blnorman

I was hoping for a local place to grab a bite to eat or somewhere local to hang out until closer until time to head to the port. I thought it's better to plan on being there earlier in case the original flight is delayed, canceled and has to be rescheduled, etc. I really wished there was something to do early a.m. to avoid being stuck in the airport for 3 hours after landing.

I believe it is 11:30 a.m. couldn't select anything earlier? What time should I plan on being at the port?

How do you find out what your check-in time is?

What are recommendations for things to do in Miami on a Sunday morning? I'm planning on arriving in Miami via flight somewhere around 8 a.m. The reason I'm asking is because I'll have my kiddos (6 and 7) with me. I'm sure we could chill in the airport until getting a taxi to take us to POM, but I wondered if there are any other recommendations that people would recommend over sitting in the airport for two or three hours.

 

What time is the earliest time they will allow you to arrive at POM if you are coming in from an early flight?

Thanks all!! These are very helpful tips. It seems as long as book the departing flight around 11:30 I should be fine. The sooner the flight, the better.

What cruise port are you going to?

 

Port of Miami

Forgot to mention the ship we will be debarking from will be the VISTA!! :);p

Hello CC members,

 

I am currently having a little dilemma about an upcoming fall cruise. This trip is for two adults and two children ages 6, and 7. First, my dilemma was should I fly into Miami vs. Fort Lauderdale. I still have both options as I haven't purchased my airline tickets, but I have pretty much decided to fly into Miami for the simple reasons:

1) it's closer to the cruise port

2) flights to Miami seem to have an earlier arrival time (which provides me more time to find taxi options at a lower cost)

3) the price difference in the flights are currently $1 (so why not fly into Miami right)?

 

My second concern is: What time is a safe time to book my return flight? I originally thought, it may be better to fly back home out of Miami instead of FLL since the airport is closer to the cruise port. I don't want to be stuck in the airport all day because I booked a flight too late, but I don't want to book a flight too early and miss the flight due to debarkation complications. What time is a safe time to book a return flight?

 

This will be the kids first experience with airlines, so I want it to go as seemless as possible.

 

Lastly, any taxi advice getting from the MIA airport is appreciated.

Okay!!! Thanks!! That makes me feel a little better knowing that the additional payments I already made can compensate for the extra I would owe on the deposit.

 

 

:)

I was hoping that since I have made payments since the deposit that those payments could be used to cover the additional deposit amount from booking on the reduced deposit sale.

 

I was also hoping that the additional charges for the "Upgrade" to "Upgrade" from "Inside to Oceanview" could just be added to my total remaining balance due which is to be paid by the deadline.

Has anyone out there ever upgraded from a standard inside cabin to oceanview? Here is my question - On my original booking I booked under the Early Saver rate with reduced deposits. Now I would like to move the rooms I booked from an "inside" to and "oceanview". I was hoping the difference could be just added to my total amount due, but I don't think that is the case.

 

Has anyone ever upgraded from one catagory to another while under the reduced deposit sale?

 

Any experiences with catagory "Inside to Oceanview" upgrades out there? Kinda make me wish now that I hadn't booked under the reduced deposit promotion.....ughhhh!!!

When going about eating on the Fascination or any ship what should I make sure to do? I know the MDR means Main Dining Room, but does anyone know if there is a steakhouse on the Fascination? If so, is there an additional charge to dine in a steakhouse?

 

We are on anytime dining by the way. Any tips using this will also be appreciated.

I also would like to know what is the home port advisory listed in the excursions? It's listed for .01 per person? Is this just a notification that you are arriving back where you left from?

Hello all,

I am debating on if I should purchase the Faster to the Fun option for my upcoming cruise. I need your help in deciding if it is worth it for several reasons. Help me out Cruise Critic Experts!!!!

 

1st concern - We are driving in that morning, so I am uncertain if we will be there early enough to be some of the first to board the ship. I plan on being there early enough to board with the first few, but I am uncertain of what time I will exactly be there so being some of the first to board is 50/50 for me as a deciding factor.

 

2nd concern - Debarkation process - this is another reason I wanted to consider booking the faster to the fun, if it gets us off the ship quicker and ready to hit the road when we return. I'm not rushing my vacation away, but the though of having to sit for hours on a ship to debark is horrifying. I really think this one of the amazing benefits of the FTTF which makes it worth the purchase. So this is a pretty important element in my decision factors.

 

3rd concern - Ship boarding and Room Location- I am R1 (yeap- I know...don't remind me), but I am going to have an awesome cruise no matter what location I am in so let's not discuss the motion or noise associated with the room number. LOL. (smile). Seriously - I am wondering where do they board the ship? If they board the ship from the front of the Riviera deck- then my room location is an advantage for me during embarkation, debarkation, and port stops, ......right? I don't know how they disembark a ship. Do they go front to back outside of the FTTF reservations?

 

4th concern - From what I am told the Fascination is not a large ship like some of the others. So the boarding process may be a lot easier than the larger ships that Carnival offers.

 

5th concern - I saw something about "Tenders" when I was reading reviews on FTTF, but I didn't know what that is.

 

So do yall think it's worth it?

If shore exursions are sold out is there a possibility they will open up slots in the event that someone cancels?

 

Here's the thing I figured it may be best to just get on the cruise itself before I went booking excursions right off the bat. Honestly, some of the excursions appear to be a little more pricey than what I wanted to spend (per person). I also read another comment on this forum stating sometimes it's better to book your excursion once you get on the cruise and see what the weather is like because some had paid for excursion and they didn't cancel for heavy rain.

 

Knowing myself better than anyone else - I didn't want to spend more money on something I wasn't sure about. I guess I can always visit close shops and activities near the boat, right?

 

Doing an excursion in unfavorable weather just isn't something that would make me too happy!!!!

 

Location = Nassau and Freeport

Okay Ladies and Gents –

I have one another question: What is the Sail Away party and where is it located?

Here is a simplified list of the collected material so who ever may read this post later may not have to read every single post. Everyone I really appreciate your tips and advice. It’s people like you who make the cruising planning experience a little more enjoyable.

- Brings ones and fives to tip the room stewards

- Bring scotch tape or 3m strips, or fun tak, window gel-like decals if decorating the door

- Try to meet your cabin steward once boarded

- Bottle water (make sure it’s the correct size requirements)

- Shower shoes, a poncho/umbrella, & little bottle of wrinkle release.

- Small selection of over the counter meds (headache, diarrhea, etc)

- Power strip or multi outlet, night light

- 2 for a $1 cheap ponchos

- Few clothes pins to hang wet suits on the in shower clothes line.

- Highlighter to mark things we want to do on the daily schedule.

- Ladies don't forget a small evening bag for just your sea card and a lipstick!

- Bring a few extra hangers and sunscreen.

- Bring sticky notes -if you need something use a note-- leave it on the mirror or on the bed

Snack list can be cans of nuts, candy, dried fruit, goldfish crackers, granola bars, chips, crackers, raisins, prepackaged snacks in case you want to take them off the ship when you go ashore.

 

Other tips for a great cruise experience are:

1. Relax, have fun, and don’t try to do everything- it’s a vacation. Remember that!!

2. BLT & chocolate cake from room service are very good.

3. Order room service order cheesecake or chocolate cake.

4. Pool & hot tubs are less populated on port days

5. Go to fish n chips (if available)or the wok go embarkation day

6. Get cards from Guest Services for free if available, or you can get used cards from the casino for a buck a pack

7. Sea days you may be wearing your swimsuit a lot and you won't need as many outfits as you think.

8. Head to lido after you board and grab some lunch.

9. Waiters walking around with trays of "welcome aboard" drinks. This is a great way to start your cruise - just know that you will be charged for them.

10. For coffee and a danish in the morning they have the tags to mark and hang on your door the night before. You select what you want and indicate the time you want it delivered and they are usually pretty prompt.

11. Cabin stewards are off duty from 1pm til 5pm and 11pm til 6am

12. Meds can be expensive if purchased on board if needed.

13. They are probably going to shake all your water bottles If I was trying to smuggle booze in a water bottle, I would not put it in my carryon bag.

14. Room service is just cold items like sandwiches, cereal, cake. No hot meals.

 

Interesting Fact: There are no chips/pretzels on board (unless you order a sandwich from room service - they come with chips).

Awesome guys - great tip about the chips. Love me some Doritos Cheez its!!

 

 

This is helpful.

No I am not packing for her - but I am simply trying to make sure we don't forget any little thing she may need? For instance - I have heard that not all cruise ships have hair dryers on this particular forum, so that would be something I would want to mention to her.

 

Packing her suitcase is not what I am doing, but I do want to make sure we have everything and not get there and think to ourselves. . . . . Ahhh man ...why didn't we think to bring that.

 

She will pack her own suitcase though.. . . .not that I couldn't or wouldn't .... because I love her like that....... and I could do that...... if I had to I would do that....and you can believe that!! LOL

 

Nah it's more like I just want input from the ladies so I can make her a little checklist a day or two before we leave and say ..... Oh by the way ... .here are a few things my internet cruise guru's said to make sure you have in your bags because you just might need them.

 

I'm pretty sure yall know what I mean.

My wife is letting me handle the cruise thing, since it's our first cruise. I need to know what are things I need to make sure my wife doesn't forget? I probably should be doing this packlist for myself too, but I will be alright.

 

I just need to make sure I have everything she needs, and being a first time cruiser, we will forget something important if we don't start a checklist now.

 

Chime in ladies...I'm waiting.

Okay... . I know "Have Fun" and "Relax" are the top to things to do on any cruise, but outside of those two things what are some things that most people tend to forget to do?

 

First timers here and cruising on the fascination and we have anytime dining.

 

What are some things I need to make note of to do once I board, or after we are on the cruise?

 

I have read things about getting playing cards from guest services, and I read something about Fish & Chips on embarkation (not sure if this applies to my ship though), etc.

 

Room service pros and cons? It is included - so I can order if needed correct? Of course I need to make sure to tip the room steward so I need to bring some dollar bills to provide tips.

 

I also seen post mentioning MDR? That is Main Dining Room - I suppose?

 

Bring the wine and the 12 pack sodas in my carry on luggage correct? Which also makes me what to ask what other little snacks to people bring on? I know i will bring some gum, but what other little snacks are great to just have in your room? I can bring bottled water too right? Do i need to leave the water and drinks in the package they come in or break them down so they fit into my carry-on luggage?

 

I want to get some things from my local dollar store to decorate our room and the door. What can i get that will easily come off the door?

 

Come one .. .I know you have suggestions!!!! Give um to me!!!

What time does everyone usually get there to board the ship? Does it help if you are earlier vs. coming a little later? I know there is something to be said about starting your vacation as early as possible, but if embarkation starts around 11ish would it hurt if I arrived around 1:30 or 2ish?

 

Or is this one of those things it's just better to be early for?

I'm waiting. LOL!!!!!

 

If the fairy call me with a $15 upgrade option.......

 

My reply is ........ I'll take the $15 upgrade to the next available section ALEX! LOL

Just wondering has anyone out there ever was lucky enough to snag a better room on a better deck at a better rate if you wait closer to the actual sailing of the ship? I understand it may not be as successful when you are dealing with a more larger more modern ship, but I am traveling on a older ship that "appears" to not be sold out in any room catagory on my travel dates. Everything is still available interior,oceanview, balcony, suites.

 

When I called yesterday inquiring about a possible upgrade I was told by a rep a option is to wait until boarding the ship and ask if there where any possible upgrades in the event that someone cancels their reservation. So that is one option!!!

 

My other option and question I want to know is has anyone ever called the cruise line closer to the actual sailing to upgrade their room getting a better deal on the room upgrade or deck upgrade? I'm a first time cruiser so I'm no repeat customer who they may consider at a platinum or diamond level, but I am just curious if other people have really landed a sweet room upgrade all because of the timing that they called to inquire about possibly upgrading.

 

I wondered if they are deeply discounted rooms available as upgrade rooms a day or two prior to sailing?

No wonder so many people love these balcony rooms. .. Coffee in the A.M. and breakfast is probably needed after that free show last night. LOL

I bet there are some stories ........ Oooo Weeeeeee I bet there are some very interesting stories out there..... LOL

I'm not a big med person...as a matter of a fact I hate taking meds unless i necessarily have too.

 

All this motion sickness talk has me *** Geeked Up ****

 

Geez Louise!!!!!!