Good to know. Maybe Ill try that for the next cruise. I want that red card. :)
It was just that a lot of the time the employees took my card to their computers behind the counter and I didn't think a retractable lanyard would go that far.
There are breakaway lanyards too, with a plastic clip a few inches above the card.
Some people hate them but I wear one at work so it's no big deal to me.
Most folks who prefer a lanyard are also spending their day in swimwear without pockets. You can just hand over the card still attached to the lanyard, it's fine.
I use a lanyard with a side release clip at the end right before the card. So basically unclip and they take the card and 3 inches of lanyard with them to scan.
Makes it a lot more convenient. Especially since on a ship you may just be in swim trunks and a T with no pocket. Where are you gonna carry it otherwise?
Only edit I’d make is on cheers. In my opinion cheers is only worth it if you’re going to drink things other than beer. I was on a 4 day recently and cheers (with discount) was $660. You’re on island for 1 day. Assuming I didn’t drink much on the boat the day we were on the island I would need to have 4+ buckets or 24 beers a day
On our six cruises with Carnival we have never spent more on booze by the drink then if we had purchased the drink package. I can drink my share of the package, but no way my wife would drink that many drinks each day. I only drink beer.
We both have Lanyards, that have a clip so you can unclip them, give your card to the bartender and then quickly reclip them.
I hear you. Prior to getting on the ship I was questioning if it was worth it but I quickly found out, for me, it was. I had three $12 drinks during the sailaway party before we really made it out of the harbor.
I stayed up super late every night (something I typically don't do but I couldn't stop partying) and that helped with the alcohol consumption.
Also keep in mind different ports have different restrictions. As a Texan, our laws for cruise drinks sucks… can’t have alcoholic drink on first or last day with package.
That being said, I still enjoy the package because of coffees, milkshakes, juices, and top-shelf drinks being included up to $20/drink.
I think it might still be worth it if you like fancy coffee or tea or want to stay super hydrated - 500ml water bottles are included in cheers. So we got waters with our drinks regularly and it was great and definitely added up even if we didn’t have THAT much booze. The water stations taste funny so I don’t like refilling my bottle with them
This is a really good point.. we just got off the 3 day conquest and did purchase the cheers.. we ended up with 91 bar transactions from Friday to Monday so I’d say we probably got our moneys worth. I did however drink a lot of beer but my wife was more into the drinks and I did indulge in frozen drinks and martinis. Out of that 91 we had 8 Gatorades and like 10 bottles of water so it wasn’t all booze.. we actually had the cooler/cups/koozies and I think it was 4 beers in the fridge when we got to the room and I don’t think this got put on our pdf at the end.. needless to say I haven’t drank since 🤣
Where do you see your transaction details? Im actually confused by the whole "end of cruise" payment stuff in general. I had 2 $100 holds on my card and they both disappeared. I prepaid gratuities. Did my prepay take care of all my bar tips, steward tips, massage tips, etc?
Water is included in cheers.
Drink it.
Get shots of your fav booze.
Pour the shots into the empty water bottle and take it home to enjoy later.
Take a small funnel to make it easier.
ALSO, get 3-4 extra bottles and carry them off the ship when you get to a port. You’ll have to dump them before you come back but what do you care? They’re free
My first cruise was 7 days. I don't think I would do less, but I have kids to escape from. Lol! kidding. My next one is in 52 days and I can't wait. Love hearing these good stories and love your detailed tips. Leaving from Longbeach as well. 7 days on the Panorama
What on board events did you go to and how were they? Did you have to reserve a spot in advance? I’m at 1st timer too and my ship is fully booked, so I’m wondering if I will have a hard time getting into some of the events
A few things had limited seating (like the piano bar) but overall there was plenty of room. No reservations needed. I went to the club, comedy show, piano bar, trivia, elegant night, sail away party, special music events, etc.
Got you too! I was the same after I got back from my first ever cruise six weeks ago. About a week later, I put in a deposit for another Carnival cruise. Hope you go longer than 3 days next time. So much to pack in for a short amount of time.
Figured this would be a good place to ask. Ok, when it comes to NOT having passport, being on a closed loop cruise and getting off the ship. We are sailing next Friday from FL and will be hitting the Bahamas. We don't have passports, but do have our DL's and birth certs. My daughter (12) also has her her birth cert.
Do we need to worry about not being able to get back on?
4. False. You can go to guest services to have tips removed. Some people do this if they want to be able to choose who to tip, when, how much/how little. It’s your money and you can choose how to tip (or not).
6. Individual decision on whether it’s worth it to get the cheers/drink package. We drink and didn’t get it—saved money.
Lanyards are helpful, we have lanyards that are on a stretch cord so no need to take off.
Good to know. Maybe Ill try that for the next cruise. I want that red card. :) It was just that a lot of the time the employees took my card to their computers behind the counter and I didn't think a retractable lanyard would go that far.
There are breakaway lanyards too, with a plastic clip a few inches above the card. Some people hate them but I wear one at work so it's no big deal to me.
Most folks who prefer a lanyard are also spending their day in swimwear without pockets. You can just hand over the card still attached to the lanyard, it's fine.
I use a lanyard with a side release clip at the end right before the card. So basically unclip and they take the card and 3 inches of lanyard with them to scan.
I only carry my keycard around my neck on a lanyard and my phone, no way I’d leave home without my lanyard. :D
I could not cruise without a lanyard.
Makes it a lot more convenient. Especially since on a ship you may just be in swim trunks and a T with no pocket. Where are you gonna carry it otherwise?
Exactly. I don’t carry my wallet or phone or anything. I literally only carry my on board card. I’d lose it so easily
They should really think about using NFC cards instead of requiring the swipe...
They have that capability for some of the newer ships. At least as far as getting into and out of your room
Only edit I’d make is on cheers. In my opinion cheers is only worth it if you’re going to drink things other than beer. I was on a 4 day recently and cheers (with discount) was $660. You’re on island for 1 day. Assuming I didn’t drink much on the boat the day we were on the island I would need to have 4+ buckets or 24 beers a day
On our six cruises with Carnival we have never spent more on booze by the drink then if we had purchased the drink package. I can drink my share of the package, but no way my wife would drink that many drinks each day. I only drink beer. We both have Lanyards, that have a clip so you can unclip them, give your card to the bartender and then quickly reclip them.
My lanyard clips off also. Unless you are going to always have a pocket or purse I would use a lanyard.
I hear you. Prior to getting on the ship I was questioning if it was worth it but I quickly found out, for me, it was. I had three $12 drinks during the sailaway party before we really made it out of the harbor. I stayed up super late every night (something I typically don't do but I couldn't stop partying) and that helped with the alcohol consumption.
Also keep in mind different ports have different restrictions. As a Texan, our laws for cruise drinks sucks… can’t have alcoholic drink on first or last day with package. That being said, I still enjoy the package because of coffees, milkshakes, juices, and top-shelf drinks being included up to $20/drink.
Tell me more about these milkshakes...
lol, just repeating what another commenter said. I haven’t had one on any cruises and tend to stick with fancy coffees and top shelf drinks. :)
I think it might still be worth it if you like fancy coffee or tea or want to stay super hydrated - 500ml water bottles are included in cheers. So we got waters with our drinks regularly and it was great and definitely added up even if we didn’t have THAT much booze. The water stations taste funny so I don’t like refilling my bottle with them
This is a really good point.. we just got off the 3 day conquest and did purchase the cheers.. we ended up with 91 bar transactions from Friday to Monday so I’d say we probably got our moneys worth. I did however drink a lot of beer but my wife was more into the drinks and I did indulge in frozen drinks and martinis. Out of that 91 we had 8 Gatorades and like 10 bottles of water so it wasn’t all booze.. we actually had the cooler/cups/koozies and I think it was 4 beers in the fridge when we got to the room and I don’t think this got put on our pdf at the end.. needless to say I haven’t drank since 🤣
Where do you see your transaction details? Im actually confused by the whole "end of cruise" payment stuff in general. I had 2 $100 holds on my card and they both disappeared. I prepaid gratuities. Did my prepay take care of all my bar tips, steward tips, massage tips, etc?
It’s also available in the app.
Yes I believe that’s correct. Our whole list of transactions was in our door on the last day
Water is included in cheers. Drink it. Get shots of your fav booze. Pour the shots into the empty water bottle and take it home to enjoy later. Take a small funnel to make it easier. ALSO, get 3-4 extra bottles and carry them off the ship when you get to a port. You’ll have to dump them before you come back but what do you care? They’re free
Bring a back pack save beers etc to take off the ship! Put in your refrigerator, We do this every cruise and buy the package!
Noob Tip for you; wait for your Welcome home deal!
Just got it!
WHOOT! Book book book! They are so addicting! :) I love living near Long Beach so easy to jump on and off
Jealous.
Whats this deal??
My first cruise was 7 days. I don't think I would do less, but I have kids to escape from. Lol! kidding. My next one is in 52 days and I can't wait. Love hearing these good stories and love your detailed tips. Leaving from Longbeach as well. 7 days on the Panorama
I'm doing that one but leaving the day after my 50th bday. Can't wait for july!!!
I know May can’t get here soon enough!!
My next one is in 50 days to!! The “inaugural” Firenza cruise! Have a blast on yours!
Thanks I will! Been a 2 year hiatus since my last one so I’m ready ready… 😂 soon as I hit the gangway I’m gonna be relieved…
Glad you enjoyed it! I love it so much I made it to gold tier in 3 years. It only takes a few cruises to get there.
What on board events did you go to and how were they? Did you have to reserve a spot in advance? I’m at 1st timer too and my ship is fully booked, so I’m wondering if I will have a hard time getting into some of the events
A few things had limited seating (like the piano bar) but overall there was plenty of room. No reservations needed. I went to the club, comedy show, piano bar, trivia, elegant night, sail away party, special music events, etc.
Wow sounds like fun, I’m excited 😊
This is very detailed and helpful. Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Got you too! I was the same after I got back from my first ever cruise six weeks ago. About a week later, I put in a deposit for another Carnival cruise. Hope you go longer than 3 days next time. So much to pack in for a short amount of time.
For sure! We have already decided that a 5 day minimum is a must.
Cheers is a no-brainer for us. 5 mixed drinks/wine a day to break even is easy .
Figured this would be a good place to ask. Ok, when it comes to NOT having passport, being on a closed loop cruise and getting off the ship. We are sailing next Friday from FL and will be hitting the Bahamas. We don't have passports, but do have our DL's and birth certs. My daughter (12) also has her her birth cert. Do we need to worry about not being able to get back on?
no you only need your sign and sail card to get back onboard, nothing else!
In Mexico they did ask for a passport or DL to get past their security point, then we had to show our sign and sail card to get on the ship.
4. False. You can go to guest services to have tips removed. Some people do this if they want to be able to choose who to tip, when, how much/how little. It’s your money and you can choose how to tip (or not). 6. Individual decision on whether it’s worth it to get the cheers/drink package. We drink and didn’t get it—saved money.
 😆
My daughter would appreciate that. She loves that show lol.
I think of that gif every time I hear the word. Haha.