cacruisin

I'd search out a seasoned cruiser active on cruise critics who sails the same itinerary as close to your cruise as possible (prior) and ask them to forward. It would be no guarantee of the exact same but as close and "best guess" as you'll get. Maybe see who's active on the roll calls of prior sailings.

It's just a way to make more money and get people to pay for chefs table again who have already done it before assuming it will be different. I assume it will include higher end wine and maybe some higher end food items as well.

I always assumed they utilized the smaller ships in Europe and Alaska etc due to size of the docking bays and maneuverability of the waterways in the specific areas. Just like how they all drive tiny cars in Europe because the streets won't allow for huge SUV's (in addition to petrol reasons). But that's based on nothing beyond my own logic lol

Mine is similar to many of the others but needs to include... NOT go to work NOT clean my house NOT do laundry NOT cook NOT make my bed NOT run errands

What makes Carnival special to me is more the "who" that we travel with. I have a teenage son who doesn't like to hang out with his mom too often nor has much in common with (turns out I don't play tackle football, ride an electric bike or obsess over teenage girls) so once a year (every Spring Break) a group of single mom's cruise with our teenage sons....so cruising gives us something to chat about, look forward to, enjoy together and make great core memories. Now why specifically Carnival over other lines is the FUN, I have sailed other lines during Spring Break and the boats were boring by 9pm. Of course that can be situational, but myself and my teen just seem to have more fun on Carnival. Lastly, the on-board credit we get for being return passengers usually pays for my Cheers, my sons Bubbles and his WIFI, so that helps too.

I'm just about solving my own problems, if I don't like something I don't expect others to change to my likings, I find something that works for me. I guess I just hold realistic expectations of people and people completely changing their ways doesn't seem realistic to me. I can only control my own actions not that of strangers.

For those so adamantly opposed to sailing with children, look into Virgin cruises.... ZERO children allowed.

Yes they offer a selection of fresh squeezed juice for a fee.

I too suggest mandating them to go the first night, on the first night none of the kids know anyone and that's when they form their little "groups". Go visit their clubs then you get on ship, to check them out and get an idea of their activities etc. For the 11 year old (I think) you will need to decide if you will give them "sign out" privileges so they can come and go as they please or only with an adult etc. I believe the 14 year old will be able to come and go (if I remember correctly).

I think it's fun! (and I'm not even on social media to give a hoot about the selfie)

Is it correct that fresh squeezed is included on the bubbles package but not the cheers package? I'll want to let my teen know if so... TIA

This actually would make total sense to me....more often than not those who sail with the most # of nights sailed are gamblers who sail for free. So, to make it more based on incoming revenue makes sense. Now yes, I of course realize that gamblers make Carnival $ in different ways (plus gamblers can get in on a casino rate)....but my child met a buddy last cruise who was 11 years old and a platinum cruiser only because his parents gambled etc....Carnival sure isn't making $ off that "loyal" cuiser etc.

Your best bet (no guarantee) on a non-excel ship would be to ask at the Alchemy bar....I'm guessing if they know how to they will....

Yeah one cruise many years ago I attempted to find the "above $20 drink" but never did, I know others have reports them but personally even in the "higher end" places...Steakhouse, Alchemy etc...I've never found one.