john1701d

I didn't state that, my point was that other lines do something Carnival does not. So if it is in fact a state law, there's something unusual going on. Why the snarkiness?

It's this simple, it has to do with discounting liquors and also buying / consuming liquors bought in Texas. And Houston port has to abide by ALL TABC laws just as galveston port does. Let's not be silly.

Where's the silliness? Through both NCL and Royal you can take advantage of their liquor packages on day 1. They do limit you to a smaller menu of drink choices, but it is unlimited number.

Did you purchase the UBP on the day you boarded the ship while it was docked in Texas waters? Or was the purchase made and paid for pre-cruise on your Norwegian reservation?

It was added to the cruise at booking, weeks before sailing.

Hi, John and David, first timers for RCI. Looking forward to trying something new and hope there's some fun people with us!

Hi, we're from Dallas, TX. Never have done an all gay cruise, but have done a couple of chartered Halloween trips and had a blast.

I still wonder why Carnival does this? Recently sailed with NCL out of Houston and was able to use their version of Cheers the first day.

If this really is a Texas law, then I don't see how NCL can offer their Ultimate Beverage Package on day 1 out of Houston. Was on the Jewel two weeks ago, and started in on the free drinks while still in port.

1. Yes, they both operate with cards. You can use cash to fund the cards however.

2. For a 4 day cruise it's $74 pp per day.

I'm new to NCL, this deal says book a suite receive all three. My question is does a "mini suite" count? There appears to be only the Haven then mini suite.

Not too late, we leave Saturday! Thanks for the help. :)

I agree that bait and switch isn't the correct term, but it does seem dishonest as the vast majority of people won't want that type of cabin.

As far as the two category upgrade thing, I'll do more research but I could swear I've seen it before where you'll still be stuck down on deck two forward in an upper/lower unless you pay extra. Where's the two cat. upgrade?

I dont recall them offering a free upgrade and than showing you the price as upper lower.

 

Since you get to the actual price for the inside very quickly on the website dont think it is a bait and switch by any means.

It just happened today. Past guest special, free two cat upgrade, price though was $12.50 extra per person per day to NOT have bunk beds. So price increased $200 versus the rate originally shown.

I'm sure plenty of people will tell me how I'm wrong, but I just have to vent.

It seems to happen more and more that Carnival will trumpet a price only to discover that it's only for bunk beds! Seriously, just how few people would find that acceptable?! The baseline price should be a regular room and you can elect to save if you want a bunk bed.

To make it even more irritating/confusing the sale may say "free two category upgrade", but then it still wants to charge you extra p.p. per day for a normal cabin stating upgrades included in price...

:mad:

Looks like it's going to be some really lonely FoD gatherings! :)

Hi, anyone else on the Jewel this week? Longtime Carnival couple but couldn't resist the free beverage package! :D

Hi, we're trying to choose between a tour with Victor Bodden or the day at Little French Key. They both sound nice, help!

Disregard, wrong spot. Have fun!

Thanks for the help! That's interesting about no formal nights.

Hi everyone, we're sailing the Jewel on Feb 28, and excited to try a new line. We're platinum with Carnival, but the free booze for a week was an amazing deal we couldn't pass up.

Any hints or tips? Can't wait to go!

Just got off Sunshine on Saturday and have no intention of doing that ship again. Tiny pool, very crowded common areas, and Guy's is only open for six hours a day.

I think the thing I disliked the most is the almost complete lack of outdoor deck areas to walk. You have a little around the massively cramped lido and a little on deck 3.

Magic was much more airy and open, particularly Red Frog which had a very nice outdoor seating area. The slides on Sunshine were nice but not that much better than Magic.

One thing Sunshine had that IS completely awesome that Magic doesn't is the Alchemy Bar. I hope other ships get this soon.

Well, I booked 1/24/15 Liberty specifically for Curaçao and was disappointed, we are not snorkel or dive people. I contacted Carnival last night to get refund as per their policy on Carnival.com and am being told no refund (booked ES) due to the change being out of their control. I asked if I could switch to another ship visiting Curaçao and was told penalties still apply.

 

This is my first real conflict with Carnival and don't plan to drop the issue easily.

I called the day I got the email and was refunded my deposits with no penalty. Per their own policy this seems to be something within their control and should refund your money.

I think I would file this under BAD ADVICE 101.

 

A switch from Grand Caymon to Jamaica, or for St. Thomas to Tortola, just because the passenger hasn't been to either is not a happy swap JUST for that reason.

 

Having sailed to Curaçao on that old rust bucket Destiny, we we very happy with this stop, with the colorful downtown area, as well as our follow up beach visit, which rivaled the good side of Aruba.

 

The only thing I have ever heard about Bonaire is snorkeling. That in itself is not a draw. And some snorklers don't even rave about it.

 

What is the reason behind this switch?

The only info the letter I got from Carnival states

"Due to operational considerations we have replaced our call to Curacao with a visit to Bonaire"

That sounds like it is something within their control so it seems like it would be covered under their cancellation policy. We've got to decide today what to do...

Curacao replaced with Bonaire on our March Sunshine cruise. Not sure what to think as I haven't been to either stop. Hmmmm...

Congratulations! I know it is a few months early, but very happy for you both!!!

Thank you!:)

We are booked on the Carnival Liberty September 28 to celebrate our 5th anniversary! :)