BlerkOne

I guess golf wasn't available.

Our visit to the Steakhouse on Carnival Miracle last month was wonderful. No complaints about food or service. Even the cheesecake is now right-sized. No, it wasn't my birthday, but seemed disappointed that we weren't celebrating anything so I said it was my birthday. They even threw in a couple of glasses of champagne.

Unlike other cruise lines, Carnival's transparency with tips is to be commended

Whether increasing or decreasing or going sideways is irrelevant to whether cigar lounges exist on Carnival. They don't.

One could argue California law is irrelevant since California is not a cruise line.

In California, are tips generally based on a percentage of the check or on a per service basis? Does California law limit you to only one server? What happens when multiple people serve you? Do the servers also clean your house?

You could double the number of cigar smokers and it would still be less than 10% of the population. Smoking in general is on the decline. https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/USA/united-states/smoking-rate-statistics

Smoking continues to decline. Cigar lounges to bypass smoking laws are increasing - for now. Cigar smokers are an even smaller minority than smokers in general. Smoking has not become less offensive.

The Firenze is a Vista class ships, so much under the skin should be familiar

Windstar and Sea Dream are regulars.

We were on the first two sailings of Carnival Magic (May 1-22, 2011) and they were magical. Tablecloths, fresh made deli sandwiches, porterhouse in the steakhouse, unlimited bacon daily, tasty steaks in the MDR, Ken Byrne, John Heald, etc.

Actually I received SOBC for two cruises sent in on a Sunday evening within minutes. I didn't use a certified stopwatch so not sure if within 6 minutes, but it was fast. Maybe even before I requested it. Believe It Or Not.

I would think soliciting positive feedback would be included in doing research. Fair and balanced, doncha know?

I was on the Venezia transatlantic and there was absolutely no issue that made me regret choosing that sailing.

Are you sure? How much is Carnival willing to pay? You can get all the bacon you want every other day at the buffet or everyday at the Deli or MDR.Or double up every other day at the buffet.

The OBC amount depends on the length of the cruise and could be from $50 to $250. You can do it. No need to go through your TA.

Yes.

Not yet, but to listen to some, the food couldn't get any worse. I just missed the transition to the new menus on Carnival Miracle. I do know that on my last cruise, bacon was available everyday from two or more venues. The deli and MDR were two of them. Room service charges are now the rule on cruise lines. Cost management is key to cruise line survival.

One cutback is the rollout of new menus with new, even better, tasty food. New ships. New itineraries. A new port in the Bahamas. A return to profitability even though still many billions in debt. The usual stuff.

Doesn't sound like you were talking with Princess

Smokers are a dying breed and their numbers continue to diminish. They are not getting more real estate. With the exception of the casino, smoking has been eliminated indoors. The lounge has had other uses in the past including live entertainment and yes, even smoking, and is underutilized. The proximity to fine dining eliminates using for smoking. Other Conquest class ships utilize the lounge better, sometimes offering comedy. Perhaps when Liberty replaces Glory there will be other offerings. Or maybe Freedom will provide a clue.

As you mention, it is a waiting area for diners, most of whom don't want to reek of smoke or inhale any waiting for tasty food. But it is also used for a few other activities.

Charge extra starting with the 3rd entree like Carnival does. Problem somewhat mitigated.

Since the new menus were announced, there have been several changes. I'm still waiting for the return of the promised flat iron. Maybe by now it has made it? Anyway, much of the menu should remain the same, but I would expect some changes. How significant the changes are depend on if one of your favorites is impacted or makes a return.