Prof Peg

Am hoping that an experienced CC person can answer my question, please.

My husband and I will be taking a cruise to San Juan. He is a retired Coast Guard Chief and would like to visit the base, if possible. Perhaps they even have an exchange. He uses a cane, so I am guessing that walking around to the base might not be a possibility, but what about a taxi? Would they let a taxi on base or would they require us to get out of the taxi at the main gate?

Has anyone visited the CG base?

Thanks so much.

On our last cruise, we had an ocean suite (upgrade at last minute). It was absolutely wonderful. There was so much room and unlike our regular cruise cabins, my husband and I were not continuously running into each other. We were the only two in our cabin, but four might fit comfortably (depends on how "close" you are ;))

Have a great cruise and remember to just ENJOY.

Like many people here, we usually already have in mind the cruise and the cabin that we want. But they don't always show the cabins that are available, so we always call our PVP to help with the selection. She has been so helpful and we've gotten to be friends.

So we don't expect her to do everything for us....but she's got our backs!!!! :D

We have used it several times and never been disappointed or had a problem with it. The most recent was on the Liberty this past September.

We love it, it's nice not to have to search for your bags when you get off the ship, then drag them to the van, then drag them to the check in desk at the airport. We choose to take the easy way out; that's how we got "older." :D

So then the question becomes -- do you save your gambling money and use it in ports that have a casino? Or do you try for your luck on the ship? :rolleyes:

i would agree with the comments on the ship. We had a really great time and certainly didn't let the menu keep us from gaining weight.

However, yes--there was a LOT of vibration and we were in a suite. I even mentioned to DH that it felt like we had "put a quarter in the box by the bed." (Anyone old enough to remember those??)

During our cruise in Sept., we lost power a few times too, but just in the casino area as far as I know.

Cruising is such fun, there are always new experiences!!

Our third cruise was a Christmas cruise on the Legend. It was spectacular - Christmas Eve I was on the deck looking at the ocean and all I could think of was "Silent Night."

The ship was decorated beautifully and one evening (maybe more, I can't remember) we were all in the Atrium area singing carols and they had snow coming down from the very top. The kids we had on board were beyond themselves with excitement.

They had a Menorah Lighting ceremony each evening and they went out of their way to make as many people as possible feel festive. Staff all wish you Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas. We gave our stewards a little bag of candies and goodies along with some extra money. Everyone can use money at Christmas. If they didn't want the candy, we knew there would be someone in the crews quarters who would like it.

We had one of the round ones (grey) and it leaked. So we returned it and they gave us another one. This one leaks too, but we have gotten to the point where we bring plastic bags to line it with if we're using ice. It works well.

Our friends just boarded the Pride also. They are Diamond, so obviously they enjoy cruising and know how to take advantage of it.

Watching the port camera right now, sailaway is coming up soon! Have a wonderful trip.;)

I check Fare Viewer a couple of times a day. However, yesterday I did a mock booking & found that there was a Military Appreciation Sale (exp. 11/16) and we did get a small price drop + $50 OBC.

 

Guess I'll have to do more mock bookings.

Sparky,

Would you happen to know if you can keep the Early Saver ability even after you claim the Military rate?

Peg

B2B are absolutely FUN. We've done two - one was a b2b2b on Fantasy out of Charleston (5+5+7) and the other was b2b on the Sensation (4+3).

The one on the Fantasy was unbeatable and a chance to meet others who were also staying on board. And if you really wanted to, you could get off the ship in Charleston and do a bit of sightseeing. When you returned to the ship, you went directly to the front of the line. That part, we haven't tried yet.

The Sensation was fun, but I have learned that I don't really like 3 day cruises even if they're hooked on to a 4 day. Let me first say "We drink...we enjoy a drink...etc. etc." But the number of falling down drunks on the 3 day was a bit more than we could handle. Heaven help them - we saw three drunks in the area outside the elevator. One was so drunk he was on the floor, each time one of the others tried to pick him up, they fell on the floor. It was like a Three Stooges routine. They were okay; just laughing it up!

But a B2B is a definite for any bucket list, especially if you can do two itineraries from the same cabin.

On our cruises, my DH is not allowed to eat them! I collect them and bring them to my office. One chocolate a day brings back the memories of the last cruise. Now I have a colleague who has discovered she likes them....oh well, just means I have to cruise more often. (DH hasn't bought in to that idea yet, still working on him!).:eek:

Our first choice anytime we book this class of ship is 4148, but for our May 24, 2015 cruise on the Pride, we had to take 4149. It's going to be the same -- just on the starboard side, still have a great view in between lifeboats.

We like it because it is near the more central elevators and we can walk in either direction. It's a great value if you're after the light and the fresh air.

I have no personal knowledge of the one you've selected and it could be nice for you. We just wouldn't want to be that close to showroom or that far forward. As they say, to each his own.

Have a great trip!

Thank you all so very much for your help!

Yes, we will be driving down the day of the cruise. The maps all say about 5-1/2 hours but we figure more like 6-1/2 to 7 with rest stops, food, and taking it easy. Like I said, it will be our first time out of Baltimore and we're looking forward to it. We've done Boston and that was an easy ride, unfortunately Carnival decided to abandon them!

Have a great day!

May 24, 2015 we will be taking our first cruise out of Baltimore (usually we fly south, but that's getting expensive). We are driving down from the Syracuse, NY area and the map programs have two different routes suggested. One takes 95 through the Ft. McHenry Tunnel and then the first exit. The other way that has been suggested is coming in on Route 83 (it looks like its through the downtown area). If its early morning or mid-morning, does anyone have a suggestion as to which route would be better.

Thank you so much for your help and advice. This could be the start of more "local" cruising for us. :D

I'm enjoying your review. Thanks for posting it. I have a question. What is the correct pronunciation of Curacao?

Go into dictionary.com and enter curacao. When it comes up there will be a little speaker symbol next to the word and if you click on it you will hear someone say "coor-a-sow"

Hope this helps.

Does anyone know the identity of the upgrade fairy? Silly question, I know, but are they regular PVP's who have been given certain number of offers they can make to people. Or are they a special office of people who spend all their time making offers to cruisers who sometimes "leave smiling."

Wish I knew the secret, but then you do too, don't you!!!

Happy cruising everyone :D

I wouldn't use my debit card for the S&S, but we do use a credit card that has a lower limit. We always keep that in mind when spending.

Mistakes are made sometimes, so I agree with the poster who said keep an eye on your bill during the trip. We had a wine package charged twice on our bill; but very easily taken care of and no hassle. Then I had a $185 charge for a cocktail before dinner--not a problem, it got taken off right away. But you do need to keep an eye on things, just like in your daily life!

We have friends that introduced us to cruising and also to Carnival in 2009 (they are very high Diamond folks). They taught us to always bring the Clorox wipes and such -- it's the first thing we do when we get onboard. Well...maybe the second thing we do....after the burger and the DOD. :rolleyes:

I realize that FTTF is a great program, but I have this personal belief ("opinion"), that the poor stewards are really being rushed. Granted some people are hard to clean up after and they have a responsibility also. And yes, there are stewards that are not as good as others.

There is also a health issue for the remaining passengers if he never left the hot tub. How about the safety officer as in health safety? Do they have one?

Absolutely CANNOT go to bed without first stopping by the Alchemy bar. It is the perfect ending to another great day of cruising.

We start at the top of the menu and work our way through all the great selections. My DH will get one flavor and I will get another, then we share a sip or two. :D

It is always so nice to read about cruisers free upgrades and also the upsale fairy. A lot of people mentioned being Platinum and since we just made Platinum on our last cruise, I'm hoping that is the magic keyword. Not sailing until September so it's going to be awhile before I can start holding my breathe. I wonder if having an adjoining cabin helps -- we don't need it, but someone else just might.

Happy sailing!

Here again, is the leader of our wait team Nenad……

 

To be continued…..

Great job, Jamman. We have really enjoyed your review. Last January, husband and I did a B2B2B on the Fantasy. On the last leg, when friends joined us, we were all at afternoon tea and wanted someone to take our picture. We asked a waiter and he said he would, but only if we took his picture. Here's the photo and I would swear that it is Nenad.

It was a great cruise; would love to do it again, including the B2B part.

If someone asked us what our most favorite cruise was...it would be so hard to pick one. They each had their special memories. January 2013 we did a B2B2B out of Charleston and it was incredible. We should have stayed in Charleston a few extra days because there is so much to see and do, even in the winter. The crew on the Fantasy are excellent (as they have been on other ships too) and the Cruise Director Risa is a gem. Her announcements are so clear and concise; she doesn't spend a lot of time chit-chatting. We would do it again in a heart beat!

Do we have any complaints???? Well, I guess I would have to say that I wish Carnival would switch some ports so that it wouldn't be a continuous Nassau - Freeport. They have added a couple, so perhaps we'll try it again. :D

I love decorating our door; it gives me something to plan and work on while I'm counting the days until sail away!!!

We use the Command products and they work very well. The best part is that clean-up is so easy. I'm afraid of scotch tape, because at work I always seem to be picking it off the door or scraping it.

We've never had a problem with vandalism, but just don't make it anything that is costly, irreplaceable... you know what I mean! Just have some fun.

Happy sailing everyone!!