CARNIVAL VS DCL: The discussion and comparison thread!

[mevelandry]

Ha! I was just going to say Happy Limo, or Tiffany Towncars. Tiffany has a 10 passenger van. Their site says $185 one way from any WDW hotel for van, $150 for mini van. Dreams used to offer a discount for Tiffany. I have heard good things about both Happy Limo and Tiffany.

Thanks. They seem to be cheaper than Mears too.

 

[mevelandry]

I've checked with Mears as well but for some mysterious reason, they never give me the same flat rate. Sometimes they give me 79$ and sometimes 200$. It's quite strange.

EDIT: So far, Happy Limo seems to have the best rates.

 

[MickeyD]

I've checked with Mears as well but for some mysterious reason, they never give me the same flat rate. Sometimes they give me 79$ and sometimes 200$. It's quite strange.

that is strange. I haven't heard very good reports about Mears anyway, even though they run the DCL buses, or they did.

 

[mevelandry]

that is strange. I haven't heard very good reports about Mears anyway, even though they run the DCL buses, or they did.

I used them many times... Only had problems once in 2014 but they made up for it (a shared ride never came, I called them and they sent us a private car without the upcharge).

 

[hdrolfe]

There are a few companies that will pick you up at the airport and take you to the port, and then back. Usually for $20 per person each way, but I think there may be one or two that are cheaper. Those would be shared shuttle services. There are fewer options that will pick you up at Disney and take you to the port, or take you port to Disney. I used Cortrans from an airport hotel to the port and back in April and they were great, on time and nice buses. I've used go port Canaveral in the past as well, I think they are a bit less. I had contacted cocoa beach shuttle and they will pick you up at Disney and take you to port, but it's not cheap (it was $95 for two, plus 20% gratuity one way).

 

[mevelandry]

There are a few companies that will pick you up at the airport and take you to the port, and then back. Usually for $20 per person each way, but I think there may be one or two that are cheaper. Those would be shared shuttle services. There are fewer options that will pick you up at Disney and take you to the port, or take you port to Disney. I used Cortrans from an airport hotel to the port and back in April and they were great, on time and nice buses. I've used go port Canaveral in the past as well, I think they are a bit less. I had contacted cocoa beach shuttle and they will pick you up at Disney and take you to port, but it's not cheap (it was $95 for two, plus 20% gratuity one way).

The reason why I am trying to get transportation from the hotel to the port is that we are travelling with seniors, but also, we are staying concierge/club level at the Disney's Beach Club and would like to spend as much time as possible on site the morning of the cruise.

 

[belle032]

So this past week I started an 80 day workout program and I just realized that I'll be on our cruise during the 3rd phase of it I'm being realistic knowing I'm not going to care too much about nutrition that week. I mean I'm not going to eat 3 Guy's burgers a day or anything, but it's also vacation and I'm going to enjoy it.

Anyhoo, I'm going to really try to get my butt to the fitness center each morning. My question is: does anyone know if you can use that fitness room where they have classes if a class isn't going on? I don't think I'll have any room on the regular gym floor. If the day doesn't call for any weights, I could maybe use one of the clubs/bars that are empty in the morning? Do they lock those rooms?

I figure I'll try my best with this but also stay realistic and if I need to start my "phase" when I get home then so be it.

 

[mevelandry]

So this past week I started an 80 day workout program and I just realized that I'll be on our cruise during the 3rd phase of it I'm being realistic knowing I'm not going to care too much about nutrition that week. I mean I'm not going to eat 3 Guy's burgers a day or anything, but it's also vacation and I'm going to enjoy it.

Anyhoo, I'm going to really try to get my butt to the fitness center each morning. My question is: does anyone know if you can use that fitness room where they have classes if a class isn't going on? I don't think I'll have any room on the regular gym floor. If the day doesn't call for any weights, I could maybe use one of the clubs/bars that are empty in the morning? Do they lock those rooms?

I figure I'll try my best with this but also stay realistic and if I need to start my "phase" when I get home then so be it.

What kind of work out do you do? The Conquest gym seems pretty large. There's also a jogging track with a large space in the middle... You could technically work out there on a yoga mat or a towel.

 

[belle032]

What kind of work out do you do? The Conquest gym seems pretty large. There's also a jogging track with a large space in the middle... You could technically work out there on a yoga mat or a towel.

It’s program with free weights, resistance bands and sliders...depending on the day! The gym does look big but also mainly full of machines, which I don’t need. I really just need some open floor space.

 

[hdrolfe]

It’s program with free weights, resistance bands and sliders...depending on the day! The gym does look big but also mainly full of machines, which I don’t need. I really just need some open floor space.

Can you pack some bands and possibly sliders (paper plates often work) and do any of it in your cabin? If it's the program I think, the space requirements are not large. I know there isn't a lot of floor space in the cabins, depending on which one you have, but perhaps move the coffee table? Good luck! If it's the one I am thinking of I have a friend who has done it and had great results. Unless it's the one she just started but I think that one is only 4 days a week and all weights.

 

[mevelandry]

It’s program with free weights, resistance bands and sliders...depending on the day! The gym does look big but also mainly full of machines, which I don’t need. I really just need some open floor space.

I am almost certain you will find room to train in the gym... based on this video...

 

[belle032]

Can you pack some bands and possibly sliders (paper plates often work) and do any of it in your cabin? If it's the program I think, the space requirements are not large. I know there isn't a lot of floor space in the cabins, depending on which one you have, but perhaps move the coffee table? Good luck! If it's the one I am thinking of I have a friend who has done it and had great results. Unless it's the one she just started but I think that one is only 4 days a week and all weights.

Yes, I'll bring my sliders and own bands! It's only the days I need the weights that I was concerned about. Glad to hear your friend had great results! I'm really liking the program so far. I was doing so well with workouts last year before our wedding (wedding photos that last forever are great motivators! ) and finally getting back into it. You're right, there probably is enough room in the cabin but DH will kill me if I start a workout before 8AM! Fitness room is my best bet I think.

I am almost certain you will find room to train in the gym... based on this video...

Thanks for this! I'll make sure to walk through on embarkation day and see what I'm working with!

 

[PrincessTrisha]

So this past week I started an 80 day workout program and I just realized that I'll be on our cruise during the 3rd phase of it I'm being realistic knowing I'm not going to care too much about nutrition that week. I mean I'm not going to eat 3 Guy's burgers a day or anything, but it's also vacation and I'm going to enjoy it.

Anyhoo, I'm going to really try to get my butt to the fitness center each morning. My question is: does anyone know if you can use that fitness room where they have classes if a class isn't going on? I don't think I'll have any room on the regular gym floor. If the day doesn't call for any weights, I could maybe use one of the clubs/bars that are empty in the morning? Do they lock those rooms?

I figure I'll try my best with this but also stay realistic and if I need to start my "phase" when I get home then so be it.

The fitness centre opens at 6am - with early morning stretch being scheduled at 7am most days (don't look at me like I attend, I just checked out a few previous fun times). So from 6-8am you should be fine (because the morning stretch isn't a pay class so you could use the floor).

And no, they don't lock the various clubs/bars so if you prefer to do your exercises somewhere else, it shouldn't be a problem. If you're up early enough, you may even be able to find a space by the pool - or you could always go to the front of the ship to one of the so-called "secret decks" and do your exercises up there. It's quiet, not too many people and when you're standing up, the view can be phenomenal.

 

[belle032]

The fitness centre opens at 6am - with early morning stretch being scheduled at 7am most days (don't look at me like I attend, I just checked out a few previous fun times). So from 6-8am you should be fine (because the morning stretch isn't a pay class so you could use the floor).

And no, they don't lock the various clubs/bars so if you prefer to do your exercises somewhere else, it shouldn't be a problem. If you're up early enough, you may even be able to find a space by the pool - or you could always go to the front of the ship to one of the so-called "secret decks" and do your exercises up there. It's quiet, not too many people and when you're standing up, the view can be phenomenal.

Thank you so much for this! Very helpful!

 

[mevelandry]

Has someone in here ever tried having two separate accounts for the same cabin? Did it work well?

DH and I usually pay for everything 50-50% except for personal items and personal expenses. We have very different expenses when we cruise (DH has more drinks, likes casino, buying gifts. I like specialty coffees and iced capp, tea & desserts at the café and specialty dining) so it's always a nightmare trying to figure out who should pay for what, then make money transfers to one or the other, etc.

I was told it was a possiblility to have separate accounts and I have just completed creating two separate accounts in the Advanced Check-in section.

Can't wait to see if this is efficient!

 

[PrincessTrisha]

Has someone in here ever tried having two separate accounts for the same cabin? Did it work well?

DH and I usually pay for everything 50-50% except for personal items and personal expenses. We have very different expenses when we cruise (DH has more drinks, likes casino, buying gifts. I like specialty coffees and iced capp, tea & desserts at the café and specialty dining) so it's always a nightmare trying to figure out who should pay for what, then make money transfers to one or the other, etc.

I was told it was a possiblility to have separate accounts and I have just completed creating two separate accounts in the Advanced Check-in section.

Can't wait to see if this is efficient!

Yes, it's no problem on Carnival. You can just attach a separate card to each account (or cash if you prefer). The only sticky thing is if you have on board credit. It may be split or it may go to the lead person - depending on what kind it is.

I had my niece listed in my cabin on one cruise due to room sizes but my brother paid her on board account along with his and his wife and other kids. It was really no problem to set up the 2 separate accounts online.

 

[mevelandry]

Yes, it's no problem on Carnival. You can just attach a separate card to each account (or cash if you prefer). The only sticky thing is if you have on board credit. It may be split or it may go to the lead person - depending on what kind it is.

I had my niece listed in my cabin on one cruise due to room sizes but my brother paid her on board account along with his and his wife and other kids. It was really no problem to set up the 2 separate accounts online.

Good to know. I made an effort to put "cruise cash" under separate names. I hope it's going to work out.

 

[belle032]

@mevelandry I thought about doing this too! It did seem really easy online. But then I decided that I'd rather use our Discover It card for any purchases as I get double cash back for our 1st year. We're getting the beverage package (after much deliberation) so we're good on that end. The only shore excursion we've decided on is for St. Kitts and it's a 3rd party. Still deciding on the other ports.

DH does spend money in the casino and I do not so if he wants to gamble, he's on his own! Unless he wins millions of course!

 

[mevelandry]

@mevelandry I thought about doing this too! It did seem really easy online. But then I decided that I'd rather use our Discover It card for any purchases as I get double cash back for our 1st year. We're getting the beverage package (after much deliberation) so we're good on that end. The only shore excursion we've decided on is for St. Kitts and it's a 3rd party. Still deciding on the other ports.

DH does spend money in the casino and I do not so if he wants to gamble, he's on his own! Unless he wins millions of course!

I wish they would offer a % off the drink packages or create a more affordable one. At 40$/day I would probably do it.

Same for the casino. But sometimes my husbands is sharing his winnings with me for "support". Lol

 

[cruiser21]

Has someone in here ever tried having two separate accounts for the same cabin? Did it work well?

DH and I usually pay for everything 50-50% except for personal items and personal expenses. We have very different expenses when we cruise (DH has more drinks, likes casino, buying gifts. I like specialty coffees and iced capp, tea & desserts at the café and specialty dining) so it's always a nightmare trying to figure out who should pay for what, then make money transfers to one or the other, etc.

I was told it was a possiblility to have separate accounts and I have just completed creating two separate accounts in the Advanced Check-in section.

Can't wait to see if this is efficient!

A few months ago there was a debate on the community board about married couples having separate checking accounts. The number one thing couples fight about is money and finances..... I'm all for it. My DH and I decided to that about 15 years ago and I think it really saved our marriage. We'll be married 25 years in December. I think you have to do whatever works...no right or wrong answer there. Since I like to travel more then he does and he likes to play golf and buy toys. I'm usually taking at least one trip a year without him.
I've never tried the separate accounts on a cruise. I don't even think you can do that on Disney unless you have two rooms. It's nice you can do that on Carnival.