JTfromGA

We have cruised many times with our children and grandchildren. I think the biggest issue you would have is your mindset. If you go on a cruise knowing that you will not be able to do everything you want to do (late night comedy, bars, dancing, lots of alcohol, hot tubs, quiet dinner, etc...) but knowing it is a family cruise, then you will be fine. My children did occasionally ask us to watch their children and had their older children (2 up) go to Camp Carnival/Camp Ocean so they could have some time for themselves, but a cruise is like any other vacation. At a resort, you would still have to put your child down for a nap, have to stay with them, feed them their favorite foods, go to room at their bedtime, etc... Our last cruise we had 14 of us (all 6 grandchildren,1 1/2 to 9 yrs old), 5 connecting rooms/balconies and we had a wonderful time. You can make your cruise wonderful too, it's up to you.

I took my entire family on a special family cruise this past May. We were spreading my mothers ashes. I paid for all 5 rooms so they were all linked with mine and all rooms were connected by doors and/or balcony. My husband and I are platinum so we booked under 2 different rooms so we could have the family members who were riding with us to be Priority also. We arrived at our check-in time. The other family members checked in at the same time we did but they did not board until after the Diamond, Platinum, FTTF, etc.. people did. We met them and got their carry-ons and put them in our rooms. There was maybe 10 or 15 minutes difference between us and the rest of the family members (8 adults, 6 little children).

Unless your adult children has priority on their boarding pass, they will not get past the first check in line, before security. It doesn't matter if your rooms are linked or they are related. If you want to board with them, your only option is to get in their line. Otherwise, just have them call you when they get on the ship. No matter what, have a great cruise.

My husband, daughter, son in law, and I all bought the $5/cruise Hub access so we could stay in touch with each other while on the cruise. It was perfect! I loved the Hub app.

When you used the Hub to chat, how did that work? do you have to link your shoes or just know the phone numbers?

Great pictures, thanks!

Thanks for the information!

My PVP said the Conquest and Splendar both have it but according to website they do not. Looking for confirmation.

I have looked at Carnival's website and talked to my PVP and I am confused :confused: so CC people, help me out. What Carnival ships have the Water Works on them? I am not refering to slides and pools, I am refering to the kiddie slides and splash buckets.

Sorry no one has responded to your question. My last cruise on the Fascination was also in 2011 so I was curious like you.

Hopefully someone will answer.

Has anyone stayed in the cabanas #6, 8 or 9 near the new villas? Wondering if having a large group next to you might be an issue.

I decided to book a cabana on Half Moon Cay since my youngest grandbaby will be on the cruise with us, she will be almost 2 yrs old. I am hoping that since we are platinum, we can get to the Service Desk early enough to get one of our top picks. What cabana would you recommend and why? Looking forward to your answers :)

Early saver allows for price protection. From Carnival site:

New and existing Early Saver bookings both have price protection up to 2 days prior to sailing. If you find a lower Carnival advertised fare after booking your cruise, we will honor it, issuing the difference in the form of a non-refundable onboard credit. The lower fare must be: (a) for the same ship, sailing, stateroom category and number of guests (b) available for booking at the time you submit your request for the lower rate and © a rate the guest in the cabin are eligible to receive, if special restrictions apply.

Early Saver guests are not eligible to be protected on the following programs: Super Saver, Instant Saver or any other program that does not allow cabin selection at the time of booking. Price protection will be subject to the prevailing fees and/or fuel supplement if applicable.

For our Fascination Sept 21st cruise, our rate went up $20 :confused:

Oh well, I will keep on checking :o

Thanks for the pictures. Decided to go with 2 rooms.

Does anyone have a photo of Room M66. Trying to decide if we can fit a baby crib in the room with 4 people using beds.

I know there is a list of the different features of Carnivals Ships. I can't locate it. Trying to find out which ships have Waterworks and specialty restaurants. Planning a cruise for the summer and need waterworks for grandchildren, restaurant for son-in law. Thanks:)

Yes. They will come to your email but when you open the actual e-gift card there is no name on it. Just the amount, the 16 digit gc number, a PIN number, and it states Expiration: None.

Thanks!

Can you purchase them for someone else? I want to give some to my son's best friend who will be taking a honeymoon cruise.

Only if you book Early Saver.

Unfortunately the short answer to your question is yes. It doesn't matter what the age of your children are, you will pay 3rd & 4th person prices. They are also "charged" the gratutity of $11.50 per person per day unless your child is under 2 yrs old which isn't your case. But before you get upset at being charged for your children, compare the prices for cruises with "kids sail free". I found that the cruiselines that offer this also charge a lot more for the adults, so Carnival is still cheaper. Anyway, good luck!

Sadie, Thanks for your suggestions!

My DH and I are planning on booking for a November cruise. Right now we are going alone but there might be a possibility that our son and his wife (possibly baby too) would join us in the same room. Before I get lots of comments about how he should get his own room, we don't mind sharing (have done it in the past) and as a young pastor on a very limited budget he doesn't have alot of extra cash. So, could someone recommend an OV room on the Paradise that could accommodate 4 adults and a baby? Thanks!

Agree with the update about Future Cruise Certificates. The program has been discontinued. However, if you book another cruise while you are on the ship you will receive the free onboard credit and 2 certificates for friends to book the same as you (have to book within 30 days I think). Downside of this is you have to book then and pay the deposit (half I think).

The cappicino in the MDR is no longer free. If you order it you will be charged. Some good news is that Carnival has changed the brand of coffee (I forget the name) and reviews has been positive.

I hope Tom shows up. I too would like the program. Will continue to monitor this thread...