airlink diva

I been eyeing RC for cruises and honestly the larger ships just don't appeal to me.  Your review got me looking at sailings for next year and booking.  Thanks for the wonderful review

Thanks for posting there are a few I haven't seen.  The movies are one of the best things Carnival added

17 hours ago, TxTeach79 said:

 

 

Morning! Grand Turk day... late 11am arrival, so it's a leisurely morning onboard.

 

 

 

 

 

Arepa and Huevos Rancheros from Blue's.... on point

Fell in love with this when on the Dream!  With the exception of one morning, ate at Blue!  Can't wait until September

14 hours ago, Saint Greg said:

 

Here are the numbers for what it would be right now..may be more on embarkation day.  But  you can see why I use Lyft over Uber. Lyft is always applying some promo code for me. Right now it’s giving me 50% off up to $6. I’ve heard of a promo code “carnival” that you can use for Lyft port rides but I haven’t tried it myself.

 

amtrak-homewood

Uber: 6.50-10.50 (depending on vehicle size)

Lyft: 4.00-4.50

 

homewood-port

uber: 9.00-12.00

lyft: 4.50-6.50

 

port-hampton

uber: 9.50-13.25

lyft: 5.75-6.50

 

Thanks for this info!  I need to look at Lyft

About to change next year.  I had the chance when they changed the program, Carnival sent me an invite to take a cruise and be grandfather in, but was being laid off and didn't have any extra.

Now I used to work for an airline and quite a few of my co worker would do three 3 days back to back and then either another 3 or 4 day and be platinum.  Hate I didn't do this

On 5/25/2019 at 7:39 PM, Saint Greg said:

 

Yep. My experience with New Orleans cab drivers hasn’t been good. I’ve had them keep the  meter off and say they only take cash. I’ve had them say an $8 ride is $8 per person. I’m an uber/lyft person. And I’ve never used uber because lyft always comes out cheaper.

I'm sailing in September and taking the train to New Orleans.  Staying at Homewood Suites in the Quarter.  Then to the pier the following day.  Returning back to port staying at Hampton Inn Garden district.  Working on my budget and if I use Uber or Lyft what is a budget to set aside for one train station to Homewood. Homewood to port, port to Hampton and Hampton to train station.  Thanks

Glad to know you had a great time.  That's the wonderful thing about solo cruising is that you are on your whims and no one else.

I would often get up early to enjoy a cup of coffee and sunrise and later for a nice late breakfast.

On my last cruise was the first time I didn't eat in the dining room except for one sea day brunch.  I had the steakhouse twice and other days buffet which was fine with me.

Like others posted it can vary.  I have one booked with Celebrity that was a promo for $25.  On Carnival had some low as $50.  The most was at $300.

So many factors.  Also a tip if you are 50/50 most will allow a 24 hour hold.  I learn my lesson few years ago and the deposit was $100 and I declined the hold.  When I went to book it later that evening, it was $250 deposit.  I now do the hold and drop if I don't book

I also suggest Rony.  I used him as a solo cruiser and not only the price reasonable, got to build a tour the way I wanted to.  From shopping local for coffee and salad bowl set (a lot cheaper and nicer than in port), to going to a Garifuna woodcraft shop learning about his works and buying to see condos and hotels for an island vacation.  Highlight was local lunch  

I wish on my recent stop there I used him again

My upcoming cruise in September decided to try Cheers.  My drinking on cruises varies.  The main factor for the Cheers is items like coffee (I'm a heavy drinker), water (drink a lot) love smoothies also.  I normally limit myself and end up buying quite a few of these items.

Since I sail solo, no worry about another person having to  buy Cheers.  I also like if I try a new type of drink and don't like, could get another drink

I did this a few years back on one of my Carnival sailings. 

It was fun seeing the back of the house, from I-95 to the bridge.  Got to sit in the captain chair and also a group and single picture with the captain.

While it was worth the cost and I enjoyed it, personally once was enough for me.

Depend on the vibe on deck.  If the vibe is fun and enjoying myself, will do the line dances and have a drink.  Other times I rather stay on my balcony

I love their pastries!  A must stop I will go and pick out two or three along with some coffee and just relax.  Yes I can get coffee and pastries on the ship, but cheaper and better.

The do have some liquor that's either not on the ship or in the port shops and often cheaper.  I will grab a certain brand that I like there.

Also if you need some items like tampons ( came rather early), toothpaste, etc. a lot cheaper than the ship.

Like others stated, it's not a tourist stop, rather just a part of local Cozumel.  

I suggest either the Cozumel food tour or photo tour.

I did the food tour last December.  There was only five of us along with a guide and driver.  We went to several places that most tourists are not aware of.  I loved the all the food.  If you have food sensitivities let them know when booking.  One guy couldn't eat shellfish and they had alternatives.

The cost is reasonable and if was three hours so time to do other items or return and enjoy half empty ship

The second is Cozumel Photo tour.  They have from short tours, full island photo tours to crossing to other size all day tours.

Also small group and good pricing

If you are not beach people.  I suggest the Cozumel food tour.  It's about three hours, small groups and take to eat local.  Leave you time to shop and still enjoy Cozumel

In December I received on mid cruise and had to use it before the last full day on the ship.

Like other stated, if you looking for something close or right at $50 no such luck.  The vast majority are over $100.  They did offer specials but couldn't use towards it.

I did use it for a massage.  It was ok (had a better cheaper one at one of our ports).  She did attempt to let me know that I really need another massage and or lotions and oil.  I decline in a firm manner.

Now when I booked, the young lady at the front gave me the price listing of the services.  However another young lady, refused to show two women who had the $50 just telling them it depends on what they wanted.  I just left instead of booking.

I'm like this, if you were planning to do a spa treatment on a non port day and get one, nice option but unless they offer one of a higher value, won't use

I only purchased FTTF only once. I work graveshift and had to work the shift and leave work, head to airport, fly in and board the ship.  Since I was going to be up right at 24 hours, I wanted to take a nap before muster drill.

My room was ready and I was able to get on the ship little before noon and had a nice nap.

I also had Belize as a port and a non ship tour and another reason.

Also sailed with friends with twin toddlers and they wanted access to room to let the boys nap and away from the crowds.

Can understand why some people it won't bother if the cabin is not ready, but for others, having the cabin ready was the appeal and the choice I made for purchase.

But I do feel the Carnival need to limit or not offer if there's a high number of diamond and platium cruisers.  To me, they have earn it by the number of sailings and the list of perks state this.

In the end Carnival is going to do what it want to do

Can't speak about the Cowboy, in December I dine at the steakhouse three out of seven nights.  The first night got the five spiced.  No bone but plenty of meat and so yummy!  It was so good, got it two of the three nights.

Heading on a cruise in September with two nights in the steakhouse and trust me, will get again.

Here's a photo of the five spiced from one night

Hi I wasn't in room 12201,but in 12223.

I received an upgrade and was happy at first then had some concerns.  The main was no overhead like the vast majority of the balconies on the Dream.

However it really wasn't an issue for the majority of the cruise.  On sailway,, people on the deck above could stand and look down on my balcony.  But beside the first day and maybe two or three times during the cruise, no issue.  Also was concerned with no shade on sea day or any other time I wanted to enjoy the balcony during the day.  Depending on the day, at least one side of the balcony had shade so I was able to enjoy.

I was worried about noise from above and the deck.  But once in the room, no issue and no issue with hallway traffic.

Now the one thing I didn't care for is the long wait for an elevator to go up or down from the floor.  

I placed some photos of the cabin for you.  Looking into another cabin when cleaning was done, same layout.

Hope this helps

Hi I had a Spa balcony in December on the Dream.  This was in the cabin telling about the discounts.

Also midway I received a $50 off card for any spa treatment.

Hope this helps

Trust me it's easy!
I've visited twice solo.  The first time I booked a private tour with Rony.  I wanted to visit and do what I wanted without others.  The pricing for the my tour was very reasonable.  I also loved the fact the places I wanted to enjoy longer or shorter I could without others.

Highlight was lunch!

The second time I booked a day pass with one of the resorts.  While the resort was fair.  The only issue I had was there were others on my ship who also booked the same and after waiting a hour for them to arrive at the meeting spot, we left.  Mad because this took a hour from my time.

At the beach no issue being solo same at the resort pool area.

I travel both cruises, local, nationally and international solo a lot.  The main thing is plan and be aware

On 4/10/2019 at 7:48 AM, mook1525 said:

hello!

 

I have been doing a lot of research on Mayan Princess and would like to get some information/tips from you if you don't mind sharing.

 

1. Did the van driver arrive to the dock on time to pick you up? I would be mad too if I had to wait for an hour for other lazy people to show up..

 

2. Was beach area too busy with guests? 

 

3. Do they have umbrella/palapas on the beach? I really need a shade..

 

4. do you remember the a la carte food price? we are thinking about doing just a day pass only since we don't eat much.

 

thanks a lot in advance!!

Hi just getting a chance to reply.

1.  The driver was on time and waiting when I came outside the gates to the meeting spot.  

2.  While there were quite a few people enjoying the beach, it wasn't crowded.  

3. They had umbrellas and chairs set up for the Mayan, but the vendors made it hard to enjoy

4.  No I don't recall the a la carte food prices

Maybe I'm in the minority here but did have any issues with the new format.

Was on Carnival site yesterday and just reading the info went right to make a payment on my cruise,  purchased cruise cash and a case of water.

All my prior purchases, including ship tour showing up with purchase dates.

I like how it shows my cabin, bed preference and dining.

I'm not the most tech savvy person at times, but just by looking and reading the first page that showed up able to navigate.

Ivd5 sailed enough to know my typical amount I spend on cruises.  I often opt for the cruise cash buying small amounts prior to cruising.

Now even with that last December I had to also place a credit card for my cabin.

I had a small amount, under $30 , on My card.

I would suggest a private tour.  Check out on this page for drivers.

I did this with a friend and I few years back.  She was at first why have a driver.  In the end she agreed with was the best choice.

We set up from where we wanted to visit, dine and how much time to spend at various spots.

Really enjoyed the other side of the island.

Which such a large group, your own van and driver.