Top_of_the_Cube

My experience: During dinner time, there are crew members walking around with a tray of shots. The souvenir shot glass color and drink content changes each night (see @Jamman54's Post #7 for example). You may have to ask one of your wait staff to hunt down the shotsmeister. As @LHARTWICK mentioned, one night might be the cinnamon toast crunch and the next night lemoncello, and I recall a chocolate concoction. Can't remember the flavors of the other nights. Souvenir glasses are not covered under CHEERS!, and before the recent price increase the cost was $10.03 w/ gratuity.

For our most recent cruises, we carry on all our bags and schedule our arrival time so that we can go straight to our room. Of course, "room occupy" time can be delayed, but we have not yet had that occur on our trips. You would need to look up the expected room occupation time for your particular sailing. And note, if your suitcase does exceeds the port's scanner limitations (16" x 24"), it can still be carried on. Just know it takes extra time and you may get dirty looks from passengers in the line behind you, who will also be on your ship, and who will remember that you had held them up, and may carry a grudge, and who might be drunk when they run into you on the Lido deck, and might lead to you to being featured on a YouTube video.

My wife prefers the MDR for breakfast every day. While occasionally service is slow and service has to be "encouraged", on the whole we are in and out in a reasonable time. We aren't eating in a rush to get to activities, as the meal (to her) is part of the whole experience and we have enough of the fast food life at home. For me, I prefer my wife.

When cruising in 2018 we had the same "red bloom" attack. In Cozumel, the "wild" side (east) was overrun, and the beaches were constantly being raked but losing the battle. The west side of the island appeared to be seaweed free, and I remember some passengers who went to Passion Island reported no problems there. Hopefully in those regions in the Caribbean where the algae is prevalent, beaches and seaside areas in coves or westward coastlines may avoid this nasty, smelly stuff.

Sorry, @shiner I know there is always the fine print, but generally, paying the deposit locks in the fare price. If using a TA, I have heard of agents not booking immediately with the cruise line, and by the time they do the price has changed. If that is the case, TA should have notified their client. But maybe thought $80 was not significant enough to mention. Unless the price increase can actually be pinpointed to having occurred after the deposit was received by Carnival, I would suspect the above scenario.

That was a nice concise review. Much appreciated. Just curious, what most draws you to cruising?

I like the lanyard, but truthfully, I have not taken the time to hook up my card to one in the last couple of cruises (talk about lazy). When I did use it, it was tucked under my shirt so it was not on display when walking around the ship or on shore. Tucking it in can also be a safety measure. I remember trying to explain how my card, not my wife, gave me a slash on my face when it was whipping around on the lanyard in gale force winds.

Last cruise, I had two different charges from a bar I never visited, and then a credit for those same drinks (fortunately, they were not later re-posted to my account). While a few miss-applied charges would never make me think to get a new card, if passengers visited Guest Services and requested a new Sail and Sign card each time a mysterious purchase appears, maybe there would be more emphasis and training with crew to get it right the first time. I love cruising, but some things they let slide until it becomes a real burden on them.

Just an observation, for years John Heald has advised that it is okay to leave your balcony door open. This isn't a new thing. It does puzzle me, though, as it goes against the signage displayed in the cabins. I appreciate those knowledgeable folks on CC explaining how the system actually works. Anyone experience the wind tunnel effect?

If it is "entry level" to just see if you can handle being on a ship, then hands-down I think it would be Carnival. I always do a spreadsheet (yes, I am that guy) and compare ships and different lines. And, at least for the times and embarkation ports I am considering, Carnival always has been the lowest price. If "entry level" to see if you like the whole cruising experience, then picking Carnival might be deceiving. It caters to a specific market for a reason, and if you are not that market, you might be tainted from all cruising just because you do not like their "vibe". If you are more discriminating, then skip "entry level" and match a cruise line with your expectations (which may indeed be Carnival).

It is all timing. Wife and I will wander up to the Serenity area at any point of the morning or afternoon (sea and port days) to read and just relax. We usually (but not always) find open seats. And, after setting up camp, at some point folks often vacate more desirable real estate to which we will move.

For my own curiosity, I checked the room doors on the last two Carnival ships that I sailed (Breeze, Vista). Magnets were not attracted to the doors, but did stick to the door handle cover plate. I don't do door decorations (not opposed, just not my thing), but I would highly recommend that passengers only use material that is specifically labeled as fire retardant. Regular plastic is definitely not fire retardant.

I can appreciate your opinion here, and I imagine there are lots of "gifts" at which crew members might roll their eyes (inside their heads) while appearing very grateful. I do not claim any special insider knowledge on this matter, but I occasionally read blogs and watch videos put out by current and former crew members. I have never seen a statement that they do not like gifts, and I have seen comments on how much they appreciate candy and small items that might have to do with the passenger's home town or state. Baseball hats and souvenir magnets stick out in my memory. Some employees collect specific things (one bar tender likes the magnets), and might trade amongst themselves. Also, they are apparently a big hit to family and friends back home. So if I were a gift-giver (which I am not and I don't), I would feel okay with handing out "approved" items as long as they aren't big or bulky, and aren't some cheap gumball machine trinket. Also, I should prepare myself not to take it personally if I find out my "special" gift were bartered or given away. And to reiterate from my original post (#70), gifts should be fourth on my list of ways to truly show appreciation for a job well done. In my opinion.

[Just my ramblings on the topic and not "in response" to any particular post] There is certainly a reasonableness and a level of absurdity in what gifts you might give to a crew member, but I am only aware of positive comments from crew members and folks close to crew members regarding receiving (reasonable) gifts. From those in the industry and current and former crew members who post their experiences, it is my (and mine alone) conclusion that the biggest impact for crew members are, in order of meaning (again, just my impression) - Praising the crew member by name to management and on surveys; Leaving your auto-gratuity intact; Additional tips; and, Gifts So while gifts don't advance them in their job or provide more money, that personal thought is still appreciated by many workers. If I were a gift-giver (which I am not and I don't), I would feel comfortable in expressing my thanks and appreciation through appropriate gifts. Of course, without skimping on the first three. It doesn't have to be either/or.

Mr. Heald did say these gifts (actually, I think he called them prizes) will be available in the Pixels gallery.

Auto-gratuities give me a rash, on the ship and on land. The auto-gratuities on board have nothing to do with excellent and attentive service, in fact, nothing to do with "gratuity" at all! It is actually just a supplemental source of income to Carnival that goes towards the wages and benefits of just certain employees. And while I don't think the company takes any of that money for itself, it has to enter into the compensation package that Carnival offers its crew. Ideally, auto-gratuities would just be merged into the cruise fare with all behind-the-scenes workers getting a competitive wage. Crew members that directly serve passengers can be paid a sub-standard level, because they have the opportunity to "wow" the customer and rake in mega-tips by offering top shelf service. I consider those types of crew members as entrepreneurs, their income is only limited by their effort. Alas, this will never be. So for the sake of my blood pressure, I just add the auto-gratuity to the ticket price and consider it all as just part of the cost to get on board. If I truly want to reward the dining crew or bar staff or room attendants, it won't be through auto-gratuities (which I never adjust or remove). It will be through praising them to management, which I hear goes a long way, and tipping them individually. Now, got to get back to work. Looks like Table 3 is griping because "apparently" I got their order wrong. Those schmucks.

Amen, and amen.

My hearing challenge may not be as extreme as some of you, but if I can focus on you without a lot of other noisy distractions, you may not even be able to tell I have issues. But, doesn't take much in order for me to find it very difficult to impossible to carry on a conversation. Been that way ever since I was a wee lad. With that, my wife craves interaction with others. I am sure that is not an indictment on me (I keep telling myself). So, we try to sit with others at breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. I converse as best I can, but often I just let the folks know I just can't hear, and not to worry about including me in the conversation. Our experience, though, on some other issues, is that we don't have to keep making the same request at each visit when we have the maître de add a note in their system of our preference. I don't know if that would work for table requests, and it may just be we had a very accommodating dining staff. YMMGYTACDD (your mileage may get you to a completely different destination)

I have watched a few videos put out by a couple of these vloggers covering some of their past group cruises. They did have special meet-ups in some of the venues, although I didn't see anything that would concern me about "taking over" the ship. But, I also do not know what they did not include. It could be an opportunity for someone interested in cruising, videography, or social media to grab one of these folks and get some good tips. They seem to like what they do and are eager to share. As for me personally in my current situation, it's just too risky with all the cameras and videos around according to the federal marshals.

I can appreciate your take on Roatan and Belize. It is also good to remember that in Roatan, RCCL ports at Coxen Hole, which is right there at the largest city on the island. Probably perfect for a walkabout once debarking the ship. Carnival, though, pulls into Mahogany Bay. Mahogany Bay has port shops and a beach built by Carnival. I only left the port/beach area to walk to my excursion meet-up van. Not sure what else might be close by and worth walking to.

Wife and I enjoy both ports, although Belize seems to be less popular with cruisers. Roatan - on Carnival, you will dock at Mahogany Bay, Carnival's own development. There is the port shopping area right there just off the ship, and their own beach within walking (or sky-ride) distance. We enjoyed our beach day there. Or, the island offers many activities and experiences. We have done Carnival-sponsored excursions and private excursions. Roatan offers hiking and zip-lining and snorkeling and resorts and deep-sea fishing and animal encounters and beaches and cultural experiences and good food and.... whatever floats your boat. Belize - the ship will anchor out at sea, and getting to port will require a water taxi (about a thirty minute shuttle?). This transport to and from the ship is not an extra costs. The port area (not owned by Carnival) has shopping and drinking and eating, etc. I would NOT venture outside of this port area on my own. But that is me. This is one stop that I might recommend taking a Carnival-sponsored excursion to venture out and explore the country. With that said, we have no issues with arranging something with one of the private tour companies. As @IntrepidFromDC suggested, use a trusted site such as TripAdvisor to find these. The opportunities for adventure are much the same as Roatan. Other options might include cave tubing, tours of Maya ruins, and visits to distilleries. Plus, whatever advice you might find on the Cruise Critic discussion boards for each particular port of call.

Yup, Carnival Gift cards never expire. You can use any balance on future cruises and transactions with Carnival. If you apply the Gift cards to your Sail and Sign (on-board) account, anything not spent will be refunded to you on a new Gift card which Carnival will mail to you.

Last few cruises out of Galveston(including after the restart), wife and I eat a leisurely lunch in view of the ship and then arrive at the pier after 1:00 pm. We are lowly Gold and do not purchase FTTF, so no special boarding perks. No crowds, very few people. We hit the various check-in stations and security with very short to no lines, and walk right on board, and head to our room. Unload our luggage, and are unfettered to move about the ship. For those who might not know, here are some good things to keep in mind: 1) schedule your arrival time comfortably before "last boarding time"; 2) don't confuse "last boarding time" with "sailing time"; and, 3) if wanting to arrive at the very last minute, know that you may have to carry on all your luggage. Late arrival works for us, although I completely understand those who are eager to get the party started as early as possible.

I think that's art. It really speaks to me.

I cannot verify that this is always followed, but Carnival supposedly will let you know as soon as the decision is made to skip one of the planned stops. Sometimes that is before the ship sails, and sometimes it is right at the point that they are to be pulling into the pier or dropping anchor. Admittedly, Carnival can be too optimistic that it can make its planned itinerary when they are already aware of a mechanical issue. As for non-Carnival excursions, that is a very valid concern. The private companies I have used in the Caribbean do not charge if the ship does not port.