ladygal4.4

I've tried to book with NCL and RCCL, but the price keeps bringing me back. And especially NCL's bad habit of nickel and diming, keeps me away from them. I am a seriously carefully budget cruiser, and I don't want any nasty surprises on my bill....but at the same time I want the good experiences for me and my children without having to say "No" all the time

Thank you all so much! I just filled out the price protection form. It seems that my room and my husband's (we have too many kids for 1 room) has dropped 120.00 EACH!!!!!!! So I'm hoping I did it all right, and I saved a screen shot to email them as proof!!!!

were they closed days 3,4,and 5?

Aren't they closed on port days? Or am I confused

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Are the pool and slide open on debarkation day?

Debarkation - no

Embarkation - yes

Take the powder, and save some room for other stuff to pack :)

*sniff* that fairy has never visited me :(

Ask for a couple of extra blankets, most kids don't mind sleeping on a little pallet on the floor, especially if they're close to you.

And double check, some rooms have the 2 bunk beds from the ceilings - we've done that when we traveled with just our 2 boys. We had the king, and they were above us.

Thanks! I always wondered about that

Guy's Burgers for lunch, let my kids swim or play on the water slides, eat my first bowl of ice-cream. Then dry off in time for Muster (yawn)

If you bring your own laundry detergent (powdered or those all-in-one sheets), you'll save a good bit. I like doing laundry on board, 4 kids = too much wet smelly stuff for long cruises

I booked an early saver rate for Carnival Sunshine, and used a Personal Cruise Specialist (I called the #800, got assigned one, yada yada yada)

I'm booked in a 2 spa room balconies, with adjoining cabin. My last payment is due late November.

I guess I'm really confused on how to go about finding 1) "if" the rate drops

and 2) what do I do about it. In the past, we always seem to be booked in a odd-level of cabin due to our large family, so I never can tell if the price drops or not.

Is there a beginner's guide to price drops somewhere?

As a mom of 4 kids, I would have to say don't take the 1 year old on a cruise, unless you have a grandma/babysitter/dedicated person to help. Babies don't respond well to schedule changes, and the last thing you want to do is being stuck in your cabin with a fussy baby. Think about it, at home you have the baby's room (where she can sleep in quietness) baby's crib, play place, bouncy seat, walker, multiple toys, favorite foods, changing table, etc. Plus you'll need to bring a stroller that will get in your way in your room.

Also, if your child is prone to illness - such as colds, ear infections etc. Then you'll be paying a lot to see the ship's doctor. And most 1 year olds do not have passports, so if the child becomes very ill then you'll run into trouble getting the child home quickly.

If you're ok with the 3 year old going to Camp Carnival (potty trained, ok with separation issues etc) then take them. But if you're a stay-at-home mother, and the child isn't used to being away from you, then you won't be doing much on the cruise.

I know this may not be the "popular" advice, but I've tried vacationing with little ones and it is not fun. Now that my kids are 5, 7, 9, 11 - we really can enjoy activities together.

Thank you...and now I'm hungry and my mouth is watering :(

We had the American table on our last cruise, and really enjoyed it. I am a very cautious eater due to my celiac disease (highly allergic to wheat), but my husband and I both stuffed ourselves every meal. It was amazing and delicious each night. My only regret is that they don't offer Cherries Jubilee at dessert anymore

No, it will only post AFTER your cruise, and they'll know whether you checked in or not

I would use the free drink coupon...as cash. I noticed on my 2nd cruise that I suddenly had a positive amount on my Sign 'n Sail card. So instead of the drinks for my family, we put it toward a beautiful silver anklet and some wifi. So I'm kinda bummed about the loss. However since you can't bring your own water on board anymore, the free 6 liters of water my family will get will come in handy

I didn't attempt to use mine until the last night after 5pm, so I can't help you, but I do want to voice my opinion on this new "free drink" coupon. I feel like Carnival doesn't really want to give us a free drink, so they have made it only available the very last night (or for platinums, only in the MDR for brunch) in hopes that most will forget all about it. I think it's a pretty pitiful attempt to "reward" loyal customers.

Yeah, I have to agree. But using the other one for brunch in the MDR was super hard to use as well. Why can't it just be a free drink?????

Yes, Yes, I know...don't order room service. But seriously? :) I would like to enjoy all aspects of cruising gluten free. What have you ordered for room service that was really good? Any gluten free suggestions for room service? All meals

Thanks! I'm still learning Cruise Critic, it's a bit overwhelming :)

What have you ordered for room service that was really good? Any gluten free suggestions for room service? Specifically on Carnival

I tried the lobster one night, and wasn't impressed. Fresh New England lobster, served in Maine of course, is so much better

I know this is a very old thread, but the updated Carnival Sunshine DOES have self-service laundrys located in various places throughout the ship...I'm told you have to use your Sign 'n Sail card to use them, no more quarters