dallasdan

We stayed in a Havana Cabana on the Vista last year.  Didn't hear any music.  The pool area is not crowded at all and there were more than enough lounge chairs.  No need for the chair hogs to claim there territory.  We decided to only book the Havana inside cabin on our upcoming Panorama cruise since we can just walk to the pool area to relax.

I don't think she will have any issues boarding the ship.  The issue may arise at customs when reentering the US.  You get the wrong customs agent.

I have taken my SIL and her daughter on several cruises and customs never asked for any paperwork.  I have also taken my own kids friends in which I had a signed letter from the parents and was never asked for the paperwork.  I understand the OP's issue, in that there are several ex spouses out there that wouldn't sign any paperwork out of spite toward the other parent.  They don't think about the ruined vacation for the kids.  Also, my nieces dad hasn't been apart of her life and she doesn't want anything to do with him.  He would be one of those dads that wouldn't sign the paper.  Not to make this a debate about bad ex parents, but why should he get to decide if his daughter goes on vacation when he doesn't even see her.  

We stayed in a Havana Cabana room last year on the Vista.  This was the most I ever spent on our "balcony/patio" any cruise we have taken.  For those worried about people walking by there is a locked door that can only be opened by Havana guests.  After 7, I didn't notice any issues with guests being rowdy.  Granted we were mostly in the casino and not using the pool area.    

That is what I do.  I bring enough cash with me to fund our trip.  I don't use any credit cards, so when we walk off the ship vacation is totally paid.  Most of time I don't purchase any cruise cash, I just visit a kiosk after sail away and add cash.   

Do not use a Debit card.  They will put multiple holds throughout the cruise on the your card.  These will take 5 to 7 days to drop off from your bank.  Also, if you think midway through the cruise I will just pay my balance with my debit card, it doesn't work that way.  They will place a hold and then charge your card at the end of the cruise.  

You do not have to put down any cash or credit card prior to boarding the ship.  You can add cash or a credit once on board if needed at a kiosk.

My wife and I are platinum with over 14 cruises on Carnival and we are on the April 25 Panorama sailing.  I am spend the same amount of money as a platinum cruiser as I did when I was a Red card Cruiser, mostly in the casino.  I don't cruise Carnival for the perks we receive, although early boarding and room being ready to me is a good enough perk.  We chose Carnival because of the pricing and itineraries. 

Jen, thank you for the review.  We are on the April 25th sailing with 10 of us coming from Texas.  We will try and hold down the load conversations, lol...Before I quit drinking carbonated beverages, I would have been out of mind with trying to drink Diet Pepsi, so I understand your issues.  

I have sailed out of Long Beach and other ports before and I don't remember this being a policy.  Granted I don't smoke so I don't always pay attention.  But we have been on 6 or 7 cruises together and I don't remember her complaining.  Is this a new policy in Long Beach?

Is the no smoking during refueling only apply to the casino.  Will she be able to smoke outside in the designated smoking areas?  

With us staying at Queen Mary next door I am not sure how late she will want to wait outside.  Plus we are platinum and normally board early.  I agree with you about the smoker having to make adjustments.  I am not a smoker and I am glad there designated smoking areas.  But, as the unofficial cruise director of our group, I try and find out everything about a ship, ports, policies, etc.. prior to sailing.  

Wasn't a problem when we sailed on the Vista last year out of Galveston.  I am wondering if this was only an issue on the first couple of cruises.  I can only imagine the uproar from the smokers at guest services.

Normally, she goes to the casino bar and smokes on Embarkation day.  However, I have read on 2 different reviews that it wasn't allowed anywhere on the ship prior to sail away.  

We are sailing on April 25, 2020.  

My BFF's Wife is a heavy smoker.  I have read on a couple of reviews that ship doesn't allow smoking until after she sets sail.  If this is true, this will be a big issue for our group on having to wait several hours to smoke.  

I was just on a Celebrity Cruise.  Room Service was free until 11:00 PM.  After 11 there was a small fee.  Very limited room service options.  IMHO Carnival Room Service has better selections.

Sorry, I was at FLL.  I didn't catch the Miami airport.

We disembarked the Equinox on Saturday November 30th.  Our luggage tag # was 12.  We were off the ship by 8:10 and at the airport before 9:00 AM.  The wait for the Uber was about 12 minutes.

They started letting people off the ship around 7:30 am that were carrying their own luggage.

Thanks for the replies. We are on the Equinox. From the pictures you posted it looks like it will be worth it.

My wife and I will be on Celebrity Cruise which I believe docks in Havensight in November.  Our port time is 8:00 to 5:00.  We will have plenty of time to make it to Trunk Bay and back?

Once on board you can sign up for day only if want. $5 per day.

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Congratulations on your decision. It is almost 2 years since my Gastric Sleeve and I feel great. I have been on 3 cruises since my surgery and have not had any issues with food selection. I pre-order several cases of water and just drink that during the cruise. I stay away from dairy products because they seem to fill me up quicker. My best advise is to not drink anything 30 minutes before or after you eat. I have followed this rule and not been sick once. The waiter will ask you about not eating all of your food. As other stated, just tell them you are watching your diet. Good Luck.