cbMcruiser

We stayed in the Miramar section of PR for our one night. It was fairly close to the Pan Am pier, although we sailed on Carnival out of OSJ. There were several hotels to choose from. We booked the Hotel Miramar, as we did not want a pool. It was a very nice, clean hotel with very friendly staff. Within two blocks there were many restaurants, offering from fairly high end regional type cuisine to pizza, tacos and even Subway. Also a fairly nice grocery store was in the same block. There was also a 24/7 diner right across the street. Cabs were plentiful to get you to the pier the next morning.

one of the reasons i cruise is to disconnect. I don't want it! Lol don't want my kid to have it either.

like!!!!

A quick read or search on the board would find many references to sunny.org, which lists all the hotels in FLL and their perks, services, etc. There are 2 or 4 that have shuttles. Common advice also is not to get too locked up in free shuttles, taxis are plentiful, cheap, and in most cases the distances aren't too far at all.

LIKE! I have had to turn away from this site and Facebook for a while as the redundancy is becoming unbearable.

I was looking around online and unless I am mistaken do the hotels in San Juan not offer shuttles to the cruise port?

and if they do not how do you guys usually book? close to the port or close to the airport?

There is a published taxi rate sheet for PR. I have posted it several times since our 2014 cruise. Perhaps a search will get it for you. It is very clear as to the rates, bag fees, etc.

There are numerous cabs awaiting at the appointed area at most of the hotels on the appropriate cruise days. I am not aware of shuttles, but there might be a couple.

We got in early the day before our cruise and decided to stay in the Miramar area. We got a good rate and it was nice. The Hotel Miramar was comfortable. Within 2 blocks were 7 restaurants that included; 2 upscale, one pizza, one 24/7 diner and fast food. There was also a grocery store.

Since the ship didn't leave until 10 pm on Sunday, our group of 8 took our time and got to the pier around noon. We were all off the ship before 2 and then we toured OSJ. Got to see both forts and then Carol & I stayed and ate dinner at a local place, The Cafe Berlin. We got back to the Valor around 8:30.

I've been cruising with Carnival since the early 90's and thankfully for them' date=' almost all of the 90k cruisers a week including myself couldn't care less about these petty changes. I do not cruise for bottled water or gold parties or to try and rat out balcony smokers and so on. Only on cruise critic are these changes escalated thousands of times over. As long as Carnival continues to provide me the excellent service they do and safely get me to my destinations I'll continue to sail with them. Don't sweat these changes. All companies in every business change. Enjoy your cruise.[/quote']

 

Nicely stated, agree 100%

Our flight isn't until 6pm after we disembark - is there such thing as a post cruise excursion? How late would I be able to stay on the boat? Sailing on the Liberty in November, flying out of San Juan

After our cruise, we did the Rain Forest excursion. We also had a 6 pm flight. Carnival got our luggage to the airport staging area for the agriculture screening. So, after the 3 hour excursion and with to and from travel, we got to the airport at about 1:30. There were a couple of semi-decent places to eat and we killed the rest of the time watching people trying to find places to plug in their electronic devices. What a sight seeing groups of ten people hovering over an eight plug wall outlet! "You done yet?"

Anyone rhyme or reason to which cabins/decks now have flat screen TVs? Just curious.

 

 

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This is important to some. We have a grandson with minor CP and he spends a decent amount of time in his/our room. The amount of effort he spends getting on/off for excursions and getting to other ship venues cause him to need "re0charge" times in the room. He brings a game system with him and depending on the TV in the room, there is a choice to which one he hooks up to. Just because some people can't imagine this, others plan because of this!

If it is a new thing to assign boarding times, we will gladly take the 2:00-3:00 time! We would like to have a leisurely breakfast, check out as late as possible and go directly to our room when we embark. Our days of rushing onto the ship are over, especially when we have already been on that ship. YMMV...everyone has their own preference :)

LIKE!!!!! Carol & I feel the same way. So we benefit those who would rather get there early as we won't be in their way.

I agree as well that it is worth reading and then reacting. Carol & I also agree with many of the posters, as we usually come to the port town 2 days early and tour the town. We love to enjoy a breakfast in or around the hotel and then casually make our way to the ship. We try and get there about 1 to 2 and usually just walk right on. We then don't have to worry about "sneaking" to our cabin.

We don't have any interest in the FTTF program. We get to the "fun" fast enough thank you very much. We have always wondered if any of the same people that lambast the buffet are some of the people looking to get on as early as possible so that they can eat? I know there are other food venues, but the buffet is sure crowded even when we get on.

We also usually stay in town at least one addtional day, so we don't care what time we leave the ship. Check-in time is in the afternoon at most of the hotels.

Isn't retirement a nice thing?

We actually got a good price from Hertz the time we cruised out of Tampa. They have a satellite office within the Marriott Waterside (downtown). It is just a couple of blocks from the terminal and they provide a shuttle.

Hello folks. I live in the Tampa Bay area so haven't had to do a pre-cruise hotel stay. Needing information for a friend, as I have little first hand experience for prices, locations and transfer to the port. I know the area well, but just not the particulars. Thanks for any help. I appreciate.

We stayed in the Rocky Point area at the Chase Suites. There were five of us. There was a nice restaurant close by called the Bahama Breeze. They had a shuttle from the airport and to the port. Also a very nice breakfest buffet.

Need some info /recommendations for renting a car at the Port of Tampa.

 

We are flying home out of Orlando. Will there be a drop charge?

 

Thanks

When we did this in 2012 there was no drop off charge identified on the bill. We rented a vehicle from Hertz. They have a satellite office at the:

Marriott Waterside HLE

700 South Florida Avenue

Tampa, Florida

They have a van at the port to take you to the hotel. There was an area across the stret where are the transportation vans were queued.

We then spent two days in Cocoa Beach before returning the vehicle to their Orlando airport site.

Hey friendly cruisers, just some questions about Port of Miami, first off does anyone have any recommendations as far as a good place to stay the night before the cruise that also offers the option to leave your car parked there? We live in Orlando and thought we'd drive down the night before if we can pay a little more than the cruise terminal parking to stay one more night in advance and get to leave our car there also.

 

Also, looking for tips or recommendations as to where to park while on the cruise in Miami if we don't do a hotel? If any of you have any places you've parked at before that are a bit cheaper than parking at the port but still a good experience please let me know!

 

We've booked Epic Miami by Kimpton hotel for the night after our cruise which we're really looking forward to!

 

Thanks in advance for any and all advice!

Go the the North American Home Ports page, then Florida Departures and you will be able to search for all the answers you want. Also, the Florida experts are all on that page and can help you. There are probably 10 posts on the first two pages that can give you the answers you are looking for.

Did Carnival change their policy on the amount of wine you can bring on in your carry on? It says one 750 ml. . I sailed last year and brought two bottles of wine on board. Please share your experience with bringing wine on board. I am departing from Miami, FL.

Thank you,

Calypso

From the Carnival website:

Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board. However, at the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day, guests (21 years of age and older) may bring on board one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne, per person, only in their carry-on luggage.

This has been constant for a while now.

My husband and I are booked on the Dream on May 17th. We booked the cheapest interior guarantee we could get and last night I got a call from carnival ... I was so excited when I saw that 305 area code ! They offered us a balcony for 150 each more. I don't know if it's a GREAT deal but I've been watching prices for a white and it looks like it's about 100-150 less than we would pay if we booked it ourselves that way so... We took it :D we have friends on going on the cruise with us and their interior was not much cheaper than our balcony so we figured it was a good deal?

 

I'm so excited!! I've never had a balcony on a carnival ship !!! I sure hope it's worth the extra money !,

Every cruise Carol and I have been on, save 1, has included a balcony. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. It is nice to sit out there while the other gets reading for evening activities. It is nice sitting out there at night and watching/hearing interesting things in the water. It is also nice to know that you have a place to go that is quiet if the ship is too much for you. In the morning, go get your breakfast plate and your specialty coffee and then eat together on the balcony...nice way to start every day!

If you don't really need to be in the sun - you can find very quiet spots outside on Lobby deck 3 - there is a covered deck there with loungers and no music or traffic or too many people - great for reading/relaxing with an ocean view. :)

..I agree and would add that it is also close enough to a bar. We played a travel Scrabble game there all the time, supplemented by Bailey's on the rocks!

We're on the Carnival Valor on 3/22, so we'll fly in on 3/21.

 

I'd like an OK hotel, but it seems all the ones that are recommended near the port are like $250-300/night.

 

I can get the Hilton Ponce for $150 but it seems it's on the other side of the island?

 

Is there something else in the $150 range that doesn't have bed bugs,etc that's a little closer with free breakfast?

Two years ago, but we stayed in the Miramar section, just outside of OSJ. We used the Hotel Miramar, it was under $200 and the area was good for eating choices and shopping. No free breakfast, but a real inexpensive and good 24/7 diner was right across the street. No pool at this hotel, but there are other Miramar properties that have pools if that is important.

We will be staying at this hotel on April 30 of this year pre cruise for 1 night. We have always stayed at the Embassy Suites in Isla Verde. But since we arrive at 10pm and this hotel is less expensive we decided to try this one out. Have you ever stayed at this hotel before?

We stayed at the Hotel Miramar on our last cruise. The rooms were very nice, the staff is wonderful. There was no on-site eatery, but there were MANY restaurants in the next two blocks. Everything from pizza and tacos to upscale fare. Also there is a grocery store one block away. We would stay there again for a cruise.

Sailing on the Carnival Miracle for six days on January 4th. DH is not excited about THREE sea days so he wants to bring an xbox in case he gets bored. Does anyone know if you can hook one up to the stateroom TV's?

Two cruises ago, we left from Tampa on the Legend. Our group included our 16 year old grandson, who has minor CP and needs to retire to the room a lot. Carol and I had an adjoining rooms with his parents/sister. One room had a flat screen and that TV was able to accomodate his gaming requirements as he rested in the room. I think it is hit or miss depending on the TV type, brand and whether the remote has the right buttons.

I need info on transportation from Melbourne Airport to Port Canaveral. How much is a taxi? Is there a shuttle and what is the cost? Is there a private car service and what is the cost?

 

TIA

Never used this airport, but I have read many threads on this topic. It might be best to rent a vehicle and return it to one of the many rental agencies in Cocoa Beach/Canaveral.

The distance from the cruise terminal is about the same as from Orlando. The trip is a little more time consuming because of the lights/traffic on A1A.

If you are coming in early, it would be nice to have a vehicle to get to certain areas for eating, supplies, entertainment.

I would imagine a taxi is going to be very costly, I may be wrong. I remember that it is about 45 to 60 minutes travel depending on the time of day/year.

we are needing a rental car from FLL to POM with easy drop off and shuttle to the port. Any idea's? Flying in the day before.

The last time we used Alamo. We were there two days early and needed transportation. After our pre-cruise stay, we took the car from Fort Lauderdale and dropped it off at a location on Collins. They had a free shuttle to the Miami Cruise Port. When the cruise was over, we rented another vehicle from them (shuttle picked us up). We drove up to the Fort Lauderdale area, parked the car and walked along the beach area. Then ate a nice relaxing lunch before returning the car to FLL. We got lucky as they REALLY wanted the return vehicle back at the airport, so we got a sub-compact rate with no gas charge for a full sized car.

I think that since we did this, the office on Collins may have relocated to downtown Miami. Not sure if the shuttle is still run out of the new location.

OK, I will bite!

I would nominate the 7 day out of Puerto Rico. It leaves from OSJ, goes to St. Thomas, Barbados, St Kitts, St Lucia and St. Maarten.

We did it on the Valor.

Puerto Rico is wonderful, the ship doesn't leave port until 10:00 pm. You can take your time getting on, grab a quick lunch and then get out and explore the city on foot. There are many things to do and see. Then you can stroll leisurely back to the pier, stopping for a nice dinner before getting ready to depart.

The islands visited are all unique and beautiful. The ports are diverse, some are more industrial, some very typical of cruise terminal ports.

Three of the stops were new to us. On them we swam with turtles and sea lions, saw fantastic scenic views and emmersed ourselves in the local cultures and heritage. We walked around, ate local when we could and just flat out enjoyed ourselves.

The crew was great, the cruisers were very diverse. There was music everywhere, from both Carnival and passengers.

Also, it is really two cruises in one. You leave Puerto Rico, go to St. Thomas and then down to Barbados. Then some leave and others get on and back up through the other islands you go.

I would do it again this Sunday if I could!

The replies on this thread seem to be a little all over the place, and it's no wonder. When I sailed on the Pride in 2013, I brought my CPAP and extension cord. Carnival had already told me that they would supply the distilled water for a small fee. No problem carrying on the equipment. On my 2014 Pride cruise, security confiscated my extension cord (which was new and UL approved) from my carry on, saying it was a safety hazard. It was not on the list of prohibited items. Guest Services had one delivered to my cabin (for no charge) and I got mine back on debarkation. So, the rules seem to change year to year, and passenger to passenger.

 

I would suggest emailing Carnival and keeping a copy of the reply. Then just go with the flow when boarding, because it seems to be unpredictable. It should work out. Try not to worry.

I agree with my fellow Marylander. I should have added that I do always put my CPAP use in the "Special Requirements" section when completing the documents. I get a reply that states some sort of acknowledgement of this requirement. I also have the CPAP included on my list of prescribed medications/medical devices that is signed by my personal doctor.

Interestingly, the only time I have had an issue was the sole RC cruise. When we went to our room, there was one of those DANGER signs on the door indicating that oxygen was in use. This was in 2005 and when you could smoke everywhere. They obviously didn't understand what a CPAP was.

We're sailing on Pride in February, and I use a CPAP machine. Of course, I always carry an extension cord, but I have 2 questions:

 

1. Will they confiscate it?

2. How long a cord do I need? Where in the cabin will the outlet be?

 

And, I guess, I really have a third question:

3. Will the ship really be able to provide distilled water?

 

Thanks.

I have traveled with a CPAP since 1995.

I have used the ships desalienated water and have not noticed any deposits in the water chamber. Although this water is not distilled (there are several minerals added back in) it is better than using your home tap water. I think you are fine for a cruise length usage.

I have a 15' extension cord that is always in my CPAP bag. It is CLEARLY marked UL inspected and has no breaks or damage. I have replaced it once and inspect it before leaving for the trip.

I have been in line when cords were confiscated and it was always that they were worn or frayed and presented a fire risk.

In addition, I bring a small roll of reflective tape to keep the cord down on the rug. I get up several times at night and this keeps me from tripping, spilling the water and, most importantly, waking up Carol!

Finally, because of the abundance of humidity (Caribbean cruises), I find that the humidifier is not really needed.

I just read a post that stated not all ships have hairdryers in the room. Can anyone tell me which ones do not have a hair dryer in the room?

I really can't tell you which do or don't, HOWEVER my wife always takes her own hair dryer. The furnished dryer is not strong enough for her.