New to carnival, so many questions!

[EZcruiserfamily]

First I want to thank everyone who shares their advice and experiences...I always feel better prepared when I know what to expect! Or in this case realize that just because I've sailed Disney (3 times) doesn't mean that's how they do things on Carnival!

 

We are sailing on Paradise out of Tampa in October...5 day cruise to Cozumel and Grand Cayman!

 

Questions so far

 

1. Tampa. We like to board as early as possible. What is a good time to arrive without having to wait for terminal to open? Is there a longer wait/line if you get there early/late?

 

2. Sailing w elderly MIL who can walk short distances but I would prefer a wheelchair for the terminal. Are they available? Does a porter have to stay w a wheelchair or can we just use one to push it ourselves? And when do we give it back...just leave it in the terminal or could we use it to get her through the gangway onto the ship? She can walk around the house and malls etc. and sit when she needs but long distances like airport terminals we've used wheelchairs the past few years.

 

3. SS card...is this your room key too?

 

4. Excursions. Do you pay when booking or does it get charged to your account once onboard?

 

5. We are doing a cash account. I have read about "funship dollars" and am trying to determine doing this in advance vs. setting the money aside in my cruise fund at home and plucking down the cash when I board. Any suggestions or experiences with those of you who have done cash accounts? For example if excursions don't get charged in advance then maybe I should get at least that much in funship dollars so I'm not travelling with that much cash or traveler checks.

 

6. Carnival Paradise ship - is there only one mdr and do you eat in the same location each night? We have early dining. If the table is always in the same spot every night can I ask for a table near a window since it will be daylight when we are eating? On DCL even though it was a different dining room every night we always seemed to be closer to center of the room which was disappointing as I would prefer to see the sea. :)

 

7. How easy/difficult is it to get on/off the tender? Again thinking of MIL here. Is it basically like using stairs/steps? This she can do as long as she can hold someone's hand if she feels wobbly.

 

8. We will bring our permitted wine on board and take that in a glass to dinner with us. I would like to get a bottle of drambuie to share w/ MIL for when we want a nightcap. Can you get that by the bottle onboard? Any other cocktails I will get at the pool or bar.

 

Thanks in advance!

[SadieN]

Wheelchairs are available for embark and debark. When you arrive at the port let them know. A staff member pushes the wheelchair.

 

The S&S card is four things-- room key, onboard charge card, Casino card (Players Bank) and your pass on and off the ship. If purchasing the soda package a sticker will be placed on your S&S card.

 

Excursions can be booked online or onboard. Many times the excursions are cheaper booked online. Many tours are even cheaper when booked independently. Go to the Ports of Call section for info.

If you book online the charge will show up on your statement something like--

Excursion $100

Excursion -$100

 

There are two MDRs on the Paradise. The one off the Atrium and the one in the aft.

How many are in your group? The MDR in the atrium is usually ATD on one side and tables of 8 by the windows for fixed dining.

The aft MDR also has tables of 8 by the windows.

The MDR will be open early at embark. Check out your table assignment then, if you do not like it ask to be moved. Do not expect anything to happen the first night. Let the MD know you don't mind sharing a table if getting a window is important.

You can request a window every night with ATD. There might be a wait.

HINT-- if you are in the aft MDR wait upstairs in the bar lobby. The lobby to this MDR is puny and gets packed. You will be able to see when everyone goes in thru the staircase. Or arrive 2 minutes late and the lobby will have cleared.

 

The tender stairs can be steep, like a stepstool or ladder.

[SadieN]

Do not see Drambuie on the Bon Voyage list. Call BV. It is possible that it is available but not on the list.

 

***

 

Carnival Bon Voyage

 

Pre-order bottles of liquor, wine and beer to be delivered to your cabin.

Online ordering is not available for liquor & beer, you must call.

 

*** Bon Voyage liquor prices went up significantly in early 2012. ***

*** Prices and selections below are continually updated. ***

 

To Order:

Call Carnival: 800-522-7648 Monday-Friday 9am-6pm EST

Overseas Call Carnival: 00-1-305-599-2600

Customer Service Is Closed:

Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

 

 

• Prices may vary & do not include tax.
  
• There is a 4 bottle maximum per cabin limit when ordering liquor.
  
• Order before boarding, this service is not guaranteed to be available once onboard - plan ahead!!
  
• The liquor, wine, and beer choices do occasionally change. The lists below are continually updated, but if you do not see something be sure to call and ask.
  
• Due to TX & AL state liquor laws ships departing from these ports can't deliver alcoholic beverages to your cabin until they are in international waters. It may even be delayed until the following day.
  
• Bon Voyage liquor is not cheap. It is about 2-3 times what you'd pay onshore for a bottle.
  
• The savings you get by using Bon Voyage liquor are realized when you compare it to the individual drink prices onboard. Using Bon Voyage liquor is 2-3 times cheaper than purchasing individual drinks onboard.
  

Liquor

Most liquor bottles are 1 liter in size.

 

Rum:

Cruzan White - $50

Gosling's Black Seal, Appleton Estate VX, Appleton White,

Bacardi, Bacardi Limon, Captain Morgan's Spiced, Malibu - $60

 

Brandy:

Hiram Walker Apricot, Hiram Walker Blackberry,

Hiram Walker Cherry - $40

Rémy Martin - $85

 

Vodka:

Skyy - $50

Absolut, Absolut Citron, Finlandia, Smirnoff, Stolichnaya,

Three Olives - $60

Kettle One - $75

Grey Goose - $80

 

Whiskey / Bourbon:

Cutty Sark - $50

Canadian Club, Jim Beam, Seagram's 7 - $55

Jameson - $60

Crown Royal, Jack Daniel's - $65

Maker's Mark - $70

 

Gin:

Sloe Gin - $40

Beefeater - $50

Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray - $65

 

Scotch:

Dewar's 12, Glenmorangie (Single Malt), Johnny

Walker Black - $75

Chivas Regal - $80

 

Liqueurs:

Hiram Walker Peach Schnapps - $40

Brogan's Irish Cream - $45

Di Saronno Ameretto, Frangelico, Galliano, Kahlua,

Southern Comfort - $55

Chambord, Grand Marnier, Jägermeister, Limóncello,

Bailey's Irish Cream - $65

 

Tequila:

Margaritaville Gold - $55

1800 Reposado - $65

Sauza Hornitos Reposado - $75

Patron Silver - $85

Patron Reposado - $95

 

 

Wine / Champagne

Prices listed below are inclusive of gratuities. This is not a complete list of all the wines available through Bon Voyage, it is a just a sampling. Please call for the complete list. Wine & Champagne can also be ordered online through Carnival's Bon Voyage website, for all other alcohol you must call. The prices below will be nearly identical to the prices you see in the Main Dining Room onboard.

 

Carnival also offers wine packages. Wine packages can save you up to 25% off the prices of buying the individual bottles. Wine packages can either be ordered by calling Bon Voyage or purchased once onboard. For further information and wine package options: Wine Package Details.

 

Wine:

Ariel White Zinfandel (NA) - $17.25

Barefoot White Zinfandel - $28.75

Bogle Chardonay - $32.25

Robert Mondavi Chardonnay - $31.00

Castello del Poggio Moscato - $33.25

Peter Lehmann Weighbridge Shiraz - $33.25

Hess Select Chardonnay - $35.75

Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon Blanc - $41.50

Kendall-Jackson Vinter's Reserve Merlot - $43.75

Ferrari-Carano Sauvigon Fume Blank - $43.75

Cuvaison Chardonnay - $47.25

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio - $48.25

Cuvaison Cabernet Sauvignon - $55.25

 

Champagne:

Sutter Home Sparkling Brut (NA) - $18.50

Spumante Leonardini - $26.50

Korbel Brut - $31.00

Paul Louis Blanc de Blanc - $42.50

Prosecco Zonin - $36.75

Heidsieck Monopole Brut Rose - $74.75

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin - $90.75

Dom Perignon Brut - $224.25

[firefly333]

If you arrive early, they may still be using the wheelchairs to disembark the previous cruise and you will have to wait until one is free.

 

I get there early before 11 am .. but in your case, maybe not if you dont like to wait. Me I want to get on and get to the buffet and eat lunch. I eat just a light breakfast so Im hungry by then.

 

Cant ask for size of table .. so cant ask for location either.. cant request anything about a table

[EZcruiserfamily]

Wheelchairs are available for embark and debark. When you arrive at the port let them know. A staff member pushes the wheelchair.

 

Excursions can be booked online or onboard. Many times the excursions are cheaper booked online. Many tours are even cheaper when booked independently. Go to the Ports of Call section for info.

If you book online the charge will show up on your statement something like--

Excursion $100

Excursion -$100

 

There are two MDRs on the Paradise. The one off the Atrium and the one in the aft.

How many are in your group? The MDR in the atrium is usually ATD on one side and tables of 8 by the windows for fixed dining.

The aft MDR also has tables of 8 by the windows.

The MDR will be open early at embark. Check out your table assignment then, if you do not like it ask to be moved. Do not expect anything to happen the first night. Let the MD know you don't mind sharing a table if getting a window is important.

You can request a window every night with ATD. There might be a wait.

HINT-- if you are in the aft MDR wait upstairs in the bar lobby. The lobby to this MDR is puny and gets packed. You will be able to see when everyone goes in thru the staircase. Or arrive 2 minutes late and the lobby will have cleared.

 

The tender stairs can be steep, like a stepstool or ladder.

 

Thanks Sadie!

We are 4 in our group: me, hubby, MIL, and 6 yo daughter. We expect to share a table so no worries there. So are you in the same MDR and table each night with fixed dining?

[mondello]

3) Yes, S&S card is also cabin key. 8) Drambuie is listed on the bar menu ($6.50). As posted above, not listed on the BV list; however, others have posted they were sometimes able to order bottles not listed. Call BV and ask.

[kelzbelz77]

Thanks Sadie!

We are 4 in our group: me, hubby, MIL, and 6 yo daughter. We expect to share a table so no worries there. So are you in the same MDR and table each night with fixed dining?

 

 

Yes you are. On your sail & sign card, it will have your table # on it.

[SadieN]

Thanks Sadie!

We are 4 in our group: me, hubby, MIL, and 6 yo daughter. We expect to share a table so no worries there. So are you in the same MDR and table each night with fixed dining?

 

Yes, same table each night. That's why it's fixed.:p;):)

 

(Welcome to CC)

[EZcruiserfamily]

If you arrive early, they may still be using the wheelchairs to disembark the previous cruise and you will have to wait until one is free.

 

I get there early before 11 am .. but in your case, maybe not if you dont like to wait. Me I want to get on and get to the buffet and eat lunch. I eat just a light breakfast so Im hungry by then.

 

Cant ask for size of table .. so cant ask for location either.. cant request anything about a table

 

YES! I want my vacation to start as soon as possible since time seems to go by so fast once on board! I don't mind waiting in the cruise terminal and would rather get there early, check in and sit and wait to board. This is better than getting there an hour later but standing on a longer line just to check in.

 

Plan to stay at a hotel nearby that offers early breakfast then head for the terminal. :D

[IAMCRZIN]

I'm not exactly a veteran of cruising but i have read tons of stuff and from what i read about "funship dollars"...its kind of a hassle...and i believe you can add money to your account online at any time...maybe someone that knows better than me can answer this...i searched "funship dollars" and found a lot of threads about them. :)

[Herfnerd]

5. We are doing a cash account. I have read about "funship dollars" and am trying to determine doing this in advance vs. setting the money aside in my cruise fund at home and plucking down the cash when I board. Any suggestions or experiences with those of you who have done cash accounts? For example if excursions don't get charged in advance then maybe I should get at least that much in funship dollars so I'm not travelling with that much cash or traveler checks.

 

 

We always cruise doing a cash account. We normally just board and either go to Guest Services (always crowded on Embarkation Day) or to one of the two S&S Kiosks on board to add cash to the account.

[Mrs CruisinCritter]

If you booked directly thru Carnival, you don't have to purchase the Funship Dollars. You can call the Bon Voyage department and tell them you would like to add money to your on board account and they will add the money over the phone using a credit or debit card. It usuallly takes about 24 hours to post.

Funship Dollars aren't as bad as everyone makes them out to be. My DH and I have used them for all 3 of our cruises and haven't had a problem yet. We even lost 2 of them that we hadn't applied yet when we moved and I was able to call the BV dept and get it taken care of in less than 5 min. Once the cert has been printed and mailed, you can call the BV dept and give them the phone number used when purchasing and they can view all Funship Dollars purchased and see what has been applied and what hasn't. She was able to give me the cert #'s and I applied them while we were on the phone and they appeared on my cruise documents 2-3 days later.

[EZcruiserfamily]

We always cruise doing a cash account. We normally just board and either go to Guest Services (always crowded on Embarkation Day) or to one of the two S&S Kiosks on board to add cash to the account.

 

Thanks. That's what we were planning until I read about funship dollars. I think I'll stick to the plan and just set the cruise money aside to bring with me, and book the excursions in advance so they will already be paid for.

[TEXAZJEWL]

What we do for our S&S account is put a credit card down for convenvience. Usually the first day has a very long line at Guest Services, and we don't want to spend that time in line, we want to enjoy ourselves!

 

Then, usually the night before the cruise ends, we will go pay off our account with cash so that nothing is charged to the card. You can also pay part in cash & part on credit card if you prefer (or even split it up between credit cards... they will take anything you got! lol) Basically, you can go at any time and put money on your account if you have used a credit card to secure it. We do it that way to save time on that first day when guest services can be crowded.

 

By the way, you are able to check your account balance & track your spending on the tv in your room.

 

Funship dollars are not complicated at all. You can purchase them online through the BV department or call Carnival. We always book our cruises far in advance, and don't like to put any expenses on our credit card if we can help it. So, we'll buy $100 or so worth of "funship dollars" each month so when we finally cruise, we have a pretty good credit waiting for us.

[SadieN]

...............

By the way, you are able to check your account balance & track your spending on the tv in your room.

 

Funship dollars are not complicated at all. You can purchase them online through the BV department or call Carnival. We always book our cruises far in advance, and don't like to put any expenses on our credit card if we can help it. So, we'll buy $100 or so worth of "funship dollars" each month so when we finally cruise, we have a pretty good credit waiting for us.

 

When the Paradise was in LA we couldn't access our account on the TV. Guest Services will give you a print out at any time.

 

**

 

You can also prepay your gratuities.

[TEXAZJEWL]

Forgot to add about tendering... this will not be a problem for your MIL. There will be staff on the ship & on the tender to help her. I've seen them help many cruisers who use canes or seem to have difficulties. And I saw them help a cruiser who was on crutches due to a recent knee surgery. They definitely don't want to have any incidents, so they take great care helping everyone out, even those of us who are perfectly capable! Enjoy your cruise!

[crusinpsychRN]

Tendering in Grand Cayman can be very tricky if the wind is up and it's rocky. They will help but she might be too scared when she sees what it's like.

 

I'd encourage you to go to the ports section and book excursions not through carnival. carnival charges way, way more than any others. If you watch your time and get back to the ship on time there is no advantage going with carnival.

 

Remember

[crusinpsychRN]

Tendering in Grand Cayman can be very tricky if the wind is up and it's rocky. They will help but she might be too scared when she sees what it's like.

 

I'd encourage you to go to the ports section and book excursions not through carnival. carnival charges way, way more than any others. If you watch your time and get back to the ship on time there is no advantage going with carnival.

 

Remember you can order 2 or 3 of everything on the menu if you want it!

 

Outside both sides of the buffet toward aft are areas with tables in the shade. Nice place to spend some time watching the ocean go by. It looks down on Serenity, the adult only section.

[crusinpsychRN]

double post--computer malfunction--sorry

[crusinpsychRN]

computer malfunction

[EZcruiserfamily]

We always cruise doing a cash account. We normally just board and either go to Guest Services (always crowded on Embarkation Day) or to one of the two S&S Kiosks on board to add cash to the account.

 

Thanks. How do the kiosks work?

:confused: