MICHELLE

Welcome - I do feel that the RCI ships are nicer overall and yes have better food than Carnival ONE huge noticeable difference is announcements - I think Carnival makes more announcements ship wide of things to do than any other line and it gets tiring to me- so I love that RCI and other lines are "quietier" in that respect. The newer Carnival ships are not bad (I've toured about 10 lines and over 30 ships) but they have similar decorating styles that is loud to me and again like the more subtle themes of other lines. Others?

good question - my husband is up about 6am he likes to walk the deck before its crowded - then he meets up with people - gets breakfast and coffee I typically get up and try and do a class or go to the Gym and work out, it gets busier on sea days. Many times they have good deals at the Spa so I have done that, and lots of activities - I have never been bored Actually I almost find I'm more busy - on Sea Days cause I really get to see the ship Go to shows for sure on these days and I like to eat in the Main Dining room and save specialty dinners for days in port. others?

I think what is interesting is how similar some of our reasons are and then how different It still amazes me that 80% of Americans have not cruised and price or location to get to these cruises in one factor - still my favorite way to Vacation - love being on water

Yep I agree once you have a ship its easier - the newer ships rooms are different from the older ships rooms - lots of options online to view cabins - there are even sites where people post what they like and don't like about cabins etc Feel free to ask for help here !

never tried these, maybe on next sailing

make sure to let us all know how it goes!!

Have run into this a few times. I use www.shoretrips.com to book beach days or you can sometimes call hotels, located on the beach you want, and some will give you day rates to use the hotel - without you having an actual room - and yes if the shore tour does not include food - I would not book it. good luck

Yep- windjammer like Matt says - really convenient

Glad you are going and she will love it - I too have Type I- diabetes and like matt said I use a white board or notepad on the cabin to leave messages- I have not taken walkie talkie's but I know the crew has them and can use them for emergencies I'm sure - but I also buy internet minutes in case we have to turn our phone's on and use them then the kids have some money -etc. Have a blast

I ALWAYS use the Gym and attend classes while sailing - I have lots of clients and friends that this is a very important part of any trip they take so I am very picky about how a ship's Gym is set up - The Oasis class ships are amazing and have some of the best gyms at sea for sure - Many stretching classes are free in the early morning but other Gym classes like spin are a nominal charge, like $10. And the food/smoothies are great @ Vitality Café. Freedom class also has really good gyms and classes as well. Spa - I do love to have a pass to the Spa at least once but spend less money on ships here. They are amazing though and top notch compared to those on land. Love the daily specials - Couples Massages and Kids Spa programs are becoming more popular each year too.

Most of the designated areas are up on top, near the pool areas on one side of a ship- they have them marked and that is the only other area besides the casino that people usually can smoke freely. They do often have a "Smoke Free" casino option, during one day of cruises depending on the ship etc

super excited to see this spreading

yep I bring snacks in my luggage and water in my carry on - nothing in excess and one bottle of wine as well for me and hubby for the cabin

Yay those are great

super excited, moved up to # 2 now

totally agree I like sailing out of NO better than most US ports, so convenient and a great pre- -post city

well Okay - voted

Like Marc said, My Time is just that you can eat during about a 4hour time period that the Main Dining room is open and its nice to be able to go down when you want - you can even request a certain table size (eat alone or dine with others) and I have also asked for the same server if they are working and have tables available - Unless you truly like having a set dining time - with the same server - which some do - My Time is a great alternative. And no again like Marc said the Windjammer is open seating, and other restaurants have reservations Enjoy - part of the fun in planning

right - its just the extension cords that are now not allowed from what I know as well -

would like this to happen as well but not likely

Just got notice I will be on the Quantum Nov 12-14, 2014 for a preview cruise What do you want me to check out - and look at for you all?

if the ship is arranging it then you will be fine - order an early breakfast in your cabin that morning = ship times and shore times can vary - but they will give you instructions on when/where to meet so you are not late and don't miss anything and they guarantee you getting back to the ship on time etc.

You can bring, in a carry on bag, one bottle of wine per adult. and drink in your cabin etc, if you bring it to dinner they can charge you a corkage fee tips: the compass is your friend on the ship like Matt said, tour the ship on embarkation day - and look at spa options that day if you like them - they often have the best spa offers embarkation date - Right on lunch (they also only have certain foods this day in Windjammer, they don't have other days) - room service is great for snacks while relaxing in the afternoon - order breakfast in your room etc - get to know your room steward -have fun

once you are within 6 months some things will pop up more to book - excursions you pay for as you book them and they are charged right away to your card and in AUS but as you get closer more things will open up to book/pay for. Great information listed by Tylor

Keep in mind too that you must use all the onboard credit given to you - or it goes back to the people that gave it as well sometimes this is different but they will not give you any leftover money back - have had people think they could do that on ships but the credit generally would go back to the source it comes from if not spent. Cannot imagine though who could not "spend" money on cruises = all those things listed you can use it for -