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Emma Cruiser
Cruiser
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Posted: Wed Mar 5th, 2008 04:00 am | 1st Post |
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We would like to do our first back2back the first two weeks in August probably leaving from Florida—we live in Maryland. We have to do August because our thirteen-year-old son will be in Europe during most of July. Our son and I will go both weeks, and my husband will join us for the second week. The three of us have cruised on the Legend from New York (San Juan, St. Thomas, Tortola) and HAL’s Zuiderdam (Costa Maya, Grand Cayman, Half Moon Cay, did not make Key West due to the weather). In addition, my husband and I have cruised on NCL (prior to freestyle dining) and Celebrity.
We enjoy the days at sea and spend plenty of time being together as a family just reading on the balcony, relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. We ate in The Golden Fleece Restaurant on The Legend. The three of us have gone sailing in St. Thomas, swam with the stingrays in Grand Cayman; gone to the Baths in Tortola, visited the ruins in Costa Maya and had lunch with a Mayan family. On this trip we would like to swim with the dolphins, go horseback riding along the beach, and zip line through the rain forest. Maybe do Eastern and Western. Trying to determine which ship would be best. Suggestions? I have read some posts where folks suggest trying a different ship the second week. I think it would be more relaxing to stay on the same ship. What are your thoughts?
Are there any special incentives for booking a back2back?
If we stay on the same ship for the second week, do you have to leave the ship at the end of the first week and reboard? Not sure if we will be able to stay in the same cabin both weeks since there will be 2 of us the first week and 3 the second week. If we have to change cabins, is there someone to help move the bags? If we have to move, will we have to place our luggage outside of the cabin on the last night of the first week?
Should we go Spirit Class or Conquest Class?
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Proud Mother to a USMC Cobra Pilot
Proud Mother to a People to People Student Ambassador
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Caribbean Dad
Funnel Deck Cruiser
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Posted: Wed Mar 5th, 2008 06:20 pm | 2nd Post |
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Spirit or Conquest?
That's more up to personal preference. I like both classes for different reasons. The Spirit Class doesn't feel as crowded, but the Conquest Class has more room to seek out a space of your own.
I would suggest spending some time at Carnival.com and going to Fun Ships. You can browse the Itineraries and sale dates, as well as the Shore Excursions for each ship in each class.
For example, this is what Valor has to offer:
Western Aug 3 & 17
Grand Caymen – Plenty to do
Roatan - Dolphins, Zip Line, & Beach on Horseback
Belize - Zip Line
Cozumel - Dolphins
Eastern Aug 10 & 24
Nassau - Dolphins
St Thomas - Plenty to do
St Maarten – Plenty to do
____________________
Bill
RIP F-Deck 1985-2007
Proud Member of ETDC
Proud Member and Inspector General of the CBG
Sun, sand, suds, and beautiful wife to share it all with.
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hstrybuf
Founders
| Joined: | Sat Jun 17th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas |
| Posts: | 21059 |
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Posted: Thu Mar 6th, 2008 12:41 am | 3rd Post |
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| Definitely go for the alternating east/west itineraries. If it were me, I'd want to stay on the same ship for both legs of the cruise. Sorry I can't help more.
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Deb
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/hstrycrsr
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bsdmhutch
Charter Member
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Posted: Thu Mar 6th, 2008 01:06 am | 4th Post |
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Yes, you have to leave and reboard....sorta.
You meet at the purser's desk after everyone else has disembarked. You will be walked through custom's and back through security and get your new cards, etc. Your luggage stays on the ship. If you have the same room for both legs, you don't have to pack. If you have a different room, your room steward will help with making sure your luggage gets to your new cabin.
A bunch of us are doing a b2b on the Destiny in Oct/Nov and I'm so looking forward to not having to get off after the first leg.
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Stephanie
Insulin is NOT a cure....it's LIFE SUPPORT!
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Emma Cruiser
Cruiser
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Posted: Sat Mar 8th, 2008 08:42 pm | 5th Post |
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Do you pay a double deposit for a b2b or is it just considered one reservation?
 Mom of Marine Cobra Pilot
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Proud Mother to a USMC Cobra Pilot
Proud Mother to a People to People Student Ambassador
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bsdmhutch
Charter Member
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Posted: Sat Mar 8th, 2008 11:29 pm | 6th Post |
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Yes, you have to pay the deposit twice....once for each cruise. That's the bad news. The good news is that Carnival counts it as two different cruises on your way to Platinum.
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Stephanie
Insulin is NOT a cure....it's LIFE SUPPORT!
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goincruisin
Charter Member
| Joined: | Fri Jun 16th, 2006 |
| Location: | Raleigh, NC |
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Posted: Wed Mar 12th, 2008 03:29 pm | 7th Post |
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I am SO excited about our first B2B in Oct/Nov. As Stephanie said, you don't get off the ship long, and you get to wait... I would really want to have the same cabin for both legs, but someone will help you if not. Plus, not that it matters for everyone, but you get one heck of a deal on the booze  Buy it on the last day of the first leg and you're stocked for the second leg We are lucky that the ship is doing alternating itineraries, but we are only going for 9 nights total. Good luck and have fun!!!!
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http://www.myspace.com/goincruisin
Next!
Destiny B2B 10/30 & 11/3/08
Splendor 4/26/09
Legend 10/18/09
Dream 4/24/10
"Because change is not a destination, just as hope is not a strategy" -Rudy Giuliani
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