mz-s

My guess is cash tips they can spend at the next port stop, whereas tips added to the receipt have to wait until their next payday.

There is no expectation on Carnival anymore. Come as you are.

I didn't say a word about Baltimore... It's obvious that the Spirit class are going to be renovated. What remains to be seen is will Carnival rip out lounges and public space and stick in more staterooms during the renovation. Let's hope not.

No they're not. Back before COVID they gave us $50 when our Bermuda cruise's itinerary was affected. But that was years ago and like I said before COVID.

The casino covers gratuities. Tips above and beyond are optional and not expected. I tip $1 per drink personally, in cash. Everyone should decide what works for them.

I would expect to see the Spirit class “Sunshined” before long. I just hope they don’t stack them full of extra staterooms and ruin the famed Spirit class space to passenger ratio in the process.

There are a multitude of reasons why this could happen. Did Carnival give you anything as a gesture of goodwill for the change?

I get it, and I've boarded early before when it worked out to get to the terminal early (but I also had a coordinating arrival appointment...). But frankly there just isn't much to do on the ship before 1:30 besides eat. Nothing else is really going on. So for me at least, I'd just as soon take my time getting to the pier. Really there are no wrong answers here, whatever works for you.

It is a YMMV thing. It worked on the Sunshine in May, but not September with the same phone. Carnival specifically says FaceTime and iMessage are not supported, even with paid wifi, so it's not guaranteed.

Carnival is building bigger ships yes, but the Spirit class isn't going anywhere.

Frankly I'm surprised there aren't any. They could build slots, video poker, etc into the in-seat entertainment if nothing else.

Conquest class - just wish they had more of the modern options like Shaq's Big Chicken etc. But the size and amount of public space is great on them I think.

It's simple math, use the calculator and see if it's worth it to you. There is no way I would pay it but I am not you.

Could be any time between now and when you arrive at the pier.

Yes Early Saver has price protection. But if you price match to another rate in the future that isn't Early Saver, you lose price protection.

My hunch is prices aren't going down for holiday cruises. Some of the Carnival holiday cruises are selling for Disney Cruise Line money. That's insane to me. Each to their own.

Gaviscon

Just book now, be sure to use a rate with price protection if you are concerned that prices may go lower. I think they may depending on the cruise.

We've lost so much more than bacon on the buffet, but if that is what people need to tell themselves then that's fine with me. However I am not sure that carnival is in the financial position to lower the demand for their cruises. They're in a bit of a pickle. Cutbacks are lowering the price they can charge, but they're not profitable so they need to charge more. But to charge more they have to bring the experience back up to justify the higher fares. It's a vicious cycle and I can't help but think they're in the wrong gear.

The port arrival time system only works if people actually respect it...(and granted - if the port officials require it to be respected)

The way I see it - Carnival is just devaluing their product. It's their decision. Their cruises are not worth what they used to be worth. I won't pay 2019 prices for 2022 Carnival. Carnival's fares are lagging far behind their competition and they can't put bacon on vacation enough to turn a profit. I wish it wasn't a constant surprise on what the next cutback will be. So often we don't find out about changes until somebody reports it here. But it is what it is - I now no longer book Carnival cruises far in advance. Who knows, I book one a year out and by the time sail date arrives I find I have to carry on my own toilet paper. They're changing things too much too fast.

Some of the comedians are still pretty good. But like everything on Carnival since COVID - the quality in general is way down.

Or every day at the buffet on literally every other cruise line.

You used to have to meet with a customs official and show your passport/id etc and answer "anything to declare?" before leaving the terminal. No more. You just walk out. So I'm not sure how you'd pay the extra duty even if you wanted to? Mail a check to CBP once you get home maybe.

The wording on the menu as I recall is an 18% "service charge" not a gratuity. To me the distinction is important. I take "service charge" to basically be like a delivery fee that Domino's charges - just another profit center. So I would still tip if I ordered paid room service. And no, you cannot order the night before anymore. "Waste"