mumtopugs

Do not fly to Tampa for a cruise out of Miami . it may seem like an easy drive but route 4 is an awful road . It cuts across Florida from Tampa to Orlando and passes all the disney parks . The traffic is horrendous and there are always accidents on that road . Fly into Fort Lauderdale or West Palm or anywhere but Tampa .

We went 75 south from Tampa across "alligator alley" and had no issues. You're right that 4 is a beast, but you can avoid it if you're willing to see nothing but marsh for several hours [emoji2]

Sorry for your luck OP!!!

Thanks for all the input! Starfish, which cruise are you on? We are in the Splendor 4/10. Shellback, I think you're right and I will avoid the segways this time around [emoji6] The trolleys or the bus sound like a good alternative. I'm already struggling with just the stairs in my home. Being pregnant at 38 is much different than the first time 20 years ago!! [emoji99]

We don't use a credit card. We load cash onto the account when we board. You can check your balance easily and reload cash if needed. When we leave, we just cash out what's left the night before. So easy to budget and no stress.

We tried to save some money parking off site and taking the complimentary shuttle to the port. It was a bad idea for many reasons. If we do it again, we will gladly pay a little extra to park at port parking. It's literally across the street from the port.

Thanks for the tips!!!

I prepay. I wouldn't think of not doing the auto-tipping and I like the idea of starting my cruise with no charges. I know everything I have goes to fun.

Hello! Has anyone done the "History behind the walls walking tour?" I would normally not worry about the physical requirements but I'm going to be about 22 weeks pregnant. I have first trimester exhaustion and I'm hoping to feel better by then. I wonder, in your opinion, was it a lot of hills and stairs? How many miles approximately?

I posted here in addition to the Carnival board since each tour can be different and I would like feedback on Carnival's tour specifically.

Thanks for any insight you have.

Hello! Has anyone done the "History behind the walls walking tour?" I would normally not worry about the physical requirements but I'm going to be about 22 weeks pregnant. I have first trimester exhaustion and I'm hoping to feel better by then. I wonder, in your opinion, was it a lot of hills and stairs? How many miles approximately?

I posted here in addition to the San Juan board since each tour can be different and I would like feedback on Carnival's tour specifically.

Thanks for any insight you have.

Ashley

We prepay everything we can and put $100 per person in cash when we board. That covers our bingo and drinks pretty well. That way we can't go over budget. You're a lot more aware of charges when you know there's eventually and end to the swiping.

It's super easy to cash out. Just go to the desk the night before.

Not seeing where the "Feds" would get involved if you had a card on file that was invalid and they charged the card on file that was active. I can't imagine, as an alternative to charging the debit card, that they'd ask you to pinky swear to pay once you got your new Amex.

We spend about $150 between two of us without my casino $. Couple coffees, drinks in the Red Frog Pub, bingo, couple of gifts...

Used to be the Red Frog Pub but this go round, I'm growing a tiny human, so I'm not sure what it'll be. Good dilemma to have.

Twice a day seems unnecessary to me. When I travel alone in hotels, I only ask for service every other day. I don't see why they would need to make the bed or replenish towels more than once a day. No, I wouldn't reduce my tips for this. However if service twice a day make a difference for you, by all means...

A couple of days have Alaska-specific presentations. They do have a Red Frog and Punchliner. It's a markedly older/quieter crowd but you will not be bored, by any means.

My DMV also mails licenses and does not print them on site. I say try the passport and every single thing you have with your name on it.

Early/ late dining is a set dining room and a set table and a set time. Anytime is just that. You'll have a dining room designated for anytime dining. It'll say on your sign and sail card. You just show up, give them your card and tell them how many in your party. If you want to be seated together, just tell them. Don't stress.

It'll all work out!

Hello! Boyfriend and I arrive in Miami at 6am on cruise day. Any ideas on how to kill some time before we cruise. Breakfast and a taxi ride will probably only kill an hour and we will have our luggage (a small suitcase each). Thanks for any suggestions!

I'd say the word "value" is more accurate. I've always had excellent service, great itineraries and good prices.

We flew in the day of to Hobby and shared an SUV service with another couple. It was very easy and about $60-70 a couple. If you want to be safe and fly in the night before, go for it. I don't think Galveston is any more difficult than any other port.

We did Glacier Bay this past September and it was incredible. The park rangers actually come on board to narrate the experience and answer questions. Also, my sister has some mobility issues so I understand your mother's limitations. We did whale watching in Juneau and the White Pass train in Skegway which were amazing! Any choice you make here can't be wrong, though!! Enjoy!!!

Passport is fine. Nothing else needed

Hello!

I usually earn the "Drinks On Us" card in the casino. This time around, I'm pregnant. (Yayyyy!) Do you know if I can get "virgin" drinks with the card?

Thanks!

Any time school is out, prices go up. If she's homeschooled or school policy allows her to take time away, consider going at a time when school is in session. We did this a few years ago and there were still about 5-10 kids on the ship my son's age.

The Splendor is getting some 2.0 upgrades in March so it depends on when your Spring Break falls. There's speculation but no confirmation about what upgrades will be installed.