NovCruisin
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Posts posted by NovCruisin
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Following this thread! While on a recent Holland America Cruise they had a non-alcohol package that included everything - water (still and sparkling), specialty coffee, soda (which we don't drink)...and we loved it!! I am sad to see Carnival only offers a soda package or an alcohol package...we don't drink soda at all and don't drink much either, maybe a beer or a glass of wine once or twice during an entire cruise. We will be getting the alcohol package though because we drink A TON of water and coffee, so that justifies the price (kinda - at least enough that it will be nice to have it pre-paid and not have to think about each purchase). The Holland America package was approx. $288 for 2 people and we calculated in water alone we drank about $400+, plus specialty coffee every day (we never drank the lido stuff).
So we would love any suggestions of non-alcoholic drinks we can try out since we will have the beverage package anyways!
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there is a small discount if you buy the beverage package on line ($5 discount approximately) - the one where it covers 15 drinks per day.
There is also a happy hour - twice a day on the ships I have been on. buy one drink and get the 2nd for $2.
Hope this helps. this is all that springs to mind and hopefully others can help too.
Does HH cover all drinks or just certain ones?
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Lady Arwen - Thanks for the quickresponse! How would I open a casino accountwith my shipboard card?
Tennessee Titan / Lady Arwen / catl331 - As said on my behalf by Ladyand cat, I don't plan on spending "all my time" in the casino...otherwiseI'd just go to Vegas ;p Either way, your comment doesn't add any value to this thread, so next time please stick to just answering questions as opposed to judging or move along.
doublebzz - How does one apply for a "line of credit" withthe Player's Club? Do I do that once on board or is there a phone number I cancall ahead of time?
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We are leaving to take a Norway cruise on Koningsdam next month and I wanted to check a few questions about the casino please:
(1) I know the casino is closed while in port but do they open during passage in the fjords? I think in our home port of Galveston, TX we have to be so many miles off the coast in order to have the casino open...so I fear if that was the case in Norway the casino would never be open since we hug land for most of the cruise!!
(2) What's the best way to bring on gambling money? In the past we just bring a wad of cash, when we drive to the port or fly domestic, but since we are flying international with a 1 night stay in Amsterdam before the cruise we don't feel comfortable walking around that much with large sums of cash. Can we put money into an OBC account and then withdraw the cash in the casino without a fee?
Thanks for everyone's help on this!
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Thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply, it is much appreciated!
I am hopeful it sounds like there may be spring water, I am not particular about brand just wanted to make sure that was an option.
For those who mentioned Evian, that is mineral water so not what I'm looking for. I do however appreciate the information and "worst case scenario" I'll have to drink mineral water for one week :p
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Are you worried about salt?
There are some brands that have 7% sodium in them which for some people is not good.
HAL needs to list what brands they have in their package in case some people have a sodium problem.
Salt is not my main concern; I find spring water to taste better and is (imo) healthier than purified.
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Where are you sailing? The spring water brands are port dependant.
Sailing out of Amsterdam RT with ports of call in Norwat.
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Does anyone know what brands HAL has available on board for it's bottled water? I am trying to figure out if they have spring water vs. purified water. I know they have Mineral water still and sparkling but I can't find any additional information. TIA!
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Does anyone know what they have for bottled water? Do they only have one brand? If so, which? I prefer to drink spring water vs. purified. Thanks!
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I don't know if this information is already out there but I just wanted to pass it along in case it helped anyone. I called Holland America's customer service line to inquire whether, if I booked a cruise during the snap fares promotion, that it would be eligible to change to the Explore4 promotion (without losing my deposit) if that came up at a later date. I was told that it could not be 'transferred", my booking would have to be cancelled and then the new booking would be with new promotion. The deposit would be handled in the fashion you selected either non-refundable or if you purchased cancellation protection. The agent said their next promotion will be rolled out on August 1st but she did not say what that promotion would be.
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Well, I respectfully disagree. As I said before, dogs are unique in their relationship with people. Unlike other animals (cats included), they give every indication of choosing to pay attention to, and try to please, the people around them. Dogs routinely do "jobs" such as herding, chasing, scenting, and pulling, and (as far as one can tell with another species) appear to find it either fulfilling or entertaining (or both). Dogs who aren't told what to do routinely develop symptoms of neurosis (nervous tics, obsessive behaviour, self-harm).
Again, that doesn't mean that a particular situation can't be abusive, but short of situations where the dogs are physically harmed it is not immediately obvious without a much more detailed investigation than just "guessing."
In closing, based on my experience interacting with dogs, I do not find your argument persuasive. I find it entirely plausible to imagine that sled dogs would, and in fact do, choose to engage in that activity. I am open to the possibility that is not the case, but it does not seem likely enough to make me think twice about my planned tour.
It would appear we will have to agree to disagree on this one :D but I appreciate your civilized debating. Happy Cruising!!
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It seems like you're arguing that animals in general, and dogs specifically, ought morally to be left to their own devices. My point, which you seem not to have addressed, is that unlike most animals, dogs don't have their own devices to be left to.
You may then take the position that the only moral decision is that dogs should not exist at all. If that's your position, then you're playing hide-the-ball with your arguments, above.
If that's not your position, then we're left with a discussion not of whether dogs and humans interact, but of how they interact, or as the old joke goes, we're just haggling over price.
I'm not arguing that dogs should not exist. More like your second contention that it is about how we interact with animals. I don't think that just because they exist we should dominate them. I own two cats and I treat them with the respect that they are a separate being and as such should be left to their own devices with the perks of having someone who loves and cares for them (and the same could be said for dogs). Of course I feed them but aside from that they are very independent - they stay inside when they want, they go outside when they want, the use the cat litter inside and they also use the grass outside, I follow their ques as to when they want cuddle time, sleep, play, etc. I treat them like I treat my spouse - I help provide for another being that I love, but at the end of the day, they are their own "person/animal" and they shouldn't be told when, where or how to do anything.
So in closing, that is all I am saying about the dogs; the people who run these dog sledding excursions might love them and "take good care" of them, but at the end of the day they have a choice about how they interact with them and they choose to force the dogs to dance like a circus monkey. If I had to guess, I would bet the dogs they would prefer just being left to their own devices to play, run, eat, etc. on their own terms, not when someone tells them to.
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I believe that people are mistakenly, probably not intentionally, mixing up arguments.
I don't think anyone is saying dogs don't like being outside or whether a dog prefers to be indoors or outdoors. The question - for each person to decide for themselves based on their own morals about the issue - is whether it is acceptable or moral to participate in dog sledding excursions.
This is not a debate about whether the dogs want to be inside or out - it is a debate about whether it is acceptable to use the dogs for human entertainment. Again, as I stated before, we are talking about strapping harnesses to their bodies and forcing them to pull us on a sled. That does not seem right.
Let's use another example - humans. I like being outside. I like jogging. However I don't think anyone would agree that it would be moral to force me to carry my spouse around piggy back everywhere we go while outside because they enjoy not having to walk or because I enjoy the outdoors. It's quite silly when you view it from this angle.
Dogs "being bred" to entertain humans is another (IMO) poor argument. It is not their fault we as humans act like we are "above" all other creatures and therefore can do with them as we see fit - such as cross breeding or enslaving. I'd say a better term for what is being described as being excited by just a look or a pet by their own as more akin to stockholm syndrome.
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I would add that I am against any tours that force, in any way, animals to do anything. So in this instance, yes, I am against dog sledding. While they might like to run, does that mean they want to run with ropes attached to them pulling you around for your entertainment...I doubt that. Same as has already been mentioned with the dolphins. We have had numerous opportunities to do swim tours but always refused no matter how "good" the operators were to "their" animals. We finally had a chance to see these majestic creatures in the OPEN ocean where THEY decided if they wanted to interact with us. I just find it morally reprehensible to FORCE an animal to do anything because they cannot speak for themselves so we are all just assuming they enjoy it, but I don't believe that is up for us to decide for them.
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the cruise-contracted train leaves Seward around 7am and stops at the airport.
The regularly scheduled train leaves 6pm arriving downtown Anc at 10:15pm.
https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ride-a-train/schedules
Red eye flights are very popular in Anchorage so plan on being at the airport 2 hrs prior to departure.
Besides the train, there's the Park Connection Bus and Seward Buslines, plus a few independent transfers.
A one -way rental car from HERTZ (the only vendor in seward) is pricey due to the drop off fee, but it gives you the ability to make stops along the way.
How do you book the cruise contracted train? Is there a website for that or do I book it directly through Celebrity?
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Our cruise ends in Seward. We'd like to take the train to Anchorage and hop on a flight that same day.
My questions are:
1. What time does the train depart Seward? And how do we get from the cruise port to the train station?
2. I know it takes about 4.5 hours on the train, what's the earliest flight you all would safely recommend booking?
3. If we are stuck in Anchorage for a few hours before our flight, what would you recommend doing for the day?
Any other information would be much appreciated. This is our first Alaska cruise and I feel a little overwhelmed compared to previous cruises (where the port is next to the airport or we drive to the port).
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Guys, sorry that format is terrible! I hope this helps! (it wouldn't let me edit my original post)
OPTION 1:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Eidfjord, Norway 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Scenic cruising Hardangerfjord
Molde, Norway 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Geiranger, Norway 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cruising Geirangerfjord
Bergen, Norway 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
OPTION 2:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Eidfjord, Norway 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Scenic cruising Hardangerfjord
Alesund, Norway 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Geiranger, Norway 7:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Cruising Geirangerfjord
Bergen, Norway 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
OPTION 3:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Scenic cruising Oslo Fjord
Oslo, Norway 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Stavanger, Norway 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Flam, Norway 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Scenic cruising Sognefjord
Haugesund, Norway 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
OPTION 4:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Flam, Norway 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Scenic cruising Sognefjord
Stavanger, Norway 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Kristiansand, Norway 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Scenic cruising Oslo Fjord
Oslo, Norway 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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We are looking to book a cruise on Holland America and need help choosing which ports would be best to visit (leaving out of Amsterdam)?
OPTION 1:
Day 0:
July 01, 2018 Departs 05:00 PM
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Day 1:
July 02, 2018
AT SEA
Day 2:
July 03, 2018 Arrives 07:00 AM
Departs 03:00 PM
Eidfjord, Norway
Day 2:
July 03, 2018
Scenic cruising Hardangerfjord
Day 3:
July 04, 2018 Arrives 10:00 AM
Departs 08:00 PM
Molde, Norway
Day 4:
July 05, 2018 Arrives 08:00 AM
Departs 05:00 PM
Geiranger, Norway
Day 4:
July 05, 2018
Cruising Geirangerfjord
Day 5:
July 06, 2018 Arrives 08:00 AM
Departs 05:00 PM
Bergen, Norway
Day 6:
July 07, 2018
AT SEA
Day 7:
July 08, 2018 Arrives 07:00 AM
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
OPTION 2:
Day 0:
June 03, 2018 Departs 05:00 PM
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Day 1:
June 04, 2018
AT SEA
Day 2:
June 05, 2018 Arrives 07:00 AM
Departs 03:00 PM
Eidfjord, Norway
Day 2:
June 05, 2018
Scenic cruising Hardangerfjord
Day 3:
June 06, 2018 Arrives 08:00 AM
Departs 11:00 PM
Alesund, Norway
Day 4:
June 07, 2018 Arrives 07:00 AM
Departs 05:00 PM
Geiranger, Norway
Day 4:
June 07, 2018
Cruising Geirangerfjord
Day 5:
June 08, 2018 Arrives 08:00 AM
Departs 05:00 PM
Bergen, Norway
Day 6:
June 09, 2018
AT SEA
Day 7:
June 10, 2018 Arrives 07:00 AM
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
OPTION 3:
Day 0:
August 19, 2018 Departs 05:00 PM
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Day 1:
August 20, 2018
AT SEA
Day 2:
August 21, 2018
Scenic cruising Oslo Fjord
Day 2:
August 21, 2018 Arrives 08:00 AM
Departs 05:00 PM
Oslo, Norway
Day 3:
August 22, 2018 Arrives Noon
Departs 06:00 PM
Stavanger, Norway
Day 4:
August 23, 2018 Arrives 09:00 AM
Departs 07:00 PM
Flam, Norway
Day 4:
August 23, 2018
Scenic cruising Sognefjord
Day 5:
August 24, 2018 Arrives 08:00 AM
Departs 05:00 PM
Haugesund, Norway
Day 6:
August 25, 2018
AT SEA
Day 7:
August 26, 2018 Arrives 07:00 AM
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
OPTION 4:
Day 0:
July 22, 2018 Departs 05:00 PM
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Day 1:
July 23, 2018
AT SEA
Day 2:
July 24, 2018 Arrives 08:00 AM
Departs 06:00 PM
Flam, Norway
Day 2:
July 24, 2018
Scenic cruising Sognefjord
Day 3:
July 25, 2018 Arrives 09:00 AM
Departs 06:00 PM
Stavanger, Norway
Day 4:
July 26, 2018 Arrives 08:00 AM
Departs 05:00 PM
Kristiansand, Norway
Day 5:
July 27, 2018
Scenic cruising Oslo Fjord
Day 5:
July 27, 2018 Arrives 08:00 AM
Departs 06:00 PM
Oslo, Norway
Day 6:
July 28, 2018
AT SEA
Day 7:
July 29, 2018 Arrives 07:00 AM
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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HAHAHA! That is literally my FAVORITE gif to use :') My husband and I even do that gesture in person (to each other) and we each know that the other is referencing this scene.
BTW sorry if I misinformed anyone - It appears I was wrong in my knowledge of the CHEERS program :(
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You're wrong. If you pre-pay upfront for the program Carnival will charge you for 6 days @ 49.95, if you wait till you're on board, you pay the 5.00 per day surcharge.
Sent from my XT1254 using Forums mobile app
I believe this is incorrect. If you put Cheers in your cart for a 7 day cruise out of Galveston the charge is 49 .95 per person for 6 days, or 299.70 plus 15%, for a total per person of 344.66.Oh really!! :o
MY BAD! I thought they charge you for 7 days. My mistake!
So question then - if you booked a cruise out of another port (let's use NOLA as an example) and you pre-booked, would they also only charge you for 6 days? Surely they wouldn't give you a free day since in NOLA you can drink under the package on embarkment day. Or in that instance would they charge you for 7 days - is the being charged for 6 days only because Carnival knows you can't use it the first day?
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Assuming you're on a seven day cruise, you will pay for 6 days. The cost is 49.95 plus 15% gratuity if you pay ahead of time. You get up to 15 alcoholic drinks per person and unlimited non-alcoholic.
Sent from my XT1254 using Forums mobile app
Just to expand on this, the math breaks down to being a better deal FOR GALVESTON DEPARTURES to just buy the next day:
Pre-Cruise Purchase: $49.95 + 15% = $57.44/day x 7 days = $402.08 per person
On Board Purchase: $54.95 + 15% = $63.19/day x 6 days = $379.14 per person
If you have to buy the alcohol on the first day anyways...might as well just wait to buy the CHEERS package until the next day. That would leave a difference of $22.94 per person to use towards drinks the first day.
Hope this helps someone :D
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OMG OMG...WOW...what a overwhelming response for ABC. That definitely helped us make up our minds. Everyone rocks!!! :D
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So that's now at least 30 votes for ABC by my count ;)
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Is there not a way to text in 10 votes like for American Idol... Id send in 10 votes for the ABCs! While I love Anthem and you really do have to try her someday, the ABCs take the cake here hands down in my humble opinion.
HAHA! Too funny! :) I will take your vote times ten into mind when it's final consideration time! :p
Non-alch Cheers
in Carnival Cruise Lines
Posted
Coconut water?! I've never seen that on a cruise before...how awesome! My DH swears by it for heartburn...me, I can't stand the stuff! Do you happen to know what brand they offer?
Thanks for that suggestion but we are picky water drinkers. We don't prefer purified water, which is what they offer in the cases of water. At home we drink spring and mineral water, but on board we usually only find mineral (Perrier, Evian, San Pellegrino).