JerseyGirlJen

Some people are also completely oblivious to how loud they really are. They probably stomp like elephants all over at home too.

I'm so excited to read another Willdra review!

Good info, I'm going on the Independence in November.

Some people behave very poorly, and unfortunately if the Parents are poorly behaved and set no standards for their kids at home then they'll continue to behave like animals on the ship. Some people don't have respect or take care of their space/stuff (litter their own neighborhoods and then come on a cruise, stay at a resort, etc. and emulate the same behavior). Agree that Carnival's MO right now is financial, but I really hope that they start to set higher expectations for their guests....it's just not fair to the other 1500-3000 people on board who are behaving accordingly.

I agree. If people would start making complaints then Carnival would have to address it at some point.

It's a combination of parents being negligent in parenting/controlling/disciplining their kids (I've had parents say to me, "They're not bothering anyone because no one is complaining"), and Carnival not enforcing the rules. If Carnival took the first step and started to crack down and follow through with rules/consequenses, behavior would change because then parents would be affected in that they'd be stuck watching their kids all week when they aren't allowed out of their sight, or get escorted off the ship. But Carnival won't do that. God forbid they "offend" the incompetent parents.

A clamshell chair on Serenity does the trick for me because you can be oblivious to what is going on around you, and put some EarPods in and you're good. If you have a balcony, of course that is also a nice option as well.

It's real, and click the button if you find one you like. I got an 8 day balcony for next year for ~$850 pre-tax. And for someone that typically cruises solo I absolutely jumped on it because I typically sail inside since I have to pay double.

You can absolutely find quieter kid free spots. As others have mentioned, the Serenity Deck is on all, if not almost all, Carnival ships. It's adults only and a relaxing place to read and relax in peace. I'm childfree and have never felt overrun by kids on Carnival ships...even on my first cruise, which I didn't realize I booked during April spring break...it really was fine. Yes, kids are around, but I do like my quiet spots and it was never a problem finding one.

I'm also looking at MIA hotels for the end of April.... I'm early in my search but I was looking on Priceline under the Express Deals. The Radisson RED, Wyndham Garden MIA, and Even Hotels Miami came up in one of those "pay $X and we'll guarantee you one of these 3" deals. Still doing research but all 3 have very good ratings, so maybe look into one of them.

I'm a Hilton Marina fan. Recently redone, great pool, nice Intracoastal vibe, poolside bar & grill has good food and drink, Water Taxi stops at the hotel, walking distance down 17th St to numerous restaurants, shops, liquor stores, pharmacy, etc, and it's right . I'm cruising out of Miami on my next one and planning on staying in Ft. Lauderdale. I'm not a city person, FLL is my speed.

I would opt against making smaller payments on a credit card. I did that, and when cruises 2020 and 2021 sailings got cancelled it was a major PITA to track all those small payments and make sure they all got refunded. In addition...if your card gets compromised you'll get issued a new CC#....eventually the prior card gets purged in the banks system (my bank is 6 months) and then when Carnival refunds those payments on that old card that were purged just float around the "the cloud". It takes time to properly find them. Lesson learned. I now make my deposit and then make one payment when final payment is due.

I always pick midship, deck 7 or 8

Regarding you speaking to the girls parents......remember, It's not anything personal against their choice to not vaccinate....you're not refusing the child, Carnival is. It's Carnival's rule. I think you should let them know that as of now Carnival still hasn't changed their requirements. Your daughter would still like to bring a friend so as much as it completely sucks, you're going to have to choose another kid to tag along and need to be able to have that other family plan financially, make sure passports are in order, etc. so you can't wait until the last minute.

Sailed her in 2018, loved her! The spa is excellent. Consider getting a spa pass so you can use the thermal suites and thalassotherapy pool. I felt like I got my moneys worth on an 8 day, with 4 sea days.

I echo Ladysail with asking others in the taxi line. Are you on your group Facebook page? Maybe you can ask others if anyone has plans for taxi in those areas so you have something arranged ahead of time. .