amcjeep4life

My nephews will be wearing black Converse with their formal outfits. And only because I want photos of them. Otherwise we'd be skipping formal night and just doing the buffet.

I believe they may put a small hold on the card when you first check in to make sure the card is valid. But they definitely use the cash or gift card money before applying any other balances to the card on record.

How do you know when to be somewhere for some specific activity without a clock? I normally do not wear a watch, but I always buy a cheap one just for a cruise. I want to make sure I am where I need to be for the things I want to do. I don't worry about it for getting up in the morning. Just activities during the day and making sure I am back on the ship on time!

EXACTLY!!! I am always on the hunt for that elusive 24 carat gold piece of ship on a stick! I need to know what time trivia and that stuff starts so I can continue the hunt! I have a watch that is in my "Cruise bag," along with that damn battery-operated alarm clock.

According to them, they do offer free wi-fi. Just remember to bring a towel.

I always bring a small battery-operated clock to use. That way you can always see what time it is. The one thing that drives me crazy on the ship is the lack of clocks anywhere.

My oldest nephew will be 11 when we cruise. We went on a cruise together when he was 8, so this will be the first time he will be able to roam about by himself. His mother had a heart attack when she heard that. I plan on having a good conversation with him about what is and is NOT acceptable. I will also warn him that the cabin is a terribly boring place to be grounded to for an entire 5 day cruise if he pisses me off. :D. I am actually getting him a watch for his b-day in February so that he will be able to adhere to the "Must meet at X time at Y spot, or DIE!!!"

Take it with you and either visit guest services, or use one of the self-serve kiosks. I bought some myself when they did the sale over t-giving.

I booked the British Colonial Hilton for me and my nephews in April. $60 per adult, $30 per kid 6-12, and 6 and under are free. It also includes $60 in vouchers for food and beverages. It's a short walk from the ships. I was there in 2010 and it was nice and quiet. There is a heated pool as well, just in case the water is too cool for the boys.

Anyone know how the photo package works now? For example, say there are 6 of us traveling together. Can we purchase one of the $349 packages and they put all our photos together? Or is it an actual "family unit" they will group together?

We booked Embassy Suites. $200. 2 double beds and a queen size sleeper couch. It also includes a manager's reception at night and an honest-to-goodness breakfast.

SAS is awesome. And you can't beat the price. They stay in communication with you. When we got back, they were already at the pier and waiting for us. We've used them 3 times and never had a problem. This year we are actually sailing out of FLL.

And I don't understand why people with FTTF would not get there early. I may have to wait a little but i am either waiting and the terminal or in my hotel room. Last year we arrived early with another couple who did not have FTTF and they boarded an hour after we did, that to me is a benefit.

I agree a zillion times over. I'd rather be waiting at the port to be one of the first on the ship. We had FttF for the Breeze, and I have it for both cruises this year. After that, I might finally hit Platinum, and won't have to do it any more. Since Carnival changed their program, what should have been my Platinum cruise is now just number 10.

Thanks!

My nephews are almost 11 and 5.5. We are cruising in April, and they know nothing other than the fact that we are taking a train somewhere. I just clear it thru their mom, and threaten her with a slow, painful death if she tells them. They still bug her about when do they leave, and does she know where we're going, and on and on. Personally, I love seeing that silly grin on their faces when they finally figure out where or what we're doing. The oldest has been dropping some pretty serious hints that he's ready to go on another cruise, which has his brother asking exactly how old he has to be to cruise. I just keep telling the little guy "you just need to be a little bit older." Yea, like 82 days older, lol! :D

Ahhh...then I can't help you. However, I'd love to see what they do offer when you get back! We aren't sailing for another 83 days. My nephews will be almost 6, and 11.

When will you be sailing?

I sailed 6 cruises successfully without a passport. I got one 2 years ago because we were talking about cruising out of Canada and I'd need it. Even took my nephew with me on one without his passport too.

I had an upsell call my first cruise, nothing since. Don't hear about too many people just getting upgraded without paying for the privilege.

You should be able to apply just the amount owed to your account. the remaining amount will stay on the card

I can assure you that is NOT how it works. I thought the same thing, and when I did a sort-of B2B in 2012, I ended up scrambling for money because the balance did NOT remain with the card. I was hoping someone out there had some experience with this in real life.

Not soon enough!!!

April 12 on the Fantasy with my nephews

October 17 on the Conquest with my cruise family, 17 so far!

I purchased a $500 gift card during the Black Friday sail, knowing I had 2 cruises coming up this year. I will put the card down for our S&S in April, but I know we won't use it all. Can someone please confirm the following:

The balance left on the card will be put on another gift card and sent to me, which I can then use in October.

Correct, yes? (I don't want to take the cash out, so please don't suggest that. Thanks tho. ;))

No one can probably answer yet since this itinerary doesn;t start for another few weeks. :D

I have yet to catch a hockey game on any cruise. Makes me crazy that I am occasionally forced to have football playing, but no hockey to be found.

^ I concur. We had a row of balcony cabins on the Liberty, but my sister and BL were in an inside across the hall. We got them a key card at guest services that opened the door, because we couldn't always hear them knocking if we were out there.

I'm reading all the Fantasy reviews I can, because in 140 days I'll be on the ship with my 2 nephews! Thanks for taking the time to write an awesome review. Way to kill some time for me!