UtterCaro

I've cruised solo for years, and dining has never been a problem for me. Traditional and anytime seatings, large tables, small tables, all by myself -- I've eaten dinner with some delightful people and some real duds, just like on land.

 

For me, the most difficult part of soloing is finding a likely-looking person to be my sunscreen buddy every day ("I'll do your back if you'll do mine!"). :o Compared to that, eating dinner is a cakewalk.

 

Caro

Best: WCMC. (I did get one that was burnt and dry, but usually they're scrumptious.)

 

Worst: Coffee. (So I pay extra to get it fresh-brewed from the cafe instead.)

 

Oh, and I ordered the Indian entree on the Fantasy one night and it was horrid. Maybe the chef was having an off night, because I love most Indian foods. Actually went to bed hungry that night, which is probably illegal on a cruise ship, but which felt so novel I decided not to get room service. :)

 

Caro

Am I the only one who like insides cabins when travelling solo?

 

Nope. I've been blessed by the upgrade fairy sometimes and enjoyed outsides and balconies, but I love a nice, snug inside -- especially for afternoon naps. (I almost always cruise solo.)

 

Caro

I've searched several pages of Valor threads and many recent reviews, but can't find any answers. As an addict (sue me) who doesn't smoke in my house, outdoor smoking is really important to me. Surely there's another smoker out there who's recently been on Valor who can tell me where (other than the casino) I can smoke on the ship -- because if I don't know in advance, I'm not booking. Can someone please help me out?

[quote name='Shyhova']I mean...this omelet...It was like....Jesus..had personally cracked each egg, and folded over every ingredient ever so heavenly...and didn't even bother putting it on a plate...He just let me eat it out of his holy hands...[/QUOTE]

Okay, the review was amusing right up to this point -- where it became truly [B]hilarious.[/B] I'll be on the Fantasy this week, and I neeeeeed me a Jesus omelette. Thanks for making me literally LOL.

Caro

We already arranged a cabana. If the ship misses the port, we get that money refunded, yes?

 

You should, yes. I was refunded for my rental when my HAL ship missed HMC, and I presume Carnival works the same way. (It was disappointing enough to miss the island without losing the money.)

 

Caro

Nancy, I sent you a friend request on the social networking site, but it apparently no longer lets you send a message with the request. So when you get one from someone you don't recall knowing, it's probably me. :)

 

Caro

I've cruised on Celebrity and Holland America once each, Princess many times (enough for loyalty perks), and am trying Carnival this month. Just call me Runaround Sue. :D

 

Caro

I'm very happily married. Solo cruising helps keep me that way. :D

 

Caro

We ended up with two price drops during the time between booking and sailing. One drop was down to $369.00 pp and then another occurred right before sailing to an unbelievable $299.00 pp. We ended up with $260.00 OBC and some magical fees that showed up when we boarded in the amount of $11.86 pp.

 

I've skimmed through this thread because I'm considering a Fantasy cruise. Thanks for the terrific detailed review; I really feel like I got to know the ship and the itinerary.

 

While I've cruised before, I've never sailed on Carnival. I understand the basics of rate drops, but what are these "magical fees" you speak of?

Anything that we absolutely should know?

 

I see you'll be on the Emerald. Two words: International Cafe.

 

Caro

Oddly enough, no. ;)

 

Caro

Excessive? I cruise two or three times a year, and find it insufficient. I'd spend the majority of my days at sea if I could afford it.

 

Caro

It is very sad, as had he embraced our opinions and guidance, he may well have found himself earning much higher tips...possibly over and above the stated 15%...had he removed the signage and dropped the references to tipping in his spiel.

 

I thought of this thread this week when we took a cavern tour. Our guide (not a driver/guide, obviously) was so informative and entertaining, he really increased our enjoyment of the cavern. There was not one single mention of tips. No signs, no verbal "gratuity education" that he relied on tips (much less a suggested percentage), nada. I tipped him 30% of the very reasonable tour price. (Ex-waitress, as previously stated. We tend to be generous when we feel it's deserved.)

 

Caro

Many of my colleagues have tip signs that say: "Your Driver/Guide is performing TWO important jobs for you today. He insures your safety as a driver and your enjoyment as a guide. It is customarry to tip him a total of 25% for the TWO jobs he is doing for you today."

 

At the end of such a tour, with the handshake I'd be tempted to slip him a note (with whatever tip I deemed appropriate): "Your rider performed TWO important jobs for you today. She ensured your continued employment as your passenger and acted as a rebel by refusing to accept your dictatorial terms. It is customary to smile and thank your passengers no matter what amount they fork over." :D

 

Caro

So would you be bugged on my tour? When would you start to be irritated? I've only had one complaint in 8 years.

 

Yes, I'd be annoyed on your tour -- and would reduce the tip every time after the first mention. As a former waitress (who of course never once mentioned tipping to customers), I'm a generous tipper, but two signs and two verbal requests constitutes wheedling in my book. I'm glad your method seems to work for you; it wouldn't work for me as your customer.

 

Caro

I almost always suffer from it for at least a few days after a cruise, and sometimes for weeks. What helps me somewhat: wearing sea bands during waking hours, focusing on the horizon, and driving (not riding in) the car.

 

Caro

Which line would you say was the best? Carnival doesn't go to Europe in June, so that is ruled out.

 

I know Princess accommodates celiac (gluten-free) dieters with varied menus and gracious service, so vegan meals shouldn't be any problem for them as long as you let them know in advance. I'm not saying they're the best, but I know from experience how well special meals were handled on Crown Princess.

 

Caro

Not because the economy is "weak" or gas prices have "skyrocketed" - most of which has been conjured up by the left-wing media -

 

Spoken like someone who won't even eat the left wing of a chicken. :D

 

Caro

1. My nicest manners

2. My best posture

3. Senses of adventure, humor, and gratitude

4. Extra smiles for people who have misplaced theirs

5. Wads of cash for everything else

 

Caro