I just did a check in today itself. Nothing on there except asking if you have any health conditions like wheelchair, diabetes/sharps container needs, etc.
The reason I prefer Carnival to Royal is because Carnival is inside out and Royal is more than likely outside in. I want to be on a cruise... not a resort. Same reason why I prefer small to medium sized ships.
That being said even the largest Carnival cruises I have been on... still emphasize the ocean.
Also cove balconies are the best.
Thanks for the input. I did have an excursion setup for St John to take a drive out to a Fishing village, so I am good there. I have nothing scheduled for either Halifax or Sydney, but as you said there seems to be a lot to walk and see at those locations (most of the good excursions for both have been sold out for over a month).
I have encountered marijuana smell on EVERY Carnival cruise I have had recently. I have a 10 day on this ship next April, and I hope it isn't a nightmare, as I plan to take my 70 year old parents.
I got an email upgrade for my 10 day venezia just yesterday. Not as great of a deal as you have, but was able to shift from an inside cabin to a Cove Balcony for $399. Considering its a 10 day cruise, the $400 felt like a bargain.
I think everyone should do it once if they like to try new things and want to see the Kitchen. I paid $80 right before the price increase and it was a great time.
The only time I have experienced this "offline" was when we docked next to a Disney cruiseship. Walking the peer between ships... groups of kids on their Disney balconies shouting things like "Hey poor people" and things like that. It was shocking.
Yeah, I won't take my kids on this one. It will be good for my wife's 50th birthday and next year a cruise with my parents. That cruise WILL be to the Caribbean, but they are definitely not the party type.