BlerkOne

At least I have had the pleasure a few times for memories that will last a lifetime. Key West keeps trying to ban cruise ships, also. Neither has suceeded - yet I don't consider water shuttles much of a solution. Perhaps a new cruise port will be built on the mainland. There are other port cities with spectacular entrances. Venice was just one example

I wouldn't consider a 7 day cruise in Europe and never looked at one. Even 9 day cruises might only have one sea day. I had a port hole cabin on my first Carnival Med cruise - 9 day, I think, and survived. But had friends with a balcony and it was grand. The Med may not have the blue water of the Caribbean, but sailing into or out of Venice, is breathtaking, and could easily be worth the price of admission.

Sailing into and out of ports, sunsets or rises, there are many reasons. No pants required. And especially with covid, some private space to view from. But yes, on sea days, just to watch the water go by and possibly see some marine life.

Carnival does have an innovative wine vending machine in the library bars found on some ships.

Apparently neither has Kathy Lee (parody)

Santa Helena is perhaps the closest thing to a house wine on Carnival. There isn't a Carnival brand. Cucina used to have wines they would sell carafes of, but I think they stopped that. I consider GIFFT wines to be pure swill.

Comedians on Royal wouldn't last long if they bashed Royal. I remember the Royal Chimps.

There is that variation. and others.

Good for you. Enjoy! Nobody (almost nobody) is saying don't cruise on a specific line. If it works for you, great. Do your own research - don't let an armchair admiral make the wrong decision for you.

The current problems at Dover are unrelated to Carnival or any cruise line. The same with tender waits. These are not normal times with a pandemic, and much of Europe is, or is about to go on vacation, to boot. I might be more concerned about the climate (heat) issues on land.

Yes, this explains the program. We have earned a number of these. It is unrelated to the Carnival Loyalty program and I'm not sure any other cruise line offers this sort of rewards program.

I have cruised the Med, the Baltics, Panama Canal, Alaska, Caribbean, and more on Carnival (and other lines), including a British Isles cruise from Dover on Carnival Legend (a sister ship to Carnival Pride), and not once, as in never, have had a cruise like what some allege. We did a b2b2b on Carnival Splendor that ended, started, and ended in Dover. These are not normal times, the pandemic is still out there and there are supply chain issues and other factors outside of any cruise line control. As with other cruise lines, of course Carnival has a discounted air program - Fly2Fun. My first Med cruise (not my first cruise to Europe) was on Carnival, even before Carnival Splendor. I flew to Europe not even knowing my cabin assignment - the porter had to look up my cabin and write it on blank luggage tags at the port. No worries and one of the best cruises ever. I don't understand the blinders some wear, but that is their problem. I suppose if you aren't young at heart. As Frankie sang - Fairy tales can come true It can happen to you if you're young at heart For it's hard, you will find To be narrow of mind if you're young at heart…

The ship is the destination for those who never leave the ship. Carnival Corp has a LOT of ships in Europe. Carnival only sends one, maybe two, if any. Same with Alaska. They do so because it is the most popular American brand and Americans trust Carnival. You won't find a lot of foreigners on Carnival. Carnival Corp has no need to compete with itself more than it does. If you want a cruise line that makes obnoxious PA announcements in 50 different languages, perhaps look elsewhere. The onboard currency for Carnival will be US dollars and not monopoly money.

Or course capitalism works unless a fascist steps in. Higher wages will, of course, lead to some jobs being exported, because capitalism works.

Freedom has a dry dock scheduled Dry dock: 10/04/23-10/22/23 Maybe to get a new funnel and more?

Jubilee is showing sold out.

Actually I think cruising is healthier than staying on land. At least for a few days more.

Must not have gotten the memo. Maybe the pigeon was blown off course?

You simply choose to ignore Carnival's innovations whether the smoke free Paradise or the first mass market line to require masks and everything in between.

Obviously. Especially if one rarely leaves the ship.

Excellent selection of ports. Other people have their own agendas - some never leave the ship. We've cruised the Med several times on Carnival and wouldn't hesitate to do so again. For us, the ports are what we are interested in. The ship is not the destination - it is just transportation from port to port and a place to sleep. You can spend more, but why? Touring in all the ports will wear you out.

Hard to say. I think most people who think they might have covid on the ship aren't testing.

They are still off.