evandbob

Sometimes the cost of cigarette cartons is a lung or two.

We've been on 60+ cruises, plus have done numerous 1 and 2 week Caribbean land vacations, so we sometimes stay on board the ship during some port stops. We've gone to Serenity about 10am and had our choice of lounges as well as lightly occupied hot tubs. Very relaxing and we avoid the crush of guests seeking those last unoccupied loungers. We leave when those ashore return to the ship and bring their noise and high energy to Serenity. Why go at hectic sea days (we can enjoy our balcony then), when we can really find "serenity" on a port day? This is certainly a "privilege" for being a very frequent traveler.

We are just off the Edge and Apex and can confirm that Jelayne's post above described our experience on these two ships.

Apart from being on the seas, I cruise mostly to get a sense of foreign culture, language, customs and food. While I love puppies, I wouldn't go to a foreign petting zoo unless it had local breeds. Same reason I avoid American fast food shops and dime a dozen souvenir shops in port/mall areas when abroad. I'd rather a sense of expanding vision rather than familiar comfortability. JMO, YMMV.

Bora Bora IMO, is better suited to overnight stays in horizon over water bungalows than taken in via a short cruise stop. From a ship, one may splash a bit in the lagoon, but not enough as the immersement one gets from watching 1000's of aqua blue water molecules change color from your bungalow's lounger. Taking your cabin's ladder down into the lagoon each morning is highly exhilarating; watching sea life at night under your bungalow through glass floors is mind boggling.

Virgin has a status match as well as those mentioned.

MSC will probably become even larger in the Mediterranean area, diluting Carnival's share there. They are attempting inroads into Caribbean market with well designed new ships and loyalty matching, but fare price may be the most significant factor in market share. Carnival can maintain its superiority in the Carib.

I've been the only solo male at a table of 8 solos. Checking with the Matre'D may work, but more likely to get seated for late dining.

There will be signs posted as you enter the terminal, telling you what garage to park at for your particular ship. I don't think which one is known until boarding day.

I've been on the Celebration's sister ship Mardi Gras, eaten twice at both the Steakhouse and Rudi's. I prefer the Steakhouse for filet mignon. while Rudi's has some fine seafood. I've gotten a table for one at the Steakhouse and had my meal in peace; at Rudi's, all the small 1 or 2 person tables were squeezed together, so 1 can feel like they are dining with others to their right and left.

I've dined solo in many Steakhouses on Carnival ships and have never thought of eating at the bar, only at a table. Always had an enjoyable meal. Is there a reason for the OP to bar sit?

Of course. And many folks don't know there are self help meetings on board a ship. I posted "if so inclined" for those who may be curious reading this post, not necessarily for the OP. And if someone truly needs self help, they should be congratulated and encouraged, not stigmatized. Just like folk who drink responsibly. The losers are the drunks who continue to drink way past their own limits and cause all sorts of issues and they should be stigmatized.

Usually $5 to 7. They also have non alcoholic beer. If so inclined, there will be "Friends of Bill" meetings posted in the daily schedules, usually on sea days.

If the person eligible for the reduced fare can't board, the rest of the party will be re-assigned to a non reduced, meaning higher, fare.

Doesn't matter where, many wives select Hawaiian shirts for their husbands as a sign their men are taken already.

Depending on the cruise, the Diamond Captain's party may have just 1 Diamond attending (I've been in this situation twice) just a handful for hors d ouevres and drinks, or over a 100 for a brunch and anything in between. Enjoy, I've had some great talks with various Captains about our Italian grandmothers.

FLL is a guarded port, you will need to show ID and boarding passes for entry. There are several parking garages and areas, note the signs that would indicate the closest place to park for your ship. AFAIK, there are no public eateries in the port area. Either bring a snack or as mentioned wait to board and then eat on the ship. Enjoy your cruise.

If I have a reservation time, I will just bypass those who don't that are waiting in line. I do this for the MDR, theater, etc. No biggie, excuse me please.

I found the window goes up/down faster when I used the open/close setting found on the themostat rather than the push button on the cabin wall next to the window.

It was 71 degrees at 7am in SWFL today, a new record for the low temp of the day. Daytime high temps are expected to be 78 to 84 for the next week. Now the Caribbean temps are similar or greater than SWFL. Bring biodegradable roll on sunscreen. Water temps can be chilly unless you're from Canada.

Lower your expectations. Perhaps the Carnival steakhouse is comparable to one of Celebrity's specialty restaurants. The Celebrity MDR IMO, is way nicer than Carnival's. Carnival casinos are usually smoke filled, not like Celebrity's smoke free gaming areas. Your Carnival stateroom may have a few extra square feet than Celebrity's, might depend on the ship. Enjoy!

You can eat at the bar or at a table, whatever is better for you. You don't have to say in advance either.

Used it for our 1 sailing out of Tampa, easy, quick, reliable. If I ever use that port again for a Carnival cruise, I'll definitely use the valet again. {We drive from Ft Myers.}

Good for the OP!! We were quite pleased with our 2 MG sailings, ate at Rudi's and the Steakhouse, did the roller coaster ride, enjoyed the partial smoke free casino area, and had a mid ship, mid deck balcony both bookings. Perhaps our top enjoyment was the utterly non Carnival decor throughout the ship. Emeril's was an enjoyable meal as was Shaq's chicken. Great cruises, Celebration may be our next Carnival sailing after we finish our next 4 Celebrity cruises this year.

Diamond {and possibly platinum loyalty members} can always get a robe placed in their cabin.