Bluemoon319

On 2/15/2018 at 11:11 PM, Puffdragon said:

TZORA PARTS FOUND!

Just purchased Tzora Front Basket and Under Seat Basket from lifestylemobilityscooters.com.

Sales staff were most courteous and kind. Received in less than one week also!

Highly recommended!

I will attempt to post pictures of our renovation and modification to use tires from Harbor Freight and Oxygen Tank Holder of our design, using a Kidde fire extinguisher wall mount in the Under Seat Basket and velcro strap attached to the seat back.

 

NIIICE!!!

I think it's disgusting that they got rid of the chapel in exchange for an arcade.

7 hours ago, ElCrappyTan said:

Cool videos, but it would have been nice to see what they did other than put a fresh coat of paint on her.

 

It wasn't supposed to be a overhelming drydock - it already had all the 2.0 items - but maybe show what was changed. I'd be curious if they did anything to staterooms other than the rumored carpet changes. Maybe change the TV's to flat screens? 

The 4K cabin had their French doors removed & replaced with floor to ceiling windows. 😞 I'm not happy about it, but I understand why that had to be done. Once again, the bad behavior of a few has ruined things for the many. 😞 

Wow, I'm sorry to hear that. That has so not been my experience.

Thanks so much for the suggestion. I will  definitively look into that.

21 hours ago, Loonbeam said:

There may be some decent businesses certainly.  Actually the person at the lighthouse was fairly nice.  But overall, I had far more, well not negative, but just indifferent encounters with most vendors outside the port area.

 

 

I beat feet to get out of the port area ASAP so I can't speak for that area.

On 1/4/2019 at 3:31 AM, raindropsalways said:

I use the weekly pill boxes. However, I have a detailed list of my prescriptions including the number, the applicable pill names, dosage, my doctors name and the druggist. Also carry an itemized list (check off list) of all my medical devices and/or needs. If you require a bag (in my case, a carry-on), it is free. I also have a “travel letter” from my doctor.

 

A couple years ago, I was involved in an accident, thus ended up in a hospital. The ship's dispensary, both hospitals (Grenada & Fort Lauderdale), and the nursing home all complimented and thanked me on my documentation.

 

Also, if any of the medications fall into the “liquid” class, they have to go in the little baggie for their scanning through security, thus I pre-pack in the baggie making it easy to just take them out of the case and send through.

 

Have a wonderful cruise,

Betty

My son has many liquid meds. They are not part of the restrictions for liquids so there is no need to put them in a baggie.

On 1/4/2019 at 12:28 PM, Cyn874 said:

Thanks, everyone! Also, is most of this mostly applicable to cruise line security, or TSA at the airport, also? I'm imagining TSA at the airport will be much more strict than the cruiseline but I really have no idea. We're afraid 18 bottles (even if put in smaller bottles from the pharmacy) will take up too much room so we're hoping a list/note from the doctor will suffice, with the exception of the pain pills. But we also don't want to get caught up with a grumpy TSA agent who is having a bad day and won't let him travel with all his medicine.

Yes, 18 containers do take up quite a bit of space, but they are allowed to be carried on without it counting as luggage. Fortunately my son & I are down to about 20 meds now, but it used to be a lot worse in the past so I do know what a pain it is. 

Unfortunately although we have fewer meds between us now, we have to travel with medical supplied=s thatwe didn't have to in the past. Ugh

PLEASE do take the prescriptions in original containers. Ask the pharmacist for small containers with printed labels on them. I have seen this question posted elsewhere numerous times. I have read many responses by people who said they had no trouble bringing their prescriptions in just pill organizers or the like. Well I can tell you from numerous experiences that my son & I are often taken aside to have our prescriptions checked individually & that's even with them being in their original containers & properly labeled. Is it possible that you will not have an issue? Of course, but I sure wouldn't take the chance.

I have been to GT numerous times, but have yet to actually explore the island. I always hit the water for the day as soon as I get off the ship. I will heading there again in April and am thinking it's about time I actually check out the land. I have read numerous times that golf carts are the way to go, but now that I am finally ready to do such a thing, I am coming upon a LOT of reviews stating that the golf carts were not available in spite of paying a deposit ahead of time & email confirmations, or the carts were broken down. I am recovering from an accident & will not be walking much by the time April rolls around. I will be going with my adult son who is also disabled. Walking far due to a broken down golf cart just can't be in our plans. Can someone here please recommend a reliable company to rent one from? Thank-you so much 🙂

On 10/1/2018 at 2:53 PM, Loonbeam said:

Same email I used...

 

In the interest of full disclosure, I never felt anyone on the island really was big on the whole customer service thing. Seemed to be a general attitude of 'whatever'.

 

 

Wow, I really disagree. GT Diving has always been wonderful to me & everyone I have ever recommended.

Our trip last October to Hawaii, came through customs in Maui and the gal grabbed my baggie with a couple of pieces of sea glass in it and tossed it in the trash. I said it wasn't shells or sand but sea glass. She asked what sea glass was, so I told her. She said it was "bad luck" and that I could not have it. So, apparently what you are for sure allowed or not allowed is sometimes not crystal clear... and subject to local superstition..lol. (Next island, it came back with me tucked in my swim top =]...and no lightning has struck me....yet...=P...)

 

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I don't even know what to say about that when customs is basing their decisions on superstitions! BTW, if something like that happens again, ask them to send it to an inspector. I was told yesterday a U.S. Fish & Wildlife inspector that Customs doesn't necessarily know all the regulations. She gets things from them often for inspection. If they pass, the item is returned to the person.

Technically I would say no, it falls under the soil clause, however, it probably will not be noticed. Many people unknowingly bring illegal items home. I'm not talking drugs, but shells, some open food, and other items. When departing a ship customs is fairly loose as they have to process so many people.

According to the USDA, sand is exempt from soil. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/permits/organism/soil/downloads/soil-circular.pdf

John Heald addressed this particular question on his social media page when someone posted the question about bringing sand back on the ships and whether Carnival permits it or not. This is his answer (copied and pasted for accuracy):

 

"Name: Gregg------

Message: Can you clear something up for me and other CC members. Can you bring sand beach sand back ? Some are saying yes and some no!! Hundreds want to and need to know. What’s the skinny John LOL.

------------------------------

Ahh Gregg, I see what you did there, a fat joke to finish with. Anyway, I checked with the beards who are here with me now and there are very strict rules Gregg from US Customs about not allowing this. You see, there may be microoragasms living in the sand so we don’t allow our guests to bring sand back on board the ships.

By the way, do people actually do this?

 

Cheers"

 

So...the answer is "no", passengers on Carnival are not allowed to bring sand back on the ships. I'll admit, I have taken a couple tablespoons of sand back in the past (using zip lock freezer sandwich sized baggies). Our last cruise was in 2015 and it was never an issue and not even questioned. It would be nice if CARNIVAL addressed this and had it listed as a "prohibited item". But reading some recent posts about saving chairs by the pool, dining room attire, and Carnival's sporadic enforcement...who knows.

The beards have inaccurate information. I spent quite some time yesterday with U.S. Customs & the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service regarding the regulations for bringing sand & shells into the U.S. I was very clearly told that a small amount of sand for personal use was allowed provided it is "mined or collected so they are freeof organic material, such as roots, grasses, plant debris, or leaf litter." https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/permits/organism/soil/downloads/soil-circular.pdf

That being said, I don't expect that the Carnival Security people know every regulation & could very easily confiscate it due to lack of knowledge.

(I want to thank-you for one of your posts from last year. It was very helpful.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=55682047#post55682047 )

Yes, Carnival has apparently changed their policy about bringing collected sea shells back onboard their ships.

 

John Heald posted on his social media page about a month ago that Carnival page about bringing shells back onboard: This was copied and pasted from his page so information is correct:"Please dont try and bring sea shells on the ships - they are not allowed and we have to throw them back into the sea before departure. Cheers". He then added the following comment: "I SHOULD POINT OUT THAT IF YOU PURCHASED THEM AND HAVE A RECEIPT THAT YOU CAN BRING THEM ON THE SHIP". :(

 

On Carnival's website, it mentions sea shells under the "Exemptions" below the "Prohibited Items", which states they are allowed: "Seashells may be brought onboard from the ports visited if they appear to be clean and sanitized and do not have the odor of a living organism". I will also copy and paste and will also attach link (the part about seashells is at the very bottom of the page: https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2261/~/carnival-cruise-line-additional-prohibited-items,-exemptions-and-other

 

And according to the website of the US Customs and Border Protection, small amounts of sea shells for "personal use" are allowed. https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1226/~/seashells,-sand,-pebbles,-driftwood-for-personal-use

 

We have been to Grand Turk on a cruise in 2010 and brought home some of the discarded, EMPTY, conch shells from the "conch graveyard" without any problems. According to the Turks and Caicos laws, each person is allowed to export 3 conch shells for personal use without needing a permit, but more than 3 per person will require a permit. Attaching the link: https://www.gov.tc/dema/forms-permits-and-fees

 

On the "Grand Turk" (Port of Call section of CC) boards, someone mentioned that on Carnival Sunshine cruise in January, they had their shells taken and also added "They even took the few tiny shells I had picked up." That is very contradictory to their website under the "Exemptions".

I collect small amounts of EMPTY shells that I've found washed up on beaches and sand for mementos of our vacations and am aware that some areas don't permit it. Sometimes I'll research ahead of time and other times its posted. Shell collecting is not permitted in National Parks, Marine Reserves, and other protected areas and I'm aware of that so don't even bother.

 

But Carnival is apparently changing their policy and I have a feeling that rules and regulations have less to do with this policy change and think it has more to do with passengers who have collected shells with living animals in them and stunk up cabins with them or left them behind because they didn't want to have to deal with the smell. But either way, Carnival has changed their rules about seashells so they should probably update their website to included shells under "Prohibited Items".

Thanks so much for this post. Although one of your links is no longer available. The others were very helpful indeed. I'm waiting to hear back From Turks & Caicos regarding conch taking conch shells from their islands, but in the meantime I was directed hear from someone in Law Enforcement for U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Thank-you again :)

What's some good types of sushi?

 

 

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Stay away from anything that has to do with eel IMO. That stuff is NASTY! Of course, this is just my opinion.

Maitre d Ken Byrne singing in the MDR

I read that he was moving to a different ship. I hope that's not true.

No joke, that thing is fun.

 

 

The nice thing about the Pride is you will have plenty of time to do everything.

Hahaha, I have to disagree. I've been on her for 14 day Journeys cruises & never got to everything, LOL.

Can someone please tell me what Global Casino Services is? I tried looking it up on line, but could find anything.

Also, does gambling on one cruise carry over to a following one, or do you start from scratch with each new cruise?

Thanks bunches

To expand even more on that excellent answer and get into the specifics . . .

 

Put your card in the slot machine every single time and leave it in there while you are playing. Hand your card to the table dealers every single time you start playing (not only when you are getting chips!!)

 

SLOTS

You get 1 point for each $2.50 you have played through the machine.

500 points = $1250 played through, 1000 points = $2500 played through, 1500 points = $3750 played through, etc, etc

 

For example, if you put in $20 and lose it all, you will get 8 points. If you win $50 on that initial $20 and keep playing the initial 20 plus the 50 in winnings through the machine, then you will get 28 points. OR - ever how many points, based on ever how long all that money lasts if you keep getting small winnings along the way and keep playing them. If you hit it big and won $1000 on that initial 20 and kept playing it through the different slot machines in the casino over the course of your cruise, you would get 408 points (or more including small winnings along the way). Even though you actually only ever put in $20 of your own money.

 

You need 500 points for $5 back given as slot play, 1000 points for $10 back - both automatic on the machine. You need 1500 points on a 7-day cruise to get the first on-board comp which is the Drinks on Us card. More points after that will get more notice and more comps like deliveries to the room, steakhouse, spa, etc. 5000 points will give you DOU card right from the first day of your next cruise as well.

 

TABLES

It's all about average bet x time played. They don't rate it as "points" like are earned on slot machines, but to keep it simple I am going to use "points" to make my comparison. I think tables/games with higher odds (worse for you) will earn more "points" ?? Also, I think faster games may earn more points (for example, if roulette plays more spins per hour than blackjack plays hands played per hour) ?? But not sure, this is my guessing. The information on table games is not readily available online. I think you need approx 200 points for DOU card on table games, but I am NOT sure about this. IF this is accurate then .....

 

$10 per hand x 20 hours = 200

$20 per hand x 10 hours = 200

$25 per hand x 8 hours = 200

$50 per hand x 4 hours = 200

$100 per hand x 2 hours = 200

(per hand would be whatever they rate as your "average bet" whether thats betting $10 hand of blackjack, $10 in chips on roulette, $10 on craps table, etc)

 

NOTE: your casino "points" have nothing to do with the sailing days you have with Carnival. For example, if you have sailed 2 cruises each 7 days you will have 14 VIFP Points, or if you sail 4 cruises of 7 days you will have 28 VIFP points (and you will be Gold rated). https://www.carnival.com/loyalty/benefits.aspx

Great explanation, thanks :), but Yikes! Does this means you have to spend $3,750 at the slots just to get a drink card?

You can only compare to cabins in your same category. And by "category" they aren't talking interior, ocean view, balcony or suites. Since you are talking interior, there are the following categories of cabins (using the Freedom as an example). 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, and 4H. Cabins on the Main and Rivera Decks will be 4A, 4B and 4C (4A are fore and aft Rivera Deck; 4B are fore and aft Main Deck and Mid-ship Rivera; and 4C are Mid-ship Main Deck).

 

If you booked a "higher deck" (since you didn't say which higher deck let's assume the Veranda Deck - Deck 8), then you will have either a 4F (fore or aft) or 4G (mid-ship) cabin.

 

You can't price a 4A, 4B or 4C cabin against a 4F or 4G. They are not in the same category.

 

To think otherwise, you could book an interior mid-deck on Verandah Deck (4G) and immediately price-compare it to an aft interior (4A) on the Rivera Deck and ask for a reduction.

Good explanation, a lot of people don't understand about the sub categories because Carnival does not particularly explain or go into detail about that on their site. It's been years, but I like the way the site was set up in the past that clearly stated each individual subcategory along with the prices for each. I wish they would go back to that.

It's official - we booked the Miracle!!! :) and we already got faster to the fun Woop Woop! :D

I think you made the right decision. For me, it would have been a no-brainer. The Conquest is my least favorite ship of those I've been on. I haven't been on the Miracle, but I have been on 2 of her sister ships. The Spirit class ships are my favorite size & layout.

The Miracle offered you a longer cruise in a better balcony.

Both cruises have decent ports, but having 4 ports on a 6 day cruise seems a bit rushed to me, not enough relaxation time IMO. Besides, it's nice to be able to explore new ports.

Great choice!

Silly question. Do you know if you are allowed to bring your own floats?

Absolutely! I do it every time.

I've had a great time with Pat & Diane Tours (http://www.snorkelingbahamas.com/ ) in Freeport on their Deserted Beach & Snorkeling excursion & almost booked it again for my upcoming cruise in April. However, since we have to be back on board so early, I opted to just go to Count Basie Sq. It's about a 15 min. ride & only $10/pp R/T. There will be a some shops right by the ships, but certainly not enough to warrant spending much time there IMO. There will be sooo much more around Count Basie Sq. (Port Lucaya).

I usually bring a CC when I'm in the ports, but rely mostly on cash because smaller shops often do not accept CC's. Most of he booths at the straw markets where you will find lots of souvenirs accept cash only. The same thing goes with tours that are offered at the ports after you get off the ship.

In Freeport we've gone off the ship to the Lucaya shopping area. There are some nice shops and a few restaurants. We had some great cracked conch there! But...just didn't feel it was worth the 20 minute an ride. Last time we were there we just went to the pier and walked around. The vendors are only pushy if you look like you're going to buy (i.e. handle their merchandise). I never have any issue saying NO. Also, there's a Senor Frogs and a Fat Tuesdays there, so you can buy a couple of drinks, too.

 

Nassau is fun, and you can do it without paying for an excurrsion! We walked down to the British Colonial Hilton and paid for the day passes. They are $65pp but $45 of that is a food voucher. You get a private beach, pool, towels, chairs, etc. Waiters come to your chairs and take you food/drink orders. We also walked from there to the Watlings Rum Distillery and too the tour and had some complimentary drinks at the end of the tour. From there we walked to Grey Cliff and visited their chocolate factory and cigar factory (separate operations, no chocolate cigars LOL). And finally after we waled back to the port area, we took a cab to Atlantis for a little casino fun.

Although I have walked to Watlings Run Distillery myself a couple of times, it's really not a smart thing to do. I am truly not someone that gets skittery easily, but walking outside of the main shopping area in Nassau can be rather sketchy. The 2nd time I went there, even the owner of Watlings highly recommended taking a cab ride back to the port rather than walking. It was only about $5.