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marne001

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Posts posted by marne001

    Goodbye to Dining Room Embarkation Lunch?

    in Princess Cruises

    Posted

    Maybe not to you, but to many here, the embarkation lunch in the dining room IS a big thing. A lot of folks dont like to set foot in Horizon Court, most especially after boarding when it is a madhouse. For me, I was happy as a clam getting a sandwich and pastry from the IC, but that gets plenty crowded too.

     

     

    Agree, I appreciate a non-rushed meal in an elegant setting on day one.

     

     

    Sent from my iPad using Forums

    All Inclusive Debate

    in River Cruising

    Posted

    Hi Jeb_Bub we did the same cruise with Scenic a few years ago and posted a review in the CC review section, this year we do our fourth cruise with Scenic so far why change a fantastic cruise line. If your interested look on ******************** they have a very comprehensive all inclusive chart on all kinds of cruises including river companies there are also some indications of the costs/savings ect., an interesting read. When we started Scenic were not all inclusive and only butlers on the top deck, the next cruise we decided that we did not necessarily need a butler so booked deck 2 then realised we got a butler anyway so we made full use her she was axcellent. Mind you Scenic was all inclusive apart from beverages now you leave the ship without a bill that is if you don't get talked into buying a Steif Bear, I got my second one on that cruise, third one the next year but last year and this year no more as we cruised and are cruising France is sadly not famous for their bears. Do enjoy your research for and your cruise, make full use of your information gadgets they are so brilliant especially if you wonder off on your own or sit in the lounge or your cabin watching the world glide by.

    Happy cruising CA 🐻

    Would love to see the comparison. We just won the Vantage Mekong 15 day cruise!!!! I am an ocean liner pax for over 50 years and look forward to learning the ins/outs of river cruising before we take off for the fabulous trip. Could you send the comparison website perhaps with spaces in it???

    Thanks

    Do they still give a discount for using Carnival cups?

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    A few years ago, if you had purchased a Carnival fun cup, they would give you a discount on your next drinks if you took it back to have it refilled.

    Was wondering if they were still doing that? TIA

     

    I have a glass (think mason-looking "jar") with glass handle with Carnival's logo. Since it is not light and is breakable, I decided not to risk it-BUT always wondered if there was a discount on drinks I was missing...

    Magic VS Conquest

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    My 14 yo son and I were on the Magic in July. I thought it was great and loved the outside lanai all the way around the ship. I did miss the guys burgers and fish and chips, though.

     

    Here is my sons review: it was fine. Seriously, that is what he said. A man of many words. When pressed for details he said that compared to the other ship (Liberty-two times) he liked the fries for sure, burgers too, at guys. He also was really disappointed that there was no hot tub at the main pool-he like to watch the movies at night from the hot tubs. And lastly, he said the ropes course was overrated-way too easy. Don't forget, he's a teenager.:)

     

    So there it is.

     

    We are cruising on the Conquest over Thanksgiving so hubby can be with us this time. Surprise for son, we are not telling him until after we land in Florida and are headed to the pier. Hopefully we can keep the secret.

     

    ...your son's face when he learns of the cruise!!!

    Balcony smoking complaint = free cruise?

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    [quote name='MCFTJCH2V']I feel like I've visited the fake site, THE ONION today.

    I neither believe that anyone got a free cruise, nor anyone was kicked off for a perfectly legal activity. I also put no credence in a post that states a roommate broke 8 of 11 items, whatever that means, without anything supporting such a statement.[/quote]

    ...this is quoting an article published on the Cruisecritic website, which listed the 11 things to not do if you do not want to be removed from the ship, e.g., kicked off. Kind CC readers may view the article at the URL below: [URL]http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1554[/URL]. Hopefully, that will be a interesting read for most and remedy the gentleman's request for 'documentation' to be 'credible'.

    My traveling companion was not a friend, but a prospect that wanted to sail with me. Let me be clear, she pressed me on several occasions to allow her to sail with me. I had chosen the ship, its sail date and itinerary with the hope of a quiet week before returning to the pressure cooker of my job. The girl had issues that did not become clear until days before we sailed in Q4 2013 on a =>6 day itinerary. She was repeatedly warned by crew members to cease doing a number of things; distracting and irritating fellow passengers, drunk and disorderly, loud and I mean LOUD talking (read rantings), misrepresentation on her cruise documentation, etc. I cautioned her as well, but there was not change in her behaviour. In one port, there was a brief delay before the general "get off the ship" was allowed and only later did I learn, after a friend had lunch with the Captain, that she had been involuntarily removed from the vessel. At the proverbial end of the day, she simply failed to follow CCL crew' instructions and each culminated in her removal from the vessel.

    Out of this sad sounding story, did five wonderful friendships arise; the Security Officer that was so kind to me and four ladies from our dining room table which all have become friends. In fact, I will be sailing with one of the ladies on our third cruise together in a few days.

    The saddest part is that girl was informed by CCL that she will never be allowed on any CCL vessel and the cruise line included, "...into perpetuity..." on the letter provided to her. So even if she straightens up and sails right, it will never be on CCL, Costa, HAL, Princess, etc...

    I will always be thankful for the way the CCL Security teamed handled this situation and the kindness + consideration that was extended to me. IMHO CCL was extremely lenient in this situation and gave the girl every chance to behave correctly.

    Although the content of the letter provided the passenger when she was removed from the ship was only verbally shared with me, the gentleman who questions its veracity may continue to doubt its existence as I am unable to provide a photocopy thereof. My understanding from the CCL Security team is removal of a passenger is a rare matter and this measure only taken in the most extreme cases and always with attempts to work it out with the passenger. It is more common that a crew member is removed from an assigned vessel and ultimately the employment contract. That my CC gentle readers will be a story I share on another day. I have been sailing since the 1960s, and on average I sail four times per year (high stress job that pays for the cruises!) and I have >100 cruises under my belt; most of which are on non-CCL vessels; only 25 on CCL.

    To the rest of CC's gentle readers, I wish you blessed sailings with "red sky at night, sailors' delight".

    Marne, The Cruisin' Fool

    Any positive reviews of Bottomless Bubbles?

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted · Edited by marne001

    Ok, I'm from the south. Is the tea good southern sweet tea? The Bubba Mug is right up my alley [emoji6]

     

    Grew up in Texas and only drink fresh brewed tea (Lipton is my gold standard). I bring my insulated "Bubba" cup, use three Lipton or Bigelow English Teatime, if CCL has not stopped offering it since I last sailed in Q1 2015, to make fresh brewed tea in a CCL coffee cup. Next I fill my Bubba cup with ice. Wait for tea to steep and cool a bit, then over the ice the brew goes. Cap the cup with its lid and use a straw.

     

    Add sugar to the brew while it is steeping so the sugar an melt.

    Balcony smoking complaint = free cruise?

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    You don't think Carnival has a tracking system that follows cruisers in this day and age of computers? Why would they reward someone for being a constant "complainer". And you don't think people lie on these boards day in and day out just to get their daily jollies, or to yank someone's chain?

     

    If I believed everything written on these boards I think I'd be committed to the nearest looney bin by my concerned relatives.

     

    I allowed someone to sail with me, turns out we were more different than night and day. She broke 8 of the 11 items that will they say will get you kicked off. CCL bent over backwards, but she kept up. I was moved to another cabin. She was put off the ship in Coz and had to get a flight home, with her FOUR PIECES OF LUGGAGE for a 7 day trip. Guess, I was not around to help her schlep her luggage, haha. She was a very unhappy person before getting kicked off. CCL stated she is banned into perpetuity from sailing any CCL owned ship now and future vessels on all CCL lines. You betcha they track. CCL even checked me out, I am a Diamond so they could see my sailing record since before they kept records and nary a complaint.

     

    She was a hater and there is one in every crowd.

    Vanilla from port v Carnival's bottle rule

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    The rule applies to BEVERAGES only so you can bring back your vanilla. I can't wait to get some for myself.

     

    Yum!

     

    Cinco Soles is the only souvenir store I shop at in Coz. Just ask them at the register to wrap the vanilla. They use lots of newspaper and will "make" a box for you to get the precious vanilla home for you. I bake ALOT, too. Just do not care for the clear...it is not real vanilla...sorry...

    No Pop from Ports

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    Thanks for the information. I am addicted to Diet Coke and do not like it over ice so I will do that. We have a 21 day B2B which will let us each bring 24 cans of Coke. Maybe my husband will just have to drink the wine and ice tea. LOL

     

    When I have done a back to back cruise (B2B) the Purser's Office contacts me before the end of cruise #1 and asks how I want to handle customs. I always pass on the escorting back on and ahead of all the new cruisers to cruise #2. Then I go to the grocery store to buy more wine and soft drinks. I have my passport and "In transit" form to get back on the ship and as long as I stay within the measly allocated amount 24 cans of soda and 2 bottles of wine (there are two of us) we sail through the "security" aka bag screen/xray and voila back on ship with fresh liquid provisions.

    No Bottles allowed

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    It’s time to chat about water so please have a read of this would you:

    Often times, we find guests transporting alcohol onboard through unauthorized means resulting in unmonitored consumption of alcohol.

     

    Unfortunately, this has led to behavioral and safety related concerns. We have also found that bottled beverages are frequently used to transport alcohol and the screening measures needed to validate the contents delay the embarkation process for all guests. For these reasons, we find it necessary to modify our Liquor and Beverage policy, including restricting guests from bringing bottled beverages aboard our ships.

     

    To avoid any potential disappointment at the start of your cruise, please familiarize yourselves with our new Liquor and Beverage Policy below, which will be strictly enforced.

    • Guests are prohibited from bringing water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages onboard that are packaged in bottles.

    • A small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, juice, and milk) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought onboard on embarkation day only in guests’ carry-on luggage. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person.

    • Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board with the following exception:

    o At the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day only, guests (21 years of age and older) may bring one 750 ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage.

    o A $15 corkage fee (a charge exacted at a restaurant for every bottle of wine served that was not bought on the premises), per 750 ml bottle, will be charged should guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in the main dining room, steakhouse or bar.

    • All liquor, beer, other forms of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages outside of the exceptions referenced above are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage and such items will be confiscated and discarded and no compensation will be provided.

    • All alcohol purchased in ports of call or in the Fun Shops will be returned on the morning of debarkation.

    • Guests are prohibited from bringing large coolers onboard since screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security process. However small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12”H x 12”L x 12”W for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage.

     

    We know some of our guests are accustomed to bringing on their own supply of bottled water so as part of this new policy we have significantly reduced the pricing for spring bottled water which will be conveniently delivered directly to your stateroom. Pricing is as follows:

    o $2.99 (plus tax) for a 12-pack of 500 ML of bottled water for pre-cruise purchase. Please visit http://www.carnival.com/funshops to place your order before your cruise to ensure we have an ample supply onboard.

    o $4.99 (plus gratuities) for a 12-pack of 500 ML of bottled water for purchase onboard.

     

    We sincerely apologize for any disappointment these changes may cause however, we firmly believe this will result in a safer environment while also improving the embarkation process and the overall guest experience.

    So there you go, please as always add your thoughts below and the first person to use the ‪#‎watergate‬ wins a photo of me mostly naked with a Evian bottle covering my dangly bits

    cheers

     

    Hmmm, I drink 16.9 oz Fever-Tree Indian tonic in glass bottles, not available in cans, at least not where I live. I do not smuggle, just prefer the clean taste of this yum-o tonic. In the age of concentrated iced tea, syrupy coffee, and way too much sugar in most beverage, I cannot have my stinkin' tonic???

    Boo! Glad I have my water purifier and will drink my cabin-made filtered water. Good to know about the reduced water prices...it is the least CCL can do.

     

    Now if they could only fix the problem with two stockholders in one cabin and NOT SHARING THE STOCKHOLDER OBC???? I have been robbed on this one....

     

    Sheesh, I am going on my fourth cruise, if this is all I have to complain about, it is a good day.

     

    Happy sailing, ya'll.

    Avoid Houston....

    in Gulf Coast Departures

    Posted

    That sounds like a good plan to me! I thoroughly enjoyed my cruise from Galveston 2 years ago, and hope to enjoy the one I have coming up in a few weeks just as much.

     

    Really appreciate the non-stop UA flight to Houston from Vancouver!

     

    Love Texas :)

     

    Dear Snowcat,

     

    I love Vancouver!!! Glad you had nice things to say about Texas cruise offerings.

     

    Years ago I decided to only be positive and follow the Golden Rule.

     

    Have a blessed day!

    Galveston wine purchase

    in Gulf Coast Departures

    Posted

    Someone else will have to speak to where to buy the wine, but you can't purchase wine in Texas until after noon on Sunday.

     

    Wine can be purchased after 12pm on Sundays, where allowed, and all liquor stores are closed on Sundays. There is a D'Vine store on the Strand, walking distance from the pier, where they hae a limited selection.

     

    Best bet was Tillie's above, buy your wine before Sunday.

    Do you need to have a printed boarding pass

    in Princess Cruises

    Posted

    Do you want to sail through check in? Then have your boarding pass and passport (open to photo page and out of its holder, if you use one) when you enter the terminal. I got another step and carry my previous cruise card. Why? I look very young and am about to take my 50th cruise. Due to the number of trips I have taken with PCL, my documents are in the VIP check in area; however, staff always wants to direct me to the looooong lines. I just flash my black (Elite) card and they stop + direct me to the VIP check in.

     

     

    Sent from my iPad using Forums

    Marne The Crusin' Fool

    Docks in Cozumel

    in Cozumel

    Posted

    looking for cab driver Miquel cab #365 or was is 325 (sheesh) anyone know how to reach him? He only has a cell and not an email. He was extreeeemly reasonable.

     

     

    Sent from my iPad using Forums

    Marne The Crusin' Fool

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