kaylaw25

Ughhhh! People are so rude.

To answer your question, on our last cruise on Oasis out of FLL we had a 28 pack of water that we put in a small bag with a luggage tag and dropped it off with the porters and checked luggage. We didn't carry it around with us and it was delivered with our luggage at around 2 p.m.

Who's going to serve us dinner tonight? LOL :-D

MYSELF! I've been dying for a home cooked meal since Wednesday lol

I have already put in my two cents on the pricing before, but I'll share my story again...

 

I was all set to book a ov balcony on the harmony, the only reason I didn't pull the trigger was because I wanted to get in CC and ask about people's experience in selecting a guaranteed vs non guaranteed. Now it was my fault for not selecting the hold reservation option, and I will never make that mistake again, but the price jumped 2000, in less than 90 minutes. Needless to say, I was furious, and when I called to speak with a rep, one said they saw the rate I had, but couldn't do anything about it, when I spoke to their supervisor, they claimed not to be able to ever see the original rate I had intended to book (implying I was lying or not being entirely forthcoming?) then went on to tell me that there were only 3 OV balconies left and that I should jump on it before they sold out. Of course I knew that was absolute BS. Why is it that the number 3 always seems to be the go in the travel industry regarding availability? 3 seats left at this price, 3 rooms available at this price, etc... anyways, that's how these big companies work, always have always will

 

 

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This happened to me. I saw the price difference as I was leaving work so I screen shot it on my phone. I went immediately home and called them to make the change. The price had gone up $400 in 30 minutes and the inital rep said he knew about the "price drop" but he wasn't authorized to give it to me since it had changed. After being switched around a few times I began to get less and less information. Everyone was mysteriously clueless about the change in price.

Another experience:

About 3 days after final payment, the price for my cabin dropped about $800.00 so I called to check on price adjustment, obc or switching cabins. no luck. However, they tried their hardest to upsell me a junior suite for another $500.00. I've learned that if I ever sail RCCL again I'm booking a few days after the final payment date.

The easiest thing to do is just leave your booking in your maiden name to match your passport, and then when you return from the cruise, apply for an updated passport so you can travel with your married name in the future.

 

You can also bring some of the documents that you mentioned. ID that's in your maiden name (passport or BC) and then your marriage license to provide the bridge that links the maiden name on your documents to the married name on your booking.

 

The complication might be which ID to use to get on and off the ship at each port. Many Caribbean ports require that you show government issued photo ID that matches the name on your Sea Pass. So, is your DL in your maiden or married name? Otherwise you'll have to bring all the documents ashore with you to bridge the names with the local Port Authority

Thats entirely too much to keep up with on vacation!! I'll leave it as is.

Recently Married Ladies: I booked my cruise in my maiden name. My passport is in my maiden name. I want to change my booking info to my married name. What type of identification do I need to go as Mrs. Williams? Its too late to get a new passport. I have my birth certificate, marriage license, passport and drivers license but none of the names match. Please help me I'm so lost!

Are they all salt water?

I'm excited about mine in July!!

Loved this ship! Following this thread.

So I got to work this morning at 8:30. I sat here and read your entire 32 page review. Thanks a bunch it really helped speed the day along. I didn't even leave for lunch, I ate right here in front of the computer. This was just what I needed to get me in gear for my cruise next week. Your group looks like loads of fun.

Let's see if this works:

Day 1

very nice thank you.

Pics?

Our last cruise was mid/late August. There were practically no kids (assuming because they all just went back to school) Was curious if it would be the same for late April/early May since I would think they just had spring break and would be getting out for summer soon!

I went this year late April and there were still a lot of kids and young college students.... The most I've ever cruised with. Although there were a lot it wasn't a bad cruise. The sea day lido deck party was full of drunk college students dancing and covering the entire pool area but they didn't bother me. It was fun watching them and taking pictures.

Great Review!

I'm Glad that you and your family enjoyed your cruise. As you found out, Your Cruise is what You Make It!!! I bet your Beautiful Boys can't wait until the next cruise.

Yes! While we were in port a Disney ship was next to ours and Anthony is now reading so of course that's the first thing he read when we got off the sensation lol. I kept trying to redirect his attention but it was too late. Now he's asking when are we going on a Disney cruise. I don't want to but I'm going to do it maybe in 2016. I have to save up for that one LOL Maybe dad will give me the money and the okay for Elijah's birthday next August.

Loved your review. Your Mom looks more like your sister! You have a beautiful family and your children look like they had a great time. The pic of them toasting....priceless.

 

OT..my Mom passed 19 years ago and always wanted to go on a cruise. Seeing you with your Mom made me think of how she never got a chance. Spending time with family builds great memories that will last a life time.

 

Thank you for sharing :)

Thanks so much! I am sorry for your loss. I truly enjoyed this cruise with my mom. We have both been separately but this was our 1st time together. We had such a good time we agreed that we would do a mother/daughter/grandkid cruise every year. I was able to see a whole new side of her that I've never seen before. I guess its true that when you cruise you can really let loose and be yourself.

Question for you. Was Josh Waitzman your cruise director or was it still Jase?

I am not good with names sorry I can't tell you! I don't remember I believe it was Jase. I remember it was something with a J. LOL When I get home I can look at my Fun times and clarify.

I enjoyed your review and photos.

 

Your sons are cute! If you thought they were a handful on a cruise how did your sister manage with an 8 month old? Would she have preferred to cruise without him?

Thank you and yes, she said she'll never do that again LOL. Originally Gabe was supposed to stay home with his God mother but this is my sisters 1st baby (after a miscarriage) so she's VERY attached to him. The closer the trip got the more she started having second thoughts. About a week before we left she called and added him to the booking.

I think she would've enjoyed it more if she weren't still breastfeeding. My mom kept him a lot so she could enjoy her 1st cruise but she'd have to check in every couple hours to feed him. Not to mention there weren't a lot of options in the dining room to feed him. She's been slowly introducing him to soft solid foods.

I just left the Bahamas and it was nice as long as you don't get in the water. I'd say the high was around 75 in the sun and 70 in the shade. The ocean was freezing cold but that didn't stop my kids from getting in. Me personally, I couldn't stand to put my feet in. IMO beach weather is 85/90+ degree weather. On the ship I kept a light shawl or sweater. Most of our clothes were shorts, sundresses and sandals.

On the ship the pool water was cold but once you get in your body will adjust. During sea day it was pretty warm even with the wind blowing as long as the sun wasn't behind the clouds.

I enjoyed your review of the Sensation. I have a soft spot for that ship since it was my first Carnival cruise way back in 2000! Your boys are adorable, and by their beautiful smiles, it seems they had a blast! I agree with you that other travellers can really make things unpleasant at times. Sounds like you had a lot of inconsiderate ones on board. Same thing happened to me on my flight back home from Fort Lauderdale to Philadelphia, it had to be some of the rudest people I have ever seen on a plane at the same time!

 

I am told that longer cruises seem to attract a better behaved group. I don't know as I have never done less than a 7 day one.

 

Thanks again for your great review and photos! :)

Thank you for your compliments. I guess the only way to counteract rude people is to continue to be nice and friendly. No need in me being rude. Maybe one day I'll rub off on someone else.

Oh Yea BTW our room stewards name was Melvin. I had a pic of him in my other camera. He was AMAZING! Anything we needed he got it immediately and we never had to wait long. He always filled my cooler with ice and he left extra chocolates for my kids. Every time we saw him in passing my kids would say, "Hi Mr. Melvin!" and he'd high five them and tell them if they were good boys he'd leave them something special on their pillow.

Thank you for the great report. We'll be sailing on the Sensation January 4 on a four day.

 

I have a few questions. Would you mind giving us your experience with regard to the Port and embarkation? Also, were there any tuxedos during the formal dinner night?

 

Thanks in advance.

Embarkation was very easy. When you walk in you show the 1st person your boarding pass. Then you walk through security. I had a small cooler with water and juice boxes and a bottle of wine. I also had my cross body bag with all my travel documents. I didn't take a "carry on" with extra clothes and stuff. You put your stuff on the conveyor belt and let them scan it and you walk through the metal detector and grab your stuff on the other side of the metal detector. Then we were directed to go to a line where they wanted you to show them the form about your health. Then we went directly to the counter where you sign in and receive your sail and sign card and set up your account. From there you travel up an escalator and start your way down a long hallway until you reach the gangway and you walk right on the ship.

As far as the Port, we used a cheap parking alternative so I can't give you my opinion on it. From Dropping my sister off though, it was easy to find GPS took us right to it. When you pull up someone will direct you to pull up into a parking space and unload your luggage and the entrance to the port is only a short walk down the sidewalk. I'm assuming after you drop your luggage you go park your car and then walk back.

In regards to formal night, my sons wore button ups, khakis, and casual shoes. I don't think they are strict on attire because we were surprised to see a couple of folk in jeans. On the other hand there were some in suit and ties. I didn't witness any tuxedos. I'd say wear what makes you comfortable after all, its your vacation.

Great review. I am going with my mother in law on this cruise next month. Your little boys are adorable by the way.

Thanks so much. Enjoy, be safe and have fun!

Reading your review it sounds like the kids had a really great time, but you not so much. We go out this weekend and all I hope for is good food, calm seas and warm weather.... From the last week worth of crime and shootings in Nassau I think I'm going to stay on the ship not even make the market. 5 shootings in 1 week sounds like Chicago not Nassau. Thanks for the review.

I had a good time but the weather was not as nice as I would have liked. I am very easy to please and I probably could have relaxed and enjoyed more as far as shows and things if I wasn't on full mommy duty. The ship was nice and clean so that was a plus. I've been to Nassau 2x before so I wasn't pressed to actually get off but I had promised the boys we'd go to the beach way back in May so I had to honor my word.

All you women and just him.... I hope you tipped good that would have driven me crazy. Speaking of crazy...I think I would have left that one at Wal-Mart and picked her up on Sunday....:o

 

Anyway thanks for the review so far I am waiting for more. We leave Thursday and I been looking for reviews. Hard to believe that out of 10,000 people sailing the Sensation there is only like 1 review, yet some of the bigger ships have 500 for every 10,000. Anyway I am waiting for more.

LOL yes you must know women very well! We drove Fabian crazy! He was a good sport though. He added us all on FB and even offered to taxi us around and give us connections if we flew over and stayed rather than cruised. Actually I believe his tip was around $40.

Oh, yeah, I would have been mad about that last-minute trip to Walmart and missing lunch, too!

kaylaw: I feel your pain...I would have been EXTREMELY heated at the "friend" too! But you rose above the emotion and took care of business...good for you :)!

Yes I was upset but it's nothing that a strawberry daiquiri couldn't fix! LOL

Overall, the trip was a good one. The only complaint I have is that the people on the ship including the staff were very rude. The staff sometimes acted as if they didn't want to be bothered. The cruisers would walk all over my children or hop onto an elevator that we were clearly in line waiting for first. There was one lady who bumped into me very hard and she kept walking. Her boyfriend had to apologize on her behalf. There was one lady who tried to skip the pizza line when she was in the back but I guess got impatient. Or how about the man at camp carnival sign up that skipped me and 4 other moms to get a cell phone? It was absolutely ridiculous the behavior these "adults" displayed. Maybe I'm too friendly but I greet people when we make eye contact or if I get on an elevator. There were times when people wouldn't speak back. This was the 1st cruise I've ever experienced like that.

Would I take my kids on another cruise? Yes, in about another two years. I would prefer that my youngest son be around 6 or 7. I feel like we missed out a lot because he still needs nap time and I was constantly looking for a bathroom for his last minute emergencies. I would also stick to a shorter itinerary because those short 3 days felt like 5! We left dad at home so I was in full duty mommy mode and I didn't get a chance to just relax and soak in the fact that I was on a cruise. Ultimately, the boys had a good time they got to experience something I never experienced until I was an adult. So all in all nthe birthday cruise was a success.