notyours75

She pulled out at 7:30 so her crew was able to make a very fast turnaround considering they didn't even dock until 1. I bet the captain will open up the throttles a bit and they should make their next port in plenty of time. Not sure what itinerary she is doing.

We just got off Magic at around 1...we actually left Cozumel and did a loop back to Cancun to drop off the passenger..then the winds all night slowed us even more..felt bad for those who had to fly home and missed flights.. Part of the risk tho...glad we just have to drive 4 hours home.

Well if you had to miss a flight, the one at the end of the cruise is probably the best one to miss.

Whilst it is true there are different price bands for different sized groups, if a taxi vani is next in line at a dispatch point and there are only two of you, they should charge price for up to 4. Always confirm price with driver before leaving.

 

If you are out on street and get in a passing taxi van, you may well be charged price for larger vehicle. Again confirm price and if you cannot negotiate 4 person rate, wave them on. There will always be another taxi if you are on the main drag.

That was kind of the impression I had about the situation and the guy at Mr. Sanchos assured us it was fine but when we got to the pier he charged us the full van price. It was us and another couple, we argued a bit but finally we just paid him the money ($30 at the time I believe) and went on. Thankfully we had exact change because he was then upset because we didn't give him a tip. I felt slightly taken advantage of and had no qualms in this case of not tipping anything. In future visits we'll be more discerning.

We have been to Mr. Sanchos before and enjoyed it but we are looking for someone more laid back this time and have booked Nachi. The current taxi prices appear to be $17 from the Puerta Maya pier for a standard taxi. Remember this is per standard size vehicle that holds up to 4 pax.

There will be a crowd of people at the Taxi stand, start calling out where you want to go and you'll easily find another couple or group to use a larger vehicle for which will decrease your cost per person. I'm pretty introverted but I'll make some friends fast to save some $$ which I will then put towards libations.

We did Mr. Sanchos Paygo in Jan 2014 and had a great time. There were four ships in port that day with about 9,000 people, didn't seem crowded at all. Had a great time. Mr. Sanchos tends to be more lively and party oriented. Our upcoming trip we decided to book at Nachi Cocom which costs the sames as Mr. Sanchos AI but they only take 100 people each day and advertise being more laid back and quiet.

I would look at the number of people on the island that day, not nessecarily the number of ships. 4 large ships can put a lot more people on the island than 6 small ones. Check cruiseTT. On average Cozumel has between 10 and 12 thousand people each day from the cruise ships. In Jan 2016 however they have several peak days with 20+ thousand people.

Its also a large island that is the most visited in the Caribbean, they are good at handling lots of people so unless you there on a 20k+ day, I wouldn't worry about the crowds and pick the resort that has the ammenities that are important to you.

Fares are per trip based upon the type of vehicle. Standard cabs hold up to 4 passengers and then there is a mid-size which I think goes to 6 then a full size that goes to 8 or 9. The fares increase for each size.

Be mindful to match your size with your appropriate vehicle. If you two of you get into the full size van its going to run $30+ from Puerta Maya to Mr. Sanchos. Whereas the stanard cab will cost $17. We try to find another couple either on the ship or just at the taxi stand headed to the same place and split the standard taxi. Most resorts either have a taxi stand with taxis waiting to return or will call you one. The same rates apply to return trips.

Overall I like the system as each taxi stand at the pier will have a large sign with the rates for each type of vehicle and it varies by location, the further away the more it will cost. Takes the guesswork out of the Taxis and ensure that no one is being ripped off. Consquently since the cost is per trip, time is of the essence and they tend to drive really fast. :D

if the only thing you are buying FTTF for is early checkin then no, you dont need it provided you can get the checkin time you want.

 

FTTF still served us well on our Thanksgiving cruise with use of Guest services line.

We'll be cruising out of Galveston in two weeks for the first time with the staggered check-ins and we have FTTF. I'm curious to see how the staggered check in times affect our view of FTTF. Especially since we are going on a non-tender itinerary.

You pick a time but as FTTF you are welcome to check-in at your leisure.

I much prefer the "set" dinner times. I think the service is better. I also like having the same wait staff every night - they know what you like to drink and have it on the table for you when you arrive, and learn your name. Yes, I know with ATD you can request waiters, but that may increase wait time .... Just my 2 cents.

 

Agree wholeheartedly. You don't read people on CC complaining about the set time dining service (menu maybe), but you read tons of people complaining about the ATD service, times, wait staff, etc.

If you've ever been by the ATD dining room or area around 6 and 8 you'll notice tons of people crowding around waiting for a table. Ultimately people are creatures of habit and everyone still wants to eat at the same time.

I like having the same wait staff each night, they get to know you and what you like. I like not having to wait for a table. I think the service is faster because the galley can crank out dishes in mass for each course and have them ready. Overall I'd have all my meals in the MDR with the same dining staff if I had my wish.

Shop around and compare the policies. We got a policy on our 5 night freedom cruise through TravelGuard for $119. It has all the usual coverages, flights, delays, luggage, etc plus waive pre-existing condition if purchased within so many days of deposit. Medical is 50k and med/evac is 500k. Carnival was offering much less, for $158.

We've also used TravelEx in the past but never made any claims.

Just move thier stuff to the closest towel cart. Works every time.

You are a problem solver. lol :)

Seriously though Carnival has like 90,000 passengers a week now, over 200,000 if you count all their Carnival Plc brands. I don't think most people take the time to do much in depth research. People on CC tend to be the vocal minority. Not to mention the half dozen other similar sights and forums.

From the goccl.com website:

Completed during dry-dock: 2/16/13-6/13/13

• Routine hotel maintenance
  
• Cosmetic enhancements such as new carpeting, wall coverings, tile work, lighting in lounges and public areas
  
• Cosmetic enhancements in all staterooms: new carpeting and bedding
  
• Outfitted with new systems to improve operating reliability to further prevent a potential loss of primary power, an upgrade in fire detection and suppression systems, and, in the rare event of a loss of main power, additional emergency backup power to provide core hotel services to ensure guest comfort.
  
• RedFrog Rum Bar – located Lido Deck 9 midship, pool area
  
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar – located Lido Deck 9 midship, pool area
  
• Alchemy Bar – located Promenade Deck 5 aft (replaced the wine bar)
  
• EA Sports Bar – located on Promenade Deck 5 forward (replaced the original sports bar)
  
• Guy’s Burger Joint – located Lido Deck 9 midship, pool area
  
• Blue Iguana Cantina – located Lido Deck 9 midship, pool area
  

Completed during dry-dock: 9/22/11-10/05/11

• Routine hotel maintenance
  
• Cosmetic enhancements such as new carpeting, wall coverings, tile work, lighting in lounges and public areas
  
• Suite 7288 converted and now ADA compliant
  

We were on her in Jan 2014 and had a wonderful time.

Here is the PDF of the policy. We've generally found much better policies for less money through 3rd party providers.

https://help.goccl.com/app/answers/category/c/139

And now because of weather half moon cay was cancelled so guest services is out the door. I do not want my belongings left here wi tb my door wide open and nobody around monitoring. Guest services said there's nothing they can do.

I'd shut the door and go to the bar for a while. I bet at a minimum you'll get some free drink coupons out of it.

Take a big deep breath and assess the situation. It seems that they are working to fix the flooding problem and rehab your room. While your family has been moved they are still on the ship and really not that far away. Maybe they even got a better room. If you have questions head down to guest services on deck 3 and speak with one of the pursers and explain your concerns to them.

Remember that your vacation/cruise happiness cannot be ruined by flooding, people, or Carnival, but by your own response to the situation. Sometimes the most memorable moments on a trip are the times when things go awry and the crazy things that happen. Sit back, get a drink, and it'll all turn out ok. Keep us posted.

What do you mean by limited bar menu on embarkation day? And why do you have to pay taxes on alcohol you buy at ports while on cruise when you disembark? This is all new to me, please tell!

Texas law requires all liquor that is served on premises to have a tax stamp on it, meaning that the state has been paid their liquor tax. If you ever go into a bar in Texas look at the liquor bottles and you'll see it, its about the size of a postage stamp. Each stamp has a number and when the bottle is empty you'll normally see the bar tender scrape across the stamp before they throw the bottle out. Taxes are also paid on beer and wine but don't have stamps. This is the same reason why the Cheers program is not available on the first day of the cruise.

My assumption is carnival selects a particular group of spirits that they do pay taxes on to serve in port. I've never paid any attention to the bottles on the ship to see if they have the stamp. I doubt it. I'd assume Carnival has an agreement with TABC over it. Once the ship is international waters those laws no longer apply so the rest of the booze comes out. Also any drinks that you buy while in port would have appropriate Texas sales and liquor taxes applied, while once you leave they won't. So the cost of drinks does go down a bit because they no longer have to collect the state taxes. (Or carnival makes more money on them, either way.)

This is also the reason that you see the TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) agents on debarkation day with their little booth. By law if you bought bottles of liquor/wine that you are taking home you should stop and pay the taxes. By practice I'm not sure people give it much thought. TABC does not have the ability to inspect your luggage like customs so everything is basically voluntary. Unless you walk by with a case of Crown under your arm then they might have a visit with you.

There are a number of other Texas laws about alcohol that people from other states would find amusing. Sunday times, wet/dry, etc. Fortunately most of them just don't apply to cruising. Texas has a strange relationship with alcohol, we like to regulate it almost as much as we like to drink it.

If you have a card that gives you access to Citi Easy Deals you can get $100 for $90

And the Citi Easy Deals has free shipping or electronic (email) delivery of the cards. They come from the same place that the Verizon cards come from.

Here is another fact to consider, this is from a Aug 2015 USA today article.

"While American and United each had less than three complaints per 100,000 passengers, Frontier's rate was more than 10 per 100,000 passengers and Spirit's more than 11."

http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2015/08/11/dot-complaints-airline-passenger-delays-mishandled-bags-bumping/31465205/

I think I would wait about 5 minutes then cast the towels and stuff far aside then when/if the owners return claim complete ignorance of it. "oh your stuff was here? I'm sorry maybe the cleaners came and got it." :D

We booked our Jan 25 Freedom cruise 88 days out, an 8B balcony for $509/pp. We selected our cabin and I've monitored the rates daily. It went up to $549/pp for a while then began to creep back down to $509 around around the 40 day mark. It finally went down to $489/pp and we got a $40 OBC. It has remained there since. The balcony guarantee category is the one that has fluctuated widely. At one point it was as low as $409/pp. The last few days they've come out with some new sales that include OBC, upgrades, etc, but nothing that has lowered our cost yet. I know in our roll call group all the balcony category guarantees got their room assignments this week so I think they are starting the process of really looking at the remaining inventory.

Carnival knows exactly what the various costs will be with each price movement. What % of price protection people will claim it, what bookings it will generate, so they will move carefully to adjust the prices downward. Probably a lot of targeted offers going out to select customers via their PVPs, casino offers, etc to try and fill it without dropping the price too much. Ultimately cabins are like airline seats, if you sail empty the revenue is exactly 0. But unlike airlines each customer brings a certain amount of revenue and price protection claims deduct from that so at some point they go empty or are never put out on the general market to claim.

Thanks. any other new laws we need to know out of Galveston?

I think I covered most of them for you in the other topic at:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=48643478#post48643478

Texas has a weird relationship with alcohol. We like to booze but we also like to highly regulate it.

How is the menu different? Is there a thread on the new laws out of Galveston?

Texas law requires all liquor that is served on premises to have a tax stamp on it, meaning that the state has been paid their liquor tax. If you ever go into a bar in Texas look at the liquor bottles and you'll see it, its about the size of a postage stamp. Each stamp has a number and when the bottle is empty you'll normally see the bar tender scrape across the stamp before they throw the bottle out.

My assumption is carnival selects a particular group of spirits that they do pay taxes on to serve in port. I've never paid any attention to the bottles on the ship to see if they have the stamp. I doubt it. I'd assume Carnival has an agreement with TABC over it. Once the ship is international waters those laws no longer apply so the rest of the booze comes out. Also any drinks that you buy while in port would have appropriate Texas sales and liquor taxes applied, while once you leave they won't. So the cost of drinks does go down a bit because they no longer have to collect the state taxes.

This is also the reason that you see the TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) agents on debarkation day with their little booth. By law if you bought bottles of liquor/wine that you are taking home you should stop and pay the taxes. By practice I'm not sure people give it much thought. TABC does not have the ability to inspect your luggage like customs so everything is basically voluntary. Unless you walk by with a case of Crown under your arm then they might have a visit with you.

There are a number of other Texas laws about alcohol that people from other states would find amusing. Sunday times, wet/dry, etc. Fortunately most of them just don't apply to cruising.

I think as long as people have reasonable expectations about the product that Carnival offers and what it includes then you'll have a good trip. If one expects Carnival to be five star dining and white gloved butlers, you won't have that good of a time. We have enjoyed all of our Carnival cruises and while we haven't tried another cruise line, we really haven't felt the need to as we feel it was a great value for our hard earned vacation dollars.

We also enjoy cruising out of Galveston because its within driving distance of our house and makes the trip that much easier and cheaper.

Thank you! She will be flying from Louisville,Ky and I did check Southwest, but it doesn't show August 21st yet on their calendar. Is DFW Dallas? She will definitely fly into Hobby if they decide to go on this cruise. Thanks so much!

DFW is Dallas/Ft Worth International that American is based out of. Southwest flies out of Dallas Love Field DAL. I think in your case it doesn't matter which airline you fly on as long as you end up at Houston Hobby.