karma459

You can always call room service to have ice delivered as many times as you need. When you get it from RS, you get a LARGE plastic bucket. From your stateroom attendant, you get the small silver bucket filled. 

I also always bring a soft-sided cooler to put the room service bucket into - helps keep the ice just a touch longer, IMO. 

7 minutes ago, ray98 said:

My bet is they are updating to the new prices that go live at midnight.  That is why I did not wait until the last minute to grab our stuff for next week.

 

 

I work for a software company and that's not how updates work, FYI. 

i have been trying throughout the week, but got OTHER error messages. Glad you were successful - good for you.

Is anyone else currently having issues making funshop purchases? I tried adding Cheers earlier this week, and got the "Something went wrong" message. 

So, Im trying again now (before the increase tomorrow) and I'm getting the error: Maximum number of purchases reached for the day

I don't have any other alcohol or drink purchases on this reservation. i do have some food items, steakhouse reservations, shore excursions,  but again - no alcohol.

Of course Carnival is closed.

This is really crummy that because of their website issue, I'll have to pay additional.  I did take a screenshot of the error. 

Just had the same issue trying to purchase Shore Excursions... will just try again later/tomorrow.

I've added the guest names at the same time I did check in - and I didn't check in the first day it was available. So, definitely past final payment and at/before check in. 

We need a new GoPro, and I’d like to know if anyone remembers the onboard price of the Hero10? Trying to decide if there’s any value to purchasing once onboard vs. buying at home. I know onboard there is no tax, but if the base price is higher, then it doesn’t make much of a difference. 

TIA!

We are on the Celebrity Edge 4/3 and have booked the ship-sponsored excursion: Virgin Gorda Baths & Snorkel.. the description includes:  

“Our snorkel guides will provide all equipment and lead you on a 300-yard swim and snorkel through open water to the lovely secluded beach” . We will of course have to swim back to the boat once we are done, as well. 

We are 48/54 and fairly active/fit… (hike, jog, exercise routinely) and can both easily swim and have snorkeled often in the past without issues. But 300 yards seems… far…. And I don’t know how the currents are in that spot, which can make all the difference, of course.

However, I’m second guessing myself that this will be *too difficult/tiring* for us….I don’t want to be exhausted when it’s over and “lose” the rest of the day!  

Does anyone have experience on this or a similar experience where you visit the Baths NOT from land side, but instead from a swim-up position? 

We typically don’t book ship excursions, but like many, have a bunch of OBC we need to use, and this was the only remotely interesting excursion for that day for us. 

My upcoming cruise is about $300 less.. it’s past the point of final payment. Will they reprice or give OBC or am I out of luck? 

Hello all

As a semi-reformed coffee obsessed person, I've switched to tea in the morning and before bed. I'll have 1-2 in the AM (generally ginger/lemon or Earl Gray) and 1-2 in the PM before bed (chamomile). I save the coffee for my martini's now. 🙂 

Does Celebrity offer any type of kettle/tea in-room set up on NON-UK sailings? Also, if there are kettles, are they temp. select type or do they only go to full-boil (which isn't great for teas)?

I know I can order from room service, but I'd prefer to just be able to pour a cup at-will instead of scheduling a time/waiting for delivery or having to run up to the buffet area for hot water.

Hoping someone with recent experience on Edge can chime in! 

I doubt it matters, but we are in a Concierge IV for what it's worth. 

Thanks!

5 hours ago, tugboat said:

 

Port Everglades is Federal Property (and I think part of a military base) and therefore *most* everyone will need a TWIC card to enter OR they will need to show DL, waybill (Uber app ride confirmation) and can/will be subject to search of vehicle. They also can not have a firearm on the property (if they have one in their car). 

I wouldn't rideshare, but I think a Taxi would have the necessary requirements. Uber would "offer" them to drivers because there are drivers who wouldn't have an issue meeting the requirements. Drivers who don't, should decline the ride. 

4 hours ago, josh1324342 said:

Princess Medallion and their internet.  Princess uses a different satellite technology with much higher bandwidth and lower latency.  Hopefully someday soon, all the cruise lines can switch to Starlink and I can work remotely while enjoying a cruise.

i would LOVE this!!!

(FT WFH for 10+ years now... and YES I would 100% love to have a view of the ocean from my balcony while on calls vs. my backyard! 😄 )

I just repriced my 4/3 trip on Edge and it's $61 dollars MORE with the new promo. 

One interesting thing though.. the upgrade packages have decreased: 

Elevate was $30pp/night is now $5 pp/night

Indulge was $60pp/night is now $35pp/night

Wonder if I can upgrade my current booking with these new package prices? off to check...

HI All,

On Edge in April. We have “Select Anytime” dining, and I went in to reserve the included restaurants today and EVERYTHING available is after 8:00pm all week. We do not want to eat that late, otherwise we would’ve chosen late seating. 

Do I just keep checking back? 

Do I go to the Concierge (we are in a Concierge Veranda) and ask him/her to help up move them earlier? 

Do we go to the Matre’d at boarding for each of the venues (seems like a massive waste of time)

Do we just deal with eating at a time that is very late (for us)?

Any recent experiences or suggestions would be much appreciated! 

Thanks!

8 hours ago, jagoffee said:

That seems logical and I have always wondered.  I have always suspected they consider your current category when deciding which bid to accept.  (Considering what they can get for your vacated cabin).

Are you sure about your statement?  I would think that having different bid ranges depending on your cabin category or what you paid would be difficult to manage.  (A lot of work)

 

Thanks

Yes and No re: "a lot of work". They aren't doing this manually or via a spreadsheet... I work in software, and one of our products is procurement software. This is configured very much like a typical procurement auction. They will determine the items to be bid on (cabin type, count of each, etc), set bid mins based on either the true lowest acceptable value or the current lowest bid value, and then each of the "bids' will be weighted by factors for current cabin type/payment/discounts (likely a net value), possibly also things like loyalty rank as well.. then they will likely just run a scenario in the software which will go down the list with the highest to lowest ranking bids and award against the open "inventory" of cabins. I assume they do it in multiple "rounds".. adjusting inventory based on new bookings, allowing people to move up and then reviewing new bids in lower categories, etc until they are finished.This can all be done with a few clicks and results output for viewing/confirmation. It very common and quite simple, in reality. 🙂

This is terrible, and I'm sorry. 

I completely understand not wanting to fly away from the minor children you are responsible for. What if there is a delay or cancellation? What if there is an issue in the air and they are re-routed? There is too much unpredictability at this point for me to want to air travel without my full party on the same flight. Regardless of age. It has nothing to do with the kids' potential behavior - that's not the issue, IMO. Air travel is just not reliable enough at this point (and I am a frequent flyer for business). 

if this were me, I would: 

1. Cancel airfare and rebook directly

2. See if you can change you cruise reservation to include your husband/daughter in 1 cabin and yourself and the two friends in a second. Then choose adjoining/adjacent cabins. Leave the final sleeping locations to your own discretion. Get extra keys. it will be fine.

if not 1 & 2, then: 

3. Look into cancelling everything/rebooking with a GOOD TA (one you get personal references for) and let THEM earn the commission by dealing with hold times, background noises, managing changes to suit your needs. 

I hope it all works out for you! 

On 2/11/2022 at 2:21 PM, sanger727 said:

In this day and age I’m not sure that is an accurate assumption either….

That is correct. 

Right now "gender" of Male or Female is a TSA requirement (as per BC or Passport documents being used). Title is a Cruise Line descriptor. It's entirely possible to have 'Male' as gender and title as Miss, Ms. or Mrs as the preferred descriptor. 

Sounds like a simple code change in the database is in order (I'm in software).

H All, 

I usually bring a small cooler bag for in-room ice, but saw this in the online pre-cruise purchase store and wonder if anyone has purchased this and can give me some feel for the size? 

Is it tiny (like could hold 6 cans with little room to spare), Medium (maybe hold 6-10 cans with room all around or Large (go ahead and throw a party with a 12 pack!)? 

3 hours ago, Darlee50 said:

No, you only get that limit if you bought the cheers package. If you buying the drinks without it then you can drink as much as you can as long as you can afford it. 

 This is incorrect. All passengers are limited to 15 drinks per day whether Cheers, DOU, or guest paid. 

I'm so sorry to drag this thread back up, but I thought (hoped) it would be better than starting what would likely be "yet another"... what exactly happens when I cancel thread... 🙂

I've tried calling Carnival for the past two days, but just get the "we have too many calls and can't get to you in a reasonable time, please try again later" message. I've read the entire Travel Insurance policy document. I've searched these threads... so much conflicting info... so, any help from any recent cancellations would be so awesome, and I'd be grateful!!!!

I booked directly on CCL and paid in full at time of booking.

I purchased Vacation Protection from Carnival- which includes CFAR

I am 65 days from departure (as of today). 

Per my booking details, I will have a $200 Cruise Cancellation penalty. 

So, I *assume* I can (file a claim with AON?) for 75% of the penalty amount (or $150). 

I clicked the "Cancel this booking" button on CCL to cancel.

I haven't gotten email confirmation, but it has disappeared from my list of cruises in my planner.

I've never worked with a PVP,  because I've never needed one in all my cruises... until now... sigh...

I want to rebook a different cruise (currently have it "on hold").. looking at March 2022, so will likely be in the 'pay in full' window when I try to book.

Questions: 

1. Will the Cruise Fare portion of my total cost auto-magically become a FCC, which I could find... somewhere??? any hints on where?

2. Will the Taxes, Port Fees and Prepaid Gratuities be refunded to payment method or bundle along with the Cruise Fare FCC?

3. I *assume* I"ve just lost the cost of the Carnival Vacation Protection... correct?

4. I will need to go to the AON site and "file a claim" for the $200 cancellation penalty, and at some point, somewhere out there, that will also auto-magically become a FCC that I'll be able to locate?

Ideally, I'd love to get an email or something saying: here is your FCC from your cancelled booking which I could then use to apply to another cruise quickly, and it would be great if it were as much of the above items as possible (fare, taxes/fees, etc). but I have no idea what is FCC vs. refund or how long that process takes (I've never cancelled before)... any insight to turn around time?

I don't want to go ahead and pay cash for another cruise and then have it all become FCC in the next few days, or alternately, wait for a FCC and have most of it convert to refund on payment method.... 

can anyone help a girl out, pretty please?

1 hour ago, Moviela said:

...... stand in a line, rockets to sockets......

That's it! I'm dead... nothing else on the internet worth reading tonight!!!!! 

😄 😄 😄 😄 

I'm not telling anyone other than my close family (kids, sister, etc).. partially due to the BIG THING.. but  as mentioned this form of travel is just about as "safe" as any form of travel can be! I'm certainly more "at risk" in my Uber to the airport, on the airplane, walking through the airport to the uber, getting groceries, etc.. and I have 4 kids - 2 still in school-  so yeah... good luck trying to keep a "contaminant free" home to begin with.. kids catch and spread everything with gusto and nar a worry! 😉 

I'm also keeping it quiet because I"m a Southern woman going on her first SOLO Cruise.. and have mercy the chaos and concern and horror stories I would hear between now and then would be exhausting! 

Doesn't matter that I've been on 17 cruises before, and nevermind the fact that I travel internationally in the "before times" for business regularly (surprise! alone!) and that I've taken other land based vacations alone... somehow, somepeople will deeply believe I'm guaranteeing my own demise if I get on a boat full of vaccinated people, with a large security team and cameras everywhere... the horror! 

Just call me a rebel with a mask and no one to share the cabin with! 

Tipping is highly subjective, and is (or should be) truly at your discretion.

On land, I'm generally a 20% tipper.... why? because it's easy to do the math, and I like my life to be easy. On Cruises, I prepay tips and I get cheers and therefore, I feel like the "easy" part of tipping is covered. I'm meeting expectations. 

So, if I receive service that "meets expectations" I call it even and generally don't tip extra. I think that's a fair deal. 

If I received exceptional service, or memorable service, or something that just stands out to me- then I generally tip in cash at that time. 

If I"m having a GREAT time, well then I tend to tip a little more than normal, becuase - gosh- aren't we all just having a great time?? oh look! another drink!! 😄

I don't tip to try to IMPROVE poor or expected service. I tip to recognize service ABOVE the expected. 

But still, "expected" is subjective, so there is no "right" answer. 

Now, if I ASK for something unique or outside the "norm", you bet I'm going to tip in gratitude for that service (i.e. room service delivery, fresh ice daily, extra towels, pillows, blankets, etc. brought to me).

What/When/How you tip above & beyond standard gratuities is really no one elses business, and it should feel good to you. It should feel fair. 

Unless you are someone who removes pre-paid gratuities and then tips nothing or tips nothing while enjoying DOU, then - well - I hope you get a painful bug bite on your arse during your next cruise, because that feels fair to me!! lolol! 

7 hours ago, Elaine5715 said:

There are two stewards assigned to your stateroom and only the senior steward gets cards.  You saw the assistant steward and you can be sure they share all tips.  The best stewards are the ninjas who you only see their results.

yes!!!  I remember noticing this early in a cruise once, and then made a point to LOOK for him again the subsequent days and NEVER could spot him (didn't "need" anything, it was just a little game we were playing).

But we *always* had fresh ice (because we asked for it to be filled daily, on Day 1, and gave a little tip as a "thank you"), our room was immaculate when we came back from a port call, and our particular "ninja" had a love of towel animals!  It was like he somehow "knew" when we were/were not in the cabin - and we kept "odd" hours; up early and back for morning naps or out crazy late and sleeping in, or skipping a port and coming/going throughout the day..... That steward was ON HIS GAME, I tell ya!

We would joke around that he must be flying around the corridors like Spiderman working his magic! 😄 

17 minutes ago, d-train said:

 

Exactly this - but this makes your company liable for the information in that information system, which is why you have that training. That info is still there, whether you have access to it or not in the info system is irrelevant - it is still there, all connected, right?

 

No- that's my point.. there is zero patient information in our software. We simply house the Business Contract between the Provider (doctors, hospitals, etc) and the insurance company, i.e: how they are going to do business with each other - their Master Agreement. It's a couple hundred pages long of "legalese" terms and conditions of doing business together.

So, I could get a list of all the doctors, hospitals, groups, pharmacies, etc. that are contracted to work with the insurer, but there is absolutely zero reference anywhere down to the patient or patient activity level...if I was smart and diabolical, I could get that information on publicly available websites as well (i.e. "find a provider" on any insurance website). Why is it protected? Heck if I know, but it is.

Point being - HIPPA covers all third parties, direct and indirect,  even if they do not have an access point or holding of patient information. It's a crazy, messy government infused set of rules, regulations and laws which makes it easier for organizations to just err on the side of caution and not share ANYTHING, even if it seems "harmless". 

To expand a bit on what @Jelly_Toast said... go to the "Cruise Balance Details", scroll to the bottom, click the "view cancellation policies" link and then a "cancel this booking" link will appear. 

It's pretty far buried in there, but just keep scrolling down and you'll find it! 😄