mikldom

" Horrible latency as the signal goes to a satellite 22k miles (22 thousand miles) up to a satellite and then 22000 miles back to earth. Even at speed of light the delay is terrible."

This is just not true. We live in the mountains of Colorado. There are satellite companies like Hughes Net which supplies 25Mb of speed, which is plenty to do anything.

Your connection to YOU, your family is 25mbits (still bad latency as the satellite is indeed 22,000 miles up). Take that 25mbits and divide by 1000 cruisers. Catch my drift? Satellite to service the whole continent HAVE to be that far up. Only way to service what they do and stay relatively still.

 

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Think about this... the ships use a Satellite connection. Horrible latency as the signal goes to a satellite 22k miles (22 thousand miles) up to a satellite and then 22000 miles back to earth. Even at speed of light the delay is terrible. Take the terrible already slow connection, then add 1000 to 2000 of your fellow cruisers using it and you are screwed. I pay for premium every cruise and it is just horrible. Making calls over wifi pretty much sucks. In 2015 I went on Disney and had to work some. Wifi calls were pretty good. You pay them 99 bux for 2 gigs. I had to pay twice for a 4 day cruise. Seriously... cant do much more than email, and check FB. The internet on ship should not be relied on for important work. I had a network share device that I set up for family, but that barely works too. Sorry about having to work... been there. I always have emails to check and respond too, but My business doesn't take much phone calling, so I am MIA on the cruise.

 

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Thanks for the suggestions! I am unaware of all the names of the "Top Shelf" liquors but do want to try them!. With cheers, it's all included so I plan on trying out and experimenting with stuff I would not normally try do to costs, unawareness, etc. I love frozen concoctions, coladas and such. Punches, and simple things like Rum and coke. Never tried Gin.. I have done a lot of the shots they do in the MDR. Basically, I want to enjoy the drinks, while getting the benefit. I don't want to just drink for the sake of drinking (tho that is fun too). We have smuggled in the past, but the budget this time allows us some more freedom... Like on our cruise on 11-19 on the Pride, we already booked the Steakhouse on night one, got a Cabana on Princess Cays, we have Vista Suite on the back of the boat, etc.

The free wine is really just a basic wine.. Think 6-10 dollar wine at Wal-Mart (that on the ship, through the fun shops will cost you 30).

 

But.. you get 1/2 off their other wines.. Look at list. While their prices are really jacked up over retail prices, with the 1/2 off, it puts it closer to retail price.

 

They can keep it for you and put your name on it and when you goto the MDR on your other nights, they will bring it out to pour. Or.. you can take it back to your room with you.

 

Bonus... they are known to "lose" your bottle occasionally and will replace it with a new one.. no charge. Lose as in they cannot find yours, or, they forgot to put your name/room number on it.

Open 1st evening. Early as 5:30 but I don't recommend that early cause of muster drill. Free bottle wine 1st night or half off their other wines. Definitely worth it. Go hungry and allow 2 to 2.5 hours. We are going on 19th at 7pm.

 

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We have been on 4 Carnival cruises (in 2 years), and while we have never drank enough to equal the Cheers package I am thinking we are going all in for our 11-19 sailing on the Pride.

 

Looking for drink suggestions.. while we have partaken in some libations in the past, I am thinking we want to take full advantage of the Cheers package and experiment more. Since we wont be paying by the drink I think it will free us up.

 

I know we want to try the Alchemy bar this time too.

 

We are booked in same 4th floor Vista suite with that awesome balcony we were in on the Pride for our last sailing on 8-6. Luck would have it that when I decided to upgrade last month exact same corner suite was open.

 

Suggestions? Somewhat a newbie to drinking... did not really start until a few years ago when I got over 40. Can't enjoy it at home as too busy working and weekends too. Vacation is when we let loose. (Never stupid/obnoxious drinking)

 

 

 

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Even during peak times I would not call it a "booze cruise". In October Schools and Colleges are in so it will be a little more of older and families. Definitely pre-planned. Not to say there won't be some partiers. I have been 2 years in a row on July 4th week on the Elation. All good. BUT, it has less food options and NO Dive In movies. Just typical dining rooms and buffets. I am not sure if it is dry dock by October. They may or may not be adding some of those like Guys Burgers, Blue Iguana, etc. Others here likely know more.

 

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I am going to guess they found a gun in checked baggage. Zero tolerance there. Drugs would have likely had a police officer or marshall come on board and arrest and you'd see them leaving in handcuffs. Since owning a gun isn't illegal (but not allowed on board), my money's they found a gun in checked baggage.

 

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Skinny. Wide ties are about 10 years ago. It is not too hard to tie a windsor and they do look much better than a clip on. My problem is that while I am about average, I have a big neck. Tieing a windsor takes a bit of length. The 'tail' never reaches into the 'loop' at the back. Good ties (Kohls) come with a tie bar. Problem solved. With a tie on tie, you can loosen it a bit as you "loosen up" and undue your top button and look still good.

 

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Someone obviously doesn't like kids or think they are all 'dirty' or misbehave. Obviously, soda package was about 40 each kid including tips 1 month ago in a 5 day cruise. It is inconvenient to have to wiggle into the crowded bar areas with all the drinkers, to get attention, to get your cup of soda. Good luck for the little kids who dont have the confidence to speak up. And YES, they should do it like other lines. Been on Disney. Yes kids can be a PITA, but have a crew member wipe it down periodically. It works just fine in restaurants when you can refill your own drinks. I was pointing out the inconvenience for the paid service. I do my share of drinking on cruises and make a point to get the bartenders attention when I see him ignore a kid, any kid. They paid for the service. There needs to be a better way. I love Carnival, going on my 2nd cruise of the summer next week, just wanted to raise the issue for newbies who dont know.

 

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It is. They are very busy and overworked. Next time on a busy ship, watch a kid try to use his "bubbles" package. Raise the fare just a little and let it be available at a dispenser, or make it like the beer dispenser. It is lacking the way they handle sodas now.

 

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Meant higher tips on 10 dollar alcohol drinks. Wish I could edit post. Grrr.

 

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I hate Carnivals option for Soda package. It is such a PITA. You pay 5.50 a day (no problem there). You HAVE to goto a bar and bug a bartender to get it. He will get to you, eventually. They ignore kids. Simple economics.. he gets tips in 10 alcohol drinks. I know I would pay more attention to the money makers. I always take my 12 pack of soda, order a case of water ahead of time and a couple of Mio squirters.

 

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I paid for our next cruise using gift cards bought through the Allstate Rewards page/app. I used all codes posted on previous threads and had to get my Fiance as well. We saved over 300 bux! Allstate lets you buy ecards that they email you and you can use immediately. You can also get 10% off cards to purchase if you are a citi credit card holder but they only mail those sadly. I also used points on another credit card to get a 100 gift card for 12 bux. I am so glad these threads here lead me to this savings. Made the suite upgrade an easier decision. Thanks and just letting folks know of the success.

 

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Just seeing what the impressions are of the upgraded suite. We booked a "Vista" suite on the pride for sailing on Aug. 6. Looks like a nice room with large balcony and extra windows. It is on tge rear, at a corner. We booked on Main deck instead of Upper. Thanks!

 

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