canyoncam

If it said I missed it, but is it just some of the new cabins not being added or all scheduled new cabins? I sail in May and was disappointed the Library was being removed for more cabins. But if the Library is still there I will be super happy (old school) plus very happy that we won't have more passengers!

Thoughts? Pretty much the same thing food and atmosphere? We ate lunch on Allure and plan on the same while on Adventure. I personally LOVED Allure and the lunch was a big highlight (crazy yes) but my aunt wanted a smaller though not too small ship this time. We were on Explorer in 2003 and she liked that but no Giovanni's then.

I really can't help out with information on the Hilton, but we have stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde twice now, each time on night pre-cruise. We loved it the first time and didn't hesitate to book the second time we did a cruise out of San Juan recently and we'll book there again in the future.

 

Our most recent visit was in September 2015. It is right on a beautiful, wide beach and loungers and umbrellas are free to guests. They also have a nice pool with a swim up bar.

 

I did a review of both of those cruises but the first time (2013), I failed to get pictures of the hotel. I made up for it last year (interior and exterior, including the beach). I'm attaching the link that review. I'm hoping that when you click on it, it will open up to Page 2, where the section on our stay at the Courtyard is included. It starts on Post #22, second post from the top of Page 2 and continues to Page 6, with Courtyard's brochure, which includes the places to eat and other amenities. There is even a casino.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2275573&highlight=liberty&page=2

 

Hope this helps! :)

THANKS!!!! Yes it does!!!!

Yes I have read some of the other hotel threads. But I haven't seen the Hilton mentioned (I admit I may be overwhelmed and it was,so I am sorry) But between these two which do you recommend? Which is a better beach hotel? Also close to or includes dining at hotel? Beach is probably the deciding factor though.

Leaning towards Marriot because half of our party are reward members and one couple can stay entirely in points san the resort fee. But really like the idea of the suite for about the same price at the Hilton for those not Marriott members. Plus Marriott holds a deposit (for the package we are looking at) whereas Hilton does not. That really isn't a problem except we've just shelled out cruise deposit and insurance premiums.

TIA

Is there one? I will be sailing solo and though I have a good hotel and shuttle rate from MCO area I really want to spend that first night at a hotel where I can see the ship the night before. My problem is getting from MCO to the hotel. I can't find a shuttle service that does that unless I am being a total baffoon with my search engine. Also any recommendations of hotels and restaurants at cocoa beach for a solo female.

TIA

Not sure if you went to DISboards yet, didn't see a question like this there. My personal opinion is the 2 day hoppers. You want to experience different attractions than DL and unfortunately thise are spread throughout all four parks and with the suze of WDW not really doable on one day at a pace that actually allows you to enjoy the day. Also read up on FP+ as that is much more complicated than grabbing a FP at DL. DISboards has an entire forum dedicated to this subject. Also prioritize where you want to be at evening as AK will have its new nighttime events but EPCOT is very nice to visit after dark. But you'll only have one night. And in my opinion the 7 dwarves coaster is best in the dark (btw you will need either a FP+ 60 days in advance or to ride that rope drop or closing or possibly during parade for anything less than a 60 minute wait)

My opinion on the things to hit as different:

Animal Kingdom park itself but you only have to ride Kilamangari Safari and Expedtion Everest. Other rides there pale in comparison to their DL "counterparts". I would also recommend seeing the Lion King show as it blows you away.

Hollywood Studios you only need to ride Tower of Terror to see the difference in that ride as compared to CA. If you aren't a fan of ToT skip that park altogether.

EPCOT is fun to visit all the lands. Definately make it there for that. Soarin is a different film now, around the world so might check that out. Test Track is a sad ride for the same track as RSR.

Magic Kingdom is less "full" of attraction than DL. Walk around to take in the differences and as far as rides you must check out to see differences are Splash, Space and Thunder.

Have a great time whatever you decide.

Thanks. I should have specified I would make res for DME as I have the onsite reservation and actually have used it back to MCO once with a dummy flight in the reverse WDW first and a RCI cruise after.

For whatever reason, I couldn't find an independent shuttle service from PC to MCO in my search which is why I came here. As usual the boards are where we get our answers!!!

I am trying to figure cheapest way to get from Port to Disney after my cruise. I will be solo meeting my friend at Disney. Renting a car would have to be excellent deal, but I really dont see one yet for under $100 (traveling May 2017) I don't plan on using the car once at WDW as we are staying onsite and I hate driving on vacation anyway. Taxi and even UBER would be too pricey solo.

I was thinking I could book cruise line shuttle (Carnival) back to MCO then take Disney ME to my resort, but I see they need flight info with that. Could I just pick a flight close to time i'd like to be back? My concern is in reading the agreement it states they are not responsible for guests who provide inaccurate flight info. I am sure that is just to cover their end if a gust misses a flight but it got me worried nonetheless.

Any one with thoughts or suggestions?

If you are picky, this may not work for you but that valet bag was only $15 the last time I cruised. If you roll your items really really tight, you will be amazed how much you can get in that bag. You get it back the next day or so very clean and neatly folded.

I guess if you are wearing 3-4 outfits a day you better stick with doing your own!

Not that picky. And not that huge of a wardrobe. I actually love doing my own laundry even on vacation. Call me wierd.

I know if I do traditional dining I will be assigned table mates which I am fine with. But if I go with ATD can I ask to be seated solo? I still am fine sitting with others but thinking I might like a night or too by myself in the MDR and not just buffet.

Thanks all. Wow....$3.25!!! Just off Disney last month and it was only $1 each to wash or dry. But I guess I am saving a ton on the cruise itself so that's ok. I am picky over my soap so planned on bringing that already.

I have seen different info on this but the latest I can find is from 2014. Does it exist and how much are my questions. I don't sail for another ten months but already thinking of what to pack!!!!

I pre-purchase beverage cards, and it is more for convenience and prepaying some onboard expenses. I also prefer to take my own wine and pay corkage on the bottles over and above the "free" allowance. When on a longer cruise, however, I purchase one of the wine packages after we board as there is often a different selection that that posted on HAL's website.

 

Your uncle could purchase the bucket of beer (my DH sometimes does that and puts the extras in the fridge) and there is are many different cocktails that your aunt can purchase. I usually like to buy a "drink of the day" and those vary, there is no set menu for those.

Thanks for the help!

So the bucket of beer.....cost and how many?

I am not sailing HAL but my Aunt and Uncle are. They drink a bottle of wine a day. He drinks a beer or two a day and she'll have a margarita or mixed drink a day. (Let me clarify this is vacation only drinking mode) They are having a hard time finding information and quite frankly so am I.

I see the policy is one bottle of wine to be carried on before corkage fee is applied to each additional bottle.

My main question is about the packages. I do not see any listed on HAL website for beer and cocktails except for the mention of a beverage card. This is listed in amounts of $50, $100, and $250 which I really assume is just like a prepaid card????

Can someone please help me with what might be the best option and direst me to where I can read better information on these packages/cards?

After looking at a recent picture I see things have changed. Wish I could post it but I am having computer issues. There is a work walkway in front of it now. Still gives a good view with less blockage than the other secret oceanviews.

Super Sweet!!!

I sailed in 6006 on my second Magic sailing and I never even noticed the wing supports until the last day. You really have to look for them as they in no way block any of the porthole in 6006 but are off to the side. So unless some refurb has blocked more (any) of the porthole you are getting a REALLY good deal.

Just one question about Uber. Where will they pick you up at? My research so far has indicated I have to leave the airport. That can't be right.

Thank you all.

Think I am leaning toward Downtown and Uber looks good. Never have used them but sounds safer than the taxi. And as I mentioned before I did stay Downtown before so I know the area.

My plane is scheduled to land at about 8pm. I am thinking either an airport hotel with airport shuttle and cruise shuttle or take a taxi to a Downtown hotel and then another taxi in the a.m. to the cruise port.

I like the idea of the downtown hotel as it is facing the cruise port and the same price as the airport hotel. But I worry about being a single female in a Miami taxi, though I would most likely be talking to my father on my cell the entire way providing every detail about the cab ride I could possibly throw in. I stayed at this hotel and took a taxi before when with a group so it is familiar.

If I stayed at the airport hotel I would have to wait for the hotel shuttle and then jokey for the cruise shuttle in the a.m. plus since I have not stayed here before it would be unfamiliar so I think I would be more uncomfortable.

Thoughts????

Thanks all!!!

I will continue to think it over as I do have lots of time. I plan on this being a solo trip to check it out before my family. They are true Disney/RCCL snobs who really disliked Princess (I did not get to go that cruise). I will go in with an open mind. The Conquest also sails the reverse itinerary the same week out of Ft. Lauderdale (which actually is easier than Port Canaveral) so may look into that. The Serenity area and blue theme of the staterooms lean me toward Sunshine, and I do like smaller ships. But the lack of a nice open promenade deck leans me to the Conquest.

So I am looking into Carnival. I will admit I have maybe looked down on this cruise line. Sorry for that in advance. That is because I have been sailing Disney and Royal. Disney is getting way overpriced and past cruiser benefits decreasing (though this seems to be true across lines). I have also cruised Celebrity. But the biggest reason I am looking to sail Carnival is the itinerary. However I love to explore when on a new ship so would love a nice ship experience.

Onto my questions regarding Carnival.

I am looking at sailing the Sunshine in April 2017.

Question #1 Does this ship have a decent outside promenade? This is where I like to spend sea days.

Question #2 I am scared to book early saver booking this far in advance because of the non refundable deposit. Should I do a regular refundable fare and as time draws closer switch to EB? Any disadvantage to this other than the category I am looking into selling out?

Question #3 I know this is truly subjective but will I be disappointed after Disney and Royal? I know not to expect the same. I knew that going from Disney to Royal and was not disappointed, but really enjoyed Royal in its own way. In some respects more, other ways less.

That is really all I can think of right now but would appreciate any answers/thoughts.

TIA

ETA So that you know what I really look for in a cruise is to relax, enjoy good convenient food, comfortable stateroom. I do not need entertainment, casino, or bars to occupy me.

I've stayed at Intercontinental twice and I believe it was only $20 to upgrade to a Bayside room. We didn't have any problems getting the upgrade. They asked us if we wanted it at check in...both times. Very nice hotel. What is YVE?

A boutique hotel along Biscayne Blvd, about 3 or 4 blocks north of the Intercontinental. I have a good rate there that can be cancelled up until day of just in case I can't keep my eyes off LMT and Intercontinental drops below $150 (with taxes included)

If you booked on LMT you got a lower rate than booking on other places. HOWEVER...considering we don't know the DATE, tough to say how great the rate is. :o:D

 

If you want to know, call the hotel now. ANd ask what it will cost to upgrade. Of course availibility can be an issue when you check in. So if it is a MUST, then pay for it now.

 

Slow elevator? How many times would that be a problem for a one night stay? Maybe irritating if you are staying for several days. Size of room? If you know it will bother you...

 

Sounds like you are just second guessing yourself.

You are right about me second guessing. I have put so much effort into researching and planning this cruise I just want things to run smoothly. The reasons of flying into and staying in Miami(despite it being more expensive than FLL) were to have a shorter taxi/shuttle ride from airport, to be more relaxed departure morning, and see the ship from the hotel. I wanted the Intercontinental from the get go but the cost outrageous at over $300 for the one night. I chose the YVE for the best view within my price range. The size of the room for one night is really no big deal, especially as we will only be there from 10:30pm until 10:00am. But as you mentioned I am concerned over getting downstairs in timely fashion in the A.M. I am content now. Just got excited when Intercontinental popped up on LMT finally, but now I will stop looking.

Specifically I am wondering how much it might be to upgrade to bayview at the hotel? I can get a standard room at the Intercontinental on LMT for $179 (total all taxes). But I currently have a bayview room at the YVE hotel (formerly the B2) for about the same rate. I am nervous over the small rooms and slow elevators I've heard the YVE has. The purpose of staying in Miami for me is to see the ship in the AM. Plus is that rate still too much for the Intercontinental?

I agree. You can see the airport from the cruise port.

Patti

That would KILL me IF things were moving slow! But I am reassured by most of these replies. Flights are Southwest so I may move to the later one if it becomes the same price, but for now feel confident. Thanks everyone.