dduckieg

Eclue,

Great, thanks for the response. 

Sorry if I am beating a dead horse with this question.

Just booked Horizon for next week. Does Carnival require the vaccination card to be uploaded or do you just show it at embarkation? I’ve never booked this late before so I don’t know if there is an email to expect regarding the card. 
 

Thanks everyone! 

It takes my wife an hour to make Minute Rice, yet after this class she can make a delightful martini.  Go figure?  Was 20 dollars, not sure if that included the martini kit she has from it. She had a blast!!

Adult chocolate milk and pineapple chipotle? You had me at "hello." Can't wait. Thanks for all the great feedback everyone :D

Also cruising in 2 days and if your on Conquest you will see my DH and I at the Alchemy every night. Not one single drink did I order on Pride in May and not LOVE. Alchemy Bar was one reason we picked Conquest:) Raymond and Gabriel made me a sour raspberry martini that was hands down the best drink I ever had at a bar!

We will be on the Conquest! We were on the Liberty two years ago but didn't make it to Alchemy, so I am looking forward to it!

Thanks everyone for the tips!!

Cruising in 2 days. I would like to know of any great experimental concoctions that you may have had at the Alchemy bar or any recommendations on their normal mixes. I am getting thirsty and can't wait to try something new!!

Thanks all.

Cruised on the Breeze last August for an 8 day cruise and again this past February on the 6 day itinerary. GREAT ship. 6 days didn't feel to short either. We enjoyed a sea day prior to the ports of call and after as well. Felt relaxing. The ship itself is beautiful, never felt to crowded and we sailed it both times at full capacity. There were always areas to find that felt a little more remote and off the beaten path as well. The ship has a well thought out layout as well. Enjoy!!!!

Thanks for all the tips. Definitely leaning towards booking it with all the positive feedback.

Thanks everyone for your input. Garnetpalmetto I appreciate the time you took to share your photos!! Does anyone recall if there is a lot of options on the Lido deck to look outward rather inward?

My DW and I are planning our first RCCL trip. We have thus far only traveled on two other cruise lines. We are looking at Oasis of the Seas. Our question is can you appreciate the sea? We love to lounge and look out at the ocean and see her blue beauty. The Oasis looks perhaps, to busy to find those sweet spots on deck to lounge and stare. Is there any truth to this? Will we find these spots or should we go with a smaller ship?

Thanks all!!

My wife and I are looking at the same two choices as well and are stumped. We have not see St Marteen, kitts, or Bonaie yet, and have been on a conquest ship before ( liberty). So my question is would I miss serenity too. Looking forward to more responses on this. I have read some poor reviews on Sunshine. Typically not persuaded by reviews but the negative trend has not died down yet either. Good luck with your decision!!

Wow, thanks for all the info thus far everyone! Cruisecritic users ROCK!! This has been very helpful. I may agree with other posts about upgrading to get the most out of the free packages. Th DW and I definitely like the fine dinning options.

Looking to book NCL for the first time. Have cruised with other cruise lines over the past 5 years. What additional fees can I expect to incur while on the ship? I read some stories about surprise fees, increased gratuities at specialty restaurants, and extra money to attend shows. Are these just "Urban Legends?" My friend told me NCL charges for room service too.

I am a realist and know there will be charges, but at the end of the cruise will I be shocked more than usual by the bill as say a Carnival or Royal Caribbean total? The promotions NCL is offering now has me tempted.

Thank you NCL board!!:D

With NCL offering 3rd and 4th guests free on certain cruises I am tempted to squeeze 4 adults (DH, DW, DD, DS) into a balcony on the Getaway. Has anyone experienced this before? I think sleeping arrangements would be alright but what do you do with all that luggage?

Thanks for the feedback!!

There's been a lot of cheers threads, I've even made one, I figured if we could get all the FAQ in one place, we could help keep questions from being answered all day every day over and over. I've pulled these questions from existing threads from users, including myself. Answers confirmed by Carnival before posting (as of 2/18/2012). If I missed anything, please PM me, or ask, and I have no problem calling carnival to find out their answer and adding it to the list.

 

FAQ:

 

QUESTION: How much will I pay for Cheers?

A: You will pay $49.40USD For EVERY person in your cabin who is over 21 years old, EACH night you are on a cruise.

This means even if your cabin mate doesn't drink, you will still pay for them to be on the cheers program. Keep in mind that you do NOT pay for Disembarkment day, and you can sign up on the second day on board, paying for only that day through the last day, but you will be charged for each drink you order before you signed up separately.

 

EXAMPLE #1: You and your wife are cruising on the Freedom, on a 6 night cruise, and sign up for Cheers on the first day. You will pay $592.80 for the program. ($494 if you sign up on the second day)

EXAMPLE #2: You sail with your 19 year old daughter on a 6 night cruise, and sign up you pay $296.40. ($247.00 if you sign up on the second day)

 

QUESTION: Do I get charged for DisEmbarkment day/ Embarkment day?

A: You will NOT be charged for Disembarkement day. You will be charged for Embarkment day if you purchase the program on embarkment day.

 

QUESTION: Can I get this on Every Cruise?

A: NO Currently the program is available on the following ships only:

Carnival Breeze

Carnival Conquest

Carnival Dream

Carnival Freedom

Carnival Glory

Carnival Legend

Carnival Liberty

Carnival Magic

Carnival Miracle

Carnival Pride

Carnival Splendor

Carnival Valor

Carnival Victory

(last list update 12/31/2012)

 

QUESTION 3: My Wife is Pregnant, will Carnival make an exception since she can't drink?

A: NO. Carnival will make no exceptions for any reason, including medical, EVERYONE in the cabin over 21 will be charged for the program.

 

QUESTION: Is it worth it?

A: (thanks to Vinman13) Depends on how much you drink.

If you are a straight domestic beer drinker ($5.75/drink plus gratuity) it will take almost 8 beers (in a day) to break even. Then you will basically get beers 9 through 15 in a day free. Saving you up to $49.79/day.

If you are a Grey Goose Martini drinker ($9.95/drink plus gratuity) it will take less than 5 (in a day) to break even. Then you will get martinis 6 through 15 in a day free. Saving you up to $122.24/day.

 

QUESTION: Is it truly unlimited drinks?

A: NO, you are limited to 15 drinks per 24 hour period. The 24 hour period is 6am to 6am the next morning, so your 15 drinks don't restart at midnight, but at 6am the next morning. IN ADDITION, Carnival has stated that the staff has been trained to cut you off if you get too drunk, and they will. You are also limited to 1 drink every 5 minutes.

 

QUESTION: I'm a Bears fan and can put away a case of beer on a Sunday, Can I still get more drinks after 15?

A: YES, but you will have to pay for them, as long as you are not too drunk, As a Bears fan, you should be fine up to 30 or so beers a day.

 

QUESTION: Can I drink anything I want?

A: NO, Beverages Included In The Program:

All spirits (including cocktails), as well as beer and wine by the glass with a $10.00 or lower menu price.

Sodas and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails.

25% discount off the menu price for bottled water

25% discount off the menu price for spirits or wine above $10.00 per drink.

25% discount off the menu price wine and champagne by the bottle.

 

Beverages Excluded From The Program:

Non-alcoholic beverages other than soda and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails.

Beverages promoted and sold in souvenir glasses.

Bottles of liquor.

Bottled water (offered at a 25% discount).

Beverages offered at gangway while debarking.

Beverages offered through room service as well as mini bars and/or other in-stateroom beverage programs.

The sharing of cocktails and floaters.

Buckets of beer, pitchers of beer, and beer tubes.

Wine and champagne by the bottle (offered at a 25% discount).

All spirits or wine above $10.00 per drink (offered at a 25% discount).

Beverages offered through enomatic wine machines.

Coffee beverages and food items.

All other beverage-related programs including cookbooks and bar books, beverage seminars and classes, as well as cigars.

 

QUESTION: Can I order a bucket of beer and have it count as 4 drinks?

A: NO, one drink at a time with at least 5 minutes between drinks. However as many have stated, you can ask for unopened drinks, and save them up yourself.

 

QUESTION: Is soda Included?

A: YES. "bottomless Bubbles" is included in the program, which gives you unlimited soda (6.00 Per Person/ Per Day Value). Other non-alcoholic drinks also do not count towards your limit.

 

QUESTION: Do soda's count towards the 15 drinks?

A: NO, Sodas are truly unlimited and do not count towards your 15 drink minimum.

 

QUESTION: Can I get drinks for me and my cabin mate from the bar at the same time?

A: NO, Everyone must get their own drink so they can tell if one person is too drunk, and needs to be cut off. (carnival's answer)

 

QUESTION: Can I get specialty coffee, or redbull/monster/bawls/other energy drink, with this program?

A: NO, the program does not include those beverages. It also does not include bottled water(25% discount applies to bottled water not in the mini-bar), mini-bar, or room service drinks.

 

QUESTION: Does cheers work on Half Moon Cay?

A: Yes, cheers applies while you are on Half Moon Cay, but no other port.

 

QUESTION: Are tips and Taxes included

A: TIPs are included. TAXES while in US waters (IE embarkement day, key west stops, etc) Will be added onto your S&S Account. The package itself is NOT taxed, you will only pay tax on individual drinks in US waters regardless of when you buy the program.

Traveling with my DW in one stateroom and my brother-in-law/ sister-in law in another. Neither women drink. Once on board am I able to switch occupants my brother-in-law and I to the same stateroom to utilize the Cheers package?

Great thread. Thanks for the time and info!!

Just upgraded from an interior to a cove balcony for my Breeze trip on Feb 8th. Never been in an interior before so my nerves got the better of me. In addition my DW and I are taking her sister and husband on this cruise as a 25th wedding anniversary present. How can I put them in an interior for their first ever experience? Just didn't feel right.

All the popular beach clubs in Coz are lined up near each other so the water/sand quality at each will be about the same.

 

If you want quiet and relaxing and uncrowded look at Nachi Cocom - all-inclusive (drinks/food) for about $55 each and the place is limited to 100 guests per day. :D

 

If you want a little more lively atmosphere plus water toys, etc. check out Mr. Sanchos - AI for about $50 each and the water toys are extra.

 

If you do not want all-inclusive check out Paradise Beach - great facilities, HUGE pool, good food/drinks/service.

 

Taxi for 4 passengers to any of these will run about $16-17+tip each way - the ride takes 10-15 minutes.

John, thanks for the info.

I am looking for a beach that may fit our needs. My wife and her sister wish to lay in the sand, while my brother-in-law and I wish to enjoy some "beverages." We are all in our mid 40's. No kids this trip!!!!!! Thanks for any input! :D BTW we are traveling on Carnival Breeze, so that may change recommendations based upon our port and proximity.

Check out http://www.cruisecal.com Use the Itinerary look-up tab along the top, then pick your ship and date.

You can skip the first day of Cheers if you choose. Example only pay for 6 days instead of 7.

You just pay normal bar prices the first day if you want. Some people spend the Embarkation day traveling and get on the ship later in the day, maybe to tired to drink a lot etc. It's a nice option.

Base,

So with that suggestion it is possible to pay for only 5 nights out of a 6 night cruise at Cheers rates? Great recommendation if so. Thanks for that one! I was under the impression you had to purchase ALL days. Good to know.

Great! Thanks for the info. Rum runners sound promising, good luck! After my last bar bill, I figured it to be a win-win with the Cheers Package but was curious if they tried to "get you" for that last day.

We all know the last day of our cruises are comprised of getting off the ship and finding our ways back home :(. With that being said, when calculating the price of the Cheers package to be "worth It" are we being charged for debarkation day as well? I know I don't have a drink on that day. Then I ask myself, is it worth it? I appreciate any responses.

Thanks!!

Dduckieg:D

Serene56,

This is our 6th cruise, our first time in an interior. Never received an upgrade call before (if we did we missed it). It's interesting reading who does and who doesn't. I am trying to figure out Carnival's logic.

Thank you all for the replies. Interesting to read the different responses. Some of you have cruised many times without every getting that call? I wonder what the criteria is, other than of course availability? This is our first interior cabin and I am starting to feel claustrophobic. Will follow the general consensus and sweat it out and watch my phone with anticipation....

Happy Holidays!!!!

Hello all,

My DW and I will be leaving on the Breeze in 42 days. I currently have an interior room but was thinking about upgrading to a cove balcony. Instead of me calling and paying full price difference :(, I am curious as to when I might expect a call for upgrades :D. How far out from your cruises has this happened?

Happy Holidays and appreciation!!!