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First Time Cruisers Advice!?

My family is planning on going on our first cruise this February (20-25) with Carnival Cruise from Miami (5 Nights) stopping in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Cayman. We're from New York City and our flight arrives in Miami at 12:20pm and the cruise leaves at 4:00PM. Is this okay? Or should we go with the other option, we leave the night before BUT arrive in Fort Lauderdale at 10PM 2/19. Considering that it's going to be winter and flights are constantly delayed from Newark (We're flying with Continental/United) If we do take this option, then we're staying at a hotel in FLL for the night and leave for Miami in the morning. How long will it take us? We're taking the public transportation btw. The return flight will leave at West Palm Beach (I know it's a bit far but it's cheaper haha) I heard there's a commuter rail for around 5 bucks, how long does it take to travel from Miami to West Palm Beach? The cruise arrives at 8AM and we have an option of taking a 10AM, 2PM, 3PM and a 4PM Flight. The 2PM flight seems to be the best option. How does the check-in work? Is it similar with airport check-in? Do they take your luggage and you get them on your cabin? How long does it take to take a cab from Miami Airport (or in the other case, Fort Lauderdale) to the port? Any comments and suggestions, feel free to add! As for onboard the ship, how does the whole thing work? Is it similar to an all-inclusive resort experience? My family would much prefer a buffet-style dining but we also welcome formal/sit-down type but my father wouldn't really want to dress up in a suit or etc. Are the drinks free (Non-Alcoholic), how's the entertainment, etc? Is a balcony cabin worth the extra price? Or should we go with the ocean-view for a lower rate? The ocean view on Deck 2 costs about 937.00 for 3 passengers and the balcony on Deck 6 runs about 1307.00 for 3 passengers. Plus, which part of the ship is the best? Aft, Mid or Front? Any tips on which cabin to pick? We're really leaning on booking a balcony. Feel free to add anything! Thanks.

Public Comments

1. WHY can't you just contact CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES customer service and ASK THEM? WHY do you FEMALES all write the BOOKS when you ask a simple QUESTION? WHY do you write 10,000 words that take half an hour to read and THEN you expect ME to read all that sh*t so I can give an anwer. If you get into Ft. Luderdale Airport at 10 PM you will have to rent a room for the night.. have you PRICED hotel/motel rooms in Ft. Lauderdale IN TOURIST SEASON? If the plane arrives on time, it can take an hour to get from the Ft. Lauderdale airport to the cruise dock by taxi.
2. The simple answer is if your flight is delayed even an hour you are going to miss the ship! You have to be on board 90 minutes prior to departure or you wont get on at all. So take the flight a day earlier spend the night and board the next day ESPECIALLY in the winter! At the end of the cruise it may arrive at 8 am, but you have to go through customs along with EVERYONE else so you may not actually get out of the terminal until 10 or so, so take the 2 pm flight back. Check in is similar to airport check in. they take your bags, but bring a small bag with you that has what you need right away, because your bags wont be at your room until after dinner usually. The only free drinks are the drinks in the buffet (no alcohol or soda). The buffet and main dining room are free, and you don't have to go all out on formal night, just wear decent clothes. Entertainment is free. Balconies are nice because you can step outside without going up several decks, but being worth it depends on you. I think they are, but I have also had ocean-view rooms that are almost as good. I hate interior rooms though. Where its located doesn't really matter. Just don't pick one next to the elevators or below the pool or night clubs!