DharmaMtn

punkincc,

I remember the sammich station on our previous NCL cruise. Throw in some fruit and we were good to go for lunch/snack on port days! We are somewhat fearless when it comes to car travel and we can be on our own time and be spontaneous. The heli tours look awesome. Since I had to forego diving a few years ago I am more focused on spectacular snorkeling and I know the Safari can meet my need in that regard.

SS,

I understand your point! In terms of gross tonnage and LOA I think both ship and yacht are appropriate. Freeport shipbuilders refers to the Explorer as a yacht and both AdventureSmith and Uncruise use the term on their website. In fact, one of the brochures on the Uncruise website for 2017 uses the word ‘yacht’ 11 times!

Yachting is my emotional nomenclature for privilege and elegance!

Edit to add: I wanted to answer that in planning our trips I am mindful of both our needs and wants. The experiences on the explorer may or may not represent what DH wants. It is a fun process and I enjoy doing it and he depends on me to fully research our options.

It’s basically like picking out tile; I do all the research and narrow it down to 2-3 options and give hime the final decision. In this case, 2 very different cruise options. Fingers crossed for the Explorer!

S3,

Exactly what I needed to know! Thank you. :cool:

I realize I should have added that we travel as a semi-active couple in our 60’s.

Hi all,

Been a while since my last visit and I’m back to visit and plan our next cruise. I am enjoying getting back in touch with the forums and reading trip reports, Q’s and A’s. We have sailed NCL, Holland and Carnival.

I am comparing ‘additional’ costs between the POA and the Safari Explorer (small ship).

Assuming a base rate of $2599/Balcony on POA how much extra $ would you allow for:

Excursions (ship or booked direct)

Meals off the ship

Alcohol/Water/Soda ON the ship

Any other excursion costs (park fees, rental cars, etc)

Excluding pre/post cruise costs

I’m thinking we might allow $1000-$1500 for on-board drinks + excursions if we booked with POA. In a very general way do you think that is a reasonable number? I’m just looking for an off-the-top-of-your-head guess. For those who have done this cruise what are your thoughts?

I have familiarized myself with both ships and I am clear on the differences. There is an appeal to trying a yacht given their testimonials.

I would also consider skipping the 10-12 hours travel time from the east coast to HI and instead starting the cruise in CA but that’s a whole ‘nuther day of researching the forums!

Thank you in advance for any opinions!

Thank you both!

Excellent review! Thanks for such an engaging read and nice pictures!

I was just referring to a Google images search on ?Carnival Circle C Schedule?. There are some much older ones that look more colorful. Ink must be pricier these days! Given the club activities I think we can assume we don?t need to add anything to our packing list.

Really good to know the meet-and-hang-elsewhere routine so I know what to expect and I?m ok with it and will develop a communication system that allows for free ranging. :)

Cindy, thanks for the info and link. The Circle C schedule looks a bit drab compared to a Google image search of the same thing. Looks like you had a great time!

My girls, 12 & 14, will want to know what to plan for. I travel often and light but this will be their 1st cruise. I found some old sheets posted by CC members (thank you) but I?m hoping for something more current and specific to the Elation. I noticed that on some ships there is a theme night (Mardi Gras) and most list a dance party. Are there shore activities for Circle C kids? We are doing the 5-day Freeport/Nassau/HMC loop.

According to reports filed by the DOT it seems more incidents of sexual assault were reported by Carnival passengers in 2016 than from other lines. I’m not sure exactly how the DOJ ends up with these reports. https://www.transportation.gov/mission/safety/cruise-line-incident-reports

Reports are 3 month periods in pdf format.

Why do you think this is so? Do you think the numbers are low or high given the number of ships Carnival owns? These stats are based on ships that depart/arrive at US ports.

Buckimion, good to know, thank you.

NSPenny, very clever! I like it. Seems the rooms are around $300+ for our date.

I booked the cabana online. The process is to then go to excursion desk?

Oh, and more importantly, since we decided on this cruise last-minute, my grans have only birth certs. Along with a notarized permission to travel letter from my daughter do you think this is sufficient not only for embark/disembark but for activities on the islands?

I’m going to get a cabana for our HMC visit.

Thanks, SL. I think our only tender port is HMC. My 1st cruise was Norwegian and we didn’t opt for any upgrades. Last cruise was a suite on Holland which spoiled me.

Also, is FTTF worth it?

Hi,

Need to keep 2 tween/teens entertained in Freeport (1pm arrival) and Nassau. Considering the Atlantis Adventure pkg.

Do you recommend getting the Hub app to stay in touch?