bubba2012

Because it is all psychological, that's all.

 

Most stress these days is self-induced, so if folks find a way to reduce that stress, then all the more power to them!

It seems to be more stressful trying to figure out ways to get your monies worth, then just enjoying the cruise. The daily breakdowns of coffee, soda, milkshakes, beer, wine, cocktails to break even seems to be more of headache. And yes, I was one of those who did it.

If this helps people psychologically, that’s great but at the end of the day paying in advance or at the end is the same. I just don’t see using this as a reason to get the package valid.

Maybe I’m in the minority, but I don’t understand when people use the logic of no bill at the end. You just paid upfront, not at the end of cruise. The result is the same.

We're sailing Carnival for the 1st time and trying to decide if we should try to get FTTF. There are only 2 of us, sailing on Liberty out of PC, no tender ports. We plan to carry our luggage off. we have anytime dining.

 

The only benefits would be:

 

we could avoid some lines (?) when boarding the ship

Our room would be ready so we could drop off our carry ons before heading to lunch

If we need guest services via phone or in person, we'd have a dedicated line.

Worth it or not? please be honest, thanks!!!

We did a 3 night on Liberty October 2017. We did not get FTTF as it wasn’t worth the cost. Our check in time was 1130-1200. We arrived at port at 1030, went through security and check in and received boarding zone 6. We boarded probably 30 min after FTTF guests. Our room was ready at 130pm so having it available sooner isn’t that big of a deal to us.

On last day I did have issue with a charge on account and did have to wait 45 min in line. It was inconvenient, but not worth spending an additional $70 when that money could be used for something else.

On a shorter cruise like this one, the benefits don’t equal price in my opinion. But to others, it may.

Thanks again! Just got email back from Carnival . We got approved for the 110% guarantee and will have $50 obc each. That’s awesome and thanks for the heads up.

Which specific excursion did you book through Carnival and use to price match it against? We’re cruising in March and Belize is on our itinerary. Thanks in advance.

Go to your first port, buy a 6 pack and see what happens? Worst case is they say no.

If my husband and I both have the Cheers package, can I go to the specialty coffee shop with both of our sail & sign cards to get coffee and bring his coffee back to the room for him?

On my last cruise, Liberty in October 2017 I was not able to do this on more then one occasion. Both had Cheers and went to get coffee in morning while she was back in cabin with kids and when I ordered she ask where my wife was and I said in the cabin. She said she has to be present to get her coffee, and I couldn’t get it for her.

I thought it was odd because I ordered bar drinks with her card and she wasn’t present so maybe it was just this employee. I tried every morning of cruise, different staff and not allowed. One time, in afternoon we stopped by to grab a Powerade and my wife was sitting nearby and when I ordered 2 with both cards they ask where she was, then I pointed to her sitting 10 feet away and they allowed it.

I know others have different experiences with no issues, so I guess you can try and see what happens. I was surprised being it was coffee. I would understand if it was alcohol, but I never had issue ordering two beers with both cards.

On Liberty this past October and domestic beer, 16 ounce aluminum bottle(bud light, colors light, Miller light, etc) were $6 each plus gratuity and buckets of 4 were $22 plus gratuity.

Going to the bar usually doesn't bother me, or our son. They're all over the pool area, plenty of kids are getting drinks there, so it's not really a big deal. As for using his card, it never hurts to go and ask. Some bartenders may allow it, and others may say no.

I figured that’s possibly the case too, some may allow it, some may not. Just thought I’d ask and see if anyone had recent experience.

I know my son would take my card and get me one and him one from the bar with no problem. He's 12 and I was not near him. And I agree. I hate that you have to go to the bar for a soda. Adult or child. Its honestly probably my most hated thing about Carnival. First, it takes forever to get served. But really, its the tone that it sets. So wish they would change this!

I agree, not sure why this is only option for soda. I’m ok him going to bar area to get a soda, but being overlooked or others shoving in front of him is my issue. Heck, I’ve had this happen to me as an adult.

I’m contemplating getting this for my 8 year old son. My question to those who have done this package before does Carnival require the child be the one to get the soda?

For example, if my son is swimming and I know he’s gonna want a drink can I take his card to the bar and get him a drink? Or does he have to be the one to get it?

Yes, we do take a couple 12 packs of soda on board for the cabin, but carrying around a few cans all day is more of a hassle. I wish Carnival had soda zones designed for this package instead of only bar areas.

And no, I’m not looking for a loophole for sharing. Thanks for any insight.

This seems to be an ongoing issue with room stewards on Carnival from my experience, and others I’ve spoken to.

This past October we did a 3 night on Liberty. First day we were settling in our cabin after our luggage arrived and a knock on door. She said her name and ask if I want morning or evening service. I said morning and she walked off. Never saw her again, room wasn’t cleaned for 3 days other then bed being made. Trash cans full, floors not vacuumed, towels left on floor to be refreshed just hung back up wet.

On final morning, someone is banging on our door at 7am while we’re sleeping and she enters room to tell us to get up and time to leave and shuts door. I’m like what the heck??? I’m hopeful our upcoming trip in March on Magic yields better results.

The great debate of worth or not worth it as it pertains to drink packages. Here’s my experience for what it’s worth.

Did a 7 night on RC and at the time the package was $44 per day (not including 18% gratuity). After hours of calculations I got it for wife and I. Again, this was Royal so pricing was different. I found myself adding up every drink purchase daily making sure we’d break even, from coffee to soda to alcohol. By week’s end we probably broke even so was it worth it? From a cost perspective yes, but I found myself ordering higher cost drinks then usual just so I could think I got my monies worth. We’re mainly beer drinkers, but I enjoy a nice single malt scotch or margarita once it a while and took advantage having package.

Second experience on a Carnival 3 night cruise. To me, no brainer considering it’s $50 a day, for two of us 300 plus 15% gratuity. So for a short trip I felt it would be “worth” it. Well, after two days of drinks, day 3 brought us to not wanting to drink at all. When I got home I looked at our printout of expenses and added up drink cost to see if it was worth it. Again, broke even and probably would be ahead if not for the absence of day 3. This experience was worth it to me based on short trip, less cost.

Now, we sail again in March on Carnival for a 7 night cruise and I’m probably not getting Cheers. Based on my experience, it’s equivalent to just add “x” amount of dollars to account and enjoy drinks as if I had package. The current rate of $52 per day (not including gratuity) is $364 x 2 is $728. I’d rather put $500 on account and by mid week see where I stand, and add if needed. If by end of trip we pay more then we’ll know for future.

I think this option will work the best based on our drinking habits. Plus we’re not restricted to a limit, not that we’ve hit 15 alcoholic drinks in a day. Come close, but never 15. And factoring in drink fatigue or just a day or two of a couple of drinks, and not feeling like I lost out that day with the package.

Mine too, March 2018 FOS cruise is $55 per day. I'll pass at this price and wait it out.

Where did you get this deal? I can't find the rates yet at Hyatt.

Parksleephotels.com

Only had to put a deposit of $20ish down, the rest at check in. Plus I emailed them to confirm parking is at hotel, and they responded within minutes that it is. Any other questions let me know.

We are sailing out of FLL on March 25th, and are driving down from NY.

 

 

I couldn't find a hotel in FLL for less than $300 a night. Plus we need parking.

 

 

We ended up booking a hotel in Stuart Florida for $79 a night (and includes breakfast). We will drive the hour and a half to the port early in the morning and just park at the port for $80 (6 days).

 

So for a bit of driving in the morning and staying a bit farther out, I saved half the cost.

 

Just a thought. It at least puts you closer to Fort Lauderdale rather than driving all the way from Orlando.

I did think of that option but got a price I was comfortable with at Hyatt Place for $189 with 10 days free parking. So I'd rather pay a little more to be minutes from port.

My drive is less than 3 hrs anyway so unless I found a good deal within 30 minutes of port I would've considered it, but stumbled on the deal I found so I'm happy with it.

Does that rate include parking while on the cruise or will that be a separate fee?

 

Thank you

Try parksleepfly.com, they have rates that include parking. I booked Hyatt Place 17th street for March, 2018 for $189 that included 10 days parking.

I know last Black Friday they ran a 30% off. We sail Harmony on 3/17/18 and are kinda waiting to see if they do that again

 

 

My thoughts too. I'm planning on the highest price considering it's Spring Break time.

Yes, typical. Just keep checking the Cruise Planner.

 

No real hurry, it's not like they will run out.

Thanks, no hurry on my part other than curiosity of price or if there will be the glorious 20% off....ha ha.

We sail on Freedom March 17, 2018. My cruise planner allows me to book dining, excursions, internet, but not any beverage packages. It just says "Sorry, not able to book this package, check on board".

At first, I thought it may be to far out to book and waited. The cruise has been booked for two months and this is the only thing that can't be purchased.

Is this typical? Just curious as to why it's not open to book. And calling RCI I get the same info as website with no timetable as to when it'll be available.

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I found a deal through parksleepfly.com at Hyatt Place 17th street 1/2 mile from port for $189 plus tax and included parking at hotel for 10 days. We'll get a taxi or uber to/from port being so close to port. I imagine cost each way would be less then $10.

A taxi to PE from SpringHill Suites would be about $20 (Uber less), so the free shuttle for two and paying for two is a wash. Then you will have to taxi back to the hotel to pick up your car, so now you're up to about $40 + $330 for the hotel to get "free" parking. I think you should consider two, one way car rentals or driving the morning of and use discount parking with shuttle for four at US1.

 

http://www.simpleairportparking.com/port-everglades-cruise-parking---us1-airport-parking-109-airport-parking-vendor.html

 

Also, the Westin is pretty far north (13 miles) and charges guests for parking. You should check the La Quinta Inn-FLL Airport which allows up to 14 days free parking. I'm getting a AAA rate of $170.10 for March 16, 2018. They don't have a port shuttle so add the $40 for round trip taxi fare.

Thanks for your input. After pricing one way rentals it's a less favorable option as it would be more then just driving and parking in a lot such as park n go (8.99 per day).

Thank you for the insight on how far the Westin actually is. Ill check the La Quinta Inn -FLL. Sounds like an idea, and could just use a cab or uber to port.

This is a beautiful hotel that we used last year. I tried to book it yesterday and they no longer have the free parking.. it is close to the port, but we try to get somewhere that gives us free parking.:')

Did you confirm with hotel they no longer had free parking? I don't see a park and cruise option when trying to book directly with hotel. Although on hotelnparking site they offer it with room purchase.

Check out the hotels nearer the airport. Only 10 minutes from the port. Some will offer parking packages. Easy Uber or cab ride away.

 

Stay123.Com or parksleepfly.com will offer help.

Thanks for the insight. Has anyone used hotelnparking.com? They have listed Hyatt place 17th street convention center for $229 and includes 7 days parking, each additional parking day $7. Plus shuttle for $7 per person although I think being 1/2 mile from port a taxi is better option.

Anyone ever use this site to book a hotel? Thx

I like the way you think. We also like to arrive at the port at least one day before the cruise. On one of the cruises, I decided to spend the night in San Antonio instead of Houston. We had a cruise on board Disney out of Galveston.

 

My theory was no need to hurry up to get to Houston. Spend a leisurely evening in San Antonio then drive to Houston in the morning. For some odd reason, I woke up at 4 am and looked at the weather radar on my phone. Big red glob heading our way between San Antonio and Houston.

 

The trip between San Antonio and Houston usually takes about three hours. It took us 8 hours due to the weather. So more assuming it will be OK if we drive the day of the cruise.

I share those thoughts. Plus arriving a day early allows us to relax verses the rush of a 3 hour drive in morning. It's all preference.

We usually go out of PC and it's a little over a hour drive so a bit different. We've never gone out of PE so just trying to get some insight on hotel/parking as unfamiliar with area.

First part of the drive is over. We hit Atlanta at around 8:30 or 9 last night, drove right through downtown and had zero issues. Made it to Valdosta, GA from Des Moines, IA in about 19 hours with three stops. Leaving for the drive to Miami in a few minutes and just wanted to update folks.

Just read this post and glad you made it through Atlanta with no issues. I was gonna suggest timing travel plans to go through late at night or early in morning 3/4 am. Enjoy your cruise!!!!