ladygal4.4

A laptop can be bulky, a tablet or phone would be easier. And wifi can be spotty at times

Which cruise line?

I looked for vanilla everywhere, and when I read the ingredients they all just listed the ingredients as "natural flavoring". So I finally gave up, bought a bottle of vodka and added my own vanilla beans (from eBay) when I got home.

The anytime works well for us. To avoid the line, show up right around 5:45. Having different servers was no problem, I have to have a special diet preordered due to my food allergies, and each night the waiters handled it beautifully. As far as the table for 2....the trick is request it, but don't request a window seat. Because, you'll end up at a 4 seater table, and then they will use the extra seats later....which I'll agree can be awkward. OR, when you get there, just have the waiter remove the extra place settings, which may help.

I know a lot of people enjoy the group meals, and getting to meet new people on cruises, but I really enjoy the intimate meals with just my husband

When you board, there will be a couple of tables set up to advertise the bubbles program. One will be right as you get on the boat. And the other should be on the lido deck.

Your five year old will be in the 2-5 class, but he will have a great time. The crafts, activities, games are simply wonderful. When the last cruise was over, I felt like I needed a small suitcase to bring home all of their crafts and coloring papers. We had sand art necklaces, foam pirate hats, t-shirts decorated, and lots of "Mommy, look what I did" papers...plus the final day gift of mini school supplies. My kids had the best time ever, and I loved it knowing they were having fun (and safe) and I could relax and enjoy my cruise too!

Guy's Burger!!!!

Do a search here in the forum on Reflextions beach or Surfside beach. It is about a mile and an easy walk along the new linear park which extends southward from downtown Oranjestad towards the airport.

Thanks. A mile walk is no problem! :)

That the price you paid for your cruise may be less in the future. Fill out those price protection forms!

I'd had that done on my first cruise and everything came back faded...like they used a ton of bleach. Now I just take my own laundry detergent and do a load during a quiet afternoon sea day, and I can wash/dry a full load for half that price.

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For a meal and drink, plan on 10 per person. I "think" refills are free for soft drinks. I remember seeing open coke fountains there.

You'll want a locker for your valuables, because The water park is HUMONGOUS and you won't be able to carry much.

When leaving Atlantis, have something dry to sit on. The taxis fuss if you're wet. And the 4 dollar price is if you take a group taxi, they'll try to upcharge you if they take just your family.

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FYI. Mine took about 3 weeks to arrive. And I had to call verizon and verify the purchase after 1 week, then they still took almost 2 weeks to arrive by Fedex

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At 11 and 13 I would think they would be old enough to get themselves food.

Lol, I agree. But Unless the 11 year old has been given signing out privileges from the kids program, the workers will take the child to lunch...and then charge you six dollars.

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You might want to book your honeymoon, I would hate for your plans to be ruined if the boat sells out

Going on my first cruise in February on the triumph. Was wondering if there were special days that the spa gives discounts? And if there were days or evenings when it's free?

Port days are "cheaper" But be prepared for sticker shock; their rates are comparable to a high end spa in a major metropolitan area. And also be prepared for heavy sales tactics for their products.

The only free thing would be if you won a $100 raffle, but that wouldn't even get you a 50 min massage

I know a lot of people like the spa, but I've found the spa workers to be the least friendly and most snobbish on the entire ship. :(

The 11 year old yes, the 13 year old...not sure. But NCL will charge you to feed your children if you're off the boat

What is available in the afternoon for Aruba? Preferably in walking distance from the port?

Oh! Parking. It's a weird beast in Charleston. You'll drop off your luggage, after winding through a maze of cones, then you'll park in a warehouse, walk to a bus stop and transported to the port. Have your boarding information and cash/card handy (not in luggage) so you'll be able to pay for parking without getting out of your car and digging through luggage

Price, great kids program, no nickel/diming for every little thing, love the food

Freeport has some nice shopping, but to get to town you need to take a 15 min taxi ride(actually you need a taxi to get anywhere). We've done a jet ski tour there and LOVED it. The water is also nice for snorkeling

I was on this cruise also. I am a Carnival fan (Platinum) and have been on the Triumph at least once a year since 2011. This was hands down the worst cruise I have had. The AC issues were ship wide. There were times it was comfortable and others were miserable. The floor was crazy slippery entering the Lido dining area on both sides the entire time. There were issues with housekeeping, the dining room, numerous elevators out of service and guest services. Sad to say I will not be going back on this ship and may have to look for another cruise line to frequent if the next trip is not much improved. :(

I hope you can get some money back after this nightmare!

The last few cruises I've been on, there has been a set time to meet the captain on one of the formal nights. It was near the casino. More/less a handshaking greeting thing

I'm normally in the spa for their giveaways when the ship starts moving.

Your category may be sold out, but somebody could possibly cancel before sail date. I would keep checking. http://www.carnival.com/bookingengine/fareviewer#

Thank you so much for this link! My fare slightly increased, but I got 90 dollars of OBC for 40 dollars. I'd say that was a win-win

WOW!! you must've had lots of OBC

Nope, not much. Just the 4 drink coupons, from the old VIFP rewards, we didn't use. I am extremely careful spender on cruises, and the cruise IS my splurge. My husband surprised me with an anklet from the silver by the inch sale (which is still in great shape almost a year later) and I got a few minutes of wifi.