cruisinitaliano

Hi,

If you buy the refillable insulated cup, $8.95 if I remember correctly, your first drink is included.

You will receive a punch card.

After buying 6 or 8 Your next is free

We do this on Miracle once a year.

I am vague on numbers cuz its been a bit ( Spring break ) since last cruise.

We find it to be worth it.

Blessings,

Sam

BEST DEAL

buy the coffee mug for maybe $8.

Your first coffee is free.

You will get a stamp card.

If remembering correctly, after 6 or 8 purchases, your next is also free.

We do this every Miracle cruise.

Not sure, but:

Is it possible the cost of the CHEERS could get them a nicer room, that they all might enjoy?

I tend to agree that if going on the cruise is a budget buster, why on Earth spend that much money on alcohol?

My DD was soo stunned on her B-day when the ship magician ( usually in MDR ) amazingly produced a special illusion of a random card that said " HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENN "

just pre arrange with the magician.

He should have some great ideas for you

Ask the Maitre D to arrange you to meet with him in private.

I found a nice tip ensured good performance.

Good luck, if you like this idea

It will be made very clear in numerous placed:Fun Times

Hub App

Tender Loading on ship

Tender pier in port

for general idea now, figure about 1 hr before departure time.

Enjoy, we did!!

Thanks SadieN

The thread that you mentioned had been moved.

I never figured out where it was moved too, until just now.

So I read the post that you copied.

I so appreciate how helpful this community can be.

Blessings,

Sam

Rosefloater

Thank you

Yes, I have asked on another thread.

Unless senility has set in, I never got a response that you indicated.

But YOU have answered, and I appreciate it!!

So as you can see, if I paid 17.5-1 and can get between 10 and 17-1, the possibility of significant savings exists.

I was thinking since most answers were exchange at ATM, or Sams Club, or Cambio, then I was not clear on the question I was asking.

So, did you recently get a 10-1 exchange from a vendor??

That would be swesome

Blessings

Sam

TO CLARIFY:

I understand about exchange rates.

My question is...

What are vendors CHARGING?

For example:

If they want $35 usd for parasail, do they ASK for 700 Pesos , or maybe 550 Pesos?

Please, I understand about the negotiation... I am asking what is being asked.

I doubt they adk equivelent of 20-1,

So I am asking your experience.

I also understand they accept USD.

In 10 cruises from getting 10-1 to this cruise of 17.5-1, I have ALWAYS saved 15-30 percent when using Pesos.

I agree on small purchases it may not be worth exchanging.

Our norm is spending 400-500 on excursions, taxis, food, tips , etc.

So saving , say $100 when spending 500 by using Pesos has always worked for us.

Blessings,

Sam

Maybe I need to re phrase my question:

I am aware that the official exchange rates change daily. There normally is a " cost" associated with the exchange.

So.. if the rate were 19-1 after fees I may get 17.7-1.

My real question is..

What are vendors asking, or charging?

If the parasail was $35 usd, did they want 700 Pesos? Did they want 600?

What were restaurants charging..20-1, 15-1?

I understand that everything can be negotiated, but what were the starting asking rates.

Thanks

Great review of Vista

That would be 22 Pesos charged per dollar.

I was hoping more like 300 Pesos for a $20 item

Lets see what others may say

Sam

I got 17.5 Pesos per dollar for upcoming cruise.

What types of exchange rates did you get from vendors and restaurants recently.

Please pass along any negotiating tips that you found successful.

Thanks,

Sam

Ine,

A bit off topic but your knowledge is immense...

I got 17.5 Pesos per dollar for upcoming cruise.

What are current exchange rates asked from restaurants, street vendors and water sports.

Do you have suggestions for negotiating fair prices for both us and vendors?

Thanks

I got about 17.5 Pesos per dollar for upcoming cruise.

What are vendors currently exchanging / charging per dollar?

Thanks,

Sam

Excellent time!!

Jeeps in great condition

Stopped at two snorkeling spots

Drove to local ruins

Fresh made lunch on a great beach

Bjg waves day we did it

Go for it

Blessings,

Sam

This is why I love these boards.

THANK YOU for info on time zone change.

I would have just assumed it is one hour on April 12 as it is today.

So, Miracle arrives at 8 am ( 10 am local ) we have zip line scheduled pick up at 11 am

It supposedly is only a 5-10 minute walk from the pier.

We have to hope for no delays disembarking, as this seems to be a very tight window.

Blessings,

Sam

My World Clock shows Puerto Vallarta as 1 ONE hour ahead ONLY.

Mazatlan is same time as Pacific Coast.

It gets very confusing, so do make sure you understand difference.

When booking through Carnival, you need not worry at all.

When booking own excursions, make sure to factor in the time difference and time to travel to your meeting place.

Though vendors are aware of SHIP TIME, you will be booking on LOCAL TIME

Blessings,

Sam

I will attempt an answer from our experience:

FIRST: Tell us about you so your fellow cruisers can give suitable advise. E.G.- travelling with kids? ages?

What do you think you may like to do?-

Parasail, zip line, lay on beach, get wasted?

You mentioned shopping: Are you a browser and want to soak up flavor of Flea Market / Street Vendors. Or are you looking for jewelry, art, leather etc.?

I believe you will receive more answers once you let us know a bit more about your idea of a vacation.

As for us, 2 adults 55/60, 2 teens 17 ,

we never book ship excursions. Much less crowded and expensive to book on our own.

This being your first cruise, you may want to book through Carnival just for security sake.

But if you look at excursions offered on the web site, choose what sounds good at each port, then do a GOOGLE search, you will find many reputable vendors offering exact same thing at much reduced prices.

Shopping: Vendor stuff is all the same no matter which port you are in.

Resorts; Golden Zone in Mazatlan is similar to alot of large resort towns, Hotels lined up all along the beach. Go hotel hopping til you find a place that loks relaxing. We like Hotel Playa Mazatlan.

All beach activities offered right there, parasail, jet ski, kayak, etc.

Cabo is great for small town exploring, or Medano Beach Party crowd. Swim with Dolphins right near where tender pier is.

Puerto Vallarta is famous for Malecon, look it up.

Great beach day to sit under Palapa and eat and drink and do water sports.

One block up from beach are many shops for purchasing goods.

Rio Cuale ( look it up ) is our go too place for shopping and street food.

Bottom line: research!! You Tube, Google, Trip Advisor!! Read, find what looks good to you.

Then come back and ask specific questions that will get you more responses.

Have a blast. we love Carnival Miracle!! Going April 8.

Blessings,

Sam

Seems to me that a significant point has been missed in these answers:

It isn't so much getting back to ship on time, it is booking your own shore excursions at a correct time.

Last cruise, for example, we booked Los Veranos Zipline for 11 am.

Ship arrived at 9 am ( ship time )

AHA: Problemo, senor.. it was 10 am PV time.

This led to folks missing the excursion because there was not enough time to debark and get to designated meeting place.

Yes, this is all handled when booking an excursion through Carnival.

I am just bringing to attention for those that do need to know correct port time, for whatever reason.

Blessings,

Sam

We just booked for Oct. 2018

Web site doesn't even have public areas on deckplan yet.

I am sure shows and other announcements will be forthcoming.

I research Breakaway to get most of my info.

Blessings,

Sam

We just booked the Bliss for 2018.

This will be first NCL experience.

What has been your experience with dining " ON THE WATERFRONT"

in specialty dining?

Windy, cold ?? Great??

What time of year did you cruise?

We will be Mexican Riviera in October.

When we make rezzies, do we request outside seating? Or is that determined at seating time?

It seems like an excellent idea.

One other question:

O' Sheehans sounds too good to be true..... what is your experience there?

Is it table service or more order and pick-up?

After 20 yrs of Carnival, I am looking forward to a New Megaship experience for Mexico.

We mostly do this itinerary cuz don't enjoy flying.

Blessings,

Sam

Hello This will be DW and my first NCL cruise.

Please let me know your experience with the outside dining venues at Cagney's, and the other Specialty areas?

Logic tells me windy and chilly. We will be Mexican Riviera in October, 2018.

So what are these areas like on similar ships?

When time comes to book, do we specifically ask for outside.

Or is that decided at seating time?

Blessings,

Sam

http://www.pronatours.com/tour_turtle

Looks from my 5 second Google search that it is out of season for your cruise.

Best of luck

My suggestion is to see the wood, ceramic, paper mache turtles in the vendors stalls:confused:

Blessings

http://www.mazatlantours.org/

Maybe this is helpful.

I have not tried this resort.

We just go to any hotel where we feel comfortable.

But.... 39$ and use if pool and loungers including parasail is a great deal.

Possibly see what guys on beach would charge extra fir a longer ride.

Blessings

Wife, 2DD and myself on Miracle April 8.

Will say "Hi " as we come off ship.

Our 5th Miracle

3 Spirit

3 Splendor

1Holland

2 Celebrity

1 Princess

All to Mexico on various lengths

We fully enjoy Miracle.

We are not gourmet, high demand cruisers.

A week relaxing, no cooking, shows, comedians, ports, reading , relaxing......

Sad to read so many posts from stressed, upset folks.

I am cruising

I am blessed

Sam

It's all about the GOOGLE, and your CONFORT LEVEL.

Look at NZ currency rate to Pesos

Look at USD rate to Pesos ( about 20 )

Do math and do what is best for you.

My guess is:

You will lose cinverting to US then to Pesos vs straight NZ to Pesos.

I use AAA FOREIGN EXCHANGE.

Good rate, low fee, 2 day delivery.

Whatever you do , ask for currency 500 Pesos and smaller.

Could be difficult getting vendors to make change for larger bills.

GOOGLE exchange rates, try your bank

And make best choice for you

When and what cruiseline you going?