http://www.bahamas-travel.org/bahamas-celebration-reviews/
Cruise Reviews?
My husband and I are planning to take a cruise to Nassau Bahamas on the Carnival ship Celebration. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with Bahama cruises or Carnival cruises. I have heard that the Bahamas are nasty. I have heard that Carnival charges for sodas but not for food. I don’t know what is true and I am not going to spend a fortune on a cruise that is going to just cost me even more money when we get on the ship. I know we need to book shore excursions and that all that costs extra and gambling and spa treatments on the ship cost. Does it cost for room service? Do we have to pay for sodas on board?? And if so, is there another cruise line that is not like that or are they all that way?? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
I have been on one Carnival cruise and am booked on the same ship as you in July (Celebration). Here is some info I can give you from past experiences and online research:
-The Bahamas aren’t “nasty”… just choose what you do wisely. As with traveling to any place outside of the continental U.S., you need to realize that other places aren’t just like what we are used to. Enjoy the unique culture and be aware of your environment.
-Carnival does charge for sodas. You can buy them individually from bars (around $2.50 per drink) or can buy a soda card (around $30-40 for a 5 day cruise, I believe) for unlimited sodas. Carnival also allows you to bring a REASONABLE (6-12 pack per person seems pretty reasonable) amount of soda with you onboard. Most cruise lines deal with soda in the same manner.
-Most food is included. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner buffets, breakfast/lunch/dinner in the dining room, room service, pizza buffet, soft serve ice cream is all included!
-If you have pre-paid your gratuities, you technically don’t have to pay a cent once onboard. You can have a perfectly wonderful vacation with tons of food and great entertainment without spending any money onboard.
-You can book shore excursions through the ship, but you can also book them through independent agencies on the islands. Do your research online to find reputable agents. This will save you money.
-Room service is free, just tip the steward $1-2 for the service.
Celebration Cruise Line