cruzinmamaTN

Just need to vent a bit here. hubby wanted to surprise me with a quick 4 night on Liberty next month. Sunday around 11pm, inside prom. was at $239pp.

Monday, this sailing goes to the C&A "preview" of GGG for this week, and the same sailing, cabin, etc.. goes UP to $299pp.

ummm.... I'm no mathmatician, but $239 to $299 does NOT equal "up to 20% OFF select sailings"...

oh.. and I can't convert a NCC I have to this sailing at the $299, it would be $369pp, since it's not a "new" booking. I understand that is the case with all GGG "sales".. just another annoyance, when all I want is some time in the SUN! :)

so.annoying.

Guess I'll have to wait to see where the price goes tomorrow after the "SALE" is over.... sigh.

This is what I follow re: keeping meds in original containers OR having copies of the Rx when entering the US through customs:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/67

No longer offered per se on Carnival but have I done it since the official demise...yes topless on Serenity and not a word was said ;)

 

Also topless on Costa is permitted on any deck.

totally want to check out Costa now.

Now a days there are a pretty good selection of clothing optional charters on some very nice ships. We are no longer relagated to the 'B' fleet ships. You should try one, IT is optional!

so true. I always get a laugh out of these threads..

BOOBIES!! OMG! BOOBIES!!

really? are we all in 8th grade?

If you want clothing optional cruises/beaches.. google.. there are several options. even in the "conservative" Carribbean.

Topless sanctioned "decks" are gone now.. even in European based cruises, I believe. sad, but true.

Now... if only we could enforce 200+lb bottom-almost-less cruises.. that would rock. Seriousy. Put some fabric between your tush and me.. I'd appreciate it.. but alas.. itty bitty bathing suit bottoms are very much "allowed" on deck.

sigh.

Interesting. I will have to look at copies of my funtimes tonight.

 

How would you know Carnival offers these meetings? And do they do it, because there's so much alcohol onboard? Just asking cause I think this is way cool.

 

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Carnival doesn't "offer" them due to the atmosphere. these are independly organized meetings, but which Carnival offers space.. just like Friends of Dorothy.. or a meet up group.. or any other "topic" centered meeting request.

I've seen them on other cruiselines as well.

I think it's just that it's so prevelant, that it's very common to actually have attendees on each ship and each sailing. Doesn't matter if you're 1 month, 1 year or 20+ years... it's always 1 day at a time, and I've seen how this particular group is especially open and caring and available to it's "members". It's a good thing.

A couple years ago, someone in my cruise party wanted to attend the meetings onboard but requested a 'buddy' join them as they were new to the process. I always wondered what went on in these meetings and whether I could learn maybe how to support this person better, so I agreed to help out.

 

We went to the first meeting on that ship and there about 8 - 10 people in attendance. My 'buddy' dove right into the group like a fish out of water. However, my 'buddy' would not let me gracefully bow out for the rest of the cruise. I couldn't have felt more out of place as everyone spoke but me and I was relegated to sitting there and listening respectfully.

 

We went each morning (early! ugh... :) ) and thank goodness were others attending as well.

 

It seems that since that cruise, I always make it a point to notice if there are any takers to the FoB meetings and it's really hit or miss as to whether anyone shows up.

Speaking not as a Friend of Bill W.. but as a friend of a friend.. I think the theory is good for anyone.. and maybe should be taught more.. it's all about taking ownership for your actions, making amends (where applicable) and making a decision every day about what you intend to do with that day by your actions. Pretty solid stuff, in my opinion.

On my previous crusises, there have typically been "Friends of Bill W" events.. attendance was hit or miss.. generally held in the chapel (if one is available).

I would suggest going at least the first day. Chances are, at least 1 other person will attend, and they can exchange info.. that way, even if there are no other attended meetings, you can contact eachother if he/she needs a "touchpoint" during the cruise.

On a personal note, I travel with someone who is 7 years sober, and says that while never being "tempted" during normal life, the cruise atmosphere makes him wish he could just kick back with a "fun" beverage.. just like eveyone else, so he really appreciates the availability of meetings on the ships. he instead chooses to drink Red Bull & Sprite... it feels like a splurge, and an alternate kind of "fun" drink.

I would be shocked if they switch to these machines. A friend of mine manages a restaurant that uses the freestyle units and he says they're a nightmare when it comes to maintenance.

 

 

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RCCL uses these machines on some of their ships, and there are pretty common reports of them being out of service, so that could be one reason CCL is still "looking into" them.

Do you think I should I try to contact Carnival directly before we go or just wait until we get on board and talk to guest services?

I'd wait and talk to GS onboard, since it will really be up to that ships' crew to determine if you will be allowed to bring things back onboard. Shoreside, they probably have "standard" responses, that may or may not be applicable on your particular sailing.

yes, I think the only issue might be bringing the water back onboard.

Typically when you come back onboard, you have to run your bags through a metal detector, and they will ask you to pour out or they will confiscate any liquids (this is so you don't bring alcohol back on).. but this is hit or miss.. I've walked on with 1/2 full water bottles before (carrying them in my hand.. not hiding them or anything) without a blink... I think it depends on the staff. you may be able to explain and they'll allow it, but I'd have a back up plan, in case.

Also.. I've also seen big bins where they make you leave sand/shells/etc that you may have picked up at the port.. again.. that's hit or miss.

In our experience, there really is a significant difference in crowds/lines/waits when arriving early.

We typically find lots of available porters, and no security line waits.

We've never waited in line to check in.. always walked right up to the counter

Our longest wait to board was about 30 mins, but that was due to winds shutting down the gangway for a bit while they readjusted.

We typically arrive between 10-11am.

Lido buffet has always been open, as well as many of the bars, all public areas and the pools/hot tubs. It's a great opportunity to walk the ship, become familiar, and get "amost empty/empty" ship pics, if you're interested in that.

The other benefit is that the lido is much less busy, so it's easy to quickly grab lunch/brunch and easy to find a table. We typically then grab a pool side chair (almost all are open).. and enjoy an *almost* full day onboard.

Some people really take advantage but not everyone will drink like a fish.

Agreed. I think that's the key difference. Some folks will look at the cost of attendance and ONLY equate that to the cost of the alcohol. Others (me) will look at the cost of attendance, and consider the cost of drinks, space, atmosphere and experience. We will drink 1 or 2 drinks, enjoy the people and time and move on with the day.

If you're looking to squeeze every ounce of alcohol from your dollar, then yah, I get the uproar.. but, generally speaking... $25 per person isn't much compared to the overall vacation dollar spent, and the time and fun spent meeting people in a "private" space is worth it.

But then again, I'm one of those folks who don't mind paying a cover charge, either. So.. to each your own!

wow.. I'm not diabetic, but I really appreciate all these suggestions for sugar free mixes! I always hate that I'm drinking my calories on a cruise (since I rarely drink otherwise) and 2 or 3 (or 4 or 5) really can add up fast!

Off to scout out some of these before this weekend!

Well, like I said, a year ago I can assure you that people were consuming WELL over the value of the $11.50 per person! For every person who doesn't attend for the sole purpose of getting drunk, there are probably three who DO attend to do so!!

 

Sure, it's nice to meet some Cruise Critic "friends" but it's more like the PG parties. Do we still go every year to witness the introduction of the staff and watch the corny video and cheer for our past ships?

 

Or do we go do pound down as many free drinks as we can?

 

C'mon now. Be honest! :p

 

No food? Seriously? You're somewhere that there is pretty good food available 24/7 and you're going to complain that there's no food during your 1 (or 2) hour party? You can't find something to consume before you attend?

 

Yes, I'm thinking like both a shareholder and an accountant. I'm not going to apologize for trying to see this objectively.

 

Yes, as noted, it is a big increase. But 2 x almost free still isn't very expensive.

 

It's $25 people. Is this going to break your cruise budget? Yes? Then don't attend. Schedule a "free" M&G. Carnival has the right to not lose money on these functions!

I completely agree with you. $22 per hour of "private party" space, including an open bar? You're paying for waitstaff, and the space and then consumption of alcohol (and I've seen how some really "put it down!" when they hear "open bar"... it's like a buffet of alcohol and they've GOT TO get their $$ worth)... I'm not sure you could find something comperable on land for that price!

I"m sure there has been a loss of revenue that can no longer be mitigated, and therefore there is a price increase. And the deposit is probably because people were booking, Carnival was holding space & staff, and then saw a consistant lack of return (attendance) on the expected revenue.

I don't fault them a bit for this change.

looks like they are just pulling up to dock now....

Hope everyone packs all thier patience (both on & off)... and remembers that weather conditions are out of everyone's control!

Happy cruising to all those getting ready to board & safe travels to those just coming home!

I think anywhwere from $350 - $500 for a balcony on a 7 night is a fantastic deal.. of course, it will depend on ship, port, itiniary, and time of year.

I've paid up to $1400pp for a "regular" OV balcony on a competing line's "mega ship".. during Hurricaine season to boot... it was a great experience, but I won't pay more than $800pp for a balcony again.. the deals are out there, you've just got to do your research!

GL!

we enjoy the steakhouse.. it's not "gourmet" but it is (in my opinion), better than MDR in food quality.. and we like the MDR just fine.

I think it's more of an "experience".. smaller venue, attentive service.. quiet and "calm" compared to the hustle & bustle of the MDR. To me, it's a more "romantic" experience, so it's worth the upcharge.

Try it once and decide... even with the upcharge, it's still very small to what you would pay on land for the same atmosphere! You may add it to your "must do" list.. or you may jsut be glad you did it once.. either way.. enjoy!

So.. just finished watching sailaway via the PC/Everglades/Miami webcams (sigh... 6 more sleeps til I"m on a boat.....)... and as always, there were the 3 horn blasts (and the "Wish Upon A Star" from Disney.. love that!)... but I noticed a 3 horn "response" blast from what sounds like an "air horn" near/around the port cam...

I know the 3 long horn blasts are based in myth/tradition/luck for Captains (something about a love story.. can't remember).. but what's up with the "response" blast from land? Is that just someone nearby recriprocating? Is there any tradition associated with it?

Just curious & passing time...

There may not be any Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales.. but WAVE season is just around the corner!!! Trying to hold back booking something for next summer until then......

I'd suggest if you are traveling with a companion, consider ordering 1 entree each that you'd like to share.. it really is a lot, and if you share, then you both get to have 1 meal with two different options!

But, I agree.. the choosing is the hardest part-- it's all so yummy!

I was just looking at all available cruises during my kids' "spring break" (starting 4/19/2014).. and across the board, there were no OV/BAL available on the CCL site.

Plenty of options in those categories on other booking websites.

Apparently a glitch. Hope they get it fixed soon!

my take is there is an overall "trend" in the US for "small plate" menus and this "tasting" kinda hits that trend, while promoting the offerings of the "surcharge" dining options (where available).

It's also a way to provide something "new/different" to past pax, who have already had the sushi, while still utilizing the same footprint (and probably at a low overhead increase).

I liked the sushi, but I'm interested in trying the Taste Bar options on my upcoming trip.

It would be great if they would offer both, but I'm sure they looked at the hard numbers, and felt that changing this expereince made sense (based on consumption/cost/pax reviews/etc).

I'm sorry to bring up an old thread, however, we are looking to book this on our upcoming spring cruise with the kids.. 6483 (aft wrap) and the aft 6485 (aft balcony) are both available on Liberty... does anyone know if the balconies connect?

I think I've read that the aft wrap balcony connects with 6481 (the other side next door non-aft balcony)....

putting kids in one of the room, and since they do not have connecting interior doors, will only book if the balconies connect (yep.. lucky kids to potentially get an aft balcony... the close by interiors are not available!)

Thanks in advance for any insight or advice anyone could offer!

It just scares me with all the accidents that occur on I-95. What if we get tied up in traffic and miss the boat?

Like you, I am very hesitant to travel same day, even by car. Many years ago, we got stuck in massive traffic on I 95, and then had a huge t-storm roll in, just outside Miami, which caused an accident and pretty much shut down the interstate. We were stuck just outside of Miami for almost 2 hours. Stopped. I was frantically on the phone with the GS in Miami, explaining the situation, our location, etc... they were helpful, and we kept them updated. We were LITERALLY the last ones on the boat before they pulled in the gangway. Never.Ever.Again.

For the small difference in overall price, I would go for the 8 day with all new ports and a new ship class. You will have the added gas, hotel & parking, however there are lots of ways to help reduce those costs by planning ahead. And for us, more ship time + new ports would be worth the trade off.

Good luck with your decision!

I always pre pay tips too. Don't want that added to my sail & sign card.

 

When you check in online, put your card number down for you and have your son do the same thing with his card.

 

However heard to many bad things about using a debit card. So I would suggest your son use a cash account. He can put money down at check in and then add to it if needed during the cruise.

The only real "negative" I see to using a debit card, is depending on the ship, they may "authorize" charges as you go, and not wait for 1 large authorization at the end of the trip. Due to the way your bank processes these charges, it is possible to have both the "authorizations" AND the "final remittance" charges during the same time period.. until the pre-authorizations "fall off". I've expereinced "pre authorizations" of every purchase, or pre authorizations of the balance on day 2, day 3, etc.. and then the final "total" being charged (this was on my CC, and it just took a couple of days for the authorizations to be removed once the final, total balance was charged). It does seem from reports here, that these preauthorizations on debit cards take "longer" to be removed.. not sure why, but that seems to be the case... or maybe becuase it is the persons bank account, they are following the balance more closely, so it is more noticable.

As long as you have enough of an available balance to potentially "cover" 2x your charges, you'll be fine. However, since he's 17, I am making a guess that he may or may not have a ton of available cash in the bank, and therefore, could come back to port and find his account in the red.

A good alternative would instead to have him set up a cash account once onboard. He can add more cash as the trip progresses, and will get a balance refund the last night (if applicable).. the lines for this tend to be long though, so that is one downside of the cash account.

If he has enough of a "buffer" in the bank over what he intends to spend, then there shouldn't be a problem.