erikaem86

Personally, I would probably just Priceline bid for a hotel that meets your criteria. List of Priceline hotels can be found here. Deals on Priceline aren't as good as they used to be but you can still save $20 or $30/night.

I think the easiest way is to take the Skytrain. It's the cheapest and probably the fastest.

Hands down I would do during the day. The only time I would go at night is on a Saturday in the summer when they have fireworks, or around Christmas time when everything is lit up.

We're doing something very similar. Flying in from Canada, staying near MCO airport, and heading to Publix or other store the morning before our shuttle arrives to take us to Canaveral.

The way I look at it, no matter how much the ship's policy says to give the same service for pre-paying, post-paying, or tip as you go sailors, there is ZERO chance that actually happens. In my mind, the people that are guaranteed the best service are those that pay as they go. They know their service directly affects their tips, so they'll be much more attentive. Second category is the pre-pay. They might show you a bit above the minimum required, but they've already got your money. Just knowing how most people are, they won't add to, or take away from, that pre-determined amount. Finally, you've got the post-pay. There's no guarantee they'll be seeing a single cent out of you. I'm sure every steward has multiple passengers each cruise that don't tip at all. There's no way to tell the difference between a non-tipper & someone who plans on paying later. This group will definitely get the worst service.

Did the Steakhouse have the new menu? What did you order and do you recommend? We will be on the Sunshine in 11 days and are booked for the Steakhouse the first night!!! CANNOT WAIT!

I'm on Carnival and it seems like they have this locked. Can't book unless through the cruise line. Grrr.

We are a family of 5 and interested in renting a golf cart. We don't mind being squished but are wondering if the cart can handle the 5 of us. Collectively, we are about 550 lbs or 250kg.

Don’t do a carnival snorkel excursion if you like to snorkel without many other people bumping into you and a rushed experience with no guaranteed sightings. Pure fluff, take your equipment and do it on your own at governors beach

Would you let them roam NYC, Chicago, or LA on their own?

I'm planning to let my 11 year old walk the ship alone, but she will have her phone with her and we will have the Carnival app so we can communicate.

One question I have for you is: How easy is it to book non-Carnival excursions? I'm hoping I can just walk off the ship and find some vendors selling excursions as I am hoping to save money by booking on land.

- Straight up alcohol drinks like a classic martini,

- Diet cola drinks

- Soda water drinks.

Pretty much any other mixer will have carbs.

Hey we are on the same cruise at the OP. Can't wait!

Those are great prices. When were the menu pics taken?

Went on first cruise in 2007, and got the Carnival CC offered on the ship. My wife and I have used it since then, and have never paid a dime of interest, as we pay it off each month. We charge everything we can. We are cruising in June, and it saved us over half of the price of our cruise this time (saving points for the past 3 years). When I cashed in the points, it took only 2 Days to show up as a credit on our account. I highly recommend if you are able to pay off, and avoid the high interest rate. It’s been a great way to save money on cruising for us.

I'm sailing on 1st floor in 6 weeks. Here are pros and cons:

Pros:

- cheaper

- less motion, particularly if you are in the middle

- no noise below you generally

Cons:

- Further to travel (more stairs or elevators if you are coming and going)

- Views are not as good as higher floors. This is a moot point for interior rooms.

Check the layout to see what is above you. That's the only thing I'd be worried about.

Hi all, I'm looking at purchasing the value wi fi plan I will have my kindle with me most of the time as I like to read while I'm cruising I know only 1 device can connect at a time. My question is does it work well on a kindle fire HDX?

Thanks in advance everyone.

Rog.

I don't use a Kindle, but can't you just download the books onto the device before you go on your cruise? I plan to download Kindle books to my iPhone.

I would call and ask if they have anything better. When I did this, they found a cheaper price than I had found and I saved even more $$$.

Thanks for the review.

Unfortunately, the menu has recently changed.

Tips are not needed in the "clubs"....they are highly trained and paid counselors....not "service" staff.

Clock/sticky notes: Do you guys have cell phones or ipods? You can just get their app and pay $5 to message each other (and others on the cruise). No need for click or sticky notes.

Looks like a blast. thanks for sharing. I enjoyed it.

Awesome!! I have come to the realization that I can google pretty much anything and get an answer! Lol!!

We plan on carrying 2 bottles of wine and 2 dozen cans of soda on with us. It'll be heavy.