Welcome, Leanne & George! You will absolutely love a balcony cabin. I have cruised once with only a window & it's just not the same but we only had so many ponts left through Carnival Vacation Club so that was all I could get. The cabins are the same size, definitely large enough to totally unpack 4 suitcases and then slide the suitcases out of the way under the bed. We make use of over the door hanging bag for in the bathroom for our toiletries. Plus there are dual toiletry towers to store items on either side of the vanity. We also take along a pop-up hamper and take advantage of the special laundry where a bag of laundry is washed for $15. There's plenty of closet space and adequate drawer space, too.

 Flying in the day before is the only way to go. Have you chosen a hotel yet?

I just came back from my best friend's daugher's wedding in Ohio, so I understand how hectic things will be for you until then.

Looking forward to meeting you soon....

Yes, we are staying at the Best Western Oakland Park Inn.

Thanks for the bits of information ie: popup hamper idea (LOVE IT!!) and the other info on the cabin itself!!! It just makes it so exciting to even think of the blue ocean all around while I sip my morning cup o' java!

That's what I enjoy about the various roll calls and boards. I love talking to all of you & sharing the excitement!

I spent this weekend getting together my packing list. I have a list that I use and all of the toiletries and extra items are kept together all year long. I needed to check out what has expired because we take along an anti-biotic cream, cold medicine, cough drops, allergy medication, etc. Last year Bryan got a really bad cold & we were glad that we had the meds along. I also bought a few items on sale to spruce up my wardrobe a little. I can't resist the end of the season sales and the bargains I can pick up. At the end of the summer, I keep out the clothes that will be packed and wash and iron them. Then I hang them in the closet so all I need to do is pack them in the luggage shortly before we go. I hope we can get everything into a large suitcase, rolling garment bag & two carry ons. Although Carnival has gone more casual with their dress, we enjoy formal night and getting dressed up. Plus, even doing the load of laundry mid-week, I have to wear clean clothes, I have issues wearing something more than one day. But I have cut back alot from the first time we cruised, where I didn't wear half of the clothes that I packed.

We made our final payment, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll get our cabin number with our docs and that they will come soon!!! I can't wait to see where we will be or whether the upgrade fairy pays us a visit.

I have a toiletries bag as well, but will probably be adding right up to the date we leave! I am starting to think a little about what to pack, and I am really trying to minimize it, although, I too must have at least a couple of things for formal nights. I otherwise love to be dressy casual or just plain old comfortable in a skort or capris.

I am curious....are we allowed to bring a case of water and/ or any alcohol onboard when we embark in Ft. Lauderdale? If so, in checked or carry on luggage? My neighbours just got back from an Alaskan cruise with Celebrity and took a 24 pak of beer onboard...they then tried to smuggle some onboard in Juno, got caught, but according to him, was allowed to take it with him to his room. We have cruised NCL and they are pretty strict, and we have met people on board who have had their booze confiscated until the end of the cruise.

Leanne and George and luv2cruise... you guys are getting ready much the same as me...

starting to pack in advance and making lists.... its sooo exciting checkin in on these boards- 'meeting' people and planning...  I've got a couple items on sale recently- mostly dresses/skorts... I"m just debating on how MANY I need to bring... I would like to know more about that laundry services/ specials??  when my hubby worked for RCL and I went on his ship to Hawaii I got free laundry so I was spoiled. 

how 'formal' will you guys be getting during the cruise-- like past christmas party dresses? cocktail dresses? sun dresses?   I'm just not sure what to bring in that category...

Anyways sure doesn't seem to be many others on this cruise- not many have added to the roll call....????  were are they hiding :)

 take care!!! and See you soon

Hi leanne, George and luv2cruise,

88 days to go...can't wait.  Have you heard what the better shore excursions are and the 12/6 cruise??  We have been looking at them, not sure if more are available when you get on board.  There was one that was on the list for one of the islands that entailed a rain forest and rope bridgea and zip line, but it no longer is showing!  That would have been awesome.  We haven't started pacling yet...kind of late starters!  Surprised, also, that no one else is showing up on the chat board for this cruise.

Take care,

Linda and Rick

Hi all...I'm also on the 12/6 cruise and really excited...  This will be my 3rd cruise to the Caribbean with Carnival and my 4th cruise total (also cruised NCL in Hawaii).  I was reading your messages and here are the few things I can answer....

• Laundry - usually they have a special of 1 bag of folded laundry for approx. $15 a few days into the cruise.
• Personal drinks - according in the faq...we are allowed a 12x12x12 cooler for non-alcoholic drinks.
• Shore Excursions - If planning to do the Aquaventure in Nassau the price (if booked on your own) is $150 ea to get in.  But, if you book at Comfort Suites in Nassau (next to Paradise Island) you can use their facilities included in your room.  The cost for 4 people for 12/13 was $221.  The Comfort Suites is located across the street from Paradise Island.

Re: formal wear.....I will be taking 2 dresses for formal wear. One will be the one I just bought for my daughter's wedding taking place on October 24th, a knee length stapless with bolero jacket...pewter in colour and another knee length halter in a black/red/ white print with a 'crinoline" detail at the hem. Otherwise, I will be in either  skorts, tshirts, capris, dress pants, a bathingsuit with a drink in hand! LOL!

We did a zipline in Puerta Vallarta....LOVED IT! If you find the excursion again, go for it. They are fun!

Thanks too for the info on bringing drinks on board....even a case or two  of water will do me. I love my H2O!(between other bevereages, that is!)

I read on one of the other threads that you should book a shore excursion online as soon as you decide that you want to do it because so many people are booking that way. If a large group books an excursion or it lots of people book & it gets sold out then we loose out. So, they may have been what happened with the zip line or perhaps the company offering the tour may no longer be offering it.

I am also taking two dresses for formal nights. Bry takes one suit but different shirts & ties. My goal this year is one large suitcase, one rolling garment bag & two carry ons. I love to have options on what to wear so I really have trouble cutting down. Then I have to have an outfit for each day and my dressier outfits at night. Plus, jammies and accessories. And, of course, I can't seem to pack less than 5 pair of shoes/sandals.  I am envious of those who can get all of their items in a carry on. My hair products, make up, etc. always has to go into checked luggage, I have way too many 4-oz items  since I also take Downey Wrinkle Release & Febreeze, not to mention suntan lotion, calamine lotion, and all those other toiletries. How do they do it?

Oh my gosh 'luv2cruise', my hubby just happened to read your post over my shoulder and started to laugh! He stated to me "oh! that is YOU! You are the exact same way! Guilty as charged..LOL...but I have sworn to him this time, I am packing way less! I am hoping one large suitcase and a carryon. My issues are the same....I have to have day outfits and then something to be a little dressier in the evening....then you MUST have shoes for every option! I am trying for 2 pairs of shoes, comfy sandals for walking around the ship during the day, and a pair of runners for walking in port and doing workouts in the gym.Also necklaces and earrings to go around! I am determined this year because I hate coming home and having to unpack and wash everything, (even if I have not worn it) then put it away....it is such a chore! Happy packing! My main packing begins once my daughter and her fiancee's wedding has taken place....after October 24th I can get serious!

I started pack my suitcase!!!

making it all seem to be coming SOOOOON

 Leanne- the wedding planning/preparing must be heating up!! igot married 2 years ago and can remember the last few weeks before- a little stressfull... you will need a nice relaxing getaway :)

luv2cruise-- i'll have atleast 5 pairs of shoes when I travel I always seem to get blisters or something- so I need a varied collection to swap around etc :)

 Got a new formal dress with sparkles on it!! woo woo

looking forward to it!! wonder if there is any more people out there to add on to this roll call?

I'll be on board also w/ wife and kids 9&10, 3rd cruise for me, 2nd for the wife, 1st for the kids. It's a surprise to the family, they know we are going on a vacation in Dec but don't know when or where, It'll be kind of an all in one celebration, the 6th is my wifes B-Day, and I have plans to renew our vows while on the cruise also, we'll be in a balcony up on the 7th someplace can't remember what rm. Anyway maybe we can all get together and have a beverage together one day.

'toextreme'

How cool that you are planning a renewal of your wedding vows on this cruise! My daughter just got married two days ago. It was fabulous! I think we have about the best son-in-law that parents could ask for!

We are on this cruise with a large group and it includes a fair amount of children as well, so I am sure that your children will find plenty of others their ages to buddy up with!!!

This is our 3rd cruise....first time in a 'balcony' room. We are on verandah deck, and really looking forward to morning java on that balcony looking out at the blue of the ocean!

toextreme & family, welcome aboard! When we were married, we cruised as a belated honeymoon. We were hooked; had a super great time, and cruise every year.

Leanne & George, congratulations on your daughter's wedding. Now, you can concentrate on the cruise. Ok, so, have you started packing yet (LOL)? My clothes are all hanging in the closet, ironed & just ready to put into the suitcases/garment bag. I can't seem to get below two carry ons, a large suitcase and a garment bag. I actually did a quick run through to be sure that everything will fit into the luggage without going over the 50 lb weight limit. And, yup, we're good to go....

We also finally got our cabin number & are on the verandah deck, too. Anyone else get their cabin number yet? Still waiting on the docs, but I always love to know where we are going to be when we book a guarantee cabin.

Thanks for the congrats, my TA got me an upgrade to Lido balcony and got me $170 credit on top of that, family still has no idea, going to give them the news on Thanksgiving, see you all soon, toxtreme out