LostPuppy

"then baggage screening both ways, and finally, currency exchange)."

You had to take your bags off the ship?

Of course not, but you could, and it would need to go through X-ray when leaving and returning....

Maybe deck 5 at the Ocean Plaza. In Feb they had a male/female duo that sang songs of different genre's, including country....

 

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Has anyone cruised Carnival recently been able to walk off without a booked tour?

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We did a Paradise-Cuba cruise in October and while we did take one CCL sponsored tour, no one really cared.

Officially, one is supposed to only take tours that feature "cultural enrichment" (or some BS like that) and I believe that there is a spot on some paper you're given to record what you've done, but no one is checking AFA your destination/itinerary AT ALL. Later that night and again the next day we just walked off into town.

Customs is a bit of a hassle, (Passport/Visa in hand you walk up to a booth individually and answer some questions. then baggage screening both ways, and finally, currency exchange).

In summary, I'd tell your parents , "Official tours are not required", No one is checking....

Just to be silly, I changed our friends' bed selection to twin a couple of times. They have changed it back to king both times. I just wanted to see if they say anything about it when we get together for the cruise.

And people wonder/complain about cabin steward staffing levels......

Nothing like adding to their work load "just to be silly". ...

The bar by the pool.

 

Are the same bartenders there all week?

What time does that bar close?

 

Thank you,

The same bartender(s) work both the inside and outside portions of the bar pretty much all week (e.g. if you got at 10:00 p.m each night you'll probably get the same bartender).

AFA closing time, not sure. Based on personal experience they were open past 1 a.m. several times during our cruise.....

I don't wish to be a braggart but I about fell out of my chair when I did a mock booking yesterday and saw 4228 was open on the Legend....

Stayed in that same cabin (4228) last year on this very date while on Legend's Hawaii-to-Vancouver re-positioning cruise ..... As you mention, the balcony is huge (30+ feet).

We have booked the Costa Delizisosa (spirit class) and have picked a stern facing cabin. Never had one. Noise, vibration, smoke, seem to come up on google searches. Deck 6.

Watching some of the great Europe ports at sail away sounds good.

-

Question: Can you look down on below balconies and be looked upon? Don`t want that.

Unusual vibration?

Smoke-from the smokestack...as the Med is somewhat calm when we sail.

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Any and all feedback will be appreciated!

I've stayed in aft wraps numerous times (12?) and will say this about the aft portion:

• It's HOT!, I've resorted to filling ice buckets in the shower and dumping them onto the balcony to cool it off. The railing can get too hot to touch.
  
• No shade, if you like sun, you'll get it.
  
• No privacy, your neighbor can stand at their rail and see your entire balcony. One cruise we were next to a "chatty Cathy" type of person. She wanted to know all about us (where are you from?, we're from Ames, IA!, this is our second cruise!, we're with my sister & brother-in-law!, he's a truck driver with FedEx! blah, blah, blah!) No thank you.
  
• No breeze, the air just swirls around a little bit (did I mention it's HOT?),
  
• Occasional soot/debris from above, not a big problem but it happens. We found the remains of an ice cream cone one time...
  
• Yes, you get a fantastic view of the wake, but never can see where you're going, just where you've been.
  
• Noise sometimes when docking. This really isn't that big of a deal (for me)...
  

If you can afford it, get an aft wrap. They are great as one gets the side portion for the shade, privacy, breeze and a forward view. Plus you have a gigantic 30' balcony for entertaining or just watching the sunset on a lounger.....

Got to the Port Canaveral one time at 2:30. 15 minutes after I got out of the cab I was at the Atrium Bar.

I'd do it in a heartbeat. With self-debarkation you can be at the airport by 9:15, and sitting at the gate by 10:00. That being said, be sure to have a backup plan...

When you think about it, the S&S card IS a photo ID. It has a photo and it shows you booked on this particular sailing.

 

Still I would always recommend taking your real photo ID ashore. I take the driver license and leave the passport in the ship safe. I know that if something happened and I did not make it back to the ship, Carnival staff would open the safe and give my passport to the agent on shore, so I would have it to get home or to the next port. Also, this eliminates the possibility it could get lost or stolen in port.

No it's not. The only photo is on the ship. The card itself is useless as a photo ID unless you have access to the ship's records AND a chip reader AND know the protocol...

What forms of ID do you need to have when you re-board the ship after a Carnival excursion? My wife thinks you just need your sign and sail card and I think you need more than that. Who is right or does it depend on where the port is?

Carnival only requires a sail and sign card.

BUT, the port generally wants a photo ID and a S&S card to get on the pier, Hence you should read the fun times prior to departure...

So yesterday I had a day off, I decided to start looking for my cruise clothes, book club book to read, and tea for the cruise- I decided to wash the clothes, Then I got to thinking, I'm not going to be wearing them until I cruise in 30 plus days, why not pack them. Is this a stupid idea?

Well I wouldn't do it, but I'll keep my opinion to myself.

I never pack earlier that the night before I leave. One time I did it at 4 a.m. prior to a 7 a.m. flight (drinking was involved). Never forgot anything of any consequence, but it helps doing carry-on (i.e. when it's full, you're done).

They have a small steam table set up with maybe six items (Mac & Cheese, Chicken with noddles, mashed potatoes, etc) set up. Beverages were from carafes and consisted of water and some juices.

Very convenient, no crowds and live music (if you time it right), but obviously not the same as the Lido buffet.

What's this thread have to do with Carnival? Shouldn't this be in the departures forum?

Not a big food person. A croissant and a cup of coffee at 8:00 a.m. is all I need till the afternoon. So the buffet for me.

 

Always surprised how many threads here revolve around food, am I missing something? (answer; No, it's just food).

Yes you are have you been on a Carnival cruise? The folks next to us this morning left 4 plates pilled with food, 4 unopened cereal boxes, 3 regular milks and 2 chocolate milks. Wonder why cruises are getting more expensive. If you look at the average Carnival guest, yes food is a huge issue, and huge might be a double entendre.

Around 20 cruises with Carnival. I too am surprised by the waste, but again the obsession with food by Cruise Critic members is what astonishes me.....

When booking, I'd note the location in relation to where the band plays as it's noticeable in some cabins. And as others said, the lack of privacy on the Lanai may be an issue.

Not a big food person. A croissant and a cup of coffee at 8:00 a.m. is all I need till the afternoon. So the buffet for me.

Always surprised how many threads here revolve around food, am I missing something? (answer; No, it's just food).

I recall Carnival had "tops optional" on the funnel deck. This would be in the late 90's...

From an economic perspective, it's similar to like owning an apartment complex. If one has a waiting list, the price is too low. Continue raising prices until one has an average 5% open/available rate...

Gotta love capitalism....

 

....If one is interested in more than the actual "answer" then they can read on or participate - if not they can skip that thread in the future. I'm pretty sure if there was NOT some additional chit-chat about topics that experienced cruisers would probably not frequent the site. Then who would answer all the Cheers, YTD vs Fixed, dress code, FTTF, and arrival appointment questions over and over?? :D

Let me get this straight:

• I post a direct answer to the OP's questions with objective facts.
  
• The only reason you participated in this thread is to admonish me about my directness.
  
• Your post you states "one can can read on or participate" or "skip the thread". Why don't you take your own advice?
  

I know there is a track on the ship for running/jogging but I wondered if they have any formal classes such as Jazzercise, Zumba , or yoga. Also are there any pools that are set up for lap swimming?

Instead of offering alternatives, or telling anecdotal "here's what I do" stories, I'll try and answer your questions:

• No organized exercise classes although I believe they had a "yoga/massage" spa treatment for a fee ($120?) on our last cruise.
  
• AFA pools, no lap swimming. The pools are very small, (15' x 30'?) and are used by the guests for lounging around; no dedicated exercise/activities....
  

Problem is, I never see an aft wrap available. Heck, we had to book the AEB 18 months prior to sail date. Any secrets to booking a wrap, something I may be missing?

Book early. No secret at all...

Never had an aft, but I have stayed in aft wraps several times (including the Triumph). Personally I would not get an aft for the following reasons:

• As others have said, too hot! We've resorted to filling the ice bucket with water and splashing in on the deck. It is hot!
  
• They charge more than a regular balcony.
  
• No breeze when compared to a regular balcony.
  
• You only can see where you've been, not what's coming up.
  
• Debris/soot on the balcony.
  
• No privacy, anyone can stand next to the rail and see your entire balcony. Heaven forbid they're "chatty" (e.g. Hi there! We're from Little Rock AK, where are you folks from?).
  
• People above can look down on you too.
  

If you afford it, get a wrap. Having the side portion is such a relief from the heat, gives you privacy, and a view of what's coming up. Plus you get a 270° view and a 30' balcony.

You will change time three times. When you arrive in Hawaii you will be synch'ed to local time.

One doesn't even need luggage tags. Tell the porter your ship/cabin# and surprise!, your luggage shows up just like everyone else's....