pe4all

Have done both itineraries many times. ABC all the way!

Have a wonderful cruise. Looking forward to reading your take on the TA.

It is hard enough finding a table to eat at on Lido a lot of times. Having a large group monopolizing a table for 90 minutes is just rude, imo.

If you want to check your luggage - as per CCL - you have to do it 2 hours before your posted departure time - so 2 p.m. Otherwise you will have to carry your own luggage on the ship. https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2621/~/embarkation-and-departure I would suggest getting on earlier so you can do muster, enjoy lunch, and explore the ship. Arrival time back in Miami is early - we have been in as early as 5 a.m., but I would say 6 a.m. is more like it. They have started calling self-debark at around 7ish, with checked luggage around 8 -8:30. Again - this is all dependent on weather, medical emergencies, customs clearance for the ship, etc. All unpredictable.

Same here. Many of the CD's I spoke with are very content with the "smaller" ships - Conquest class, Spirit class, Fantasy Class. Personally I do not ever take a cruise based on who the CD is, though I am sure people do that - especially if Mr. Heald is on the ship. Many times I do not even know who the CD is until I walk on the ship - and even then I do not know until they begin making announcement.

Prayers out to the injured, and condolences to the family who lost a loved one. We should be thankful for every minute we are here, as you never know what may happen.

Thank you for coming back with an update. Glad it all finally worked out. So many OP's leave us hanging.....

There is both a Walgreens and CVS across the street from the terminal. Hope B feels better.

If you have not been to Amber Cove it is nice taking that long walk (or short bike jitney) to the port area and walking around a bit. They have some stores, a pharmacy, a restaurant, and it is fun to watch the zip-liners flying overhead. The pool is also nice, with a dj and some dances/games - kinda like Margaritaville. We get off for an hour or so, then back on the ship to enjoy the quiet and get to do things when things aren't crowded.

Of the 3 ships you mentioned Horizon is the newest and largest ship. Not my favorite due to its size, though it has features the others don't have. (Havana area which we were in, some food differences, sky ride, etc.). We have been to Ochos Rios many times. If you have never done Dunns River that is probably a must-do. Do not go "wandering" outside port area by yourselves - not too safe. Haven't been to Montego Bay in years, so can't really help you with that port.

This sandwich is one of my favorite things on any ship!

You don't need to carry your boarding pass around to get a drink, etc. when you first board. Just give them your cabin #. They input it, your picture pops up on their screen, and you are good to go.

That elevator was out of order when we sailed in January!

Expedited took 2 weeks to get back.

I went to the dollar store and bought "Happy 40th Anniversary" signs and decorations and decorated the cabin when dh went out "on an errand" for me - lol. You can have your kids do it since they are coming while you take your wife somewhere else on the ship. Get decorations for the cabin door also. Or you order decorations from Carnival and the cabin will be decorated when you get there - but they have really upped their price.