75snow

We are among the many who will have our Carnival cruise cancelled or rebooked.  If you have the choice between FCC or a refund, be advised the FCC is NOT covered by Carnival's insurance policy. So, if you rebook with FCC and something happens, you just lost the cruise portion of your insurance.

A few year ago, Hurricane Jauquin messed up our cruise and Carnival gave us a 50% FCC which we applied to a cruise the following year.  The night before this cruise, my wife became seriously sick with the flu and I had to call Carnival and cancel. Carnival reimbursed us for the airfare but we lost about $1000 in FCC as FCC is NOT covered by their insurance policy. I appealed my case right up the line to the CEO but to no avail. I hope they've since changed their policy.

Excursions with Castles? 

My wife loves castles and that is her main sight seeing goal. However, Avalon does not give specific excursion details on their cruises.  We are looking at either the Danube, Rhine or Mosel rivers. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

We did it !! We attended a one hour "Vacation Club" presentation by Sundance Vacations in Washington, DC in 2015. Last week, we took a 5 night cruise on the Anthem of the Seas from New York to Bermuda courtesy of Sundance Vacations. The cruise was not free, but certainly about $1000 cheaper per person. We paid an upfront deposit of $ 98 per person, then when we booked the cruise we paid for taxes, gratuities and port fees. We also opted for RCCL's cruise insurance. It took persistence and patience, holding on to all signed documents and not letting them waiver from the written contract.

Yes it was a hassle but got our 'free' cruise and thought it was worth it.

Sorry if I've missed this, but how were the people dressed in the MDR at dinner. Yes, I've read RCI suggested dress code but from my one previous cruise experience, on Carnival, people always did not follow the cruise lines dress code nor was it enforced. E.g., in their steakhouse, on 'elegant night' some people were wearing shorts, tee shirts and baseball caps.

Anyway, in the MDR, for casual attire, for men, what was the trend? Was it tee shirts, polo shirts or button down casual? Shorts, jeans or slacks?

Trying to figure out what to pack, so thanks for any advice.

I am also considering attending one of their presentations as a "5 night cruise to Bermuda' is offered. Since they are upfront about the $200-$300 port/taxes charges PP upfront it seems like it might be a real offer. So, i am also wondering if anyone else has ever successfully booked a cruise with them. Worrisome is the many complaints against Sundance, but mainly for their vacation packages.

Thank you everyone for their reply and the information. Unfortunately, my wife got very sick just before we were to leave for the airport and we ended up canceling our cruise just a few hours before we were scheduled to board. Hopefully, we'll be able to reschedule.

Thank you all for the information. We were suppose to begin our cruise today but unfortunately my wife got too sick to travel so no cruise for us this week.:(

Hi,

I know this is a basic question but we will be coming back to Miami on the Glory next Saturday and have arranged for Carnival's shuttle to FLL. We are considering trying to do a mini-tour in Ft. Lauderdale as our flight is not until 3:30 flight.

So, how does Carnival schedule their service? Just wondering if we will be able to get off the ship early and have a scheduled shuttle or is it a first come, first ride arrangement. Kind of disappointed Carnival does not have any published information.

Thanks.

We will be in Belize in a few weeks and am considering this tour. However, my knees do not like to do too many steps. Can this site be fully enjoyed and appreciated without having to do a lot of climbing? Also considering the Altan Ha tour instead.

Thanks in advance you for your comments.

Scott

dcruisers...

We were also on the same cruise and generally agree with your comments.

Good food, GREAT service and a generous compensation offer by Carnival. I thought some of the entertainment was so-so but the crew tried real hard to keep us entertained. (Many, many trivia games!)

A wholeheartedly agree about the dress code. We went to David's for our anniversary dinner. I wore a suit and tie. We were seated next to a large table who mostly wore tee shifts and a few also wore baseball caps. It sort of ruins the dining atmosphere/experience. When I mentioned it to our server, she said "well, it is casual night" :( .

I observed they always did not post the latest advisory on Joaquin which was probably good as it would've lead to some unnecessary worrying. The Capt did a good job of announcing itinerary changes. Leaving Grand Turk Wednesday, I noted the ship experienced winds over 80 MPH in some of the squalls. I was surprised how winds of this strength were not that noticeable. At least we got to see Cuba, even if was from just passing close by.

In the Q&A with the cruise director Steve, he was asked when the last time something like this - our experience with the bad weather and cancelled port calls - happened. He said, in his 18 years this was a first!

I booked my Carnival Cruise (through Carnival) within two weeks of Memorial day and was given $100 shipboard credit for our cabin. To me, that's as good as a lower price.

Question from someone who has never cruised... do we need to bring beach towels or are they provided? Is conditioner provided or just shampoo? We'll be on our first cruise in 17 days! Thanks...

Mitsugurly,

I scrolled down and saw the pics. Looks beautiful! Thank you. Sorry for the brain cramp.

Scott

Mitsugirli,

Same here. The link you list goes straight to a write up that starts with "Up to the buffet we went". As a first time cruiser I was under the impression that there was nothing to do on Grand Turk unless you paid for an excursion so I definitely like to read about experience.