StephPS79

While I'm amazed this tired debate is still going on, I'm still not certain what the argument is.  If the casino perks (i.e. comp room) are the separate loyalty program, yet alone inflating prices for the average, hard-working consumer - how would removing comp bookings from the Carnival loyalty program and eliminating "free days" being counted towards loyalty solve the problem?

I think most people booking casino comp rooms would continue to book casino comp rooms without the free laundry perk.

13 hours ago, Linsuesue said:

Perhaps this discussion ties in a bit to the feeling that Carnival doesn’t appreciate their loyal cruisers as much. There is an extent to how many times you are going to see Getaway Island, Heart of Soul, Color My World, Dear Future Husband, 80’s Pop to the Max, 88 Keys, Epic Rock… Frequent cruisers have been there an done that and those productions might be left in place for the Blues, Reds, and Golds. If we are not attending those shows, we will be at the casino, perhaps a leisurlely specialty meal, or focusing more on the other musical/comedic entertainment on the ship. On a behind the scene tour, a Playlist Production entertainer told us it costs 1 million to put on a new production. That sure must limit how man new shows will be coming. For us, it feels like the gap is closing between Carnival being the most cost effective cruise—compared to other cruise lines. 

I'm confused at the direction of point here.  In one statement, you say the loyal cruiser is tired of the same ol' same ol', and you can only see a show so many times.  But the potential changes being discussed are offering, in simplistic terms, a new show every night.  Wouldn't that help with the humdrum?  I mean, I've seen Love and Marriage a number of times, but every one has been different.

If the expectation is frequent different Playlist Production shows, that doesn't change on most cruise lines in Carnival's competition.  Some are different by ship, but repeated.  Oasis of the Seas has been performing Cats every cruise since it started sailing, and will continue to do so.

4 hours ago, FlaMariner said:

We cruise in 22 days.....just looked online and the Cheers drink package is $70.74 per person per day.

 

Our cruise is 25 days.

 

So the tab for us having the "drink package" would be $3,537.

My cruise fare (balcony) is $2,333.

 

What do I not understand?  Is this for real?  Cheaper onboard?  Do peeps buy this?

 

(Time to investiagte the wine bottle packages) 

I mean…do you plan on drinking everyday for 25 days straight?  If not, then it might be better to just pay as you go.  
 

And if you do, more power to you!  But you gotta pay the price.  More days = more booze consumed = higher price.

2 hours ago, aborgman said:

 

You think giving false reasons instead of the true reasons for banning CBD enhances the cruise experience?

 

I can totally get how banning CBD could enhance the cruise experience, but I don't get why lying about why would.

 

I can see how saying "some" would then require they document which, which can be changed as time goes on, and require constant monitoring and updating, leaving room for error.  While "ALL" might not be exact, it's less maintenance, while causing no real harm, other than ruffling the feathers of technical experts.

1 minute ago, Macklovin38 said:

Just got an email regarding an Ultra Cruise offer. 
is this something exciting? What’s the “big deal” about an ultra cruise offer? 
thanks!! 
 

The email generally gives a list of the perks, but you can read more:

https://www.carnival.com/casino/carnival-players-club/cruises

Personally, I have far better offers than the one I received today for the Ultra Offer, even with the perks.  

52 minutes ago, kbh2 said:

I cannot stand to look at the menu on my phone and on our last cruise I asked for a menu every time, they did not like having to go get one. It should be preference and offered if asked for one without hassle. 

Did they tell you they did not like having to go get one, or was this your assumption?  What was the hassle you had to go through to get it, above and beyond asking for the menu?

Servers are human, and things happen.  You can decide how to react.  Have we ever requested something in the MDR and not received it?  Of course.  Can it be frustrating?  Absolutely!  But the same thing happens occasionally at our favorite restaurant with our very favorite waiter.

In those instances, we either decide if we want to remind the server and ask again, or just move on.  There is nothing wrong with either.  In both case, we understand things happen, regardless of the venue.

20 minutes ago, ontheweb said:

👍, it is not pampering, but you know what, you actually should be pampered on a cruise, That once was the norm.

The norm used to be cruises were reserved for the wealthy.  As cruising becomes more accessible, the norms change.

1 hour ago, wdo1959 said:

Website is not working at this time. Thanks!

There was a change in ownership following a pretty intense divorce between the Mr. and Mrs.  Make sure you are using the new website: https://www.littlefrenchkeyresort.com/

This appears to be working fine.

The Excel Havana area seems to be a difference experience than the Vista class, so if that is what you enjoyed, it might be worth looking at reviews of Excel class to see if it offers the things you enjoyed before booking.

1 hour ago, ledges1 said:

A simple search of the internet does seem to indicate that heat can increase aggression and violent crimes. Too many supporting research articles to quote on this site. Add 15 cold beers in the Caribbean and a fight might breakout.

This has been studied extensively.  Yes, heat makes people irritable.

2 hours ago, 1025cruise said:

John Heald just posted that the debate won't be shown in any public spaces. 

I think this is for the best.

On 9/1/2024 at 9:02 PM, kangforpres said:

Carnival Country is the South Eastern US, Not saying that is why the reports of violence on Cruise ships seems to disportionately in Carnival ships. Well Maybe I am. 

So what actually are you saying?

Unfortunately, the unruly kids are not specific to Carnival.  I was on a different cruise line and experience the same problem.  Large groups of kids, and even late teens, congregated on steps and blocking people, hootin' and hollerin' well past a reasonable hour, not far from passenger cabins.  I thought to myself I'd be so annoyed if my cabin were on that deck.

There were several groups playing games in the elevators.  Some kid just camped out on the floor, riding them up and down.  When I finally got in the elevator, the door almost closed and then opened about 4 times, as they kept pressing the button for whatever game they were playing.  I'm not the one to say something, but I did give a few angry looks.  One kid had enough sense to say "Sorry, sorry" after about the 4 time.

Also lots of running and screaming through hallways.

I guess I've been lucky enough to not experience fighting on any cruise line, so I won't comment on that, but my first-hand experience regarding misbehaved kids isn't specific to any cruise line, and seems to be a general problem with society.  I do remember thinking though that specific cruise on another family-friendly line was probably the worst I'd experienced when it came to kids I could do without.

Are you trying to redeem as statement credits under "Pay with FunPoints"?  My last two Carnival transactions show up there as redeemable.

I'm currently on a desktop, didn't check the app.

There should be no problem with cans.  As mentioned above, it is merely soda.

43 minutes ago, UPNYGuy said:

Agree about the CD letting this get too far, and alcohol should never have been served if age was a factor.

The only indication the person was underage is people saying "she looked young."

In reality, she was most-likely age appropriate.  I'm not stating an opinion of this supposed incident, but this shouldn't be a factor, unless her age was confirmed.

36 minutes ago, UPNYGuy said:

You can consider it to be you like, I just consider entertainment like that to be tactless, and is why I have never went to any of the quest shows on Carnival or Royal Caribbean. 

Exactly, because you were given the choice to go or not to go.

My comment referred to you having obviously judgmental interpretation of Virgin Voyages.  There are some adult themes (and no kids).  Adult themed ≠ promiscuous.  

52 minutes ago, UPNYGuy said:

Sounds like some of you should try virgin cruises (or as I call them, the promiscuous cruises), where blow up dolls adorn the pool deck, and the entertainers toss condoms out. I’m glad Carnival is trying to move upmarket. I only hope they continue to do so. Not a prude, but a girl whose age was called into question openly stimulating herself (as implied by a statement in here) is HIGHLY inappropriate. I don’t need to state the legal reasons why. 

No offense, but your judgment regarding Virgin Voyages might be a little prudish...

12 hours ago, shof515 said:

why is solo person paying double cruise fees and expenses? 

Single supplement fee.  Several cruise lines charge this, since you taking a double occupancy room, with only a single person.  Thus, the cruise line misses out on charging the second occupant that fee, so the single person pays it.  It's really pretty common.

30 minutes ago, JGB said:

When I booked my cruise I included gratuity for 2

final payment is due at this time I have payed for the entire cruise plus gratuity for one. 
My question is this if I don’t pay for the 2nd gratuity by the final payment due date will my cruise be cancelled?

If it shows as an outstanding balance, then yes, I believe it is subject to cancellation.  If you aren't able to remove it online so there is no balance due, I would call Carnival to see if they can help.

1 hour ago, nwcruiselover said:

I have done this once, through my PVP.  When I booked the cruise, he emphasized that I need to remove the TBD prior to final payment if that person isn’t sailing.

Yes, the second passenger can be removed, and yes, it should be done before final payment.  You cannot do this online, you will need to call your PVP or customer service.

33 minutes ago, DeniseTr said:

Single supplement isn't the issue. It's the lying claiming that the fee is for port fees (taxes), when in reality it's not. 

Princess charges significantly less to solos than carnival, although it's still a lot higher than per person for pair.

This isn't the case at all.  There are two line items, in addition to "Cruise Fare" there is a line item for "Required Cruise Fees and Expenses" and one for "Government Taxes and Fees."  There is even an info button that tells you what these fees are.  The only thing claimed as taxes is "Government Taxes and Fees" and that is the same amount per person, regardless of how many people are booked.  "Required Cruise Fees and Expenses" are part of the fare, and have nothing to do with port fees.

If you really want to move up in category, from say interior to oceanview to balcony to suite, etc...call and ask for the price.  If there are rooms available, they will be more than happy to accomodate, but you'll pay for it.  If you are looking to be upgraded for free, that's a very slim (I'd say non-existent) chance.

I don't think Carnival is the only line to charge a single supplement fee.  It's definitely more highlighted now with the new pricing breakdown, which was the intent of the law.  As it was mentioned, these fees can no longer "hide" inside of other fees.

Instead of picking apart fees, it might make more sense to look at the total dollar spent, and then decide what is a value to you.

I'm certainly not going to change my plans because I might be charged $80 dollars instead of $40 when my overall price is $500 vs. $1000 with another cruise line.