dna1990

I JUST did this (via phone), because my annual was expiring and we never found another date to use it. We had an existing booking (made via NextCruise back in July23 for a cruise in July24). They reduced the invoice amount on that cruise by the $500 Trade-In value. Noting the fine print on the Tier23 annual cruise stated it had to be used on a sailing by Mar 31, 24 - but they never asked about that. I have not heard of Instant Certs being used on existing bookings - but call and keep asking. Maybe eventually you get some Freeplay or OBC for it.

I am no expert either, but if you are already shown back at CHOICE, then it sounds like more than 2 years since you last hit PRIME. So you will be "starting again" at CHOICE for your May cruise AND those1300 points will reset to zero on April 1. Your husband likely was PRIME more recent and will likely carry forward that status for your May sailing. However, his points too will have been reset to zero on April 1. So now you will need to accumulate 2500 more new points to hit PRIME again, which is where free drinks kick in. If hubby retains PRIME, then he has free drinks from Day 1...but would also still need to accumulate 2500 points to "stay" PRIME for the next season. Others may have more correct or succinct info...

Me... just hoping for a Craps table....I seem to recall there is one on board finally now, but it was missing for a long time after Asia itineraries. Will enjoy the ship this July. Curious to hear some insight from April pax. Safe travels.

Getting off the ship in Vancouver, what are the steps and pathways between when you claim your luggage - and you can get a taxi? Are their porters that can assist? I assume there is some customs process once you have your bags... In some videos, you see taxis down in the garage area that looks like they could pick up there....or is that only for passengers being dropped off? Trying to formulate plan from the time we are reunited with bags - until we arrive at the YVR airport. We are looking first at taxis, as navigating to the SkyTrain with bags will be a little strenuous for us. We also likely have an extra bag from a pre-cruise tour portion of this trip. And it seems there is a subtle advantage to taxis over Uber in terms of some dedicated traffic lanes? Would love to stay at PanPacific one night to rest, and I understand they may have a process to help with baggage...but peak pricing makes that a tough call. Even is picking another downtown hotel, still have to develop a plan to get bags over there.

We have had mixed results with pre-linked bookings, when it comes to Specialty Dining. I would have a Plan and a Plan B, with even some Plan C options - and seek out a restaurant right as you board. I will also throw it out there (for others that may be reading), that besides unexpected casino losses - the next most common family/group drama....is some dining snafu. So really talk with your group and know what everyone's expectations are. I know, I have seen grandmothers beside themselves who can't understand that by day 3, some of the family is wanting just to skip to the Windjammer...."one meal" she asked for and paid all the fares...but nope. Or berating the staff when the group is split over multiple tables, etc. Yes, heavy investment in UDP, so absolutely maximize it. But put in the plan some options for some people to opt different for some of the nights. I know a group of three couples, all with kids. They set it up so that one couple would dine alone in venue A while the others and all the kids went to venue B. Then switched around nightly. I thought that was clever. And don't forget about timing for photos. Some great photo ops may come along for a portion of the group that may not align well with a UDP reservation or something. Unexpected long lines, or a show was crowded getting out, etc. Buffer.

Just off Dream last week. Overall, great. Pizza was consistently slow/inefficient. Everything else fell into place for us just fine. Serenity was relaxing. MDR service was top notch. Cabin and steward were great. Casino happening. Atrium music always good. Getting on/off at all stops was painless. HMC sand is ever-healing, water was cold in Feb. Aft pool area easy to find a spot. Didn't see any big shows. No big waits for elevators after Day 1. Photo folks were more boring than we have seen before with CCL, but Dream Studio got some great memories, $$$ but worth it to us to capture the moment. No age-related issues noted, all was clean and operational. Do your research. Know what Dream has to offer, the basic layout of the ship, etc. Pre-book spa/drink/internet/photo as desired. Study the ports of call. Have a plan, but build in flexibility. Make your travel plans in/out of Galveston. For our sailing, many folks arrived early at the terminal, presumably everyone anticipating Mardis Gras traffic issues. This was chaotic for a little while before they opened the doors. Once inside and moving into security lines, everything was smooth. But just plan for patience at any terminal, assume the worst and hope for the best.

In my experience, anyone looking at DL is doing so for the photo. Always just a quick glance. Agree with others it could make for a bigger chore to renew at home afterwards.

For cans, it can also vary based on where the ship ports from. Galveston for example, all lines can easily get DP if they want, others maybe not as much. Florida can be hit/miss. We always carry on a 12pk. If flying to port, just ask port hotel/taxi/etc for a nearby convenience store to grab one on your way to ship. Most cans will run about $3.75+ onboard, so if not in Freestyle with package...can add up quick.

We have this inflatable one. Very light/small to pack, inflates with ease. But is very narrow and "bouncy". A little noisy too. https://a.co/d/833ePb0 We took this one just last week, it is a great feeling - but HUGE to take. Not heavy, but size of very large duffle bag. https://a.co/d/3UKvjKT

Keep this tip to yourself, but for the RCCL North Covered Lot...it can help to park closer to the "right end" as you enter the space. Upon return, porters are allowed to go as far as the taxi area "just beyond" the right end of the north covered lot. Can make for a much easier luggage haul. And keep your entrance barcode email in the car, it is often required to "scan" upon final exit of the lot.

29th The lot potholes are ever-present...but the people are genuine, friendly, and as efficient as the port can handle. Very quick service this past week. Although an insistent request to show a parking ticket or conf email on the post-cruise return ride back. Like is someone riding stow-away on their shuttles? Odd, but place the little ticket with your keys so you can find it.

2/10/24 was "off" for some reason. Terminal 28 (CCL Dream) was also abit chaotic starting early (just before 9). We did grab one porter meeting us at parking shuttle drop-off, but overall they were not in high numbers. Many pax seem to arrive outside the terminal well before their check-in time and little organization as to where folks should be lining up to wait. Not sure how much Mardis Gras was an impact, but once inside the terminal - all was well run again.

Where did you see the info on Dream locations? That doesn't make much sense to me, but things surprise me every day now. True, according to Port of Galveston Schedule, Dream does vary between 25/28 - but only one terminal per "turnaround". Embark/Disembark on same day from two terminals, is hopefully not correct. All that being said, 25/28 are adjacent to one another. Looking at the terminals, 28 is on your left and 25 to the right. In general, 25 is going to be closer to the main entrance and from the SMP Garage, etc. But to my knowledge there is no barrier to walk past 25 and get to 28. 2024-Monthly-UPDATED-192024 (portofgalveston.com)

I bet you already know, but for the benefit of other readers, check out this page for more details and what CCL might be able to offer. https://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/special-needs

For CCL, It is my understanding that yes, having a excursion, clamshell, cabaña, villa - will get you an early(er) tender ticket. Likewise, being Pinnacle, etc. You must still be aware of when/where these tickets will be distributed. What we don't always know is just how many "early" tickets are used up for those cruisers, and if you are first-in-line to get general-admin tender tickets...how far back does that put you? But it is possible to assume the person with ticket #41 and 1pm arrival, didn't know to go get a ticket earlier in the cruise. Maybe they did, but to maximize the time in any tender port - you often need a plan. They prices have sure gone up, but I think a clamshell is a good place just to stash your things and eventually have abit of shade...if that also gets me a early tender, seems like a good investment. Ask around guest services and shore excursion desk as you walk by during the week, don't always trust the first answer you get. Get the details, they do change from time to time for no apparent reason.

We have been a number of times over the years and was last there in late July. Still a good day. Is it super-awesome like maybe back 10 years ago? Not always, but what is? Pool & hottub open and clean. Swimup bar and crew very good. Beach service was sometimes hit or miss, but we spent alot of time out in the water (super clear no seaweed) and would just take turns making a bar run. Food was VERY FAST this trip, but I would rate it B+, maybe A-. Didn't seem as fresh as we remember from days ago. Bathrooms clean. Didn't look into any extras like massages, snorkel, etc. Had only a small sign and "sell" when we first arrived, no pushy sales all day long, loved it. We did buy their photo we took as a group, it was well done, I think $12. Would not hesitate to return.

Just chiming in say I too got the email about a reduction for Shore Excursions for a cruise in Feb24. I have yet to see any amount back to my CC, it says 5-7 days. But if I look in cruise planner, that excursion still shows same price (I think). It probably went down like $1.86 or something extravagant and I am not remembering the exact original price. But on the surface, the email looks scam-ish. If I was directed to a website for a "gift card", my radar would be beeping too. We'll see. Stay vigilant out there.

Search your "smiling" online retailer for Inflatable Sleeping Mattress 3.9 Inch. Packs very small and works great for me, better than eggcrate. YMMV

So how did your January trip work out, any advice on carts and parking from your experience? We are considering for an upcoming trip, but realizing the driver (me) might prefer to mostly "drive around" anyway and see the general sights - just dropping/picking up the others if they wish to shop someplace. Uber-via-golf-cart, if you will. But it would be nice to have pre-selected one or two parking "lots" we know we can pay for and have a nearby lunch or shopping/touring time as a whole group.

We were there on 8/3/23 and echo everything @Monica887 posted in such detail.

We just returned from a second great visit with Blue Reef. Nothing but high marks. Look into this for your next snorkel or diving adventure. AMA

Been thru the new terminal several times, the scanners are really the only restriction I have ever seen. They are modern scanners but I have no idea the true spec size. We have not personally taken a 28 thru. I think worst case, if it doesn't fit - it gets tagged and checked, very similar to airlines when overhead is full or smaller than you expected. Not related at all, but we have taken a 28 "off" the ship as the larger last-night-throw-everything-in bag. No issues. But note, if you have more than one bag (of any type including like a backpack and a rolling bag) they will require you to take the elevator down and not the escalator. The elevator line can add 5-10 minutes wait at peak times.

We were on same cruise and had a great week. Looking forward to the rest of your comments.

We are back from Hayhu just last week. We had a great day. We were six adults, seasoned cruisers. First time to Hayhu. Pre-trip communications were prompt and clear. We initially booked the Jungle Break package when it was just four of us, when two more joined the group - we changed to the VIP package, upper deck. It is a long hot walk from ship, down the pier, thru the shops, out the parking lot, down the street - to the meeting spot. Take an umbrella and take your time, don't rush. Very professional setup, a man greeted us, had our reservation name on the board, whistled for a taxi van (very new van with good driver), explained the ride was already included, confirmed to the driver we were headed to Hayhu, gave an approx travel time, etc. All good stuff. Drive takes about 25 minutes, we had NO traffic either way. Greeted well upon arrival, shown to the upper deck, waiters came by to introduce themselves, all very nice. Service remained great all day. Four nice loungers, six nice chairs, couch, dining table, hammock, private restroom w/shower....very nice. The upper deck had great views, tropical vibe, and constant breeze. YES, Sargassum was a major presence. Raked at the shoreline, but still was thick enough in water to make a floating day out of the question. No smell though, which is my main peeve. We did walk several times out in the water, maybe knee deep from one sandbar to another where the weeds were less dense. But did indeed spend most of the day on deck in the chairs/hammock. Water itself was decently clear. It looked alot better than photos above this post of Maya Chan back in May, but was still a factor. Powder white soft sand in the resort area. Some bugs/fleas around if if walk up/down the beach long enough, always bring bug spray. Ocean, sargassum, strip of beach - then jungle for miles - you gotta be expecting bugs. Small place, quaint. Not crowded. Even with peak crowd, never sounded loud or crowded. 80's rock and pop played on the speaker. Food was great and fresh and hot, etc. Drinks were good and service great - but in general, I think prices were quite high. We had the $300 credit and menu showed all prices in $USD, but drinks were $10-$14 each. It added up pretty quick. But I do think they were way better quality than what you get at say a Cozumel AI. For example, strawberry margarita made with actual strawberries. We out-stayed all the other cruise guests and lingered until 4pm local (for a 5:30 all aboard). We met the owner and chatted a while. There was one couple staying at the resort itself, but we didn't interrupt them. It was an overcast day, and even some thunder offshore. It did sprinkle once with no impact to our day. In fact, avoiding the intense Mexican sun was quite nice. Paid balance in $USD cash to avoid 5% CC charge plus any currency conversion surprises. All balances and charges were well explained during booking and again once onsite. Return taxi was right on time and we had an uneventful trip back to port and to the ship. If looking for a quieter experience, some hammocks, rope bed swings, cushy loungers, good food and service - don't let the long trek make you miss out on this little spot. Worth it. If looking to pound down cheap beer and party with loud music - seek out the malecon places instead.

Have had to miss Maya Chan twice (high winds), but always good communication, reviews, refund, etc. We will be at Hayhu next week for the first time (Maya Chan closed during summer), and will report back. So far communication has been good. Anxious to see how food/bar credit works out, and if driver/taxi runs smoothly. Ugh, not looking forward to that long pier/port walk in August heat (or any heat).