ksmcdonald

14 minutes ago, athe0007 said:

But don't you have to access them through the Carnival phone number? That doesn't seem to be working currently. 

I contact my PVP by email and through the Carnival phone number.  I prefer email as everything she tells me is in writing and I can refer back to it anytime.

32 minutes ago, sanger727 said:

 

 

 Just to be clear. I was not making a judgement about which virus is more dangerous or more fatal. I don't think data exists right now to compare the two. Which was my point. People keep saying that the flu is more dangerous because there are many many many more deaths. That is a horribly skewed way of looking at it because the flu has been around so much longer and has had time to spread to so many more people. At this point we don't know which virus will be more dangerous but you can't compare the flu kills hundreds of thousands worldwide to the coronavirus killing 3-4,000 and say that the flu is inherently more dangerous. Which is why I compared this to comparing a global company to a local company. Of course the global companies sales are more. they have been around longer and the infrastructure to sell and market to more markets with more brand recognition. Those are not apples to apples comparisons based on the raw number of sales.

The point I'm trying to make is that nobody is staying home because they are afraid of catching the flu, which is much more prevalent in everyday life than this virus.  So why would people consider staying home because of this virus?  The coronavirus and flu are both dangerous for the same group of people, the elderly and people with comprised immune systems or underlying medical issues.  It is more likely you will get the flu when cruising than corona.  So people should stop overacting.   If you aren't afraid of catching the flu (which is just as dangerous), then you shouldn't be afraid of cornoavirus.  The media is blowing this so far out of portion.  

33 minutes ago, sanger727 said:

 

And it is incredibly inaccurate and deceptive to compare the seasonal flu which has been around for a hundred years and has spread so far and wide that it has the ability to infection a billion people a year to a brand new novel virus that has been around for 2-3 months and has just entered the US within the last few weeks. That's a bit like saying Coca cola is a better product than a start ups competing beverage because they have more sales. Come back to this graphic in a year or two and see how the two actually compare. I'm not saying one is more dangerous than the other; I think that data at this point is insufficient to make that claim. But this data is a ridiculous comparison.

Deaths are always serious but in outbreaks of viruses, (especially new viruses) fatalities always start out high since the most susceptible to catch the virus are also most susceptible to die from it's effects... as it spreads and more general population (read healthier people) catch it and the number of deaths drops. With proper quarantine we can stop the spread... but then those initial statistics will remain to skew the perception of the fatal nature of that particular outbreak.  

There are thousands of people that have this virus that don't even know it or are not sick enough to even go to a doctor.  They just feel bad for a few days.  Most people have not even been tested, especially the ones that aren't sick enough to seek medical help.  The numbers the news is talking about are people that have actually been tested (which is a very, very small percent of people who actually have it).  Once the non-tested corona virus numbers are added into the equation, then the perceived danger  will most likely go down.

13 hours ago, Earthworm Jim said:

 

That simply is not true. The mortality rate of coronavirus is at least 10 times the mortality rate of the flu.

 

The flu is much, much more prevalent however.

Deaths are always serious but in outbreaks of viruses, fatalities always start out high since the most susceptible to catch the virus are also most susceptible to die from it's effects... as it spreads and more general population (read healthier people) catch it and the number of deaths drops. With proper quarantine we can stop the spread... but then those initial statistics will remain to skew the perception of the fatal nature of that particular outbreak.

Question on the wording concerning "non-refundable cancellation fee"

On the letter sent to me, one portion states:

For guest who booked prior to March 6, 2020, if you decide to change vacation plans, we will allow those booked on sailings between now and May 31 to move their booking to a new date and receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) in the amount of the non-refundable cancellation fee.

Where do I find out what my credit would be?  the non-refundable cancellation fee?  I assumed since I cruise in two weeks and I am past final payment, my whole cruise would be non-refundable, correct?  Are they saying we can move the date and get FCC?  Or basically, just re-book your cruise for a new date and pay the difference if the new cruise cost more.

Please help me understand the wording in the letter. We sail March 22 in about two weeks for a 7 day out of Baltimore. 
 

“For guests who are booked prior to March 6, 2020, if you decide to change vacation plans, we will allow those booked and sailings between now and May 31 to move their booking to a new date and receive a Future Cruise Credit in the amount of the nonrefundable cancellation fee.”

On 2/1/2020 at 9:46 AM, graphicguy said:

Thanks, I’ll check it out.

 

For the record, I’m sailing in the Havana cabin 5207.  Not a suite, but a very nice “patio” instead of a teeny balcony.

 

After going through all the choices for drinks, internet, etcI realized that whenever I cruise on a line different than NCL, these choices are a la carte. I always sail with “All Free (except tips)” on NCL.  Plus, being Platinum, I kinda like getting my laundry done for free.

 

That said, the price for a balcony cabin cost more on NCL, too.  Plus, I don’t get the nice patio and semi-private bar, pool and hot tubs.  

 

Not sure if this is a Galveston “thing” or not, since this will be my first time sailing from the port, but is there a reason drinks aren’t included in the first day of the cruise?  I can get a drink, but have to pay for it?

 

If that’s the case, why charge for 7 days of the drink package?  Shouldn’t it be 6?  Actually, it should be 5 days since you don’t get a full day on the last day of the cruise, either.

 

 

I've never had them charge for the 7 day Cheers when it was only covered for 6 days.  In NYC they do the same thing.  Just check what the amount they charged you for Cheers.  If the amount was $367 pp then it was for six days, if the amount was $429 pp then they charged you for 7 days.  

5 hours ago, cjknox said:

What an entertaining thread.

 

Taking a step back for a moment, I've never seen Carnival ships as rusty as they've been recently which indicates to me that there is an underlying issue. However, unlike some I do not believe it's due to poor maintenance.

 

For example, the "new" Carnival Sunrise which just left dry dock less than 1 year ago already has extensive rust, specifically concentrated along the waterline and lower hull sections. Even a few months after in mid-2019 I noticed she had several rust spots.

 

Several Carnival ships exhibit this exact rust pattern (including smaller spots on balconies) which is also suspect. Even the hulls seem to be "yellowing" where there are not clear indications of rust, further indicating a paint coating corruption issue.

 

Paint vendors often tout "new formulas", which can be easily created; it seems Carnival tried one and it's causing this. 

 

Unfortunately, as others have correctly stated, due to regulations and the multi-step removal process rectifying this is not simple which is only compounding the issue. 

 

 

I totally agree!  My husband and I were on a May 2019 Sunrise cruise and I distinctly remember us commenting as we were waiting to board that there was rust on her.   This was probably less than a month out of dry dock!  At the time, we thought no way could that be normal rusting.  The inside of the ship was beautiful, in fact we are going back again this May.  

5 hours ago, cjknox said:

 

 

 

Just a note about the Havana suites on Carnival.  Those are nothing like the Haven on NCL ships.  The only thing similar is you have the private pool area for Havana guest only.  There is no butler, no private restaurant just for Havana guest.  The only private bar is outside on the pool deck.  The inside Havana bar is open to the whole ship.  With that said, we loved the Havana on both the Vista and Horizon and would definitely book again.  Granted, we have never sailed the Haven on NCL so really  have nothing to compare it with.

We've sailed out of NYC seven times in March and each time it was cold on sail-away.  The next morning, when we woke up, it was still a little chilly, but by mid day it was nice and warm (mid 60's low 70's).  Coming back, it was sometimes chilly on that last sea day before docking in NYC.  

20 hours ago, kylesplash said:

We were on there in October and they didn't have Diet Dr. Pepper, so they are dead to me.

Ha! too funny,  My husband is a Diet Dr. Pepper fanatic!  He would be so happy if they started serving that.  Made his day when we stopped at Arby's and he saw "Diet Dr. Pepper"!  

On 2/2/2020 at 8:46 AM, Envelope21 said:

Disembarking Joy today. Procedures have been in place for 3 days. DH and I wash our hands religiously. Don’t touch hand rails going up and down stairs. Use knuckle to push elevator buttons. Both still got sick. Do what you can, but there is no guarantee. We still had a great cruise. Joy is beautiful! 😀

1 hour ago, gigito2 said:

Could do something like this:  

 

Horizon and Vista have these hand cleaners.  Love them!  Felt like a mini hand massage. 
 

53 minutes ago, tx121 said:

You are correct with the increase in price of tuitions, cars, home etc. My point is the price of the cruise back in 1988 was $799 which is equivalent to $1700+ today. The difference is back then, like you said cruises were more of a inclusive experience. The reason why the prices are still $799 today is because the cruise lines are basing their profits on onboard spending with all the optionals. Now NCL can sell you a cabin for $1700+ per person (inflation) today and make it inclusive, but they know that would not attract many customers because that is a hefty price. Virgin Voyages is doing the whole all inclusive deal (gratuities, specialty dining,etc)with prices starting from $1700 for a 5 night cruise. NCL is trying to make the same amount of money but having you spend more onboard to get to that price point of $1700 or more.

I think we are on the same page here!  My original post said cruise prices were kept lower in hopes of the cruise line making money on all the other onboard experiences. It is your choice if you only want to spend $799 on your cruise, buying no extras on board.  That’s actually a great deal.  But these same people can’t  complain and say they are nickel and diming people with all the extras that cost money. They don’t have to buy the extras. Some people want the options.  Virgin Voyages sounds appealing to me. I might just look into that line.  

On 1/30/2020 at 11:01 AM, tx121 said:

 

If you consider inflation, $799 was worth a lot more in 1988 than today. If you go on several websites that provides an inflation calculator,  most prices come out to this amount below, give or take.

$799 in 1988 equals $1,739.47 in 2019.

So back then you didn't feel nickle and dimed because the cost was already included in your cruise fare since you were paying a lot already upfront. The food quality in the MDR back then was the same as what you get in the specialty restaurants now, the drink package didn't exist because it was all inclusive with the cruise. 

On a side note, I kind of chuckled when I saw Carnival Holiday. Imagine with the inflation rate if you asked someone to pay $1700+per person (balcony) for a Carnival cruise today? lol! There are a lot more options and ships to choose from now which is why the prices have to be attractive and competitive. 

Yes you will probably end up spending this much on the cruise anyway with all the extras, but that's how marketing tricks us in to thinking we are getting a good deal when in fact, you are still spending as much as when things were inclusive if YOU choose to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inflation or not, the price hasn’t increased much.   Most things usually increase in cost  over thirty years.  My first car cost $3,000 brand new off the lot thirty years ago. Nobody could buy a new car today for $3000.  College tuition was $15,000 thirty years ago, today lucky if it cost $35,000.  My point is, my cruise cost $799 thirty years ago and a cruise today is not much more than that.  

We were on the Sunrise for a 14 day cruise and loved it!  We just booked another B2B for a total of 17 days this May.  I do agree the Lido was always crazy crowded/busy.  Especially the dessert area.  I sometimes waited 10-15 minutes in line for a piece of cake!  But the cake was really, really good.  The Cuchina del Capitano for lunch was our favorite option as well.  It is free for lunch (dinner is a charge).  Guys BBQ was really good as well but only served on sea days, and maybe the day you get on the ship.

Casino was very fun, but that might of been because we were on a Premiere Journey cruise.  Comedy club was hard to find, in a really weird location right outside of the main dining room.  Overall, we had a great time and will be sailing her again this May!

53 minutes ago, SeaShark said:

 

That kind of just kills the theory. Nickel and diming has to be forced. For example, a forced 20% gratuity on your specialty restaurant meal is nickel and diming. You have a choice of whether or not to pay to eat at the restaurant (this is an option), but you are forced to pay a gratuity regardless of the level of service received (this is nickel and diming). Having options or even offering a wider variety of options is never nickel and diming because the consumer always has the choice.

 

When we cruise, we are all given a sign and sail card to charge purchases, unlock our cabin door, and for use as ID in leaving the ship. These cards are necessary and they are included. IF the cruise line were to tell you at check in that there was now a $5 fee to get your card...which you HAVE to pay because you HAVE to have a card...that fee would be nickel and diming as it is NOT an option.

 

Otherwise, how would you react to the local shopping mall where EVERYTHING has a price tag? Never heard people say that the mall was nickel and diming.

You are 100% correct!  I think the "nickle and diming" expression comes from people who have cruise for 30-40 years, when going on a cruise, there was no charge for anything except drinks and tips at the end.  There really was no cash registers on the ship to take your money, for anything!  It truly felt all inclusive.  Times have changed but the price of the cruise really hasn't.  I just pulled a receipt from a cruise we took for our honeymoon 32 years ago.  It was $799 per person for a balcony on the Carnival Holiday (7 day) in Sept (hurricane season).  Prices really haven't gone up that much in 30 years.  Instead of raising the price of the cruise, the cruise line now make their money on casino, excursions, laser tag, vibe, spa, etc.  This is keeping the price of the cruise down for people that don't want those extras, yet offering extras for the people that would like to partake in these activities.  It is not fair to now say, "they are nickel and diming" us, they are giving people options.  Don't buy the extras if you don't want it.  

On 11/29/2019 at 2:05 PM, sid_9169 said:

Finishing up work and one of my hand drawn maps, and about to go conquer "3rd Thanksgiving"... You could say that I'm officially on vacation now!!!...

 

I see the Punto de Vista Rooftop Restaurant * marked on your map!  We ate there on our last visit to San Juan.  Shrimp Munfungo!  So good.

When I did that, I had to get my son's email to create a profile for their cabin.  I just logged on and managed both their account and mine.  

I was able to call and reserve specialty dinning with all of us under my name.  I believe when I tried to reserve online, it would only let me reserve for two in our cabin. 

2 hours ago, Petoonya said:

No comedy shows, small casino. It is very understated and elegant. Gracious and unpretentious fellow cruisers. We love it, the service and dining particularly and the small ships only 600 passengers. A little more costly than NCL but worth it for the cruising we like.

Thanks for the input!  We just might try them for our next cruise.

Oh no!  Now I'm worried!  My 82 year father is traveling solo on this 16 Joy cruise.  I'm sure I would of been contacted by now if it was him, as I put my contact info in his travel documents we filled out.  

I know this is off subject, but do you like Oceania Cruise Line?  My husband and I are looking for something different than NCL or Carnival.  When I saw your post that you mostly cruise Oceania, I thought I'd ask your opinion.  Is their casino fun/lively?   What about comedy shows.

12 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

Neither is Coke (Diet or otherwise)...🤯

Is this new where they don't include soda?  I've been on many NCL cruises with drink package and it does include soda, not bottled water.

2 minutes ago, DinaS said:

 

I believe the pricing structure changed sometime between March and October of last year.

Thank you.  I did think the pricing was a little ridiculous but glad to hear they've changed it for the better instead of charging more!