fwsportsnut

Have also been stalking for the last 2 months and today it pops up. Enjoy getting to room early and also being able to debark early and avoid some of the custom lines.

Any idea about October? When would that schedule be released?

Been trying for weeks to get fttf. Easier said than done. Last fall purchased about 5 weeks before cruise.

In Galveston everyone is in 1 big room, have seen non-fttf sitting with fttf, have never seen anyone checking to make sure you are in the correct area.. Have done fttf numerous times. Just hoping I might be able to get him through

Quick question. Traveling with son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter (10) in 1 room, wife and I have grandson (6) in ours. Son has FTTF, is there a chance Carnival would let grandson go ahead and board with my son even though he is in our room? Would hate for him to have to wait while his sister gets to board. Keep checking for FTTF in hope it becomes available.

Have taken one last 2 cruises and never had a problem, will do again Saturday. Hope no problem again. We just use it first day then hide it.

Can anyone give me advice on forward balcony, deck 6, on Valor? Some appear to be over seating area in theater but those from 6207 - 6231 appear to be forward of that. Any sound issues, etc with these rooms?

:)Question about balconies up front. My wife would like a balcony (deck 6) but has concerns that if too close to bridge someone on bridge can see too much balcony. She would feel uncomfortable sitting out and possibly being stared at. Is she being too concerned? Can bridges see much of up front balconies?

Look forward to these. Sail in November. Thanks.

Just off the Freedom, first time to try FTTF. Had to keep checking everyday and it finally became available. Keep checking and don't give up.

For me it was the best $60 I could have spent. Arrived in Galveston at 11:15 dropped of luggage and went to park. When back at terminal about 11:45 the regular lines were out the door. FTTF line had 12 people. Good start! After getting through that line and security went to get sing and sail, 1 person in line. Regular line had at least 300 people. Better start!

Got out S&S in about 5 minutes, walked directly onto Freedom, to our room and dropped off carryon. Went to get a bite to eat, back to our room by 12:30 and luggage was there. Unpacked and ready to go by 1:00.

Only went to guest services once, but did not have to wait in line at all, regular line always had 5-10 people in it.

Did not use tender feature, they had groups debarking based on excursion so was not an issue for me.

Did self assist debark, arrived at pier about 6:45-7:00, went to ding room about 7:15, they let us go by 7:40, was in my car and on the road at 7:59. Best debark ever.

GREAT start and finish. IMHO well worth it and I will never sail without it if possible.

Please...High Seas Texan is platinum with CCL, so you have to believe he knows what to expect as well as you -- and he's been clear that his disappointments are with changes.

Regardless, he doesn't need to justify his opinion. Or, perhaps, your expectations are lower.

 

I'm enjoying his posts and hope he continues to share them.

But sounds like he is expecting a 5 star for a 2 star price. And no, my expectations are not lower, just realistic. But you and he are both entitled to your opinion jut like I am. Could care less if platinum or diamond, still think expectations are too high.

Was on Freedom last week. MDR service was very good. Waiter knew names after first night, did not even have to ask how to cook our steaks after first time. Every steak I had was cooked perfectly. Was not sure of new menus but was pleasantly surprised. Ended up enjoying but also liked the old.

Room - ours was perfect. A/C was great, never an issue.

Remember, you get out of your cruise what you put into it. Sounds like OP had higher expectations then should have. I know what to expect with Carnival and therefore what was "missing" was not a big deal. One of the best overall cruises I have had.

Couple of years ago cruising with 2 year old. After first night in MDR waiter always had a bowl of strawberries cut up and a cup of chocolate milk waiting for her. Just a special little something that made our meals much more enjoyable.

8 days and counting.:). Single digits:)

Beware, when you use the win/ loss statement to prove your losses, they do some sort of strange taxing of the whole amount you gambled. I won $1300.00 on Breeze in Nov, submitted my win/loss to prove I won less then I spent. They look at the money you spent and do what my accountant basically calls " a tax for being a gambler". So before you send in the win/ loss statement you might want to "talk" to your tax folks ahead of time. My tax guy said, I can't UNSEE what you showed me. I'm paying $2400 in taxes on a 1300$ win.

I would get a new tax guy, and yes, I am a CPA

You will dock at Mahogney Bay, the Skylift is not worth the money. The beach is nice with plenty of free lounge chairs in the sun or shade. There is a bar right off the pier with music and many shops plus a bar/restaurant on the beach.

Get off the ship asap to get a choice beach location.

If you do an excursion through Carnival that gets you a covered lounger, float, etc do they assign you one or do you have to get there early. If I have paid for one do they guarantee I get one?

Have 6201 on Freedom on 8/22 . Looking forward to it. Have had porthole cabin on deck 2 before but never forward facing cabin. Hope a gem for my wife since she picked it, will no doubt be for me. Guess will know in a couple of weeks.

Couple of quick questions that I hope someone can answer. Considering getting the social package so my wife can use Facebook. Not sure she can go a week without it.

How big are the in room safes? Big enough for a small (14") laptop?

Do the onboard computers have a SD slot where she could load pictures to Facebook?

Always bring snacks, usually peanuts and crackers. Some for on board some for ports. Spouse ahs issues with certain foods (bread, sugar) so this is the easiest way to handle.

Might get lucky. I booked 1 day and called the next and switched ships for same port. No problem except lost OBC, then price doped and I got OBC back so it did work for me. Worth a chance to call.:)

Thanks for the brief update. Sail on 8/22 and always like to hear about trip. Same ports. Also have FTTF so hope it is worth it then.

If Carnival has 2 ships (Triumph and Freedom) in port how do they handle terminal issue. Do they have a second terminal and which one uses main terminal? Both are in and leave on a Saturday.

Curious if anyone can tell me anything about 6201 on Freedom. First time to book a obstructed view in the front and wanted impressions. Noise? deck outside?

Son and DIL are cruising in 2 weeks. Another couple also going. To get better rate son and DIL are on separate bookings (both under son's account) with each having 1 of the other couple on their separate booking #. What is best way to go about getting couples in rooms with spouses? Guest services after boarding? At check-in? Any other issues they need to address?

Also 2nd question. If both bookings under son's account willl they be at same table at dinner? If not can Carnival change if called or should the do on board?

Son and DIL are cruising in 2 weeks. Another couple also going. To get better rate son and DIL are on separate bookings with each having 1 of the other couple on their separate booking #. What is best way to go about getting couples in rooms with spouses? Guest services after boarding? At check-in? Any other issues they need to address?

Also 2nd question. If both bookings under son's account willl they be at same table at dinner? If not can Carnival change if called or should the do on board?