pianoplayerla

Thank you!!!

Flagmom,  Did you find a way to visit a banana plantation in Costa Rica??  We are going in January and would love to do this, if it is possible.   Thanks!!!

And if by some chance they miss it, call Carnival or when you board take your gold key card to guest services and they will fix it for you. 

49 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

 

If what I have been hearing is correct, perks associated with the current Platinum level are going to be decreased, not increased. 

That doesn't surprise me, but we can always "hope", I guess. 

We started cruising in 2006 with another cruise line. Did 2 Alaska cruises then didn't cruise again till 2012, but have not looked back. We made Platinum 2018. There were a LOT of 5 day cruises in there, but that has allowed us to cruise a lot more. We enjoy the total ship experience as much (or more) as the ports, especially when we sail a lot of repeat ports. Probably did spend more money when we first started cruising. Today we can cruise for 7 days or longer with a zero dollar balance due. I agree, it would be nice to have some extra perks once you reach Platinum...other than priority boarding and gift. A heavily discounted cruise a year would be wonderful. 

Back to happy thoughts for October, December & January. 

Happy cruising to all!!!

It is pretty much "hit and miss" how soon you can get your luggage. We have had all of ours as early as 1:30-2:00; we have had part of it delivered early and not received the rest until after dinner. If I was making steak house reservations for embarkation night, I would pack a carry on with a change of clothes and what I would need for that night. (That's my two cents. 😉)

2 hours ago, silvercrikhix said:

Another vote for whichever one I’m on. 

They are all so awesome in their own way. 

I’ve yet to meet a cruise ship I didn’t like...lol 

Ditto. But, if I had to name one, Dream. 

We have been wait listed more times than not, actually. Usually, we get an email from Carnival within a few weeks of sailing confirming we have been assigned YTD. We never contact anyone in advance. I can only remember a couple of times we didn't hear from them and we just talked to the maitre'd after we got aboard and he took care of it. And, we always request a "private" table for 2. Still may be close enough to hear everyone's conversation, but you're not at the same table. 

Enjoy your cruise!!

We have never had a problem using OBC to pay for gratuities. 

Enjoy your cruise and your "credit"!!! 😎

sc4125,

    First, I really hope all goes well for your sister and you are both able to enjoy the cruise. About 4 years ago my DH and I had to cancel a cruise because my Mom had a stroke. We had insurance through Carnival. I called my PVP at Carnival and she told me exactly what I needed to do to cancel. We were refunded everything except the cost of the insurance. We never said without it. 

4 hours ago, melsmom303 said:

lol as far as jon herald it was just one of my vifp offers.  i have been on the valor back in 2009 would not mind going on her again but flights to new orleans are a little pricy i really really wanna go on the carnival dream i would get 500 onboard credit for that one too but have not heard good things about cruising out of gavelston

Melsmom, 

We just sailed on the Dream in May  for the 6th time (I believe). We did not have any problems. It was our 2nd time to sail from Galveston and are leaving from there again in January. Seems to be much more organized than New Orleans, in our opinion.  Whatever you decide, it is still a cruise, kind of hard to mess that up. 😎

11 minutes ago, ksflann said:

So silly question do you need to bring marriage license because my birth certificate has my maiden name. 

Yes. Better safe, than sorry. 

Soft serve ice cream...vanilla, chocolate and swirl. 

Frozen yogurt... strawberry and chocolate. 

They may at times switch these choices, but I have never seen it. 

Enjoy your cruise and your ice cream!!! Hard to walk by that machine and not have a cone or two. 😎

When we cruise, it is usually Caribbean and hot. I wear "flip flops" every day and night. What I wear to dinner do have a little 'bling' and I have never had a problem. 

Enjoy your cruise!!!

We are Platinum...on the Vista in January we met in the dining room and everything was pretty organized. They did the "luggage train" but every body followed instructions and it flowed pretty smooth. There were at least 3 Carnival crew giving directions. 

On the Dream in May, was a totally different experience! We were in the dining room again, but it was total chaos. There were signs for P & D on one side and FTTF on the other side. The crew member in charge told the FTTF to "go on around" and they did. There was only one crew member and no way he could control that many people. Some of them ended up all the way to the front of the line!! 😳 It was very chaotic for that early in the morning!!!!

13 minutes ago, bish 1 said:

I am turning Platinum (if nothing changes to their VIFP perks) my next cruise .  Would I still need to purchase FTTF or would I board with Platinum guests? I am looking forward to the early boarding and priority disembarking.  Strawberries are pretty awesome too.  

You should be Platinum at embarkation. Also, it should be on your documents prior to sailing (it was that way for us when we became Platinum).

We used Falstaff Parking in January and liked them. In May we used "Indoor Cruise Parking", but were actually outside. Not what we wanted exactly, but worked out well.

Just placed an order for bottled water for our cabin on upcoming cruise. There is an .81 delivery charge, no taxes. I'm ok with that. $50 delivery charge?!?!?!? That's highway robbery!!!!! 

The Serenity deck; around the AFT pool area; and the tables on Deck 11right above the pool deck.  Really, just about anywhere outside, but these are my favorites. 

Tracey when I have used the VISA Gift Card, it had an expiration date on the card; I just used that one. 

Thank you all for your input. Makes perfect sense to me. 😊

I've searched and do see an answer for this, so here goes. 

My DH has suddenly wanted to know "why" they always ask for your cabin number when you check in for dinner and if you go to the dining room for breakfast/brunch. 

I told him it is probably to be sure you are at the correct dining room, etc. 

Anyone have any other answers for his inquisitive mind?  It doesn't matter to me why they ask. Just trying to find out for him. 

On 6/12/2018 at 9:14 AM, ABQrobin said:

Friday, May 18th.... Sea Day

 

Last day onboard has come...boo. Our usual routine, DH to the gym, then back to shower and change for breakfast on the Lido. We got up there at 7:30am and went to Blue Iguana for breakfast burritos. Yummmm. We also got arrrepas on the side, just love those.

 

 

As usual on the last sea day, T-shirt sail, held by the Main pool.

 

 

And of course, the pool was popular all day long. It was actually sunny!

 

 

Aft pool was a little less insane...

 

 

We did our usual routine...walk, stop for sodas, walk, sit and crowd watch, walk... LOL Yes, we are boring.

 

...

I didn't know that was boring!!!  🙂  Guess we are, too!!!!  Love your review!!!  

Thank you both for your reply. We are planning our trip for January 2020, so trying to get ideas for things to do. 

On 3/25/2019 at 10:57 PM, ajpmom said:

We decided to do the partial transit this time. It fit better with our schedule. Next time we will do the full transit. Thank you for all the information and GREAT pictures. 

We are first time Canal cruisers, too... January 2020. Doing a partial out of Galveston. Have LOTS of research in my future. Enjoy your cruise!!