Mary229

8 hours ago, KeepCalmBearOn said:

 

No.

 

If you want to be close to restaurants then the suite hotels on Astronaut Blvd, like the Homewood Suites, Radisson Suites, Residence Inn, etc.

 

Do you need 2 bedrooms like the OP?

Yes, two couples traveling together hoping to see a rocket if the weather makes it possible. 

3 hours ago, CDNPolar said:

 

Cruise ships that are prohibiting these are likely doing so for privacy concerns that drone operators are not flying them around balcony windows peering in, etc.

 

I would like to know however if they would actually confiscate the drone on boarding or just tell you not to use it on the ship.  

Various YouTubers have said they need first to file paperwork prior to sailing , the drones are held and are handed over when you leave the ship. Upon returning you are then asked to relinquish it once again 

I last sailed Carnival in 2001.  Journeys program is what brings me back. I sail a lot but only long sailings, my usual sailing is 30 days and Carnival’s transoceanics can get me there in comfort for a reasonable price. My DH is going kicking and screaming as he likes a very laid back vibe.  I told him they have good fried chicken - that piqued his interest😉

On 5/9/2024 at 9:59 AM, Allure18 said:

We stayed at Cape Crossing Marina, Merritt Island. Vey close to port. We had cars. Depending on when you go could be pricey. Not a hotel condos and townhouses, very nice, pool  right on the river. They actually had a new House Boat you can rent.

This was place looks great.  Is it near any other restaurants, groceries, etc….

Here is Holland America’s policy and I am sure it is closely aligned with all of the CCL brands’ policies

Drones also referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicle (RPA), and any other remote-controlled aerial devices/toys. (The exception is when permitted for company sponsored events when approved in advance by Fleet Security).

Just now, FlaMariner said:

 

But when the Volendam is doing a "regular cruise"......for instance, FLL to Montreal in 6/2025, the daily rate is $81/night/per person for an Oceanview......

 

On the older, smaller ships, I have experienced sticker shock for balcony rates as there are few balconies on the older ships....When we want/need a balcony, the larger ships are much more within our travel budget for a balcony....

 

Still trying to figure out the premium price for the word "grand" attached to your voyage......The "added benefits" listed so far do not move the needle for us....and appreciate all the intel provided.

True, the smaller ships are usually more expensive but only by a tiny increment 

8 minutes ago, sparks1093 said:

Here you go @Mary229, these six threads should give you a fair idea of what it's like on Carnival now. They certainly aren't what they were 20 years ago, but they were making some changes before COVID and many post-COVID because of their debt load, etc. We've sailed Carnival since 2012 and yes, there have been changes but what hasn't changed is that Carnival still gives us a good return on our vacation dollar (which is all that is really important to us). Happy reading!

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2977838-no-more-made-to-order-omelette/

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2881202-cut-backs-i-noticed-on-breeze/#comment-63960570

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2962809-ccl-still-charging-for-3rd-or-more-entrees/

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2933484-is-carnival-cruising-better-or-worse-since-the-restart/

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2926808-should-we-give-carnival-another-try/

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2923854-haven%E2%80%99t-cruises-in-years/#comment-65011986

 

Thanks.  I think none of the cruise lines are what they were 20 years ago and really they shouldn’t be.  People’s needs and desires change.  I think my biggest “shock” will be going from under 2000 pax ships to the 6000 pax ship.  Transatlantic, with its many days at sea and lighter passenger loads is likely the best time to experience and truly utilize the mega ship features.  

The chai tea in the Tamarind is really good 

A grand usually has specialized menus featuring regional cuisine, an enhanced enrichment program, better entertainment and much of it featuring artists from the region even having movies produced or about the region visiting.  They usually pick experienced crew who have demonstrated a superior service level. There are usually special gifts multiple times during the cruise. There are usually special cultural ambassadors onboard teaching about the region. Some of the features do not live up to what they should be including lecturers who have no special knowledge and are merely plagiarizing.  Also often the regional food is not all that great.

 I personally would only choose the grand if it were the only availability for a voyage.  I do find the new legendary series which are only slightly higher per diem worth paying for as they do have some special enrichment, entertainment and food.  
 

Either grand or legendary you do get the chocolates more often, so there is that .  I can afford my own chocolate 😉

1 minute ago, RuthC said:

I'm sorry. I should have just pointed out that it is only those three ships. You are right. 
I apologize. 

I do know there is a lot of confusion about dining when you have CO, both as to which ships have a special room, and whether or not there is a special area on the ships without the separate dining room. 

That’s ok.  I assumed it might be the source of his confusion so I mentioned it as a possible option he might enjoy 

28 minutes ago, RuthC said:

The first part of your post, and people are continuing to post that, so others are believing it. It is not accurate! 

It is only the 3 Pinnacle class ships (Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and Rotterdam) which have the separate dining room. The remaining ships have a separate line for CO passengers, which effectively cuts them to the head of the line---IF they are open seating. 

But the OP is on a Pinnacle class ship and club orange may be the source of his confusion 

3 hours ago, OldCaver said:

While most first time cruisers aren't going to be on a trans-Atlantic, (though I was!) if you take a TA bring salty snacks. They're sometimes hard to find onboard, and very expensive at the ports. You'll crave some by about the tenth day.

I agree, my home blend has a lot of nuts - also hard to find on ship and perfect for hiking but you do need to check Import restrictions .  Some countries ban their import even if in a sealed package 

Hi @sparks1093  I appreciate your review.  I have not sailed Carnival for 20 years but am getting ready to book a transatlantic on the Mardi Gras.  Is there a “Welcome to Carnival” thread on these boards.  I read through the Carnival FAQs on their web page  it was hoping to read through a simple newbie thread.  Any suggestions? Or should I just start my own thread - seems redundant 

There is also Club Orange which if purchased has a separate dining room and a few specialty menu items.  

One of our forum regulars recommended them under skirts for flights since they have pockets - I like that idea.  I think they would be fine , I would compare it to a shape underwear rather than as a slip. 

Surge protectors. A coffee pot or other heat plate. A fan - the cruise ship likely has some by request. Check your destinations for prohibited items and

prohibited drugs. Toilet paper - cruise ships need special toilet paper.  Flushable wipes - they aren’t flushable anywhere.  
 

I do bring snacks after an 8 hour flight where food was expected yet never arrived. Lesson learned.  I also bring my own trail mix for hiking.  

1 hour ago, ExArkie said:

I did finally watch the video. Some of the points are specific to HAL, particularly the entertainment issue (I was really looking forward to the Lincoln Center Stage). However, the first point, about HAL trying to appeal to a new cohort of customers while “leaving behind” their usual customer base, appears to be a complaint across more than one of the cruise lines. If one peruses the Celebrity and Cunard boards here, the posts tend to echo this. While recognizing that the lines need to expand their customer base if they intend to keep expanding cruise offerings, it is disheartening to see that none of them seem to have figured out a way to not alienate their loyal fans in the process. 

I think the loyal fans need to exercise a little wisdom and figure this out.  I will not abandon HAL’s long exotic itineraries but I look elsewhere for short getaways (not always a cruise) and common mass market sailings (not that common for me). I sail with two people who are HAL all the time and often I think we could do better for the location and itinerary.  I finally convinced my cohorts to accompany me on a special sailing of a mega ship. 

PS if you fill out the form you will be presented with a menu for the next evening’s meal and can choose your courses ethics will then be prepared accordingly 

Have your TA call and request a table for two with either early or late fixed dining.  If you had no TA you can call and set this up.  Also be sure to fill out the special needs form. HAL is very good dealing with dietary needs if they are informed 

@Mum2Mercurythat is a lot of work as my with Hazel toner cloths are as cheap as baby wipes😉 and don’t have any moisturizing residue that you might have with baby wipes. 

21 minutes ago, mcrcruiser said:

  There are potential hazards  with the AARP gift cards ;such as not being able to use them because of illness ie  . Additionally ,the AARP gift cards that once were a 10 % savings now are only 8& savings .Then adain ,there is no savings & a potentail big loss if a person finds they can no longer use those AARP gift cards  .As people get older they need to look at the possibility of illness that prevents them from cruising & thus using AARP gift cards which are non refundable . Every thing we all do from time to time has a down side not just upside 

If you wait until the very last minute to pay for a cruise you alleviate all of these issues.  I do not pay a bill until it is due.  I assume 60 days out I have visibility and I am willing to lose a little money.  I live differently than most people so I would not expect others to do as I do. Hey, I went 30 years with no health insurance and sleep well every night.  

4 minutes ago, mcrcruiser said:

Here imo is the best way to save  .when on a cruise get the future cruise deposits then book a cruise that is in the early bonus area of time  plus the Mariners bonus ,AARP on board credit  & any other OBC that a person can qualify , Seems to me that is truly the best way to get better pricing . Then ise 100 share od CCL stock to get more on board credit . 

That is what I do.  The. I pay with Aarp gift cards to a comfortable level.  All other spending is AARP gift cards.  That’s what you do when money is inflating, find ways to save and pay as late as possible because dollars are less valuable with each passing day.  Buy with the cheapest dollars you can

42 minutes ago, mcrcruiser said:

Mary CCL is trying to buy down their higher interest rates with cash flows . On other words some of their debt is  now at a lower interest rate  . However , that does not mean if rates increase what will happen . It is imo  truly a craps shoot . If the deposits were placed in a neutral escrow it be safe but CCL uses those deposits in advance of you or I taking a booked cruise . Seems to me it is one sided  & that side is with CCL  . It is what it is if any one wants to nook out a  cruise . Safety is only if  booking  last minute ;however ,the downside to that is the cabin selection . In our case we must book early because we must have a Handicap cabin  .so we get stuck waiting it out . 

 

 There is a big difference in taking land vacations unless it is an all inclusive . Land vacations you are not tying up large dollar amounts for a long period of time . 

Hey are paying down as fast as they can and good for them, they could behave like Washington and buy more junk instead but that doesn’t alter the terms of the debt 

as to you buying big deposits we keep telling you to buy FCDs then you never have a large sums of money with the cruise line. I never pay more than $600 deposit for both of us

https://x.com/TPWDnews/status/1791476191137783861

32 minutes ago, mcrcruiser said:

The main problem today imo is having a lot of monies tied up into  long term deposits . No earnings on that money & what are the guarantees the cruise line is going to be  un business come time to cruise . I hope that crosses peoples minds . It is not just the higher cabin prices but ,the inherent risk  factor .  

 

Very recently Jamie Diamond CEO of JPMorgan chase came out with words like 8 % in interest is not out of the question . Should that occur what would that do to debt laden cruise lines ?

I think they have locked in their rates.