conjr

Like so many of you, I will mostly be drinking water on my cruise.  Are the small bottles of water included with the Bubbles package.

I will be in Cartagena for a cruise port day in December 2020 and am most interested in a walking tour of Getsemani saddled with a tour of the walled city.  I haven't seen much info on this forum about Getsemani.  None of the recommended tour operators mention this upcoming section of the city on their site.  What's the best way to explore this part of the city? The murals look so beautiful!

Remember when the Lido Deck parties were actual parties and not 20 minutes of dancing to the latest line dances?

Just now, schazzy said:

 

I'm assuming it was served cold?

Meh.  I think it was recently put in the fridge, but it was an acceptable drinking temperature.  Still pretty yummy.  

On 2/22/2020 at 7:59 AM, MistyRo76 said:

My question...how do they serve it.....by the glass or by the can? 

I got my Bubly from the coffee bar on my cruise in January.  The barista handed me the can.  The flavors on the Valor were grapefruit, orange, and lime.  Pepsi is the owner of Bubly, so there is hope Carnival will expand the flavors onboard once the product transition settles down.

1 hour ago, dogtaur said:

Hello,

 

Can anyone tell me how much a manicure and/or pedicure costs in the spa? We are sailing on the Valor next week and I was wondering if I should get it done before we leave or enjoy some spa services on the cruise? Thank you!

We'll see you on the Valor next Monday!!!  I recommend getting a mani/pedi at home and enjoying the other spa services like facials and massages.  The spa doesn't offer any discounted mani/pedi combos.  The Fire & Ice Manicure is $59 and the Fire & Ice Pedicure is $75. A Shellac Manicure is $49.  A Shellac Pedicure is $69.   For the same price as a mani/pedi, you can get a massage.

The addition of the Alchemy Bar on any ship will sell us on the Cheers package.  We really enjoy the pre/post dinner drinks.  Salut!

I ♥️ this thread.  It has me reminiscing of my first several cruises.  The biggest thing I've learned since the early cruising years is to layout what you plan to pack and then halve it.  I only take 3 pairs of shoes and they must go with whatever I'm packing.  You can wear the same outfit twice; people are really not going to notice and if they do, they won't judge.

I still wear a lanyard or switch it up to a wristlet.  If I know my DH isn't leaving my side for the evening, he my even cary my SS card.  I like to switch it up that way. I would never judge someone on how they carry their card or for carrying a purse.  We're on vacation.  We're not the fashion police.

What I do notice is sometime newbies will have the daily activity sheet in their hands, roaming the hallways looking like lost sheep.  I step in and try to point them in the right direction, as I would have wanted someone to do for me, if I had found myself in a similar situation.  I feel like we can help mentor these novice cruisers into having a great trip.  Here are my tips:

1)  Stay away from the Inch of Gold sale. The stuff tarnishes quickly and the clasps break quick too.  Not worth the $$.  

2) Ports of Call talks are sales pitches to go into the cruise line sponsored stores.  Do your research before you board.

3) If you and your cabin-mate both don't have the internet package to communicate, come up with a communication system or meeting places at certain times or you will be roaming the ship looking for each other.

4) Relax. Don't feel like you have to do everything.  You CAN do everything (but you don't have to).

5) You might need a vacation from vacation depending on how much you do onboard.

Now, I still get advice from more senior cruisers than I.  There are hidden gems in some ports which I've not been to.  When I'm sitting at the bar, I like soliciting feedback from my more seasoned cruisers.  Never once, has anyone looked down on me for picking their brain.  I think most people like to be helpful.  Newbies - use this to your advantage.  Enjoy your trip everyone!

On 9/5/2019 at 1:04 PM, Suite Heart said:

"Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Ensure that they are clearly labeled with your full passport name, doctor’s name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage." (CDC website)

 

 

Check your cruise documentation.  I believe our last cruise stated the above protocol.  

Enjoy the robe and the slippers!

5 hours ago, Warm Breezes said:

Here you go.

Thank you for the pic!

On 9/10/2019 at 3:21 PM, Warm Breezes said:

 I now use a key chain with a cute sea/cruise type charm (current one is a turtle I picked up in Grand Turk) that is attached to a wrist band and has 2 clips on it.  

I'm intrigued!  I am trying to visualize what this looks like and am having a hard time.  Would you be willing to share a picture?

On 9/9/2019 at 3:25 PM, dianecruising said:

thanks - I think i'll purchase the weekly pass online for myself and my daughter.  

You'll love it; especially the pool!

We sailed out of Mobile in March.  Our checkin time was 12:30, but arrived at the terminal around 11 am.  We walked right on-board.  There was no wait at all!

We were on the Dream over this past NYE and really enjoyed ourselves. I’ve included some footage from the NYE party on the lido deck.

12 minutes ago, lensonlife said:

 

I think we may need to run a load or two in an effort to avoid paying extra for additional luggage in flight. I don’t mind doing a load of laundry at all, but am wondering how available the machines are? Are the frequently being used?

I try to avoid laundry, period; especially on vacation.  I'm not sure how available the machines are.

I've never used the laundry service. Are your clothes washed with clothes from other cabin guests?  Have you ever not received an item back from laundering?  This is my fear.

I have not stayed in 12201, but have stayed in 12202.  It only has 1 bathroom.  There were 4 of us in the room during our trip and we had plenty of room to maneuver around.  The location of the cabins is quiet.  We had no problem with the temperatures in the cabin.  We did enjoy the openness of the balcony, but not during sail aways.  Seemed like everyone was on the deck above us and could look down.  I don't have any pictures of the room though..  Sorry!

On 3/18/2019 at 6:00 PM, AlanF65 said:

CC countdown clock is here, it will give you tag line for your signature

https://www.cruisecritic.com/vbulletin/countdown.cfm

 

This is perfect!  Thank you for posting this AlanF65!

The Bonsai Sushi on the Dream makes excellent rolls!

10 hours ago, Saint Greg said:

 

 I’m trying to make that as well as Celebration in the Oaks at City Park that night.

Let me know how it is, if you make it!  I'm thinking of checking this out on 12/29, before we head out on the Dream on the 30th.  We went to the Scout Island in City Park in October. It was pretty cool, but a little pricey.

Looking forward to another enlightening review!  Safe travels!  Remember - the brunch menu in the MDR has two sides!  I recall this discovery was made during your last voyage on the Dream.

Me too!

Thanks for posting!  I'm looking forward to your review of the other port days.  We'll be on the Dream for New Year's Eve.

Loved the live review! Thanks for answering so many of our questions! Now that you are off the ship, which drink was your favorite?

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