hirent

So...we've decided to play it by ear. Keeping the reservation and hoping that things work out. If not, we will be no-shows.

Did you use a credit card for payment?

Some cards have travel insurance built-in if you use the card to purchase the trip.

Prayers for your niece, hope some doctor figures it out.

ahem....you mentioned this will be a part of your honeymoon....and you are looking for things to do....on board....really??

ha ha....just kidding!

My wife and I were on the Valor in Dec.

Since we did an all day island tour at every port, we didn't really have a lot of time on the ship.

Here are some suggestions though -

[1] Hit the steam room & the sauna.

[2] Do the water slide.

[3] Relax in Serenity.

[4] View a few sunsets from one of the hot tubs (front of the ship) as well as your balcony.

[5] Go to the not-so-secret balconies and experience a ship docking.

[6] Hammocks!

[7] Behind-The Fun tour (though to tell the truth, we didn't enjoy it much). It takes place on the Sea Day from 8 or 9:00 a.m. and lasts about 4 hours.

[8] Food (goes without saying), try the Taste Bar, Mongolian Wok and Fish & Chips.

[9] Try different combinations of items: for instance someone posted that they take a few brownies and mix them with the softserve icecream to create a milkshake. There is a thread on here dedicated to creative recipes that cruisers have tried out on board Carnival ships.

[10] Try something on the menu that you have not had before, especially from the 'Didja' section. And if you like it, order double!

Off-shore:

St. Thomas: Go with Luen's Taxi service for an island tour.

Barbados: Get together with some people, hire a car and go to Bathsheba. Its on the other side of the island but the mushroom rocks are worth it.

St. Lucia: Herod Stanislas of Herod's Tours; you get an authentic Creole lunch cooked by his mother at their home.

St. Kitts: Island tour with any taxi driver.

St. Maarten: Island tour from the pier.

we have chosen to leave it behind the past couple of cruises as things become more informal and hauling luggage more costly and troublesome.

Baggage fees are what stopped us, we travel on a limited budget and also didn't have a lot of stuff to justify checking a bag. Didn't want to pay $70 just to haul a jacket. Everything else fit in our carry-ons.

Dressing up for dinner is a relic of the past when the upper classes used to have different outfits, gowns, dresses and attires for every activity.

For men, the easiest is to have a black/dark colored formal trousers, a couple of shirts and a couple of ties. A tie on a nice shirt & a pair of trousers looks elegant every time.

If you have the space, pack in a jacket and you have yourself a nice suit combo.

And really, nobody is stopping anyone from going all out.

Someday, I do want to wear a tux with a frilly shirt and a bow-tie; but for now I am fine with just a tie.

"Look into the camera"

Has anyone booked, or would you book a Guarentee inside state room..?!? I am looking to do this aNd was a lil nervous...HeLp

We booked an 'Inside Guarantee' room on our first cruise two years ago on the Carnival Destiny; got a nice room on Deck 8.

In retrospect, we might have been lucky, I believe we had cabins above and below us and no noise or any problems.

I am a solo traveler, don't care too much about noise, but would like decent views.

Anyway, any advice or pics of any of the above would be appreciated!!

Final question, are the standard balconies large enough for a lounger in place of the two chair and table setup?

 

Thanks!

Stacey

The standard balconies are not large enough to accommodate a lounger facing the ocean but would probably accommodate one sideways; don't know if Carnival would allow that though. You could always ask the room steward or guest services.

I would like to add my observations to your queries; it isn't a direct answer to your questions but relevant nonetheless (in my opinion).

My wife and I sailed on the Valor in December 2013. It is a very hectic itinerary with 5 islands in 6 days (Mon.-Sat.) and only 1 sea day (Tuesday). The Valor departs San Juan late Sunday night at 10:00 p.m. and spends 10 hours each in three ports and 9 hours each in the other two. Every one of these islands is great and the long port time allows you to explore them very comfortably.

Unless you are not planning on any shore excursions, you won't be spending a lot of time in your room and thus your balcony.

We did an island tour for every port and that didn't leave for much time on the ship. Even on the Sea Day, we did the 'Behind The Fun Tour' which actually took up the entire morning.

The public areas of the ship were more than enough to entertain us for the rest of the time on the ship; hot tubs on one day, the sauna 7 steam room on another, the pool, the water slide, the theater etc.

I would say, save your money, especially since you are paying the solo rate. Use the saved $$ for drinks/excursions/tours/future cruise with more sea days/whatever strikes your fancy.

Just my 2 cents :):).

I'm a little concerned...

I'm just wondering, are the lines for the tenders usually this bad? I understand that there are going to be times when these things happen (large, rude groups) but is it typical? Was there something about this cruise that attracted rowdy people? Any tips to avoid this again would be appreciated. Thanks!

The lines are usually long since most people come back around the same time to return back to the ship and it creates a logjam. The day we were in Grand Cayman, there were a total of 5 ships parked in the ocean, however all lines were orderly, no cutting or running, just waiting for a long time.

It was just an isolated incident, there is nothing that you or anyone else can do. I doubt if Carnival even has security there. All cruise lines pay good money to the tender company, so I'm assuming it would be their and the port authority's job to maintain a secure environment.

Civic courtesy and manners are an honor system. There is no one to police them. It is up to the individual to honor them. Unfortunately for you and your family, you got caught in the middle of an unruly crowd.

There is nothing that can be done about it. All we can do is shake our heads and move on.

Hope the rest of your cruise wasn't spoiled by them.

That's because too many customer service reps can't think for themselves, they just read from a script and follow guidelines. I would call back and ask for a supervisor.

Its not a matter of 'can't think'; its of 'not allowed to'.

CSRs at almost every business have standard guidelines they have to adhere to. This allows for a uniform customer experience. If every CSR was allowed to do whatever they deemed fit, there would probably be lawsuits waiting to happen left, right & center.

Of course, the downside is idiotic stuff like what the OP encountered.

As others have posted, call again and speak with a different CSR; you will get a different response.

Or save the $200 and buy 'moar' drinks.:D

I haven't been on a Disney cruise, but the thing to remember is, you can't compare the two.

If you compare Carnival to Disney, it will almost always come up short since you would be looking through the eyes of your child (even if he won't feel the difference).

Disney is (roughly) twice as expensive as Carnival; food quality is better in general (or so I've read).

Personally, I'm not picky about food and enjoy Carnival's menu very much.

Plus, the Triumph has Guy's Burgers which are a big hit.

I can't speak to the activities, but Carnival does have programs for every age group.

http://www.carnival.com/onboard/cruise-entertainment/camp-carnival.aspx

http://www.carnival.com/onboard/cruise-entertainment/video-arcade.aspx

http://www.carnival.com/onboard/cruise-entertainment/night-owls.aspx

Carnival doesn't give anyone special treatment, in fact it is known for equality. They have some of the biggest rooms at sea. Whether you are in a suite or a Deck 2 interior cabin, you are treated the same and generally have the same amenities. Suites will be larger than standard cabins, but that's about it.

Keep an open mind and enjoy yourselves.

The OP was writing this about another CC member who goes by MikeyA53. Both he and his wife Tracy are RCMP officers. There were stationed in New Brunswick but I believe are moving or have moved to Ottawa. The OP was just writing condolences to Mike and Tracy as they probably know the officers that were killed and plus maybe even Mike and/or Tracy are involved if they are still in New Brunswick??

What's even crazier is that Mike's wife, Tracy used to be a paramedic (now a mountie) and in one of the stories yesterday, I read that the spokesperson for the paramedic association who gave a statement is also named Tracy (Tracy Bell).

At first I thought they are fine but in retrospect I don't believe they are the same person.

Mike, please let us know that you & family are safe when you can.

Prayers and condolences for your fellow officers.

Stay safe!

Is it better when getting off the ship for a tour to take your passport with you or to take a copy of the passport with you? I'm new to cruising :o

TIA!!!

I prefer to take color copies of my passport and keep the original in the safe. Don't have to worry about keeping it safe while at the beach or in the water or with any other activity.

Downside is, if you miss the ship, you might be stuck in a foreign country without documentation.

We are college students... so obviously not something outrageous... but maybe at most 500 for each of us? we obviously don't mind inside room since we don't usually spend much time in there only to sleep and shower... are there any secrets to getting a OV or Balcony for cheap? never had a balcony room but want one so bad

Port preference in Florida?

$500 including taxes, fees & gratuities? Or just cruise price?

http://cruises.united.com/sc.do?d=03/01/2014&d2=03/31/2014&i=875552&c=1&v=441&IncludeAlumniRates=true&IncludeSeniorRates=false&zipcode=40217&statecode=&dsc=y

Have off March 7-16... looking to go on a nice caribbean cruise out of florida since that is where me and my girlfriend live... good price, open to any cruise length, but atleast 6 nights and to western, southern, or eastern.... any suggestions on ones you have all been on? ports as well? if anyone has pictures that would be helpful

What is a good price? Any budget limitations?

Here's one that I want to do some day:

http://cruises.united.com/sc.do?d=03/06/2014&d2=03/08/2014&i=857099&c=24&v=409&IncludeAlumniRates=true&IncludeSeniorRates=false&zipcode=40217&statecode=&dsc=y

10-night Panama canal surfer; leaves on the 7th and comes back on the 17th (early morning). Goes to Aruba, Curacao, Panama Canal, Gatun Lake, Colon & Puerto Limon.

My DH did the Behind the Scene tour and it was charged as an excursion...not shore but still an excursion. Best to call Carnival and ask directly. Might get different answers but Better than speculation.

I called them and the CSR said its not possible; but then added that the on-board response might be different.

Were you able to use the 'Shore Excursion' credit towards the 'Behind the Fun' tour?

The shore excursions that Carnival offers, do not appeal to us. We would rather do our own thing. So it would be great if we could use this credit towards the BTF tour.

My DH did the Behind the Scene tour and it was charged as an excursion...not shore but still an excursion. Best to call Carnival and ask directly. Might get different answers but Better than speculation.

That's very helpful.

I was planning to call them over the weekend but your response is exactly what I was looking for....personal onboard experience.

Which ship & date was the tour?

Thanks.

Did anyone ever find out whether the excursion credit can be used towards a 'Behind the fun' tour?

Breeze all the way!!!!!!!!!!! :D And in response to the post above actually yes the Breeze does go to Aruba and Curacao, maybe not Bonaire but definitely the other two for sure!!

You are correct! It does go there.

Used the wrong filters....duh.

On a separate note; I wonder why most ships go to just Aruba & Curacao but not Bonaire.

HAL's Noordam goes to all three. Is the Bonaire harbour not able to accomodate bigger ships?

We have done the cruise out of San Juan twice already. Love port intensive itineraries and love to be on the beach and in the water. Never been on a newer ship nor to Curaco or Aruba. Help me decide.

The Breeze doesn't go to the ABC islands.

Choose the Breeze or go with another ship/line for the ABC islands.

Look at this one; it goes to all three islands amongst others. Its not Carnival though (if that is a preference for you).

We were not there when it started but they told us general boarding would begin at 12:30.

Thanks, that helps.

Enjoying your review.

We are taking this cruise on the 15th, can't wait....10 days to go.

What time did they allow boarding (General and/or VIFP)?

Thanks.

I think in general people have lost the true purpose of TIPS (To insure prompt service) and rather think it's a right and part of their pay. So here is my question.

Well, that used to be the origin of 'TIPS'; but in today's world, it has been twisted around like most things. Employers quickly figured out that the workers can make a lot of money from tips and so they don't need to pay them as much. Saving money and advertising cheaper prices at the same time.

For my part, I don't see the charges as tips at all. I view it as part of the ticket cost, no more, no less. And frankly I prefer it this way, saves me the trouble of carrying cash and figuring out how much to give to each and every staff person I run into.

Cheers!

Has anyone done the Valor Southern Caribbean cruise out of San Juan in early February? Are the temperatures very warm? I am considering booking the 2/2/14 cruise, since it's an excellent price, but I get cold easily. I don't want to take it if I'm going to be stuck inside whenever the ship is moving.

I've been on a Valentine week cruise in 2011, I recall the temps as warm (to me). The Valor itinerary has only 1 sea day and 5 port calls. All of the islands are closer to the equator than San Juan. Most of the time you will be on the islands moving around. Lazing around on the ship will be minimal; well....depending on what you prefer of course.

The only excursion we did not book with Carnival was in St Thomas, Luen's Island Tours is what is on the card he gave us, for 25 dollars we got a complete tour of the island stopped at a beach for 15-20 minutes, fed the ducks and iguanas. You can get him at yellofevah @ yahoo this was the best tour we have had on St Thomas.

Great review; enjoyed it very much.

And thanks for the info about Luen.

We are going on this cruise on Dec. 15th and looking for inexpensive ways to see all the islands on this itinerary. Luen seems perfect for us for St. Thomas.

Now to find something similar for the rest of them.