SophieJ

In my opinion, St Kitts has the best Zip Lining in the Caribbean. We enjoyed this very much! Other places have been a disappointment compared to St Kitts. However, I have not done the LONG 1 line zip in Labadee Haiti. But, that is just 1 long zip line. The one in St Kitts has 7 or so... cant remember exactly. You are going from mountain top/side to mountain top/side.

Have you by any chance done all three zip line tours in St. Lucia? I'm debating between two different tours and it would be helpful to know if one tour is superior to the others. Thanks.

we're ziplining in the morning. Any suggestions or where to go or what to do afterwards? Thanks!

Did you end up doing this zip line tour? I am thinking about signing up for one of the combos that includes the hike to the waterfall. How much extra do they charge for transfers from the cruise ship? Is the transfer cost per person?

I've been booked for over a year and frequent carnival.com, click on their emails, etc. Not one call.

 

 

 

Is there a specific number they call from?

Honestly, a few years ago I got so sick of them calling that I switched my phone number on my profile to all 9s (although that may have been overridden since my most recent booking) and then blocked the number so I couldn't tell you what the number is. Most of the time my PVP left a message, but not always.

Just received call from Carnival. Rang twice and stopped. No msg....no emails. Oh well who knows what it was for. Going to wonder all night now. LOL

I usually get calls from them when I click on a link for the website in one of their emails. If you're already booked it may have been for an upgrade.

You're welcome! I had a blast doing it and can't wait to do it again someday. I'm bummed my DH is insisting on doing new things at each port when we repeat the itinerary this December.

I just asked my DH what he remembered from the excursion and he says the ride was pretty bumpy, so if you are especially sensitive for motion sickness or have moderate to severe back issues you may not want to go, but he also says it may also depend on the source of the back pain. He also reminded me that at the end of the line you will spring back a little bit and will be hanging until they put the block under your feet so you can stand up and unhook from the line. They did this pretty quickly since there would be someone coming down the line not long after you, so you're not hanging for very long. The harnesses were full body, so he thinks that might make it easier on you than if they only used the waist harnesses like other places.

I have back issues from time to time, and this didn't give me any issues. However, my back issues are generally soreness or pinching from improper lifting, or from restraining particularly willful dogs at work. It's not chronic.

I also get occasional motion sickness, usually from rough seas, but I didn't have any issues during the excursion. I may have also been taking a daily anti-emetic just in case we were to hit particularly rough seas. I would recommend doing the same for the trip if your friend gets motion sickness anyway, in which case she should probably be fine. I also have a fear of heights and the monkey trainer is the first line, which is barely off the ground. They use it to teach you how to use their system. It helped ease me into it.

We did the zip line excursion here back in 2012. We really enjoyed it. The lines aren't super long, but it was great for me as a beginner. You don't have to worry about hand braking- I believe they use a hydraulic and spring style line. If I recall correctly, because of the springs you will need to be able to lean back and raise your legs up, and slightly apart, so you're almost horizontal, but not quite, so you don't hit them on the spring. So a little core strength will be needed.

I don't really remember the bus ride that much, there is some walking between the lines, but I don't remember there being that much, or anything difficult. At the time I wasn't very outdoorsy, nor was I in great shape and I didn't have any issues.

I remember thinking I really wanted to book the zip lining excursion in St. Lucia based on the description, but I had already set up a land and sea tour, so that left St. Kitts. From what I heard from some other cruisers I made the right choice by going here.

That falls in line with their dress code. They also suggest wearing a tie, and sport coat, but don't require it. This upcoming cruise I don't plan to bring my formal dresses and will be sticking to cocktail style. My husband stopped wearing the coat, but still wears a tie.

Everything I've read says cans (12) or cartons. No bottles. Maybe if you call you can get an exception since you have a medical issue. However, since they do sell water for $2.99 for 12 bottles.

Please correct me if I am wrong, but as I understand it, FTTF opportunities are not unlimited (depending on the itinerary and the number of Diamond and Platinum guests for that particular ship). Don't wait too long.

You're right, it is limited. Someone must have cancelled theirs because, after weeks of being sold out I was finally able to purchase it when I happened to check the excursions around 1am. As soon as I bought it the FTTF was sold out again.

I can't seem to get my screen shots to upload clearly. Sorry.

I may be mistaken, but a suite only gets Priority Boarding -- not early access to cabin.

That's correct, at least according to what I've been reading about it on the Carnival Website. I'm debating on paying for the FTTF perk, since it would be great to be able to drop off our bags and get our luggage right away.

My sister is staying in 7233 this cruise :D

 

I will let you know how it is when we return. ;)

Awesome! Thank you! [emoji2]

I like to splurge on the room and the flight upgrades for sure.

I pay for nonstop flights, since I don't have to worry about missing a connecting flight or long layovers. I don't pay for first class since I can usually upgrade for more legroom and early boarding for a lot less. I will also splurge on a boxed meal or snack, if I don't have time to grab a full meal and/or snacks beforehand.

We also pay for transfers from the airport, since in some cities livery drivers aren't always regulated and sometimes have cars that are full of trash, falling apart, and charge what ever they think they can get from you. We once had a guy significantly drop his rate when we passed on a lift because we came back to the states with very little cash on hand expecting to be able to use a credit card like we can with the drivers where we live.

As for the cruise itself I like an ocean view, minimum. I think an inside cabin would make me feel claustrophobic. I like balconies, but if I'm next to a smoker I can't go out on it when they're using theirs to smoke. Once we were next to an inconsiderate cruiser that talked loudly and constantly let their balcony door slam, which was extremely rude and had a smoker on the other side. We could never leave our door open, so it made for a less enjoyable cabin experience and was a waste of money.

When it comes to excursions I'll pay ship prices for anything that could potentially cause great bodily harm, such as zip lining or parasailing. I might book through them if they limit the number of people to fewer than twenty. Otherwise I check forums on here and trip advisor to find the best bang for your buck, such as cost per hour, and tours that have a very limited number of people going on them.

We sometimes splurge on gourmet coffee and hot chocolate- especially in Alaska, and an occasional bottle of wine. Or for a little bag of candy from formalities or a specialty pastry at the cafe. The beverage card is only worth it if you drink a lot of juice and/or soda.

With hotels my husband usually finds a good deal or uses points at places that are nice chain hotels whenever possible.

I guess I scrimp by generally not buying photos from the ship photographers, going to the restaurants that cost extra, and we rarely purchase alcoholic beverages or buy souvenirs from the Fun-shops.

I haven't cruised during the season since NBCSports took over Versus, so maybe we'll get lucky and it will be a part of the satellite package. I still remember agonizing over not being able to watch the games the week before the 2011 playoffs because my DH and I were on a destination wedding cruise and our team's berth was riding on another team's loss.

Caribbeanchickie- My DH and I will be staying one cabin down from your suite, OS7233, when we go in December. Please let us know if the area is quiet. I noticed a space between the two inside cabins just across the hall from our suite and I'm afraid it will be a laundry area or something.

Have a great time on your trip!