adriennerm

The travel agent might receive a higher commission if her client's cruised with Disney. The TA reminds me of the one I was going to use last year for my Jamaica trip. I had no experience with Jamaica so I thought a TA was the way to go. She promoted one brand of AI and bashed their competitor.

When I asked for more details about the competitor she told me nothing but awful things. It just happened that around the time of planning I had a doctor appt. My doctor had a noticeable tan and I commented on it. She just returned from the horrible, rude, dirty and dangerous resort. She even showed me some photos on her phone.

I went to the horrible resort in Negril and had the time of my life. If I had listened to the TA, I would have never booked this resort. Lesson learned. Not all TA are honest nor do they have all of the information about places.

Will someone explain the tender procedure in Belize if you are not on a Carnival excursion? We are considering going over to Caye Caulker just to have lunch, drinks and relax. We can take an excursion offered by Coral Breeze or take the water taxi on our own. We are scheduled to be in port from 8a-5p. From what I understand people that booked Carnival excursions are allowed to tender first. I'm wondering what is the earliest time we will be allowed to tender.

Since we are exploring on our own I prefer to leave early thus allowing us plenty of time in Caye Caulker and the ability to return back to the ship early.

Thank you

Adrienne

I have rang RC again today to enquire about transfers and was again told that there are none available and that I have to make my own way there.

I have also been in contact with Galveston limos and spoke to the lovely Connie who has given me quotes of $50 round trip each from airport to port. Very happy with that.....just need to sort transfers from airport to hotel the day before cruise then back to the airport to pick up shuttle. At the moment the lowest price I've got is hotel transfer which is $120 (that's more than the shuttle to port!)

Still Very excited

Have you considered renting a car for one day? We are renting a car as we arrive the day before the cruise. Then we are returning the car to the airport to catch the cruise shuttle to the port. I booked a Ford Focus or similar for only $42 taxes/fees included.

I'm glad we leave on the TA on 10-21-16 before the rules go into affect. I would hate not sailing with our Texas flag hanging off the balcony.

Does Carnival allow items to hang on the balcony? For some reason, I thought this wasn't allowed.

I wasn't sure if they would automatically charge your card for the remaining balance if you did not show up. Or if you needed to contact them in advance if you wanted to cancel.

Losing the $5 deposit is not a big deal.

I understand weather is unpredictable but I'm wondering if you book Mr. Sanchos or Nachi Cocum and the weather isn't looking the best when we arrive at the port, can you cancel without penalty? I'm leaning more towards Mr. Sanchos but I'm curious what happens if it's a rainy day?

The last AI excursion I booked was through Carnival in Nassau for the Wyndham resort. We received a full refund when the excursion was cancelled due to the weather.

Or Havana Club

I am beyond jealous. They allowed you to bring back Havana Club? We were told while visiting Mexico that we could not bring Havana Club back into the states. Luckily a lady, from Canada, at the airport purchased the bottle so we wouldn't have to throw it away

If I were in your shoes, I would cancel before losing anymore money. I understand that you want to go on a cruise but if they seem "flaky" I would cancel before final payment. At least you can get the money you invested returned. Cruises will always be around.

I'm sorry your friends didn't express their feelings to your earlier. However, as we all know, people aren't perfect. They could have had the best intentions in the beginning. A vacation always sounds like a great idea until it's time to start paying. At that point reality hits you like a ton of bricks.

I say this to advise you not to write-off your friends just yet. I would call them directly and ask what's going on b/c it's close to the final payment date.

Until you ask your friends kindly but directly you never know if it's financial, childcare, vacation time at work, fear of open water or what.

I received a response 5 days after submitting the reservation online.

Not to hijack the thread but is lunch and breakfast still served in the MDR? It's been almost 4 years since my last cruise. I understand the brunch on sea days but I was wondering about lunch and breakfast on port days. Thanks

We are flying in the day before and booked the Drury Inn by Hobby airport. I mapped a Walmart within 5 minutes of the hotel. Does anyone know if they sell wine? If not, where is the closest store that does. We will have a rental car but I prefer to stay as close to the hotel and airport as possible.

I am creating my own island tour. The Roatan Rum Company was suggested as a place to visit. Does anyone have experience this place? Is it a true Rum factory or is it more like a store that sells rum and provides samples.

Thanks

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1613689

I posted something similar a few years back. These are some funny stories

We are flying in from Dallas to Houston the day of the cruise. I know this is frowned upon but we have no choice. Our flight lands at 8:30am. When do the Carnival shuttles begin transferring passengers to Galveston?

Am I the only one who deliberately arrives at the cruise terminal as late as possible? I'm the guy who checks in around 2:00-2:30pm, when I can walk right up to a check-in desk without standing in line, then walk right onboard without stopping, and go straight to my stateroom to drop my bags off since it will already be available. Not only that, but I can also enjoy a peaceful late lunch since the hordes of people with their carry ons at the buffet waiting for their cabins will be long gone.

You are not the only person. I was delayed arriving to port due to my daughter forgetting a few items. It turned out to be the best thing. We arrived late and walked right on to the ship. Every cruise since then we plan to arrive around 2pm but I understand everyone can't do this. We normally have a rental car so even if we have to check out the hotel by 11a, we have our own transportation to enjoy the city for a few hours.

I wish someone would have told me to arrive early for the comedy shows. On my first cruise my DH and I arrived about 10 minutes prior to show time. By the time we arrived, all seats were taken. We had no idea the theater where the comedy shows were held was tiny. We assumed it was a large theater like the main theater. Lesson learned. :(

My pet peeve are the lack of diet/sugar-free/low calorie drink options. A Free-Style machine would be a perfect solution. Fanta and Sprite offer a ton of diet sodas in great flavors. There is also flavored Dasani water and Minute Maid light which are low in calories.

As others have said, since I asked, I had some concern but didn't expect to be told to wear headphones all the time. If that is the case, I would prefer my neighbors to use sign language to communicate or pass notes to one another. I would argue many people, which probably includes several on this site have no idea how loud your private chats are on your balcony.

 

Thanks for all the feedback, sailing in two days, it will be fun with or without the company of my music.

Good Point. :cool:

I posted a similar thread a few years back. This is a great read

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1613689

Play your music on the balcony at a reasonable volume. To me it's the same as listening to people talk on the balcony. There are no rules stating one must be silent on their balcony.

Just be considerate with the volume. In my opinion, it should not be louder than a conversational volume.

Could make your own caffeine free iced tea

 

Into a coffee mug

Put in sweetener of choice

Little bit of hot water to dissolve, stir

Add 2 teabags of choice and fill mug with hot water

Steep

Pour over a full glass of ice

Add lemon if desired.

I was going to suggest this also. There are several flavored teas that do not contain caffeine. If you do not want to make the tea on the lido deck, order hot water from room service. Or what about buying a case of bottled flavor water like Zero Vitamin Water, or SoBe Zero? Maybe even diet Gatorade or PowerAde.

My husband is diabetic so I understand the struggle. ;)

My daughter and her friend really enjoyed the O2 club. They are still in contact with two other girls they met during the cruise.

Sweet baby Jesus....I wish I could go. I loves me some Lionel Richie :o

I just returned from the Grandeur of the Seas (RC). If you aren't familiar they have an adult area, Solarium. Well this was new to me, towards the last few days of the cruise, I noticed people were now placing beach towels on the tables, like tablecloths. WTH!!!

When does the madness end?

Excuse me Mr./Mrs. Hog, if I need that table I will remove the towel, and if I don't need the table I may remove the just chairs from the table. In that case, I'll leave your towel in place. ;)

This is an all new low. I hope this practice does not catch on.

Turn off your cellphone. This never crossed my mind when I was planning my first cruise. A friend told me about 3 days prior to my trip.

I can only imagine how much my phone bill would have been if it wasn't for her lol