YumYumSweetiePie

Nothing, for me, is more sexy than a guy with muscular thighs and a flat butt wearing a pair of dress "jeans" with some ostrich cowboy boots and a button down shirt with sleeves rolled to the elbow. Don't think I'd be sending him back to the cabin to change into sloppy khakis..

So not on topic, but is that something women are into these days?! Hahaha, just caught my eye as something that didn't quite fit in with the rest of the description.

So how many days or dollars should one have to spend to be considered worthy of what Carnival says we will get by remaining loyal to them?

 

I don't want something for nothing. I am spending money with them and in return Carnival says I will get these little extras that really don't cost them anything in the grand scheme of things. I HAVE EARNED them according to their program. I'm not asking to be comped a higher status, I'm not demanding a refund for my cruise because we missed a port, or OBC because of some off the wall complaint. I'm asking for what I have EARNED according to Carnival's program.

I agree with you. You can spend $62.50 or less (double star days) at Starbucks and get a free drink at any time without any expiration (let's say ~$5 worth because people opt for the specialty drinks with that reward perk). Or you can spend thousands of dollars, let's say three 7 day cruises and be a Red VIFP and yet get only a bottle of water retailing for less than $5. Go on ten 7 day cruises, spend several more thousands, be Gold VIFP and get a bottle of water plus a drink coupon that can only be used after 5PM on the last cruise night (oh, and a pin that cost a few cents to make). It's a bit comical, really. Those thousands of dollars paid should earn a little respect, it's silly to say perks are for people who earned them, as if that money wasn't worthy of earning anything yet. Not to mention that the more cruises you take, the more your friends and family become interested and the more people you recruit to Carnival cruising.

They don't have to give people the world for loyalty but when they cut things that save them $1 per person wholesale (e.g. brunch drink coupon to water bottle) but upset a lot of people, it doesn't seem like the loyalty program even means anything to them beyond PR.

I love to plan but some of the best experiences I've had have been when I didn't plan anything at a port but instead struck an offer on the spot with a local offering a tour. The rates are usually negotiable, better than ship and private website prices, and the experience is unique and enjoyable. Has anyone had luck doing this at Montego Bay? Coming off a Carnival ship (mentioning this in case there are multiple port locations and it makes a difference). Not really interested in sitting at a resort for the day, would like to see more local flavor, history, culture, natural landmarks, adventure, etc.

Lots of talk about climbing to Dunn River Falls. Can someone clarify, is the climbing for those who want to get to the top of falls or just to get to the general area where the falls are? Wondering if this excursion would work for those who have limited mobility (no wheelchair but elderly and not agile) and just want to enjoy the scenery at the falls.

That's awesome! It's always fun to watch sporting events with a crowd. Enjoy!

The beauty of Uber is that you don't need to carry money around, it's linked to your account. However, I personally like to give a couple of bucks (usually $2-5, depending on their helpfulness and length of trip) to the driver. I find that drivers are really courteous and helpful, whereas more times than not I feel like taxi drivers have that "hurry up, I don't have all day" attitude, as if they're doing me a favor for free.

It's obviously not required but I know it's greatly appreciated because every Uber driver I've given a tip to gets the biggest smile and expresses extreme gratitude (I once gave a taxi driver 10% tip when I really should have given 0% because I felt like I was going to die with his driving. He actually had the nerve to confront me about giving him a low tip. You know, that non-required thing). I'm getting such a good deal on pricing when compared to other modes of transportation plus I'm getting door to door service at my beck and call that I don't feel the small amount of extra money is much.

Surprise the kid? Yeah, sounds fun! Surprise or not tell the mother? You're asking for trouble. Hopefully that's not what you were asking but rather wanted more information on what documentation from her is necessary.

This doesn't directly answer your question but it looks like this has been an ongoing issue recently (like Micah's Grandad said) and this thread gives some more details:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2357115&page=3

Seems like the delays aren't substantial. Hoping to hear even more recent travelers address this too. The current cruisers had a stop in Cozumel so maybe we'll hear back from them and see what happened.

Everyone looks really great in the formal night picture. Great photograph colors.

This has become a very handy thread. Taking lots of notes! Smirnoff, eh? Sounds like a good value.

Cape Cod is a pretty common name for a vodka and cranberry here in California. The cranberry juice will be like Ocean Spray. Sometimes I will ask for a wedge of lime with mine.

I'm from Southern California, never heard the term or seen it on a menu. Guess I'm not in the PartyBarbie crowd, lol. I'll be using it from now on though.

I think it's a common name for vodka+cranberry.

 

A Screwdriver, and a Cuba Libre have only two ingredients, as well.

(perhaps plus garnish)

Yes, good old screwdriver (thank you frat parties) and Cuba Libre (thank you Bacardi factory tour), plus the obvious Gin and Tonic. Looked up two drink cocktails online, still many fewer than the highly complex cocktails bars want to charge an arm and a leg for, and I think there's a new one I will be trying, the Greyhound: vodka and grapefruit juice.

Hmm, never knew this was called a Cape Cod either. Good to know since I make it for myself once in a while. Odd that it's a cocktail with a proper name though, cocktails usually have more than two ingredients. I thought it was just something I put together when I didn't have a full bar available hahaha.

Thank you for the review, can't wait to continue reading it as you update! We were on this exact same cruise and it's nice to relive it through your experiences. Also, great picture of your granddaughter. It is very sweet to see how much she means to you that even whilst writing a review she's on your mind.

Sometimes being with a crowd results in eating more, not sure if this is an issue for you or not but it's something to think about. That is, one person likes salty stuff so while you're by the pool they'll bring fries and everyone will take a few. Then there's the person with the sweet tooth that always orders dessert so you join them. The party person who wants drinks throughout the day that you also have a few drinks with. You get the picture, by the end of the day you've taken in a bunch of calories you didn't truly care for. What I've tried to do is to focus and indulge on what I really like and just keep others company while they indulge in what they like.

I know this is an old thread and the OP has resolved their issue, but I thought this would be helpful for future cruisers: Mericruiser's note about the taxi vans was very helpful. We didn't reserve any transportation option from SeaTac to port (actually, we reserved one but they were really unreliable and things felt off). Instead, we got in the cab line (took no time at all) and told them we needed a van for 6. The van we got was quite large, definitely the 8-10 range and had enough space for luggage. The fare came out to ~$45. I would recommend that anyone with a larger party skip multiple cabs and just ask for one large one.

http://www.seattleyellowcab.com

 

Seattle Yellow cab is located on airport. Per their web site:

 

"Our cab stands are located on the 3rd*floor of the north & south parking garages and almost always have a supply of waiting taxis. We*also have large 8-10 passenger vans available."

 

That sounds like your best option for a group of 6

 

Sent from my Nexus 7

I was on a cruise two weeks ago and the ship time was always the local time. Even during sea day, we crossed into a different time zone so the ship notified us of the time change and that was the official time on the ship. Looks like it may vary by ship and/or captain though because others who recently traveled are reporting a different ship time than local time. Best bet may be input from travelers from your exact ship and recent itinerary.

Thank you Budget Queen and Cornishpatsyman1. Excursion now booked, trip right around the corner.

For me the train/road combo was definitely worth it. You get a totally different experience and see a lot more. This was our day. All the best, Tony

 

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Your videos are awesome! Unfortunately, the tour we were considering is train/bus combo of Skagway to Fraser and back to Skagway, an option through the ship. Looks like your tour extended into the Yukon. BudgetQueen has suggested this too though, hmm, now I'm wondering if I should book with this company instead. Do you remember if there was audio for other languages for this company?

Thank you for everyone's input!

@BudgetQueen, I'm not really sure if the Yukon is of interest lol. I have never been so I'm not sure what I'm missing out on and if I should try to catch it.

@xlxo & Putterdude, good to have direct votes/opinions. Hah, funny that you two have opposing votes though.

@NYCruiseNoob, that sounds wonderful but not everyone in the group is able to do it and we'd like to stick together. Otherwise, I would totally do bike. I love adventure/physical excursions.

Princess offers an excursion that is just riding the White Pass train (goes up the mountain, comes right back down, 3 hours total) and one that goes up the route via the White Pass train with return via motor coach (or vice versa). Anyone had experience with either? Recommend one over the other? Is the surcharge to include the Klondike Highway worth it?

Also have some travelers with us that would benefit from the "multilingual" aspect advertised on the Klondike Highway/train combo. Does the audio in different languages also apply for the train portion?

Can these gift cards be used to pay for excursions?

Seattle Express is $12pp for either direction. http://www.seattleexpress.com/21501.html

 

Perhaps you're looking at Shuttle Express ??

Nope, I am definitely looking at Seattle Express. Though let me correct something, pier to airport IS $12. Airport to pier is not something they do directly and usually outsource that to Shuttle Express (so in that sense you're right) which is something you even see on their website and that rate, airport to pier, is $22. When I called them though they even referred me to some third company for airport to pier. Anyway, bottom line is that they're definitely a great option hotel to anywhere and pier to airport/hotel but airport to pier is a bit dicey.

I think the Seattle Express Shuttle will get you to the pier for $12 pp.

http://www.seattleexpress.com/2901.html

Luvsnorkeling, thanks for your post. Honey and I are sailing 8/11 and I'm investigating options for us. We'd rather spend $ on excursions so I'm looking for good service/good price.

 

Were you happy with Sleep Inn? Arriving Monday night and really just need a place to sleep, but don't want to stay in a dump. I figured airport was better than downtown. We will do our city touring after the cruise

 

Also, which shuttle did you use? Lowest I've found is $22 per person one way from the airport to the pier. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

Hope you are enjoying your cruise!

FYI for anyone else looking into this: it's $12 from hotel to pier but from airport to pier (or pier to airport) it's $22 per person. No good bargains when going directly between the pier and airport.

Seems like it will be a pretty tight squeeze, especially if it's on a weekday due to the traffic. Since they changed the time on you though, see if they will allow you to switch to another flight without fees. I've had schedule changes before and they usually give the option to change if it no longer meets my needs.

OP- you've already booked the flight, what's the point in worrying now? Think positive thoughts. You'll likely be fine, there's no guarantee no matter what you do anyway.

Side note: we're also flying in the morning of for a cruise. Flying in the night before was not an option due to scheduling. Bon voyage to both our parties!