crochetcruise

I'm planning to book 1004 on Carnival Splendour in November, 2020 for a 4 night cruise to Moreton Island out of Sydney. Greatly appreciate the information about the shower-slipping and falling due to water on the floor is my nightmare!

As far as I can tell from photos found on Carnival's website, the entrance to the bathroom is level, which will be easier with my Rollator.

Thank you for the discreet reminder to keep the curtains closed for privacy. I'm looking forward to the end of January when I can make my booking! 

59 minutes ago, fishywood said:

I was on Golden in Alaska May 27-June 2. The Wheelhouse Bar is exactly as it was when the ship was built. As is Explorer's and Vista Lounges.

 

The renovations during the drydock last spring in Singapore were not as extensive as on other ships as it had already been announced that Golden is leaving the fleet sometime in 2020. (Originally it was stated as transferring to P&O Australia in Spring 2020 but it turns out Golden will sail the r/t Alaska from San Pedro May-July 2020). The only public venue that was completely redone was Sabatini's being changed to Sabatini's Trattoria. (And I found the new menu is a huge improvement over the old).

Fishywood, I think that the spring 2020 transfer means September 2020 onwards for joining P. & O. Australia. September-November is Spring down here. HTH.

17 hours ago, ricew001 said:

ziplock bags are great for wet bathing suits on the last day.

 

i also encourage you to keep a "during the cruise list". When we left Raleigh-Durham, it was 13 degrees. We landed in Puerto Rico and it was 92. I took off my boots and shoved them in the outside zipper part of our suitcase, which was broken so we typically never use it. I went forever looking for those boots because I didn't think to check the broken zipper area. 🤦‍♀️

 

On the flip side, I had packed my jewelry in a zippered compartment that was hidden. It was fancy costume jewelry. I couldn't find it once we got on the ship and was convinced it had been stolen by airport security. Another case of finding it months later after I got home. Now all jewelry goes in my purse!!!!!

 EXTREMELY good points, not 1 of which I'd thought of myself! And I have a BAD HABIT of PARKING things in safe places and forgetting where I put them!

Just now, Nelsj099 said:

Yes, it is at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.  I think I read that another boat is at White Bay with an overnight tonight sailing out tomorrow. 

Thank You.

I remember my cousin taking a photo as I stood on the paved area in front of the Golden Princess grinning stupidly as I gazed at her, in November 2016.

is that from the Overseas Passenger terminal please? I thought the Sun Princess usually sailed from White Bay as she is small enough to ail under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

12 hours ago, silkhair1 said:

I am a checklist maker and a pre-packer. I have a small suitcase that I keep ”cruise” things in all the time. This suitcase only goes on cruises. A small fan, extension cord and power strip ect. just stay in there. I also have a few plastic grocery bags and various sizes of ziplock bags that can be used for holding anything. Probably needs more when my kids were smaller. 

OOOH! Ziploc bags and grocery bags! THAT'S something I HADN'T thought of, yet I will be self-catering In February 2020! Note written for the 1st shopping day after Christmas-2 new insulated bags to be bought for the cruise. Myst also check my extension cord and power strip are ready to go, and laundry pods-have a big bag I never used on my 1st cruise-I had laundry as a Suite Perk! I've kept them specifically for travelling, and I'm on the same deck as a laundromat too!

A grateful thank you for the reminder about bringing your own bags, much cheaper than having to buy them!

18 hours ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

The number one thing on any checklist should be bring passports or whatever documentation you are using to board the ship. Most anything else you forget you can get by without (or buy on the ship or at a port),  but if you can’t get on the ship, it will be a short vacation. 

All travel and accommodation paperwork-do not yet travel internationally somust carry approved local identification and medication are my ABSOLUTE ESSENTIALS which travel in my handbag for immediate access as required.

On 7/22/2018 at 10:50 AM, Cruiseboy06 said:

more wheelchair accessible cabins maybe a beach entry pool..

Great idea. Ramps for the handicapped have a certain legally required gradient for safety, so not sure how a suitable ramp could be included in a pool. The closest I can think of, is the Thalossotherapy pool on Carnival Splendor, which has a handrail going down the center of steps. Not quite wheelchair independent access, but the BEST option I have yet seen for independent access. I use a Rollator for mobility and can manage steps firmly clutching the handrail. I've even been known to go down the steps BACKWARDS so if I slip and fall I don't tumble headfirst and knock myself unconscious! My days of climbing ladders to enter and exit a swimming pool are long gone!

Re the wheelchair accessible cabins. some specifically for those handicapped personas able to travel independently would be nice, with single pricing instead of a loading for Solo occupancy.

I'm planning to do a 4-night round-trip out of Sydney on Carnival Splendor in November 2020. I know Moreton Island is a tender port, and with my Rollator, I might not be able to go ashore. I'll be enjoying the Thalassotherapy pool instead.

Hope my spelling's accurate.

3 hours ago, bury me at sea said:

Someone else will have to give you specifics on the Horizon.  On the Dream class ships, Dream, Magic, and Breeze, the Cloud 9 spa is delightful.  There is a series of saunas, ending in a tranquil room with an amazing view and heated tile loungers.

 

Next door is the thalassotherapy pool.  Jetted water throughout several different depths of heated water, seating down the inside of the pool, and fountains of cooler water spaced along the sides.  It is an experience like none other I've ever had.

 

Included is a facial product and soft, fluffy towels, and unlimited access.

 

I have read reviews on the Cloud 9 Spa on the Vista and the Horizon that were not enthusiastic.  I can't remember the specifics, only that some people didn't compare it favorably to the Dream class.

 

It's a quiet, serene area, with direct access to the Serenity Deck.

 

My 25 year old granddaughter expressed it perfectly when she said after out first trip there, "This takes cruising to a whole new level."

THANK YOU! I'm looking at a 4 night round trip out of Sydney on Carnival Splendour-obstructed Oceanview on Deck 10.

Another poster advised to be careful of water on the floor-I've noted to take my vinyl sandals to wear in the pool for my own safety, don't want a fall and a broken limb as a Holiday Memento 😞

Lucky Star, I have a HUGE GRIN on my face at you thinking I'm under 16 years of age. I'm more than 3 times that age. Been handicapped since birth with Cerebral Palsy and Legal Blindness so very wary about having a fall and losing my independence.

You've made a frustrating day, EVER so much more cheerful. THANK YOU!

On ‎11‎/‎21‎/‎2018 at 11:23 PM, riffatsea said:

Be aware that the steam rooms(there are several) are VERY hot and steamy!

This may seem silly to say but MR Riff loves steam rooms and he found the ones on Splendor to be too hot for him! Don't stay in too long!

Thank You for the warning. I had not yet thought about the Steam Rooms, more interested in the Thalassotherapy pool, even just walking up and down in the water is really good exercise for me. I already have noted to purchase a rash vest for sun protection-very fair skin, and I do sunburn very easily despite lavish application. Oh! Price a waterproof watch for myself, so I can more easily monitor time between applications. THANK YOU! You managed to jog my memory about taking a waterproof watch with me, my current one isn't waterproof.

43 minutes ago, Essiesmom said:

 

Mr. Google is your friend.  I searched 'thalasso pool pictures Carnival Solendor' and got multiple pics.  This was the best on showing someone actually using the railing to exit the pool.  EM

 

THANK YOU Essie's Mom. I never thought to Google! Basic techie here, and I feel VERY stupid for overlooking something so simple!

I must look into shorts and a possible new swimsuit for the cruise. I like buying ahead and using Layby to secure my clothing needs without stress to my budget.

My friend has just returned from the Carnival Legend cruise to New Zealand, they had a rough last night aboard, and a challenging disembarkation from what she wrote on another group I follow. I still have 2 calendar years and 2 days before I embark, reading the boards with interest, and noting any relevant points.

Please, does the Thalassotherapy pool have a handrail above steps going down into the pool?

Handicapped newbie cruiser looking at a 4 night cruise on the Splendour in November, 2020. I use a Rollator for mobility and can manage holding on to a handrail. Have vinyl sandals for use in the pool, already noted in another thread the floor can be slippery.

7 hours ago, Nic6318 said:

Hi 

It looks like the only steam rooms are part of the cloud9 spa, you would have to pay extra (day/week pass) for entry if you are not in a Spa cabin. 

 

It does appear that there is a "sauna" that would be available to everyone in the gym locker rooms (one ladies/one men's), but I would guess that would be a dry sauna, not a steam room. I could be wrong. I haven't been on that ship. The gym, the change rooms, the showers, and the sauna would be open to everyone, all the rest would be part of the cloud 9 spa. If you google Splendor deck plans, just look at the "spa deck" plans.

 

hope this helps

Thank You for the reminder about the change rooms. I'm planning a 4 night cruise aboard the Splendour in a Spa Obstructed Oceanview stateroom in November, 2020. I need to wear sandals in the pool for safety on getting out-handicapped and use a Rollator to help with balance. I could shower and change in the Spa and make sure my shoes are sturdy with well-gripping soles to reduce the risk of falls.

Another person warned to be careful on the wet floor-thank you to whoever mentioned that, I don't remember but your information was a timely reminder for me to put sandals for the Spa on my clothing list. Yes, I've started planning  extremely early, but already found a nice dress for the evening and put it on layby.

On ‎10‎/‎7‎/‎2018 at 6:36 AM, Seadog & Sea Hag said:

 

 

 

On Australian based Princess ships, the alcohol package cannot be pre-purchased . It must be purchased onboard at $87 per day.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thanks for the Heads Up. I'm planning to put money into On Board Credit for my 3 night cruise on the Ruby in February 2020. Have found that Princess stocks my favourite-ok, only-alcoholic tipple, Crème de Menthe, so will be indulging in a Crème de Menthe with lemonade and a nice selection of cookies from the International Café.

I was taught to have something to eat, when drinking alcohol, and have always been careful.

I plan a cruise to Tasmania for either my 60th or 65th birthday. Hoping to get the 8 day cruise out of Sydney, so I can get the Premier Beverage Package. I've already started saving loose coins into a money box!

On ‎10‎/‎22‎/‎2018 at 8:26 PM, crochetcruise said:

That's helpful.Thank you.

The Panorama is coming to Australia, so a Cloud 9Oceanview Stateroom is a possibilty for a future cruise. I'm keeping a watch on the boards for any useful information.

 

OOOPS! Wrong ship I confused the Panorama with the Splendour! Very sorry for any confusion I've caused!

Think where I got confused, it's the Panorama DECK that has the Cloud9 Oceanview Staterooms!

I collected a copy of the 2018-2020 Carnival Australian brochure from my TA when I went in to make another part-payment for a cruise on another line. Saw the brochure and grabbed myself a copy. On the back page 25th of November, 2019 there's a listing-Splendour sailing Singapore-Sydney.

Oh dear! Due to multiple physical handicaps and needing to fly interstate, I always-well I've only done 1 cruise so far-fly in at least 1 day earlier-was 3 as I stayed with family beforehand-so I am not panicking about getting to the port on time.

Yes overnight hotels DO cost money, but I count that expense as part of the cost of the cruise. Much less stressful, and I can go to a supermarket and get any last minute snacks I want before boarding.

A rather harsh lesson learned.

On ‎10‎/‎17‎/‎2018 at 3:18 PM, Pierlesscruisers said:

 

It's a very minor point but I believe you'll find that the soda card is actually $8.05/day not $8.50 a day. Also it also still includes unlimited hot chocolate as well as the sodas also. One other change is that now it no longer includes the tall plastic tumbler with the screw-on cap and hard plastic straw that it used to either. This was the case on the Ruby on 22-29 Sep. of this year anyway. Luckily, I had a larger container that served in it's place.

Tom

 

Thank You for the information. I must look round for a cup with a clip on lid, have soup mugs that would work, and at 16 fluid oz., I wouldn't need to go to the bar for a fresh drink as often. That will solve the problem nicely.

The Golden Princess is supposed to leave the fleet in May 2020 to join P. & O. Australia-I've forgotten what name she'll sail under there. HTH.

5 hours ago, DrivesLikeMario said:

No wonder the Platinum/Elite/Suite area gets so packed!  Ridiculous.  It shouldn't be that way.  I can see one person, but 12?!

Also, whenever I've gone to the Plat/Elite cocktail party, they have checked your card as you entered and if you weren't at either one of those levels, you were turned away.  Guess it's another thing that varies.

Suite occupants can also attend the PES function, even if, as I was in 2016, a Blue Card holder on their first cruise. And I'm HOOKED! 2nd actual cruise in the planning, and counting down the days!

On ‎10‎/‎24‎/‎2018 at 10:52 AM, 63 Super Sport said:

erThanks for posting! If you have time please post wine list by bottle. Many thanks.

Personally not a wine drinker, but I'll take photos of the menus. If anyone asks I'll just say, "Getting information for a friend." It's true, we're friends on Cruise Critic. I sail February, 2020 on the Ruby, am counting down the days and keeping an eye out for still needed shoes-particularly needs so challenging to buy!

18 hours ago, Jase0581 said:

Pre-purchased OBC will convert from USD to AUD, unless the personalizer has changed recently you will not know what that rate is.  It will only give you the USD amount, so my guess is it converts at the going rate on the date of the cruise.  For a cruise in March of this year I pre-purchased 200USD and when I boarded it was 256AUD.

 

You can charge slot play to your folio, not sure about tables as I only play slots.

My conversion rate remained the same, and I booked over 18 months out.

Just now, Jase0581 said:

Pre-purchased OBC will convert from USD to AUD, unless the personalizer has changed recently you will not know what that rate is.  It will only give you the USD amount, so my guess is it converts at the going rate on the date of the cruise.  For a cruise in March of this year I pre-purchased 200USD and when I boarded it was 256AUD.

 

You can charge slot play to your folio, not sure about tables as I only play slots.

The conversion rate is the rate on the day my booking was made at the Travel Agency.

Once I received my Booking Number, I went into my Cruise Personaliser and explored Canapes (don't remember what they're listed as), Gifts, and On Board Credit, where I learnt I had to pay AUD$130 to receive USD$100 On Board Credit.

I've been very lucky, I have the same exchange rate for my cruise in February 2020 that I had in November 2018. Yours seems to be USD$1.00 = AUD$1.28 if my math is correct.

Enjoy your cruise!

On ‎10‎/‎26‎/‎2018 at 9:02 AM, jlp20 said:

This is a cruise ship, there is no need to stock your cabin's frig. Like you mama told you, don't take more than you can eat.

I need to take medication in the morning, and usually have something to eat with it so I do NOT take prescribed painkillers on an empty stomach, as advised by my Dr. I intend to bring a sealable container so I can store the cookies overnight. Another friend recommended the peanut butter cookies at the International Café, so I will be trying them and the chocolate cookies. I've tried swallowing the painkillers with milk, but have found eating something works better for me.

Check your exchange rate by comparing the cost of On Board Credit. EG. my cost to purchase USD$100 is AUD$130. I verify, I logged into my booking, and checked the price of On Board Credit.

I've just found out my preferred Alcoholic tipple--Crème de Menthe enjoyed with lemonade, is available on the Ruby Princess 3-night Round Trip out of Sydney in February, 2020. Iplan to purchase On Board Credit so I can enjoy a Budgeted for drink and not worry about the cost.

THANK YOU! You've just reminded me that I must price Canapes, Pens, and Teddy Bears. Was given a Captain Bear by a friend who sailed on the Sea Princess and bought myself another when I sailed on the Golden Princess in 2016