JinxyB

I didn’t ask- I was at work and had limited time to talk. I’m probably going to book a few more excursions before the cruise, but will ask this question when I call again.

Just an update to my original post: I called PG today to book excursions and asked the guy about upgrading my stateroom. Since I’m 60 days out, he was able to upgrade me to a balcony for 1K pp (child was not charged). I am very pleased with this! I was worried about triple occupancy rooms being available, but there were several.

We were on the 3/24 Viva sailing and I agree with you! Every day was a port day and finding snacks at 4PM was impossible. Why they don’t open the buffet longer is beyond me. They didn’t even have the ice cream machine open. Makes zero sense. At least they could open Indulge? I also did not care for the Galaxy Pavilion- it was always closed and the games were minimum $9 a piece which is craxy. Don’t get me started on the mini golf for $10pp! Pure insanity! We did the go carts once and it was a waste of money. We waited over an hour while they kept letting Haven and single riders through. It was poorly managed. We did specialty dining 6/7 nights and enjoyed it. Ship is beautiful, ports amazing. Poor selection of merch in the onboard shops. Overall had a great time and loved spending time in PR pre and post cruise!

We were just on the Viva and the carryon bag drop was in one of the main restaurants near the Belvedere Bar. We dropped off bags and went out to explore Old Sam Juan. I know this does not answer your question regarding Prima, but hopefully it is the same/similar

Hello, we are experienced cruisers, but have never been to French Polynesia before. We are doing the 14-day Islands Of The Marquesas & Tuamotus this summer. There are 2 adults and one child (13) and we are currently booked in a window cabin. I did a mock booking of our sailing, and all of the lower cost insides/window rooms are sold out….will they discount the balcony rooms closer to sailing? Or do they just drop the prices for local residents to sell out the ship? I’ve also been looking at ship sponsored and private excursions. How hard is it to hire a local guide while in port or take a taxi to a local beach? Some of our ports seem very remote and isolated, and no excursions are even offered, so I’m assuming we can walk/hike around. 1 Sat PAPEETE, TAHITI ISLAND French Polynesia 0:00 17:30 2 Sun Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands French Polynesia 10:00 16:00 3 Mon At sea At sea 4 Tue Hapatoni, Tahuata Island French Polynesia 12:00 23:59 5 Wed Atuona, Hiva Oa Island French Polynesia 7:00 18:00 6 Thu Omoa, Fatu Hiva Island French Polynesia 7:00 17:00 7 Fri Hakahetau, Ua Pou Island French Polynesia 7:00 18:00 8 Sat Taiohae, Nuku Hiva Island French Polynesia 7:00 23:59 9 Sun Hatiheu, Nuku Hiva Island French Polynesia 8:00 15:00 10 Mon At sea At sea 11 Tue Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands French Polynesia 7:00 17:00 12 Wed Bora Bora, Society Islands French Polynesia 16:00 13 Thu Bora Bora, Society Islands French Polynesia 23:59 14 Fri Motu Mahana, Taha'a Island, Society Islands French Polynesia 8:00 17:00 Sat PAPEETE, TAHITI ISLAND French Here us our itinerary. I plan on booking snorkeling excursions in Bora Bora, Rangiroa, and Fakarava. We are happy to go to a beach and swim/snorkel- don’t need anything luxurious. Any suggestions for other ports? I’ve been reading these boards and have gotten tips, but would love suggestions. Thank you!

I definitely will! 😃

That’s really disappointing to hear they removed mini-golf on the Breakaway, too. We are just off the Viva, and they charged $10pp to play on their mini-golf course, which I refused to pay. I’m assuming they are going to ‘upgrade’ to the for-fee mini golf on the older ships eventually. The ‘Away’ ships are my favorite, but it really stinks they removed something so simple as free mini golf!

We are going in June - so excited!

I don’t think you would have enough time to tour El Yunque with that port time. We just did a full day tour because we stayed in San Juan a few days before our cruise, and it was at least an hour drive to get there. Maybe you could arrange a private driver, but I’d be worried about missing the ship

There is no way I would bring my child with this condition on a cruise, unless she had a pacemaker/defibrillator implanted….and only then if their doctor said they were stable enough to travel. I’m a medical professional and feel comfortable using an AED, but I’d be a nervous wreck hauling around one on a ship and worrying about my kid dropping dead on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean.

Gotcha- that’s gross and hopefully a lifeguard intervened

Disney’s splash pad is designed for non-potty trained infants/toddlers. They have a separate filtration system for the water there. Swim diapers not allowed in main pools, though. And that Aqua Duck water coaster is sooooo much fun. Disney is worth every cent.

It says Carnival Elation in the article

I sailed the Prima last year, and it was not my favorite NCL ship for a variety of reasons. I would not sail Prima/Viva in a cold weather environment because the inside venues are a small. The viva itinerary is port intensive with a port every single day, so I’m not too worried.

I don’t plan on doing a review- def not live, but may post some thoughts when I get back. If you have any specific questions, I’d be happy to answer them once I’m on the ship! I’ll be traveling with a teen, so my perspective may be different, anyways

Following! We are going to San Juan 2 days early for our Spring Break trip on the NCL Viva next month. Similar ports, with the exception of Guadeloupe. I booked an all day tour of El Yunque and kayaking the bioluminescence bay at night, so I’ll be curious to read your review of your tour. Also staying in the Condando area. Have the best time!!!

I have sole legal/physical custody of my child- I always travel with a copy of the court order when I leave the country. I do have a passport for my child and we have the same last name. I have never been asked anything on multiple land trips, cruises, and even entering Canada by air (I have read they are strict about having parental permission). I recommend getting passports and carrying a copy of your court order.

Southwest actually has a policy that a ‘person of size’ can get two seats for free- I’m not sure how this is accomplished, but there is no excuse for this woman to be encroaching in your seat!

Following/lurking…☕️🍿

We are booked for a 14 day cruise next summer! I’m so excited- this is a bucket-list trip for me and we are going to enjoy it to the fullest. It’s also great that kids are free 😃

How old was your child? My son will be 13 and I am hoping he will enjoy the program!

The wood fired pizza was really good on Scarlet Lady! Probably the best I’ve had on any cruise line 🤷🏻‍♀️

Yes- I’m sure it’s because it’s the only ship there and they can charge a premium. But 3K for an old ship in an inside room is bonkers

Agreed, it just won’t be me! Have you seen what Royal is charging for the Icon? Pure insanity. I’m switching over to less cruises and more AI resorts/land trips

I was browsing potential cruises to perhaps sail over NYE. Carnival would be my last choice, but I can drive to Charleston and the days fit my schedule around the holidays. I realize that holiday cruises are $$$, but Carnival is charging $3K for an inside cabin for a 5-day sailing! This is completely insane to me (it’s on an older ship, too). I guess they can charge this, because people are booking it. I guess my point is I obviously won’t be booking it, but I wonder how much longer the cruise industry can charge these outrageous prices? The Covid travel bubble has to burst at sone point