Beav1279

On 5/4/2024 at 11:20 AM, CallistaSkye said:

After joining the faces group, it looks like SF cruises don't have faster to the fun. So at least that solves that and I don't have to keep checking. They have all kinds of stuff going on, a shot glass exchange, a postcard exchange, a duck exchange. I don't know if I'm social enough to participate in all of that but it's cool that people are running them. It makes me think of my Grandma. She was one of those really bubbly outgoing people who loved sitting with strangers at dinner because they always were friends. She wrote letters and postcards to her cruise friends. I always wish I had gotten those genetics because she could talk to anyone.

I'm doing the 11-day Alaska on the Miracle next month. If there is anything you need me to check out for you, let me know! This is my 1st to Alaska and my 1st out of S.F. 

4 hours ago, AmyJA said:

Getting ready for vacation in New Orleans in May.

 

If you have a Costo nearby, these (and other flavors) go on sale every other month. It's a great deal when they are discounted!

7 hours ago, Roscoe13 said:

 

BTW, if anyone has extra cash on hand the rates on CD's are impressive compared to what they have been.

Yes! Especially check your local credit unions. My DH just found a 12-month with over 5% APR. 

Just now, Saint Greg said:

There’s something I order that they used to throw a biscuit on the plate with. I don’t think they do anymore because I haven’t seen one in awhile. But their biscuits and gravy have no chance until they learn how to make biscuits. 

 

 

Very true... living in the South has spoiled me forever on good biscuits. 

On 2/29/2024 at 7:59 PM, Saint Greg said:

Supposedly these are the vegan biscuits and gravy on Carnival…..

 

At Christmas on the Dream, my husband was psyched to see those on the vegan menu, as he doesn't eat pork... then they came to the table... and he was very disappointed 😞 

39 minutes ago, pebbles1102 said:

In a town I used to live in, there is a well-known gynecologist named Dr. Clapp!

My maiden name is Beaver... not a single one of my family members ever went into the medical field... I think Dr. Beaver, OB-GYN has a nice ring to it! LOL

Thank you so much for taking us along on your cruise! I followed your blog for many trips but stopped getting notifications, so I'm very glad to have found you here! May you continue to have blessed travel ❤️ 

On 2/23/2024 at 11:00 AM, Stowaway LFC said:

Ladies, any ideas for a slightly dressy outfits for a 10 day Carnival Alaska cruise?  I figured there might be two dressy nights on a 10 day run?  Need something that doesn't take up much room.  Like maybe a maxi type skirt with two long sleeve tops that would match along with a pair of flats? Not a high heel person lol, I'd fall on my face.  I am horrible at clothes shopping since I spend most of my time in scrubs or yoga pants.  Just looking for some ideas. Thanks!

Ooo... I love online shopping for other people! What are your favorite colors, patterns, etc? Anything to avoid? Are you misses or womens sizes? 

As far as I can tell, all Deluxe Balconys have the loveseat... even the obstructed view ones.

2 hours ago, Shippy said:

Be sure your private transport from the port back to the airport has a LARGE window of time.

We had priority disembarkation....suite, taking our own luggage off.

That is absolutely the worst port to get out of. It is like a Disneyland line & you cannot see the end. AND the customs did not have a separate line for non US citizens !

Every 15 minutes I wound up calling my car service & begging them to wait a little longer.because I thought I was almost through....although I was not   :O(    Luckily they waited.

    Our cruise was fantastic but the stress of getting to & from Galveston was not. Never again.

 

I agree that debarkation always takes much longer than expected... If you can, I always recommend being one of the last people off the ship.

Harbor House Hotel is a 3-minute walk to the terminal. They also have a shuttle if you can't hoof it with all your luggage. I'm unsure if there is a cost for the shuttle or not. A couple of other hotels on the island have shuttles but that's it... none off the island for sure.

21 hours ago, firstimecruiseronncl said:

You can give your attorney, or someone else you trust, power of attorney and they can sign the documents.

I was going to say this ^ or, just buy the wifi package on your cruise. My husband and I "bought" a house doing everything online through e-sign. No need to be in person for anything until closing and you can negotiate that date.

My DH and I just booked last night for Spring Break 2025. We originally had the Vista booked for the week before but my school district decided to change our 2025 spring break. We lost $200 but with a casino deal, it worked out to be a better deal. We are so excited to go to San Juan, Puerto Rico!

I'm here! And ready to "virtually" sail along with you! Safe travels!

OP - I hope that you're organizing one for a group of cruisers on your upcoming trip - y'all will have a great time!

I suggest starting at a bar that is not too crazy-loud so that people can at least introduce themselves. I like to pick a signature drink at each bar to recommend to the group. You can also just do a shot at 1 (or more) of your bar stops.

Personally, I like to start towards the bottom of the ship and work my way up. I recommend having a plan for 5-7 stops but don't be bummed if you only make it to 3 or 4 😉 

I have to be dairy-free (stupid allergy) and I was so excited to try so many of the vegan offerings on the new menus! I had some hits (spaghetti carbonara) and misses (biscuits and gravy) but overall, I was happy with the many choices I had!
 

I know someone else above mentioned this but just check your tax returns from last year. You should have a 1099-DIV from your husband's stock holdings. I made 97 cents last year with my 150 share of CCL LOL.

Just now, Beav1279 said:

Rooting for the Chiefs right now... which feels really weird. And, about to root for the Lions, which is crazy! I'm a Packers fan... but the Lions are the nice underdog story.

And to chime in on the pet talk, it's my fur-kid's 5th birthday today! Ginger celebrated this last week with a Luau-themed birthday party at her doggie daycare.

 

I should add that my DH and I are DINKs.. which should explain the dog stuff... LOL

(DINK = dual-income, no kids)

Rooting for the Chiefs right now... which feels really weird. And, about to root for the Lions, which is crazy! I'm a Packers fan... but the Lions are the nice underdog story.

And to chime in on the pet talk, it's my fur-kid's 5th birthday today! Ginger celebrated this last week with a Luau-themed birthday party at her doggie daycare.

The Celebration goes out of Florida and is more likely to have more families with kids. I would think the 10-day on the Venezia out of NYC would be a more peaceful, relaxing cruise. That's what I would choose! (DH and I are 44, 55, no kids).

If it's what you're craving, go for it! What's a few extra bucks for some yummy food?? I don't think the food is "special" per se but it tastes good.

My DH and I were on the Dream for Christmas. There were a TON of kids... but we did not have a single bad interaction. Others in my "place of faces" group had issues but they also had kids, which makes me think that when you're spending the day in the places the kids like, you'll see more issues with kids. We spent our time in the spa, comedy lounge, main theater, serenity, and casino.

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad less than a year ago and it sucks. I would err on the side of caution and just tell the truth to Carnival or your travel agent. I would hate for you all to be at the port on sailing day and get turned away.

My source who works in the casino says they are getting a "new" casino... but that's all the info I got.. that makes me think the rumor about turning the iMax theater into a non-smoking may be true.

Rooms on Deck 5 will have some noise from the Havana Bar. But if you're up late dancing and drinking, then it won't bother you. That bar area is not used very much in the mornings/afternoons. Make sure to get the drink package because having a dedicated bar is fabulous! Also love the Cuban coffee in the morning.