djny1077

15 hours ago, bruce85 said:

We sailed the meraviglia earlier this year. We had ordered wine also. We didn't have to ask for a cork screw they had one with the wine. On that sailing my wife had a metal cork screw in the main luggage, made it in no problem. We did not fly, drove there.

Thank you! This is super helpful! 

Thank you all! I'm hesitant to bring a corkscrew because I don't know if it would be a problem, even if with checked luggage. There is no knife on it but it gets flagged at the airport security, so I pack it easily accessible and let them know it is there. haha

On 6/6/2023 at 9:45 AM, bruce85 said:

Last week we ordered a bottle of white and a bottle of red. The white was screw top, but the red was cork. We called room service and they brought us a plastic cork screw. Worked fine

Thank you! I will be on the Meraviglia, hopefully they will bring us one as well.

Does anyone know, if I purchase a bottle of wine to keep in my cabin, will they also supply a corkscrew? Am I allowed to bring my own corkscrew, or is it considered a sharp object and likely to get confiscated? TIA!

20 hours ago, tscoffey said:

When are you sailing? Likely you don’t need to expedite the passport if you are sailing after June 15th (12 weeks from now). But for the extra $60 bucks, you’ll likely get it back in 5-6 weeks max.

Thank you! We're sailing early July.

One more question to add, sorry! Are kids allowed at the Carousel shows? When I tried to prepay on the app, my son is grayed out. Does this mean he can not attend them?

TIA!

I will be traveling this summer on the Meriviglia. We are a family of 4 in one cabin. I will have my son (9) and my niece (19) with me. I've cruised before but this is my first time on MSC. I am hoping those familar with MSC might be able to help with some of my questions.

Web Check-in – My son does not currently have a passport. I am contemplating getting expedited service for one, but I fear thats cutting it close. If I choose not to, I noticed the only options for web check-in are to input a passport or ID number. As a minor, he does not have an ID. Would I just have to skip checking him online and wait till we are at the port?

Photo Packages – This is likely a silly question, but I noticed on the photo packages it states that photos of others in your party are not included. Can someone please explain this further to me? Is that aimed at groups with multiple cabins? Would I be able to get photos of the 4 people in my cabin? It seems silly to me that I would only be able to purchase photos of myself, but I was hoping to get clarification as the packages are a bit of an expense. I'd like for my niece to be able to choose some photos to take home with her as well.

Boarding Paperwork - Since I will be traveling with my 19-year old niece, would I need any special paperwork from her parents giving us permission to take her? She is considered an adult, so I doubt it, but I wanted to check anyway since our last names are different, as I'd hate to get stuck at the port while checking in. 

Is there an age limit on the special themed parties? I think my niece would enjoy some of these and I'm hoping she'd be able to participate. She isnt interested in drinking or clubs, but I know on other lines the themed parties are usually family friendly, but I'm not sure how it is on MSC. And if anyone has any advice on some fun evening/night activities for her, it is greatly appreciated! It will be her first cruise and I want to make sure she has stuff to do to have a great time.

Thank you all in advance!

There is a short YouTube video about the secret deck on 14 forward outside of the spa. Check it out. Sorry I don't have the link, it's on my PC and I am on my cell now.

Yes! I saw this! That's where I got the idea of one of the forward decks! Thank you!!

Going under the NYC, NY Borough to Borough misspelled bridge as well provides a great opportunity to kiss your child and parents wishing all the best to come Maam.

Haha!! Misspelled bridge! Hilarious :D

Thank you all for the help!! We actually have YTD, which I thought would be easiest with my son, so we won't have to worry about missing anything. I wouldn't let that happen anyway!

I'm still really undecided, but right now leaning towards one of the forward decks. I'm sure I'll change my mind 10 times before then hahaha

The biggest thrill anyone can have during sailaway on the Horizon is being on Deck 15 when the ship sails under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. It takes just about an hour to reach the bridge once the ship starts to back out of its berth. We headed up to Deck 15 about 45 minutes after setting sail. It was amazing to be on such a tall ship-we felt we were closer to the underside of the bridge than usual. There was quite a crowd sharing the experience-everyone starting shouting and clapping as we passed under the bridge. We have sailed from NYC many times, and this was our most fun ever. If you have your parents head up to Serenity as the ship sets sail, they can sit on the right side of the ship so they can see the Statue of Liberty, and stay there until the ship passes under the bridge. Your 4 year old won't be able to be in Serenity, but at least your parents can enjoy. You will love the Horizon!

Think there's a chance they'd let my son up there just for the bridge? I'm sure they want to experience it with him. I expect he'll be pretty awe'd by the whole experience lol

We had a 3 year old and 10 month old with us on the shuttle. No issues at all. It was super convenient to and from the ship.

Thank you!!

Take the private mini bus shuttle service. The price in previous years has been $7 per person in each direction.

I'll be traveling with my 4 year old. Will there be an issue bringing him on the shuttle? Can I just have him sit on my lap?

Does anyone have any suggestions on the best spot for sailaway on the Horizon out of New York?

I'll be traveling with my 4 yr old and my parents, who have some mobility issues - my dad can't walk too far too fast. We have an aft-veiw balcony. I was thinking about enjoying sailaway there, as we'll get views of both the city and the Statue, but will need a better spot when we go under the bridge. If I wasn't worried about my parents walking so much, we could move to a better spot for the bridge, but I don't want to push them on their first day.

I was thinking maybe one of the forward decks? We'd be able to move from one side to the other, and might be a cool spot for under the bridge. However, there's no cooler photo than the wake of the ship with the city and statue behind you! We'd miss that being forward.

So, then I thought maybe the aft pool. Again, we'd be able to move from one side to the other, and I guess we could move up a deck or 2 for when we go under the bridge. But I'd be worried about it being crowded and I hate having to fight people to get a good photo. So I'm really torn! (And yes, I'm an over thinker! haha)

I've sailed out of NY a few times, but this is their first cruise and I really want them to enjoy sailaway and get the whole view. We're from New York, so it's nothing they've never seen before, but it's such a different experience from the water!

I didn't mind the extra space extending out from the balcony. You are so close to the water it didn't make that much of a difference. A cove is next on our list of cabins to try! However, I will try to stay away from the galley if at all possible. With the FH aft balcony I like the fact that there is nothing overhead of you. If you like the sun, you will like it too. Keep an eye on your little one! The balcony railings will be easy for them to climb. That would be my one biggest fear with the aft balcony. The FH lounge was a really nice perk. Super easy to grab some breakfast and bring back to the room to enjoy on the balcony. Have fun!!

Thank you!! I feel much better about this cabin. Yes, I'm a little nervous about the little one, especially since he is a climber, but he'll have several sets of eyes on him at all times. Do you know if there is a child lock on the door? (I assume there is, but figured I would double check). I like the sound of having nothing over head! I do love the sun, but I expect most of our time on the balcony will be once my son falls asleep at night. We have a lot of ship to explore in only a short amount of time haha

Oh! One more question, sorry! How was the movement? I've always picked midship staterooms, as I've heard they have the least movement. Between being so close to the water and all the aft, I was curious. Do you get has much movement as being forward?

No noise from the dining room, but you will have noise from below. Under the aft cabin on deck 2 is where the lines are stowed for docking and anchoring. For us, we were fine because we like ship noises! But if you don't, you may be disappointed.

Was this on the Horizon? Curious about the extra bit of ship extending out from the balcony. What did you think? Was it annoying, or did you still get to enjoy the view of the water & wake? We have 2486 booked. I've only ever had a regular balcony, so I've got a whole bunch of nerves and excitement over this pick lol But I'm traveling with my parents & my 4yo, so I thought having access to the FH lounge would be a perk, and I thought this was a better option than a cove under the galley. lol

Most of the games my four year old uses on his Kindle does not require internet as long as they are already downloaded. I also downloaded a few movies the morning we were boarding. We did not have an internet package and never needed it.

Thank you so much!

we always bring an ipad in 7 year old's DS's backpack, a new set or two of Legos to keep him occupied and small water/beach cars and trucks. Plus floaties, since he cannot swim (taking swim lessons now!). He also brings a couple of his favorite stuffed animals to sleep with.

So, if your DS needs it - by all means, bring a backpack with trains and an ipad.

 

We don't bring books on the cruise, because 1) we fly and the weight restrictions are real, 2) he is so exhausted by the evening, he falls asleep without any books, 3) books can now be downloaded for free through our public library app onto our smartphones.

 

An ipad is the only way for our child to sit through an MDR dinner. He doesn't make a peep as long as he has his tablet (games and downloaded cartoons) with the headphones. We've been told that he was the best behaved kid during dinner... Well, duh, he is so engrossed in it.

 

Our kid doesn't do kid's club either (stranger and separation anxiety), so sea days and time onboard are always spent as a family at the pool and hot tubs (DS loves hot tubs), happy hour, watching TV (thanks to a wonderful Regal and Royal Princess FREE on demand movie selection), going to shows and kid friendly activities. He is tagging along with us everywhere... but at least he does well in crowded areas and it doesn't overwhelm him.

He loves cruising!

I'll be taking my 4 yo hyperactive/special needs child on his first cruise. Our only hope to make it through any dinners in the MDR is his tablet - he has a kids Kindle. I figure we can download some cartoons for him and I'm assuming we'll need internet service for the games & apps to work? Is anyone familiar with the Kindle? We'll be on the Carnival Horizon. Do we need the premium plan? I've only been on a few cruises but have never bothered with internet as I enjoy being disconnected while on vacation haha

So, I decided and booked the Family Harbor Aft-View Extended Balcony room. I was back and forth on the decision, but we all agreed that having access to the lounge with my son, and having a packed room, should be a bonus. I was hesitant on the cove balcony since it is under the galley, and having the extra large balcony sounds real nice, so I ultimately went with the aft-view. I figured it is a short cruise, so its a good time to give it a try!

If anyone is interested, I can post a review after our cruise. It is in September.

With your son and parents and different schedules I would recommend the Family cove balcony. If it’s the under the galley there WILL be additional noise so something to consider

Thank you! The aft-extended balcony is still open. The price difference is minimal, so do you think that is the best bet?

It seems that aft view Family Harbor cabin is open. I don't know why it didn't come up when I looked earlier. Is that worth it? Is it weird since the balcony isn't to the end of the ship? It is cabin 2486.

Sorry, I have lots of questions! :D

I would like to take my parents and my 4 yr old son on the 4-day Bermuda cruise on the Horizon. The 3 of them have never been on a cruise before. I've only been on 2, both NCL so I'm a little unfamiliar with Carnival. I am debating between a regular balcony or a Family Harbor Cove balcony. Both my previous cruises, I've had a midship balcony on a higher deck. One of my favorite parts of cruising is sitting out on the balcony at night, feeling the breeze and just taking it all in. I seriously could sleep out there!

These are my thoughts and questions that I'm hoping for some insights and experiences on. I'm thinking that having access to the Family Harbor Lounge would be a big benefit having a 4 year old and a packed out cabin (yes the 4 of us will be in 1 room). If my parents want to sleep in, I can take my son to the lounge for a little while. And I believe there are snacks throughout the day and some drinks out, which would be good for him too. Is having access to the lounge with a little one worth it?

I've read that some people love the Coves and being so close to the water. Because it is partially enclosed, do you lose the breeze, or does it feel any less "balcony"? Or do you have the same experience? I expect to be out there a lot once my son is in bed. (We had hoped for the aft one, but that one sold out before we could make a decision, bummer!).

The cabin available is 2406. I know it will be under the galley. Does anyone have any experience in those rooms on the Horizon? Is the noise going to keep us up all night? I'm also concerned about that.

Again, any thoughts, insight, experiences are all welcome and appreciated! Thank you so much!

Thanks for the excitement. Now I'm excited for your cruise. :D

 

 

Remember...(well, depends how long you've been around reading my reviews), we started Sakari cruising when she was 3 (or 3 years and 5 months) and she has been cruising ever since. She did fine back then and you just have to learn to sometimes compromise with little ones. They are use to a routine (at least Sakari was) and we had to create a routine for her on the ship. We ate breakfast at the same table (believe it or not) each morning. There was only 1 day that someone else was sitting at "her" table and she was a little upset, but we sat next to it I believe. For her after kids club routine, we always went and got her favorite foods (I can't remember but I think it involved a lot of fruits and cheese) and bring it back to the room for her to eat. She knew this routine for the week and it helped with her. By the next cruise when she was 4, she was hooked and did great. She's been going strong since then and is addicted. :')

 

Kam did great. No problems at all. She got a little grouchy toward the end when Kendra wanted pictures (but that's later in the review).

 

 

For taxi's she just rode in a seat the same way we did.

Thank you! This is great advice!! Definitely something to keep in mind as I continue to ponder over this. He's not the most well behaved and I fear that I would have a terrible time and ruin it for the others as well. I also don't want to cancel, as this is supposed to be a big celebration (our "Holy ship we're 40!" celebration haha) so its making for a tough decision

And Congratulations to Sakari! She is one incredible kid!

I've read all of your reviews! Sometimes I think I live vicariously through you! haha

Yay!! I've been super excited for this review, as we have the Magic booked for May (Eastern though). I was even more excited when we learned about Kam! I am contemplating taking my almost 4-yr old son on the cruise with us (me and my 2 friends, who are both moms). He is full of energy and often needs to work on his "listening skills", so I'm not quite sure he'll be ready just yet. So I'm looking forward to hear how Kam did, especially handling the crowds and the ship!

For the taxis, did she just sit with you or on your laps?

Saturday, April 8th 2017

 

When everyone was sleepy enough we put the kids to bed andheaded to the iron room to iron everything we needed for the elegantnights. Tip: If you can, iron all yourstuff ASAP or you’ll be waiting in a line the night of elegant night with therest of the people that thought they could just run down and iron a shirt quick…ha..ha..ha. Here is a pick of the iron room I used:

 

 

This is a great tip!! Where was the iron room located??

Thank you for this review! Its off to a great start and I look forward to the rest!!

I'm probably not the most qualified person to respond to this, as I've only just booked my 3rd cruise and have never cruised on Carnival or Royal, however, we just had to make a similar decision - Oasis or Magic. We've always wanted to try an Oasis class ship and I was really surprised to see that the pricing was comparable, and IMO Oasis had the better itinerary. We were pretty set on booking Oasis but, I am a researcher and as I was looking at photos of Oasis, I realized how everything was so enclosed. For us, one of our favorites parts of cruising is the experience of being out on the water. I absolutely must have an ocean view balcony, but I actually use it. I'll sit outside for hours at night, heck I would sleep out there if I could! I love sitting out on a promenade deck with a drink, or going as far forward as I can to watch the ship plow through the water. It seemed that Oasis had no areas like this. So I did some CC research and it pretty much seemed that people describe the Oasis as a "fancy resort", as opposed to a cruise ship, and there is a detachment or disconnect from the water. In the end, that was the deal breaker for me and we decided on the Magic. I do not get to cruise often and I wasn't sure if that connection to the water was something I wanted to give up.

I guess the point of all this is that you'll have to choose what is more important to you. We are not "sit at the pool" kind of people, so the Oasis having 4 pools meant nothing to us. The Serenity area, as beautiful as it is, is also enclosed. Even the running track was enclosed. The Magic has the Lanai, which I believe wraps around the whole ship. We like lazy sea days. However, if its the entertainment you are looking for, than Oasis might be the better pick for you, as it seems there is more to do and more entertainment/show options. The ice show and water show (is it a dive show?) look super cool, and the neighborhoods are beautiful, especially the park! It does seem there is a lot for children, although its not something I've really researched.

Again, I know I'm not the most qualified to answer, but though I'd share how we made our decision. I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter which ship you choose! Happy Cruising!

Are you looking at balcony rooms? If so deck 8 either in forward or aft section. Deck 8 because there are staterooms above and below you reducing the risk of noise. Forward or Aft so that when you look down you are not looking down on deck 5. If you look at the deck plans you will see deck 5 juts out midship. .

We actually chose deck 8 so we had cabins above and below but i didn't realize deck 5 didn't stick out the whole ship. This is good info! If we wanted to change our cabin, how's is the movement in the aft? We usually choose midship because one of my friends gets sea sick, although she does use the patch and it helps her alot.

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