97gstchick

Doing this excursion in Dec. when we sail on Carnival. Will try and remember to do a quick review here when we return.

I'm going on this excursion next week. How was your experience?

Just got off Victory yesterday. They had about 70% of Deck 7 closed for refurb. That was the only deck I could see work being done on currently. We were on Deck 8 and it had not been refurbished. The halls on the refurbished rooms are very nice. It is the same color scheme and look of the Vista.

 

We did take advantage of the new Seafood Shack/Corner. It was excellent. DH made good use of the pour your own beer station.

 

We had aft extended balcony 8435. The balcony glass was filthy. So, it was hard to see out if sitting down. We did have a flat screen tv, but our friends in 8437 had a tube tv. Otherwise, no renovations to our rooms.

 

Hope this helps!

Thank you for the update. I have a room on Jan 9th on deck 9. I'm assuming they won't be done with deck 9 by then if they are working their way up. Bummer. Did you at least have a mini fridge?

with working in the insurance industry I have seen and heard way too many horror stories..

I shut off the water and unplug electronics. too much can go wrong that will ruin a trip.

So far this is a great detailed review! I'm heading out on this ship Jan 6th and this is also my first cruise. So far your review and pictures are giving me a good idea of what to expect. Thank you :)

I have a balcony room on the Lido deck Jan 9th.. I'm really hoping it will be redone in time. That would be a nice surprise. :)

You will have taxes per drink while you are still in domestic waters on your Cheers beverages. Yes, you can get a bottle of water at a bar. One bottle every 5 minutes with the cheers package and yes you can take water off the ship

Thank you for the reply... good to know about the taxes. It's my first cruise so just trying to cover all bases.

Hello Sorry for such a newbie question.

I pre-paid the gratuities. I also bought the cheers package. If I don’t purchase anything extra am I all set at the end of the cruise and don’t have to pay any gratuities?

I just want to be prepared for anything that might come up.

Also, with the cheers package. It says I am able to get bottles of water. Do I just walk up to a bar and ask for a bottle of water? Am I amble to grab a few at a time? Can I also bring that bottle of water off the boat with me?

Thank you 

:)

I would love to hear from you when you get back! I know it's tough to write reviews when you get back, but if you can remember - I know a lot of people will appreciate it!

 

Enjoy your cruise! I'm sure there will be turkey, stuffing, and ham for you :D

I would appreciate the review as well. I'm heading on that route Jan 9.

Any tour going from Coz to Tulum will be a long day, involving a 45 minute ferry ride from Coz to Playa del Carmen, a bus to Tulum, a short trip to the beach, and then reverse the process to get back to your ship. I would only visit the Mayan ruins on the mainland through a ship sponsored tour - the potential for transportation issues causing you to miss the ship are too risky for me to consider a private excursion.

Yes definitely will only do this type of trip as long as it's ship sponsored. I wouldn't want to risk missing the boat on something with so much travel time on it.

I have my eye on that excursion, too. Hoping someone here can offer a review of it. There's a prepay savings that helps bring the price down, but even at $140 it looks like you get a lot for your money.

Yes I was hoping others here have reviews as well. The Carnival reviews are great about the tour, but I always take those with a grain of salt. I agree you definitely do get a lot for your money on this tour.

Old Town Key West is very small. There is no reason to rent a golf cart or electric car unless you have mobility issues. Parking can be difficult so I suggest walking. From the cruise ship docks, you can walk all the way down Whitehead Street passing the end of Route One sign, the Audubon House, The Lighthouse, The Hemingway House and reaching the Southernmost Point Marker. Stop in to tour any of these places you like.

 

Then, walk over one block to Duval Street and walk back up to the harbor area passing loads of shops, bars and restaurants. Stop for a fish sandwich, conch fritters, key lime pie or a drink along the way. Browse if a few shops or galleries. With a stop or two at places that peak your interest, you will easily use up your time in port, see a nice slice of Key West, and not spend money on an excursion, tour or car. If you get back to the ship and still have time left, you can walk east on Front Street and explore the historic harbor area.

 

That's what I would do as a first time visitor with only a few hours in port.

This was exactly what I needed! Thank you! This sounds like the perfect mini foot tour.

Just wondering if anyone has done this excursion and what have you thought about it?

It seems to have a lot to offer but is kind of pricey at 139.99 per person. The reviews on Carnivals site is very positive.. Just looking to see if anyone had their own review they would discuss here?

TIA