My kind of girl. I don’t pay any extra for these things either. I am platinum now, so I automatically get priority boarding and several bags of free laundry, so that helps. My one exception for specialty dining is the sushi. Very reasonable prices for excellent sushi!
Faster to the Fun gets a 5-Star overall rating in the reviews. We’ve used it and thought it was worth every penny. It’s not just about boarding faster. I encourage everyone to check it out before dismissing it right away.
We don't buy the drink package (alcohol or soda), we wouldn't get enough use out of either one to make the price worth it. I pack my own soda to carry on. We bring refillable water bottles to have water throughout the cruise as well and to take on shore with us in ports.
We loved the "Behind the Fun" tour, it was worth every penny. We met the Captain and the crew as we toured the Bridge. Watched how some of the fancy dessert are made, kitchens were SPOTLESS!!!, the crews quarters (make interior rooms look like a suite LOL) saw the medical facility (looks like an urgent care at home), we saw where the jail was, but couldn't go in (I guess they had someone in there). At the end we were each given a backpack of goodies, a visor, a lanyard, luggage tag and A picture the Captain that we took on the Bridge and a few other things..... I would only do it once on each class of ships though and we can't wait to do it on the Jubilee!!! We also ALWAYS get FTTF, there are other perks with it than just early boarding and first getting off (after the platinum and diamond guest).
I purchase Faster to the Fun and I love it. It takes you 30 minutes, it will me about 10, so yes Faster to the Fun to me. And we always take laundry detergent to do laundry.
I agree with you and DO NOT pay extra for those PLUS bottled water. I love the perks of platinum (almost Diamond) embarkation and embarkation first plus the free laundry. Hopefully some NEW cruisers listen to your tips and save ALOT of money!
I say the same thing. If it's not a balcony I'm not going. I refuse to sleep in a coffin. Not everyone wants to be around crowds and the "fun" but just needs a private quiet place to relax with a drink while taking in some sun and enjoying the view and fresh air.
I had the same thought until I stayed in an interior room. I prefer interiors now as they stay much cooler and the lack of light helps me sleep. You can upgrade to a larger interior, same size of balcony cabin w/o balcony.
Laundry: cruise lines frequently offer a “fill the bag deal.” Although a bit expensive, it’s worth it because I can pack less and baggage weight😂 is always a big problem. It’s $100 for an overweight bag, or $50-$100 for bag #2 depending upon your airline. Sushi packages pre-cruise sell for around $35. It’s a reat deal. I rarely book excursions through the cruise line: they’re generally overpriced. Have yet to buy meal upgrade but do upgrade cabin to balcony. Nothing like sitting on the balcony, drinking a coffee or iced tea before sunrise or at sunset. With the $$$. I bring a lot of stuff with me to save money: extra batteries, sunscreen, extra charging cables (multi-prong type), water bottle, Yetti (Walmart) big tumbler, laundry pods (underwear and socks in the sink, hang up to dry), and a windbreaker with rain hat. Bring a debit card to get local cash in port to save on conversion fees. Convert only what you think you are going to need. Pack light, light, light. You’re going to have to schlep whatever you pack so pack wisely.
I never spend any money on the ship. Mainly because they over price everything. My balance is always $0... i just refuse to be taken advantage of just because im on vacation
You’re smart, I’m the same way. Last cruise my wife and I took, and checked the bill summary, I spent about $20 bucks on arcades, and coffee! Now my wife on the other hand spent about $490 on drinks and a $100 purse ! lol 😂
@iati6294 were on vacation to enjoy amd relax.. we pay to get on the ship, pay to park on their property.. i just want the service that was included in my cruise fare ..i dont like spending $9 for a beer and still has gratitudies added..
We love to buy the professional photos on a ship, but on our carnival luminosa cruise coming up in December 2025, to get 5 photos its $145.99 aud, up to 20 photos $499 aud. That's a crazy high price, way more than our 2 p&o aus and royal carribean past cruises.
I defiinitely spend money and time on doing laundry on Carnival; even on lines without self serve laundry it is frequently cheaper to pay for laundry on a cruise than it is to pay baggage fees on flights.
My kind of girl. I don’t pay any extra for these things either. I am platinum now, so I automatically get priority boarding and several bags of free laundry, so that helps. My one exception for specialty dining is the sushi. Very reasonable prices for excellent sushi!
Faster to the Fun gets a 5-Star overall rating in the reviews. We’ve used it and thought it was worth every penny. It’s not just about boarding faster. I encourage everyone to check it out before dismissing it right away.
Totally agree. The perks are well worth it IMO
Same, although I will choose a balcony over an interior. I don’t mind doing laundry and packing less, especially on Journeys cruises.
We don't buy the drink package (alcohol or soda), we wouldn't get enough use out of either one to make the price worth it. I pack my own soda to carry on. We bring refillable water bottles to have water throughout the cruise as well and to take on shore with us in ports.
You can take your own soda on board? Are there refrigerators in rooms.
@@melissamorehart1431yes u can take a 12 pack of can soda per person on your cabin. And we did have a small fridge in the room.
We loved the "Behind the Fun" tour, it was worth every penny. We met the Captain and the crew as we toured the Bridge. Watched how some of the fancy dessert are made, kitchens were SPOTLESS!!!, the crews quarters (make interior rooms look like a suite LOL) saw the medical facility (looks like an urgent care at home), we saw where the jail was, but couldn't go in (I guess they had someone in there). At the end we were each given a backpack of goodies, a visor, a lanyard, luggage tag and A picture the Captain that we took on the Bridge and a few other things..... I would only do it once on each class of ships though and we can't wait to do it on the Jubilee!!! We also ALWAYS get FTTF, there are other perks with it than just early boarding and first getting off (after the platinum and diamond guest).
I usually get an ocean view. I like the views plus my child is scared of the dark. An interior is super dark.
I purchase Faster to the Fun and I love it. It takes you 30 minutes, it will me about 10, so yes Faster to the Fun to me. And we always take laundry detergent to do laundry.
See everyone on the Marti Gras May 4th! Thank you for all your advice on cruisingz
I agree with you and DO NOT pay extra for those PLUS bottled water.
I love the perks of platinum (almost Diamond) embarkation and embarkation first plus the free laundry. Hopefully some NEW cruisers listen to your tips and save ALOT of money!
If i can’t afford a balcony i can’t afford the trip im not sleeping in a closet balcony cabins are small enough
I say the same thing. If it's not a balcony I'm not going. I refuse to sleep in a coffin. Not everyone wants to be around crowds and the "fun" but just needs a private quiet place to relax with a drink while taking in some sun and enjoying the view and fresh air.
I had the same thought until I stayed in an interior room. I prefer interiors now as they stay much cooler and the lack of light helps me sleep. You can upgrade to a larger interior, same size of balcony cabin w/o balcony.
I'm definitely getting a balcony
Laundry: cruise lines frequently offer a “fill the bag deal.” Although a bit expensive, it’s worth it because I can pack less and baggage weight😂 is always a big problem. It’s $100 for an overweight bag, or $50-$100 for bag #2 depending upon your airline. Sushi packages pre-cruise sell for around $35. It’s a reat deal. I rarely book excursions through the cruise line: they’re generally overpriced. Have yet to buy meal upgrade but do upgrade cabin to balcony. Nothing like sitting on the balcony, drinking a coffee or iced tea before sunrise or at sunset. With the $$$. I bring a lot of stuff with me to save money: extra batteries, sunscreen, extra charging cables (multi-prong type), water bottle, Yetti (Walmart) big tumbler, laundry pods (underwear and socks in the sink, hang up to dry), and a windbreaker with rain hat. Bring a debit card to get local cash in port to save on conversion fees. Convert only what you think you are going to need. Pack light, light, light. You’re going to have to schlep whatever you pack so pack wisely.
I never spend any money on the ship. Mainly because they over price everything. My balance is always $0... i just refuse to be taken advantage of just because im on vacation
You’re smart, I’m the same way. Last cruise my wife and I took, and checked the bill summary, I spent about $20 bucks on arcades, and coffee! Now my wife on the other hand spent about $490 on drinks and a $100 purse ! lol 😂
@iati6294 were on vacation to enjoy amd relax.. we pay to get on the ship, pay to park on their property.. i just want the service that was included in my cruise fare ..i dont like spending $9 for a beer and still has gratitudies added..
We love to buy the professional photos on a ship, but on our carnival luminosa cruise coming up in December 2025, to get 5 photos its $145.99 aud, up to 20 photos $499 aud. That's a crazy high price, way more than our 2 p&o aus and royal carribean past cruises.
Great points, you forgot the dreaded BINGO cards, averaging $50 per play, bla....
I defiinitely spend money and time on doing laundry on Carnival; even on lines without self serve laundry it is frequently cheaper to pay for laundry on a cruise than it is to pay baggage fees on flights.
I don't drink so f a drink package me and my fiance we drink water😂
the cloud 9 spa is just a huge money grab. They are way to aggressive and pushy
Most of the crap they flog off are a complete rip off.