SunshineGal2022

Destroying the P+ package also diminishes the value of their FAS+ upgrade. If the Internet isn't working, and they haven't been hitting all the ports to enjoy the excursions, is THAT upgrade even worth it? 

NCL should read these complaints before they reach their spring break and summer cruises. 

30 minutes ago, Travelling2Some said:

My husband started pushing GE a couple of years ago and I didn't feel we needed it because we always arrive when airports are not crowded (kids are in school, basic weekday, etc.) and there is never a line anyway so why bother?  Then he said the magic word . . . FREE, lol. 

 

I don't know if they do this all the time but right after our application was processed the told us we could just stop by the next time we flew into JFK instead of keeping our scheduled interview appointment.  So we were even able to do the fingerprinting/interview very conveniently.

Yes, they do interviews on arrival still.  However, I think you need to be in the Customs area to do it and cannot do it if you fly domestically.  Miami and FLL both have interview stations and I would happily interview when I flew in for the port if I could. 

"Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) is CBP program that allows Global Entry applicants who are conditionally approved to complete their interviews upon arrival into the United States. The EoA program eliminates the need for a Global Entry applicant to schedule an interview at an enrollment center to complete the application process.

When landing in an international terminal follow the signage directing you to CBP officers who can complete your Global Entry interview during your admissibility inspection. If you require assistance for your Global Entry interview because of a disability, immediately inform the interviewing CBP officer of your need for a reasonable modification or auxiliary aid or service to participate in the interview. For your planning purposes, please understand that if you use EoA and are requesting a modification, aid, or service at that time and an effective modification, aid, or service is not readily available, the interview may be scheduled for a later date."

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/enrollment-arrival

I was also told (after enduring a 90 min wait on hold) that minors must have both parents present to interview, and you cannot enter the area to get to the interview room unless you had a flight and TSA cleared you. 

I have never been on Carnival. I would like to take my youngest children in 2024 on Celebration.  They will be 13 and 16.

There will be one other adult with me, so 4 people in one room. 

We LOVE board games.  The Family Harbor Lounge interests me because of this. I also love the thought of my children being able to head to the Family Harbor Lounge and go grab a quick breakfast or snack on their own, and for us to be able to grab a quick, convenient bite before excursions.   They wouldn't be far from us, and could make friends and hang out in the lounge and play video games. There are no balcony rooms in this category though, and no Family Harbor Suites are available on the Celebration cruises I was looking at in 2024. We would be in an Oceanview room.  Will this feel too cramped with 4 adult sized bodies?  I usually like balconies because it gives you a feeling of having a bit more breathing room.  (This room is $3800)

The Havana Cabana also interests me. We LOVE to swim, and having a quiet pool away from little ones is a good thing. I don't mind the walkway, as there are locks on the sliding doors.  The swing looks heavenly, as do the padded loungers near the pool.  (This room is $4800)

There is the regular balcony that is priced in between both, of course.  But if I must squish everyone into one room rather than two, I would rather enjoy a few perks with the room too. However, I like saving money, and we still must buy airfare to get to FL.  Also, the privacy of the balconies is nice, and the kids can sit outside without supervision at night.  (This option is $4200)

Which is the best room option for teens?  The idea was to have their first cruise on a high energy boat that was loaded with activities for them, but also have an amazing room experience they never forget.  I worry the Family Harbor floor will be noisy with little kids running around slamming doors. But they really would enjoy the Family Harbor Lounge. They would also enjoy the private Havana pool and the patio.  I don't drink much so having a bar down the pathway doesn't make a difference to me; I won't buy the alcohol package.

An Ocean Suite is $5280 and 2 Cove balconies is $5140.  I don't know what perks you get for Suite level on Carnival, or if that has a private pool too.  2 Cove balconies gives us the most room space but no extras. 

Thanks for any suggestions :)

Can you upgrade to a spa room for less than $758 ($379×2)? 

If yes, I would do that.  

You'd get guaranteed passes for both of you.

16 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Yep.  I've been asleep at the wheel on this one, but recently learned it is only $78 for five years.  Well worth it.  We have the fingerprint appointments the first week in January.

I am hoping the $78 is their new price and it's not just a 2022 special.

We have a local Staples that is a TSA fingerprinting place and always has appointments open.  The plan is to head there this week.  I heard it can take 2 months or so to process the paperwork (or as little as 2 days), so we want to give it plenty of time.

I wanted to get Global Entry instead but there are not appointments available until the end of next year, if I am lucky.  That's probably a sign I don't need that one.  

5 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

You need to upload a photo of each passenger to complete check in. 
 

Have multiple photos available, the system is picky. Photos that worked for our August cruise didn’t work for our October cruise. 
 

photos (face straight into the camera, no glasses, plain background (white wall) - basically a mug shot)

Does it matter if you smile or not?  

I know passport photos are no open smiles. 

36 minutes ago, zzdoug said:

On our upcoming cruise I am seeing a spa-access balcony (B9) priced $240 pp above a basic balcony (BD). Is there any difference between a spa-access balcony and (another balcony room + spa pass)? If the spa pass cost more than $240, or whatever that difference is for your room, why not just upgrade the room?

I have learned from this board that the Thermal Spa pass price varies from ship to ship. 

So the pass may or may not cost less than $240.  It may be as low as $199, which means it is $82 cheaper to stay in a balcony and buy the pass.  It's also not necessary for both guests to buy the pass (not like the beverage package, where everyone in the cabin must purchase it), so you would save even more if only one guest wanted to go.

The spa room also has slightly different room decor and soaps.  I think the mattresses are different too.  

You also are guaranteed a spa pass with the spa room.  For many people, it's worth booking a spa room over regular rooms when the difference is negligible and they know they want to head to the thermal spa. That guarantee is worth the difference in cost.

9 hours ago, Grumpella said:

We bought tickets today for the day before. No worries (but a lot of nagging) lol

He'll be happy when you walk onto the boat on time.  This way too you can grab an early check in time and book the entertainment before they are sold out :)

3 hours ago, YVRteacher said:

Hi! We have fallen in love with San Diego! Do you have any recommendations or “must dos?”

I love San Diego, too. 

Your dad might enjoy the Air & Space Museum.  It's in Balboa Park and you can buy tickets by itself or as part of a package.

https://explorer.balboapark.org/index.php?promo=ad

The Maritime Museum is said to be one of the best in the world.  

https://sdmaritime.org/

This whale watching company was founded by a top wildlife photographer.  I haven't been on his tour yet, but it's definitely high on my list of things to do in San Diego. His Instagram is amazing.  

https://www.gonewhalewatching.com

There's a commuter train that travels up the coast.  I know it stops at many beach locations, so there is probably a La Jolla stop.  It's a nice way to see a bit of the California coast. 

There's an IKEA not far from Fashion Island mall.  If you have never been, it's quite an experience.  This doesn't quite compare to the museums, but it is something nearby. 😂😂

There's a Target near Fashion Island too if you need any extra sunscreen or last minute items. 

6 hours ago, spanishguy1970 said:

I wonder if they are trying to push the meal package as a better deal. i noticed they charge $47.50 gratuities total  for our epic cruise in April. We have never taken the perks, we just book guarantees so the perks are not available, Someone explain to me how the meal package works?

You essentially get meal vouchers (added to your account, you never see them) that can be used at the specialty restaurants.  I can add 2 specialty meals for my cruise for $70.80/person.  That comes out to $35.40/meal.

For each voucher, you get one appetizer, one entree, and one dessert per person.  You can also use them at the Teppenyaki restaurant (one trip = one voucher) or the sushi bar or tapas restaurant (each voucher used here gives you 4 small plates).  (SOME people are able to get more than one appetizer and dessert at the restaurants.  Just don’t count on that).

Is the meal worth the $35 for you?

At my local Texas Roadhouse, a 20 oz bone in Rib-eye is currently $34.  That price doesn’t include an appetizer, dessert, drink or tip.  Teppenyaki places here run about $50/meal. Plus tip and drink.  The specialty meals are a great value for us.

15 hours ago, kochleffel said:

 

Inside your cabin, not on the door.

 

Why is decorating doors so blinking important? I can understand decorating the inside of your cabin, but is it really important to declare your taste and creativity to people merely passing in the corridor?

It sure makes your door easier to find when it’s late and you are very tired or tipsy.

4 hours ago, phauenstein said:

So, what is the "Thermal Spa" in simple terms.  I read the description and I'm still not 100% on what it is, what's included, what a really basic guy would be interested in, and maybe more-over, how busy is it, is it 24 hours, are there busier times?  I really wanted the spa suite because they used to have the in room hot tub.  I was disappointed that the rehab of the Haven area took the in room tubs out.  They still appear to have them in other ships.

It's not 24 hours. 

It's an adult only (18+) area that is inside.  It has a jetted hot tub, sauna room, salt room, etc.  There is also a beverage station with cold water, tea, and fruited water.  It has heated lounges that face the ocean.  

There are limited amount of weekly spa passes sold the entire cruise.  I think it is 200, although that may vary per boat.  That 200 passes includes all the spa rooms, so there are only 198 other passes available since your room has 2. (For an example, I am not positive on the 200 passes.)  You won't have swarms and swarms of people in there, like on the main pool deck.  But it can get busy.

There are several posts about it here but the video walk throughs are your best bet since you can see you specific boat :)

Early morning and evening are the slowest times. 

1 hour ago, DCGuy64 said:

True story: the last night of our recent cruise (NCL Epic Dec 7-16), we ate dinner in Le Bistro and my wife and I got all fancied up (suit and tie for me, glamourous dress for her). A gentleman at a nearby table paused before leaving and said "It's nice to see people making the effort to dress up." I'm not gonna lie, I felt a bit proud of myself. 

I like seeing people that are all dressed up too.

I prefer not to dress too fancy, especially with airline luggage and storage space in the room being such a premium thing.  

2 hours ago, phauenstein said:

So, what is the "Thermal Spa" in simple terms.  I read the description and I'm still not 100% on what it is, what's included, what a really basic guy would be interested in, and maybe more-over, how busy is it, is it 24 hours, are there busier times?  I really wanted the spa suite because they used to have the in room hot tub.  I was disappointed that the rehab of the Haven area took the in room tubs out.  They still appear to have them in other ships.

There's several walk through videos on Youtube.  A basic guy might like the hot tubs and the heated lounge chairs. There are the other rooms to explore, filled with salt, steam, and heat... but the hot tub may be your favorite.  

You may not need the spa room upgrade since there is there is the private Haven sun deck and a hot tub there.  But, that is outside, and the thermal spa is inside.  Sometimes it's nice to have a place to relax that is out of the sun and wind. 

8 hours ago, IvanNH said:

 I cruise in 18 days, and I have bid the max on all catagorys except the Spa mini suite. Id rather pay the 200 dollar weekly pass. Fingers crossed. (reason I bid the max is my cruise is sold out in the haven.)

Is it only $200 for the week for the spa pass on your cruise?  I have seen the weekly pass range from $259-339 lately.  If the upgrade bid was less than $200, I would go for it!

On 12/21/2022 at 6:52 AM, asmit4 said:

Their claim is if they go slower they will save gas and that helps the earth. It's nothing but marketing BS. They SAVE $$$ on gas by going slower. 

I have family who work on emissions testing of boats in the port in Los Angeles. 

The majority of newer boat engines were built to have better emissions than the engines of boats from many decades ago.  HOWEVER, the majority of the new engines have their emissions tested at normal ocean cruising speed and not at slower speeds (like when coming into port, or when boats go slow to save gas).  Regulators forgot to include to test the emissions at slower speeds.  Consequently, engines in slow moving boats are often worse for the environment than engines in boats moving at faster speeds.  More pollutants are released into the air at the slower speeds.

This also applies to big rig trucks. Most of the engines were created to have good emissions at highway speed.  But they didn’t account for when the truck is slower moving in a city.  Oftentimes the engines will let out considerably more emissions in a city than on the highway.  

It wouldn't surprise me to see new US emission regulations with high and low speed maximums in the future. 

>>>

Sorry for the OT discussion.  I am watching this thread closely because I am praying they fix the situation at DR.  I really would like to go on the excursions on the island.  

I hope you make it!  I not too far from San Diego and it is certainly jacket weather for us. It's about 14C in San Diego (my region is actually closer to 8 or 9C).  Your poor dad standing outside in those winds!  Was he wearing a sweatshirt at least?? 

The puzzle is wonderful.  I love that cartoon style.

The 20 year old can add the Starbucks.  You can also authorize on board that the 20 year old can drink alcohol.

You can order 2 drinks at a time at both the bars and Starbucks….

I think it’s silly that they don’t have a teenager/young adult drink package too.  From what I have read some of the ships have a non-alcoholic bar in the teen lounge where they can order mocktails etc.  I have only seen that this exists, but I am not sure which ships have it and if the drinks are extra for the teens etc.  That doesn’t help your 20 year old grandchild of course.

MSC has a non-alcoholic drink package available to buy for all ages.  NCL should do the same.

On 12/15/2022 at 2:25 PM, ontheweb said:

The second question was how about paying it right before the cruise, not as early as final payment. He said we could do that, but he did not advise doing that. He said his experience with payments after final payment was that they sometimes caused glitches, and the cruise line would then see it as payment in full was not made and deny us boarding.

 

Just some things to think about.

 

This is my plan, and I don’t anticipate any glitches.  

I told my TA I will add my prepaid DSC + FAS+ to my account before we sail but after final payment.  I want to hold onto my money as long as possible and if I can delay giving them money for 3 months, I certainly will.

7 minutes ago, eileeshb said:

honestly in this day and age I’m waiting to see some guy challenge the sexism in the dress code, if dressy flip flops and a knee length skirt or dress along with a sleeveless top are acceptable for women why not the same for the guys?

There was a case in Northern Europe a few years ago where male employees had to wear uniform trousers even when the weather was scorching hot while their female colleagues could go for shorter uniform skirts, the men decided to get the skirts since they weren’t allowed to wear shorts so their employer had to cave and add shorts to the uniform options. 

now if someone tries to inflict closed toe shoes on me on a warm weather cruise they’ll hear the air turn blue pretty rapidly as my feet swell too badly to fit shoes easily in those conditions. 
 

 

I did wonder about this.  
 

If women can wear skirts and allow their legs to be free even in the fanciest of restaurants, shouldn’t men also be able to wear skirts?  Not just kilts, but any skirt they wanted.  Or dress, if that floats their boat.  
 

And if women can wear fancy high heals with peekaboo toes, shouldn’t men also be allowed to wear similar shoes? 
 

Free style Cruises can have standards on dress but truly free styling would allow everyone to follow the same standards.

Skirts and dresses as an option for all, open toes as an option for all if they are dress shoes.  And before people come back and say “well what is a dressy shoe?” I think we all know the difference between a high heel, nice sandals, and flip flops.

2 hours ago, TopofWorld said:

Hi ev1. Tried to book the pass for the Thermal Suite but it says we are too close to the sail date and I should book onboard. We sail in April 2023. Strange glitch, normal, or possibly they have sold the maximum? Ideas?

Thank you

I would call or ask your TA.  Sometimes customer service can find things that you can't get online.  Just be prepared to pay immediately :)

Do they offer lactose free milk or dairy free alternatives to milk? 

On 11/3/2022 at 9:57 PM, Muckyduckway said:

Just back from a Gem cruise, many things to love about the Gem, especially the crew, but the beds were the worst we've had on any cruise ever. A mattress topper resolved that but the experience made me realise that my own pillows are the only thing I truly miss when away from home. And having sufficient space for my knees when using the toilet is something I have definitely taken for granted!

Did you bring a mattress topper or did you request one?  Which level room did you have?  

Is Ocean World exciting enough for teenagers who grew up going to Sea World and zoos often?  

Tie dye a polo shirt and you will be all set 🙂

just bring a pair of closed toe shoes too.