or take change/dollars?

-Gratuities:  We prepaid them. So I should be good for most things on board? If I get extra special service, I know I can tip more. But I have read some people still give their stewards a couple of bucks? Does the steward get tips from the prepaid gratuities?  Is Room Service part of the prepaid gratuities and is it not included in cruise price anymore?

-Food Allergies: My son has food allergies. It is noted as "other" on our reservation. Should I email special needs at Carnival? Wait until I get on the ship to ask? Do they have lists of their restaurants that show if it's dairy free, gluten free, etc?  Can I bring snacks in my luggage?

-Dinner:  How Elegant is elegant? Could I wear a nice pair of capris with a top? Could men wear dockers and a polo shirt? Can my son wear cargos and a shirt? Getting him to dress up would be getting him out of his b-ball shorts and t-shirts lol.

-Excursions: We are going to Grand Turk, Amber Cove, St. Thomas and Puerto Rico.  We are not set if we want excursions ro not. They are pricey so we may do just one.  I know in Grand Turk there are the free chairs to the left of the pier and Margaritaville. If we head to the right, is that where Jacks Shack is?   Can we get food, drinks, and chairs(rent)  there?  I read it was rocky but just at the beginning? That would be a good place to snorkel?  Amber Cove is where my daughter wants to swim with the dolphins. Has anyone done this? St. Thomas, I am not sure what to really do? We aren't divers or thrill seekers at all. Puerto Rico we are planning to just walk around which is what I imagine most people do.  Can we use good ole cash to pay for drinks, food, souvenirs at all these ports?

Thank you so much and I am sorry for so many questions!!

On 3/17/2019 at 1:31 AM, Doug910 said:

Then you should be fine. These ships are kept shiny and clean. People have different interpretations for "party". If someone is talking about a bunch of people standing around a bar with drinks in their hands, laughing, then that's going to happen on all ships. Happens on Royal, Carnival up to the high end lines like Cunard, Seabourn and Azumara.  If the ship is "hopping", you see people having a good time, singing and drinking in the piano bars. That's really the extent of the parties.

That makes sense.... thank you. We are drinkers , so I am fine with hanging out at the bars and having a good time. I think I pictured it as more of a rowdy college spring breaker cruise. 

22 minutes ago, jsglow said:

You do know that Breeze and Magic are literal clones?  The difference is so slight as to be not worth really considering when compared to price, ports or airline access (MCO vs. FLL/MIA).

I do... but I know they are decorated differently . But I also was trying to figure out itinerary. I didn’t even think about ports. I know pc is about an hour from the airport sonIness going to see about a hotel /transfer package in pc. FLL, I have no clue.

18 minutes ago, 3smithboys said:

I have kids pretty close to your age 20, 16, 16 and they prefer Carnival over Royal. We will be sailing on the Breeze this summer for my son’s 21st birthday and our anniversary, and we can’t wait! We’ve been to Disney a lot with them, and like you, enjoy staying in nicer places. We’ve sailed on Disney twice as well and loved those cruises! If you had younger children, I’d suggest you possibly go with Disney. They are amazing! However, at the ages your family is at now, they will have a fabulous time! The food is better on Carnival then Royal in our opinion, too. They have better lunch options with a Guys, Blue Iguana, pizza, pasta..... We will be sailing your exact Breeze itinerary in August! 

Thank you!  That is good to hear. The teens are a tough group. They are to old for kids clubs but don’t want to sit there and watch the adults drink.  I need a happy medium.  We go to Disney all the time because well it’s Disney. Recently we have been switching it up to Universal because of my teens who like it better. 

1 hour ago, Palmetto Pilot said:

Breeze hands down. Great decor, ship is in good shape. We are on the Magic last September in an ocean suite on deck 7, little or no AC, hot humid and the sewage smell was incredibly bad.   

Thank you! That doesn’t sound fun . I didn’t even think about Ac!  

1 hour ago, Kristi Williamson said:

We've  been on both and while they are sister ships, I preferred Breeze for some reason. We are returning to her in April, as a matter of fact. 🙂  

 

Also, we cruise RCCL (we are one cruise away from being Diamond here) and NCL, as well, and there's not two cents worth of difference in the cruise experience. RCCL does have nicer ships, but how long can you walk around ooohing and aaahing over a big ship? It turns out for us, not very long. We prefer the larger rooms on Carnival and their food has always been better on Carnival. Shows are substantially better on RCCL and NCL, but we only go to maybe 2 of those. For the price, Carnival and NCL beats RCCL all day, in our opinions. But, of course, everyone has one of those and YMMV.  

 

You'll have a great time. Happy Cruising. 

Thank you!!  That makes sense to me about the bigger ships. Do you think it feels less  crowded on The Breeze than the Magic? Is it the same? 

42 minutes ago, Joebucks said:

Sounds like you are an elitist with elitist friends. I can see the complaints right now of all of the ways you dislike Carnival. 

 

Royal offers a fantastic product too. If you like grand ships, they can't be beat. However, who actually uses all of the stuff it offers? Some do. Some just like the way certain things make them "feel". They are also usually higher on the price scale, and very limited on ports they can visit.

Nope not an elitist at all. I just don’t like run down or dirty. It’s pretty simple.  Some people just use hotels to lay their head. For me the resort is part of the vacation experience so I will get the nicest room in my price range. Since you don’t know me, I will explain to you that you would never hear me complaining . I just like to do my research before I go. 

I don’t know if people use all the stuff on the bigger ships... which is why I am asking about Carnival. I know Royal has a lot to do on their ships. Do people use all that stuff?  Does being on a bigger ship make you feel less like youbare in the middle of the ocean? One of my kids is a little nervous about going.

 As I have never been On a cruise , I have to go by what I hear from people. The majority of people have told me negative things about Carnival. They tell me it’s a discount cruise with mostly young adults partying and not very family friendly. So in my head I am picturing a spring break kind of atmosphere which I don’t want. I also don’t want to pick a ship with nothing to do for my teen kids.  I have also talked to a few that tell me they love Carnival and the food is better than Disney’s. I have been told if I go on a longer cruise with Carnival ... it is more families. 

I just wanted to see which ship would work best for my family. We have no idea what to expect. I don’t know what to expect at the ports either.  Excursions seem expensive so do you just choose one or two ? My husband wants to see the different places so he is looking forward to it and not be just  sitting on a beach at each port(Although Ineould be fine with that!) 

I should probably expand on my hotel snobbery. Motel 8 definitely not happening.  But I just Like shiny ,new and pretty. I like Renaissance and Marriots.  I like some Hilton’s. I’m a deluxe resort person at Disney. I will stay at a Hampton if it’s very clean.I think I am more about being updated and clean. I’m ok if the cruise is not dated  or dirty. I’m definitely looking  for a 7 night and not a party cruise 

 😂 Is it really that bad?  Pricewise since I’m so last minute... I’m not sure I have much choice. 

1 hour ago, dmdiver said:

I like Breeze better, as I think it's a prettier ship.  I also like the 4 port itinerary with no tender ports.  Of course, some people prefer more sea days, so there's that for the Magic itinerary.  Be sure to walk down the beach to Jack's Shack in Grand Turk.

I’m a resort snob and like new and pretty.  What is a tender port if you don’t mind?  My husband is more into the ports and seeing different places . I’m more into the ship. He won’t want to sit on a beach every port. 

I was just reading about Grand Turk! How far is Jacks Shack?  Do you got accosted by the locals at all the ports? I also have to consider my sons food allergy... which I heard Carnival is amazing. Disney is the tops for allergies but they are just to expensive

1 hour ago, brookeq said:

Both ships are pretty similar.  I think the breeze has the thrill theater and the magic doesn't.   We did the breeze a few years ago and enjoyed it.  We will be on the magic in 2 weeks so i will see how we like it.  

 

Normally I would choose the one with more island stops.  But for this cruise it depends if you would want to go to San Juan since its probably not a beach day for a cruise stop.   We walked to the forts but I know that doesn't interest everyone.  Another thing to consider is the time of year you are going.  Half Moon Cay is awesome but its the bahamas and not as warm as St. Thomas in the winter months.   

We will go at the end of July. I actually know someone in San Juan... so I would have my own personal tour guide lol

2 hours ago, hockeyluver said:

We have been on both  and  we liked the Breeze better,  not sure why  but we did LOL,    These friends that are telling you carnival isnt great and to only do Royal....  Have they cruised Carnival ?  I cant give my opinion as I have only ever done Carnival except for one NCL.  My sister and brother have done every cruise line (many times each),  and they say each is great in its own way.   They both agree Carnival has the better food.

 

AS for ports  they are all great !!   Again I would choose the Breeze itinerary.   I love San Juan and St. Thomas.  Check out the port of calls here on this board. Many great ideas. 

They have been before. They tell me Carnival is the “Walmart “ and Royal is the “Target”. They keep telling me how they are party cruises. So it made me nervous. I have never ever been so I have no idea! This is why I can’t here to you wonderful knowledgeable people

to help make me feel better😂

Hi!  This will be our very first cruise. We have my husband and I, 23, 21, 17 and a 14 year old.  My kids won't go to the "kids clubs" and will prefer the arcade , shows, eating and just hanging out. I am a hotel snob if it helps to recommend a ship lol.  People keep telling me that Carnival ships aren't great and I should go to Royal. But for the price, Carnival seems to work better and I also heard they had good food as well as awesome with food allergies . So I am ignoring all the naysayers.lol

Im down to the Carnival Magic and the Breeze. We will be getting two rooms. I am so clueless! I have no idea what to do at port! Magic  goes to half moon cay, grand turk and amber cove. Breeze goes to amber, st thomas, grand turk and san juan.

Which ship would you choose? Im ok with the ports, but again I don't know much. Any help would be appreciated!!

Do I not want to do Havana suite because its aft? I was always told mid ship for first cruise?