4th cruise 1st time carnival - helpful hints?

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JoAnne Fernandes

Guest
First time carnival valor cruise 9/17.
traveling with 2 other couples - nervous about rumors of teeny boppers etc.
can we bring alcohol on board?
where is nicest place to meet each night for before dinner cocktail?
preferance of dining rooms?
can you see into other peoples balconies from your own?
we have booked guarantee balcony - good idea or no? Another couple booking same cruise got free upgrade with room assignment and discount / military discount.
can we do transfers from Ft. Lauderdale instead of Miami to the ship?
any other tidbits, tips, info would be greatly appreciated. nervous about being a bit intimidated and lost on large ship - greatly appreciate your help.
 
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cruise-girl

Guest
JoAnne...I would not worry to much about the tiny boppers in Sept. Most kids are back in school. We cruise in Sept. mostly because of that reason. I was on the Glory (Valor's sister ship) with a balcony and do not recall seeing into anyone's balcony. We were on deck 7. I have not been on the Valor but the lobby bar is always nice for a before dinner drink....or the wine bar. Hope this helps.
 
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lainie

Guest
You'll have a great time, and as posted above, kids are back in school by then. Balconies are not completely private but they are wonderful just the same. We have been on 9 Carnival cruises and loved each and every one. We enjoy sitting out on the Aft part of the Lido deck in the evening. There is a bar out there.

Happy Sails!!
 
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SandyBeach

Guest
Dining preference... we prefer early seating so we have room for the food at the late night bistros. Many prefer late seating so that they have plenty of time to return to the ship and get ready for dinner during days in port. Also I've noticed a lot of posters who like those before dinner drinks prefer late night seating so they have time for those drinks. As far as which dining room to eat in...that is usually assigned. If you find you want to change you can get with the Maitre'd and see if there is room in the other dining room.

There are more kids on the cruises these day - even during non school times - than there use to be. However, most of the time you don't notice them as they are busy with their own activities. On one of our April cruises we were told there were 200 kids on board....the previous week there had been close to 1000.

I've been on two of the Valor's sister ships. Although large, the floor plans are easy to navigate and after the first day (they do hand out maps when you board) you start to get the gist of where everything is located and how to get there.

Booking a guarantee...always book the cabin/deck you would be happy with if there wasn't an upgrade. Sometimes there isn't. It can be a gamble unless you book during a sale stating there will positively be an upgrade.
 
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