kwokpot

I didn't realize/remember that MSC doesn't collect a SS # when paying out casino jackpots (We have only taken 1 MSC cruise 5 years ago, our second will be next week). There are plenty of cruiselines and ships that collect your SS# when paying out jackpots but don't immediately give you a 1099-G form. You would then need to get the 1099-G forms at the end of the cruise from the casino cashier or post cruise contact the cruiseline. The reason I'm familiar with the rules is my husband and I report casino winnings in the 6 figures and we work very, very, judiciously with our tax accountant on how to report casino winnings. In fact we were just challenged by the IRS on our 2020 taxes on how we reported our casino winnings (how we reported it vs the 1099-G records) and we received a confirmation that the IRS accepted the way we reported our gambling income. Believe me when I say there's A LOT of record keeping.

So it seems that MSC doesn't issue 1099-G statements but you are technically responsible to report jackpot winnings over$1,200 in one win.

https://www.sapling.com/10045384/pay-taxes-money-won-cruise-ship

All cruises lines have to sail outside the US, yet they report the winnings to the IRS.

On average Celebrity ships, even the E-Class like the Apex, won't be as lively as a NCL ship. The club is mostly not busy at all, not like Bliss Ultra Lounge. While the ship isn't a ghost town at 10, it generally will be at 11, with the only venues with people are the casino, Martini Bar, and the Club (if open) in that order.

If you have Your Time Dining you will be able to reserve Chibang or Cucina using the app that evening, otherwise if you have fixed seating dining you wont be able to reserve those restaurants onboard until later in the evening. For either type of dining you cannot reserve Chibang or Cucina in advance.

It's a VERY underutilized restaurant.

They may send it out to by mail after the fact. In any case whether or not you receive the forms you will need to remember and report the winnings when you do your 2022 Federal taxes since they will most assuredly be reporting it to the IRS.

That would be a whole cruise pass and it's definitely way cheaper to buy it precruise than on the ship. It will be probably $60 more onboard for the whole cruise pass.

Fuchsia, fuchsia, fuchsia! I guess Carnival and Farcus wasn't the only cruiseline and ship interior designer to go to extremes.

Although there hasn't been Official word it is 100% certain that Chibang and Cucina will operate as it does on the Mardi Gras since all the reasons stated that they are free on the Mardi Gras (whatsmore there's actually MORE cabins and thus more passengers on the Celebration than the MardiGras) and for the fact that if you go and try to reserve Specialty restaurants on the Celebration Chibang and Cucina don't come up as choices. There's absolutely no way the two main dining rooms on the Celebration can accommodate all the passengers for dinner without using both Chibang and Cucina.

Yes, wrong dates, lol. I'm on the inaugural cruise, and it's an Elite casino cruise to boot!

You can search here on Cruise Critic for photos of the Persian Garden and see if the facilities are something you would enjoy. As you will see in the photos there isn't individual heated tile loungers, only communal benches as previously stated.

The naming ceremony will probably be on October 20th, the day she comes into Miami from the TA. The inaugural voyage is the day after on the 21st.

I was skeptical when they announced they were using one of the existing M-Class spa/gym locker rooms and create two separate locker rooms but after boarding the Summit I was pleasantly surprised how they got everything in it. Yes the sauna is now 1/3 the size of the original one but it's still functional.

FYI the Summit has a free sauna, albeit small, in the locker rooms that are accessable to all passengers.

Funny, we're having the exact opposite situation. Airfare to LA from East coast in February is through the roof, minimum $550/rt/pp, up to $900pp!!! That's craziness! You can fly to Australia or Asia from the East coast for that price !

Your requirements are a bit skewed. Miami cruise port is an island off the city of Miami, which has no beach. If you want a hotel with a beach you need to stay in Miami Beach. What's your budget?

In Porto you MUST Go to Livraria Lelo, an amazing historical bookstore. Make online reservations prior to getting there. At Bilbao you must go to the Guggenheim museum m also make advance online reservations.

No need for a jacket or tie. Khakis and a button shirt or a nice polo shirt fine.

I forgot to write that Zebrugge is 30 mins drive away from Bruges.

None of the ports are tenders, and I'm assuming the last port you meant to write Zebrugge, Belgium. Having said that the Bilbao Port stop is actually the adjacent town and it's a 20-25 min drive to Bilbao. Carnival should be providing a free shuttle but your experience may vary. The Porto stop is actually in Lexioes which is a 15-20 cab ride away, or you can walk to the train and take the train.

The Personal Retreat Host is dead. Long live the Butler!

No Thermal suite on the Pride. There's a complementary hot tub in the middle of the fitness center but surrounded with glass. It's available to all passengers. In the locker rooms are single sex steam and sauna rooms(also individual stall showers), also available to all passengers without an extra fee.

I'll have to strongly disagree with your assessment about obtaining a table for 2 alone for dinner on mass market Cruiselines. We cruise Carnival,Royal, Celebrity, NCL, Princess,MSC and never have any problems getting a table just for the 2 of us. If there aren't anymore 2 tables we are always seated at a four table. 98 cruises under my belt and never been an issue once all the cruiselines followed NCL's game changing lead with their Freestyle dining option.