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10 minutes ago, 4everOrcruiser said:

Just booked our cruise on Carnival Legend, sailing May 8, 2022. I would appreciate the fax number where to send my shareholder information. Thank you in advance.

Carnival Cruise Line

Guest Administration

3655 N.W. 87th Ave.

Miami, FL  33178

Tel. 800 438 6744 ext. 70450

Fax 305 406 6102

Email: shareholders@carnival.com

Must include complete legal name, reservation/booking number, ship, sailing date and proof of stock ownership.

On 3/9/2022 at 2:44 PM, Sstn said:

Sailing for the first time with stock benefit.  Rules state: This benefit is not transferable, cannot be exchanged for cash and, cannot be used for
casino credits/charges and gratuities charged to your onboard account.  Is this strictly enforced since I rarely spend extra onboard beyond gratuities?

If so, I've seen some comments about purchasing Carnival Cash Cards onboard.  Can the stock OBC be used for that if gratuities and casino cashout aren't any option?

We were able to use our OBC for gratuities in January.  I know the newest letter says it can't but it is the same wording as last years shareholders newsletter that applied to our cruise. It would be helpful if someone who has sailed recently could provide more current information.

We were switched from the Freedom to the Spirit for our Sept. 20, 2022 cruise and told we would get our cabin assignment by March 1st.  Ours is still showing TBA.  Don't know if that is because we booked an inside cabin, haven't made our final payment yet or because we only have two previous Carnival cruises.  We did however book directly with Carnival and not a TA if that will help. I'm guessing we will get whatever is left over even thought we originally chose a very nice, quiet location.

11 minutes ago, Elaine5715 said:

Do the lifeboats move or make noise?  From the photos I can find, it looks like they are intimating.  

We have had obstructed views twice.  Both times crew members did maintenance on the lifeboats at some point during the cruise.  It was never long or noisy but I was very cautious about keeping my drape closed at certain times.  It's possible you could get one of the boats used for tendering.  Then you will have to contend with the boat being raised on lowered on certain port days.

I suggest you drop off your carry-on and then go directly to your Muster Station to check in.  The number is on your cabin key.  You'll see lots of Carnival employees standing around with clip boards and they can help direct you where you need to go.  You must check in before 3:45 or they will start calling your name over the public address system.  You can watch the Safety at Sea video in your cabin later.

You should have 2 Gala nights usually on sea nights.  The menu in the MDR those nights include higher end items like lobster, prime rib, duck, beef tenderloin, etc.  Dress is pretty casual but jeans, tee shirts and shorts are frowned upon.  You may see on the menu "Market Fish" as an entree.  Basically it is the fish of the day.  Ask your server.  Some of the best swordfish we've ever had was on Holland.

The hot tubs are usually pretty crowded.  I suggest you go on port days before noon while others are on shore.

There no longer is America's Test Kitchen.  I attended 2 free cooking presentation on our 7 day Mexican cruise on the Koningsdam.  Both were on sea days .  It was called the Port to Table Cooking Show and both featured Mexican cuisine.  Enjoyed it a lot.

If they have "Planet Earth II" don't miss it.  It is a fantastic free show, no reservations so get a seat early. Same is true with the comedians.  First come, first seats.

Enjoy your cruise.

Checked our reservation and we have gone from an assigned inside cabin midship near an elevator to a TBA.  Looks like we are now a "guarantee".  Talked to a Carnival rep and she was not able to tell me when we will receive our new cabin number.  Probably won't hear until after final payment in June.

11 hours ago, jus4fun said:

I booked the Freedom a year ago for a cruise to Alaska, May 2023 for 50th wedding anniversary.  Four cabins together on lido deck since we are going with our grown children.  I am also waiting to see how the cabin situation pans out.  I understand changes; however, I called when the most recent dancing of the the ships started to inquire about changing and/or cancelling and was assured that Freedom was NOT leaving Alaska.  So much for assurances.

2 hours ago, MalleyCat said:

We love 4K's, not for Alaska though. . We're hoping they'll put us in an obstructed ocean view. We've got time to figure something out, we don't sail until next August. 

2 hours ago, dltvermont said:

Waiting to see how this all pans out. We were booked on our first Lido stateroom on the Freedom but now cant do that on the Spirit. This happened to us on the cruise we had booked when Covid hit. We booked our first lido and then they switched ships and we were booked elsewhere. Then covid hit and it was cancelled anyway, twice!

Try signing into your Carnival account and see if the new assignment is listed there.  We were not notified we had to check for ourselves.  Our selected inside cabin is now a TBA.  Talked to a Carnival rep and she could not tell me when we will actually know our new location.  Looks like we are now a "guarantee" even though our Freedom cabin was midship near an elevator.

Just checked our Carnival reservation and our assigned inside cabin on the Freedom has become a TBA on the Spirit.  Fortunately our early dining hasn't changed but our bed arrangement has now gone from a king to two twins.  I don't understand how that happened.  I guess I'll keep checking back and if I don't have a definite cabin assignment in a few days I'll call.  

Our Sept. 2022 Seattle to Miami cruise on the Freedom has been switched to the Spirit.  Today (March 1) is the date we were told the transition would be completed.  We are anxiously waiting to hear our new cabin assignment.  If the new location isn't comparable to our original one I will be one the phone immediately.

15 hours ago, TiogaCruiser said:

What did you have to provide, and how soon after had you booked? 
It says “ new bookings only”, yet you have to supply a booking number.

Our booking was made nearly a year ago.  Information for the military discount is minimal: booking number, name, branch of military (no DD-214 or military ID required).  My philosophy is to "ask", they will approve it or they won't.  Since it takes less than 3 minutes to fill out the form, it is definitely worth the time. Last October for our Koningsdam cruise they had a similar offer and we received both the $100 military OBC and the $100 shareholders benefit.  

When we were notified Carnival was switching our Sept. Panama Canal booking from the Freedom to the Spirit they said we should receive our new cabin assignments by March 1st.  I realize that is still a week away but I wondered if they were slowing rolling them out or whether everyone would hear at the same time.  I haven't been able to book dining, excursions, etc. and was hoping to do so soon.

On our January Panorama cruise the room steward never asked but he quickly realized our routine.  We would hang the "Do Not Disturb" sign out when we returned to the cabin at night and leave it there until we returned from breakfast the next day.  We would then remove it and go about our planned daily activities.  If we needed to return to the cabin to change clothes, nap or relax we would put the sign out again.  Our cabin was always cleaned once per day between breakfast and lunch. 

44 minutes ago, tallnthensome said:

I got a Players Club offer from Carnival last week for a killer deal to Alaska and 200 OBC. It was a $2000 savings for my family of four. Here’s the thing, I don’t gamble and I’m not even a member of the Players Club , lol! The cruise price went up $2000 the next day but I booked immediately. I’ve was offered a free inside cabin for 2 to Hawaii for 15 days a couple weeks ago . Why? I don’t know and have only sailed Carnival 3 times. Weird …..

You and others mention receiving offers.  We recently completed our second cruise on Carnival and have our third booked later in the year.  We have never gotten any offers.  Did you sign up to receive marketing materials from them?  Is it through email?  Are they in your Carnival account?  Thanks.

On 2/19/2022 at 10:05 AM, Miss Bama said:

Thank you for your answer.  I have an intolerance to artificial sweeteners so I do my best to avoid them.  Most of NAS desserts sound amazing, but I  probably need to ask before I order one.  

On our recent Carnival cruise there was an "allergy" desk in the buffet where a young woman would answer questions about ingredients in the foods being served.  I realize you are inquiring about a Holland cruise but there may be something similar on your ship. 

20 hours ago, gailellen12 said:

Thanks   

On our Koningsdam cruise in Oct. the MDR was only open for lunch on sea days.  The same menu was served each day.  

1 hour ago, Eli_6 said:

Thank you for this information!  I am definitely going to look into this because with two children, that would be helpful.

Port Valet is Complimentary, Convenient, and Secure

The Port of Seattle is pleased to offer complimentary luggage transfer from the ship to your airline at the end of your cruise.

Here's why Port Valet makes it easy to be in Seattle:

• Receive your boarding pass before leaving your ship
• Enjoy streamlined disembarkation
• Enjoy Seattle luggage free!
• Skip baggage lines at the airport
• Track your bags for peace of mind

Port Valet is a complimentary luggage service sponsored by the Port of Seattle and our cruise line and airline partners.

How does the service work?

1. Enroll early! 
   • Two ways to sign up: Enroll online before your cruise, or once onboard, complete the enrollment form found in your stateroom.
   • If you have questions about eligibility, check with the guest services team on your ship. It's best to enroll during the first few days of your cruise. You can use Port Valet if you are flying with these participating airlines: Alaska, American, Delta, Horizon, JetBlue, Southwest, United
2. Drop your luggage
   The night before your cruise ends, you’ll receive your airline boarding passes and special luggage tags from your ship’s crew. Set your bags outside your cabin that evening and the ship's crew will pick them up.
   Your luggage will be securely transferred directly from the cruise ship and checked in with your airline all the way to your destination airport. You don’t have to do a thing.
3. Enjoy Seattle
   Capitalize on your freedom and spend the day exploring Seattle in its most beautiful season. Visit Seattle can help plan the day.  Check out the two-hour, four-hour and all day self-tours at the Visit Seattle website.  
4. Skip check-in at the airport
   Upon arrival at SEA Airport, proceed through security and board the plane.  Your luggage is already checked to your final destination!
5. Track your luggage
   You can track your bags online.

18 hours ago, Eli_6 said:

Thanks everyone for the input. I think I am going to go with the later flight even though it is more and it means taking (blech) United.

You might also consider taking advantage of Seattle's Port Valet.  It is a free service provided by the Port of Seattle that transports your luggage directly from your stateroom to the airport and on to your final destination.  Both United and Alaska Airlines participate in the program.  You enroll while on your cruise.  You can do an online search for more information.  We've used it twice and have been very happy both times.

I've always enjoyed going to Holland's HALfacts.com page to look at cabin photos for the various classes of ships.  Does Carnival have anything similar?  Does the Carnival Spirit have a deck plan similar to any ships in the Holland fleet?

2 hours ago, Yehootu said:

Leaving on the Panorama next week and was wondering the % of capacity the ships been running.

   Mahalo

Jan 22-29 there were 2389.  Very enjoyable with the smaller crowds.  We did encounter full venue capacity at the comedian shows in the Limelight Lounge and elbow to elbow seating in the Horizon MDR for early fixed dining.  Jacuzzis were also crowded on sea days.  I can't imagine what it would have been like with a full ship.  Hope your trip is as fun and relaxing as ours was.  

14 hours ago, raroalmasa said:

My husband and I are on our 3rd booked Alaskan cruise. The 1st was in 2020. The 2nd was the Westerdam that was recently rebooked to our 3rd, the Eurodam.

 

My 1st question is on dining. We had confirmed dining on the Westerdam, but are now on a waitlist.  We prefer traditional dining. Has anyone had any luck getting into trading dining from the waitlist?

 

My 2nd question is on upgrades. I read a recent thread from someone who was upgraded from a regular veranda to a spa veranda. Is there a way to make sure that does not happen?

 

We are hoping the 3rd time is the charm for our Alaskan cruise!

We just received our new cabin assignment and we are one cabin away from our original number.  Fortunately our confirmed early dining transferred also.  I suggest you either: If lunch is still being served inquire at the desk in the main dining room, call dining reservations as soon as you get in your cabin or visit the reservations desk (on the Koningsdam it was on deck 2 Atruim) The sooner you do the better chance you have of getting what you want.

Your experience sounds just like ours.  We were supposed to be on the Oosterdam in 2020, the Westerdam in 2021 and now the Eurodam in 2022.  I'm just thrilled to finally actually be going.

Three weeks ago they requested everyone be out of their cabins by 9:00am.  Passengers carrying off their own luggage go to their Muster Stations. They were supposed to start calling Muster Stations by 9:15 but that was delayed about 20 minutes because one of the facial recognition machines was not working.  Once passengers carrying their own luggage were off then other passenger with departure numbers were called.  After our Muster Station was called we never stopped walking except for a brief stop at the facial recognition machine.  Very easy, very well run.

28 minutes ago, Yehootu said:

With the later docking time in Long Beach, what is the time you have to vacate your cabin. I know the earlier the better for the steward ( we tip well ). We have a place in Signal Hill which is about 10 minutes from the ship and would rather wait for the herd to get off and do it leisurely. On Sat mornings we can watch the ship enter channel and  turn to dock. Only 2 more sightings then we'll be waving good bye.

15 minutes ago, ChinaShrek said:

So, I tested positive for Covid on Tuesday, February 1 and my cruise leaves out of Fort Lauderdale on February 20. Should I just cancel now (and get the FCC) or can I assume I will test negative on 2/18 (when I fly to Fort Lauderdale) and get to go on the cruise? What would you guys do? Thanks.

If you get tested on 2/18 be sure it is a RAPID ANTIGEN test not a PCR test.  A Rapid Antigen test shows if you are infected NOW.  PCR tests can still continue to show you are positive up to 90 days after you were infected even though you are recovered.  We had a similar experience and were able to cruise without a doctor's letter or additional lab testing, just a negative Rapid Antigen test.

We have a noon flight from Seattle after our cruise.  We will be using Port Valet for our luggage but are concerned about getting to the airport ASAP.  Are people with HAL transfers allowed to debark first?  A ride share would be cheaper but making our flight is more important.  Thanks.

5 hours ago, JBCall said:

That is good to know. I was concerned we would be scattered amongst other cabins.

 

Would it be equivalent on the starboard side (i.e. 4177)?

In late October we were in cabin 4174 (inside).  We loved the location as it was very quiet and near the rear elevators.  There was convenient access to the main dining room below and the Lido Market above.  If anyone in your group likes mushrooms I recommend the portabella mushroom burger at the Dive In.  It was yummy!