Helpful Tips: Are there extra charges?

It is so nice to know when we cruise that pretty much our expenses are paid in full before we leave.  Our cruise fare covers our cabin, our meals, and entertainment.   However, what some people forget is that that are extra charges that you need to calculate in.

Tips for Wait Staff, Cabin Steward:   Average is $10 a day for regular cabin and $11 a day for mini-suites/suites.  Most cruise lines now allow you to add it directly to you sign & sail account.

Alcohol, Bottled Water, and Soda:  These are not FREE and the cost can add up quickly. 

Specialty Restaurants:  Now we usually go once to the Specialty Restaurants on board the ship.   The food and service has been exceptional.   We think of it like going to a 5 star restaurant and the fee to eat there is minimal in contrast to what we would pay on land.  So we budget for one dinner.   If we were on a tight budget, no, we wouldn't go.  

Excursions:   Some of the cruise lines allow you to order the excursions before you cruise paying for them at the time of reservation.   Others charge the cost as soon as you are on board the ship for the reserved excursions.

Cruise Critic has an article on the 10 Hidden Costs of Cruising that is worth reading.  It talks about the hidden costs of cruising and also ways you can save money.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Hawaiian Lava Daily Blog

Hawaiian Lava Daily Blog:   If you have any interest in the volcano/lava activity on the Big Island of Hawaii, this blog is worth visiting.   The photos are GREAT, and there is lots of information.   I was in awe of the sights that Leigh Hilbert shows on his blog.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Transportation on the Islands

Couldn't resist posting a New Beetle Photo ... no, this car isn't for rent.

There are many ways to see the sites on the islands:   walking, hailing a cab, hiring a limo, renting a car or in Honolulu riding a trolley.   I found a site listed on the Cruise Critic message board that I thought might be of interest to those going to Hawaii:

Hawaii Cruise Ship Car Rental

It is pretty thorough site, giving lists of all the car rental agencies, taxi service, and limo service at each port.   I have not used this site before, so offer an opinion.  I did feel tho that it had lots of good information and was worth posting.

Waikiki Trolley:

In Honolulu there is a trolley that offers quite a bit of fun while touring the area.  It is called Waikiki Trolley.   You purchase a ticket for the day and what line(s) you want to use.  There are even trolleys that have a wheelchair lift (but these do not run as frequently as the other trolleys).

Unlimited Boarding Privileges
Enjoy unlimited boarding and re-boarding privileges for as long as your pass is valid.

Three Lines, 30 Stops
Discover historic sites, beautiful scenery, and world-class shops and restaurants through our lines.

A one day pass on the Waikiki Trolley is $22.   There is a video on their website too that will tell you more information.   Also check out their Frequently Asked Questions page.

TheBus

This link to to the city's transportation on Oahu.   They have extensive itineraries, are wheelchair accessible, and even have multiple day passes if you are going to be there longer than 1 day.   You do have to have exact fare when riding the bus.  The drivers do not carry change.   A one way fare is $2.50 for an adult (17 and over).  Youth (6 -17) is $1.25.


Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Carnvial's Cabin Decorations - Special Occasions

A few times that we have sailed on Carnival we have paid for them to decorate the cabin.  Personally, I think it was worth the cost, and it was so nice NOT to have to pack these things ourselves.  If you want to find more information about them, go to "Gifts and Services" on the Carnival Web Site.  It is called Stateroom Decoration - Bon Voyage.

Here's some of the decorations we have had in our cabin:

You choose the day you want the cabin decorated.   We had requested it be done on the day we sailed, so when we were allowed into our cabin it was already decorated.   They put decorations on the wall, a hanging one from the ceiling, and then a centerpiece.  Here's a complete description of what we received:

Anchors-Away! Wish them Bon Voyage with their Stateroom decorated with a festive cascade decoration with hanging ringers and Bon Voyage wishes, 4 streamers leading off a center ceiling decoration, 4 danglers amongst the streamers add to the ceiling decoration, a 6 ft. long Banner proclaiming "Bon Voyage", and a 20" table centerpiece.

We have decorated the cabin both for birthday and for anniversary.  They also have a Bon Voyage set too.   It was great fun to surprise my husband on our 19th wedding anniversary (the day we sailed).  He had no idea I had ordered the decorations.   Our 3 year old nephew who was in the cabin next door thought the decorations were the BEST ever.  The decorations stayed up all week.

The cabin pictured above is a balcony cabin on the Carnival Spirit.

You can also order a Special Occasion Cake for your cruise.   My husband ordered one for me for my birthday.  They come in 6" or 9" and are absolutely delicious.   He asked that it be delivered to our table at dinner.  The waiters brought it and sang "Happy Birthday" to me.   It was such fun and added to the excitement of the day.

Another treat item, not to be missed, are the chocolate covered strawberries they make.  They dip the strawberries in white and milk chocolate then decorate them to look like little tuxedos.  We found that these were much cheaper to buy on-board rather than ordering thru the Bon Voyage Department ahead of time.  One of the coffee shops sold them plus you could order for cabin delivery from the tuxedo shop.  The tuxedo shop has a candy section and also has all the Bon Voyage Gifts.   The strawberries gift was different than the one shown on line and about 1/2 the price.   We have given the strawberries as gifts to others during the cruise.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Franko's Maps - Loaded with Information

On a Hawaii cruise review, they talked quite a bit about Franko's Maps.  I'd never heard of them before, but the reviewer gave the maps rave reviews stating that they definitely were worth the money.  Not only are they maps, but they give you all kinds of information:  Golf, hiking, websites, phone numbers, tourist attractions, beaches, parks, points of interest and so much more.

Franko's Maps Website

Here's what I found about Golf on their site:

OAHU GOLF:
There are about 36 golf courses on the beautiful island of Oahu. The following are open to the public:
Ala Wai Golf Course 18 holes, municipal course right next to Waikiki 293-2000
Bayview Golf Park, 18 holes, par 60, in Kaneohe 247-0451
Coral Creek Golf Course 18 holes, public course in Ewa Beach 441-4653
Ewa Village Golf Course 18 holes, par 73, municipal course 293-2000
Hawaii Country Club short 18 holes, public course in Kunia 621-5654
Hawaii Kai Golf Course 18 holes, plus executive (short) course 395-2358
Hawaii Prince Golf Club 27 holes in Ewa Beach, designed by Arnold Palmer 944-4567
Kahuku Golf Course 9 holes, municipal course on the North Shore 293-2000
Kapolei Golf Course 18 holes, public course in Kapolei 674-2227
Ko 'Olina Golf Club 18 holes, resort course at Kapolei 676-5300
Ko'olau Golf Club 18 holes, public championship course in Kaneohe 236-4653
Luana Hills Country Club 18 holes, championship course in Kailua 262-2139
Makaha Resort Golf Club 18 holes, resort course 695-7519
Makaha Valley Country Club 18 holes, public course 695-9578
Mililani Golf Club 18 holes, public course 623-2222
Moana Lua Golf Club 9 holes, open to public after 1 p.m. 839-2411
New 'Ewa Beach Golf Club 18 holes, semi-private course 689-8351
Olomana Golf Links 18 holes, public course, just past Sea Life Park 259-7926
Pali Golf Course 18 holes, municipal course in Kaneohe 293-2000
Pearl Country Club 18 holes, public course with Pearl Harbor overlook 487-3802
Royal Kunia Country Club 18 holes, semi-private course 688-9222
Ted Makalena Golf Course 18 holes, municipal course in Waipahu 293-2000
Turtle Bay Resort Golf Club Resort on the North Shore with two courses:
"The Palmer Course", 18 holes; "The Fazio Course", 9 holes 293-8574
Waikele Golf Club 18 holes, public course in Waipahu 676-9000
West Loch Golf Course 18 holes, muncipal course at Ewa Beach 293-2000

BIG ISLAND GOLF COURSES AVAILABLE FOR VISITORS TO PLAY
WITH TEE TIME NUMBERS:
Big Island Country Club Mamalahoa Hwy., Kailua-Kona (808) 325-5044
Discovery Harbour Golf & Country Club Naalehu (808) 929-7353
Francis H. Brown Golf Courses Mauna Lani Resort, Kohala Coast (808) 885-6655
North Course & South Course
Hamakua Golf Course (9 holes) Honokoa (808) 775-7244
Hapuna Golf Course Mauna Kea Resort, Kohala Coast (808) 880-3000
Hilo Municipal Golf Course Haihai St., Hilo (808) 959-9601
Kona Country Club Kailua-Kona (808) 322-2595
Ocean Course & Mountain Course
Makalei Hawaii Country Club Hawaii Belt Dr., Kailua-Kona (808) 325-6625
Mauna Kea Golf Course Mauna Kea Beach Dr., Kohala Coast (808) 880-5400
Naniloa Country Club (9 holes) Hilo (808) 935-3000
Seamountain Golf Course Punaluu (808) 928-6222
Volcano Golf & Country Club Volcanoes National Park (808) 967-7331
Waikoloa Resort Courses Waikoloa Resort, Waikoloa
Beach Course (808) 886-6060 King's Course (808) 886-4647
Waimea Country Club Kamuela (808) 885-8053
Waikoloa Village Golf Club Melia St., Waikoloa (808) 883-9621

Kauai Golf:
GOLF COURSES
Princeville Resort:
The Makai Course (808) 826-3580
The Prince Course (808) 826 5000
Kauai Lagoons: (800) 634-6400 (Lihue)
Mokihana Golf Course (808) 241-6000
Kiele Course (808) 241-6000
Puakea: (866) 773-5554 or (808) 245-8756 (Lihue)
Poipu Bay: (808) 742-9489 (at Poipu)
Kiahuna Golf Club: (808) 742-9595 (Poipu)
Wailua Municipal Golf Course: (808) 241-6666 (Wailua)
Kukuiolono Golf Course: 9 holes (808) 332-9151 (at Kalaheo)
MAUI GOLF COURSES
KAPALUA Three championship courses include the Bay Course, the Village Course, & the Plantation Course, home of the PGA Mercedes Championship. (808) 669-8044
KA'ANAPALI The Ka'anapali Golf Club has two championship courses, including the Ka'anapali North Course and the Ka'anapali South Course. (808) 661-3691
SANDALWOOD Located in central Maui, the Sandalwood Golf Course has fabulous Haleakala views and a great clubhouse. (808) 242-4653
WAIEHU Located in central Maui, the Waiehu Golf Course is a public municipal course with superb ocean and mountain views. (808) 243-7400
MAUI COUNTRY CLUB Located in Central Maui, the Maui Country Club is a private course with ocean and mountain views. (808) 877-0616
PUKALANI Located in Maui's Upcountry, the Pukalani County Club is a scenic course with great local style food in its clubhouse. (808) 572-1314
ELLAIR Located in South Maui, Ellair (formerly called Silversword), is the choice for golfers seeking relief from high-price golfing. (808) 874-0777
WAILEA Three spectacular golf courses at Wailea Golf Club include the Blue Course (808) 875-5155, the Gold Course and the Emerald Course, (808) 875-5111
THE DUNES AT MAUI LANI Located on the Kuihelani Hwy (380) just outside of Kahului, this is a wonderful public golf course. (808) 873-0422
MAKENA Two gorgeous championship golf courses are at the Makena Golf Club, including the South Course and the North Course (808) 879-3344

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Is a Passport Required?

 
Carnival highly recommends that all passengers have a passport.   There have a FAQ page that goes into more detail.   A lot depends on the port you leave from, the port you return to AND whether or not you are flying in or out of a foreign country.

My theory is that it is far better to have a passport, and know that no matter what happens you can get home.

Here's the government site for passport information.

Processing times for your passport.  If you apply today, passports are taking 4 to 6 weeks.  The processing time can change depending on when you apply.

Passport FAQs

The passport covers pictured above are the news ones we purchased that are RFID protected.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

What to do in San Pedro before the cruise, 2nd post today

 The Carnival Spirit leaves from Los Angeles/San Pedro for the cruise to Hawaii.  I've made a list of some suggestions of what to do before your cruise.

Port's of Call Village is within walking distance of the hotel
http://www.sanpedro.com/sp_point/portcall.htm
(very, very busy area ... but fun to go thru)

This photo was taken from the ship as we were leaving port.   It is of one of the restaurants/dock areas in Port's of Call Village.

Los Angeles Maritime Museum is right next door to the village
http://www.lamaritimemuseum.org/visit.htm

This was taken by the entrance to the museum.  We did not go in.  It was on our way to Port's of Call shops & restaurant.  Couldn't resist getting a photo.

From Debbie (CruiserLovr on the message boards):  "the Fire Boat Station is right next door to the Maritime Museum. They have windows along side the building where you can see right into the station and see one of the fire boats. Very interesting. As well the history around the station and the fires within the port are outlines along with photos."

Queen Mary is about a 20 minute drive away in Long Beach with shops next door.
http://www.queenmary.com/

Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/
Love this aquarium.  Definitely worth going to.  Both Hal and I would highly recommend.

Things to do in San Pedro: (suggestions from Yahoo Travel)
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-6616571-san_pedro_things_to_do-i

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Sail Away Meeting Place on the Carnival Spirit

If you have a group going on the Carnival Spirit and want a fun place to meet at Sail Away, I would highly recommend the Lido Deck.  I've attached a deck plan to show you the location.  It is close to the buffet, soft serve ice cream machines, and a bar ... so something for everyone.  It is perfect to be up on deck during sail away from the port so you don't miss out on the beautiful scenery leaving the port.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

How many ships are in port the day we are there?

Depending on the number of ships in port the day you arrive, it can make for a very crowded but fun experience.   I found a site that will give you the specifics of which ships will be in port the same day your ship is.  The only port I couldn't find info on was Kona.  It may be because it is a tender port.  If anyone has that information, please let me know so that we can add it to our list.  Thank you.

The links below are for 2011:

Hilo, Hawaii, Hawaii
http://hawaii.gov/dot/harbors/file-links/passenger-cruise-schedules/hilocruise2011.pdf

Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii
http://hawaii.gov/dot/harbors/file-links/passenger-cruise-schedules/kauaicruise2011.pdf

Kahului, Maui, Hawaii
http://hawaii.gov/dot/harbors/file-links/passenger-cruise-schedules/kahuluicruise2011.pdf

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
http://hawaii.gov/dot/harbors/file-links/passenger-cruise-schedules/oahucruise2011.pdf

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Hawaii

If you need the 2012 schedules, here's the link:
http://hawaii.gov/dot/harbors/file-links/passenger-cruise-schedules

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Spouting Horn - Kauai

I am so glad that my friend, Pam McGahey, went to Hawaii and was willing to share all of her great photos with me plus allow me to post them to my blog.   I'm in awe of the beauty of the islands, and can't wait to see it in person for myself.

Today's photos are of the Spouting Horn in Kauai.  It is a natural phenomenon that occurs when water rushes over the lava shelves and then is pushed up thru a small air hole in the ground.   It makes a whistling/hissing sound and then shoots water up into the air.  Every wave creates a spurt, some as high as 50 feet into the air.   At sunset the water picks up the colors of the rainbow.

Hope you enjoy today's photos:

If you would like to read more about the Spouting Horn in Kauai ... Click HERE.

Directions: 
Take Highway 50 from Hanapepe toward Lawa'i. Just past Mile Marker #11 turn right on Koloa Road (Highway 530). Continue to Po'ipu Road and turn right again. The road forks near the ocean, go right on Lawa'i Road. Spouting Horn is approximately one mile down the road on the left. Park and walk down to the overlook.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Honolulu Oahu

 I must admit that the place I'm looking forward to seeing the most is Honolulu, Oahu.  Pam McGahey has given me permission to post the photos she took while driving around the island of Oahu.   The day was overcast and a bit cloudy, but the beauty is still seen in her photos.

Haven't Pam's photos been amazing to see!   Pam, again, thank you for allowing me to use them on my blog and share with everyone.

If you would like to read more about Honolulu, please click HERE.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge in Kauai

The Kilauea Pint National Wildlife Refuge photos are also ones taken by Pam McGahey.   Thank you Pam, they are wonderful.  Not only is there beautiful scenery, unique wildlife, but also the Kilauea Lighthouse.

 Whales are often seen December thru March.

  WOW ...

If you would like to read more about the refuge, click HERE.  
Location Information from their website: 
"The refuge is located 2 miles north of historic Kīlauea town on the northernmost tip of Kaua‘i. It is the only refuge on Kaua‘i open to the public and providing visitor services. Kīlauea Point is a must-see destination for island visitors and residents alike – and approximately 500,000 people visit the refuge every year!"

Driving Directions: From Līhu‘e, drive north on Kūhiō Highway for approximately 23 miles to the town of Kīlauea, turn right on Kolo Road, then left on Kīlauea Road and drive 2 miles to the refuge entrance. All visitors are required to drive down into the refuge parking area. Parking is limited. Please call in advance if there are more than 20 people. Passenger vehicles are restricted to vans transporting 15 people or fewer. Buses are not permitted without prior permission.
 
Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Hawaii Sunsets and Sunrises

Have you ever wondered when the sunset or sunrise will be on your cruise in Hawaii?  Now you can know before you go.


SUNRISE/SUNSET

Just put in the month and year then click on SHOW for the complete list of times.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

FAQ: What to wear on a Carnival Cruise

Before I get into the FAQ of what to wear on a cruise, I would like to share with you a photo that John Lee sent to me yesterday.   We met John and his family on a Carnival Spirit Cruise in April 2007.   We've cruised with them many times since, and they have become like family to us.   Here's one of the photos John took up on deck as we were getting ready to leave San Diego heading to Acapulco. I'm the one in the red/black outfit; Hal's standing next to me, and John's beautiful wife, Dora, is on the scooter.

Caption:  Who cares if it might rain, we are on a cruise!!!!

From the FAQ section on the Carnival Website:
http://www.carnival.com/cms/faq/default.aspx

What to wear?

 Casual attire is the order of the day. We suggest shorts, sundresses, tank tops, etc. for the ladies, and for men; shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts, etc. will do.  We suggest you wear rubber-soled, low heeled or flat shoes for extra traction while onboard.  The use of any footwear with wheels, including but not limited, to Heelys© shoes, is prohibited on board our ships.  For dining you may want to dress up a bit and/or bring along a light sports jacket or cardigan.

Most evenings we have a Cruise Casual dress code, but there are those Cruise Elegant evenings one or two nights throughout your “Fun Ship” voyage, where you will have the opportunity to showcase your more elegant attire. For those who want casual attire for dinner time, the Lido Restaurant is open nightly, and has a more relaxed theme. However, shirts and shoes/footwear (flip-flops) must be worn at all times inside the Lido Restaurant.

Both dress codes for the dining rooms are described below.

Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code:  Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs).

Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men and baseball hats.

Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code:  Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so.  Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too!

Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Carnival Spirit Photos Part 3

The cruise to Hawaii will be our 4th cruise on the Carnival Spirit.   We have met some of the most wonderful people while cruising, many have remained in our lives as treasured friends.   We feel that cruising is the ultimate vacation.  It is truly an amazing way to destress, allow someone else to do the driving, and so nice not to have to do any housekeeping or cooking while on vacation too. Ahhhhh to cruise, the perfect vacation.

There is so much to do and see on the Carnival Spirit.  They have stage productions, activities (trivia, contests, bingo), the spa, or you can pull up a deck chair and just relax.  So many things to choose from.   They have nice gym (must admit, never used it) too.

Here are more photos of the Carnival Spirit:

There is a 2 sided staircase by the Fountain Cafe.  In the center of the staircase is this beautiful lit water feature.   The water runs down the glass into a pool of water at the base.  So beautiful.  Lots of seating below too if you are looking for a nice place to relax and read a good book inside.

 Just a little away from the Fountain Cafe is the Sushi Station.  It is only open a short while in the early evenings (not sure if it was daily).   Sushi served is free and there are usually 3 or 4 varieties to choose from.   It is NOT fantastic sushi, but is good and it is very popular onboard ship.

On the cruise to Hawaii we will tender in Kona.   The tender boats come up along side this platform and the crew helps you on/off the tender. Ladies I have a great suggestion for you ... any time you have a tender port, be sure to have a cross-body purse (once that the strap goes over your head and goes across your body).  That way both hands are free and thee is no chance of your purse slipping off your shoulder or hand and going into the ocean.   Years ago when my mom was on a cruise, one of the ladies getting on the tender lost her balance.  In the process her purse went into the ocean and couldn't be retrieved.   As a result, I always have a cross-body purse so both my hands are free and my purse is secure.   You won't have problems finding this style of purse, Pac-Safe, Travelon and many others carry this style.  Travel purses are HERE on my blog.

 This area is called The Jungle.  I think it is often overlooked by people, not realizing that it exists.  It is under/around (?) the Pharaoh's Lounge and you enter on one side and can make a U in walking.   Lots of huge round windows, sofas, small table, and a fun jungle theme.   We hardly ever saw anyone else here, so another great place to sit and read inside or to be able to sit and visit without lots of exterior noise.    No bar or bar service in this area.

 

 The wait staff love to entertain during the cruise.  It part of the fun of the main dining room.  They dance, they sign, and are the BEST for service too.

 Here is the water slide.   I was surprised that it doesn't end in one of the pools.  It ends in a flat area of water on the deck.   Haven't tried it, but heard it was lots of fun.

 Just want a casual breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack ????  Skip the main dining room and visit the Windjammer Cafe on the Lido Deck.   This just shows a very tiny section of it.   There are a number of food stations (deli sandwiches, hot foods, salad bar, dessert bar, 24 hour pizza, specialty coffee station - fee for it, soft serve ice cream, free coffee/tea/lemonade/ice tea).   At breakfast they have an omelet station too.

Carnival is known for its towel animals.   It is fun to come back to the cabin and see which one is now in the stateroom.   Also each night you are given a multi-page flyer of all the activities for the next day.  You can get extra copies of these at the Purser's desk.  I always carry one with me to check activity times etc.   Great resource.   Then I keep one copy to bring home as a reference.   

Here's a camera tip for you.   Each morning before I take any photos, I take a close-up photo of the cover of the multi-page flyer.   That way there is no doubt of the date and the location (port or sea day) for those photos.   Great reference item.

Would you like to see more photos of the Spirit?  If yes, leave a comment.   I have many more but didn't want to overload you with them unless you want to see more.


Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Carnival Spirit Photos Part 2

We've been on the Carnival Spirit 3 times.   The ship is beautiful, the food very good, and the staff excellent.   Would highly recommend this ship.   It's itinerary has included Mexico, Alaska, and Hawaii.  It will be cruising to Hawaii this year and a few times in 2012 also. 

Carnival Spirit - Photo taken at Cabo San Lucas

On the Spirit there is a wonderful supper club (extra fee to eat there).   This is the glass (yes, you can see thru the steps) to get up to the club.   I have a horrible fear of heights and being able to see many floors down to the atrium was not something I wanted to do.  LOL.  Fortunately you can take the regular staircase of the elevator up to this level also.   The staircase gets many photos during a cruise.  It is fun to watch people on the stairs and there reaction when they realize you can see thru them.

Lower level of the Empress Dining Room (just a small portion of it is shown)

The view of the upper and lower levels of the Empress Dining Room.

Napoleon Room ... They had a jazz trio that played there, also a group of classical musicians.  Afternoon tea was served in this area.

  This is right before you enter the Empress Dining Room.

The two photos above are of one of the pool and jacuzzi areas on the ship.

Shanghai Lounge

Shopping ... did someone say shopping!!!!

A few shops on board.

More photos of the Spirit tomorrow.  I'm breaking them up into smaller groupings to allow faster loading for those with slower computers.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.