ladygal4.4

Just take both cruises :)

St Thomas is great for shopping, but if you need a break, skip this one. There is a ton of walking unless you get taxis. The tram ride is nice for a great view, but once you've seen it there's nothing really else to do up there except eat/drink

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Online only, you print off your luggage tags, and PACK A STAPLER!!!! Then you'll be ready before you go to the port. The last few cruises, I've always forgotten that stupid stapler and I'm begging it off of people. Either that or some good tape to attach it to your luggage handle (it's a Tri-fold)

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So...how did it go??? Sending positive thoughts :)

Arrive around 12:30-1'ish, if you can wait that long. Most people, like myself, can't stand the wait, so I show up at the port around 10'ish. Waiting at the port is better than a stuffy hotel room. I don't get FTTF and waiting a few extra minutes doesn't bother me

180 :(

I've priced it out, and it's just a marketing gimmick by Norwegian. The prices are so much higher for persons 1 & 2, it's cheaper just to book the cruise normally. On carnival, the 3rd, 4th, and 5th persons are cheaper in the room, so if you're booking a large family, clump them together for the best rates. Example: we have 6 in our family. It's cheaper to book 4 in one room and 2 in the other (we can rearrange when we're on board if we want). But if I put three in each cabin, it's more expensive.

Has anyone had a beach side massage on Grand Turk?

Liked or hated it and why? And what is the cost?

I got it to work the first time I did it. I was surprised that it was so easy. Saved 240 dollars

We have six kids so I'm a scrimper by necessity. On a cruise, my big splurge is the cabin/cabins.

 

On other lines I prefer suites for the perks but I don't think Carnival's suites are worth it and preferred to use the money to book three rooms: One for the girls, one for the boys and one for us. That way, we can spread out and not get in everyone's way.

 

We don't drink that much but we do enjoy the specialty restaurants a time or two each cruise.

 

I don't usually buy the ship's photos or anything in the shops.

 

We book excursions on our own because it is usually a better value and much less expensive than booking through the cruise lines.

 

FTTF? - I'm torn on this one. It is sold out on our upcoming trip but I would splurge on it if we were doing a tender port or two.

 

We have a dollar max for gambling...maybe $50 each per cruise.

 

As I'm reading this, I now know that I am a cheapie!! lol

I applaud you for taking 6 kids! I have four and I too have to really careful on the cruise :)

I work on $100 per day..it generally works out. But all the ports for our next cruise are pretty expensive...so already spent 2000 on tours for two of us.

 

 

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Yikes! Is this for an Alaskan cruise tour?

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Can someone elaborate a bit more on this for me....

 

 

 

New to cruising, so I need the "dummies book/terminology" on how to do this for my 10 and 12 yr old. I wasnt planning on giving them charging rights on their S&S card....

 

 

 

We sail Aug 23 on Dream - THANK YOU!!!

If you don't give them charging privileges (which at that age I totally understand), then you would need to be there. The price for one game is 2-3 dollars each....I think. It adds up super fast, especially since you're just swiping a card. It's not like tokens where you can easily see how much you've spent

Strawberry bisque, beef tenderloin, gluten free melting cake

We are currently booked in an extended aft balcony, and was offered an Ocean Suite on the Legend for $1000 more. It might have been a good deal but adding another $1000 just didn't sound attractive to me. Might kick myself later though! ;)

 

Had to share - was the first time I ever got an upsell call!

Yeah....That doesn't seem like a "deal" to me, more like they're trying to sell you something. Glad you're Keeping your 1000 dollars and have fun spending it on excursions and shopping. The suite doesn't offer many perks anyways

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$1.78. And yes that is no joke. But I am an extremely careful spender on cruises. The cruise is my splurge

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***disclaimer***. I am a very careful spender on cruises. My last bill was $1.77 on my sign and sail card after a 7 day cruise

Scrimp - 1. No sodas/fruity drinks/cakes&icecreams at the specialty shops. 2. tours-we prefer to walk around, or get a taxi. Most drivers will give you a tour on the way. 3. No casino 4. Take own snorkel equipment 5. Take own 12 pack of sodas 6. Take a few packaged snacks to eat on the port and avoid expensive restaurants. 7. Keep the free art, don't buy the expensive stuff

Splurge - 0. The cruise - getting to see far off places, beautiful water, just spending time together 1. Balcony with adjoining cabin - we like quiet places away from the loud lido deck music, but want our children close since they are small 2. Nice family picture or couple picture like for anniversary 3. Souvenirs for family Christmas presents...some people are impossible to buy for and this makes it a bit easier 4. Internet-just Facebook.

Yay! Another good review

A lot of people do carry a notarized letter from the other parent, so there is no question that you aren't trying to sneak the kids out of the country....like a nasty divorce situation. It can be something simply typed up and have if notarized at a bank...if your wife hasn't left yet.

Bring IPADS with lots of games and movies. I would also jump on the roll call if you haven't already and see if other parents are taking children that young, that way you could possibly hook up for a play date. Seriously sounds fun and you will make some very special memories.

 

 

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Ill echo this post. If you don't have a problem with kids and devices. Preloaded movies and games are a huge help. Especially for the 2 year old, basic alphabet games are nice. PBS kids and Disney Junior are loved by my little ones

I know this is silly, but I really liked your amenities in the hotel! The last few I've stayed in have really weird stuff :)

I'd go for room service breakfast. Also, if I remember correctly, there is asn option of kids eating with their groups for dinner. That would just leave lunch for the lido.

For sea days, you have to pick them up. But on port days if you're off the ship, they will feed them lunch

I know it can be messy feeding little ones, but room service for breakfast might work. Let them eat dry cereal...like lucky charms/fruit loops. Take your own sippy cups and put milk or juice in there. I would avoid the main dining room unless they're really good sitting for a long time; most brunches can take over an hour. And for lunch, get their food all ready on the table (have a new friend guard it for you) and then pick them up from camp carnival. Most kids don't care if their food isn't as hot as adults like it anyways

Tell them about the free room service except for select hot items. They may enjoy breakfast in bed and not have to go to the Lido deck.

They don't have to prepay gratuities. They'll just post to the account around the last 1/3rd of the cruise. Like day 5 for. 7-8 cruise.

Great video!

I'm with the peace of mind thing...the day before. You never know what snow storm will hit, and you'll be stranded. You could always land the day before, stay in a hotel near the airport, and then the next morning go back to the airport and ride the carnival shuttle from there.