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On 12/11/2020 at 9:25 PM, Ashland said:

Have you considered a true aft...my favorite for Alaska.

Just curious in knowing...it is true or a myth that wildlife will follow a ship due to the turning up of fish etc. I always wondered. Thanks! 

34 minutes ago, HectorAchilleus said:

Will there even be FTTF Plats, Diamonds (I hope so, I am Diamond) after the new boarding health protocols? I really doubt it, but I hope I am wrong.

I'm thinking if kdr69 was able to book them for his March 2021 and Nov 2022 cruises then I am assuming they will be back to doing it. 

3 hours ago, jsglow said:

Okay, I'm going to jump in again OP.  The true highlight of any Alaska cruise for me is access to Glacier Bay National Park.  It's a full day cruising adventure narrated by National Park rangers.  One literally spends the entire day on the top deck at the railing beginning at 6 am. 

 

Here's the issue.  ONLY two ships are granted permits each day.  They are bid on years prior.  Every season there are maybe 300 TOTAL (150 day cruising season?)  Anyway, Princess controls about 75%, HAL about 20%, and the rest of the non CCL brands (mostly Norwegian if my memory serves) about 5%.  (Note that RCCL has zero.)  CCL Corp used to allocate a handful to Carnival.... no more.  Perhaps let that guide your decisioning.

 

(Seriously, Princess and HAL are your best choices.  Yes, the sidewalks do roll up early, especially on HAL. But Alaska isn't about the party.  Make 100% sure your recent grad understands and wants that.)  

Thank you for the additional information. Yes, my Grad is aware of what a cruise to Alaska is going to consist of and I told him over this holiday break I am going to be discussing it with him in more details so I can do more research and I'm ready to book when the rates come out. He's a very mature teen with obtaining his Eagle Scout Rank this year at age 15. (his project was organ donor sign up and blood drive which isn't a typical Eagle Scout Project most boys do). I honestly think he wants to go for the beauty of nature and not any parties. Grant you, he will prolly enjoy the teen areas in the evenings, but then again we all like to have fun with on vacation! 

5 hours ago, jsglow said:

Let me try to get you a couple answers.  Historically, Carnival has served the Alaska market with a single seasonal ship out of Seattle.   (At times they may have added some longer cruises out of SF too.) I recall pre-pandemic that they had plans to increase that but I'm not sure about that.  Historically the route was served by a single Spirit Class ship, historically the then serving west coast vessel such as the Legend, Miracle or Spirit.  Freedom's addition to the route adds a larger Conquest Class ship to the mix combined with its seasonal beginning/ending trip through the Panama Canal redeploying to and from the Caribbean for Alaska duty in the summer.

 

To the very best of my recollection, no Carnival ships of that era (or maybe ever) have heated pools.  Their boats were truly developed for use in the Caribbean primarily.  But the Freedom (as well as the Spirit class ship) have a convertible skylight over one of the pools.

 

An Alaskan cruise is truly about the fantastic sightseeing that is available on the route.  So things like foul weather gear is a must.  In any season, it is significantly more about the scenery rather than a lazy day in swimwear reading a book poolside as is the case in the Caribbean.  Understanding that difference is key.  All that said, Alaska is perhaps my favorite destination.

 

One more thing...... I would personally recommend lines other than Carnival as my personal #1 choice for Alaskan itineraries.  CCL's sister line Princess truly dominates the market.  However, if Carnival perfectly fits your family for Alaska (and we absolutely love Carnival) then certainly go for it.

 

Hope this helps with your planning! 

Thank you SO MUCH for this information. Especially the fact that maybe we should consider other lines as well. We have only been on Carnival (as a child I was on one royal Caribbean and Holland America Lines..but I honestly don't remember much of either of these trips). I might do some research into Princess to see what ports they offer and then wait to see who has the better pricing. 

Thank you also for letting me know about the convertible Skylight over one pool, I wasn't able to see that or get that information when I was reviewing the specs of that ship. I DO know I want to book a balcony so we can have some great views even from our room!

We promised DS a high school graduation cruise to anywhere in June 2023 and he has chosen Alaska. We have never travelled to the west coast before and I looked to see if those rates are out and what ships there are to chose from. Nothing is out yet so I put in June of 2022 to see what the options were that year and the only ship that came up was Freedom. 

So I just wondered if anyone else has cruised to Alaska in June on Carnival and were you on the Freedom? Are the pools heated? I read that June is still cooler weather up there then what I'm used to in Spring on the East coast. THANK YOU! 

I'm not sailing until 2022 but I am anal and wanted to put a reminder on my calendar when a "projected" date might be. I made the deposit on Magic and already booked a Spa Pass for DH. I would love to make sure we snag a FTTF spot also to make this "2021 Christmas Present" an all around gift to DH and DS. Thanks! 

June 10, 2022 on the Magic out of Norfolk!

Giving it to DH and DS as a Christmas present NEXT year. Yeah, it will be a HARD gift to keep under lock and key for that long. But next year at this time I know I will be bursting at the seams to let them know! 

Thank you all for the comments, suggestions and information. After much more research on ships and ports I have decided to book the Magic out of Norfolk, but still glad I able able to ask and post about this location since it looks like it benefited others as well. 

Have a Happy Holiday!  

1 hour ago, Trueblueky said:

If he's not a beach person, what about a cruise that stops at San Juan and St Maarten?

Both of those stops are on 7 day cruises and I need to book a 5 day or less to utilize a Carnival Promo. But I booked the Magic out of Norfolk going to Nassau and Freeport 😃 The more I researched the ship I LOVE IT and another plus is that it will sail from Norfolk which is a port we can drive to. Thank you for the suggestion though!

On 12/17/2020 at 6:36 PM, bury me at sea said:

 

I have stayed in aft extended balconies on Dream class ships, Magic and Breeze.   They aren't the same on all classes so I have held back hoping you would get more relevant information.

 

No one from the Lido deck can look down onto the deck immediately below it.  The Lido overhangs a bit which also gives those balconies partial shade.  This matters in hot weather since there is virtually no breeze on aft balconies.

 

However each deck of those balconies can look down to the deck below.

 

There may be some insignificant (to us) noise from above when crew is cleaning.

 

I cannot address the cabin size.

 

The view is unparalleled.  Far wider than 180°.  Sailing from Galveston results in a generally north/south route, so out bound sunset is visible from the aft, and homeward bound the sunrise is visible.

 

Happy sailing.

Thank you SO MUCH for this information. I starting to research more ports and ships. I think I am going to book the Magic! So you adding this information is what exactly I am looking for. We have stayed in a suite ONCE and loved the larger balcony. This booking will be a special rate and the ONLY Aft Balcony they have is two left. So I held one for now...but am still trying to figure things out. We have never stayed in a aft balcony before and I have heard from some folks that it's a "one of a kind of view" so I figured why not! I know they are a bit wider not longer. The ONLY deck (of the two open to reserve) is right below the pool deck. So keeping fingers crossed that will be a good move! Anything else (of pics you might have to share) from your Magic adventure would be greatly appreciated! 

Thank you to FIREFLY333....I think I have it figured out now. THANK YOU for mentioning the Dream class and the nicer Spa. 

I looked into the Magic which has the Spa T pool, ropes course and it goes to Nassau and Freeport. We have been to FP once a long, long time ago but I honestly feel alot better about these two ports. PLUS it sails from Norfolk...even though I was prepared to fly....it's only a 6 1/2 hr drive so that will be some money saved too!! 

We drove to Baltimore many years ago when we took Carnival Pride and just parked at the port so we could walk off and get on the road. 

Now my question is my time dining vs. a set time (6pm for us). We have never tried that "My time" so don't know what that means.....you can walk in at any time and might sit with different ppl each night? If that is the case I think I would prefer to sit with the SAME other ppl each night then. Thoughts?

1 hour ago, kelkel2 said:

We loved this hotel for a quick stay before our cruise. Easily walkable to the mall across the street. We grabbed muffins at the Starbucks for a quick breakfast the night before and took them back to our room. It was perfect for us. We had dinner the night before there and walked around a bit too. It was fun. I would 100% book there again. As far as cruise transportation, we didn’t plan that and we were able to easily grab a taxi outside of the hotel the morning of our cruise for an extremely short trip and drop off right at the terminal. 
We flew into FLL and used SAS airport transportation shuttle service that dropped us off right at the hotel. 

 Just curious, how much was the SAS airport shuttle from FLL to the hotel. And did you do a cruiseline transfer afterwards to get back to FLL? I think it will depend on the flight difference from home to MIA vs. FLL when the time comes to decide. But no matter what want to stay in the Miami area so we are "there" the next day! Thanks!

2 hours ago, firefly333 said:

I took a friend I had cruised with on princess and we did dunns river falls (and we booked thru the cruiseline). That was one of the reasons she never spoke to me again. She was upset I didnt walk with her past the shop area. She felt quite intimidated and really unhappy with me. I can walk on by and say no but they do grab your arm and physically try to drag you to buy stuff. 

 

You say you will pick ship over ports, but then pick older ships. Sunset for instance as I'm sure you know was a converted triumph class ship where they crammed like 300 more cabins onto a already jam packed ship, though they added a lot of fun stuff. The best space ratio will be spirit class, the converted ships will have the least space ratio. Its np just be aware. 

 

Dream class is my favorite, and has the best spa areas if you want your husband to be pleased. Has the T pools. 

 

Let us know what ports you want and people can give suggestions 

 

Carnival Elation is your other pick. It's one of a couple of carnivals oldest class of ship not totally sold off this year. Decor was pretty but be aware of the age of the ship. It's small and wouldnt have bells and whistles or a nice spa area for your husband. 

 

Seems odd choices to me and to say you are picking ship over ports. 

Oh NO....I'm sorry your friend never spoke to you again after that trip!

I know that the Sunrise has the Thermo spa but no pool. We were on the Splendor when they first got that and DH totally enjoyed it. But not sure we want to go on the same ship again, we've also been on the Pride as far as smaller ships go.

I did my search as June 2022 and then 5 days or less. There is no way I will ever set foot in Mexico either so that is why I overlooked any that had Cozumel....I thought with Ocho Rios IF the guys wanted to try an excursion then they at least have the option to. When it comes to Mexico (long story short) I was with friends in a all-inclusive resort and when my friend almost got kidnapped on the beach AT the resort (still on resort property). I have heard bad stories of folks being on cruises and getting hassled there as well but my Mexico issue was a life changing event. I know alot of ppl enjoy going there and heck, even my boss vacations there are few times a year..but it's just not for me nor will I bring my family there! 

Thank you for your input, information and insight...I am taking it all in! 

18 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

You are among many others who are in a quandary as to what to do--and when to do it.  

 

Personally, I think we will see good pricing and deals for some time once cruising is allowed to re-start.  Those booking this early with no certainty that their cruise will sail nor what the requirements to cruise will be or what the on-board experience will be like are gamblers.  Their deposits are helping the cruise lines' current cash flows.  (We shareholders thank you.)  I am not ready to do so, however.

 

Ocho Rios:  stay on the ship.  You said you last visited years ago.  My last trip to Jamaica was not long ago.  A beautiful island, really, but many of the "natives" have yet to learn acceptable guest welcoming skills, in my opinion.  Grand Cayman remains an interesting port for cruise guests to visit.  I'd suggest exploring and visiting "Hell" (your DS might find that "unique" and something that he could tell his friends) as well as the turtle farm.  Georgetown surely has changed over the years, but it is still a nice place to visit. 

Thank you SO much for your input...especially on Jamaica. My grandparents used to cruise (in there 60's-80's) JUST to be on the ship that takes them to places but never got off. They enjoyed the food, music, entertainment and I swore they were bonkers for never getting off the ship. They told me on day I would understand and when it comes to certain ports (like Jamaica and a few others) I think I AM starting to understand! Thanks again! 

18 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

Well, it would help us if you would give us an idea of which ports you would like to sail from.  I don't much care for Ocho Rios, but a teen would probably enjoy climbing Dunn's River Falls.  EM

Sorry, that would have been helpful! Anything up or down the eastern seaboard. We will live WV so will be flying and we normally arrive the day before because ALL flights out of our dinky airport has a layover! -=)

I have been reading up on different hotels and I haven't seen this one really mentioned. It states they offer a shuttle to the port for $6 per person. I'm guessing we can take a taxi for the ride over from the airport to the hotel. It also looks like a quick walk across Biscayne Blvd would give us something to do the day we arrive. I have never been to Miami so was just wondering. Thanks!  

This won't be our first cruise...just first in a LONG time cruise. DH is not a "cruise" type person until we are on the ship...then he enjoys himself. Especially if there is a spa on board. So I am looking at booking this in the next few weeks due to an unexpected "reduced rate" from Carnival that I really don't want to let pass me by. So I know it won't be longer then 5 days and I was originally looking at Carnival Elation going to Nassau, Princess Cay and Grand Turk. We have done GT, Freeport and HMC before and DH is NOT a sun/sand day person. Poor thing burned his feet so bad at HMC he walked around the ship the next day barefooted b/c it hurt too much to put on shoes...even flip flops. I also didn't get any kinda "Wow" factor from the ship...spa looked okay etc. So I moved on with my research and LOVE the Sunrise with the updated Cloud 9 spa and neat outdoor things my teen son will enjoy (water works and ropes course). BUT...the ports are Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman. I was to both place over 25 years ago, DH and DS have never been to either. Jamaica made me nervous with all the "in your face" vendors. I mean I am thinking I want to book this one but stay on the ship while in that port unless DH and DS find an excursion to do. And the plan will be to go on that and then hop back on the ship ASAP! 

Side note: I don't plan on letting DH or DS know about this booking until NEXT Christmas as their gift. So that will give them about 6 months to look into the excursions since I am planning to go in June. 

So please help me here....I'm thinking Ship over Ports? Is there any other "thinking outside of the box" things I didn't think nor consider? Thanks guys and Happy Holidays! 

From looking at the ship diagram 8N Aft is on the Veranda deck (8) right below the Lido (9 Pool) deck. 8M can be one of three decks under that (7- Empress, 6-Upper or 5- Promenade). I love that food and outside activities are only one floor up but I wonder these things:

1- Can folks on the pool deck view onto your balcony?

2- Is it loud under the pool deck with chairs being moved and outdoor activities happening?

3- Are the rooms themselves any bigger in 8N then 8M?

I am looking to be booking for 2022 and knowing there aren't many Aft Extended Balconies I was thinking of making the final decision over the next few days. Thank you!

I'm not sure if Carnival is still doing this or not (I had to do it as an attachment). BUT if so, this will be in your cabin and is only good to purchase the first 3 days. I think I also saw someone say it was listed in the fun times. So something to look for if they are still doing it. I think the plus to this is that you can ask for a folder and starting the very first day start putting your pics in there to make you final decision the very last night. This way they don't "disappear" nor have you try to "hide" the ones you want behind others of you.

Hello,

We are a group of 3 and the tour via the ship is $34.99 per person. We looked more into another one offered by the ship on this island as well and will be making a final decision by this weekend.

I understand the third party tours might have excellent service (and be cheaper) but to me my peace of mind knowing that the ship won't leave without us (OR they get us to the next destination) is more of a personal choice for that comfort incase something happens like a vehicle breakdown or something else unforeseen.

Does anyone know if we hit up a bakery (or another good sweetness shop) in a port can you bring goodies back on board? It would be in a shop bag showing it was purchased locally but just wondered. Thanks!

Hi All,

Has anyone done this one? If so, does it drop you back off at the ship or in town shop afterwards? We are on the fence between this shore excursion and another one that says it drops you off in town to shop or at the ship. We like the offered AM time slot for this vs. an afternoon start for the other one. Thanks for the info....

Hi Everyone,

I have been reading all the hotel threads with a lot that offer free shuttles. I have called a few asking about the airport shuttle and a few say that you need to call for a pick up by 10pm. Our flight doesn't arrive until 10:30 and by the time we get luggage it might be close to 10:45 until we are at the curb to make the hotel shuttle call.

I was hoping to say on 17th street area since we will prolly pay for a cab over to the port (I read how crazy the hotels are with the free cruise shuttles) so I am planning to do that but my two main things I am looking for is free airport shuttle late and maybe free breakfast. I called the Extended Stay America and they stop running at 10:30 but you need to call by 10 am so that is out and the same with Hyatt Place.

I know the Holiday Inn (located next to Extended Stay) says 24 hrs shuttle but it is also $300 and we will only be there 12 hours (say 11pm -11 am). Thanks! Oh, we at looking for the night of May 26th. Thanks in advance!

Hi Gladys,

I have been on WW one month and have lost 12 lbs so far. Like you, I am NOT a water drinker. I tried doing the 8 glasses a day and at this point it takes me 3 days just to get through one gallon of water. I have bought the zero calorie water flavorings and that helps me when I DO need to drink something. I was up to a gallon a week of 2 % milk and other then 2 cups of coffee in the morning I might drink some at lunch and some a dinner. SO even though everyone will stress "drink water" to the max....I really have not and I still lost.

I also like bread and junk food. I have found that Thomas makes a plain thin bagel and with 2 tsp of land o lakes (whipped) butter. I toast it so the butter will melt and it gives me a small bread fix to start my day.

I highly recommend the weight watchers snacks like the triple chocolate brownie or the mint one. Now two things...it is worth 4 points and it is about a 1 inch by 1 inch square. But they are rich and perfect in the evening for a chocolate fix. Also "Skinny Girl" popcorn (made by Orville Redenbacher) are smaller bags of microwave popcorn that only take up 5 points. These are tricks for the "snack/junk food" cravings that I have found.

I am not a "cooker" so I have been doing the "Smart ones" frozen dinner that are only about 2.99 and lately they have a "buy 5 get one free" sticker on the box. They have the points right on the box and make my like easier!

Hope it helps and good luck!

Kathy

I too enjoy creamer (esp flavored). Coffeemate makes something that is easy to travel with and will fit in my pocket when I go on deck. It's called Coffee-Mate 2Go. They are the size of the small flavored water squeeze things.

Do a search for it....it's a very condensed, thick liquid but a little bit in a cup goes a LONG way!

Just my suggestion!