Carnival Venezia August 31st - September 8, 2023 Roll Call!

[Feistyangel20]

Anyone else partaking in this cruise?  I haven't sailed Carnival in quite some time and looking forward to this new ship out of NYC.  A group of 5 here with one 3 year old Toddler if anyone also young ones :)

[Gotti1985]

2 hours ago, Feistyangel20 said:

Anyone else partaking in this cruise?  I haven't sailed Carnival in quite some time and looking forward to this new ship out of NYC.  A group of 5 here with one 3 year old Toddler if anyone also young ones 🙂

This is definitely not a ship for kids. Maybe tey Disney?

[Feistyangel20]

Can I ask why is it not for children? I am already booked so no changing it now

[Feistyangel20]

217 days 😀

[mustang1969]

Looking forward to the Venezia, it is our 25 anniversary. Cant wait.

[latebloomer56]

Looking a this I think but the web site has it as Aug. 30th - Sept. 8th? I need to cancel our Venice trip in Aug. and poking around saw this. Wow talk about a sign 😊, first thing I read was San Marco.

Waiting for TA to come in on Monday would love an aft cabin. Once I book and can get what I want for a cabin I will have a dozen questions. Haven't sail Carnival since the Victory in 2005 also out of NYC.

Have a great weekend.

[latebloomer56]

All booked changed our mind about Terrazza and went with premium balcony instead. Would have loved an OS on this ship but none available. Never been to any of the ports so these will be new for us. Looking forward to seeing some reviews when they head back on the TA bringing the ship to our coast.

Take care any information on the ports would be great.

Thanks, Laura

[latebloomer56]

Wow this roll call is almost as slow as my last NCL one. Just back from our family cruise now looking forward to our alone time cruise on this ship. A little nervous because we don't have priority boarding for the first time in many years. Only sailed with Carnival twice so far and no suites available when we booked last month. Any tips for boarding in NY to help, I can't stand more than an hour or so and sometimes less if hot out. Any tips would be great, we know most folks like to arrive early so do plan to arrive after in the day hoping most of the lines will be shorter.

Thanks, Laura

[latebloomer56]

Now question time. Just found out we don't get our cabin cards until cabin is ready and steward will give us our sail and sign cards.

Checked on FTTF as we can't get a suite (all booked) and I can't stand in a two hour line so will arrive after lunch time maybe about 1-1:30. Hopefully line are shorter as most folks want to be on board early.

 

Question 1 - Does CCL enforce the assigned boarding time?

Question 2 - Does anybody know how many outlets are in a balcony cabin? Gave up cabin 7495 because no sofa now in a standard balcony.

Question 3 - Has anybody done FTTF? And is this made available after final payment?

Question 4 - Has anybody purchased the cans of soda to be delivered to the cabin?

 

Well sure will have more questions having not sailed Carnival in almost 10 years.

Thanks, Laura

 

[Kaye1085]

Hi all! We just booked for this sailing. So far we are a group of 9, ages 1.5 to 85, and celebrating a 60th birthday. The birthday girl doesn't even know yet! Its been years since we have cruised out of NYC, and I'm a bit nervous thinking about navigating NYC with a toddler while flying into LGA the day before. If anyone has any tips they are much appreciated. 

[latebloomer56]

5 hours ago, Kaye1085 said:

Hi all! We just booked for this sailing. So far we are a group of 9, ages 1.5 to 85, and celebrating a 60th birthday. The birthday girl doesn't even know yet! Its been years since we have cruised out of NYC, and I'm a bit nervous thinking about navigating NYC with a toddler while flying into LGA the day before. If anyone has any tips they are much appreciated. 

Hello and welcome. I have been the only one posting since Jan. was concerned I had the wrong group 😊 . Sorry no answer to your question we go to NY by train from Boston the hop in a taxi to the port.

We haven't sailed Carnival in over 10 years and haven't sailed out of Manhattan since 2014 on NCL.

Are you coming in a day early? Maybe you should look at a company that uses a van? You will get lots of answers on the East Coast Departure board, very helpful folks on this board.

Have a great day, Laura

[NM Cruiser]

On 5/3/2023 at 1:03 PM, latebloomer56 said:

Now question time. Just found out we don't get our cabin cards until cabin is ready and steward will give us our sail and sign cards.

Checked on FTTF as we can't get a suite (all booked) and I can't stand in a two hour line so will arrive after lunch time maybe about 1-1:30. Hopefully line are shorter as most folks want to be on board early.

 

Question 1 - Does CCL enforce the assigned boarding time?

Question 2 - Does anybody know how many outlets are in a balcony cabin? Gave up cabin 7495 because no sofa now in a standard balcony.

Question 3 - Has anybody done FTTF? And is this made available after final payment?

Question 4 - Has anybody purchased the cans of soda to be delivered to the cabin?

 

Well sure will have more questions having not sailed Carnival in almost 10 years.

Thanks, Laura

 

You probably know that our ship has not yet sailed as Carnival Venezia, as it has been undergoing some changes in Spain for several weeks.  Some of your questions may not be knowable yet.  This ship was built just a few years ago for the Chinese market, so it will probably will have gone through some major refitting.  
1) Carnival has been making an effort to enforce boarding times.  In most ports they will have separate lines set up for different times.  If you arrive early you go into the line for your time slot, and you will eventually get on, possible earlier than your assigned time. Of course, I can’t really know how it will be done at this particular terminal. 
2] probably nobody yet knows about electrical outlets,  but it is likely that there will be a couple of North American 110/120v outlets, and at least one European 220/240v outlet. (I’m assuming that the Chinese outlets will have been replaced.)  I would be almost certain that there will be some USB outlets as well.  
3) I’ve never purchased FTTF, because I’m too patient and too cheap.  Carnival needs the money, so I’ll encourage others to pay for it.  I’ve heard that there is a finite number of these sold, so I think waiting too long may leave you out.

4] I have purchased beverages in advance, and they have always been waiting in my cabin when I arrived.  
 

Carnival, like other cruise lines, has changed a lot in 10 years. I’d imagine you may be disappointed in some changes, and pleased with others.  This ship is likely to be somewhat different than other Carnival ships. My advice is just accept what there is, and don’t let any frustration ruin this great cruise!   Others may have better answers to your questions, but some Roll Calls are slow, and I thought I’d offer what I could!

 

[latebloomer56]

8 hours ago, NM Cruiser said:

You probably know that our ship has not yet sailed as Carnival Venezia, as it has been undergoing some changes in Spain for several weeks.  Some of your questions may not be knowable yet.  This ship was built just a few years ago for the Chinese market, so it will probably will have gone through some major refitting.  
1) Carnival has been making an effort to enforce boarding times.  In most ports they will have separate lines set up for different times.  If you arrive early you go into the line for your time slot, and you will eventually get on, possible earlier than your assigned time. Of course, I can’t really know how it will be done at this particular terminal. 
2] probably nobody yet knows about electrical outlets,  but it is likely that there will be a couple of North American 110/120v outlets, and at least one European 220/240v outlet. (I’m assuming that the Chinese outlets will have been replaced.)  I would be almost certain that there will be some USB outlets as well.  
3) I’ve never purchased FTTF, because I’m too patient and too cheap.  Carnival needs the money, so I’ll encourage others to pay for it.  I’ve heard that there is a finite number of these sold, so I think waiting too long may leave you out.

4] I have purchased beverages in advance, and they have always been waiting in my cabin when I arrived.  
 

Carnival, like other cruise lines, has changed a lot in 10 years. I’d imagine you may be disappointed in some changes, and pleased with others.  This ship is likely to be somewhat different than other Carnival ships. My advice is just accept what there is, and don’t let any frustration ruin this great cruise!   Others may have better answers to your questions, but some Roll Calls are slow, and I thought I’d offer what I could!

 

Thank you have been on the boards and was told you don't get your cabin card until your cabin is ready after 1:30. Hubby is not thrilled, first had to take a balcony (only option available late booking) now cards left in the hall. Told him we will just check charges day one. 

Me I plan to have a lovely adventure, I'm on a cruise and I make my own enjoyment. I booked us when I needed to cancel our anniversary trip to Venice. Can't fly at this time and while looking at home port (northeast) saw San Marco 😁, it had to be a sign so I booked, but only six months out so took a balcony. Had my favorite area aft but description didn't list a sofa (odd shape cabin 7495). Been watching face book for changes being made.

Plan to arrive after lunch but wanted to drop the carry one off hence FTTF would be good for me, but will just park someplace and wait. Told I would use boarding pass if I wanted a drink and he would get a soda. I'm going for the ship this trip though the two ports are new for me as a bonus, I don't count HMC as a port I'm not a beach person.

Getting excited, planning is half the fun, Laura

[NM Cruiser]

3 hours ago, latebloomer56 said:

Thank you have been on the boards and was told you don't get your cabin card until your cabin is ready after 1:30. Hubby is not thrilled, first had to take a balcony (only option available late booking) now cards left in the hall. Told him we will just check charges day one. 

Me I plan to have a lovely adventure, I'm on a cruise and I make my own enjoyment. I booked us when I needed to cancel our anniversary trip to Venice. Can't fly at this time and while looking at home port (northeast) saw San Marco 😁, it had to be a sign so I booked, but only six months out so took a balcony. Had my favorite area aft but description didn't list a sofa (odd shape cabin 7495). Been watching face book for changes being made.

Plan to arrive after lunch but wanted to drop the carry one off hence FTTF would be good for me, but will just park someplace and wait. Told I would use boarding pass if I wanted a drink and he would get a soda. I'm going for the ship this trip though the two ports are new for me as a bonus, I don't count HMC as a port I'm not a beach person.

Getting excited, planning is half the fun, Laura

Carnival changed the cabin card distribution several years ago in order to speed up the check-in process. Assuming it will be the same as on other Carnival ships, your card will be in a sealed envelope in the message holder at your door.  This has worked very well, and I’m sure it will for all of us too!

[latebloomer56]

Good morning all and happy weekend. I have more questions. On Princess have always gotten early seating even last Oct. with their DMW program. We booked six months out and had to go on a wait list for early seating, is this normal? Is their YTD that bad people who know latch on to set times for dining early?

Can't wait to find out about the two MDRs, not booking any specialty dining on this trip, at least not at this time. I see in the available videos they have a lot of two person tables in both venues. Would love to go to the Marco Polo but not sure if this is a dedicated venue to timed seating.

Hopefully somebody on the TA in 23 days does a report for us, not sure how this ships WiFi will be for the crossing.

Take care, Laura

[latebloomer56]

Well just 116 days to go. Still packed as far as must travel items but to soon for clothes.

Looked at tours for DR and Grand Turk, not much to choose from on Carnival.

 Amber Cove DR has Puerto Plata City and Monkey Land tour but read mixed reviews, very mixed.

Grand Turk just found Flavors & Sightseeing with lunch, reviews were middle of the road.

May just poke around Amber Cove for a little bit same with Grand Turk near the port. Not beach folks besides have to watching for the Inogen machine and sand or water.

The HMC may just stay on board that day was looking at a tram ride but not sure at this time because it is a tender port, may not be worth the hassle.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Laura

[latebloomer56]

Only 115 more days, looking at Holiday Inn Express Midtown West on 48th. Street for the day prior to the cruise. Never worried before but being the summer concerned about the tracks. Once on a return trip from NY to Boston we were cancelled because the train coming in had issues with the tracks being to hot. This wasn't our first issue with this and don't want to miss the ship because it took nine hours for a five hour trip. Anybody ever stay at this hotel? It is only a couple corners from the dock. Suppose to be 10-15 minute walk. Only issue is it has an 11:00 chem out time and we don't want to try to board until 1:30-2:00. Thought of checking bags then doing the Intrepid Museum we haven't done this in years. They don't have the holding area for carry one any longer so don't want to haul bag around. Also don't want to leave at hotel walk back the back to dock again in the summer heat. If Mike would be ok with checking his cpap machine we could take other carry ons in our backpacks.

He will need to decide because he also wants to bring his canned soda, but that must be in the carry one and only cans or cartons. I for one don't intent to lug canned soda on my back.

Well just another item o my list, I love lists 😁.

Have a good day, Laura

[latebloomer56]

Speaking of lists, everybody still sailing?

 

Screen Name.                      Name.                       From

 

Latebloomer56                    Laura & Mike.           MA (NH border)

feistyangel20                                                           NY (started roll call)

Gotti1985.                                                                 

mustang1969.                                                          Conn.

Kaye1085.                                                                 TX

NMCruiser.                                                                NM

 

[latebloomer56]

Still looking at you tube videos for our ports have 114 days to decide. Anybody try to book new Italian restaurant? We are not booking any specialty venues at this time.

Very quiet boards all roll calls lately as a matter of fact. We had so few on my last cruise we didn't even have enough for a formal meet and greet.

[crazcruiser33]

Hi. Husband and I will be on this cruise. This will be my second time on Venezia since I’m taking my daughter and her best friend on it june 27-July 5. At least I will have another adult on this one. Both of these are elite cruises through the casino. Live in Jersey so just parking at port and one of the perks of elite is free parking. Late bloomer if you have trouble standing for a prolong time you should ask for a wheelchair. You will bypass all the lines. They have special lines for people with special needs. I have serious back issues that I now take a scooter with me since I can only walk short distances and I never wait. I’m also platinum with only a few points to go to diamond. Half Moon Cay is one of the nicest beaches out there. Even if you aren’t a so called beach person it’s well worth getting off the ship. I wish that was a stop on every cruise I take. 

[latebloomer56]

37 minutes ago, crazcruiser33 said:

Hi. Husband and I will be on this cruise. This will be my second time on Venezia since I’m taking my daughter and her best friend on it june 27-July 5. At least I will have another adult on this one. Both of these are elite cruises through the casino. Live in Jersey so just parking at port and one of the perks of elite is free parking. Late bloomer if you have trouble standing for a prolong time you should ask for a wheelchair. You will bypass all the lines. They have special lines for people with special needs. I have serious back issues that I now take a scooter with me since I can only walk short distances and I never wait. I’m also platinum with only a few points to go to diamond. Half Moon Cay is one of the nicest beaches out there. Even if you aren’t a so called beach person it’s well worth getting off the ship. I wish that was a stop on every cruise I take. 

Welcome to our little group. You will need to share all your information from your June/July cruise.

Thanks for the wheel chair tip I have been working hard to avoid using one. I have IPF so am on oxygen which is why no beach for me, the sand clogs my filters.

Have a great day, Laura

[Kaye1085]

On 5/8/2023 at 7:22 AM, latebloomer56 said:

Speaking of lists, everybody still sailing?

 

Screen Name.                      Name.                       From

 

Latebloomer56                    Laura & Mike.           MA (NH border)

feistyangel20                                                           NY (started roll call)

Gotti1985.                                                                 

mustang1969.                                                          Conn.

Kaye1085.                                                                 TX

NMCruiser.                                                                NM

 

 I'm still here, and we are good to go! 

 

I see your question about the Holiday Inn Express, this is the same hotel we were looking at as well. We are now a party of 11 coming from Maine, NH, NY, Massachusetts, and Texas. All coming from the northeast are planning to take Amtrak from their respective cities to Penn station on 8/30, and then we will fly in from Texas on 8/30 as well. 

[latebloomer56]

31 minutes ago, Kaye1085 said:

 I'm still here, and we are good to go! 

 

I see your question about the Holiday Inn Express, this is the same hotel we were looking at as well. We are now a party of 11 coming from Maine, NH, NY, Massachusetts, and Texas. All coming from the northeast are planning to take Amtrak from their respective cities to Penn station on 8/30, and then we will fly in from Texas on 8/30 as well. 

This is awesome sounds like you will have a great group. Hubby is a little concerned staying in NY as we haven't been in years, but it's not lime we will be roaming around, I don't even plan to go to Carmine's in the theater district this trip. Just Amtrak from Boston to Moynihan Train Hall (new part of Penn across the street). We generally grab a cab to the port from there, but would go to the hotel if TA can get us a room there or something just as close by. Only 108 days to go, been watching for all Venezia info.

Laura

[latebloomer56]

Getting to the double digits pretty quick.

TA was having trouble getting us a room at the Holiday Inn Express near the port. She was going to check back today. I told her we just want a clean and quiet place to sleep the day prior. I need to be close enough to leave our bags and walk to the port area to visit the Intrepid then go back to retrieve our bags return to the port after 1:00. Check out here is 11:00 and check in is at 3:00. Have to check our train times generally arrive between noon and one. So shouldn't be much of a wait to check in by the time we get a taxi etc.

Need to buckle down and check out things to do at each port. I'm wishy washy on booking something or just walking around the port area maybe have a little lunch then head back to the ship.

 

Questions for the day.

Anybody else arriving prior to the cruise and staying near the port?

Anybody book shore excursions through Carnival before? We did years ago with the boys don't recall any issues with this cruise line.

Anybody been to HMC before? Thinking maybe we will just stay on board.

 

Have a great dah, Laura

[latebloomer56]

We have 103 days to go. Rethinking staying overnight on the 30th. If we take a 5:00AM train to NY still cool enough out for the tracks and will be in the city before 9AM. We could drop bags at the port and go visit the Intrepid for a few hours. I'm thinking we could go to breakfast then the port area. The Intrepid should take us a few hours so will still not board until 1-1:30PM. Can't lug the carry on around Intrepid just our pack packs so need to make some decisions before final payment in a couple weeks. I checked they no longer have a holding area for our bags. We used this years ago after a cruise prior to our late train back to Boston.

Have a good weekend, Laura