mikesteg

 

Yes, call your carrier.   Cellular at Sea takes a piece of the pie, but your carrier should have an agreement with them and be able to quote the rates.   You might also consider the social WiFi plan, if you know any urgent issues would come from 1 or 2 sources so you could tell them specifically to use FB messenger or such.   Of course, that would only make sense if you'd use the package otherwise.    

 

If you have T-mobile you will have text and data for free in many ports, so depending on your definition of 'urgent' and what you'd be willing to do (ie fly back home), having service for 6 hours on 3 or 4 days might be sufficient.  

 

 

On Magic last month, the 'rooms not ready' signs did not have the tiny text and the bottom saying 'platinum and diamond come on it...'   Not sure if they removed the text to avoid people claiming status, or it's just the version of the signs that Magic has.    One of the room stewards did tell us we couldn't come in, but my wife kept telling her we were platinum and kept no walking.  This was pretty late relative to the rooms opening for all, like 12:30-12:45...

The benefit of Bar Cash or Cruise Cash is if you like to plan and pay ahead.

 

We might purchase $100 in Bar Cash one paycheck and $100 in Cruise Cash here and there from other paychecks. Not because we can't afford to take it from savings, but just because it's a quick and easy buy now and then when we have a bit of extra spending money on payday.

 

We still put the bulk of our spending money in cash when we board, but these little "pre-buys" are a handy way to spread out the expense.

 

Sure, but you can do that with discounted gift cards (bonus!), or just by sticking the money in a coffee can. (Do coffee cans exist any more?) The cruise cash creates a risk of losing any leftovers, or alternately creates a requirement to make sure it's all consumed.

 

I can see doing this for funds which you absolutely know will be consumed (ie. gratuities, soda cards if you buy them, St. Jude t-shirts, etc.)... after buying the CC using discounted GCs of course. :D That would alleviate the need to carry hundreds of extra dollars in gift cards onto the ship, which is a benefit.

 

The maximum amount that you can purchase of either is $500 per cabin, not per person.

 

I believe it's actually $500 per type (cruise cash, bar cash, photo cash), so $1500 total. Though, if it's truly restricted to those items I can't imagine anybody doing $500 for photos.

 

Like others, I don't see the point in buying for self... except that I did buy $225 on our past cruise in order to use gift cards where I had no physical card. I think they came from eBay at 15% off, so worth a bit of effort. I had previously had issues adding GCs via kiosk and didn't want to deal with trying to use eGCs at GS if there was an issue.

 

Also: apparently you cannot add a GC under $10 to your account via the kiosk OR at guest services. I had (still have) one with $5.04 on it, since I could not apply it on the ship. Next time I'll buy cruise cash with it prior to the cruise.

 

Note the kiosk actually says "for gift cards under $10, enter $10 as the value"... and then rejects it because the card doesn't have $10 on it. :eek: :confused:

That's a tough one, and I have no first hand experience (and possibly nobody here does.) You should call Carnival or the State Dept. for clarification.

 

From Carnival's page:

 

Traveling with a Birth Certificate and Photo Identification

 

Birth Certificate Information

 

The following are acceptable:

• An original or copy of a birth certificate issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics
  
• A clear, legible copy (photocopy) of a birth certificate that was originally issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics. The copy does not need to be notarized or certified.
  
• Birth Certificate Card
  
• A Consular report of Birth Abroad
  
• Internationally adopted children (under the age of 18): If the adoptive parent was not issued a birth certificate, we will accept as proof of citizenship, a Certificate of Citizenship by the U.S. and adoption paperwork. A Certificate of Citizenship is issued by the U.S. once the adoption is finalized.
  

 

 

 

Photo Identification

 

A non-expired government-issued photo I.D. is required of all guests 16 years of age and older. The following are acceptable:

• Driver's License
  
• Driver's Permit
  
• School/Student I.D. (acceptable for guests 16/17/18 years of age)
  
• Government-issued identification card (city/state/federal)
  
• Government-issued Trusted Traveler Program Membership Card (NEXUS/SENTRI/FAST) - for photo identification use only
  

 

 

https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3409

 

I would read the above to mean that if you have a US Birth Certificate, and a state issued photo ID, you should be good. However, you should call Carnival if you have any questions (and write down the names of the people you talk to.) Nobody is going to let you board with improper docs because someone on Cruise Critic said it was OK.

 

It appears that you don't need the adoption paperwork, but it seems silly not to bring a copy just in case?

 

Also note:

 

Traveling with a Minor

 

When traveling with a minor where one parent or both parents or legal guardians are not cruising, we strongly recommend bringing an original signed letter from the absent parent(s) or legal guardians authorizing the minor to travel with you. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security.

 

 

There are examples of this type of form floating around CC. You should also get a medical permissions form.

 

Why risk having an issue for the sake of not carrying a few sheets of paper (perhaps more than a few for the adoption, but still...) ?

Easy to roast at home. Set oven to 450. CUt off point of garlic head to expose cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and warp in foil and cook 45 min. Voila.

 

Agreed, then spread it on some freshly baked and toasted bread... heavenly!

OK, I'm back with facts!

 

There is a kids menu with the typical stuff (details later), and the kids can order off that for $5. However, they can share and there is plenty to go around.

 

I had another question if this was really 'family style' as claimed in some descriptions. The answer: sort of, but not really. Any apps that are ordered by more than 1 person are served on a single plate, family style. However, the main course and desserts are plated individually.

 

We ordered 2x calamari and 2x arancini. (Each adult is able to order 2 apps, hence the total of 4.) The calamari was on a large oval plate, and the arancini was about 8 golf ball sized items. Both were very good and large enough portions for the whole table.

 

They also provide warm-out-of-the-oven bread. Super light and fluffy in about and 8" round, maybe 2 inches deep. It was served right after we were seated, and was just awesome. Between the bread and the apps, we were getting full before the entrees came.

 

Sorry, I should have taken some pictures of the food... :o

 

I got the short ribs, my wife got the chicken parmigiana. Both were very large portions, and both very good. Far too much food for us actually. Just about everything came with a clove of roasted garlic, which is probably common in Italy, but a great touch (and tasty!)

 

Kids menu: no apps are offered. They have the typical entrees (chicken strips, fish sticks, basic pasta, and mac n cheese). They had only cannoli or sorbet on offer for dessert.

I have posted a snapshot of the menu here, so hopefully you can access it if interested: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ncxNVAgA2CDMbeWb7ux_CH65QsI8ZxKi/view?usp=sharing

 

Also, the generic adult menu on carnival.com: https://www.carnival.com/~/media/Images/explore/dining/menus/cucina-del-capitano-menu.pdf

 

I had read something about this being a long dinner, but that was not our experience. Everything showed up without unreasonable delay, and I think we were there for just about an hour which was perfect for us.

 

I would totally recommend this, even with kids, provided that are old enough to get through a dinner in the MDR. The restaurant was 1/2 full but only one other child was there. For $40 (family of 4) this is probably the best value at sea for up-charge dining.

Very nice son you have there!

 

You can contact Carnival (specialneeds@carnival.com I think)... they can answer your questions and if needed they'll get you plugged in, so to speak.

Take this with a grain of salt, because I'm not sure Carnival does things 100% the same when sailing out of Australia.

 

(1) There should be. They've been trending towards smaller tables over time, but worst case they might put you at 2 adjacent 6 seat tables. However, assuming you're not all in one cabin :eek: you will need your TA to link your reservations so Carnival knows to seat you together.

 

(2) If you have an assigned dining time, you will have an assigned table(s) at that time. If you do "my time dining" and go at a busy time you could be in for a long wait to get that much seating together.

 

(3) We don't do this sailing out of the US, so I would not think it would be necessary over there either. That would be something of a cultural thing though.

 

(4) You can do as you choose individually. However, if some are not dining in the MDR, it's nice to let the others know so they can tell the waitstaff, so they don't delay taking orders.

It appears to be $500 per cabin per category:

 

Cruise Cash purchases are limited to $500 per category, per stateroom. Each stateroom can purchase Cruise Cash Bar $500, Cruise Cash Photo $500 and Cruise Cash $500 for a stateroom total of $1500.

https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3602/~/cruise-cash-program

The booze and photo category claim that you can only use them on those items, but I don't think Carnival has ever tracked OBC by type (aside from refundable vs. non-refundable.) Buyer beware, however.

I also had issues applying GCs using the kiosks, and had to apply them via guest services. Not an issue though: just waited until the line is short. This was with the old terminals. I would hope the new kiosks that are being used with the quick check in are more capable.

 

Somehow I don't think that will be necessary. :D We never leave a cruise ship hungry, do we?

 

Roz

 

True, but it never hurts to be prepared! :D

 

 

You will have to pay at least the $5 per kid and their order would come from the kids menu. But of course - they could share whatever appetizer you order.

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

I suspect that is the case, but hopefully there is some flexibility. As with most things Carnival, it may well depend on who you talk to (or in this case, the waiter you get.)

The booking form/description says:

 

The $15 ($5 kids) fee includes an appetizer, entree, dessert and the wait staff's gratuity; additional gratuities are optional and may be extended in cash or to the guest's Sail & Sign Account, at the guest's discretion.

That suggests (to me) that it's just cheaper for the kids. Given no other input I'd think it would align with the rest of the ship, meaning the kids could order off either menu.

 

However, when I just did the google search and found the general page, it says:

 

Cost: Adults: $15

Kids Menu Available (11 and under): $5

https://www.carnival.com/cruise-food/cucina-del-capitano

 

That suggests (to me) that it's $5 only if they order off the kids menu.

 

It also says the food is served "family-style" which implies (to me) that the food is served in larger dishes in the middle of the table and everybody takes what they want. In other words, order 2 adult entrees and there would be plenty for everybody in our family.

 

Ah well, we'll know soon enough. Worse comes to worse, we'll hit the buffet a bit later. :D

Thank you. I thought about posting in the main group, but I think this group has 90% of the experience and knowledge with regards to kids. Also, we get a much lower rate of people asking why I'd take my kids to a nice dinner and/or even take them on a cruise. :confused: Anyway, I'll know the answer in about 6 weeks, and hopefully remember to come back here and answer my own question. :)

I've booked this for our upcoming cruise on Carnival Magic, but I'm wondering if they kids get to order off the main menu, or a kids menu, or both/either? They are 8, so they won't eat a regular portion, but they are fairly adventurous eaters so I could see them go for something 'grown up' for the entree... but they'd also be happy with 'kids meal' noodles and sauce/butter, so I'm not worried about the entree.

 

However, they will demolish some calamari and probably would go for some salmon carpaccio if it's on Magic's menu. The thing is that if they can't order calamari, they will eat all mine! That's my big concern. However, I see so many good things on that example menu that I'm tempted to book another night just for my wife and I.

 

Thanks!

Did you try

https://myaccountrwd.allstate.com/anon/account/login?campaign=145

Logout first.

We too have used Park n Cruise several times and will again in September.

 

Is there a trick to pricing? Coupon? The website (park cruise doot com) is pricing at 8 days "peak" (for a 7 day cruise), plus tax and fees, totaling $107.

 

Port parking is $17/day. It's not clear is that is tax included like in Miami, or if they charge for 8 days (as opposed to 7 nights... or 7 up-to-24 hours periods). Still it seems like it's $120-140, which is not a big difference from $107.

We have no experience with NCL, but our kids really like MSC's camp. What we could see of it from outside looked quite nice.

 

From the parents' perspective, not so enjoyable. They were poorly organized on check in. Filling out the pre-registration paperwork was pointless (but hopefully has changed.) The week we were on they had an Easter egg hunt which our kids (and many others) missed because we only showed up 15 minutes early and couldn't get checked in on time. We had already registered, but they didn't have a separate line for check in vs. registration. They still ran the egg hunt on schedule, even with dozens of kids waiting in line. Really, really poor management.

 

However... that is not consistent with our experience on 4 other MSC cruises. Generally they have their 'stuff' together, so hopefully they've cured their issues on Seaside by now. In fact, we had taken our kids on several Carnival cruises and they would never stay in camp... until our first MSC cruise (on Poesia) where the staff was much nicer and the kids had a much better time.

 

MSC is a bit different (at least from Carnival) in that they move the kids around the ship much more frequently. It didn't seem to be as frequent on Seaside, but they were also overrun with ~1200 kids on the ship that week.

 

Seaside is an awesome ship. Totally doesn't feel like there are 5000 other people on the ship. If you have the AI package, there are self-serve soda, beer, and wine taps are the far rear of the buffet. Also, two words of advice: gelato milkshakes.

If I understand correctly, you booked ES and therefore the remainder of your deposit (aside from the $200 penalty) will remain with Carnival for a future booking.

 

• The deposit and payment terms are the same. Guests who cancel prior to the final payment date will receive a future cruise credit in the amount of the deposit received less a $50 USDservice fee per person.
  

 

 

Assuming you made a typical $100 deposit, you can't just walk away and eat the $200. You'll need to cruise with Carnival at some point (within 2 years) to use the $800. At this point, I'd keep an eye on fares. With over a year to go, you're likely to see a price drop on something suitable at some point.

Dinners used to sometimes take 2 hours, but that is no longer the case. The dining times on Carnival are 2 hours and 15 minutes apart, and they'll be hinting that'd like you to leave it you're still at early seating after about 1 hour and 45 minutes. We've been there that late a couple times and they'll start flashing the lights and/or the head waiter will come by, but we're still waiting for desert. We don't eat slow nor do we ignore our food while conversing... and frankly we'd like to have been out 30 minutes ago, but we seem to attract bad/slow waiters.

 

Anyway, you can always get up and leave... ideally before ordering desert. Don't assume it will be quick, even though most deserts are pre-plated and should show up in 5 mins or less. We generally have taken to skipping desert in the MDR and going to the buffet sometime later to grab something. That shortens the sitting time and we find desert to be more enjoyable on a not-so-full stomach.

After my awful experience on the Seaside with 5000 people in Jan. I can't imagine the cluster they will have with 6000 people. NO thanks!!!

 

Seems to be a mixed bag. We were on Seaside during Spring break in April. Max capacity, with 1200 or 1400 of those being kids. We had no people issues, and we actually rarely ran into a meaningful line anywhere. We found the people management to be better than any other ship we've been on.

 

Clearly there have been issues though, and hopefully they have learned and will apply them as they build more ships.

 

Unlikely I'll be booking this 2 years out like I did with Seaside, but we'll be looking forward to seeing what develops. Certainly we'll be cruising on her "little" cousin ship Seaside again, if not the new ship right away.

Good news! Good news!

 

And, tucked in the detail of the resolution.... a new parking garage!

 

Very good to see MSC confirming that they can deliver the same experience (on average) as the other cruise lines at a good discount, and are apparently making enough money to substantially increase their presence in the US.

Where do you enter these on the app? I am new to drivewise and don't see a place to enter a promo code.

 

I dropped the app months ago, but I don't think you can. They have to be entered on the website. FYI, these are included (buried) in the emails you're likely getting from Allstate.

This is interesting: https://carnival-news.com/2014/04/18/carnival-cruise-lines-inreoduces-new-marine-themed-camp-ocean-childrens-program/

 

New Badge Challenge

Carnival will also introduce a Badge Challenge as part of Camp Ocean, which will provide the opportunity for kids to earn and collect badges as a special memento of their cruise. Badge challenges will include a variety of unique activities that provide an original way for kids to learn about their vessel, experience onboard adventures and gain a sense of accomplishment. After completing tasks which may include trying a new food, making an aquatic towel animal or riding the water slide, children will collect corresponding Camp Ocean badges.

 

 

However, the article is dated 2014. We've been on 5 or 6 Carnival cruises, mostly with Camp Ocean, and have not run across this.

 

There are a number of blogs posts also, but they seem to have all been released right after the Carnival new release.

 

I think my kids would love this, but it seems likely it died on the vine.

GE does not extend to minors traveling with parents, and that is abundantly clear. I think they actually had posters stating that in the interview office.

I wish they would change it so only people who actually have Allstate insurance could have access to the cards. It ruins it for those of us who actually use Allstate

 

It doesn't seem to be an issue with Carnival gift cards, or probably with any of the others. The daily cards for points only (ie. free) seems to be basically impossible to get.

 

Being a non-Allstate customer, I wouldn't mind if they gave a larger discount to Allstate customers, or more opportunity to earn points. However, this is a sales leader for them. Some people will convert to Allstate, and .... cha-ching!

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

I don't mind the tracking, and it sucked battery on one of my phones but very little usage on the other. I had the same behavior with Pokemon go, so I assume it had to do with the phone's underlying process scheduler or something.

 

Anyway, my issue is that my route to work and back frequently violates the 80mph and hard braking goals. If I try to make those, I become a moving roadblock and people cut in front of me. Wasn't increasing my safety. :eek: