Contemplating switching ships...help please.

[Jrw118]

I have booked the freedom in a grand scenic ocean view for 2/13/16. It departs on a Saturday out of Galveston. The problem is that I have to work on Friday the 12th. I would not be able to leave until at least 6 pm which significantly limits the flights from New York. I am very concerned about traveling from New York in February with the weather and now the time frame has me very concerned. After speaking with my husband we have thought about changing ships that leave on Sunday 2/14. This would give us an entire extra day to get to the port location. Our choices are the Dream out of Nola probably in a cove balcony or the splendor out of Miami that also leaves on 2/14 also in a Balcony. I really wanted to stay in the GSOV, but am very concerned that we may not be able to make it. This is the only week we can travel. It is a reservation with a casino based certificate that has restrictions, and I am a teacher so I have to travel on school breaks. Looking for some help. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[springs741]

I think you are wise to change. If you booked Early Saver it will cost you $50 per person. But worth the cost. My suggestion is based on this last February's storms. We sailed the Freedom Repo cruise and had many folks struggling to get to Florida to make the sailing. After the Cruise there were just ask many flight cancelled. I had a house guest for two days from Canada. All his flights were cancelled. You don't want to spend the next 9 plus months worrying about flights. Make the change to a sailing you know you can make and enjoy the anticipation of your cruise.

[Cruzinbabe06]

I would pay the change fee, and switch.

 

Especially when cruising in the winter months.:)

[ISLABONITA]

Does your school have restrictions on taking personal days before a vacation?

[Jrw118]

Does your school have restrictions on taking personal days before a vacation?

 

 

Yes unfortunately my contract does not allow for m to tie the day before. That is why we have this dilemma.

[winddawn]

I have booked the freedom in a grand scenic ocean view for 2/13/16. It departs on a Saturday out of Galveston. The problem is that I have to work on Friday the 12th. I would not be able to leave until at least 6 pm which significantly limits the flights from New York. I am very concerned about traveling from New York in February with the weather and now the time frame has me very concerned. After speaking with my husband we have thought about changing ships that leave on Sunday 2/14. This would give us an entire extra day to get to the port location. Our choices are the Dream out of Nola probably in a cove balcony or the splendor out of Miami that also leaves on 2/14 also in a Balcony. I really wanted to stay in the GSOV, but am very concerned that we may not be able to make it. This is the only week we can travel. It is a reservation with a casino based certificate that has restrictions, and I am a teacher so I have to travel on school breaks. Looking for some help. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

In that situation, I would be concerned too. Especially if next winter is anything like this past winter was. I wouldn't want the stress of worrying about it for the next 10 months and then have to rush to the airport after work wondering if I remembered everything I need. Part of enjoying a cruise IMO is being able to walk on to the ship with a good night's sleep under my belt to enjoy the experience from day 1. Having an extra day to relax pre-cruise is worth it to me for that reason alone.

 

Call Carnival and ask what your options are. If you booked a casino rate and the expiration date of that casino offer has passed that may be a factor. It really depends on what type of offer it is though. You said casino certificate, so is that maybe an offer specific to that one sailing on Freedom--like an ultimate tournament? Knowing the specifics of cost comparison would help me make my decision about Miami vs. NOLA. I would check flight prices for both NOLA and Miami prior to calling Carnival so you can compare apples to apples while on the phone.

 

Here are some other factors that I would also consider. In February the weather can be hit or miss in NOLA, so if warmer weather from day 1 is important to you, Miami may be warmer that time of year. However if you do enjoy gambling, Harrah's NOLA is right next to the cruise port so you might want to consider that for a one-night pre-cruise stay. If their rooms are too pricey for you, the Hilton Riverside is right across the street from Harrah's and their rates tend to be less expensive. NOLA is a fun place for a pre-cruise stay. All bars and the casino have just become completely smoke free in NOLA if that matters to you. I use airport shuttle new Orleans dot com if I go in a day early in NOLA (cost is $20 per person one way). They are very dependable and you can buy a one way transfer online to your hotel. I would also check flight prices for both NOLA and Miami and compare the difference. My favorite hotel in Miami is the Intercontinental on Chopin, and a taxi is your best bet for airport to hotel transfer there. Bayside Marketplace is close walking distance to the hotel, and there are restaurants and shopping there, plus you are right on Biscayne Bay which is enjoyable. Both cities are enjoyable for a one night pre-cruise stay, but my preference is NOLA since I like to visit the casino.

 

Hope you have a great time!

[cruizinisthebest]

You've already considered the factors - hence your reason for thinking of changing.

 

Smart thinking on your part. While the GSOV rooms are fabulous, they aren't going anywhere. You can book one at another time. Both of your alternate options sounds great. I would shoot for the Dream.

 

Good luck!

[Jrw118]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I ended up choosing the pride out of balitmore. This was we can drive (4-5hours) to port but won't have to worry. Which is worth it's weight in gold. Ended up with an 8j extended balcony.

[Cruisegirl6]

Definitely change, the northeast always gets major snowstorms in february, not mentioning the midwest, you never know where your plane is originating out of. Our favorite ship is the Dream we go on her in a heartbeat and love NOLA, another thing, if you like to get the drink package, going out of Galveston you can't get it until the second day if that matters to you. Do change, why have the stress and possible problems? Dream is the best.

 

If you go out of Baltimore on the Pride that is good also because you can drive there, but again, you have to consider the conditions of the roads if there is a snow storm but also you would be going out of a port thats already cold so consider that. I gather it be best if you don't have to fly....you can always drive friday after work or saturday so you have two options which probably is in your best interest.

Edited April 26, 2015 by lyndamr

[cruizinisthebest]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I ended up choosing the pride out of balitmore. This was we can drive (4-5hours) to port but won't have to worry. Which is worth it's weight in gold. Ended up with an 8j extended balcony.

 

Great choice. Whole load lifted and less travel to the port. Win/win!

[KPfromCT]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I ended up choosing the pride out of balitmore. This was we can drive (4-5hours) to port but won't have to worry. Which is worth it's weight in gold. Ended up with an 8j extended balcony.

 

Just keep in mind you won't be able to use your balcony for the first two or last two days. It's going to be FREEZING.:eek::eek: