Cruisesfun65

On the Celebration there is a green Chanel bag (pre loved) for 2K. That same bag has been there since the inaugural sailing (I've been on the Celebration 6x). Together with its LV brothers and sisters and a VERY bored store attendant in a prime location that's such a waste of real estate. 

Even an additional coffee shop there  would generate more income for Carnival. 

Just now, Drazil65 said:

*Please Note:  A 18% gratuity will automatically be added. There will be a $25 fee per person for cancellations made within 24 hours of your scheduled reservation. 

 

This has been like this for a little while and the above note/statement is included under the details of the dinner you are choosing (the above was copied from the details of the Teppanyaki dinner description reservation page).  

I was on the Celebration 4 weeks ago and this was not the case. Hence my post. So this must be new.

Up until last month all specialty dining reservations included gratuities. 

Yesterday I went to book Bonsai Teppanyaki and gratuities were added. $38 per person became $44+.

I'm not complaining about $6 but about the fact that these charges are silently being added to more and more areas. Not informing the guests at all.

16 minutes ago, Clearwater said:

They might call it that on the Mardi Gras, but it's TINY. Not at all comparable with the T-pools on the Dream class ships.

I would move from any deck 9 balcony or suite. Most of these cabins look down to a White overhang, so you can only see the ocean if you look straight.

35 minutes ago, Bound4Bermuda said:

As to be expected, there did seem to be a demographic and socioeconomic difference between the average passengers of Carnival out of NYC and Royal out of NJ--but no judgment on that, just like "census facts" here. 

Now, please say what you REALLY mean by this. 

On 7/18/2023 at 3:03 PM, nwcruiselover said:

There is no separate line for the food items.  Just one line for everything.

On the Mardi Gras and Celebration there are definitely separate lines for drinks and food. 

On 5/2/2023 at 3:39 PM, cruising_rocket_scientist said:

We even found a great ice cream place...they were surprised to see us since we were cruisers. Always fun to eat with the locals.

Would you mind sharing the location of this ice-cream place?

2 hours ago, Elaine5715 said:

Isn't that their job?

It is. And most do it really well. 

People sure love to bash travel agents on social media. I bet for for each bad experience, there are at minimum 5 success stories when agents stay on the phone for hours fixing stuff, getting the exact cabins you want next to each other, offer extra amenities, etc. But we don't get to hear those.

I bring sugar free water enhancers and my favorite sugar free sodas.  Not many options onboard.

Search for hotels in Miami Springs. They all offer free airport shuttle service. 

You need to take an Uber or Lyft to the 2nd street office of Avis/Budget. Taxi drivers will get mad about the short distance.

On turn around day, it's a mad house at that location. I'd rather just go to the airport.

There is a Sixt office in the Intercontinental hotel and Enterprise at the Doubletree Grand Biscayne Bay  

If you're staying there, this would be convenient. 

2 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

Have stayed at the Hampton. Great hotel in a very good location. Haven't stayed at the Intercontinental,  but wouldn't that be a more expensive hotel?

Booking through AA would give us a great rate plus lots of bonus AA miles. But the majority leans towards the Hampton Inn, so Brickell it is!!

Thanks everyone!

Please help this crazy family out. Which would you choose and why?

Intercontinental Miami downtown

Hampton inn Brickell

A view of the ships is not important to us. But comfort and good location. 

Looking forward to your comments.

1. The agent could and should have booked the group from the get go in GoCCL. No need to call Carnival for that.

2. Once she booked everyone individually (FIT bookings), Carnival cannot transfer these into a group. They would need to be canceled and rebooked. 

3. Not all promotions qualify to be berthed into a group. 

4. You only get a free berth with a minimum of 8 cabins. But a minimum of 5 cabins will get you group amenities such as OBC, etc.

Sorry to say, this doesn't sound like the most qualified advisor.

What happens to Mike Peck, then?

6 hours ago, Muckyduckway said:

 

It's good to know the hotel is fantastic; we were hopeful it would be as good as it looks.

 

I've stayed there 9 times and each time I enter the lobby I get instantly happy. The hotel smells so good. 🙂

The hotel is quiet, rooms are clean and spacious with a phenomenal bathroom. 

Great food at Miranda restaurant and a very relaxing way to start off your cruise vacation. 

You can grab a cab or Uber to the Walmart Superstore which isn't too far.

While EB is a fantastic hotel, there is absolutely nothing within walking distance. Only a Burger King, Pollo Tropical and a store selling office supplied.

For a very late flight prior to cruise date I would do it if I was on a tight budget. The motel doesn't get many good reviews, there are better properties in that area.

The simple answer is no.

The only hotel offering both free shuttles is Comfort Suites Miami Airport North in Miami Springs. 

20 hours ago, Cruising_Addict said:

They haven’t been sailing in Europe for the past 10 years. They re-started (after not doing Europe cruises at all) in 2018 and then obviously had none for 2020 and 2021. Not sure when they stop sailing there prior to 2018, but it had been awhile. Point is, we haven’t had Europe itineraries from CCL for the past 10 years. 

Odd you would say this. I was on the Vista in the Med in 2016....

There are plenty of hotels near the airport that are fine. Staybridge Suites, Hampton Inn Miami Airport East, EB hotel, Wingate, Hyatt Place MIA East, Hampton Inn Blue Lagoon,  Residence Inn Miami Arport . All just a short cab ride away.

Some friends will be visiting Valletta next month and are now asking if they need to complete the EU (dPLF) if arriving on a cruise.

The website isn't very clear on this.

Anyone who has the answer? Thanks!