Susan in Maine

There are two groups of dedicated people who are often forgotten in an emergency like this.

1) All the employees that are at gas stations, grocery stores, convenience stores etc. If these businesses are open it's because someone who probably isn't making much money is working so you can get your supplies, food, and gas. They can't evacuate until they are told they can leave their jobs and they are probably worried sick about their families. Don't blame them because the store is out of water or gas - they have no control over what is in stock and what isn't. Please be patient and kind to them. Say thank you. It really helps.

2) Utility workers. There are thousands of utility workers who are driving INTO the storm zone so they will be available to get your power on as soon as possible. They are leaving families behind to drive hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to help. After the storm passes and you see them working, bring them iced tea or coffee or a cookie. Thank them for their service. You may be frustrated, but they are doing they best they can on very little sleep.

Thanks for reading!

I don't think you'll have a problem with the New England/Canada itinerary. I'm in Maine and there is nothing being said about Dorian coming anywhere near us.

I have cruised on RCL, Norwegian, Princess, Disney, and Carnival. Is Carnival up to the standard of RCL, Princess or Disney? No, and I don't expect it to be. However, since budget is an issue, and I can get a balcony on Carnival for the same price as a (tiny) inside on Royal Caribbean, I'll take the balcony.

The way I look at it - a cruise on Carnival is way better than no cruise at all!

We sailed thru the end of Hurricane Michelle in November 2001 on Majesty of the Seas. We left Nassau at noon on Sunday Nov. 4 heading back to Miami to dock on Monday morning. We made it to Miami on time, but the seas were so rough the ship couldn't dock. Majesty spent the entire day - until about 3:30pm - sitting within sight of the Miami skyline. A huge cheer went up the entire atrium about 3:30 when we could see the harbor pilot coming out to the ship!

Once off the ship we did make it to the airport - which was a complete zoo! This was only two weeks after 9/11 and airports were chaotic under the best circumstances.

So......sometimes the port has to be closed even if a storm isn't a direct hit.

BTW - My daughter and I had a GREAT time in spite of the weather!!!!

For all of you wondering why Carnival isn't more trusting of its passengers, look no farther than the current 'Bringing on a bottle of "wine" thread.

My point in noting the passenger/space ration was not for it to be a deciding factor in choosing a cruise. However, it is an additional piece of information that can be useful.

There is a ratio for passengers to space. For example Sunrise is 27, while Breakaway is 30. So there is more room per passenger on the Breakaway.  Anthem of the Seas is a huge ship, but her ratio is 35.

If you Google it you will find lots of website s with this info.

Older, smaller ships usually have a lower capacity than the big new ones. A lot depends on what is important to you when you pick a cruise. If you want the newest coolest amenities, then you're going to be on a big ship. If, however, you prefer a quieter, more 'traditional' experience, you might want to look into older ships.

Just make sure they haven't been renovated to add a lot more passengers without expanding the common areas.  Carnival has several ships with a double occupancy capacity of around 2000 passengers.

My mother-in-law lives on Merritt Island (10 minutes from Port Canaveral) and they are evacuating tomorrow. They are hearing a forecast that says Dorian is going to be a cat 4 by the time it hits land.

Thanks so much for the feedback. I hadn't taken into account how far they are from everything else. The fact that they are a little narrower is also a strike against them.

Unfortunately my budget doesn't have room for a suite. <sigh>

We are on the September 23rd 4 day cruise from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and have a balcony booked. I broke my right foot last week and will be using a knee roller.

The only handicapped accessible rooms are insides with windows at the front of the ship. I am loathe to give up my balcony. I know the aft balcony cabins aren't bigger than a regular cabin, but would it be worth an extra $200 to get the much bigger balcony for the extra room?

Thanks!

Thanks everyone for all the advice! There are lots of tips on here that I'm planning on using.

Not yet - thanks for the reminder!

Thanks everyone! You've helped my stress level a lot!

Unfortunately crutches are not an option for me. I guess we'll have to sit at the back of the theatre!

I've called my TA and she's going to see if, by any chance, there is a handicapped cabin available.

14 hours ago, Chervil said:

I have seen several people with these on a cruise and haven't noticed any issues with them getting around.

Just take a little more care around the pool, and prepare yourself for having to wait on the elevator.
You might also let the maitre d in the MDR know, so they can find a table that is convenient for you.

Thanks for the reminder to check in with the maître d! Being all the way in the back of the dining room wouldn't be fun!

9 minutes ago, Shaded Lady said:

My hubby and I have both used the knee roller for foot issues (both had surgery for different reasons) and while I can't tell you about cruising I do know that Red Lightning (what we named my machine!) was a life-saver for me. I was non-weight bearing for 8 weeks but was able to go out and about almost anywhere...

 

I even flew and attended a conference with mine. When flying they will take it from you when you board and return it when you are ready to get off, so make sure if you have a basket or anything that can come off is attached with zip ties or something similar so you don't lose it.

 

If you are back to bearing weight by the time you cruise (and I hope you are) maybe consider bringing a portable ice bag with you to keep swelling down. And don't be afraid to bow out of things and sit down to rest your foot when you need to...

The ice bag is a great idea! Thanks!

We're flying to Orlando on Saturday Sept 21 for a four day cruise sailing September 23rd. (six weeks, if you are counting!)

Two days ago I fell about 5' onto a concrete floor and broke two bones in my right foot. Soo.....I'm non-weight bearing for the next several weeks.

I've got a knee roller, and think I'll be ok, but would appreciate any tips, advice, etc. for our cruise.

Silly me - I didn't buy trip insurance so cancelling and rescheduling isn't an option.

Any help you can offer would be wonderful!

Thanks!

Geeze guys!

I thought I'd asked a pretty simple question: If I'm cruising to the Bahamas from FL from September 23 - 27, and my passport is good until February, do I need to renew before I go!

Sorry this thread got so convoluted and the answers went all over the place!

9 minutes ago, ontheweb said:

I don't understand the need for a passport card if you have a passport. What if anything does it allow you to do that you would not be able to do with the passport? It seems to me to be just an extra unnecessary expense.

Which is your prerogative. However, I don't want to carry my passport every time I step on a plane or go to Canada. The card fits easily in my wallet and the passport itself.......well........doesn't fit easily pretty much anywhere.

The issue isn't whether a passport card is or isn't necessary. The issue is questioning why someone else wants one.

Thanks everyone! 

I like doing a roll of nickels each day - when it runs out I quit!

47 minutes ago, indygirl76 said:

I'm not judging your budget and this may be too much also, but I just double checked, and renewal is only $110.

It is $110 for the passport. If you add a passport card, picture, etc. it comes closer to $150 - $160.

8 minutes ago, amyotravel said:

You have a passport that expires Feb 2020, but did I miss the point about when your cruise actually is? Otherwise no way to know.

I did forget that detail, didn't I?

We are sailing September 23, 2019

I'm well aware of the 6 month rule, and I wouldn't be asking if it was somewhere other than the Bahamas. 

Money is tight and the $160 is quite a bit out of my budget right now. <sigh>

8 minutes ago, pirateg11 said:

The general rule of thumb is 6 months from expiration, you should renew your passport.  Carnival's website even has the following note:  Carnival highly recommends that all guests travel with a passport valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel (unless otherwise noted).

Does the Liberty have nickel or penny slots?

Thanks!

I have a passport that expires in February 2020.

My daughter and I are going on a 4 day Bahamas cruise from Port Orlando.

Should I renew my passport before we go?

Thanks!