First time on Carnival - a few questions!

[Lizzim]

Hi there,

 

We are off on our first carnival cruise next week. We are on the Sensation for 4 days visiting Freeport and Nassau.

 

Just a couple of questions:

 

I have read about a soda card which can be purchased on board - where does this get us soda? I don't drink alcohol and am unsure as to whether this will get me soda in the bars or not?

 

Any recommendations for shore excursions in Nassau? We are a couple in our 30's. We were looking at the Balmoral beach trip - but it seems to get mixed reviews....

 

Thanks :)

[oldmedic]

you can buy the "endless bubbles" package at any bar on board... you can get sodas at any bar throughout the trip, in the main dining rooms, the lounges, casino, etc... you can not use the card for room service... you can also get certain juices with the card...when you buy the package, they will put a small sticker on your sail/sign card to confirm your purchase of the program

[kona_wahine]

They only serve coke products, poured from a can, warm over ice. You are allowed to carry on 12 cans or bottles (water or soda, etc. no alcohol) per person, up to 20 ounces. You can remove the items in the fridge in your room and put them in there. You can also ask your room steward to keep your ice bucket full. They must be carried on. We pack them in our rolling suitcases.

 

We did a snorkel excursion to Rosé Island and it was fabulous. I don't think they have it anymore. The beach was the most beautiful. The water was clear, blue, and the sand was like white flour.

[Lizzim]

They only serve coke products, poured from a can, warm over ice. You are allowed to carry on 12 cans or bottles (water or soda, etc. no alcohol) per person, up to 20 ounces. You can remove the items in the fridge in your room and put them in there. You can also ask your room steward to keep your ice bucket full. They must be carried on. We pack them in our rolling suitcases.

 

We did a snorkel excursion to Rosé Island and it was fabulous. I don't think they have it anymore. The beach was the most beautiful. The water was clear, blue, and the sand was like white flour.

 

Thanks, but we are travelling from the UK and probably won't have the time or energy to go shopping the night we arrive.

[kristy29]

In Nassau last year we went to Blue Lagoon. It was very nice! They have hammocks all over, including one hanging over the water. Also a gift shop, clean bathrooms, lots of lounge chairs, etc. we also went and saw the dolphins that you could swim with, that was fun.

[winddawn]

Hi there,

 

We are off on our first carnival cruise next week. We are on the Sensation for 4 days visiting Freeport and Nassau.

 

Just a couple of questions:

 

I have read about a soda card which can be purchased on board - where does this get us soda? I don't drink alcohol and am unsure as to whether this will get me soda in the bars or not?

 

Any recommendations for shore excursions in Nassau? We are a couple in our 30's. We were looking at the Balmoral beach trip - but it seems to get mixed reviews....

 

Thanks :)

Here is a link to Carnival's info on the "Bottomless Bubbles" program.

 

https://www.goccl.com/~/media/Files/Irman/bookccl/shipboard_knowledge/fountain_funcard.htm

 

What would you like to do in Nassau? Are you beach people, gamblers, sightseers, etc.? Maybe knowing what you like to do would help others make some excursion recommendations. Even if you don't book an excursion in Nassau, you can find plenty to do. There's shopping within walking distance. A short taxi ride to Paradise Island and casino. It is a very walkable port.

[juno5760]

How much do the sodas and juices costs? Where can I find the prices for them? I'm trying to calculate if it is worth it for us.

[Boof80]

Do all passengers in a cabin have to buy the program?

[K&P Luv2Cruise]

Do all passengers in a cabin have to buy the program?

 

No, not for the Soda program. That only applies to the "Cheers" alcohol package.

 

How much do the sodas and juices costs? Where can I find the prices for them? I'm trying to calculate if it is worth it for us.

 

The last time we were aboard (March '13), it was $2.00US + 15% gratuity for each glass. When you purchase it individually (without the program), you can just ask for a can and a glass with ice in it. That way you pour it yourself and get the whole can's quantity.

[LandlockedCruiser01]

Any recommendations for shore excursions in Nassau? We are a couple in our 30's. We were looking at the Balmoral beach trip - but it seems to get mixed reviews....

I'll chime in. I've sailed on the same Sensation itinerary that you'll be sailing on. I don't know if you have your heart set on a beach excursion in Nassau, but the excursion I did was great. It was the Historical Highlights & Pirate of Nassau Tour. I saw two fortresses, the Queen's Staircase, and a pirate museum. The fortresses were very interesting, and in fairly good shape for their age (400 years). You might find them interesting too, since they were built for the British army, and you said you're from the UK. A lot of the architecture in the Bahamas is very British. I don't know if you'd enjoy seeing familiar-looking buildings, or you want something way different than what you find back home (like warm tropical beaches), but just saying.

 

I actually got detailed photos of this excursion in my Sensation review. Check it out. By the way, what do you have planned for Freeport?

[Crusin Hogs]

How much do the sodas and juices costs? Where can I find the prices for them? I'm trying to calculate if it is worth it for us.

 

If you drink 3 or more soda's/juice's a day you come out ahead with the card

[michelle1836]

Hi there,

 

We are off on our first carnival cruise next week. We are on the Sensation for 4 days visiting Freeport and Nassau.

 

Just a couple of questions:

 

I have read about a soda card which can be purchased on board - where does this get us soda? I don't drink alcohol and am unsure as to whether this will get me soda in the bars or not?

 

Any recommendations for shore excursions in Nassau? We are a couple in our 30's. We were looking at the Balmoral beach trip - but it seems to get mixed reviews....

 

Thanks :)

 

what do the negative reviews say? is it something bad enough that you cant overlook? or was it just a one time "bus was late' thing? sometimes people put down negative reviews because it wasn't what they expected. as long as you do some research this excursion should be fine

[Lizzim]

I'll chime in. I've sailed on the same Sensation itinerary that you'll be sailing on. I don't know if you have your heart set on a beach excursion in Nassau, but the excursion I did was great. It was the Historical Highlights & Pirate of Nassau Tour. I saw two fortresses, the Queen's Staircase, and a pirate museum. The fortresses were very interesting, and in fairly good shape for their age (400 years). You might find them interesting too, since they were built for the British army, and you said you're from the UK. A lot of the architecture in the Bahamas is very British. I don't know if you'd enjoy seeing familiar-looking buildings, or you want something way different than what you find back home (like warm tropical beaches), but just saying.

 

I actually got detailed photos of this excursion in my Sensation review. Check it out. By the way, what do you have planned for Freeport?

 

Not set on a beach day - was just one of the things we are considering. I'll go have a look now. Thanks :)

 

what do the negative reviews say? is it something bad enough that you cant overlook? or was it just a one time "bus was late' thing? sometimes people put down negative reviews because it wasn't what they expected. as long as you do some research this excursion should be fine

 

I found a few reviews that suggest that the 'island' isn't quite finished. Also, that the transport over is not that organised. I'm not too keen on the idea of getting crammed into a boat for ages and then getting a tiny amount of beach time.

[Lizzim]

Here is a link to Carnival's info on the "Bottomless Bubbles" program.

 

https://www.goccl.com/~/media/Files/Irman/bookccl/shipboard_knowledge/fountain_funcard.htm

 

What would you like to do in Nassau? Are you beach people, gamblers, sightseers, etc.? Maybe knowing what you like to do would help others make some excursion recommendations. Even if you don't book an excursion in Nassau, you can find plenty to do. There's shopping within walking distance. A short taxi ride to Paradise Island and casino. It is a very walkable port.

 

We don't gamble or drink so I guess that rules out some stuff. We like a mix of sightseeing and relaxation - and we are headed to Disneyworld for a week after our trip so probably would lean more towards relaxation for a few days :)

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

In Nassau last year we went to Blue Lagoon. It was very nice! They have hammocks all over, including one hanging over the water. Also a gift shop, clean bathrooms, lots of lounge chairs, etc. we also went and saw the dolphins that you could swim with, that was fun.

 

Definitely casting another vote for Blue Lagoon. (depending on how long your stop there is.) We are going back again in May. Also, we did the sea lion encounter and it is some of the most fun we have ever had. 3 of us did the encounter and 2 of our group came back with us and filmed from the observation deck. We loved the conch fritters and fish and the lagoon and especially the marine life. Think Sea World meets Paradise. We also had a special concert: Tyler Perry's band was rehearsing for a show the next day. It was cool the whole way around. We may pay the $15 for the inflatable park this time. Becuae that's probably the closest we will get to WIPE OUT for a while...

[Love2Cruise4Less]

 

Any recommendations for shore excursions in Nassau? We are a couple in our 30's. We were looking at the Balmoral beach trip - but it seems to get mixed reviews....

 

 

Lizzim, I just booked a rather last minute Bahamas cruise. I, too, am researching available shore excursions.

 

FYI, in case you haven't noticed it yet there is a separate Bahamas thread which you may find helpful. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=58

[Lizzim]

Lizzim, I just booked a rather last minute Bahamas cruise. I, too, am researching available shore excursions.

 

FYI, in case you haven't noticed it yet there is a separate Bahamas thread which you may find helpful. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=58

 

Thanks,

 

I've been over doing some reading on the Bahamas section but I wanted opinions from some Carnival cruisers as well :)