jdog99

Happy anniversary to those of you celebrating anniversaries.  Wife and I will be celebrating 26 years in June.  Looking forward to unplugging and enjoying the cruise.

Jim 

We will be taking Amtrak from New London CT to Penn Station (2 and 1/2 hours) and then a taxi to the cruise terminal.  We looked at driving in and parking, but train and taxi is less expensive and easier.  Who needs a lot of stress when going on vacation?

Jim 

I have heard about some rowdy behavior, but that's no surprise with Carnival, especially with a ship full of New Yorkers😁

4 hours ago, sawyershane said:

Absolutely agree. We have had people tell us not to go. I will make my own opinions when I go. I don’t  usually listen, because the people that do complain are usually the ones who complain about every little thing. 

I see that this will be your first Carnival cruise.  Each cruise line has a distinct personality and I enjoy the vibe and personality of all of them.  Holland tends to be a quieter cruise with older guests while Carnival tends to foster a louder party atmosphere and Royal Caribbean and Norwegian are between the two with a more family vibe.  A positive outlook makes all the difference between finding enjoyment or misery.

Jim 

I am starting a roll call for this cruise.  I have 3 cruises planned aboard the Venezia in 2024 - one in January, one in May and this one in February. 

Jim

I booked this currently as a solo - hoping to get my brothers to join me.  I am taking Amtrak in and out of NY too (from CT) - seems like an easy way to get to/from NY without mortgaging my house to pay for parking.  I am also booked on the Venezia in January and February so I can relate my experience with the ship after those cruises.  BTW, my experience cruising is if you show up with a go with the flow attitude and are ready to be flexible you will have a good time.  If you look for things to be upset about you will find them but if you look for things to enjoy you will find them.

Jim

Hi,

Wife and I are booked on this cruise and I am booked solo on the Venezia again in February and May (hoping my brothers can join me on this one)

Jim

How do I get to Horseshoe beach from Hamilton?

Going on the Valor next week (July 13th). Your review is very interesting. I was going to wing most of the ports, but you have given me some very definite ideas at several of the ports. Thanks for the info...

Jim

All the cabin sharing points have been well covered. As far as taking trips or doing activities on board, I have found that setting up several meeting times / places throughout the day works. For example, I will let my travel mates know that I will be at an activity at 11:00, another one at 2:00 and dinner at 6:00. That allows everyone the space to do what they want without wondering where I am or if/when they will spend time with me. This works extremely well when I travel with my teenage son. He has several checkpoints daily so he can just go have fun. I hate spending all morning negotiating where the entire group is going and then worrying over where everyone is. I go on cruises to relax and have fun.

Jim

I am going on my first solo cruise in July and I am looking forward to the peace and quiet - and the "me" time. I have taken solo trips to Vegas before and enjoyed being able to do what I wanted when I wanted. I like my space and I am comfortable being by myself. I also am comfortable with striking up a conversation and talking with strangers.

Jim

This morning I went to their main site (https://www.goccl.com/) and where it states in the box at the top right "search" - I put in Single and wow - it showed me the current no single supplement list (or as someone on this site calls it, no single surcharge).

 

Thanks again for all your help!! :):)

Just be aware that the list may not be current - for example the Carnival Valor on 7/13 discontinued the solo rate listed several days ago. I booked solo on the 7/13 Valor cruise and I check it every couple of days for rate reductions and last week the solo rates all jumped to 200%...

Good luck with your search, but don't get frustrated by the hit or miss - once you find a cruise that interests you and the price is right, book it.

Jim

Well, I have a trip booked for Oct, was supposed to be a 'couple' but unfortunately(or maybe fortunately:)) it looks as though I may be going as a solo. Still having mixed feelings about it.

Should I take the plunge and do it, even though I may be a bit sad because of the circumstances, or cancel and find someplace in a warmer climate which I know will help take the edge off:rolleyes:

Personally, I would go, but if you can switch to a warmer climate cruise without significant cost, I would do that. Maybe changing to please yourself will help...Good luck.

Jim

As of today, Oceanview with a VIFP discount was $605 and $730 without VIFP discount for one traveler...

I am also looking to go on a cruise. All my friends and family can't go due to work or other commitments. I am looking at a Caribbean itinerary and also don't want to pay more than double for a cruise. I have been searching and looking at the website thru Carnival, so want to do this. I know exactly what you are going through. Let me know if you find a great deal. I am not sure when the best time to book the cruise would be. Prices seem to go down and then back up. My time is flexible so I will keep looking.

 

Janine

I am sailing solo for the first time and just booked a cruise on Carnival Valor sailing out of San Juan July 13 with no single supplement - got an oceanview cabin midshipish for <$650. Try to book as one occupant to see what price comes up - I know Carnival has a couple... Good Luck.

Jim