vswan

Take a cheap rain poncho for each of you. They take almost no room in the suitcase and are pretty good coverage from head to knees. Good way to keep any purse/backpacks covered also. Don't bother to take them home. Two pairs of shoes in case one gets wet - shoes take a while to dry. Comfortable, warm lounging clothes for evenings on deck and on your balcony. Sort through the ports of call section of CC to read about what others have done in the different ports. If there is something you really want to be sure and do, book before you leave. Don't forget to pack a pair of shorts/warm weather clothes. I've had 80 degree heat at some ports in the middle of summer. You never know what you're going to get.

I sailed NCL out of Tampa. Carnival too.

Took my first solo cruise on NCL in a solo balcony cabin in January. Loved it, and when my PCC called to check how it went I booked again for next year on a similar ship, same embarkation port, different itinerary - in a similar cabin. Just went on my first Carnival cruise for spring break with my daughter and grandson (platinum on NCL). I enjoyed it very much, but going solo I would choose NCL. Drink package is affordable, solo program is well organized and it just seems to fit me. Not all NCL ships have the studio solo cabins or lounge - especially the smaller ships. This is when the solo inside, OV and balcony cabins can help bring the price down a little - note I said little, not only paying the one person rate somewhere in between one and two passenger rate.

I wouldn't count on a free upgrade, at the $149pp someone else in an inside will bounce on it opening their room for you. Only you can decide if it's worth it to you, and it may depend on your itinerary. For me, yes it would be worth it.

Couple more things I forgot to mention. Someone asked about the terminal, I'm assuming you mean the cruise terminal, not the airport terminal, but hope this covers what you want to know. We flew in from MSP on Sun Country airlines which is a smaller airline based in Minneapolis on the Friday evening flight. The cruise was Sunday to Sunday. We rented a car at the rental center at the airport. They have several terminal buildings and we had to take a tram/train to baggage, but all was marked well and had no issues. Then had to take tram/train to car rental center. We had reservations at the Sirata Beach Resort in St. Pete for Friday and Saturday nights. Not the newest hotel, but sufficient and the outdoor areas were fantastic. Two separate pool areas, beach front, two restaurants, hammocks and plenty of chairs to sit in looking out at the beach. I had booked a 12:30 - 1:00 boarding window knowing we would be in no hurry to leave the beach and not interested in fighting the crowds. When we returned the car we walked over to the public transit area and called a lyft - $20. Our driver managed to get lost and we had close to an extra hour getting on the bridge back to St. Pete's with no place to turn around, traffic jams at the port, etc. We figured it wasn't a big deal, since we had a $20 price. Nope. The charge came up as $38 on our phone after she had already left. Tried to figure out how to dispute the charges but it wouldn't let us do it online. We were ready for a drink! Ended up getting to the port closer to 1:30, so of course everything went quickly since there were very few people there. There were two ships leaving that day and the traffic near the ships was crazy and being directed by cops. Still think it's easier than Miami.

Just got back from my first Carnival cruise ever and thought I'd give a small review here. Before I forget, I think someone asked about who the Maitre D is. Currently Diago Estibeiro is, but he will be ending his contract in the next couple of months and they haven't told him who will be replacing him. We had a great time, of course. The ship I was prepared for the decor after reading posts here on CC. I found the atrium area spectacular and the over the top decor was fine with me. Our cabin was 8204 and just a couple away from the atrium area. The music coming up was fantastic. We had a wonderful trio of strings that played there often, music you wouldn't expect and the echoing was stunning. The music overall was fine, but the trio was spectacular. We are not big bar people, but they had a great assortment and many had live music on some type most nights. I did like the Red Frog Tiki Bar and made my way through the "Pig" beers to find my favorite. I liked the red the best but was only available on tap and was looking to buy a bucket of beers for the cabin (which I did, but would have liked the red). Was traveling with a 14 year old so couldn't spend a lot of time in the serenity area, but would have liked to. It was spring break after all and it was nice to have an adult only area. The pool areas areas and seating around them were sparse. Two pools in the center of the ship and one hot tub filled with kids almost all the time. But you make it work! Went to a couple of shows which were okay. I like live music and the male lead was very good. There were times that you could see the dancers working through the moves to be sure they were going the right direction - and I found it noticeable which I found distracting. Game shows are not my thing and I only caught the end of one. Food We went to the MDR every night. Food was actually better than I expected, but some nights the menus were not very appealing. Several nights we ordered the everyday menu items and one night I upgraded to the filet which was good. Was given the choice of medium rare or medium well for beef dishes. The medium rare was good, the medium well was like shoe leather. Had my Guys Burger. It was fine, but didn't feel the need for more than one. My grandson had many! I didn't try the Blue Iguana, but my daughter loves it. The lido was okay, nothing special. Breaking up into sections seems to disperse traffic, but most of the sections offered the same offerings. They did have a pizza station, deli, and Chopsticks section. Had three omelette offering which became tiring after a week - but I won't eat the watery scrambled eggs and am not a pancake, French toast or waffle eater. One major downfall I've noticed on all cruise lines lately is the breakfast sweet roll offerings. Just pathetic. Excursions/ports Did two excursions through the ship. In Belize we did a Mayan cooking/spiritual healing tour which was supposed to have a pool also. The pool pump was out so all the people on the tour were hot and in their swimwear ready to get in the pool and no pool. The shaman was interesting and my daughter and I compared and we both had a very different experience. In Roatan went to Maya Key (think that's the name of it) with the pool, beach, lunch, fake ruins and monkeys, etc. It was fine, but nothing special. Would probably have enjoyed the free beach by the port just as much. Pre-booked Paradise Beach in Cozumel online. Was good. Beach is rocky, pool is great. Traveling with a 14 year old It was spring break. He went to the kids club on night 1 and met a group of kids he hung out with all week. They played video games, basketball, went to shows together and just had a great time! His packing was questionable. His mother laid out some clothing choices for him and he put some of it in his suitcase. LOL We ended up buying a few pairs of athletic-type shorts, and 2 shirts before we even got on the ship. He had one swimsuit along and we discovered only had 2 pair of underwear once we got on the ship - so ended up buying more at considerable expense in Roatan. We did take advantage of the laundrette onboard. Would I do Carnival again? Yes. The crowds seemed well behaved, I didn't smell any pot, got sniffed by a dog, and there was a lot of security. Would I go on spring break again? Only if I was going with someone who could only go on that week.

Took my 14 year old grandson on another cruise line last summer. Told him that he had to agree to go to the kids program the first night to meet other kids otherwise he was going to be hanging out with grandma for the week. Although he had cruised before he had never gone to the program. Fast forward. Just got back from a spring break trip on Carnival with my daughter and same grandson. He asked to be signed up for the kids program and could hardly wait to go the first night. I don't think any of the kids his age actually spent much time at the program but they met others to hang out with throughout the cruise and we would see him occasionally on sea days and of course dinner. He had a great time. I will say the kids were all pretty well behaved and there was a lot of security out and about.

I try to always book mid-ship due to motion. It's not always the lowest deck since I'm looking for a balcony, but I have learned to watch where I'm booking. I wouldn't consider a higher deck cabin an upgrade, especially if it was forward. This is just me and I know what works and what doesn't. Someone new to cruising may not have a clue and be willing to part with their money.

Am finding the back and forth on this thread entertaining. I do not feel a dirty room is ever acceptable, but would bring it to the attention of my steward and expect it to be cleaned. Once I found a very long dark hair in my shower and thought it was just gross and knew it didn't belong to the short-haired steward. Just used a tissue to get rid of it...

I'll be able to answer this better in a little over a week. I am platinum on NCL, 3 star mariner on HAL, and have also cruised Royal (5), Celebrity (2), Princess, Costa and MSC. Am going on spring break with my daughter and grandson on the Carnival Pride out of Tampa. Smaller, older Carnival ship, but I let me daughter (early 40s) choose and she loves Carnival. She says it's the "fun" ship, likes the free eating options and loves comedy shows. I pretty much believe that every cruise is a good cruise and it really depends on your attitude going in. I am so looking forward to spending time with them and if things get out of control I'll just get a bucket of beer and sit on my balcony...

I have the Raphael Lounge and Sunset Garden Promenade on the list! Thanks for your input. Will also check out Deck 10. Like to be close to the pool, but sometimes it's pretty overwhelming and just too much. The last cruise I took with my daughter we found loungers on the fringes mostly in the shade.

I get on the Pride on Sunday. If I remember and am not having too much fun to think about it, I will ask and port it when I get back.

Thanks NinjaCat. I have a couple of things in my pile that are more similar to your casual dresses, but should probably pack one of my fancier things. Don't have many places to wear them anyway, so at least they'll get some use...

Thanks everyone. I am very much looking forward to a new adventure on a new line for me. I have sailed many of the smaller ships and really like those better, but even on the largest ships I just roll with it. I am not the type to do a live, am usually too busy relaxing in my lounge chair, but will come back after the cruise with my thoughts on the new line and the Pride. Thank you to all of you that do the lives. I've learned a lot from you throughout the years! My daughter loves the "fun" ship feel, the Blue Iguana, Guys Burgers, and especially the comedy shows - so I'm sure we'll be checking it all out. We fly in Friday night for a Sunday sailing and am looking forward to beach time in St. Petersburg before the cruise. It's time to sort through my piles and figure out what I need to put in the suitcase and what goes back in the closet. One question. I have the impression that overall the dress code on Carnival is quite relaxed. I know I can wear what I feel comfortable wearing, but am I wrong to leave my dressier clothes in the closet? Someone asked about Tampa port. I cruised out of there in January on the NCL Jade. Know this is a different terminal, but found the airport easy to navigate, easy to get a taxi to the port and just felt like a lot less hassle than Miami (I like Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral better than Miami). Tampa feels laid back and relaxed.

I have been cruising for about 30 years, averaging one or more cruises per year. Am 3 star on HAL, platinum on NCL, 5 cruises on RCL and have sailed Celebrity, Princess, MSC, Costa, etc., but never Carnival. Am heading out on my first Carnival cruise this weekend with my daughter and 14 year old grandson on the Pride out of Tampa, yes it is spring break. My daughter loves Carnival and I let her pick. She has sailed with us as a family on HAL, NCL and RCL, also on Celebrity, but loves Carnival and I let her pick the cruise. We have booked a balcony cabin, set-time dining, and I booked internet for myself. I couldn't justify the Cheers package since I am a light weight drinker - only beer - and we can take several bottles of wine on with us for my DD. I have been following the boards and it looks like the Pride is an interesting ship and I am prepared for that. I personally like the smaller ships, much easier to navigate. What are some things I should do, be prepared for and what is different on Carnival than what I'm used to. I have no doubt that we will have a great cruise. Just don't want to miss something that would make it stupendous. We have booked one Carnival excursion - are going to be Spiritual Cleansed in Belize, LOL, and I've booked the Paradise beach resort AI in Cozumel. Looking at the beach near the ship in Roatan - love the West End Beach, but 45 minute ride each way is a lot, and this will be a new beach for me - and a beach day in Grand Cayman. I've learned a lot from these boards over the years. Thanks to all of those who participate.

I'm a bit confused. My PCC called me shortly after my cruise in January to ask how it was and since I had such a good time I asked him to check a future booking I had my eye on. He said I could book with a reduced deposit because I had just sailed and could use a half off voucher - think he said it was the cruisenext certificate - since I had just sailed. Of course this could have been a cruisefirst certificate which was offered at $250 for $500, just didn't pay enough attention.

Thanks!

Have you stayed in a studio before? I am now solo also and have booked my second in a solo balcony cabin for next January. Neither of the ships have had a studio lounge/rooms, so that wasn't an option. Looking forward to your opinion of the studio on this ship.

Enough talk about sea sick meds. I would rather hear about YVRs travels. Thanks for the review. I leave a week from today and this will make that week go faster.

Sailed early August last year and had to look for a sweatshirt and sweatpants for my grandson at our first stop. He packed for himself, oh and we needed to find a belt at another stop. I brought the rain poncho for him and it was needed. I've sailed Alaska in May, July and August. Have worn a coat of some type on all. Agree, do not forget a rain proof layer. The inexpensive ponchos actually work quite well - hood, long to cover a lot and roomy for over anything you want to carry and keep dry.

We used the port valet and only carried 2 backpacks for the day. On our way out of the terminal we picked up some maps of the area - not sure if they have them all the time or not - and figured out how to navigate the rail transportation system. Walked to Pikes Place Market, along the water front and took the rail to the Space Needle and when we were done walking around took the rail to the airport. Worked great for us.

As a long time reader (lurker) and a relatively new poster, I have learned a lot about all the different cruise lines and ports on this website. Take what you want and leave the rest behind. Comparing cruise lines is part of the dialogue. We each need to figure out for ourselves what is important to us and make choices. Whether that is price, itinerary, embarkation port, drink package, ship, food, private island, solo rate, etc. I don't always go for the cheapest option, but value is important to me. We all love cruising or we wouldn't be on this website.

Many years ago when they first started the Free at Sea drinks it was Free for the first 2 guests in the room, with no gratuities charged. Yes, the sail away rate was generally less expensive than the lowest level allowing you to pick your own cabin, (most lines offer a lower rate if they can pick your cabin) but it was really a good deal.

This has been such an interesting thread. I am following the carnival boards because after 30+ years of cruising I am taking my first Carnival cruise ever in 2 weeks. I have cruised on HAL (3 star mariner), RCCL (5 cruises), NCL (platinum), MSC, Costa, Celebrity, and Princess but never Carnival. This is primarily due to two reasons. My initial TA who knew me well said that Carnival was not the best fit for our family (this was 30 years ago) and I just never booked with them, the second reason was that I like port days over sea days and most of the 7 day Carnival cruises only offered 3 port days. So why Carnival now? I am taking a spring break trip with my daughter and her oldest son - the 3 yr old is staying home with dad. My daughter loves Carnival and this was the cruise she choose. I'm very much looking forward to trying something new. She loves the "fun" of the ship, the food selections and she very much likes comics for entertainment. How does this fit into this discussion? Well I've been looking at the drink packages - cheers. I am used to the NCL included drinks and specialty dining - paying the gratuities - and there are times I question if I even drink enough to come out ahead paying the gratuities. My daughter may drink a little more than I do, but we can bring on a couple bottles of wine and get a couple buckets of beer and with four port stops we would never drink enough to get the cheers package. I like the drink package, I never worry about how much I'm spending and if I should have another, but I know I won't even get close to $1000 (for 2). I always book by itinerary, dates and value. Have never been in a suite or private area. Book what you want, enjoy whatever cruise you take.

One thing that might be considered. If your wife has some motion sickness issues, I would recommend choosing the ship where the room is near center lower in the ship. Cruise lines tend to promote higher level rooms, but it is smoother sailing closer to the center of the ship - and avoid the far forward cabins on any level. I take a "precautionary" bonine everyday of a cruise. I can still have issues with very high seas - the kind where the drawers in the bedstands go in and out on there own.