AggieGirl05

Thank you for the laughs! My coworkers have been looking at me like I'm crazy...ok, that's not exactly anything new. I miss my sweet lady, Breeze. She's all that's right in this world. We get to board her *ahem* older sister, Dream in 23 days. I'm very eager to get back out on the high seas!

I agree with grandmarnnurse about the emergencies. It's much easier to evacuate with a passport. We obtained a passport for our son prior to his first cruise at age 3 for that reason. Also, I liked knowing that each port could see a legal photo ID of him to prove he was my child. On our 2nd cruise with him (in the Bahamas), the port authority officer on the way back to the ship even asked him his name as she was looking at his passport to verify we were bringing the right child back on board. I realize I have to pay to update it every 5 years but I'll take the peace of mind over convenience when it comes to my kid every time.

I finally got to catch up on your review! We were on Vista last week. I'm going through the withdraws right now...and wishing I was back in the Caribbean where they're not currently calling for tornadoes...and where my allergies weren't bothering me 24/7!!

We sail on Dream next Feb out of Galveston. One question, I've been through her deck plans & saw no mention in your review...does she not have a Red Frog Pub??? Her sister, Breeze, certainly does. It's my favorite hangout!

Thanks for such an amazing review! We typically cruise with our kiddo & I don't have the patience to keep up with him & hubby AND keep good enough notes to write up the caliber of reviews I see on here! Ya'll are amazing!

2 hours ago, Organized Chaos said:

 

It has to be the same category as what you booked. But like peteandpris said, even if it sells out, keep checking periodically because people cancel. If you have any doubts, fill out the claim form. The worst that can happen is they say no.

 

Since you mentioned you're all about paying for your cruises before you go, are you aware of the 10% off discount Carnival gift cards through AARP? I looked at a couple of the most recent threads and didn't see you in there. Here's a link to the main thread:

I included a link to their rewards website and an explanation of how to buy the discounted cards on page 115 of that thread, if you're interested. You don't have to be an AARP member. Allstate insurance has a similar rewards program (and you don't have to be a customer), but it's a little bit more of a pain to sign up for that because non-customers have to do it through their smartphone app. Those gift cards can be used for just about everything. Paying on your cruise, Cheers, wifi, excursions, Fun Shop purchases, OBC (but only once you get on board, unless you use them to buy Cruise Cash), etc.

Thank you! I'd seen posts about the AARP cards before, but since we have the Carnival Mastercard, I didn't think anything of them. I finally ran the numbers & realized this was actually a much better savings than trying to accrue points through my card!

Congratulations on being so close debt free! We're getting closer & closer as well, and it is the most freeing feeling in the world!!

Currently sitting at 31 days to Vista & 327 to Dream. I'm an obsesser. I research the ports, the options, the excursions... I research the boat until I can navigate it in my sleep. We travel with our son (who will be 5 in May), so being able to snake through the crowd with little hesitation is a stress-reliever. I also read all the boards, watch videos, look at pictures...I've been reading reviews.

I actually find the planning & imagination adds to it. I think some people see it as a build up to a short trip & then it's over...but I enjoy going through every detail & every option. Maybe it helps me know that I made the most of my time away & I don't come away with any fear of missing out on anything?

I'm pretty sure everyone I know can give you a general rundown of how many days we have left. I'm that person. And yes, my husband has commented on the number of Amazon boxes that have graced our doorstep. But hey, I'm a planner. And all he has to do is get in the truck on the day we leave & drive. I predict most anything we can need before we need it...including our last trip when our son busted his chin on the first night. Sent hubby up to Lido for ice while I broke out the (compact but comprehensive) first aid kit. I did realize I would like to add some liquid bandage to that though... 

On 3/25/2019 at 9:38 AM, deladane said:

 

Obsessing is all part of the fun!  I can't believe that 2020 is next year already... my first thought when reading that was that your Dream cruise is far down the road, but it's really just less than a year away!  Crazy!!  

Obsessing makes the fun last longer! I've never had 2 booked at once, so for the next month it's actually kind of crazy separating out my thoughts for each boat & each trip. My poor husband... But we're really excited for our Dream trip, we're meeting back up with a couple we met on the Breeze last year. We live in Texas & they're in Oklahoma, so although we chat regularly, this is how we've decided to meet up again lol!

Just booked Dream out of Galveston for Feb 2020! Following along...(we also will be boarding Vista in 34 days, so I may be obsessing a bit right now)

3 minutes ago, Saint Greg said:

Miami Vice

My sail away favorite! T-minus 61 days & I'll be on the Vista! Watching intently as you sail... We'll be in a lido forward balcony (usually do aft-extended, but they maxed those at 2 passengers on Vista...we cruise with our urchin, judge away) so I'm excited to be down the hall from burgers & bars.

COSTSHRX gets you 10% off for shore excursions group

You're my hero, NiagarAviator! Code still works, folks!