Georgiagolfer

Thank you for answering my questions I have another.

 

The last time we were on the Fascination we noticed the alcoholic drink glasses to be half the size from two years before that. We always asked for a double drink and got a larger glass and it only cost us $3.00 more...my question is

 

1- How big or do you have any photos of the glasses used for the drinks?

 

If I order a double does that count towards just one drink or two?

Sailed Fascination last on 11/30, and the drinks are still served in small glasses unless you request a double. Not sure about double drinks, but if using Cheers, I would assume this counts as 2 drinks, knowing how cheap CCL is.:rolleyes:

Bring a larger ship to Charleston and offer longer, more innovative itineraries than Nassau and Freeport. Both NCL and Celebrity offered wonderful itineraries from Charleston in the past. Even a 7 night Western Caribbean cruise used to be offered.

So agree with this. Also, bring a Spirit class ship to Jacksonville. Spirit and Fantasy class are the only ships that can sail from Jacksonville due to the bridge. Fantasy in Charleston and Fascination in Jacksonville are good short cruises, but you can tire of these after so many cruises.

I noticed a CAT generator on my January Sensation cruise up behind the whale tail...I found this an odd place to store such a thing and a little unsettling to have it in such public view. It was big, the size of a shipping container. Maybe they are putting them on all ships until they go into dry dock for maintenance? I don't know why they would put that in plain view of passengers and not down in the bowels of the ship?

They did the same on Fascination.

If you log in to your account on Carnival's website, you will see the prices for the premier cruises offer you got in the mail. I got the new offer in the mail today too and it sounds similar to yours. I went online and looked at the prices (which the snail mail offer didn't show), and the prices seemed higher than the premier cruises they offered last year. I decided to pass. Even with the $300 casino cash included, it wasn't a great bargain.

Ditto, same with us.

Just ask your room stewart - s/he will leave one in your room that you can keep.

This may depend on the ship and/or room steward. DW and I received a cork screw from our steward on 1 cruise, but on another cruise, the steward said we needed to get 1 from room service. We just keep 1 in our carry on now.

Don't think these free cruises go towards your status (gold, platinum, etc)

Several have already reported back that they did receive VIFP credit (points) with the free cruise.

I'm ready to book my next Carnival Cruise. Sunshine, 8 day Eastern, Feb 20th, 2015. I want to book because I'm 99% sure on which room we want but the price is higher than the Dream we just came off of in Feb 2014 (7 day Eastern, Feb 8th). The Dream, similar room to the one we want on the Sunshine, was $2200 with taxes, vacation protection and prepaid gratuities. The Sunshine is $2400 with just taxes. I also like that there is a $50 deposit right now.

 

What are the chances that the Sunshine will reduce the prices? Could the $50 deposit deal come back?

 

What is the difference between Early Saver and Past Guest with 2 category upgrade?

 

What does the 2 category upgrade mean and does it matter if you want a specific room?

 

I hope I explained all this correctly. Thanks for your help!!!!

Although the Sunshine is higher, it is 8 days rather than 7, so the actual daily cost may be cheaper. Also, you are looking 1 year from now, and as anything, I expect to pay more next year than now.

If you know which room you want, go ahead and book. Any price reductions you will receive by booking ES.

DW and I have sailed Glory 3 times and Liberty 2 times. Obviously we like both ships, but probably prefer Liberty due to decor. To us, she is a prettier ship.

All is good folks. The Islanders, to answer the question, I just wanted to say hello and chat with some NCL cruises. No advice, no questions...just to chat was all.

 

Ok, now back to your regular scheduled channel...:)

FireEater, kinda glad you posted. DW and I are trying to decide if we want to sail NCL for the 1st time, specifically on Getaway. Hope some of the comments are not indicative of NCL cruisers as a group. We are pretty easy going and laid back, and just as you like to chat and meet new people.

First off my mother already told me smoking is bad for me, but when I am on a vacation I enjoy it a little bit. I will be on the Miracle in June. I don't want to bother anyone when I do have a smoke... like my balcony, even tho I know I can. Where can I have a cigarette without getting the stink eye?

As mentioned,you can smoke on your balcony, unless you have a spa balcony. You can smoke at designated areas of the casino, and at certain casino bars, and on the Starboard side of the ships. But even in the designated areas, you may still get the "stink" eye from others.

while we were on the Breeze over Christmas Carnival was out enforcing the chair hogs. There was almost a fight and security had to be called!!

Since CCL is so fond of passenger participation entertainment, maybe this was the days main entertainment. LOL

Sorry, but I just couldn't help myself.

Thanks for the reminder, but if most are as anxious as DW and I on embark day, I can't imagine not getting to port on time to sail. LOL

I have cruised out of all the Carnival ports and New Orleans is the worst port I have ever been out of both for embarkation and debarkation. Will not stop me from cruising from there but I keep hoping they will improve the process.

I think Carnival should do as some other cruise lines do. They have seperate areas for the different tiers (Diamond, Platinum, FTTF, etc.) and strictly enforce the embarkation and debarkation process.

One problem with this logic. DW and I like CCL, but it seems to us that they do not enforce any of their rules or guidelines.:(

Try clearing the cookies in your computer and then look at Carnival again. I have heard that it stores what prices it gives to what computer IP and if you clear the cookies and history it will reset.

I also have found that this is generally true.

On every 5 night cruise DW and I have sailed, it has been the 2nd day of the cruise, port or sea day. Example, board on Saturday and cruise elegant night on Sunday.

Lyndmar, DW and I have sailed Fascination 5 times. We have been in cabins E75, E77, E79. Never had any noise issues. Usually the entertainment in the Lobby at the bar area is not very loud as it is a small lobby area. No noise problems with those at the Guest Services desk. Empress is in the middle, so no issues getting anywhere on the ship.

It may be an issue of how good your long range vision is. I may not be able to read the signs until I'm fairly close. Also - if the sign faces forward only - there may be no way to read what the sign says - no matter how good your eyes are - until you are nearly in front of that dish of food.

Sometimes I'll walk around the outside of line trying to get a glimpse of what is in the case - to see if it's worth waiting in line for. This can get varied reactions from those in line - I am peeking just to catch a glimpse of the food before committing to the line - not trying to barge in and get in front of anyone. I don't mind waiting my turn - I just don't want to stand in line if there turns out to be nothing worth putting on my plate.

DW and I usually do this. I will check 1 buffet line while she checks the other. We then decide if a line is worth getting in and waiting, depending on food options. Most times, we end up with the deli and/or getting a fresh baked calzone or pizza.

Thanks for all your stories! Can't wait to take a cruise with Carnival!

Welcome to Cruise Critic. You will find lots of useful info here from fellow cruisers, most are facts, some opinions (good and bad).

Sadly, on most of our recent CCL cruises, Trivia has been the main entertainment for us. Not much to see if you go to the main showroom, and the Comedy Clubs are always full and hard to find a seat, unless you go 30-45 minutes early to line up.:(

Sure was hoping for better comments on the MDR menus. Also, as CCL stated they were going to make changes in areas of entertainment when they announced the new Carnival Live concert series, I guess nothing has happened in this area.

Seany, make sure you don't throw it away. It is in letter form, with the coupon on the bottom with your name, cabin, VIFP #, etc. It is perforated, so just tear off. Some have mistaken it with the advertisements and throw away.

Thank you for this!! I'm sailing on the Sunshine for the first time May 25th and have been reading some of the other reviews etc and they aren't always positive! Of course, your trip is what you make of it. Glad you had a great time! Can't wait to go now!

From all reviews posted here, seems like people either like or dislike. Doesn't seem to be too many that are in between.

We are 2 seniors and I'd be insulted if they asked me is I wanted to go to the front of the line because they thought I was old.:D:D:D:D

 

Cheers

 

Len

DW and I can relate to this, some days more than others.:D

I have read from many about the stickers, but have never seen anyone on CCL placing stickers on loungers. This is an issue to many cruisers on all lines, and I think something that will never go away.

DW and I have never had an issue finding loungers on open decks, we just don't look for them around the pool, too crowded. Where we have problems is on Serenity, where CHOGS seem to be more prominent.:(

With all the Diamond/Platinum and FTTF the VIP check in is getting way overcrowded. And it will continue to get way overcrowded. Way to many people in the VIP area before embarkation so that it has already downgraded the VIP status. Carnival is already looking at that problem they created.

The "problem" is no problem to CCL. FTTF is a money maker, and I seriously doubt CCL will change this.

Well, that's easy....stop selling FTTF!

Never happen, but may increase as CCL is looking for revenue.