Kelane

Just got back from Bermuda, had an excellent tour with Dennis Hollis, really nice guy, explained the history well, new minivan with good AC, $40/hr for two adults and a baby.

 

Could you please post his contact information?

Were you the only ones in his van and about how many hours did you book him for or WISH you'd booked him for? Any particularly high/low lights of his tour in your opinion?

 

Thanks in advance!

It occurred to me that many of the people who would find this list to be of interest, especially people new to Carnival, might not know what the different ship classes that I referenced were. Each class is:

 

Fantasy Class: Fantasy, Ecstasy, Sensation, Fascination, Imagination, Inspiration, Elation, Paradise

 

Destiny: is in its own class, and will soon be upgraded to the Sunshine

 

Triumph Class: Triumph, Victory

 

Spirit Class: Spirit, Pride, Legend, Miracle

 

Conquest Class: Conquest, Glory, Valor, Liberty, Freedom

 

Splendor: is in its own class

 

Dream Class: Dream, Magic, Breeze

 

This is helpful for sure; especially if used with your origiinal list. Thanks! I had the old link and sometimes it will come up with ships/class...but lately it's been only the new link. Thanks! You'd think I'd have these memorized by now; but I don't. :rolleyes:

We'll have to leave time to shop before re-boarding in Cozumel, though. I'm sure we will have a blast. Thanks. :)

 

We do Mr Sanchos all inclusive...so no shopping for us! No telling WHAT we'd come home with if we did.

"Avert your eyes, K...you do NOT need that stuffed iguana"!!:rolleyes:

I'll try to leave some for you. :D

You think you're looking forward to it... This is our 1st cruise ever, so I'm extremely excited. Two weeks from today. Yay!

 

Prepare to be "hooked"!!!

Don't try to do ALL...save something new for the next one and the next one and the next one!!!

 

Have a blast!!

Thank you again! I'm trying to talk my mom and sis into doing the martini tasting when we go... I think I succeeded with sis. :D

 

Leave some martinis behind! We're getting on as you get off and this review "convinced me" I NEEDED to do the martini tasting! 1st time on Paradise, so really looking forward to it!

I have been on three cruises so far and I always bought the travel insurance. It was anywhere between 140(for DH and I, 7 day long cruise)~ 200 range. (They charge certain percentage of the total cruise cost).

 

We are in our early 30's, very healthy and eat healthy, we are like the work out 6 times a week type people. Both DH and I never had any issues with our health, maybe catch cold once a year??

 

But I still bought the travel insurance just in case something goes wrong and if we get hurt, it can cost a lot.

 

The sum of insurance cost added up to more than 500 for just last 3 cruises...and I am starting to wonder if I should skip this time.

 

I wanted to hear from all of you what you do with travel insurances, if you all get it or not..... If you think it is worth it....

 

Please share your thoughts with me! Many thanks in advance for your replies!

 

March 2011 we booked a short cruise for my BD. It was last minute (2 weeks out), nothing on the horizon to stop us; so for the 1st time we didn't buy insurance. The day before we "would have" left, hubby's aunt passed and we had to cancel. No refund. Wasted our future vacation certificate. Nada. Wrote and asked for a credit & said we'd hop on the next week's same cruise. Nope. I wasn't mad. It's their rules and we tried. We were where we were supposed to be. I bought insurance on the next 3 I went on and the 3 on my signature. Figure small price to protect a least part of our investment.

 

Just my opinion...

Thanks so much for saying that. The same thing has happened to us. I felt so guilty when I found out. I won't park in a handicapped parking spot and I certainly wouldn't take a room need by someone with a disability. I called and tried to change the room - even offered to pay the fee but was told it wasn't necessary as I would definitely be moved if required.

 

This is my first cruise - lesson learned - never again will I book a room without seeing deck plan first.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

 

Thanks. :)

I think the majority would never take something not meant for them on purpose. Perhaps someone more savvy than me would gamble on the room in hopes of NOT being swapped...or swapped to better cabin.

I HOPE I can find that same room/balcony on another ship and it NOT be a handicap room. The balcony was truly exceptional!

Hi Don. If you had actually read the beginning of my review, you would have seen that I wrote it in PINK in honor of breast cancer awareness month. This review was written in October, coincidentally 2 weeks before I ran a half marathon for Susan G. Komen, whom I raised $1,400 for. It's received over 47,000 hits, so obviously plenty of other people enjoyed reading it, PINK font or not. If it's too bothersome for you, by all means, keep it moving. :)

 

I loved the pink!! :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaUs

why were you allowed to book a handicapped cabin?

That's a no no

Actually, our last cruise the PVP also suggested the handicapped room. told her 3x, we ARE NOT handicapped. she said it was OK and IF someone with a handicapped had requested that room, we would be moved.

 

Taking a chance of being flamed here..but...

 

We sailed on Carnival Legend in January. I wanted to see these new ports but we picked our date because of an amazingly large balcony offered at the regular balcony rate. I didn't know anything about the Legend, didn't look at deck plans or anything else; didn't care...just wanted that balcony!! I saw pictures of it and knew it was "mine"! Called my PVP and asked what was wrong with that room. He said nothing other than a life boat being under it. I didn't care. We booked it ES.

 

Weeks later I read something that said it was a handicap room. Did the deck plans and yep, it was (in spite of a 6" lip going out to the balcony).

Called my PVP and said we needed to change cabins as I knew that was a no no. He supposedly hadn't realized it was an HC room. He told us to keep it and if they needed it they would boot us out but we'd get as good or better cabin if they did. Besides, changing it would cost us $50pp since we'd done ES.

 

Hung up. Thought about it more. Called back a few weeks later & offered our room back again. PVP advised to keep it. Reminded about the $50 pp charge to change. Said they would absolutely take the room if anyone needed it.

 

The room was a bit smaller, less storage in bath & closet, no couch, etc...but we lived on the balcony so didn't care. Hubby didn't realize there was an emergency button over his bedside, so kept leaning against it when watching tv. (football playoffs PLUS the Costa tragedy in Italy...only reason tv got turned on). They came to the cabin to check on us. Embarrassing. They didn't comment on our physical condition; just assured we were ok and left.

 

Sooooooo...I've read all kinds of things; flames, insults, etc "since" about booking a handicap room and watch carefully before booking now; regardless of the balcony!

 

We didn't book the room for any reason but the balcony...and PVP didn't say a word about it being HC. I don't see how folks can get so trashed and admonished and lectured to on CC when innocent mistakes are made...and not caught by PVP or even suggested by PVP. I know we were just trying to find an amazing deal and found it...what everyone hopes to do...and won't feel guilty for it! :)

 

btw...nobody here trashed anyone. I'm just saying...sometimes we "do a no no" and it's not our fault. CC is a both a blessing and a curse sometimes.

 

So yeah...my op ed for the day! :rolleyes:

January is a long time to wait!

 

January is entirely TOO long to wait. We're feeding our fix in July...and who knows..perhaps again before year's end. :rolleyes:

It's always easier to ask forgiveness then permission...so if a Carnival cruise just happens to jump onto my profile...I'll ask forgiveness!!;)

 

My mom enjoyed the casino. She only plays the slot machines. She more or less broke even during our cruise. I played video black jack and enjoyed it. I remember everyone (including me) being up, and then losing. The craps table, poker, and blackjack tables were always busy. You'll enjoy making nightly donations in there. :)

 

Jack's Shack had quite a few customers, but it wasn't at all crowded. There are a few lounge chairs there. I've read in other reviews Jack charges for them but I didn't have to pay anything. Margaritaville was CROWDED! I mean CROWDED! :eek: Go down to Jack's and enjoy the jerk chicken. It's sooooooo delicious! Be sure to save some money for a bottle of the rum you'll sample. A bottle of it at the duty free store was about $30.

 

Thanks for the quick reply! We will be making daily/nightly donations I'm sure!! Glad your mom broke even; that's like a huge "win" in my book; especially on a cruise ship!!

 

I'm not a "Margaritaville" type of gal. I'm too easily persuaded to join in...and I'm too old for that nonsense. :rolleyes: Jack's Shack sounded good...and your review/pictures convinced me. We aren't there till Jan; so who knows, perhaps it won't even be busy?! Love talking to locals and would enjoy visiting with Jack himself.

 

Thanks again!

Kelane

Hi GaPearl!

 

Just spent the last 90 mins reading thru your review and loved every minute.We are 1st time on the Valor in Jan. and I am even more excited now.

 

Forgive me if someone asked this and I missed it...but one all important question (and you may have to ask your mom)...HOW WAS THE CASINO?! :D

Big part of our cruise entertainment and always interested to hear folk's thoughts about the casino.

 

Thanks again for an excellent review. I had read about Jack's Shack and thought we'd wander down; but wasn't sure how crowded it would be. I know now it's a "must do"! Is the beach free there if we are eating/drinking? (note to self: "get coupon"!)

 

Thanks again, neighbor!

Kelane (From Tennessee!)

[quote name='Delta Hotel']Hey everyone, I just had an idea! We'll turn this memoir into a little game. I will send a FREE air guitar to anyone that can tell me what my favorite color is! All you have to do is reply to this post, tell me the correct color, and then send me $10 for shipping and handling - and the FREE air guitar is YOURS!!! I'll even sign it for you!

DH![/quote]

WOW...what a deal! If I didn't already have 3 air guitars, I would jump all over it because ANY one who's been here since post 1 knows that answer!:rolleyes:

btw...since you are on and off your laptop daily while you cruise, why not just type in your notes daily and then you will be almost ready to post it by the time you get back!:D See, we are always thinking for you.

[quote name='Delta Hotel'][CENTER][B][SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri][COLOR=black]Day 6 – Get off our ship, you loser…[/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE][/B][/CENTER]

[/quote]


LOL!! Happy Thanksgiving to your faithful followers!

Thanks!

Karen

Delta...did you see one of your pictures made the "big time" on Cruise Critic? Saw the picture on Facebook of your little girl pushing the stroller up the hill and followed it here! They think it's in Boston! ;)

Perhaps you submitted it. :)

 

Enjoying the memoir!

I called today. It's the same phone number for Princess, Carnival and Holland America (you choose the line in the maze).

 

I will be getting $150 on our next cruise in six weeks. Sounds like a good deal to me :D:D

 

Good luck and shalom. Andy

 

Free money is ALWAYS a good deal!! Congrats!

I had no clue about this perk till I happened upon a players club thread on CC. My husband and I have not missed our free cash and Bon Voyage package since! Gotta love CC! :)

I'm going on Princess in six weeks. Last cruise I asked to be rated and we were comped a few gifts and drinks every now and then. We were not issued membership cards or numbers.

 

Does anyone have experience with Princess (a part of OPC) as to whether it's better to make a phone call or write email? If email, how should I identify myself to them?

 

TIA and shalom, Andy.

 

We have only 1 cruise with Princess. Prior to that I called the Players Club (or sent in the form from the website then followed up) and they gave us each $50 in casino cash plus the wine, strawberries, picture & drink coupon. They could see our Carnival Cruise casino history & they knew our players club number. There was no "card".

 

Try this link: http://oceanplayersclub.com/CPCAboutTheClub/VIP.aspx

 

It's for Carnival but I would think it's the same I used for Princess. I know I call the same person for Princess or Carnival.

 

You should get some sort of email in a day or so.

 

Hope that helps!

Karen

p.s. We play slots and vp. If you are a tables player; I'm not sure how they send perks but I'd sure give them the opportunity to do so!

Tatiana Isnt on the Glory anymore but she took great care of us.We did call the players club and we have done this in the past as well but this cruise I didnt feel bad for blowing my money.The past cruises we were promised things and they never delivered!!

 

 

This cruise in October I will see if we get the same great comps and if not I will order choc covered strawberries and wine and baskets for the room and not even play that much .It will save me in the long run anyway

 

 

yes we introduced ourselves and called too

 

Thanks so much for the reply!

We are thinking about the 5 day Glory in the fall; and knowing the casino was friendly to "losers" was a selling point! I like your idea of buying my own berries/wine & fruit...and saving my $$! Great tip. :)

Thanks again...

Karen

We just got back from the Glory last week .We had Tatiana as our casino host.This was our 8th or 9th cruise and have never felt so good about losing money!!

 

The first day in our cabin was

Fruit basket with wine and cheeses and crackers

8 free drink coupons

3 free pictures

2 bottle of water

a dozen chocolate covered strawberries

 

I think on 5 of the days we came back from the excursions to choc. covered strawberries and one day we had fudge

 

2 days we got a bottle of wine at dinner and a bottle of champagne.

 

Alot different then our last cruise I hope this change is fleet wide

 

 

Mike...

We are looking to cruise on the Glory this year; but after our last experience on Inspiration, we decided we will sail on the ships that offer the free drink card with 1500 points from now on. It softens the blow when we lose to cry in a free beer. :D Is this program on the Glory??

 

My big question is this...did you contact someone prior to sailing only (I always call Mike at Oceans Player Club) and/or did you introduce yourself to Titiana once onboard? We always get a Premium BV pkg and cash at the cage...but they've never offered 1 to EACH of us; and our "Fine Red Wine" was a screw top bottle of white wine last month on the Inspiration!! Do I need to call and then have my hubby call to both get the comps? Perhaps I just don't ask the right questions when I talk to OPC...

 

We left a LOT of $$ on the Inspiration (our choice. nobody twisted our arms) and felt like it meant nothing to them to have someone spending most of their time in the casino! Nobody smiled, nobody stopped by, nobody offered a drink. It was weird...but then, most staff acted like they were getting keel hauled any moment! (another oddity for Carnival from my experience)

 

Compare that to The Dream in Jan where I was made to feel special from day 1; not to mention our free drink cards on day 2! A happy player is a happy loser??

 

I was just wondering if you had any suggestions before we book Glory.

 

Thanks for your help...we casino junkies have to stick together!!! :rolleyes:

 

Karen

I asked my "buddy" at Ocean Player's Club if the program would be on Inspiration this week. He said that they have tried it on the Inspiration; but as a trial program, it's being tried on several ships & he doubted it would be on Inspiration again. (I can hope!)

 

When we were on the Dream in Jan, I got the 1500 points the 2nd day. I went to the window and they gave me the card. From then on it was drink city for me! If I was sitting at a machine, they would come ask. If I ordered it and went outside & gave it to my husband, nobody said anything. It was a great program! No way would I sample that many fancy drinks otherwise!

 

Husband got his on Wednesday night & got his own!

 

Note...we ALWAYS gave a tip. Sometimes a dollar, sometimes more. When I signed the "zero receipt" for the drinks I realized that the server wasn't getting anything. ZIIING! Just like on land, they work those free drinks for tips.

Perhaps that kept me in good graces with the servers because they always found us and brought drinks.

 

On Elation in Feb they did NOT have the program but I did hit 1500 points by end of day 2.

 

Doubtful on the Inspiration but hopefully "someone" knows I'm there and sends a few drinks anyway!

 

We are getting cash & goodies from Player's Club...but those free drinks were wonderful!

 

btw...on our S & S card we had over 40 drinks between us with "0.00" as charge. Sweet. Kinda doubt that program lasts long!

 

Adding my .02 :)

 

So in order to be fair and warn all of you that a very unlucky investor now owns the shares, I thought I best post this. If you continue to hold the shares and bad things happen, don't say that you were not warned.

 

LOL...I hear you on that one!

 

Thanks to all on this forum for the information and explanations. I bot my shares of CCL this morning and (in my head) it is already up 2.50/share since I will apply the shares to my 2 Carnival & 1 Princess upcoming cruises!

btw...I did see the OBC IS extended till 2011. THANKS CCL!

 

Not many "sure winners" in the markets these days, but as long as I'm cruising CCL, I'll stay happy!

 

Thanks again!