Barsnikel

Just curious... 

"Priority Guest Services assistance by phone" .....    I've never used this benefit, but I have always assumed this was "on board".. calling from your cabin

...  But I was wondering if it might also be on-shore... that is, when calling Carnival for an issue or problem  (instead of your PVP)...

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Although I have used others, I have not used the DCP... so I can't provide a first hand review... but they are further from the port than most of the others.  That's not necessarily bad, just an observation.

Just as a FYI... if you are coming in the night before, the Sleep Inn (senior rate $80) will allow you to park for free during your cruise.

One thing to consider... on some ships, some of the Spa balconies have no cover (ie: roof).. so you will not have shade when sitting out there.

Also consider that there is more than one buffet area.  I've seen people walk into the Lido buffet, take a quick look around, and walk out... not realizing that there are more offerings to be had further back in the dining area.

oh... and in case you were not aware...  English spoken everywhere, and US dollars universally accepted (the entire island uses the same exchange rate, so no matter where you are the dollar value is the same)

Spent a week in Aruba.  Rented a car and toured the entire island.  Really enjoyed it.  If you are only there for a few hours, then Aruba is all about beaches.   There are many nice public  beaches, a few with facilities.  I'd recommend catching a cab and going to Palm Beach... you can rent a beach lounger for a few dollars  (yes, there are some free as well), and lots of restaurants with food, drinks, etc.

The Sleep Inn allows free parking during your cruise.  They don't ask how long your cruise is, so they wouldn't even notice an extra day

One more question...  If I go to the Carnival web site to check the balance of my gift card, it asks for a PIN number.  I do not remember AARP asking for a pin number, so I'm confused on how to set that up.  I called Carnival, and they were clueless  😄

We always book the Steakhouse.  It is $38pp, and that includes gratuity.  If you reserve the first night, they include a free bottle of wine

I read through this thread and did not see this question, so sorry if it was asked previously...

I just received my $500  AARP gift card, and will apply it to my S&S card.  If I do not use the entire amount, will I get a refund or credit for the remaining balance ? 

....or is it a "use it or lose it" type of credit ?

If you have not already done so, check out the Sleep Inn.  It's pretty new, and doesn't seem to fill up as quickly as others.... and the rates are much cheaper  It does not have a shuttle, but you can go from most anywhere on the island to the pier for about a $15 taxi ride

On 6/6/2019 at 1:28 PM, Elaine5715 said:

There is no room service that morning

Exactly, that's the issue I saw with self-assist  🙂

12 hours ago, mom2girls said:

I’ve always gone to the mdr for breakfast first. Then, I go to the meeting place for Platinum self assist debarkation. 

Last cruise, when we thought about doing self-assist, the meeting time was before the time the Lido buffet opened

We have never done self-assist debarkation, but I understand how it works. 

What I don't know is if they have any coffee or munchies in the waiting area ?

I'm the type of person that has to have coffee in the morning to get started  🙂

I just booked the Sleep Inn for $74/night.  They have free parking during the cruise.  No shuttle, but ii is about $15 taxi from there to the chip

We bring this on every cruise. Not just for "cool", but always for white noise. Works great, fits perfectly on the cabin credenza. We got it at Target for about $18. It's a Honeywell, about 11 inches

Go to Cruise Manager, and print out your documents. It will show the check in time

Can't tell the size, but we have very large suitcases, and they go under the bed with no issues.

if you do it, make certain it is biodegradable

yes. Ship and itinerary dependent... but lots going on, plenty to do

Chank park is easy to do on your own. We have just grabbed a taxi and shown up. No issues

Both places are great, and each has pros and cons... but I question why you would pay for a Carnival excursion to go to Chank... it's a $15 taxi ride, and very easy to do on your own. Use the money you save for drinks :)

Actually, on many ships it is the first night and then a second night (usually the formal night). Not all ships, but some

Something that I found interesting and unexpected... we were simply taking our own self-tour and came across St Peters, a 400+ year old church. Decided to go in and have a look. There are numerous plaques on the walls from people who attended the church over decades and centuries,, it provides a nice perspective and historical background of Bermuda, Also, the graveyards next door were interesting.

^ Agree. The bed will be next to (and parallel with) the balcony door.... UNLESS you select 2 twin beds. Then it will likely be different

There are wifi access points along each hallway... typically, about every 100 feet or so. Most of them are somewhat hidden, but you can see them if you know what you are looking for. On every ship I've been on so far, they have all been Cisco 3502I or similar models... which have excellent performance. I use those almost exclusively in my work.