We are thinking about booking the Western Caribean Cruise next year (Miami-Cozumel-Grand Caymen-Jamaica). I would be grateful for any comments anyone has that has done this cruise. is it worth upgrading to a room with a balcony and what is the policy about bringing alcohol onto the ship???<BR><BR>Thanks

Alcohol on a Carnival ship? Well, they official policy is that you should not bring any on board. <BR><BR>However, plenty of rednecks smuggle in booze and get plenty drunk. Carnival is one line that it is good to upgrade to a balcony simply because so many people puke in the hallways that they smell bad, and it helps to open the balcony door to air it out.

My husband and I did that exact itinerary 2 years ago on Celebrity, then did eastern Carib. last year. I much preferred western, Grand Cayman way our favorite. I would strongly suggest re-thinking about Carnival. Celebrity has a far better reputation. Next time we cruise it will be with them for a third time. Don't try bringing alcohol on board, you can buy it duty-free on the ship and in port.

Hi Abbie-<BR><BR>You're better off bringing your own booze, kiddo.<BR><BR>Chances are very good that ANY booze you buy in port and ALL booze that you buy on-board will be confiscated until after your cruise.<BR><BR>On Carnival, you can CARRY ON as much wine and champagne as you wish. Beer and Booze needs to go in your CHECKED LUGGAGE.<BR><BR>Don't feel bad about bringing your own libations. You'll STILL probably have a bar tab.<BR><BR>I was on an 11 night Western Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Holiday in April. Not a bit of puke on the ship. Just plenty of fun, friendly people. You'll have a blast!

My husband and I did that exact itinerary 2 years ago on Celebrity, then did eastern Carib. last year. I much preferred western, Grand Cayman way our favorite. I would strongly suggest re-thinking about Carnival. Celebrity has a far better reputation. Next time we cruise it will be with them for a third time. Don't try bringing alcohol on board, you can buy it duty-free on the ship and in port.

I beg your pardon Nanette, on both cruises (Celebrity remember) we purchased alcohol on board and in port, not in huge amounts however, and NEVER had a problem. Maybe that's a Carnival thing.

Forget-<BR><BR>We WERE speaking of CARNIVAL, yes?<BR><BR>As recent as April, they did not allow hard liquor brought on from port. If you'd buy anything on the ship, they'd hold it until the last night.<BR><BR>I haven't the faintest idea about Celebrity. I was referring to Abbie's CARNIVAL cruise.

She hasn't booked it yet. That's why I was asking her to CONSIDER Celebrity and not just for the alcohol issue. ALL the issues. There's still hope for her.

You also told her:<BR><BR>"Don't try bringing alcohol on board, you can buy it duty-free on the ship and in port."<BR><BR>You were mistaken, but there's still hope for you.<BR><BR<BR>

Did the Western Carribbean on the Paradise this june and loved it. Beautiful clean smoke-free ship, now rowdy drunks, just a lot of friendly people. If you are a non-smoker, this cruise is for you. if you are a smoker, quit smoking and save the money you would have spent on cigarettes for a few months and take the cruise to reward yourself.