Expert: Linda - 2/13/2007

Question
Hi Linda,
This is my first time on a cruise trip, and I also try went to the library to get a guide book for cruise but they don't have.
I'm from Cleveland, OH. My cruise ship is Carnival Victory. The port is at Miami, and it departure at 4:00PM. And my air ticket said I will be there at 2:15PM. Will there be enough time to go to the port? I heard it take 20 mins from the airport to the port, will I be able to find a cab easily? How much it cost? And the Arrival time is 8:00AM and the plane will leave at 10:27, will that also be enough time? And for the cab agian? Do they have cab around at the morning so I can get to the airport? They said foods is included on the cruise, what kind of foods they serve? Do they have wireless on the cruise? Do they charge?
Thanks!

Answer
I can't give you answers, I'll give you my thoughts and you can make your choices.  2:15 arrival, IF on time, luggage at 2:40, cab 2:50, arrive port 3:20.  All aboard is 3:30, that's 10 min to spare.  What if luggage is slow, accident on the road or your flight is late?  If you booked with Carnival, the ship will be held...if NOT booked with Carnival and you're late you will need to fly to the next port, at your expense to meet the ship.  (If you are on a flight with a bunch of people who DID book with Carnival, then you'll be in luck).  If you buy the transfer from Carnival, I think it's about $15.00, you'll pay probably $25 for a cab, which is $10 less expensive than the transfer if there are 2 of you.  Finding a cab is easy, you just get your luggage and head outside.

If you booked with carnival on your return flight, they'll see you make it...if on your own, again, that's too close.  You need to get off the ship, claim your baggage, get a cab (NOT as easy as coming as EVERYONE is looking for a cab), get to the airport and clear security.  

You didn't ask for my opinion, but I'll give it anyway :).  I'm on a cruise to relax and not stress...I don't want to be panicked wondering if I'll miss the ship, or the plane.

Food:  breakfast in the dining room, everything you'd find at a nice restaurant in Clev. served with tablecloth and silver, eggs benedict, waffles, pancakes, ommlets, bacon,sausage etc.  Topside on the LIDO deck.  Buffet style, basically the same food, you serve yourself.

Lunch, dining room, changes daily, always meet, pastas, salads, soups.  You can check in the morning outside the restaurant and it will tell you what the menu is for the day.  You can eat at the LIDO deck, buffet, great salads, sandwiches, soups, pastas, fruits, yogurts, dessert station.Also can eat by the pool, burgers, dogs, fries and GREAT PIZZA, also can eat at the sushi bar/chinese station on LIDO deck.

Dinner, this one I do suggest you do the dining room; steaks, ribs, different every night, always a beef, chicken, fish and pasta entree. Remember, if you order a steak and decide you want another; just tell your waiter,  /Want 4 dessert, just ask!  Want a late night snack?  You can find on LIDO deck, or call room service for a sandwich and some chips.  Late night PIZZA?  Oh, yeah, all there and all free.  Dinners are ususally  "theme" per night, Italian, French,Spanish, Caribbean etc.  

Wireless, yes, in the computer room, it's not cheap though.  You can sign up for a plan if you want.  I took it one time, but found I didn't use it I was having fun and honestly didn't want to look at my e mail and even THINK about home!  Choice is yours.

The Victory is a great ship, we sailed her on the New England Cruise.  You'll have a great time Tony, enjoy yourself and ask away if you have any other questions.

(If you want to fly in the day before, use priceline.com to book your hotel room, you'll say a good chunk of change)  Also, go to cruiseline.com, sign in (free), then click on message boards, choose CARNIVAL, then you'll see all sorts of list serves.  You can post questions and everyone is VERY helpful.

Have a great time.
Linda