pcvtmom

Fantastic beginning! We love sailing from Charleston AND the Sunshine!

We were on an excursion to Volcanoes National Park 3 weeks ago. It's a huge area, with SO much to see! I highly recommend a visit, either through Carnival or another company. We booked "The Best of Big Island and Volcanoes National Park" through shoreexcursiongroup.com. Fantastic company and guide!!

I believe this is just on the Mardi Gras, Celebration, and WILL be on the Jubilee. The Horizon is not the same class of ship.

If you are an AARP member, go to https://www.aarp.org/rewards/transaction/. Be sure you are signed in to your account. Click on "Redeem", and on the drop down menu, "Members Only". Your Carnival gift card choices will show ($450 for a $500 value or $90 for $100 value). Make your choice and follow through with the final purchasing steps.

Awww...now we're ready! I was just waiting for your "Funship Post"!! Cruise has now begun! 😁

We just like to enjoy the free pool area at Amber Cove, and I understand that one has recently opened at La Romana, too. If you enjoy snorkeling, the best we've ever done was in Bonaire, with Sea Cow Snorkeling (booked through Carnival). In Aruba, we generally just take a taxi to a beach, but we have done De Palm Island, which is lovely, albeit expensive.

Our guide was knowledgeable, but for a more detailed explanation, you could visit on your own and use the park rangers as your source of information. If you go to the national park website, there's more info on what is available.

We used them several years ago, and I've been in contact with them recently (probably going to book a tour for our family cruise in June). They are a great company and are very responsive to inquiries. We'll likely do their island tour recommended for cruise passengers, which includes some beach time at the end.

I highly recommend visiting Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. We recently did a tour (through Shore Excursion Group) that was phenomenal!

We don't go until June. I'm thinking we'll sit together, though. We've had tables to accommodate 12 in the MDR before.

I thought the same thing about my June cruise. I kept checking for that last sea day, when it is offered, and it still said "sold out". I had a large group to book (kids and grandkids included with hubby and me). When I played with the numbers, I was suddenly able to book it! I booked us in two smaller groups, and it went through.

Yay! Excited for another live review. I love the way you plan things out in advance. (You remind me of...me!! 😁) If you are walking around Old San Juan, looking for food and drinks, may I recommend Barrachina's?! Delicious pina coladas (may or may not be where they originated!)

Ditto!!

Looking forward to your B2B review!

I always hit it up on embarkation day, before most people find it. Other than that, it's open on all sea days.

I, too, would prefer the southern itinerary aboard the Horizon. My husband and I did this one a year ago, and we've booked it again, with children and grandchildren in tow, for June!

There's also a free shuttle bus sponsored by the store "Hilo Hattie's" which you can take, directly from the port. They, obviously, drop you at the mall at Ala Moana, where Hilo Hattie's is located. But...free. 😉

We did take the bus back. We had printed the schedule out, so we knew when we wanted to meet the bus to return to Kahului.

I've followed your reviews for years. You look AMAZING! Great review, too. 😉 Congratulations on your work achievement and your weight loss! Darn phone! Sorry for the double post.

I've followed your reviews for years. You look AMAZING! Great review, too. 😉 Congratulations on your work achievement and your weight loss!

KKB, we were on the same cruise with you! I agree with your assessment of the decor, friendly crew, and the " rocking and rolling weather"!! All in all, it was an enjoyable cruise, in spite of missing a port (and a luau in Oahu, due to leaving at 8 instead of 11 😞).

Yes, and Carnival recently came out with their own brand of seltzers.

I love the itineraries for your side-to-side cruises! Looking forward to another awesome Jeff and Patti review!

Absolutely love Paradise Beach!

Four of us just Ubered from Long Beach Port to LAX...the total cost was $68. Divided by four, that is FAR cheaper than the $36 pp charged by Carnival. We used Uber XL, which could accommodate the four of us plus all of our luggage. With ten of you, you'd need 2 Uber XLs and one regular, and it would still be cheaper than Carnival transportation. Another nice thing...we didn't have to wait for the shuttle to fill up. Our Uber driver was there within 5 minutes of contact.