bulldogatl

Hi,

I'm on the cruise leaving from Whittier on Saturday.  I appreciate your posts.  I try to do the same thing when I travel but only put them on my "can't say it" page.  Seems like we have many sailings in common.  Would love to chat some time.  What do recommend packing wise?  This is my first Alaska cruise (out of 159 cruises).

Cheers

Kevin

Why it's so important to print out all your documents, reservations, orders, etc along the way.  They definitely owe you the drinks.  

Ironically, American Express emailed me today saying they're racing my limit four fold. =) LOL so I guess I don't have anything to worry about. I will be interested to see when those pending charges drop off though.

Well I called Carnival this morning since I didn't get a response to my email surprise surprise. The voice message greeting at Carnival talks about the holds and to give it five days. I'm used to selling on NCL but since I'm platinum on Carnival I thought I would give them another try. I say this because I haven't had this issue on NCL or any other line before. The pending holds are equal to almost what the statement was for the cabin so in my case it was $1,500 actually charged and then 1400 in "holds". $3,000 limit on my card, again I was unable to charge anything on it when I got back because I had passed my credit limit. American Express said that they can't do anything about it and to call Carnival. Fortunately I have other credit cards and it's not a big deal if it's going to be reversed, however I could see others being greatly inconvenienced if it was their only credit card. As a business owner myself I can't imagine doing this to a customer. I guess it's one of those sailor beware type of instances. Thanks for everyone's input.

I just off the Carnival Elation and was surprised when my credit card was denied for a meal back at home. When I checked the credit card available balance it was at zero. It seems that several of the charges on my cabin statement were also charged to the credit card directly. In essence, the entire cabin statement was paid at the end of the cruise and I was then double-billed for several items directly to my card. I've been on over a hundred cruises and never had anything like this happen. Carnival doesn't have an email contact on its website so I'm trying the guestcare@carnival.com. this type of double billing? It just proves that you must check your cabin statement and your credit card bill all the time.

Not as grand as the newer ships, but comfortable. No heated loungers. Three separate rooms with padded loungers. Nice views at the back of the ship. Two water features in the main spa area. A larger cool pool for swimming, a hot tub and a therapy tub. There is Sauna/Steam/Soaking Tubs in both the men's and women's changing area. I think it's about $20 a day if you pay ahead. With long days at sea .. definitely worth it to have your own oasis.

Was on the Star last year for the Baltic cruise (going on her again in July for the Adriatic). It was REALLY hot. Pools were in use as were the slides and the kids area. I'm told we had exceptional weather for the trip. But, it was really hot. 90's etc.

I've been on over 100 cruises and haven't noticed any swaying issue on the Breakaway, Getaway, Escape or Epic. Going on Escape next week.

Thanks Carrie! Any other "secrets" to share about the trip?

Don't hate me ... but, I think with two days in St. Petersburg, I might use one afternoon or morning as a SPA day. Especially with the costs of the tours!!! Has anyone gone on this trip and remember if there are GOOD spa specials those days? It's not like you can walk off the ship in St. Pete and find a place.

I just got off the DAWN and have booked the STAR for the Baltics later this month. I always do the SPA pass because it feels awesome to jump into the therapy pool, then the lap pool, then shower (you're supposed to shower first oops), then steam, then sauna, then another shower before dinner. It's an hour routine and after a day of being in the sun (walking or playing) it's a treat. That being said, the Spa on the newer ships (Breakaway, Getaway, Escape and Epic) are much nicer because of mere size. But the DAWN (and STAR) is big enough to enjoy. If you want a quiet place to go read, it's perfect as well as you look out over the back of the ship. My only complaint in all these spas at sea, the chlorine you breath in because of not having ventilation. The EPIC is the best because they actually have an outdoor patio area so fresh air comes in. You'll enjoy! You deserve it!

Hi Colin,

I never got a confirmation email. I just double checked. I did print out my documents on NCL.com. Those don't even specify the program. When they first introduced this (I'm at platinum level with them) it was all you wanted to eat whenever. The CS rep on the phone told me they keep cutting it down. Thanks!

Ok, well now I'm kinda pissed off (pardon my French) because I thought it was for 9 nights. Was just told, "oh no sir HAHAHA, it's just for three nights". So basically, I'm wondering if the three nights are better than the internet package? Yes, Moderno is included but I have to book it on board. Oh well, I guess I won't gain as much weight! Thanks Keith for your guidance!

Just last week from my NCL person. They said it was every night if I wanted it. I better make sure now!

I've never had the specialty dining package before but they included it my fare if I paid $30 more for a oceanview cabin. I figured that was a good deal. Plus no single supplement. My cruise is in two weeks and I decided to book the specialty restaurants in advance due to the port intensity of this Baltic cruise and spaces were very limited already. So rather than the MDR, on this nine night cruise I'm doing to Cagney's four times, LeBistro two times, La Cucina twice and wanted to try Moderno once. When I made reservations, NCL charged $29 for Moderno. I read where Moderno is included. Hoping they'll cancel the charge while on board. I'm very surprised at how quickly the specialty restaurants book up now. Anyone have any thoughts about Moderno being an add on? Did I make the right choices in my allocation of venues? Oh the troubles of a cruiser!! lol

Only on the new ships (Escape, Breakaway, Getaway) can you get the unlimited deals under 30 days in. Those ships are built to accommodate the services. Older ships, like Dawn, you can't do it. The best deal I saw today was $349 with a $50 credit on board. Can't beat that unless you want to travel out of Houston on Jade for $299 for next weekend.

no separate steam room for men - unisex steam in the thermal area - must pay for entry .. the showers even in the mens changing room were not good - only two and they had a clear glass partition between them - everyone was complaining. I normally take my showers in the changing room but not this trip.

Did you notice if ESCAPE has a chef's table? Done this on other lines and it was a highlight of the trip. Cost? What night? I leave on Saturday!

You can go to the celebrity site and print the baggage tags when you print out your boarding pass.