Any carnival cruisers here?priceline?

[pamouselover]

I am looking to book a cruise with carnival for this Aug. aboard the Carnival Destiny. This is a EASTERN CARIBBEAN cruise. We are looking for just a nice relaxing blue water beach vacation. We have two children 16 and 12. We will have to share a stateroom to be able to afford the cruise. I have been looking into this cruise for a year now. This seems to be the best choice for us since we like the beach. Any experiences please share.
Only thing I am worried about is the weather in August.

 

[portocall]

I used to work on the Destiny (when it first came out in 1996). In fact, I got engaged to my DH on that ship in St. Thomas. You can PM me if you have any specific questions.

The Eastern run is nice, most people love it. (I am partial to the Western, but I think it is just because that was my first for over a year)...

The kids should have plenty to do. They stepped up in the teen dept in the last few years to be more what teens want... to be able to hang out. There is a lot to do, the food is pretty good, and you should have a very good time. August weather is HOT, but that makes the pools and beaches that much more refreshing. They will change routes if they need to for a hurricane, but it is actually not that common. In the five years I was on, we only did that for a two or three cruises. You can't control the weather, so don't worry too much about it, go with the flow, and you should be just fine.

 

[pamouselover]

Thanks,
Do you have any pictures? I would love to see them.
I am a bit worried about the staterooms,but there is no way I can afford to get two for us. I hear there is bunks above the regular bed.

 

[DMRick]

http://cruiseclues.com/

This has lots of info and links to photo's. Be sure to visit cruisecritic.com forums. Many disboard people there and lots of info.

 

[mrsmom]

We took our four kids 11,14, 16, 22 on a cruise for Thanksgiving on the triumph , we had two balcony room. The kids loved the cruise. there was alot for them to do and we went on the eastern. they went to the kids clubs alot. we are planning another cruise next year.There room had a big bed and a couch that turn into a bed and a upper bunk.
kim

 

[NCRedding]

DH and I did a Carnival cruise last July/August on the Liberty out of Miami to St Thomas/San Juan/Half Moon Cay/Grand Turk.

I'll second the PP who said it would be hot--it will be HOT. San Juan was almost unbearable (and I'm from NC with heat and humidity). St Thomas felt great. It did make the pools feel very comfortable.

We really enjoyed the food and the entertainment on Carnival--the adult comedians can be risque--when they give warnings about 18+ only for shows, you really should listen. We went to one comedian who was hilarious, but was so glad our DD wasn't there to hear the stuff he talked about.

have fun planning.

 

[D&R love Disney]

We sailed the Eastern route on the Carnival Victory 4 years ago. It was our first cruise and we really enjoyed it and hooked us on cruising. We prefer Royal Caribbean and Princess to Carnival but I believe you will really enjoy the cruise. Only problem with August is it's hurricane season.

 

[crz4mm2]

DD and I went on Imagination last July. We had a great time!
This May, there are 8 of us going on Fantasy for my 30th anniversary vow renewal!

I LOVE Carnival.


Have a GREAT time.

 

[bettyann29]

We have cruised 7 times on Carnival cruises so far and our 8th is coming up in August.. we absolutely love it!! We have also cruised Royal Caribbean and Princess and so far Carnival is our favorite.. I would absolutely love to cruise on Disney and I know I will one day, and Im sure once I do that may be my favorite but in the meantime its Carnival..

 

[tinatark]

We're doing the W. Caribbean route on the Liberty in about 2 weeks - April 11 - are past Princess cruisers, but we just couldn't pass on the deal for the Carnival cruise!

 

[pamouselover]

http://cruiseclues.com/

This has lots of info and links to photo's. Be sure to visit cruisecritic.com forums. Many disboard people there and lots of info.

Thanks for the links. I have been on cruise critics, but not the other one.

We took our four kids 11,14, 16, 22 on a cruise for Thanksgiving on the triumph , we had two balcony room. The kids loved the cruise. there was alot for them to do and we went on the eastern. they went to the kids clubs alot. we are planning another cruise next year.There room had a big bed and a couch that turn into a bed and a upper bunk.
kim

Thanks!

DH and I did a Carnival cruise last July/August on the Liberty out of Miami to St Thomas/San Juan/Half Moon Cay/Grand Turk.

I'll second the PP who said it would be hot--it will be HOT. San Juan was almost unbearable (and I'm from NC with heat and humidity). St Thomas felt great. It did make the pools feel very comfortable.

We really enjoyed the food and the entertainment on Carnival--the adult comedians can be risque--when they give warnings about 18+ only for shows, you really should listen. We went to one comedian who was hilarious, but was so glad our DD wasn't there to hear the stuff he talked about.

have fun planning.

Half mon cay and Grand turk are the resaon I want to go on this cruise!
They sound awesome!

We sailed the Eastern route on the Carnival Victory 4 years ago. It was our first cruise and we really enjoyed it and hooked us on cruising. We prefer Royal Caribbean and Princess to Carnival but I believe you will really enjoy the cruise. Only problem with August is it's hurricane season.

I am worried about the hurricane's!!!!!!!!!

DD and I went on Imagination last July. We had a great time!
This May, there are 8 of us going on Fantasy for my 30th anniversary vow renewal!

I LOVE Carnival.


Have a GREAT time.

I think this is on the ship Destiny.
I have to double check! The one I was looking at last year was on the
Imagination.

We have cruised 7 times on Carnival cruises so far and our 8th is coming up in August.. we absolutely love it!! We have also cruised Royal Caribbean and Princess and so far Carnival is our favorite.. I would absolutely love to cruise on Disney and I know I will one day, and Im sure once I do that may be my favorite but in the meantime its Carnival..

Me too, but compared to other cruises Disney is so high in price.
Since my kids are older now, I think a carnvial crusie suits us better.
Unless we did a park and crusie trip!

We're doing the W. Caribbean route on the Liberty in about 2 weeks - April 11 - are past Princess cruisers, but we just couldn't pass on the deal for the Carnival cruise!

Yes, they have some great deals. Take pcitures and post them here when you get back!

 

[pamouselover]

The cruise I want to take, sails out on Aug 10th
5 Day Eastern Caribbean from Miami, FL
Ship: Carnival Destiny

 

[pamouselover]

It is now mandate to have passports right?
I guess that should be my on my must do list.

 

[Cindy B]

It is now mandate to have passports right?
I guess that should be my on my must do list.

You can do the new passport card which is cheaper and valid for driving and cruise travel only . It is not a "flight" one though.

As for Carnival, we are going on a Western in August. This is our first Carnival but we have previously been on Disney. In fact due a hurricane, our Western cruise turned to an Eastern cruise on the day of arrival, so no worries there.

We're going on the Glory in August. I can't wait. We have the spa level room with floor to ceiling windows that sleeps four (we have two kids around the same age as the PP)

 

[Darcy03231]

My kids are 15 & 17 and love to cruise! Carnival is one of their favorite lines. We've done four in a room before and while its tight, it is doable. I brought an over the door shoe holder which helped with organization in a small space (lots of pockets to put things). Another thing we found that was helpful was for the boys to shower in the spa area while the girls got ready in the room. If that wasn't possible the boys would get ready first and leave the room while the girls got ready and we'd all meet up. Room is way too small for four to be getting ready at once.

Have a great time!

 

[Cindy B]

My kids are 15 & 17 and love to cruise! Carnival is one of their favorite lines. We've done four in a room before and while its tight, it is doable. I brought an over the door shoe holder which helped with organization in a small space (lots of pockets to put things). Another thing we found that was helpful was for the boys to shower in the spa area while the girls got ready in the room. If that wasn't possible the boys would get ready first and leave the room while the girls got ready and we'd all meet up. Room is way too small for four to be getting ready at once.

Have a great time!

Since we have a spa room, that is what we are planning to do.

 

[pamouselover]

You can do the new passport card which is cheaper and valid for driving and cruise travel only . It is not a "flight" one though.

As for Carnival, we are going on a Western in August. This is our first Carnival but we have previously been on Disney. In fact due a hurricane, our Western cruise turned to an Eastern cruise on the day of arrival, so no worries there.

We're going on the Glory in August. I can't wait. We have the spa level room with floor to ceiling windows that sleeps four (we have two kids around the same age as the PP)

I look at the goverment site about passports, and it was confusing.
Wow that sounds nice!

My kids are 15 & 17 and love to cruise! Carnival is one of their favorite lines. We've done four in a room before and while its tight, it is doable. I brought an over the door shoe holder which helped with organization in a small space (lots of pockets to put things). Another thing we found that was helpful was for the boys to shower in the spa area while the girls got ready in the room. If that wasn't possible the boys would get ready first and leave the room while the girls got ready and we'd all meet up. Room is way too small for four to be getting ready at once.

Have a great time!

I have a orangizer I bought last year JUST IN CASE we ever take a cruise.

 

[pamouselover]

I am thinking it would be a good idea to go down the day before the cruise. Anyone have any suggestions for a hotel very close to the port?
Also, Has anyone ever used priceline for air travel tickets? I got a quote today for $199.oo round trip per person. But it is taking Usair down and AA on the way home.

 

[pamouselover]

 

[EthansMom]

Quick question: Is there any particular reason you're flying down to FL for the cruise? Have you checked out the great cruises leaving out of ports in the NE? Carnival also cruises out of the Port of NYC. Granted the cruises are longer (8 nights Eastern Caribbean), but you may find the cost difference offsets the flight costs. That's the case for my family... we can take an 8 or 9 night cruise out of NYC or NJ for about the same cost as flying to FL and taking a shorter cruise. It's waaaaay easy to park at the port (though it isn't free, the cost is pretty reasonable for what you're getting). Let's see drive to port, get on ship, be on vacation or drive to airport, get on airplane, get to cruiseship, get on cruiseship, be on vacation? Trust me, driving to the port is MUCH easier.

Regarding cruising in August: Not a bad time to cruise. Pack enough dramamine for everyone. If anyone is prone to motion sickness, they should at least take one in the morning and at bedtime of AT SEA days to ward off symptoms (doesn't work after you've already gotten sick). If anyone does get really motion sick, the doctor on board can dispense medication that will help get rid of symptoms and prices are usually reasonable (had to take DD and get her a suppository med. when she was 3 and got really motion sick... now we give her children's dramamine when I take mine).

Traveling with 4 in a cabin isn't that bad. We do it, though my kids are young yet. You're really only in the cabin to sleep and change clothes so space really isn't a huge issue. Pack a nightlight so the kids can see enough that they don't step on Mom or Dad if they get out of bed at night to use the restroom.

Especially since you're travelling with your kids and during hurricane season, get travel insurance. I get mine through http://www.insuremytrip.com. Get a policy with health coverage and medical evacuation (it costs tens of thousands to be medivacced of the ship, if necessary). I think a policy costs about $125 for my family of 4. Well worth the piece of mind.

I've never cruised on Carnival, but we have cruised Norwegian (out of NY) and it was decent. My family truly loves Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas out of Cape Liberty, NJ, though.... ice rink, mini-golf, rock climbing, arcade, parades through the mall... LOTS of family stuff to do.

Good Luck!