BellaSweet

We did the steakhouse on our last cruise..and we loved it. We don't go to chain steakhouses so I can't really compare it to anything. But we do eat quite often at local steakhouses and I'd say the experience is comparable. 

Our food was delicious..the steaks were cooked perfectly, great cuts of beef. We had real butter(why is this even a question? lol) and our sides were great(wasabi mashed potatoes, just get them..amazing). Well worth the price. It was a nice way to spend an evening..we ate early so it was pretty quiet in there. 

The only odd thing was the bit of pressure to order drinks..we mentioned that we had martinis at the Alchemy bar prior to dinner and our waiter pressed us a bit to get something else. I finally looked at him and firmly said "We'll have water." 

I just look at the auto-grats as part of the cruise cost. Its not an optional thing in my mind. 

What I tip in person is optional. Bartenders, room steward..if they do a good job(and they always do), I gladly tip them extra. 

I’ve never played on the ship..  What are the prizes like?

47 minutes ago, Fballguy said:

It's less compensation when you get no vacation and a 50% coupon.  The shift of dates would've been a major hassle and the point is...our cruise was cancelled.  They can spin it anyway they want, but we booked a cruise leaving on 6/29 and going to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel and Carnival cancelled it.  We should get the 100% just like everyone else.   Maybe some think the idea of 3 straight sea days to get somewhere that should take just one...on a partially functional, depressed ship is a good time...but we don't.

You sound like me..  Our last cruise was derailed by a hurricane. First, the itinerary changed from Turks, Freeport and HMC to all New England ports. Then it switched to staying in port at NYC for the whole time. I got on the phone and was able to switch to a later cruise date. Everyone was like "Oh, you should have stayed with the original..we had the best time in NYC" Um, no. I wanted Caribbean, not a city that I can drive to in 3 hours. 

I am sorry, I'm sure the disappointment is overwhelming.

10 minutes ago, zitsky said:

So quiet places are serenity deck and library.  I read that serenity deck gets crowded, but maybe there are other quiet places?

The Serenity Deck does get busy but its not always packed. We've taken naps in the clamshells, didnt have to wait for one.

Any cruise ship is whatever kind of vacation that you want.

That said, Carnival does have a rep of being a party cruise line. But there are lots of quiet areas.. even on deck(where there is always music and stuff going on), there are still quiet areas. And there is lots to do that doesn't have anything to do with partying.

I think where you cruise out of has a lot to do with it as well..and time of year. Baltimore cruises seem a bit more low-key than Miami.  

We like a quiet cruise..with some fun added in. We don't go to many shows or deck parties..but we do always go to comedy shows and sit by the Alchemy Bar to make friends. 

9 minutes ago, Don Kehote said:

Congratulations, you're going to love the convenience and carefree feel!

 

As previously stated, I think it's not considered a service.  I'd just ask the agent at the terminal to make sure it's there!

I'm excited to have it, I practically lived at the Alchemy Bar on my last cruise(when I wasn't seasick lol) so I am looking forward to Cheers.

23 minutes ago, Bookbug53 said:

I have never had anything show up on my documents as it really isn't a service. Print your purchase confirmation and bring it with you though I have never had issues of it being applied once on board.

Thanks, I appreciate the help!

I know, there are always a million questions like this.. lol

I just went to print our luggage and boarding passes and under "Purchased Services"  Cheers isn't listed.   Is it supposed to be? 

Thanks

I've never seen the Captain. 

In fact, I'm not even 100% sure there was a Captain on any of my cruises.

I can't say that I care LOL

Straws are the new tablecloth.

I'm a little afraid.

My husband might divorce me if I book another cruise.

I hope they don't stop going to those ports. I've been to many islands/ports and with the exception of Belize, I've always felt 100% safe. Even in Nassau when I was offered every type of narcotic imaginable. Safer than I do walking around the city of Baltimore.

Anytime you travel you have to be aware of your surroundings and make intelligent decisions. Do I want to go stay at a resort in DR? Its probably not on my list right now but I would feel fine with a port stop.

6 minutes ago, Djptcp said:

Interesting that I didn't receive one since I take many Premier and Getaway cruises, plus take their discounted  cruise rate offers with Fun Play.

Maybe they're targeting people that aren't as active?  I play in the casinos regularly but I wouldn't say I'm a high roller LOL  They could be looking to see what would make people more active? I don't know. 

30 minutes ago, NCTribeFan said:

Why didn't I get one?  My feelings are hurt. 😋

You probably would have fallen asleep..it was that long 😂

It was interesting though..it gave 12 scenarios of different benefits for the Players Club..anything from 50% Spa treatments, Priority Boarding, $25-50 onboard credit, Excursion discounts, etc.  You had to choose which you liked.

The nice thing about the Alchemy Bar is the fact that the bartenders tend(pun inTENDed) to have their own concoctions. They make up their own drinks. Sounds like that is the case with your raspberry one.

I'd start with Godiva White chocolate and some Chambord..in a shaker with cream(or half/half) to experiment. 

Anyone else get the loooooong survey?  It was very interesting..and long...it looks like they might be redoing their Players Club. There was a lot of questions about perks and such. Or they could just be messing with us :)

Did I mention it was long?

😂

Edible straws. Hmm..Yeah, I'll be packing my metal ones :)

Has anyone used Hat Trick Charters for a snorkeling trip? From what I've read, they take you to the outer reefs which not a lot of the tour companies do.  Any information would be great!

Thanks

6 minutes ago, coevan said:

 

 

 

because it has no marijuana odor, nothing to smell

I'm aware of that. Some CBD oils can contain terpenes that the K-9 has been trained to detect. I was simply saying that my oil does not contain them.

I wait around a bit before going to muster (before crew starts looking for me though haha). I get claustrophobic with that many people and panic can set in..Add 90 degree heat and sunshine and a heart condition...and it can be really rough. My first cruise, I showed up as soon as possible..and I was against the wall with rows and rows of people in front of me. I learned :)

We usually go sit at the Alchemy bar for awhile and drink..so we don't tip per drink but when we get our last drink of the evening, we'll put out $10-15 extra.

This upcoming cruise, we have Cheers for the first time but we'll handle it the same way.

I've got some research to do.. I use CBD daily. It contains no THC. A K-9 officer did not hit on it in the past..he's training is mostly in detecting illegal substances (Before anyone asks, my husband is a first responder and we have numerous LEOs as friends/family). I cannot imagine a week without it, its such a major part of my health and well-being :( 

9 hours ago, gtouch said:

Someone seems full of themselves. Another my card color makes me better than you.

Oh calm down..  They were just mentioning that the newer cruisers don't really know that there are other places to eat. I know on my first cruise, I thought the buffet was the only option when you board the ship. 

Thank you all for giving your perspective on CD's..  I really do think my lack of knowledge on them is because we tend to keep to ourselves when we cruise. We don't attend many shows and such.