onebzemom

I just discovered that I have taken TWO cruises with NCL.  I thought it was just one.  When I looked at their Latitude Program it states one point for each day you cruise.  I have an upcoming 12 cruise.  So, if I understand correctly, I will receive 12 points for this cruise.  Yet my previous cruises (4 day and 10 day) earned me 28 points.  Which means I received two points for each day.  I don't understand how this works.  If I somehow manage to get two points per day again, it will move me up to the next level which is Gold.  If so, would I receive the perks during this cruise?

On 2/26/2022 at 6:38 PM, n4w said:

 

2.  I'm going to make it a game time decision, will take a closer look at Molokay or Puesta del Sol or Carmelitas.

 

4.  I'm hoping that boogie boards will be a small pop-up stand vs. part of the restaurant's offerings, kinda like the oyster carts and walking vendors.

 

5.  The closest thing to parasailing may be the banana boats, unsure of cost.  Horseback riding, 300 pesos/30 min.  ATV rental, unsure of cost.

 

My question, please:  I guess if you're with a bigger party, taking shifts is the obvious answer.  But for parties of 1 or 2, what is the best thing to do with personal items/valuables/key card when playing at the beach?  Take them with you in the water? Bury it in the sand under your chair/towel?  Take shifts?  other ideas?

With past cruises/activities and swimming, my husband and I both wear a waterproof pouch with our phone, money and car keys inside.  Swimming with it around our necks was not an issue.  Sometimes, I will tuck it into the top part of my swimsuit. 

We were there many years ago. We took a Pulmonia to the dock and got on a small boat. When we got off the boat there was a pickup truck with bales of hay in the truck bed. He asked where we wanted to go. I said Lety's and he shook his head no and gave us another name. (But I can't remember that name). So, we went with his suggestion. He dropped us off, I started to pay him, and he shook his head no again and said pay him when he picked us up. He asked us what time, and he came back at that time and took us back to the boat. It was so easy.

1. Does anyone know if this truck option is still available? My grandkids will love to ride in the back on hay bales.

2. Any suggestions besides Lety's? Victor's I'm finding is no longer open.

3. We are not real drinkers. And two of my grandkids are picky eaters, so we will be bringing their peanut butter sandwiches with us. I understand you get the use of chairs, table, and umbrellas if you purchase food and drinks. But I'm worried we may not be purchasing that much. The coconut shrimp was awesome, so that will be a must do!

4. Do most places also provide boogie boards and sand buckets and toys for the kids to use? Or should I go buy them at Walmart while in Puerto Vallarta?

5. Three of the adults want to do Parasailing. Is there anyone that provides this on the island? What other activities are available? And anyone know the cost? Last time, we had no kids and just ate, drank and laid in the sun.

Cruise schedule for 3/22 on the Panorama.  We wanted to try the Cove Balconies and was worried about the noise being under the Galley.  So we booked two cabins under the dining room #2334 and# 2338. It will be my son and daughter in law's first cruise and she is a very light sleeper.  Being under the Galley I am sure would not be wise.  But how about under the dining room?  It looks like breakfast starts at 7:45.  How much noise should we expect before that for set up?  I'm assuming it will be quiet during the evening.  Husband and I have been on many cruises but always choose deck 1 with rooms above us. Thank you for your help.

So sorry.  I thought I had listed everything to help with my question.  (dummy Me!)  We are going on Symphony or Harmony of the Seas.  August 22/23, 2020.  Rooms are limited now.  We usually book a year in advance.  This was just a last minute added to our DisneyWorld Trip.  We try to get mid ship to cut down on so much walking, especially for my parents.  Also, finding a focal point helps my Mom to get orientated.  (Like the glass elevators on Carnival)

Hello,  I am booking our first cruise tomorrow on RC and I'm a bit nervous!  We've cruise on Holland, Princess, NCL and now Platinum on Carnival.  So cruising is not new to us.  But I cannot figure out where would be a good location for our cabin.  We normally like mid ship on the lowest deck, usually ocean view.  I have been doing so much reading about the noise facing the 'Villages'.  Right now, I think picking our rooms might be the better way to go with so many options. There are so many categories to pick from.  Virtual views?  OMG!  We would be willing to do an inside cabin, if the location is the best.  I've been reading Decks 6 and 8 are the most popular.  But right now, my head is spinning with all the info I've been reading.  We need two rooms close by each other, one for us  (mid 60's) and one for my parents (mid 80's).  Neither of us are night owls.  We've had balconies before and are not really impressed with them.  We just don't spend that much time in the room.  Any suggestions would be really appreciated.  Thank you in advance.

I just booked a cruise today for the Panorama March 2022!  And I spent days researching the rooms that would work for our two kids and their small families. Couldn’t get any adjoining rooms or three together because we needed rooms for. 2,3 and 4 people. My husband thought I was crazy for booking so early. With the Family Harbor and Havana cabins, it really lowers the options.  I worked directly with Carnival and Alex was very helpful and understanding. 

5 minutes ago, Roscoe13 said:

Can you break into 2 groups of 4?

If we take Uber, that's what we will do.

Thanks for the response.  Uber was our original plan.  And since I've used Uber a lot I felt pretty good about it. But after the trip from Walt Disney World last week I'm a bit nervous.  We decided to use Uber instead of Disney's free transportation.  We got a quote and requested driver.  Price doubled when we got to the Airport.  So I was curious who has used Uber from LAX to Port/Long Beach and what they paid.

Negativity not taken. Fair question. No matter where we stay, all 8 of us would have to make our way to Long Beach. We have cruised out of Long Beach before and used Carnival’s Buses. Too much of a hassle to get in the buses for Dad and the waiting was terrible. He doesn’t like the crowds. My Dad is paying for this whole trip. He wanted Embassy Suites and this was the closest one I could find. We are all coming in from different places and at different times. He likes Embassy Suites for the ambience as we sit and wait for everyone to show up. 

I’m the practical one and trying to find the best transportation shuttle. Some of the options I’ve never heard of, so I was looking for recommendations from people who had used them. 

We are  a group of 8 trying to get to Carnival's port in Long Beach.  We are staying at Embassy Suites South  (1440 E Imperial Ave, El Segundo,) the night before.  Super Shuttle does not have anything available for us from hotel.  We would have to go back to the Airport to catch them. Going back to airport is not an option. Too much for my elderly parents to deal with.   Uber is available from hotel, but I'm a bit nervous using them since our last trip.  (The price they quoted doubled by the time we got to Orlando Airport from toll charges and wait times and mileage.  That has never happened before with the many times we have used Uber.)  Hotel has a Limo Service available but it's $200.00.  To much money for me. 

Does anybody know how much the final cost for Uber would be from Airport? The difference between hotel and airport is only about $5 or $6 less from hotel.

Does anybody have any history on using Road Runner or Prime Time?

Thanks in advance.

We did Alaska on Holland and will never go on them again unless they are the only ones with the itinerary we want. Too dead and quiet for me. When my 85 year old Father said it was just a bunch of old people I knew what he meant. We like a bit more excitement.  Being from the Pacific NW we chose to go out from Vancouver BC rather then Seattle. It gave us an extra day in Alaska.  Glacier Bay was beautiful but I thought we’d see more Glaciers along the way. Trip was beautiful but it looked liked home here in Oregon.  Next Alaska trip will be further North. 

Loving this thread! I have a entire list of things to bring!

With respect to the power strip, are they allowed or are they not? My husband has a CPAP machine and of course we need to charge phones (for photos) and batteries for the proper camera!

 

I am cruising on HAL this June for an Alaska cruise and none of the 7 of us has been on a cruise before.

I had a power strip taken away on one Carnival cruise. It had a surge protector on it. Now I have one with no surge protector and 4 USB ports. It was enough for 3 gals in our room. It wasn't taken away. I'm sure other cruise companies are similar.

Here is Carnival's information:

Electric Outlets

There is one electric outlet in each stateroom located in the area of the desk/vanity.

The outlet is equipped with a 3-prong 110 volt (North America Grounded) and a 220 volt (Europe German-Style).

The outlet in the bathroom can only be used for electric razors.

On the Carnival Vista, there is one USB outlet (5 volt, 1000mA) in each stateroom.

Power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors and extension cords (without surge protectors) are allowed on board when used with proper caution. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard, they will be removed and returned the last day of the cruise prior to debark.

I still have it!!!

Just have to find it, and of course, that laptop at the repair shop right now.

Should have it back today.

I'll send to you.

I did hats and shirts with the Whale Tail, the name of ship we were sailing on, and that person's name. The biggest issue we had, other passengers would stop and ask us questions, they thought we were crew members, WE LOVED IT!!!

 

Matt

I would love a copy too. Please email to deniseboitano@aol.com Thank you so much. Got a cruise in February, so I will get sewing.

Hi I posted a few years back requesting the design. I was surprised that the post is up again. Please please can I get a copy???? I have a Janome --JEF. Thank you so much. Deniseboitano@aol.com

I requested South room so we could see the ships in the morning. There were six gals, three first time cruisers and four first time to Florida. We asked for connecting rooms or rooms next to each other. I booked 9 months in advance. Called several times to verify information was still in our reservation. Each time was told rooms not assigned till morning of arrival. At 3:30 Pacific time I called again and was told rooms had not been assigned yet, but they did have the notation in my booking. We arrived about 5pm to the hotel and was sooooo disappointed. We were only on the same floor. 12 doors away from each other. South room, eye level with the freeway. But we could see the ships when they came in. Room was tiny. We had 3 in each room. Very old rooms. Needs to be updated. This was January 2015.

There was a buffet offered for $20.00+, but we didn't want THAT much food. No option to not have the buffet. They had a Starbucks like coffee shop that sold breakfast sandwiches. But since so many cruisers staying at the hotel with the same thought, it took an hour to get our food. Although, we were warned when we ordered.

Easy to catch a taxi from there to cruise port. Grounds were fabulous to walk around. Lots of restaurants and a Publix within walking. Wallgrens close to pick up last minute suntan lotion.

Beds were doubles but comfy. But the rooms were too small.

When we checked out, I asked to talk to the manager and told him how disappointed I was. He told me I needed to have it notated on my reservation. Duh!! When I asked him to look up my reservation, he stumbled before saying I needed to call in the morning of arrival. I looked up at him in amazement and left quietly.

If you stay there make sure you request top floors. At least you may get a floor higher than the freeway.

For the price, I will stay somewhere else.

Just off Holland Nieuw Amsterdam in Alaska.

We packed a jacket, ties for husband. Very nice clothes for me. First formal night, we were very over dressed. In the Pinnacle Grill, less than half wore jackets. And the Canaletto Italian restaurant again, less than half. Nice slacks and collared shirt for him. Nice slacks, dress for her. Most guys didn't even have on a tie.

One night my dad decided last minute to eat in the Pinnacle. He had jeans and suspenders, but a nice button up shirt. I had to laugh, but there was no problems.

Read what Holland recommends. And don't bring that jacket. You'll regret packing it.

Hello,

We will be arriving late via Amtrak June 3rd for our Niewu Amsterdam cruise the next day. We are staying at the Empire Landmark Hotel. Looking for suggestions for a light breakfast. Needs to be within walking distance.

Although very disappointed to miss Grand Cayman, I understand Carnival has to make safety their number one priority.

I watched from the side as three tenders came up. It took awhile for them to come close enough to the ship. I wish I had video tapped it. I had my camera, but was amazed at what was happening and forgot about taking pictures. It was quite a learning experience.

The tenders were rocking and rolling. A few times it looked like they were tipping over. The guys on board were hanging on for dear life. Carnival put out the gangway and it flew up in the air numerous times. The Stand-up comedians got off with their luggage, but not at the same time. You'd see a suitcase go across and then the tender would rock and roll, then the gangway put on again and another suitcase would go on. One guy almost didn't make it on the tender. Timing was real important. The new Comedians didn't come aboard. I don't even think they were on the tenders. A passenger had gotten hurt a day before, I heard they did get him on the tender for medical care. During this whole process one of Carnival's guys broke his leg while dealing with the tender and that was the final decision. As we were watching the action, Kevin, the cruise director kept the passengers informed that they were still trying to anchor. After watching numerous times the gangway fly into the air, I knew we weren't going anywhere and left to get a chair at the pool and a drink. Another day at sea was okay by me.

To the left of the La Laguna Restaurant is where we snorkeled. The area in front of the Palapas there are different set of stairs that lead you into the water. The water was about waist deep. I was barefoot until the last step, then floated into the water and put on my fins. There was a bit of a wave which caused a bit of a struggle getting back to the stairs. It would float you in when you weren't ready. So getting your fins off, floating against the steps was amusing. Also people were going in at the same time you were trying to get out. The stairs were wide and could be set up for one side enter and the other side exit. Also, once I was floating and putting my fins on, I made sure I got away from the stairs. People would hang out there and cause a traffic jam. Some stairs had hand rails which helped and others were tall steps and no handl rails requiring a bit of balance. My Dad used his water shoes instead of fins. Which turned out much easier for him to get in and out. Although he didn't move as fast as me in the water and worked up more energy so he would have to rest to catch his breath. (Asthma)

This is where the status were too. Double click the map on their link for a larger view. Get there early to get a chair and a Palapa.

You need to call Carnival back and speak to a different CSR or even ask for a supervisor. You should be able to cancel within 24 hours of the notification.

 

From Carnivals website:

 

http://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/legal-notice/port-cancellation-policy.aspx

 

ITINERARY CHANGE PRIOR TO DEPARTURE:

If Carnival has adequate notice prior to sailing that a vessel will deviate from the published itinerary it will promptly – upon making the itinerary change -- notify guests of the change through their travel agents or directly, in the case of a direct guest booking.

If the itinerary change is for reasons within Carnival’s exclusive control, guests will have the opportunity to cancel their booking without penalty prior to sailing and within 24 hours of the guest notification, and in such an instance, guests will have the option to receive either a cash refund or a future cruise credit. In the event a guest does not cancel the cruise on a timely basis, no refund of any kind will be available.

 

Due to the nature of a cruise vacation, itinerary changes sometimes become necessary for safety, weather or other reasons beyond the control of Carnival. If the itinerary change is for reasons beyond Carnival’s exclusive control, including but not limited to safety, security, weather, strikes, tides, hostilities, civil unrest, port closings, emergency debarkations of guests or crew, late air, sea, car or motor coach departures or arrivals, mechanical breakdowns or problems not known to Carnival, itinerary changes consistent with U.S. State Department travel warnings / advisories or other applicable US or foreign governmental advisories, guests will not be provided any compensation. Guests electing to cancel will be subject to the standard cancellation terms.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

I got what I wanted.

FULL REFUND!!!!!!!

Just talked with Carnival.

I am spitting mad. They want to charge $50.00pp for the cancellation. And will only give me credit towards a future cruise. They will not give me credit on the cruise I have scheduled in January 2016. That's not a future cruise. (It is to me!!) They said a future cruise is after the one I want to cancel. So any cruise I take after Dec 2016, they will give me credit towards.

Very disappointed in Carnival. I've been a royal fan and only want to cruise on Carnival. I've been on other cruises where changes were made even while on the ship. But never the whole itinerary. The only thing the same is the ship and Cozumel. Not surprising Carnival didn't give up Cozumel.

Makes me think twice now. Panama will probably be someone else. And I won't be booking so far out.

Carnival just changed this itinerary and dropped Panama and Costa Rica. So disappointed. :(

Thanks so much for posting this information.

We booked this cruise specifically for Panama and Costa Rica. We have a cruise already scheduled in Jan 2016 on the Splendor for Belize, Roatan, Cayman, and Cozumel, We don't want to do something that we have already just done and on the same ship.

This is the second time Carnival changed a Panama cruise. In June there was one out of Galveston, 8 day I believe on the Breeze. I printed out the details to take with us on a trip south for a wedding. Thought I'd book it later. When I called, Carnival couldn't find the cruise. I'd left the paper at home. So when I got home, I called again. Sure enough it was gone.

I don't know what is going on with Carnival going to Panama. But we won't be going on this cruise. We want Panama or some place different than we've been before.

We are Bummed to say the least!

There is now a roll call for this cruise. I tend to follow the roll call on this site and then don't meet because I am unpacking or going to muster or generally running around like a chicken with no head. Takes a meal and a night's sleep to get me normal again.

 

But the ROLL CALL....makes the Cruise Official! and somehow.........Nearer...

 

ONE thing I have vowed. the fancy. flashy. glittery Holiday tunics and such they sell before Christmas this year....which will go on sale and clearance after Christmas. I am buying some this year. To Wear NEXT year.

 

The cruise is just before Christmas next year.. The ship will be decorated. And I will be lit up like a Christmas Tree....at a very small cost. it will Mega Glitter on a budget!!

OMG. I had no idea the ship would be decorated. Now I'm really excited. Breathe.....Breathe.....

Are you sure it will be decorated? How do we find out?

Either way, I'll be dressed up like a Christmas tree too.

After Christmas sales, my discount. Yipee! I already bought a necklace, just because it was red. Now I'll have to buy something to go with it.

I'll check out the Roll Call.