RunnerGirl26.2

We always bring salted mixed nuts; individual bags of trail mix for port snacks. Last cruise we went to a supermarket in the first port and purchased a variety pack box of chips/crisps to have for snacks or with lunch on board.  Cannot ever find potato chips on board.

We took our first RCCL cruise in January 2022 (not first cruise ever). My husband was in the casino every evening, not sure how much he spent.

We have received about six mailers with casino royale offers over the past 6 weeks.  The first were for interior or OV spring/early summer.  The latest ones included balcony offers, dates till end of September.  

I went online last night and submitted for a 5 night out of Port Canaveral, balcony cabin.  Have not gotten a response yet.  But hey, how bad can it be--it will be mostly free. Probably will not upgrade, but we will look at the royal up offers if available.

We are sailing Thursday.  Appointments at CVS for rapid antigen test on Tuesday.  Backup plans:  PCR test at Kaiser or use proctored home test. 

We were on Glory last month, early dining.  We (my sister and I) were seated at a 10 top. Seven people total. So they are letting you sit with people who are not in your party or travel companions. 

The aft extended balconies are bigger.  We had one on Paradise and have one next month on Glory.  A lounger would have fit easily on our Paradise balcony.

We will book balcony or ocean view, depending on the price.  No drinks package, no specialty dining, no spa, no internet. Usually book excursions independently or just walk around the port area. We will splurge on smaller group excursions and a cabana at cruise line's private island (share with friends). DH orders bottle of liquor for the cabin and makes his own drinks. He will go to the casino some also.

On 7/15/2021 at 10:20 PM, ALWAYS CRUZIN said:

Anyone want the email address? Here it is. shareholders@carnival.com I use it to send in the request and also to ask questions. Here is another guestadmin@carnival.com

First time for me to request the OBC.  What do I need to include in the email?  Photo of statement with my name; booking number; sail date???  Thanks for any help.

On 1/4/2019 at 6:38 AM, Leavethekidswithmom said:

Try Kini Kini or ABC. 

Does KIni Kini pick up at the pier?  They list hotel pick up.  Or do you have to take a taxi?

I just rented through Trip Advisor/Viator for 12/31.  Wet Money had none available. Max Carts I think is the name. 

You could bring a small insulated cooler and ask for enough hot water to fill it. Set the carton in the hot water to warm it up. Or use the ice bucket in your cabin (depending on the size of the carton). Pouring the soup into a zipper bag, then placing it in hot water would work even better.

The one time we had a balcony, I blew bubbles during sail away. That could be an option, but clean up any spills as the liquid is slippery.

We have done the zip line and monkey business with Bodden. I recall walking paths and steps for the zip line. And some of the platforms you had to do a running start. How will you get the crutches across on the zip line? Monkey business on his property was fairly level. Maybe a few steps or thresholds to cross. Don’t know if that is the Monkey Sanctuary you are referring too.

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We just cruised Paradise had one of the new aft balcony cabins loved it! Bed was comfy had mini fridge new everything.

We have a hold on one of the aft balcony cabins. Deck 6. Any comments on noise (engine) and movement? Will be our first aft cabin and first time on Carnival. Thanks much.

Off Rotterdam March 4 sailing. Lanai cabin. Our first time on HAL. Never saw this information anywhere: There are shelves in the closet that fold down. They look like the walls so you have to look closely. Robe hanging in one closet, moved it to another section and folded down the shelves for extra storage.

March 4 sailing. First sea day. Santo Tomas night (Thursday I think). Probably because we were in port in Cozumel till 11 pm.

There are usually towels in your cabin. Lines I have cruised, the cabin steward swaps out dirty for clean. From my understanding, some cruise lines scan your card to check in and check out towels. No need to pack your own. There may also be "pool towels" on the pool deck.

I purchased the unlimited soda package last week. Did not have to purchase for both of us in the cabin. I wished I would have purchased the $25 (for $50 in sodas) card instead. I did not get the value out of it on a four port, seven day cruise.

We saw this presentation this past week on Rotterdam. Was very good.

Just off Rotterdam yesterday. Really enjoyed the lanai cabin.

There were signs on the reserved lanai chairs. They removed the cushions at night. Blankets were in drawers under the foot of the bed.

Our door was really heavy and you had to pull towards you to fully latch it. But that meant you did not get locked out. Keys to doors delivered to cabin in an envelope. It seemed some of the doors were automatic opening-scan the card or press button to open. Ours was not.

Door mirrored but could see through at night with lights on inside. Bring a clothespin for the drapes.

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Our daughter went through BMT three years ago. I would say keep your phone on and with you. Look for a Texas area code or his cell number on the call and answer. He knows you will be on the cruise. Worse case he can leave you a message. Some plans allow you to receive text messages for free no matter where you are. Our daughter got time at the pay phone a couple of times, thus look for Texas area code. On another note, look for the website for Air Force Wing Moms for lots of great information.

We were able to order Icelandic krona from our bank before we went to Iceland. Exchange rate is hard to convert in your head. About 1 krona for 0.0098 USD.

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But unicycles are not on the list...

I am no expert but have been to AK twice on Princess. Ketchikan is a fun shopping town. Walk past the big shiny diamond sellers by the pier to Creek Street and shop at stores owned by the locals. Tongass Trading company is fun to look around. You should get a coupon book in your cabin and you can get free blanket with purchase etc. You can also take the bus or a taxi up to the totem pole park (cannot recall the name).

In Juneau we did the zipline tour (ship Shorex). I have done that one two times. Really fun. Train ride in Skagway once and lake kayak the second trip. I would go ahead and book. You can always cancel.

Regarding balconies I think there is a door between that can be opened. (Only had balcony one time so not really sure on that). Have a great trip.

I live in North Ga and will drive down. Looking to go out of port canaveral. So I don't believe there will be any hotel cost or anything of the such.

H Skyhawk. We are in the NE Atlanta area. Port Canaveral is 7.5 hours from us. I would recommend driving down the day before. Not worth risking a flat tire or traffic tie up due to construction or an accident. You may have to be on board by 2 or 3 pm with a 4 pm sailing. We are sailing out of Tampa in March and driving most of the way to Tampa the day prior.

I get motion sick also. Recommend starting to take Meclizine day or two before the cruise (generic for Bonine). I also take ginger and wear Sea Bands. They say green apples help also--they may have them at the buffet. Have fun planning--part of the fun for me.

We spent 3 days in Barcelona (trip was prior to TA that we canceled but still went to Spain on land trip). So cannot speak about the pier. We stayed in a flat for 3 nights across from La Sagrada de Familia. Aerobus from airport. Transfer to metro to our flat. Rode the metro and walked a ton. Las Ramblas is fun. Be sure to visit the big market. Be aware of pickpockets.

If you have time visit La Sagrada--get as early an entry as you can to get there before the crowds build. We did the first entry time. but we were practically across the street. Plan (and purchase ticket) to go up one of the towers and walk the stairs back down (if you are able).

Restaurants do not serve dinner until 7 or 8 pm. That was an adjustment. But lots of dining outside.