Carnival Cutie

Congratulations and happy anniversary!!!

Reading your post made me check the Carnival website for any VIFP deals for me, no such luck. Guess we can't all be so lucky!!!

BTW, I'm with you, I would take a freebie inside any day if it means I can cruise again.

We always fly in the day of our cruise. We live near a major airport and do only non stop flights. AND we check luggage. There have only been two occasions where we did a hotel the night before, once when I made a goof in booking airfare to San Juan and once when we left from Long Beach. The time we did the goof in San Juan one of our traveling companions flew in the day of the cruise, she had no problem.

People have to do what is comfortable for them. Just like I always get travel insurance. I almost had to use it when we went to Long Beach because I fractured my arm the morning of the cruise but thank goodness we made the cruise even after my trip to the emergency room.

I'm going to keep flying in the day of until it stops working for me. I start my day knowing I'm going on a cruise, what's better than that?;)

Here's our list of scrimps and splurges:

Scrimp:

Alcohol - I don't drink much and my husband is a beer drinker so we don't do Cheers. I also don't do Bottomless Bubbles because although I do drink soda I don't drink that much and I really don't like Coke products so I will bring a 6 pack of Pepsi which will be more than enough for a 7 day cruise.

Pictures - too expensive, plus I always hate the way they look.

Souvenirs - I used to spend a lot on these because I always brought back something for my co-workers, now that I'm retired my spending has been reduced considerably. I will get an occasional key chain or magnet for friends and myself but that's basically it.

Hotels - we usually fly in the day of the cruise because we are at a major airport.

Splurges:

Transportation - We live in NJ so the majority of our cruises require air travel. If we leave from NY we pay for car service so we don't have to pay for parking or be concerned with car safety.

Cabin - we will only do ocean view if ship has suites only, like Imagination, otherwise we do strictly balcony and Lido if possible.

Casino - gambling is my entertainment when it's available, I set aside a specified amount for that and stick to it.

We don't consider tips to be a splurge, we do so when the service warrants it (and it usually does). So we will tip over and above the predetermined amount.

As for excursions, we used to exclusively do our own thing on whatever island we visited. Now if we see an interesting excursion we will do it but only those through Carnival, I don't want to be a pier runner (lol).

Once you go Lido you may never go back!! Last year we were on the Breeze in Lido Cabins 10287 and 10291, best location ever!! There is a door that blocks the noise from the deck and you're near everything (my sister is a serious coffee drinker and would go to the restaurant at will to refill her cup). Now when we book we try for Lido cabins whenever the ship has cabins on that deck.

Your husband will be pleasantly surprised.

I don't begrudge anyone who can make Cheers work. It's not for everyone.

Hubby is a beer drinker and he likes to purchase bucket of beer. Cheers does not allow this. I am not really a drinker, at the most I may do a couple of drinks a week on a cruise and if I spend enough time in the casino I will earn a Drinks on Us card. So Cheers does not work for us. Hubby also likes rum and drinks it straight so we may consider purchasing a bottle through Bon Voyage but the idea of $80 for a bottle is a bit much to me. He doesn't normally drink that much at home and I probably wouldn't help.

I wish Carnival did not require all adults in a cabin to purchase Cheers. If they did not I think hubby could get over the beer bucket thing and get it, between the occasional mixed drink, beer and rum shot it may be worth it to him. I still wouldn't want it even with unlimited sodas and nonalcoholic drinks because I don't like Coke products and I bring my own sodas.

Oh well, guess we'll still have a bar tab.

You can sign up to be notified of price drops through Cruise Critic. Every week they will send you an e-mail informing you of price drops depending on the length and category you book. Then you can use Fare Viewer if you need more specific info. That will eliminate the need for you to check on a daily basis. I have two cruises booked and receive info on both.

Good luck and happy cruising!!!

I booked an early saver cruise this winter through one of the sales that Carnival had for reduced deposit and had no problem adding insurance later. I added the insurance when I made my final payment which was a few weeks later. When I tried doing it on line I had a bit of a problem but then I called and someone there helped me along with adding prepaid gratuities.

Good luck and enjoy your cruise.

The lido deck is my favorite place to be on board. I have also become a fan of the Empress deck having sailed on it on the Imagination last year, it was such a convenient spot for everything. Having said that I probably would stay put. If it were for a week I would probably reconsider. On Carnival the main difference in the suite (besides the roominess) is that you'll have a bathroom with a tub as opposed to a shower. You'll have priority embarkation and debarkation. There's not much more of a difference IMO.

Whatever your decision, enjoy your cruise.

I'm so sorry about your injury. Last year I fractured my arm the morning of my cruise, it was touch and go because I had to go to the emergency room but we were still able to cruise. My concern for you will be your ability to get in and out of your bathroom with your cast and having to step up and down. Have you considered contacting Carnival and finding out if there are any handicapped accessible suites available? I definitely wouldn't cancel if it's medically feasible, this cruise may be what the doctor ordered, so to speak.

Good luck to you.

Unfortunately the answer is no. They only offer beef burgers. I wish they would offer something as an alternative as I prefer turkey burgers so I have not tried Guy's yet. Unlike you I do eat red meat, I just don't eat beef burgers as they seem to be heavy to me. Maybe someone will listen and add alternatives.

Option 1 seems like the most logical choice. Even with the transfer to Port Everglades from Miami. I have done the opposite many times, transferring to Miami from Port Everglades and the ride is not that bad. 45 minutes at the most, and that is with traffic.

At the time of year you're cruising flying in the same day should not be an issue, either. I've only not flown in the same day twice, once when I made an error in booking my flight and booked it for one day earlier, and once when we sailed from California. I always make sure I get the earliest flight out in case there are any delays.

In any event, enjoy your cruise!!!

Another vote for the Lido deck. Last year we had cabin 10291 on the Breeze. It was very quiet, no noise from the deck and very convenient for going to the buffet for breakfast, if the buffet was crowded you had the option of taking your meal to the cabin which we did many times. The food was still warm too. I never had a cove balcony but I've heard lots of good things about them. It all comes down to what you're looking for. Now when I book I do Lido balconies whenever possible.

CANCEL!!! NOW!!!

Sounds to me like your relationship may depend on it.

There's no way I would want to go away with someone with that much negativity going on. You weren't planning on a vacation this year anyway, so save your money and go back to Royal Caribbean.

I'm confused. What does them being rowdy on Princess have to do with them sailing on Carnival?

Maybe they meant for them not to sail on any of the cruise lines owned by the Carnival Corporation which would include Princess. I'm just guessing. If they were that rowdy that was pretty bad. :D

Someone posted that it is possible people don't buy the Cheers package because of being cheap. I find that to be untrue. Many don't buy it because of the restrictions. Every adult in a cabin must purchase it. My husband is mainly a beer drinker and prefers to buy it by the bucket, Cheers will not allow you to do this. I on the other hand may drink once a month, on a cruise I may drink a couple of times a week. As convenient as Cheers may be it is definitely not for us. Bottomless bubbles would also be a waste of time for us because I don't drink Coke products and my husband doesn't drink soda.

For those who can benefit from Cheers, good for you. We'll buy our drinks on board. By the way, we did take advantage of the reduced price of water and ordered some.

I did a 6 day last year on the Breeze and I wished for more because there was so much to do on the ship and not enough time. Having said that, I think it depends on the ship and your itinerary whether it will be enough.

I started out doing 7 day cruises, did a couple of 8 day and during the past couple of years did my first 4 day. This year hubby and I are doing a 3 day for our anniversary.

Like others have mentioned, six days are better than none. Enjoy!!

If the issue you are having is the amount of the deposit I would wait a few days. Worst case scenario is that you'll have to put the amount of the deposit you expected, best case scenario is there's a smaller deposit due. Your sailing date is almost a year out and it's unlikely all the cove balconies will be booked that quickly. In either event you'll still be able to book Early Saver and be eligible for price drops later.

Good luck and I hope it works out for you.

Since the previous OP answered most of your questions I will address FTTF. If you are still able to get it, that is. Your room will be ready when you board the ship. not to mention you will board right after Diamond and Platinum members. Your luggage will be delivered soon after boarding. In addition, you will have priority for tender ports and Guest Services. If you have an early flight when you are leaving it may be beneficial as well. I have gotten FTTF in the past and have been pleased with the services provided. Others will say it is not worth the additional $59.95.

I've gotten it several times as gifts for my hubby and my sister. It appears as an on board credit on the recipient's account but can be used for drinks only and is non refundable so if you give it as a gift you have to make sure the person buys drinks in at least the amount that you send them. It's a nice gesture. You order it from the Fun Shop menu. It can be used for alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

I'm going to add my 2cents here, and while I'm not attempting to 'stir the pot', I'm sure my opinion will do just that...

 

If you're going to do a vacation, of any sort, there are expenses involved with that vacation, be it land based or a cruise. And those expenses should be expected and budgeted for in order to take that vacation.

A. If the cost of a few drinks daily is too expensive...maybe you shouldn't be on a cruise, or should have saves just a little longer before you took the cruise.

B. If they don't offer something you feel you MUST have, or you prefer... a week without isn't going to kill you. might make you uncomfortable, but you're not going to die.

 

case in point: I recently did 6 days at Walt Disney World, and as you know Disney only does COKE products. I don't do coke products. Granted I wanted a pepsi, really wanted a pepsi, but it's wasn't going to happen. I couldn't even find one at the airport on my way home...

it was uncomfortable, but I survived, AND I didn't enjoy my vacation any less because I couldn't enjoy my favorite beverage for 6 days.... I made due with what was available.

 

Grow up people, and quit acting like spoiled children who've been told no.

It was your choice not to bring along Pepsi. I am also a Pepsi drinker and as long as I can find a six pack I am going to carry it aboard when I cruise in September. It's not my fault Carnival only carries Coke products and I don't drink them. As long as it's not against the rules I'm bringing my Pepsi!!!

AND I am going to enjoy my vacation.

AND I don't consider myself a spoiled child (well, maybe I am) but I don't think I should have to "make due (sic) with what's available". :D

It just occurred to me that the change could have to do with the new powdered alcohol. I've heard Congress is trying to legislate it. Think about it, how could they stop you from bringing powdered alcohol on board if they have no way of knowing how it's being smuggled? Or if, for that matter. I have yet to see it available for purchase in my area but I am looking for it to see if it's something I want to consider. A lot less cumbersome than rum runners....

And I've already purchased my $2.99 case of water from the Fun Shops so that's all I need.

Someone tell me this.....After submitting the price reduction form on ES, how many days did you half to wait before you heard anything? I submitted the form last Thursday, (6-4), and havent heard a thing.

You should have heard something by now. I've had numerous problems with submitting price adjustment forms and wind up calling every time I submit one. The last couple I submitted were never received according to the customer rep at Carnival.

I would definitely call and inform them that you submitted the request last week and have yet to hear anything.

I for one hope they don't change the policy of bringing sodas on board. Not everyone drinks Coke, and to force someone to do so for the duration of their cruise is cruel and unusual punishment.

Please let me bring my Pepsi:)!!

First of all I think it is wonderful that you and your husband want to take your parents on a cruise. My parents are gone but my father had such a bad experience with ships when he was in the military that is something that would have never happened. Having said that, I agree with many posters that said you should have a further discussion with your parent's doctor and have him explain to you (and them) why sailing is not feasible for them. If your brother is POA and has final say on their travel this may all be moot.

In any event, I hope things work out for you and them.

The guy you were speaking to sounds like this guy I used to work with. He was single and childless so that he could afford to take several vacations a year. Which he did but it seemed that something went wrong every time he went away. It didn't stop him from vacationing. On one occasion he booked a repositioning cruise with a co-worker that left from California and wound up I believe in either New York or Florida. After he booked the cruise he realized he needed to get to California and was considering cancelling because he was afraid to fly. We reminded him that would be inconsiderate to the person he was travelling with because they would then be charged as a single passenger and if he were going to cancel he should compensate the person he was inconveniencing. Of course he refused. He wound up renting a car and driving to California to board the cruise. Prior to making that decision he complained every day. Once he got back he complained. I don't think he ever went anywhere that went smoothly. It's true some people aren't happy unless they have something to complain about. I'm retired now (and so is he) but I can honestly say I miss some of the laughs I used to get from hearing some of his stories.