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Topic: First Time Cruse - Alaska

New5793
Just Boarded
Member # 1885

posted 03-26-2001 04:20 PM

I am sory for what may be basic questions so be nice to me. This will be our first cruise and we are planning a family vacation to Alaska in August on the Carnival Spirit. We have booked an outside suite and I have a few questions. Does this type of rooms have a refrigerator inside. Also, since we have three children that are also going on this trip the idea of a fixed meal time has them worried. If we use the other sources of food on the ship is this included in the cost of the cruise? Is there an on ship self service laundry? If so what types of rates can we expect.

Thanks for all the help.

Posts: 1 | Registered: Mar 2001 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 03-26-2001 04:44 PM

Welcome aboard new5793.

They are not silly questions and of course we will be nice to you.

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 03-26-2001 09:05 PM

New5793 - Welcome aboard

Your Travel Agent is your best source of information. If she/he does not have immediate answers, he/she can get them for you. Phone the Agency and ask.

Alaska is wonderful but I can't tell you anything about Carnival ships.

Happy Cruisn'

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Italian Cruiser
First Class Passenger
Member # 1684

posted 03-27-2001 04:50 AM

The Carnival Spirit has a layout that is identycal to those of the Costa Atlantica so each category of cabins has a refrigerator(the suites offer also butler service and a jacuzzi bath tub).Both ships are superbly appointed for children with a large splash pool and large themed spaces.I know that Carnival apply the same policy of Costa about the children entrateinments with particular and dicated meals for kids supervised by attentive animators.If you prefer to eat with your children try the buffet that offers an ample choice of dishes including pizza,pasta,hamburghers and chips(on each Carnival ship the buffet is open also for dinner).About the different options for the dinner only the grill restaurant is at extra charge (on the Atlantica $ 15 for person).Have a wonderful cruise !

Posts: 887 | From: Orvieto (Italy) | Registered: Nov 2000 | IP: Logged

K&K
First Class Passenger
Member # 1040

posted 03-27-2001 09:07 AM

It is just a personal opinion however, I would encourge you to take your children to dinner with you. There they will be exposed to a more elegant form of dinning than at a state side resturant and I believe it will be a rewarding and fun experience. Have fun.
Kevin
Remember there are no stupid questions

Posts: 446 | From: Sandpoint,Idaho,USA | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

James
First Class Passenger
Member # 1351

posted 03-27-2001 11:00 AM

I agree with K & K above re: children eating in the dining room. This, to me, is part of the ambiance of cruising, to eat each night in a "white linen" restaurant. In my experience the waiters will be very attentive and considerate of the children, and will be able to provide kids type food even if it's not on the menu. However the children should be encouraged to try the available food other than burgers and pizza!

Posts: 202 | From: Illinois, Home of Lincoln and great graft | Registered: Jun 2000 | IP: Logged

Blizzard54
First Class Passenger
Member # 1824

posted 03-28-2001 08:56 PM

Alaska is a great place to cruise. Keep in mind that even in August it can get cool in the evenings so pack some warm clothes.
I do not know if that ship has self service laundry your TA (travel agent) should be able to tell you.
If you have anymore questions about particular ports or shore excursions just ask. Even the most basic questions are OK.
We all had to learn "how to cruise" at sometime. When I started there was not a lot of information available.
It you are spending any time in Vancouver before or after your cruise there is lots to see there as well. Their transit system is great and you can get an all day pass and see plenty.

Posts: 118 | From: Seattle,WA | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged

CB
First Class Passenger
Member # 58

posted 03-29-2001 10:59 PM

All Carnival ships have self-serve laundries.There is usually one on each of the cabin decks. When you first get to your cabin, ask the steward to point out its location. When I was on the Paradise in 1998, it was $1 each for the washer and dryer. It was 50cents for a single use box of tide. I simply took a roll of quarters with me but you can get some at the Purser's Desk. You can also get quarters in the casino. In the laundry room are two irons and boards.

For future reference, the only other mass market lines that provide this option are HAL and Princess. The others will do it for you at what "they" call a sensible fee.
Last I heard, Carnival has a freestyle type dining choice. So you should not be locked into to the basic 6pm & 8:30pm times. The has main dining rooms and alternative restaurants.

Posts: 109 | From: Arlington, TX, USA | Registered: Mar 99 | IP: Logged

CB
First Class Passenger
Member # 58

posted 03-29-2001 11:02 PM

One other thing, if you repost your questions at the below site, there are a lot of Carnival cruisers that should be able to help you.

http://www.cruise2.com/bulletins/newquestions.html

Posts: 109 | From: Arlington, TX, USA | Registered: Mar 99 | IP: Logged

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