Winchester Ranger

I deliberately avoided using the word "craps" in the title as the phrase "do they allow craps in the Casino" just didn't look right somehow, but that's my question - craps in the Getaway casino, yes/no ??

Any fellow crappers out there ?

We sailed on Miracle back when she was new and sailing out of Baltimore, but haven't sailed on a Carnival ship since. I enjoyed that cruise probably more than any I have been on since, in spite of paying for fancy suites and all kinds of upgrades - Miracle was the best, and the passengers who sailed with us were really nice people, quiet and well behaved.

In the years that have passed all I ever seem to hear about is bad behavior on Carnival ships (low prices maybe ?) and YouTube seems to be littered with nasty Carnival fight videos.

So is this all being exaggerated, or have any regular cruisers noticed a change over recent years?

I seem to be hearing a lot of feedback that while the Illusionarium show is pretty good, the food they serve you for dinner spoils it.

Anyone care to weigh in - good deal or give it a miss ?

There is no limit. Your first liter will be duty-free. The remaining may be subject to duty and taxes.

...if you declare it.

Is it better to be a morning drunk or an afternoon drunk? :D

Definitely morning drunk - start the day with a nap :D

The drink prices are the same across the fleet, no difference if you are on Getaway or Sky.

 

I have a faint recollection of Mimosa being something like $4.25 or $4.75 but I can say for sure that it fits under UBP limit.

You're my new BFF, thanks !!

I know this sounds like a silly question to start a thread for but I am a Mimosa addict at breakfast, typically gagging down 6 of them and then not drinking again until dinner - I'm not much of an afternoon drinker you see.

So we have the UBP attached to our suite booking and for me it potentially makes the Mimosa situation either very expensive or wonderfully liberating - depending on if one costs more than $8.50.

Please put me out of my Mimosa Misery :D

Thanks in advance.

There's also a TV and a cigar case in the corner, near the door that leads out into the Sunset Bar. Fun note: The man sitting at the table is David Le Batard, the artist who created Getaway's hull design.

He was definitely smoking something when he designed that hull art - but it was no cigar.....

Used it in Ocean Blue no issue.

Perfect - thanks.

I doubt the crew post here but you can bet your bottom dollar that some of the corporate people do.

If you watch their posts it's pretty easy to pick them out ;)

I know that the unlimited beverage package terms and conditions clearly state that it can be used in ALL restaurants, but I tend to think of Ocean Blue as more of a private enterprise, especially when they only have partial coverage (a discount) under the companion unlimited dining package.

So has anyone dined in Ocean Blue and obtained free drinks under the UBP scheme ?

Thanks in advance.

How do they check that you're a suite guest before allowing entrance to Cagney's ?

Do they check your room key?

Apart from DW's special treats I'd like to be able to take a sauna/steamroom break whenever the fancy takes me - does that require a day pass to the spa and what would that run me ?

I'm so happy to hear that your little girl is ok, I think she deserves a BIG treat for being so brave.

One question if I may ask - how does the cost/billing thing work itself out for a situation like that ?

Immigration controls should be based on eligibility, not cuteness, or because you like "Nationality X" over "Nationality Y".

If a Haitian refugee makes it ashore in Key West they are arrested and deported, if a Cuban makes it they are welcomed with open arms.

All immigrants should be treated the same way, anything else smacks of bias and favoritism.

I see the spa options mentioned every now and again but mostly we seem to talk about dining, Vibe, and the UBP hereabouts ;)

So DW has decided that she wants to be pampered during our upcoming voyage (like she isn't at home :rolleyes: ) and spa treats have been mentioned.

Now my prior experience of spa activities seemed to involve being sprayed with olive oil and room freshener and having hot rocks dropped on me while I counted out $200 in cash with Shepherd Moons playing softly in the background. So I'm not starting from a good place.

So does anyone have any good recommendations for how to get the most "spa" for the most reasonable "$". Day packages, half day packages, prepay versus buy on board - that kind of thing ?

I always tip them on the first day. I want better treatment and if I am going to tip. Always tip first and let them know there will be more tipping if things work out

This.

How and when exactly do you pay the $7.95 fee?

I plan on using the app for voice and text while onboard and thought it was all completely free :confused:

I got it right at the bar when I purchased it. Since yours is prepurchased, you have to get it at the restaurant desk (which I believe is right with guest services). It won't be on your card when you check in.

Perfect - thanks.

Embarkation took no more than 10 minutes. There is a dedicated lounge right after security. Family sat down and grabbed the light lunch while I was at the counter. Once it was done, they handheld us to our cabin passing ALL the lines. We got to the pier around 11:30.

 

Debarkation was even faster. We went to see the concierge with our luggage at 9:15. He escorted us down to the gangway through a service elevator. 5 minutes in total perhaps. We loved being able to pack in the morning and not ruining our last night with that chore.

 

Activities, do you mean while onboard? If so, I used the iConcierge app. If you want it now, some people on the board here may have the daily bulletins they deliver. I don't unfortunately.

 

As for the best restaurant I would say Ocean Blue, at least if you're into more creative cuisine. Otherwise, Moderno would be my pick.

 

Anything else don't hesitate.

You're a star, thanks steilkurve, I may call on you again :)

Yes - it's on the front of your keycard and that's how the bartenders know you're in the UBP. Works perfectly.

But is it on the front of your keycard when you receive it or did you have to walk down to Restaurant Services to get one?

This is coming up too often - needs to be a sticky:

- no you can't pre-book them.

- there are only 5.

- it's $299 for a week including a $100 food and drink credit

- only 2 people per "pod".

- no kids.

- if you want one you will have to sprint from boarding on deck 7 down to deck 6 for Guest Services.

- if you aren't in priority boarding with the Haven guests don't bother, best you can hope for are regular Vibe passes.

Just my biased opinion :cool:

So much for pre-booking excursions ;)

Yikes !!

Per NCL's own instructions you are supposed to have a sticker placed on your guest keycard if you prepaid for the UBP:

If you have purchased the Ultimate Beverage Package prior to your cruise you will need to obtain a sticker that will be placed on your guest key card to identify that you have purchased this package. Please inquire at the Restaurant Reservations Desk on how to receive your sticker.

Is this still necessary ??

So what was the deal with the Spring Breakers ?

Avoiding those guys was one of the reasons we booked for May.