vlynn

Just got off pride today. We picked the 4K french door cabins so we could open door some for fresh air. The french doors in cabins DON'T open anymore! (They did May 3rd cruise) So next time on pride will just get an inside and save some money.

Are you serious? This is why we picked them too. We have 4 of these cabins booked for our February cruise. Please tell me this isn't true! :eek:

I was told by a room steward exactly what is posted above; that they leave the bed configuration as it was from the prior cruise and if you need it changed to just ask. :D

We will be on the Pride. Booked this cruise as my birthday cruise. Didn't realize the Super Bowl was on my birthday this year! Should be one heck of a birthday party! lol. :D

Sounds like a lot of fun. Wish I had a December cruise booked. :( Thanks for posting. :)

FTTF is 59$ per stateroom not individual. :D Maybe that will make your decision easier.

How has the food been so far?

Hookay, one more time. CBP uses the passenger manifest provided at embarkation to screen the passengers throughout the cruise, since they assume that everyone will return to the port of embarkation. This allows them to have an extremely cursory interview upon disembarkation, basically checking that faces match ID, and everyone is there. According to the CBP guide for clearing ships (their internal guide for agents), if a ship leaves someone at a foreign port, or joins in a foreign port after the nominal port of embarkation, not only will a new passenger manifest need to be prepared and submitted, but CBP will treat the clearance at the port of disembarkation as a foreign entry, in other words, no longer as a closed loop cruise. While this will not affect the passengers ability to use BC/DL as ID for the cruise, as per the WHTI, it can result in a more intense interview with CBP for all passengers at disembarkation, more like arrival on an international flight. The submittal of a new passenger manifest results in costs to the cruise line, and the "foreign entry" status can lead to delays on disembarkation, which the cruise line doesn't want. For these reasons, which only came into effect within the last 2 years or so by CBP, "downstream boarding" (after start of cruise) or "upstream disembarking" (before end of cruise), on a voluntary basis has become something that the cruise lines will not give permission for. This applies to all cruise lines lately. NCL had problems with this, in a slightly different context, a couple years ago, when they sold a round-trip Tampa to Tampa cruise with a call in Roatan. They also marketed this to European customers as a round-trip Roatan to Roatan. Therefore, new passengers boarded in Roatan, and passengers disembarked in Roatan. Therefore, when the ship returned to Tampa, it took hours to clear the ship, since NCL had not notified CBP of the foreign entry nature of the cruise, and CBP did not have enough agents on duty.

 

 

 

Well, yes and no. When the ship clears Customs and Immigration in the Bahamas, all passengers are given a "temporary" cruise ship clearance to be in the country. This is true of any cruise in any country. If you decide to stay there, you would have to clear Immigrations when you disembark, otherwise when you go to leave the country, they will have no record of you entering, and you'll have to spend time explaining, rather than getting on your plane. It costs the cruise line money to have Customs and Immigration return, or specially clear you, and then clear another departure manifest, so they have the right to either charge you for this, or to perhaps place you on a "not allowed onboard again" list.

 

While this is far more common on European cruises, due to the nature of the EU Immigration laws, this early departure has become pretty rare in the US. And, yes, it does happen for passengers missing flights or medically disembarked, but the cruise ticket contract has wording to the effect that the line will pass costs on to you.

I thank you for your very informative answer. I enjoy learning new things, I did not know this. :D So when things like this happen it is certainly not taken lightly by the cruiseline. Makes sense.

This is true for Carnival cruise lines but I have not read about this on any of the other cruise line forums.

 

Best thing for the OP to do is call NCL and ask them.:)

 

Bill

I agree the OP should call NCL.

I am confused however, about your statement that this is true for Carnival but not others. Please someone correct me if I am wrong (its certainly known to happen :D) but all cruise lines have it in the contract that they can disembark you at any point under certain conditions, health, disorderly conduct, criminal conduct.. etc.

Plus do you mean other cruiselines will wait to leave a port until all passengers have returned regardless of time? Say a passenger takes a private excursion and something happens to the vehicle on the return trip and they don't get to the pier until an hour after the scheduled departure time..other than Carnival..the other lines would be there waiting for the passenger? I find that hard to believe.

Unfortunately, this will probably not be allowed as it will change the status of the cruise from a closed loop cruise. It can cause immigration issues for the other passengers on return to Miami.

I question if this is at all true.

The only reason I doubt the above statement is because passengers are left at port or even removed from ships at ports without causing issues for the remaining passengers. I would say they could do this. What difference would it be if they willingly stay at Nassau or if they just miss the ship leaving?

We were on Liberty in 2014 with a promenade and a window we could barely see through. We asked them to clean it but they explained to us that the seal between the double pane window failed and moisture was inside. There was no way of them fixing it without replacing the window. It didn't really bother us all that much anyway since we are hardly ever in our room.

Now that would upset me. Shouldn't that cabin be sold as an obstructed view? :rolleyes: Seriously, if they can not clean the window then it is unfair that they charge more because you have a semi see through portion of wall.....:eek: JMHO.

I have always had a few questions because I have never used it.

 

1. Has anyone ever had a problem with Downey staining your clothes? No.

 

2. Do you need to hold it a distance from your clothes to avoid dripping? Hold at a distance to sray more evenly but it is a fine mist so no dripping.

 

3. When you spray it on your clothes, do you need to hang them in the shower with steam? Not in the shower but it works best if you spray them and let them hang up until dry (although they aren't that wet).

 

Thanks

See answers above. It really is a nice product. Will have to try making it and see if it works as well. :D

This may seem like an extremely silly question to some, but I was curious to know where I should pack my bottle of Downy Wrinkle Release Spray?

 

Can it go in my suitcase or does it need to be packed in my carry-on?

I really don't want it to be confiscated, as I know I'll probably end up needing to use it for dresses that will likely end up getting wrinkled in my suitcase.

I always put it in a plastic bag and then in my checked luggage. Have never had a problem. :D

While I think the OP gave a very fair and balanced review and some here can be pretty defensive, I think you might be exaggerating the friendliness of the Carnival boards...by a long shot. :eek: They should have a flame suit warning as a sticky. :D

You are correct. Let me clarify my statement. I was referring to the comments to this review ONLY. In general, yes, they also have people who are not very nice at times.

I have never been on a Carnival ship - so I will get that out of the way first.

 

But I do have one observation. The people on the Carnival Boards seem to be a lot friendlier.

 

I shall put my hard hat on now and wait for the sticks and stones that are bound to be thrown my way!

I have to agree with you! I was thinking the same thing as I read a number of these posts, very defensive.

I agree with the OP's observations. Well written and thought out review. Thanks! :D

I look forward to hearing about your experience when you return as we will be on Pride 2 weeks after. I have never cruised out of Baltimore nor have I ever cruised in February so I am not looking forward to being inside until it gets warm enough to enjoy the outside of the ship. Would like to hear how the 2 days at sea are at that time of year.

Sailed out of Baltimore in January 3 times (2x on Carnival 1 on RCI). The first sea day was too cold for me to go out on deck and relax, although there were people out there sitting in the loungers covered with towels. There was plenty of inside activities and we enjoyed people watching. Although the inside of the ship is noticably more crowded, we enjoyed ourselves.

By mid-morning on the second sea day we were in warm weather and it was nice outside. Maybe not swimming weather, although some people were in the pool and my husband was in the hot tub. :D

The last sea day is hit or miss, two cruises it was pretty warm still, one it was cold. Again, we enjoyed ourselves.

I will definetly update when we return in February. :)

https://help.carnival.com/app/answer...ating-holidays

Super Bowl Sunday

When: February 7, 2016 and February 5, 2017

The game (as well as pre-show) is shown in various locations around the ship. The main venue will be inside the main show lounge and/or on the Lido Deck, at Carnival's Seaside Theatre (featured on select ships). Bar service will be available as well as complimentary snacks throughout the game.

VIP Seating Challenge

‘Sailgating’ Games (Ladder Toss, Washer Toss and Bean Bag)

EA Sports Bar pool (featured on select ships)

NFL Trivia/Prediction Challenge/Sport Challenges

Specialty cocktails (named after winning teams)

Sounds fun!! :D

__________________

Funny story from the one we went to on the Pride. There was a table by us with a few kids and they had glasses of milk, when the Cat in the Hat character came by he turned to say Hi to the kids and his tail knocked the milk over. :eek: The way the character played that up was great, he put his hands over his face, tried to pretend it wasn't him, just made a big joke about it and had everyone around laughing, it was great. Handled very well and a lot of fun.

Each character came to each table and stamped our autograph page and took a picture, but they did it in a very organized manner and it proceeded pretty quickly.

Also the way the MDR area was decorated was very nice, even an ice sculpture. Well worth the time and money. :D

Watermelon Martini from the Alchemy Bar. It's not on the menu; just ask for one, it was amazing. :D

DH and I did it on the Pride in March, they had a table set up when you boarded that you could sign up, very easy.

We loved it! Had a great time, the characters were wonderful. We had no issues with the food, DH had the green eggs and ham and was pleased with the meal.

Yes, you can take pictures with your camera. Actually, the a member of the entertainment staff walked around with the characters and used our camera to take pictures of us with the characters.

It was a blast!

We will be doing it again in February, again just us grown kids. lol. :D

We have been on two scheduled to port there and both times we made it and the weather was wonderful and in the last year I personally know of 5 people who had this as a port of call and everyone made it.

I recall hearing that it is missed about 10% of the time.

I would imagine that there are times of the year that the percent is higher, that would be an overall average.

I really do feel badly for the individuals who seem to have had such unfortunate luck getting to the island.:(

It is the most beautiful beach I have been to, truly amazing. :D

EmilyAnn86 ....

 

Yes, HMC is a wonderful port stop ... BUT I would never base my decision totally on going to any one port.

HMC does get missed (weather, high seas, etc. ) rather often. :(

Would hate for you to spend the extra booking a hotel plus more driving time and not get to go.

 

Charleston might be the better choice for you ... all considered.

 

At what time of year are you considering taking this cruise?

 

LuLu

I'm not sure it's fair to say it is missed "often," since it is a tender port, yes, it does get missed some times. My understanding is this happens maybe 10% of the time.

Personally I am 2 for 2 getting to HMC this was in Sept and Oct. I also know of 6 people who had cruises booked with this port over the last year (one me) and every person was able to tender to the island. These cruises were at various times of the year. I would say those are pretty good odds.

It is good to know if you choose to book HMC that it could be missed but to keep it real, chances are better that you will NOT miss it.

Of course you will hear people who just seem to have the worst luck and have missed this port over and over, but again they are the exception not the rule. Maybe the best thing to do is make sure they are not on your sailing...lol:D

Make your decision with all the information in mind. I am sure whichever you choose you will have a great cruise and your husband will become addicted like the rest of us.

HMC without a doubt. I have been to St. Thomas, Aruba, St. Marteen, Bonaire, Jamaica, etc...HMC is still the most beautiful beach I have been to. Love it!!! This stop alone has hooked many friends on cruising. :D

Now if you don't like beaches...well. I can't help you. :)

Bought ours :D now wondering how long they take to be received in the mail? Final payment is in a month, hoping we recieve by then. :)

Spirit Class Serenity areas have a pool. I don't think any other ship has a waterfall...I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong.

50.00 per change is what was explained to me. That also includes changing a name on the reservation. :)

 

I booked Early Saver but during a 50.00 pp deposit sale. If I cancel, Im out 100.00

That's correct. The deposit is non-refundable but you don't "lose" it all. They take 50$ and the remaining deposit is given to you as a future cruise credit that you have 2 years to use. So if you pay a 500$ deposit and cancel. You lose 100$ (50$ pp) and the remaining 400$ is a future cruise credit.

We book this way all the time. Love it! :D