bubba2012

Thank you for letting me know the cost of sodas. Now the sodas were just one time, and not refills, right?

Yes, that’s per soda. No refills.

If I understood you right, you said the soda's or children's sodas(???) were $2.50 plus gratuity. My question, are the adult sodas more? Also how much was the gratuity?

 

Oh I'm like you and several others, I love to watch people too.:)

 

We are to be doing Belize also. Once the tender gets us there, we will go to the area called Brown Sugar (I don't know if that sounds familiar to you), and get our ferry to Caye Caulker. My son told me just taking the ferry to the beach is beautiful in itself.

Sodas were $2.50 plus gratuity which was $2.88 I believe. It’s one price for individual soda. The bottomless bubbles package has a child and adult price.

It was our first time in Belize, a bit intimidating for us. We never heard of a ferry or where to even find it. Have a great trip!!!!

Day 5 - Mahogany Bay/Rotaan....and where the heck is Doug????

So after our Belize debacle, we planned to have a day at the beach. We did the Relax of the Beach package through Carnival. One price covers two people, and includes ski lift ride to beach, floating mats, and loungers with a clam shell for shade. We left the ship around 10 and got to beach area and shown to our seats by 1030. It’s day 5, so our speed has slowed down to a crawl. We hung out, enjoyed the island, but mainly stayed on the beach. They had an issue with seaweed as it was floating in, but they were working hard raking it into piles on shore, and removing it.

There is a restaurant on the island, Fat Tuesday’s I believe and we looked at menu since it was close to lunch but burgers were $15 so it was hard for me to justify paying $60 plus on food when we could easily go back to ship and eat for free. Maybe I’m cheap, but that’s how I roll!!!! We left the beach area around 130p, and headed back to ship. As we were walking back through port, we looked to our left and there’s Doug. Yay!!! Doug is back. It was a whole day and no Doug. Doug apparently has kids, who knew. Probably 11-12ish range and as we walked by he said, “make smart decisions” as they walked off into the port shops. Meanwhile Doug walked to the bar and sat down for an afternoon cocktail.

We returned to the ship, had lunch and just sat by the pool and enjoyed the day. We sat at RFP, enjoyed some music, had some beer and waited till the comedy show. It was the PG version and honestly, not very good. We left after 15 minutes. One thing I dislike is when a comic just interacts with the front row, excluding everyone else. Plus the same jokes about kids in elevators pushing all the buttons. Yeah, yeah, heard the same joke all week. We then went to the America Rocks show, we’d seen it before on Liberty and it was good.

Pretty much a relaxing day, no worries and just enjoyed the port and ship. Plus, Doug is alive with kids.

Next stop Costa Maya!!!!

Sorry to hear about your experience in Belize, it definitely seems like a one and done type of stop.

We did Belize last year with a non-Carnival tour (booked through Costco). The staff at port was the least-friendly we've experienced on any vacation. We had to meet our tour outside the gated port area which wasn't a big deal, but could be intimidating if you're first-timers to int'l travel or with kids. It seems that most excursions out of Belize City are quite a drive away, and you definitely get to see a lot of local flair. As with the crew, if we have a stop in Belize City in the future we'll stay on board and enjoy the less-crowded ship. As my wife and I say, "Checked off the list".

I agree, and during dembarkation we found out Carnival had left a paper asking for guests feedback on Belize and is it a stop they should continue. Ironically, we didn’t get it.

I’ll be continuing my review soon. Sorry for the delay, but back to working 12 hour shifts so less time to write.

I’m glad we didn’t book an excursion in Belize! This was what I was worried about. Sorry you had to deal with it. We are in Florida too and would have just rolled down the windows and dealt with it

The whole situation could been handled better from the start with informing us and waiting for a new bus with AC. Honestly, it wasn’t horrible and I’m used to the heat. No one was in danger and they let people dictate our trip. I am disappointed Carnival didn’t make a better effort to remedy the situation. Yes I got a refund, but that’s a given at that point. Our safety was in jeopardy with a bunch of tourist with money on the side of the road. Fortunately, nothing bad happened and it’ll be a story we can hopefully laugh about one day.

On my recent trip to Belize with a NCL cruise, we were just on their beautiful private island, Harvest Caye, but our 19 year old granddaughter and her BF that were also traveling with us, took a ferry to the mainland. When they returned to ship they told us they had a lovely time at the Thirsty Tuna, and that was all. I found out afterwards—-about a month later—- that she confided in her mom what really happened, but she didn’t want to upset me at the time. Apparently she and her BF struck up a conversation with a very nice local at this bar, and he wanted to show them his boat, even offering them a tour around in it. Gullible kids that they are, wanting to explore, said OK. They followed him to his boat. She got in, and the man started to push off leaving the BF behind, when armed police came rushing down the shore to the boat, and got her out. The man in the boat took off. The police said they have a problem in the area with human trafficking, and suspect this man was part of it.

Glad I didn’t hear that on the ship as I would have freaked out! I have to say that granddaughter is currently traveling Bali right now on Easter Break, and pray she has smartened up and uses some caution this time.

That’s far worse then we experienced. And I’m glad it all worked out. There are sick, evil people in this world and human trafficking is a serious issue. Fortunately, there was police nearby to get them out of that situation. If we ever return to Belize we’ll just stay on the boat.

Sorry for your horrible ordeal with the Belize excursion. I was curious to see what happened, we are scheduled for Carnival excursion in Belize in a few weeks. Will need to let family know not to expect air conditioning. To bad they didn’t comp you a bottle of wine or something for your nerves.

 

 

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The excursion list air conditioned transportation so to me that was a bonus. I didn’t expect AC in a place were AC is considered a luxury.

I’m disappointed they didn’t acknowledge it more. I wasn’t expecting much but something would’ve been a nice gesture. Plus, no one even followed up with us either. You’d think after an entire excursion going wrong guest services would at least acknowledge our disappointment.

Ugh that stinks you wasted all that time and stress in Belize. You gotta love those baby boomers. The original “me,me,me” generation and boy do they have it down pat! I’m sure you all would’ve just endured the ride with windows open. We would’ve.

Truthfully, if the tour guide would’ve just said sorry but too bad we’re not stopping and just got there. Unfortunately, the bus didn’t have windows to put down.

Day 4 - Belize

We’ve never been to Belize so we weren’t sure what to expect. I’ve read great reviews from private tours, however being our first time and being unfamiliar with the port we decided to take a Carnival excursion. We settled on the Bacab Eco Park Family Escape. It had decent reviews so we thought why not, what could really go wrong.

Our tickets said to meet in the Showtime theatre at 930, we got there at 915 and it was packed. Apparently this was the meeting place for all excursions. We waited as they called ours, once called we walked out they gave us a sticker to show our excursion. We got on the tender boat and finally left about 10. It was a 15 min ride to the port. Ironically, before we left the theater the Carnival staff member making the announcements was ask about Belize. He said, there’s not much to do in port and none of the crew members ever get off in Belize due to safety. Ok, not exactly what I wanted to hear, but felt ok being a Carnival excursion.

We made it to land, probably 1015. They put us in a line to separate all the excursions, but stated a lot go to this Bacab Park and have different excursions there. No worries, so our group got in line and waited. The tour guide made some announcements and we stood in line, waiting, and waiting, and waiting. We stood around for 30 minutes wondering what the heck is going on. No explanations, but finally we were shown to the bus. Now, as you exit the port let’s just say it’s not a very friendly looking atmosphere. While waiting to get on bus random people selling went up and down our line trying to sell stuff. I get it, it’s how they make money but I don’t like being hassled. They were nice, a simple no thank you and they moved on.

Finally, we’re on the bus. So it’s noticeable warm as we got to our seats. People were adjusting air vents and such, but nothing was helping. We drove off, and a few minutes someone shouts out please turn on air. A few more minutes later, they shout again. The tour guide then says, sorry the AC isn’t working. Moans filled the bus in disgust, and then it snowballed. Two elderly women, probably in 60’s start making a fuss shouting we need air and we’re gonna pass out. They looked at me for support and I said, look I’m from Florida. This is nothing, a bit warm but not a dire emergency. The tour guide was making some calls then tells us another bus will meet us and it’ll be 5 minutes. After 10 min we’re still driving, those two ladies kept complaining and the guide says 5 minuets. Then they started shouting at her saying you said 5 min, 10 min ago. So next thing I know the bus pulls off to the side of the road in the middle of the city. We were told that a bus is on the way, and if we wanted off the bus for air to go stand on side of the road. I look at my family and say, stay on the bus, it’s not safe to stand on side of road. Half the bus gets off, and those around us are all confused at to what’s going on. Now, there was a family on board who had a child and adult with mobility issues. So they had gotten off bus and I saw the lady talking to the tour guide. So as we waited there was talk of going back to the port, but nothing definite. Finally, the second bus pulls up and they ask us to get off and get on new bus. As I walked off I ask the lady who spoke to the tour guide what the plan was, are they sending us back to port. She said no, they refuse to take us back. Ok, so we got in the new bus and it had air. So it appeared we were off, but not so fast.

As we left, a few minutes later someone ask how much longer. Well, that time went from 20 min to 30 plus minutes. So now the same two ladies are at it again, making a fuss and others chimed in stating we’re losing time at the park. The bus then pulls off the side of the road again and we sit. At this point most were mad as we’ve done nothing but lose time, and jeopardize people’s safety. So some people start demanding to be taken back to port. The tour guide makes a call, and then says her supervisor is on her way. Ok, great we’re stuck on the side of the road again in Central America, this is ridiculous. Now it’s about 1130, and the supervisor shows up and announces anyone wanting to continue they would get half price and those wanting to return would get a full refund. So about 12 people said they wanted to continue on. So we sat and waited for a van to come pick them up. It’s 12 now, and the van shows up and those going on got off. We decided to return to port, as we’d had enough and didn’t trust the transportation getting back. As we waited, apparently half the bus decided they wanted to go so they all got out and tried to get in van. Well that’s not gonna work. So the supervisor says since more people want to go, those returning to port get off the bus and wait on side of road and another bus will pick you up as we will take this bus to the park. What??? What did I just hear??? Get off the bus, stranded in Belize and wait for a bus. I thought a riot was going to break out and people including us refused to get off bus citing safety concerns. Meanwhile, the van with the original 12 took off and headed to the park. So now we’re all asking to go, we’ve done nothing but sit on the side of the road. The bus finally started moving, it was 1230 and I was thinking just get us back to the ship. The supervisor then explained the refund process and that if anyone wanted to go to the park to stay on bus after our return to port to remain on bus and they would take them.

We got back to port all in one piece, we couldn’t get off fast enough. And the kicker to all of it the two ladies who started all this stayed on the bus and said well, we’re gonna go now. I’m like, thanks for ruining everyone else’s day. As we entered the port then we started being harassed by locals shouting we should’ve taken their tours and not the ships. We just went directly to the tender boat and got out of there, what a big giant mess.

It was 130p now, we were hungry and got lunch and tried to calm down. The kids wanted to swim so we just turned it into a pool day. Later that evening we went to guest services to inquire about refund and discuss our experience. She said no refund has been given but to check with the shore excursion desk and they open in 5 minutes. And of course, there’s a line for shore excursions. I waited for 30 minutes and got to the counter and said we were on the Bacab family excursion and immediately he says yes, we apologize and you’ll get a full refund once we get all the tickets back we’ll enter it in tonight and by tomorrow it’ll show up as OBC. He says, anything else?? Yes, as a matter of fact there is something else. You left us stranded twice on the side of the road and jeopardized everyone’s safety and ruined half our day. Sir, your getting a full refund and that’s all you’ll get, there’s nothing we can do but apologize as we can’t control transportation issues. What??? You can’t control something you organized? Put us on a bus, knowing the air wasn’t working and allowed other passengers to dictate our trip. Again, sorry sir, there’s nothing else we’re gonna do but issue a refund. I said wow, I’m not asking for you to comp my cruise but some compensation should be issued and you’ll have 30 other people here tonight as well. Sir, all they’ll get is a refund too and nothing else. Some things are out of our control. At this point, I left as I wasn’t going to keep arguing and ruin our cruise. 😡😡😡😡😡

I'm really appreciating your review and look forward to reading the "un-Belizeable" story. Are you going to post pictures? Every time we go to Cozumel, we snorkel or dive (except the one time we did a dune buggy tour), but we never just go to the beach. PB sounds kind of nice and no-hassle the way you describe it.

Sorry, I’m the worst when it comes to pictures. I only take mental photographs...ha ha.

Day 3 - Cozumel

So we decided to go to Paradise beach for the first time. After reading great reviews, off we went. We left the ship around 930, and went through the port to the taxi line up. As we waited in line a guy ask where I wanted to go, I said 4 for Paradise beach. He said $15 and pointed us to a cab. We hopped in and off we went. The driver starting fishing for what we wanted to do as I’ve read they may try and get you to go to a place they have connections with. I just said, we want PB and that ended that. He was friendly and drove safely so it was all good.

It was about a 10 minute ride and we’re dropped off out front. A employee met us and explained everything and we just wanted to be on beach, and kids have access to the beach toys. It was $3 per person entry, $18 per person for beach toys, those giant blow ups in water. We got wrist bands and shown to our loungers with umbrella. Our server Miguel came over and said if we need anything let him know.

We went to the water and it was a bit cold, so we had to ease into it. After 30 min an employee came over to us and said to go down a little bit as area we were in was rocky. So we followed his advice and it was much better. As the kids were on the inflatables my wife and I are watching them play. I look over to the left and you’ll never guess who we saw??? Seriously, is this guy following us? It’s party guy!!!!! Now, this is where it gets interesting. We got tired of calling him party guy and decided to name him “Doug”. So from here out he’s known as Doug. Don’t ask me why, it’s just what it is. So “Doug” is heading out to the inflatables and climbs to the top of one. They were jumping off landing on the one below shooting the kids off in space. As he stood on top, my wife and I say to each other. This isn’t gonna end well. Sure enough, Doug stands up to jump off, slips and falls head first into the inflatables below. He surfaces and swims out, looking unscathed. I scream out and said “dude, you totally ate it”. He just laughed but got out of the water. I seriously thought we had a cervical injury in front of us, but fortunately he made it out alive and no apparent injuries.

Later we decided to go poolside and have lunch. The place is amazing, great pool and staff. We stuffed our faces with chicken nachos, salsa and beer. It was a great day, even better that Doug was still alive. We left about 2, got a cab (all waiting out front) and headed back to port.

We got back, cleaned up and just relaxed after a busy day. We went to the Country Road show later that evening. It was a good show. We then headed to the RFP and killed off a couple beer tubes, and things started getting fuzzy at that point and we just ended back in our rooms crashing for the night.

Next up - Our Un-Belizeable story!!!

What happened to the ice bag lady?

Don’t know, they ended up leaving from their pool chairs about 10-15 min later after the server took their info. They walked away fine carrying their bucket of beer. Never saw them again all week.

I’m relieved to hear about your bar bill. I’m definitely not purchasing it for my husband and myself in October. We’ve always purchased drink packages and I always felt like we forced ourselves to drink as the week went by. It’ll be freeing to just pay as we go I’m thinking. Now I can’t wait to hear about the nightmare in Belize!

Honestly, it was a relaxing feeling for us not having the pressure to get our monies worth. Some days we’d have just a couple beers, another day we’d have had a whole lot more. We also bought two 12 packs of water from fun shop at $9 total so we had plenty of bottled water all week.

We got the kids the soda package, but I don’t even think that was worth it. My son had a total of 13 sodas for the week. My daughter had like 4 or 5. Soda was $2.50 each plus gratuity. So even paying as you go for soda is the way to go for us from now on. And we brought one 12 pack on for my wife. Next time we’ll just bring our allotted amount of soda instead.

Although we have been on the Magic before, we are sailing on her again in June and we cannot wait!! I'm excited to hear how your 8 y/o and 13 y/o liked their respective Kids' Clubs? Our granddaughters are going on our upcoming cruise - one 13, one 9!

Thanks for the review!

My daughter enjoyed her club. We gave her some leeway and kept in touch via text. My son only went twice to his club which was a shock. Last October on Liberty we could barely get him out. I think having the water park area with slides was better for him to enjoy, plus he likes going to shows at night with us.

Day 2 - Sea Day

So it’s just a relaxing day at sea, sitting by the pool and relaxing. The chair hogs were out, but it wasn’t that bad. We never had a problem finding a seat at certain times during the day. We spent most of time at water park area with slides. The kids loved it.

We hung out in the Red Frog Pub (RFP) and had a couple pitchers of beer. Miller Light pitchers (60 ounces) was 16.95 plus gratuity. We did buckets of beer at poolside (4) and it was $23 plus gratuity. Individual 16 ounce domestic beer (Bud light, Mich Ultra, etc) are $6.25 each plus gratuity. So buckets saved $2. We also did beer tubes (101 ounces) in RFP throughout week and Miller Light was $27.95 plus gratuity.

For casual beer drinkers pitchers or beer tubes is the way to go. Especially, sitting and relaxing in the RFP during the day. They had live music and trivia at various points throughout day so we’d get a beer tube if we were gonna stay a while.

So I’ll end the suspense early. Did pay as go workout better then Cheers? For us, it did in a massive way. Our bar bill was just under $400, half the cost of Cheers. We drank what we wanted, when we wanted and never felt pressured to always order something to break even. We didn’t drink everyday, took a day off in between and just enjoyed it. Honestly, once I got on ship I felt relief not having to chase a magic number with Cheers. I even talked to different people throughout cruise and ask if they had Cheers and they said no. They said it’s too much and they spend half of the cost. So it works for some, not others.

So, there’s a party guy story on this day. My wife and I are sitting on second deck above pool near DJ booth/area having lunch. I look down and see a women with a bag of ice on her head, and a server kneeling beside her talking to her. I said, something must’ve have fallen on her head. So as we watch, the tears were flowing and the server left after speaking to them. So about 10 minutes pass and the server comes back and the lady puts the ice bag back on and the tears start rolling again. The server took their info as she was writing stuff down. I said to my wife she should probably go to the medical center to get checked out. Next thing we know, we hear a voice. “I saw the whole thing, she’s freaking out over nothing”. We turn around and it’s party guy, right behind us giving us the low down. We couldn’t stop laughing. Over 3,000 passengers and the one guy that talks to us is him. What a hoot!!!

Later in evening we saw 88 Keys and it was a good show. I will say Carnival lacks in the show department verses other cruises we’ve been on (Disney/RC). But it was good, and the performers put on a good show.

I forgot to mention earlier our accommodations. We stayed in a connecting interior stateroom on 6th floor. It was very nice having additional space for us and kids. The downside was we were right over casino and at night from 10p-12a you could hear all the announcements. It wasn’t horrible, and didn’t cause an issue for us. The TV situation sucks, if I may say. Yes I know you don’t go on a cruise to watch TV. Your right, I don’t, but coming back to the cabin at night to settle in for some mindless TV is nice. There was 3 news channels, 2 cartoon channels and it showed TBS, TNT, TruTv, and another channel but it wasn’t shows from those stations other then various movies. Not a deal breaker, but sometimes it’s nice to doze off to a show verses stuff that’s not even watchable.

My wife had the value internet package, only got it as she had some school work to be completed during cruise. It wasn’t worth it, very slow. She was able to accomplish what she needed with it for school several times during the week. So it served its purpose. My daughter had the social plan and it worked fine, no issues and she never complained. So between the two they were able to text via WhatsApp and never had any issues.

Next up day 3 - Cozumel and Paradise Beach. And yes, there’s a party guy story here too.

Day 1.....get on that ship!!!!!

All the months of waiting is finally over, it’s time to go cruising. Well, not just yet it’s only 8am. So we got up and went over to McDonald’s for breakfast, something quick and easy. After breakfast we went to Publix, because we forgot sunscreen. Fortunately, there’s a Publix right down the street from the Radisson so we drove over and grabbed a few more things plus sunscreen!!!!

We had a check in time from 1130-1200 so we had some time to sit around and wait. So let’s talk about parking. I researched places to park, read countless reviews and even called hotel days before our arrival asking what they offer. They had a deal for $40 plus tax for 7 nights parking and shuttle for up to 4. That’s great, it’ll save us $100. However, I couldn’t book it until check in at hotel and shuttles run from 1030-230. So as the days passed, I kept reading reviews and it always seem to be hit or miss. Did we wanna risk it, possibly be on last shuttle or park nearby???? Well, finally after reading a review from the week prior to our trip with the shuttle from Radisson and how it’s was running 1 1/2 hours late and they didn’t get on ship till 230, and the return shuttle was a disaster as well my decision was made. We’re parking at the port, it’s worth the extra cost plus we don’t have to rely on another leg of transportation.

We left the hotel at 1050, and ending the suspense we were on board at 1120. I even posted about it on this forum as it happened. But I’ll back up a tad. We left hotel, dropped off luggage then got a first floor parking spot. Now, since parking isn’t pre paid any longer you just get a ticket at a machine and go park. It was simple. So we walked over and saw the on time line verses the early/late line. Now it’s about 1110, and the lady checking our boarding sheets says your early and have to go in this line. I said, what if we wait 20 minutes and go in the on time line so we’re not in the naughty line. She said ok, just wait over here. Meanwhile, another guy walks over and says what’s going on. So the lady explains our situation and he says “Sir, just go in that line and you’ll be on the ship in 10 minutes”. I said ok, let’s go. And sure enough, we walked right through and 10 minutes later were sitting on the ship.

So we headed up to eat lunch, kids had Guys burgers that they essentially ate all week, wife had tacos from Blue Iguana. I veered off to deck 5 for some Pig & Anchor BBQ. Now, it’s not great BBQ, but it’s good and seeing it’s only open for 3 days of our cruise I’d take advantage on day 1 when most people don’t know it’s open.

After lunch we wandered around ship, as this was our first trip on the Magic. At 130pm we went to our cabin and dropped off our carry ons and soda, and explored some more before it’s time for the muster drill. At least this one we were inside in a conference room, but there wasn’t nearly enough seats so we had to sit on floor. The drill ended, then off to the pool deck party!!!!

As the sail away party began, we were on top deck watching the dancing and Dr E (cruise director) get the party started. First, let me say my wife and I are people watchers. We both work in healthcare so we’ve seen and heard a lot. So we have perfected our art form of people watching. Needless to say, it didn’t take us long to find the “party” guy. He was talking to anyone that walked by, had a new drink in his hand every 15 minutes. It was a blast to watch this guy and we have done nothing but laugh. I’ll add more to this story as I go.....

We went back to cabin around 5ish and our luggage was there. So we unpacked and settled in and waited for dinner. Now let me say, we are not MDR people. We’ve tried, but a 2 hour dinner isn’t our style. We didn’t do any specialty restaurants either. Again, we’ve tried on other cruises but just didn’t like the length of time it takes. I mean, we have people to watch and where’s that party guy at????

We ate at the lido buffet at 6pm, the food was good, not all items are great but you can’t have everything. We sat around, had some drinks and waited for the welcome aboard show. This show was hilarious as Dr. E did a great job. It was probably the hardest we laughed. After the show, we just hung out. The kids went to their clubs and we just enjoyed some peace and quiet.

Next stop day 2, a sea day. Let’s go find all those chair hogs and make them pay.....ha ha.

We just returned yesterday from our 7 night Western Caribbean cruise on the Magic from March 17-24. We had a great time, that also included a Belizean nightmare. More on that story later. I’ll review our trip, excursions, and experiences on board. Also, we didn’t get Cheers. Did it pay off or did we see the jaw dropping bar tab at the end?

Let’s see, where do I begin.....We are a family of 4, two kids 8,13. We like to sail out of PC since it’s close for us. Our journey begins with a pre cruise stay at the Radisson at the port. This is our second stay here and have no complaints. It’s been a pleasant pre trip stay both times. We booked a 2 queen suite, and at the time wasn’t much of a price difference then standard room so why not. We arrived at 2pm, the lobby was practically empty only a few guests. I was shocked being hotel was listed as sold out and it’s spring break. So check in took about 5-10 minutes and we were off to our room.

We were located on 3rd floor, so we grabbed our luggage and up we went. The room was clean and spacious, perfect for our needs. We settled in, and since it was 65 degrees, seriously this is Florida in March. Why is it still cold? Yes, I’m a native Floridian so that’s not beach weather or at least for us. Since a beach day was out, we went to the pool since it’s heated and it was packed. I guess that’s why the lobby was empty when we arrived, everyone was already here at the pool. We got lucky and scored some loungers as people were leaving so we hung out while the kids swam for a couple hours.

It was around 5 so we cleaned up and went to dinner at Preachers Bar next to hotel. We’ve eaten here before and liked it so we went back. It’s a unique atmosphere with good food and drinks. So after dinner, we walked back to hotel and sat by the pool at the tiki bar and enjoyed a few more drinks. However, it was getting a wee bit chilly so we called it a night and back to our room to relax, and get some sleep before our big day.

.....and we don’t have FTTF.

I’ll be doing a full review upon return however I wanted to say boarding was a breeze. We left hotel (Radisson) at 10:50, dropped off luggage, parked at port. Went through the check in lines and on walked on ship at 11:20. Our check in time was 1130-1200. Very smooth process and sign and sail will be on mailbox.

sounds like Crazy4Camping and Bubba have put some good thought into their decisions. I am interested in their comments when they return.

I’ll definitely report back my experience. We’ve done drink pacakges before and at best broke even. We’re casual beer drinkers who on 2-3 nights could maximize package but not for 7 days straight. The non alcoholic stuff we can live without or if wanted I can just buy. We already bought a 12 pack of water for $4.50 which is a great deal and we bring a couple 12 packs of soda on board as well.

We plan to buy buckets of beer to save a couple bucks, and I see the Red Frog Pub has pitchers of beer or beer tubes (101 ounces) for $28-$30. So that lowers cost per beer down to under $4 each. If we get 2 beer tubes a day is roughly 16 beers at $60. So 7 days straight puts us at $420 and half cost of Cheers if we did it everyday.

If for some reason I regain my youth and spend more then the cost of Cheers, lesson learned and will know for next time.

We debated and debated the Cheers package. When looking at the cost for a 7 day cruise, it was $830 for my husband and I. Since most drinks would be around $10(because of the 15% gratuity)we figured that equals 83 drinks. Since we only have one day at sea and the rest at ports we decided we wouldn't drink enough to make it worth it. Plus, he doesn't do "specialty" coffee and although I love water and vitamin water, I ordered the 12 pack for my room and plan to supplement in my Yeti from the tap water and ice available. We also factored in that I'm mostly a Mich Ultra drinker and that would be cheaper than the fruity drinks so again not worth it. Guess we will see if we figured correctly!

We must think alike, as we went through same debate. It just doesn’t make sense for us. We leave Saturday and will see what happens. I’ll report back and end of trip.

I got a great rate of $113 including all taxes for 1 night pre cruise but have read horror stories on review sites for this hotel where rooms are not available after booking, and rooms not ready for hours upon hours etc. I see it's close to the port however and seems popular and would like any advice from those who have stayed here.

 

I currently have Best Western Cocoa Beach booked for $152 total so changing to the Radisson is almost a $40 savings which is pretty good.

 

There seems to be nothing in the immediate vicinity of this Radisson as far as grocery stores whereas the BW has a Publix right across the street which came in real handy last time, especially since I won't be having a car.

 

So I'm torn between both hotels now and wondering if saving the $40 bucks is really worth it? Help?

I’ve stayed at the Radisson before and will be again in 3 days. It’s nice and clean, no issues during our stays. Some people just complain about everything, and leave bad reviews. Plus it’s easy to get to port and plenty of places to eat.

Totally possible to do Uber or taxi. Budget between $12 and $15 plus tip for either. Uber is preferred over taxis around here.

Thanks for the info. I wasn’t sure if Uber drivers are allowed in/out of port based on restrictions.

We are staying at Radisson at the port this Friday before our cruise Saturday on Carnival. Since I didn’t book a cruise and park package. I called hotel and they offer cruise parking for $40 (7 night cruise) with drop off/pick up shuttle to terminal for up to 4 people.

However, I can’t book until check in and risk shuttle can be full or be on last one. They say they run from 1030-230. My question is if shuttle booked or given late time I’m wondering if getting a cab or Uber to terminal is possible. I’ve read Uber has restrictions so I’m not sure what’s true or not.

How much would a cab ride be for such a short trip? Just trying to figure out a back up plan. Any insight is appreciated.

 

I looked into the Fun Shops purchase also and they do list the 4 for 24 but when you go to the check out, it's $7.50 delivery charge to your cabin...now it's $7.87 per beer..LOL

 

 

I forgot about the “delivery” charge. :')