Cruiser_1977

Can anyone state for certain (with some type of proof) whether or not Carnival ships have the same MOB technology mentioned above in that USA Today article? Maybe @chengkp75

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2023/02/22/cruise-ship-overboard-detection-system/11172790002/

Why would they be transferring money between cabins? 

You should be able to add a fourth person as long as:

1) Your cabin class can actually hold 4 people. Not all cabins can hold 4.

2) The ship has not maxed out the lifeboat capacity. If it has, it doesn’t matter how many your cabin can hold, you won’t be able to add them.

Please us a clean cup. Tongs are supposed to be used on the buffet and folks still use their fingers....🤢

deleted misread a sentence...

There is no minimum age. If you want your 3 year old to drink soda, fresh juices, milkshakes, etc then you need to pay (by the drink or with a package). Little ones typically drink water, juice and milk. I've included the list of beverages included in cruise fare below. Any other beverages require you to pay as you go or get a package.

• tap water
• milk
• tea
• coffee (regular and decaf)
• lemonade
• iced tea
• flavored waters
• juices (at breakfast and not fresh squeezed)
• Hot chocolate (via instant packets)

It should work that the decrease in price (if honored) is removed from the last few payments for example:

Original  $2000                             New $1500

$166.66 for 11 payments              $166.66 for 8 payments

$166.74 for 12th and final             $166.72 for 9th payment

**Side Note** Affirm may charge interest. So, just a word of caution that while it may seem like a great option that's only IF the interest rate is LESS than your credit card. Some credit cards offer travel protection or points/cash back, too. I'm not discouraging using Affirm, etc. Just want folks to be aware that while you can find 0% interest, it's not always the case. Affirm reports some loans to Experian. Therefore, taking out a loan with them may affect your credit score and failing to pay as agreed can impact your credit score.

deleted

Your TA or Vacation Planner will know. PBP appears to be a free cabin upgrade code.

Start at the :55 second mark. "Baby Splash Zone" 

If you'd like to be with them, you may forgo your Platinum perk and wait with them in their "zone."

What were the lawsuits?

As a fellow solo, there will most likely be a singles mingle one evening. Try to meet folks during your daily activities. You may find someone/somebodies who would like to share your company for dinner 🙂 

I was told onboard in 2019 that gratuities apply to all ages. I suppose it is your option to go to guest services and remove them....🤷‍♀️

May I be so bold as to ask why you would think children are exempt from being charged gratuities?

My only concern would be if the insurance that the tour provider has requires the age to be 7. God forbid something happen and the insurance won't cover you (pay out) because of the discrepancy.

@Ret MP He is a retired Chief Engineer. Therefore, I assume he has experience in getting paid as a crew member. I assume this, as I doubt he worked for free 🙂

Maybe @chengkp75 can shed light on the employee (W-2) v. Independent Contractor (1099) debate based on his experience?

If you're looking for less of a party cruise and more of a quieter cruise I would also recommend avoiding 3-4 nighters. I'd stick to 7 nights or longer.

2 different topics here regarding taxes:

1) What do the cruise ship worker (crew members) pay - this is dependent on a lot of factors. Were they hired directly by the cruise line or by a third party recruiter? Are they a US citizen? Do they live in the US? https://lifeofiris.com/2022/02/27/do-cruise-ship-crew-pay-taxes/

2) What do the cruise lines pay - which is addressed in the link I posted.

**While I am not a CPA, I worked for accounting/finance firms for a good portion of the beginning of my career.**

The current parent corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., was incorporated on July 23, 1985 in the Republic of Liberia under the Business Corporation Act of Liberia (https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/884887/000088488723000006/rcl-20221231.htm). Here is an article on the US income tax filing, or not, of the cruise lines. Most are NOT incorporated in the United States; however, may have offices/headquarters here. https://cruiseradio.net/fact-check-do-cruise-lines-pay-us-taxes/

18 minutes ago, cruiselvr04 said:

...What has changed in our society that makes people think they can bully their way around? 

I don't want to get too off-topic, however; it's entitlement. It's believed to be caused by how one is treated by parents/authority figures, the media they consume, etc. Imagine always being told you can be whatever you want, never suffer consequences, and/or are treated as "special". They therefore always see themselves as such and "we" need/should cater to them.

5 minutes ago, ATG said:

The same type of thing happened on mariner in the Solarium.  We were on loungers next to a “bed” it’s about the size of a twin I believe.  The woman on the bed was on the side, not the middle.  Another woman came by and plopped down. The first woman said “ excuse me?” And the second woman said the beds were for 2 and refused to move.  I was just shocked!  First woman left after a short argument.

Note to self...Lay in the middle of the "bed" 🤣

That just goes to show the vast differences in folks. I would feel incredibly awkward asking such a thing. I would also feel awkward being asked. I'm not sure if the asking is rudeness or confidence🤔 However, the negative behavior after the initial exchange is bad/rude/entitled behavior.

Yep! I don't nap at home. I get up early (7ish) and workout, eat breakfast then I may head to the pool for a few hours. Then often I'll take a nap before getting reading for the evening. If I'm doing an excursion I may come back, shower and nap. When I cruise as a vacation, it is primarily to recharge, rest and relax.

Current price is $65.99. I have it in my cart at $59.99. I'm solo so BOGO stuff doesn't apply....

Here is a link to a calculator to help you determine if the drink package is worth it for your situation. I am a casual drinker - One or two frozen drinks at the pool, a cocktail pre dinner, a glass or two of wine with dinner and maybe one or two after. It was worth it to me last time. 

Scroll down to about the middle of the page and select "Royal Caribbean"

https://www.cruzely.com/cruise-line-drink-package-calculator/