I had it scheduled for my cruise on the Adventure back in Sept '18. For that it was on the last seaday at 8am. Unfortunately I was ultimately denied participating because when filling out the waiver I had experienced 1 of the 30+ ailments, reactions, or medical procedure in the last 2 years and was told I should of visited the official PADI website prior to boarding to see what the list that causes exclusions and if a doctors note stating I was fit anyway would of allowed me to do the Try Dive. 

You do know any beverage that any non-alcoholic beverage in containers 12oz or less and packaged in cans, "juice" boxes (tetrapaks), and pouches (just no bottles) can be boarded with at any port up to a quantity of 12 containers per passenger. SO if you wanted to bring energy drinks, juice, factory packaged supplement drinks (like Glucerna, electrolytes, or protein drinks), specific brands of dairy milk alternatives, water, sweet tea, or mixes for in cabin cocktails. 

Yes do call your PVP, travel professional, or the CS # on your booking confirmation. Each booking rate has it own terms and conditions some of which affect your ability to add a passenger or even list an unconfirmed person as TBA. Some bookings will allow you to book as solo then "upgrade" to the cabin's passenger capacity at anytime (up to 2 days before sailing) with no fees or penalties as long as your muster station has not maxed out. While others requires all name to be on the booking by a certain time after making the booking up to just before the final payment date or any changes to the booking are construed as a cancelation and rebook situation. Then there are others you can add names but it will incur an administrative change fee.

Though I've never bought sheets I do tend to bring my own pillows and pillowcases as I have severe reactions to many perfumes and fragrances if I inhale them for too long. I tell the cabin stewards just to take the ship provided pillows away and to leave mine alone and make the bed up each day without pillows on them (I store mine in the closet during the day). SO it would not be unreasonable in my eyes to bring sheets if you need them to prevent an allergic reaction and the crew does respect any special instruction you give them. 

Here's my advice for first time cruisers, be it you're entirely a new to cruises or just your first time booking with a particular line, DON"T book on your own. Go to or call either a CLIA certified travel professional or the cruise line themselves for a Personal Vacation Planner (PVP), more or less anyone that you can talk real time with that has been specially trained about cruising. There's no additional fees or commissions you would be required to pay and many times these real people have access to cabins or pricing specials not shown at online booking engines (including the one at the cruise line's website). 

As for your seasickness on any ocean going vessel the closer you are to the water and the more towards the center of the midship you can be will be the area with less perceived motion. Think of a ship as a multistoried teeter-totter, the closer you are to the bar that provides the see-saw and pivot action the less you move on the apparatus. Passenger decks on a cruise liner are never below the waterline, which sort of act as your "bar" since that is what provides the up/down and pitch/roll action. So in actuality a interior cabin centermost on the lowest deck is where those with a true inner-ear imbalance derived seasickness should start their search for a cabin. For those with seasickness caused by the visual disconnection of the eyes not seeing movement but the body feeling the passage, a balcony at the lowest deck they are offer and midship should be where they look, as gazing at the slowly moving horizon often helps relieve the more mild symptoms.

Secondly until you cruised one of these ships you will not know at what point (deck or section) on board will trigger your seasickness as almost all modern ships that support a passenger capacity of over 2,600 passengers tend to have stabilizers that help prevent sudden movement of the ship caused by waves (usually under 8 feet) or wind (30 knots or less), that would be experienced on regular passenger or sport boats or ferries. 

Yes and no. There is a reserved seating section for those enjoying the Royal Suite experience but that area opens to the general public walk-ups at 15 minutes prior to the showtime. To get in the theater for certain shows like "We Will  Rock You" or to 270's "Spectra's Cabaret" before the cut off time they require a reservation. BUT for those in suites with a Genie they can score you last minute (day of at least 3 hours prior to showtime) reservations.

On all the Royal cruises we've been on there have been no theme nights where passengers dress up. There have been nights where the entertainment centered around a theme like 70's disco night or Caribbean flair, with parades by the CD and entertainment staff in the Promenade and sometimes the main theater show tying in (on ships that still do the old 45 minute review shows instead of the Broadway quality productions) and the house band doing some theme related songs during their sets. The movie under the stars may even be related to the theme, like in March the Anthem showed Momma Mia 2 on 70's night, but no one beyond the performers during the shows, parade, or music sets dress to the 70's theme. 

On ships that have Boleros (Latin bar) will generally have some people dress in Latin music appropriate dance clothing, but it's not a requirement to enter the area.

As long as the terms of the OBC are not for a singular department (like excursions or photos) then OBC can be used for any on board purchase or service charge (like the daily auto-gratuities). Special OBC, above and beyond what Carnival advertises, such as through a travel agent,  vacation/auto/credit card group, or online reservation center may not be posted to your S&S account until the second day on board and may impact your ability to purchase anything against the OBC unless you have a backup payment method on file large enough to cover the initial charge.

Generally guaranteed bookings can't change the bedding configuration in their Manage my Booking section. SO either call your PVP or TA to put it in the special notes section or just wait till on board to have your steward do it before bedtime.

Here's our experiences... The last 3 times we sailed from Bayonne we arrived at the access road for the terminal between 10-11am and all 3 times the traffic was backed up past the side road that lets out from terminal and parking garage. This is not from the construction vehicles working on the new apartments/condos but just traffic waiting to get by the terminal. We knew enough not to pick the right hand lane as it's used as the "will call" for rideshares and car/van/limo services parking on the shoulder till they get their call, and cut in sharply to that lane frequently. But still did not get to step foot in the terminal till 11:30am or later. That last 1/4 mile or so is mostly jammed up because it seems the port personnel are giving priority to large airport transfer buses and hotel shuttles even letting them use the left side shoulder as a lane to get further up front then hold up the 3 lanes of cars that have been waiting to let them in first.  

Our plan for Sept on the Anthem is to arrive either at 8:30am, as long as the weather is good and wait outside for the terminal to open to new passengers (we have priority boarding so hoping for  only a short wait inside). Or If the weather is bad arrive after 12:30pm when the traffic should be all but gone.

Best time for you may not be the best time by my definition. We hate sitting in traffic and that last 1/4 mile on the access road is has been a horror to us. The last 3 times we sailed from Bayonne we arrived at the access road for the terminal between 10-11am and all 3 times the traffic was backed up past the side road that lets out from terminal and parking garage. This is not from the construction vehicles working on the new apartments/condos but just passenger traffic to the terminal. We knew enough not to pick the right hand lane as it's used as the "will call" for rideshares and car/van/limo services parking on the shoulder till they get their call, and cut off people in that lane frequently. But still did not get into the terminal till 11:30am or later. The only nice thing was because of the delays to get to the building each time was there were less than 3 people ahead of us for security and the check-in had immediate access to the clerks (in fact many were standing around looking for passengers to check-in). 

On disembarkation day for our Summit  the ship docked at 7am and we were off and curbside by 9:30am but had to wait till after 10am for our ride to arrive because of the traffic. For our next 2 arrivals back at Port LIberty, 1 on the Adventure 1 on the Anthem the ships docked at 6am but being bigger ships the line at customs was longer. On both of those cruises we were off before 8:30am but with Royal having a larger passenger capacity than X there were longer line for customs. So we were still not curbside till 9:15am for the Adventure and 9:45am for the Anthem. The last 2 times our ride knew enough to get to the port by 8/8:30ish to stake a good "will call" spot to wait not far from where the port personnel start directing traffic and wait for our call. So it only about 15 minutes after the porter set our bags curbside before the driver was loading our bags.

Our plan for Sept on the Anthem is to arrive either at 8:30am, as long as the weather is good and wait outside for the terminal to open to new passengers (we have priority and were told we could disregard our arrival time). Or If the weather is bad arrive after 12:30pm when the traffic should be all but gone.

There are no real theme nights, in the sense of the shipwide one some other cruise lines do. Just Mega deck party themes (60-90 minutes on the LIdo deck) on certain port nights and hourly themes in the dance club. The dance club can run 2-4 different themes on any given night, and they may not always be related that you can pick a single outfit to satisfy them.

From Carnival.com FAQs:

It depends on the terms of the OBC and from whom or how it is originating from. Here's the types I know off...

• Booking bonuses from Carnival usually go to the first 2 passengers on the booking, unless otherwise specified.
• Price reductions claims resulting in OBC tend to be split between all occupants equally.
• Promised OBC from an "oopsies" on previous cruise goes only to the passengers involved in the event that cause the customer service gesture to return.
• Group amenity points redeemed for OBC tends to be spread across all adults accounts in the cabin, but not always equally.
• FunPoint credit card redemptions tend to go to only to the account the cardholder is named on. 
• GIft from TAs and incentives from online reservation sites tend to be more complicated as they use various sideways to approaches to achieve OBC beyond the official Carnival offer. They may be buying Cruise Cash out of their commission, exchanging group amenity points, or "trading" the free berths earned into an averaged overpayment to all in the open group booking.

It find out exactly how it will be distributed I would call or Travel Professional (PVP or TA) or the CS# provided on the booking confirmation if you did not deal direct with a person for the initial booking.

If your phone has the memory capacity to download a movie prior to sailing and the app works offline to access the "file" there should be no problem. It's really no different than accessing files on a tablet or laptop from the internal memory or a thumbdrive.

Ships are required to test at least 1 lifeboat every week and tend to alternate which side of the ship that lifeboat comes from. So most ships that call on Bermuda alternate which side faces the port area and which side faces Pembroke Parish across the sound.

I have multiple food allergies, fish, soy, blue cheese, mushrooms, and strawberries are the major ones. We always included the list when booking and then email special needs about 2-3 weeks prior, and talk with serving staff and ask the buffet manager for guidance when eating there. Have never been disappointed by on board staff.

It's very rare for companies that offer OBC above and beyond the sale any cruise line is offering, do so without it coming out of its own coffers. This is usually achieved in 2 ways, 1) they take some of their commission for the sale of the booking and buy the perk (in the case of OBC buying Cruise Cash) or give a small price break back to their customer over the price they initially negotiated, and 2) they have made an open group booking, and in return for selling a "block" of a certain amount of base level cabins they in return get group points incentives (available to anyone that meets the # of cabins booked) that can be translated in to things like free bottles of wine in the cabin to private cocktail hours, to OBC or a free group excursion. 

Here a link to the pdf of Carnival group amenities that anyone that will have 8 or more cabins linked to a master contract could get when booking through Carnivals group sales department 

 http://static2.traveltek.net/images/carnivalmeetings.site.traveltek.net/pdfs/Group_Fun_Points_and_Flexi_Pricing_Directs_02-2013.pdf

In addition to these choices for every 8 cabins with 16 adults booked the group coordinator (or the TA or website owners) get a free berth equal to the average price of each berth purchased by members of the group. Other cruise lines work similarly.

I've always heard for the camp and clubs that the age on embarkation day is the deciding factor on age group placement. No so sure about if he "ages out" during the cruise if he will be barred from entering the O2 club. But then again except during free time on the video game consoles and the digital scavenger hunt for receiving their prize I've never really seen the O2 well utilized by the older teens since they are free to come and go as they please, by signing themselves in/out. On a side note I have heard of those in the lost age bracket 18-20 having their own evening "official" meet-n-greet, much the same way that single cruisers do in the library or an empty lounge at the time. 

Nearly all of the Athem's muster stations are inside on deck 4. Our last cruise in March on her our cabin was deck 7 near the forward elevators, and our muster station was the Music Hall upper area. SInce seats are provided even those with mobility issues attended the briefing here, but there was 1 one crew member going around with a clipboard asking those with scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, and canes if they would need special assistance if there was an emergency. Others were held in the main theater, various lounges/bars, and restaurants including the Silk and American Icon MDRs. 

Personally I would not bother with a Passport card unless she will be traveling overland to Canada or Mexico, or arriving by sea to WHTI countries sometime in the next 10 years (or wants it because of the looming Real ID Act impact on domestic air travel). The cost is less than a passport book, currently $35 for the card itself, but the processing fees charged remain the same as a passport book.

When traveling on USA departure closed loop cruises to WHTI countries there is no absolute need for a US citizen to carry a passport or any type, as of right now. Please realise I'm not advocating not traveling without one, just stating that the passport is not a requirement by the USA or the POC country for "transit" arrivals by sea, nor for repatriation by the CBP upon return to the USA by the same vessel to the same port as departure. It is a very strong suggestion by most cruise lines to have a passport hen dong a US departure for a "caribbean" cruise, in case of emergency but not a requirement if other forms of ID and proof of nationality are available.

Typically the other documents accepted for US citizens, according to CBP.gov, are;

• a (copy of) birth certificate issued by the Department of Health or Vital Statistics of the state or county of birth (or US Consulate Certificate of Birth Abroad),  or a certificate of Naturalization for US citizens not born here (or to US parents not recognised w/ consulate cert. when abroad), and
• for those 16 and older a government (local,state, military, or federal) issued picture ID that matches the name on the cruise booking.
• If the names on the BC and photo ID differ, bridge documents linking the name changes to each other such as adoption, marriage/divorce certificates, or court filings need to be available if asked for during the boarding and repatriation processes. 

A slot point is equal to $2.50 in slot play but this can be money you deposited to machine or winnings re-invested in play. Points can also be earned on video poker and other electronic card games (excluding the Texas Hold'em table) but are at the rate of 1 pt.= $5 in play.

Those that play tables are not excluded but the formula on how the Pit Boss calculates comp points is a closely held secret. In general it is said that for Blackjack a player needs to bet $20 per hand for at least an hour before being recognized to have their play watched close enough to record points. Then they need to play at least a total of 10, 1 hour sessions at that same rate before getting the card. Each type of game has its own minimum betting requirements, that has nothing to do with the minimum table bet per round, to gain management's attention to track a table player to evaluate if they should be getting points , even though every player that gets chip is asked for their S&S card. 

Depending on cruise length at 1,000 (cruise 4 days or less) or 1,500 points (cruises 5 days and longer) yo will receive a Drinks on Us card, good for any bar menu drink to a maximum of 15 alcoholic ones/day, while at a machine or table in the casino. Players that reach 5,000 points, in addition to receiving a "fare free" comparable cruise usually in a balcony for 2 for port charges only (must be book within 2 weeks of disembarkation and sailed within 90 days in most cases), will receive a DOU card at casino opening on their next cruise taken within 2 years regardless of if they pay for the fare or it's a casino special. Other offers for port charge only interior or better cabins on select sailing, goes to approximately 10-15% of the top players that cruise. If you start getting little "thank-you" gifts  from the casino management of fresh snacks sent to your cabin, offers/coupons for free bottles of wine, or a free dinner for 2 at a specialty restaurant you know you are at least a contender with the possibility for a free cruise certificate. Points from one sailing do not transfer to another sailing date, to "earn" on board bonuses or other comps. Though the home base csino office does track accrued players points over a 2 year period, so players that generally reach at least 2,500 accrued points tend to receive quarterly offers for reduced rate cruises with Casino Cash or FunPlay bonus credits for a few years.

My understanding is that fresh squeezed juice is only available on the Vista class ships at the Havana bar. When we sailed the Vista, the indoor Havana bar (all access) was not manned prior to the mid-afternoon.

The differences are in the special events offered on board in the casino. Usually only Premier, Premier Getaway, and Ultra casino cruises get offered priority embarkation, though printed on the boarding pass you must still select a arrival appointment time. If the available appointment times are later than your liking the "priority" boarding pass allows you to check-in earlier along with Platium+, suites, and FttF. Once on board there will be a embarkation day reception given by the casino management, sometime prior to 1st seating of dinner, and if not already delivered to the cabin the host(ess) will be handing out information about all the special drawings and the DOU cards (for the first 2 adults in a premier cabin bookings only). Gifts or special treats are delivered almost daily to the cabin.

The Hot Streak is more like a Dealers Choice offer on steroids.  You tend to get more casino cash, FunPlay credits, or non-refundable OBC than the Dealers Choice would gve. A DOU card is a hit or miss on this offer and seems to vary with each 60 day promotional period. Since they started offering this promo this year I have not notice any special priority boarding as one of the perks.

Here's a sample of some of the current casino deals floating around:

Premier Cruises: Up to $500 off with Casino Rates + $XX00 in FunPlay™ + Drinks On Us!
Book by June 27, 2019

• Reserve your Casino Rate with a $99 non-refundable reduced deposit per person
• PRECRUISE & WELCOME GIFT
•  PREMIER CHECK-IN
•  WELCOME ABOARD COCKTAIL PARTY
•  COMPLIMENTARY DRINKS WHILE PLAYING IN THE CASINO
•  PREMIER - ONLY EVENTS AND TOURNAMENTS
•  A SHOT AT MORE THAN $20,000 IN CASH AND PRIZES
•  OTHER PERKS AND SURPRISES

Getaway Cruises: Up to $330 off with Casino Rates + $XX00 in FunPlay + Drinks On Us!
Book by June 27, 2019

• Reserve your Casino Rate with a $99 non-refundable reduced deposit per person
•  WELCOME GIFT IN YOUR CABIN
•  PREMIER CHECK-IN
•  COMPLIMENTARY DRINKS WHILE PLAYING IN THE CASINO
•  EXCLUSIVE INVITATION-ONLY CASINO TOURNAMENTS
•  A SHOT AT UP TO $10,000 IN FREE PLAY, CASH AND PRIZES
•  OTHER PERKS AND SURPRISES

Hot Streak Bonus: Up to $450 off with Casino Rates + $XX0 Onboard Credit
Book by June 28, 2019

•  Available on a wide variety of sailings through May 31, 2020
•  Get up to $450 off with Casino Rates + $XX0 Onboard Credit
•  Get 50% off with Casino Rates + $XX0 Onboard Credit on select Alaska and Hawaii cruises
•  Eligible VIFP Club® Member must sail to qualify for this offer

Summer $20K Weekend Tournaments: Up to $250 off with Casino Rates + $XX0 in FunPlay™ + Free Drinks + Free Tournament Seats
Book by August 1, 2019

• Reserve your Casino Rate with a $99 non-refundable reduced deposit per person
•   Available on select Carnival Dream®, Carnival Victory® and Carnival Inspiration® sailings departing between June 6, 2019 and August 29, 2019
•   Get two Free Tournament Seat (one Blackjack tournament seat and one Slot tournament seat) per sailing
•  Free drinks while playing in the casino. Terms apply
•  Valid on a maximum of two sailings

Dealer’s Choice: Up to $500 off with Casino Rates + $X00 in FunPlay
Book by July 3, 2019

•  Available on a wide variety of sailings through April 30, 2021
•  Get up to $500 off Fun Select with Casino Rates + $XX0 in FunPlay
•  Eligible VIFP Club® Member must sail to qualify for this offer
•  Reserve your Casino Rate with a $99 reduced deposit per person

Depending on the port of departure they may have a secondary VIP or captain's style lounge for special invitees, others will just have a special section of seats. My experience has been that any special invitee of the cruise line or casino will board before those with FttF.

6 hours ago, RWolver672 said:

 

It does not have to have the seal or water marks.  This is according to their site:  

Birth Certificate Information

The following are acceptable:

• An original or copy of a birth certificate issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics 
• A clear, legible copy (photocopy) of a birth certificate that was originally issued by a government agency (state/county/city) or the Department of Health and Vital Statistics. The copy does not need to be notarized or certified. 

My intent was to point out that the security measure needs to be evident even if it is a done at home copy. A watermark or raised seal will show to some extent in a quality copy, color changing ink or aRFID strip not so much. Also states are moving to issue a more enduring document than a paper BC such as having the information on a scannable card the size of the average credit card. Like a Passport card a copy of that would not be acceptable.