Posts Tagged ‘Carnival Cruise Line’

How to Save Money and Pick the Best Stateroom for Your Family Cruise Vacation

May 7th, 2012
by Kim.
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If you are a larger family, with more than 4, you may have found it difficult to find a cruise line that can accommodate you without breaking the bank.

It can be stressful, but here are a few tips to help keep cost down.

  • Carnival Cruise Line does offer cabins for up to five passengers on some of the ships in their fleet.  The cabin setup is two lower twin beds (convertible to queen), two upper Pullman beds and a roll-away. Ships include the Destiny, Dream, Ecstasy, Elation, Fantasy, Fascination, imagination, inspiration, Paradise, Sensation, Triumph, and Victory.
  • Royal Caribbean also offers ‘Family Staterooms’ for up to 6 passengers on every ship in its fleet except for the Monarch and Majesty of the Seas. These cabins offer more square footage, two twin beds (convertible to queen), sofa and/or Pullman beds, separate sitting area, and a private bathroom with shower. TIP: Try to book these Family Cabins as early as possible, they fill very quickly!
  • Another choice for larger families is to book two cabins side-by-side, with an inter-connecting door. This is a great option as it also gives you an extra bathroom (so helpful!) and provides some privacy if you want the doors closed part of the time.
  • Or book a balcony cabin for the parents with an inside cabin directly across the hall for the children. This option works best if the children are older.
  • If you are traveling with children under 2 years of age, Norwegian Cruise Line is your best choice as they don’t charge a cruise rate for children under 2 years of age, only taxes!
  • With this in mind, some cruise lines do offer ‘Kids Sail Free’ promotions; if there are two full paying adults in the stateroom they do not charge the children a cruise rate, only taxes. These promotions are few and far between, but if you are patient and don’t have a specific time that you must travel it is a terrific way to save some on your family vacation. But book them quickly–this promotion is very popular so scoop it up while you can!

Overall a cruise vacation is an extremely affordable way to travel as a family: accommodations, food, entertainment, fun and lifetime family memories included!

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Ports of Departure: All About Cruising from the Port of Tampa

May 3rd, 2012
by Amber.
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Tampa is an up-and-coming cruise terminal as more cruise lines are utilizing this premier cruise port destination.

Several cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Norwegian (Oct. ’11) now offer 4, 5, 7, and 14-day cruise itineraries from Tampa.

Together with the city, the Port of Tampa continues to develop Channelside, an exciting complex along the water offering dining, shopping, an IMAX cinema just steps from the modern cruise terminals. There is also an outdoor plaza that hosts live music! The Florida Aquarium is between the cruise terminals, home to over 10,000 aquatic plants and animals from Florida and all over the world.

Check out the new cruise brochure, Tampa as a Homeport and More.

Parking: There is secure parking available at the pier for $14.00 per day. You do not need advanced reservations and they do accept all major credit cards.

Directions to the Port of Tampa Cruise Terminals

Click here for additional parking information.

Flying: If you are flying into Tampa the airport is approximately 10 miles from the pier. A taxi will be cost about $22.00 to the cruise pier. If you prefer to use the cruise lines transfers expect to pay around $40.00 per person for roundtrip transfers, depending on the cruise line.

Hotels: Tampa has a lot to offer visitors near the cruise terminal. You may want to extend your vacation a day or two and enjoy Busch Gardens, Ybor City, Florida Aquarium, some of the world’s best beaches, or drive an hour and visit the world’s ‘fun’ capital, Orlando.

If you decide to extend your stay, three properties conveniently offer FREE parking and FREE shuttles to airport and the cruise pier:

  • Hyatt Place
  • Hampton Inn Westshore
  • Comfort Inn

This is an absolutely wonderful port to depart form and the options of cruise lines and itineraries expand every year.

Cruises from the Port of Tampa 2011

Cruises from the Port of Tampa 2012

Photo Credit: Photomatt28 on Flickr

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What is a Cruise Line Private Island?

Apr 17th, 2012
by Michelle.
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So what exactly is a cruise line private island?

A private island is a section of an island in the Caribbean or Bahamas that is designated and operated by one particular cruise line.  It is not available to the public or local population. When you are at a private island you are the only ship in port.

The island will have plenty of beaches to bum on with chairs and loungers available to use for your entire visit, and they are free.  You don’t have to worry about heading back to the ship for lunch as there is usually a barbecue provided by the cruise line. Don’t forget to sip on your favorite umbrella drink either at your lounger or sitting at the beach bar! One thing you will NOT see on a private island is someone asking if you would like your hair braided or nice purse.

If you are like me and can’t sit still, there is plenty to do on the islands. You rent snorkeling equipment (or bring your own like I do). You can sign up to take a wild banana boat ride (you’ve got to try it…you will laugh so hard!).  Or rent a three-wheel aqua bike. If you like to sail, rent a boat or kayak.  Some islands have wave runners for those that like speed.

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Evening Entertainment Onboard Carnival Cruise Line: 9 Reasons You Can NOT Hit the Hay Early

Mar 22nd, 2012
by Michelle.
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Carnival Cruise Line does indeed provide the Fun Ships!  I don’t even know where to begin with the numerous activities to choose from onboard a Carnival cruise vacation.

  1. Once you have completed your dinner (yum), you can take a stroll up on deck to enjoy the view of the night sky over the darkened ocean. OR, you can enjoy those same stars while watching Hollywood stars on the big screen of Carnival’s Seaside Theater (outdoor–not available on all ships).
  2. If you don’t feel like keeping your feet still, get your groove on and dance it up at one of the many nightclubs. The energetic dance floors and great music will have you out dancing the night away to the ‘oldies’  and the latest in pop songs.
  3. Be sure to attend at least one of the planned dance parties. Whether it’s the Sail Away Party, Fun Hop, Captain’s Party or Late Night Deck Party they will all keep you laughing and having a great time.
  4. If you don’t like to dance, then just hang out while enjoying the music, atmosphere and your new friends.
  5. I love the piano bars onboard, and Carnival has some of the most entertaining piano players that I have had the pleasure of listening too.
  6. In the main show lounge, relax with your favorite cocktail while watching a spectacular Vegas-style performance with talented singers, dancers, extravagant costumes and awesome scenery.
  7. There are comedians and sometimes amazing magicians to make you laugh so hard you cry.
  8. Okay, so you might get tired of watching other people perform, why don’t you head to the karaoke lounge to give your best performance?  Carnival holds karaoke contests where the winner gets to perform live on the main stage.  So warm up those vocals and sing it like you meant it!
  9. Don’t forget to bring your change and lucky rabbit’s foot to hit the fast-paced action of Carnival’s lively casinos.

Want to get a real taste of all a Carnival Cruise has to offer? You will receive a daily newsletter in your stateroom detailing the onboard activities being offered the next day. Get a sample of all of the excitement you have to choose from!

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originally posted 3/30/11

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Ports of Departure: Sail into History with the Port of Charleston

Mar 14th, 2012
by Amber.
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I think most residents of the southeast are thrilled that Carnival Cruise Line now has a ship, the Carnival Fantasy, that departs year-round from the Port of Charleston located in Historic Charleston, South Carolina.

Consistently ranked as one of the top 10 tourism destinations in the world by Conde Nast magazine, this is an amazing city to say the least and its location on the East Coast makes it convenient for many.

With a rich history of over 300 years, Charleston is a living museum.  Take in the cobblestone, sand and water, the architecture, the arts and culture, the dining, tours, entertainment, attractions, and the nation’s most comprehensive Visitor Center. And that is just a small sampling!

Here are some tips that will help you navigate the Port of Charleston.

Parking:

  • The terminal is within two miles of both Interstate 26 and U.S. Highway 17 and is easy to locate once in the city.
  • Parking at the pier is $15.00 per day. The parking area is only available to cruise passengers and is patrolled by the Port Police. They currently accept cash, traveler’s checks or personal checks.
  • The parking garage is located few short minutes from the cruise terminal. A shuttle is provided for your convenience and comfort.

Resources:

  1. Carnival Fantasy Embarkation and Debarkation Information
  2. Driving Directions to the Port of Charleston

Flying:

  • The airport is located approximately 20 minutes from the cruise terminal.
  • The average taxi fare will be $30.00 for two. If you have more than two people there are often shuttles that charge a flat rate of $12.00 per person and will drop you off right in front of your ship.

Hotels:

The Port of Charleston is a convenient, historic, unparallelled way to begin or end a cruise vacation!

 

Find your perfect cruise:

5-6 Night Carnival Fantasy Departures from Port of Charleston 2012

7 Night Carnival Fantasy Departures from Port of Charleston 2012

 

Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Lines on Flickr

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