Tag: Things to do

Living, Travel, Travel with Kids

20 Frequent Asked Carnival Cruise Questions You’re Probably Already Wondering About

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20 Frequent Asked Carnival Cruise Questions You’re Probably Already Wondering About

And yes, I’ve got answers. Let’s get you cruise-ready, without the overwhelm.

Planning your first (or fifteenth) Carnival Cruise? Whether you’re traveling with your partner, your kids, or your crew, there are always questions that pop up before you set sail. And if you’re anything like me, you want real answers from someone who’s been there, not a maze of fine print (but I include links with all that too).

So I rounded up 20 of the most frequently asked cruise questions, from what to pack to how not to lose your Sail & Sign card. Let’s break it all the way down.

Before You Sail: Planning & Prep

1. Do I need a passport to go on a Carnival Cruise?

If your cruise is closed-loop (starts and ends in the same U.S. port), a birth certificate + photo ID works. But a passport is the safest option in case of emergencies.
→ Carnival’s official ID requirements

2. Are cruise fares refundable if I can’t go?

It depends on how early you cancel. The closer you get to your sail date, the less you’ll get back.
→ Carnival’s cancellation policy
Pro tip: Consider adding Carnival Vacation Protection for coverage and peace of mind.

3. Is there a minimum age to cruise?

Yes—6 months old for most cruises, 12 months for longer or exotic ones. And anyone under 21 must sail with someone 25 or older in the same room.
→ Carnival’s minor guest policy

4. Can I bring my water bottle or canteen?

Yep! Bring your reusable bottle and refill it at water stations onboard. Insulated bottles are clutch for port days.

5. Can I bring snacks or drinks onboard?

You can bring sealed snacks and one 12-pack of non-alcoholic drinks (cans or cartons) per person. No glass bottles, no liquor (unless it’s the one bottle of wine per adult).
→ Carnival beverage policy

Cabins, Cards & Spending

6. How many people can sleep in a stateroom cabin?

Most cabins fit 2–4 people, and some family rooms or suites fit up to 5. For bigger groups, connecting rooms are your best friend.

7. What can I use so I don’t lose my Sail & Sign card?

Get a lanyard with a pouch. It keeps your card handy for everything. Room access, purchases, boarding, and getting on and off the ship at ports of call.

8. Do kids have access to money on the ship?

Yes, through their Sail & Sign card. It works like a debit card onboard.

9. Can I put a spending limit on my child’s Sail & Sign card?

Absolutely! You can cap or block spending for kids and teens right in your Carnival Account or at Guest Services.

10. Are gratuities (tips) included?

They’re automatically added—about $16–$18 per person/day depending on your cabin. You can prepay or adjust onboard.
→ Gratuities explained

Life Onboard: Food, Fun & Feeling Good

11. What’s included in the cruise fare?

Your room, all meals (excluding specialty dining), drinks (water, tea, lemondade and juice during breakfast), pools, shows, and onboard activities. You’ll pay extra for Wi-Fi, excursions, soda, alcohol drinks, and spa services.

12. Is Wi-Fi available on board?

Yes, but it’s not free!  Carnival has 3 plans: Social, Value, and Premium.
→ Carnival Wi-Fi packages

13. Is there bottled water on the ship? How much does it cost?

Yes.. You can pre-order a case to your room or while on the ship through room service.

14. Do people get sick on cruises?

Sometimes. Sea sickness or colds are the most common.
Tips to avoid it:
– Book a mid-ship, lower deck room
– Bring Dramamine, Sea-Bands, or ginger chews
– Drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals prior to sailing, and get fresh air while on board
→ Carnival’s health guidelines

15. What should I wear on the cruise?

Daytime: swimsuits, casual wear.
Evening: cruise casual with a couple “Cruise Elegant” nights (think cocktail dresses or slacks & button-ups).
→ Carnival dress code

In Port & On Excursions

16. Are shore excursions worth it?

Yes, if you want more than beach time or walking along the piers. Carnival offers excursions for every vibe. Relaxing, adventurous, foodie approved. You can also wait and book an excursion on your own.  Just don’t miss that ship. No, but seriously, don’t miss the ship.

17. Is cruising good for families or couples?

Both. There’s something for everyone: waterparks and kids’ clubs for families, adults-only spaces and spas for couples. You set the tone and the vibe you want to have while sailing.

Packing & Practical Tips

18. What should I NOT pack for a cruise?

Leave these at home:
– Irons or steamers
– Candles/incense
– Drones
– Surge protectors
– Alcohol (unless it’s your one wine bottle)
→ Carnival prohibited items

19. How do I stay in touch with my family and friends that are on the ship?

Use the Carnival Hub app to chat for just $5 per person (no Wi-Fi plan needed).
Some families also bring mini walkie-talkies. Great for kids or those who don’t use phones much. Just know the signal works best on open decks.

20. Is cruising worth it?

Absolutely. You unpack once, wake up somewhere new every day, and everything you need is right there on the ship. Whether you want relaxation, nonstop fun, or a little of both, you’re covered.

Final Cruise Tips from Me to You:

– Download the Carnival Hub App before you board
– Bring a power strip (non-surge) for extra outlets
– Take a photo of your passport and ID just in case
– Don’t forget meds, sunscreen, and comfy shoes
– Pack the patience, good vibes, have a blast

Want more cruise tips, destination guides, or family travel ideas?
💌 Subscribe to my blog or follow me on Instagram @SharondaShariee for the real, real.

Let me know what else you’re curious about—if you’re wondering, someone else probably is too. I got you!

Living, Things-to-Do

Bobo’s Restaurant: The Best Breakfast in Tucson: Why Bobo’s Is Worth the Wait

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The Best Breakfast in Tucson: Why Bobo’s Is Worth the Wait

Tucson, Arizona is not just a place we drive to for concerts or a quick getaway, it’s also home to one of the best breakfast spots we’ve ever experienced, Bobo’s Restaurant.  During one of our trips, I searched for “the best breakfast in Tucson,” and Yelp led us straight to this charming gem.  With nearly a five-star rating, we knew we had to check it out.  Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint.

The Drive to Tucson

Getting from Phoenix to Tucson is an easy 95-mile drive, taking about an hour and a half.  Whether you are headed there for a specific event or just passing through, you will definitely want to make time for a stop at Bobo’s.

First Impressions

We first visited Bobo’s on a Sunday morning around 11:30 AM. It is a very small, yellow brick building sitting off a main road, that otherwise I would have driven passed.  When we arrived, about 10–15 people were already waiting outside. Pro tip: if you are not a fan of waiting, plan your visit strategically.  The wait for a table can take about an hour during peak times, but we have also visited later in the day, about 40 minutes before closing, and got seated immediately.

What’s On the Menu

Let’s talk about the food, because it’s why you go to Bobo’s, and it’s what makes the wait 100% worth it.  Over a few visits, we have tried several dishes:

  • Apple Upside-Down Pancake:  My husband says this is a breakfast masterpiece that’s equal parts sweet and filling.
  • Buttermilk Pancake: Fluffy perfection every single time. Cutting your pancakes like this makes them taste even better.
  • Chicken Fried Steak with Eggs & Fried Potatoes: Comfort food at its finest, with rich gravy. I usually put it on the side, because you cannot trust everyone’s gravy. I eventually put it on my food, since it passed the taste test. The potatoes I can have live without.
  • French Toast with Eggs & Bacon: The French toast is done how we used to make cinnamon toast in the oven as kids.

The consistency of the food is outstanding.  It is clear why Bobo’s has earned its loyal following and stellar Yelp ratings.

Cost & Value

If you do not know by now, I am always about value, and for the quality and portion sizes, Bobo’s offers unbeatable value.  Whether you are craving something hearty or sweet, you will leave both satisfied and full without breaking the bank.

Better Than Mom’s Cooking?

Bobo’s tagline is “Just like mom’s cookin’,” but honestly, they might need to tweak it to “Better than your mom’s cookin,’ at least for breakfast.  Sorry, Mom!”  It is that good.

Plan Your Visit

Location:  Bobo’s Restaurant, 2938 E. Grant Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716

Pro Tip: If you want to skip the wait, aim for non-peak hours (like just before closing or early morning).

Whether you are heading to Tucson for a concert, a day trip, or even just passing through, Bobo’s Restaurant is a must-visit for breakfast lovers.  Trust me, it is worth every mile and every minute of the wait.

Your Favorites & Recommendations

What is your go-to breakfast spot when you are on the road?  Share your favorites in the comments.  I am always looking for my next great meal!

Living, Self-Care, Things-to-Do, Travel, Tutorials, Wine, Wine Tasting

Think Wine Tasting, but with Coffee: My Experience at Press Coffee Roaster’s Interactive 101 Class

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Think Wine Tasting, but with Coffee: My Experience at Press Coffee Roaster’s Interactive 101 Class

When I signed up for Press Coffee’s 101 class, I wasn’t entirely convinced that I’d walk out a coffee aficionado. But as it turns out, I left with some serious coffee knowledge.  Everything from where coffee originates, to how it’s processed, to what it takes to get it from the farm to your cup.

I stumbled upon this class thanks to Eventbrite’s “events you might like” feature (they know me so well), and seeing Press Coffee’s name didn’t hurt.  Press Coffee is always listed as one of the valley’s premier coffee roasters.  After all, they have 12 locations around Arizona and even supply coffee to multiple retail spots across the valley.

The Scene at Press Coffee

We arrived to find Press buzzing with coffee drinkers in the front, some sipping and socializing, others laser-focused on laptops.  In the back, there’s a spacious second level for more seating, but we stayed downstairs, where three enormous coffee bean roasters sat in all their luxuriousness, along with our cozy 12-person classroom setup.  It was perfect for both tasting and learning.

Our host welcomed us with a steamy cup of Gesha coffee.  This rare, high-end coffee ($50 per cup, just FYI!) has a unique profile that’s more tea-like than coffee-like, and he wasn’t kidding.  It was a delicate, almost floral flavor, unlike anything I’d tasted in coffee form.

The Class Kicks Off

From there, we dove into the rich world of coffee.  We learned about origins, flavors, and roasting techniques.  A cool part of the tasting was letting each blend cool down a bit and then trying it again.  Who knew a little time could bring out so many different notes?

My Favorite Coffee Roast

My favorite roast was Brazil Mogiano for its boldness, but it was also subtle. I like a medium roast. Right up the middle. My husband? He was into them all!

Behind-the-Scenes of Coffee Bean Roasting

We wrapped up with a behind-the-scenes look at the roasters and even learned about the farm Press Coffee owns, which supplies their unique beans.  If you love coffee, want a fun outing with friends, or cool date idea, I can’t recommend this class enough. And yes, you even get a code for a free bag of coffee with a subscription (no pressure to keep it, but why wouldn’t you?!).

Press Coffee 101 Details, Sign-Up, and Cost

So, who’s ready to sip like a pro?

Things-to-Do

Drunk Munk Tiki Bar & Restaurant

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Drunk Munk Tiki Bar & Restaurant

Drunk Munk Tiki Bar & Restaurant

You know when you see a mass of people waiting to be seated at a restaurant, long lines at a retail shop or anywhere, you think, whatever they are selling must be good.

This was Drunk Munk.  Twice, I had eaten at a restaurant across the street and each time I noticed the loads of people at Drunk Munk, having such a good time. I made a mental note to add Drunk Munk to my must-try list.

My husband and I finally stopped by for happy hour. This is what we had:

  • Bottle Rockets $12
  • Pork Pot Stickers $12.50
  • Spicy Teriyaki Ribs $14.50
  • Bikini Girl Cocktail $14.50
  • Flower Goddess Cocktail $12.50

I listed the regular menu pricing.  During happy hour there are select menu items half off.  Everything we ordered was on the happy hour menu. 

Although everything we had was scrumptious, I would not pay full price for anything we had.

The Bottle Rockets were the best!  Shrimp, cream cheese, scallion, wrapped in a spring roll wrapper, and fried.  The Bottle Rockets were served with sriracha and sweet chili orange sauce.  The Bottle Rockets are even worth trying to duplicate at home. 

The Pork Pot Stickers were good but nothing special.  A bag of Trader Joe’s pot stickers is comparative for much less and a larger quantity.  My family hates it when I compare dining out food costs to grocery food costs. haha

Spicy Teriyaki Ribs were tasty, tender and dipped in the standard teriyaki sauce you would find at your local Asian restaurant.  While eating the ribs, I said to my husband, it felt like it should have included a side of rice.

The cocktails!  The drinks!  The libations!  Whatever you want to call them, they are why everyone at Drunk Munk always seemed so happy and having a wonderful time. The cocktails were superb. 

My husband had the Bikini Girl cocktail, much like a Pina Colada.  I had the Flower Goddess Cocktail, mimicking a Sex on the Beach cocktail.  There was no skimping on the liquor.  I had to ask the bartender to add a little more juice to balance out the drink for me. 

So, if you are looking for great drinks, hit up Drunk Munk for cocktails, sit under the cute tiki hut outside, and order a few appetizers.

Total bill without tax and tip:
$66 regular menu price
$33 happy hour menu price

Location Visted: 
The Drunk Munk Tiki Bar & Restaurant
7133 E. Stetson Drive, Suite 1
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Hot Air Ballon Rides, Hot Air Balloon Riding, Hot Air Balloons, Living, Things-to-Do

Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Field Notes: Before You Book a Hot Air Balloon Ride, Read This

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I go scared, figure it out — so you can go with ease.

Hot air ballooning had been on my list for years. Not because it looked peaceful, but because it looked terrifying. My husband refused. His logic? At least one parent should stay on the ground to raise the kids.

Fair.

So I found a friend who trusted my research more than her fear, and we booked the ride with Rainbow Ryders anyway.

My research on the company and safety stats convinced a girlfriend to go along with what I felt was a great idea.

From the moment I booked the ride, with Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co. (RR), every human sense was stimulated.

An oversized basket, a giant balloon, fueled with hot-air, thousands of feet in the air, with 12 people inside, could we be any crazier? We were willing to see! I booked the hot-air balloon ride about three weeks out.  You had the choice of a sunrise or sunset ride.  We chose sunset, because getting up before the sun comes up over the horizon and baring the morning coldness was not anyone’s idea of an enjoyable start to a day.

There was no individual weight limit with RR, but they will ask what the total weight is for the individuals booking in your party.  They placed us in a basket according to the other 10 riders that rode in the same basket with us, to give the balloon an overall safe balance. 

Per RR, there were other requirements that we needed know before we booked our ride, such as being able to get in and out of the basket (similar to getting on and off a horse), standing for three hours, since we did have to stand the entire time, no on balloon seating. Wear comfortable clothes and closed toed shoes.

We checked in one day prior, to confirm our attendance for the next day. We arrived one-hour prior to flight time on the day of the ride to get an assigned basket, pilot, and van.

The ride from RR headquarters to the launch-site was about 45 minutes.  Once the balloon chasers located an idea space for take-off, they began set-up.  Set-up took an additional 45 minutes.  We filled the time with a photo-op and observing the process of the crew inflating the balloon. They process is all manual, from pulling the basket out the back of a pick-up, unraveling the balloon to make sure it is flat and ready to be inflated with large fans.

In the air with Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co.

Once the logistics were in order, it was time for take-off.  Nail-biting and wonder started to take over. However, the hot-air balloon ride was the most serene, relaxing, and enjoyable time that you can have at approximately 3,000 feet in the air. Surprisingly so quiet, just the sounds of whispering chatter from our balloon neighbors, and the sound of the fire fueling the balloon. Our pilot pointed out some landmarks and gave us some short personal stories about his flying experience over the last 30 years.

After about one hour and a half in the air, we prepared for landing. Landing was bumpy, but not rough. We skipped a few times, but our basket did not tip over, like we were warned could happen. There are small steps etched on the inside of the basket. We used those to climb to flat ground. We had a or few celebratory glasses of wine, and all the riders received flight certificates. Our balloon chasers met us at the landing site and chauffeured us back to the RR Headquarters. Overall, our experience was 10/10.

And yes, we are a little bit crazier since scratching hot-air ballooning off of our bucket list. Would not have it any other way!

Our total price paid was $390, for two riders, not including tip.

Have you been hot-air ballooning? Who were you able to talk into going with you? Tell me about your experience. If you have not been hot-air ballooning. would you try it?

Location Visited:

Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co.
715 E. Covey Lane, #100
Phoenix, Arizona 85024