sparks1093

Evidently having a limited palate saves me a ton of money, so I'm good🤣. (Although I do like trying new things when given the opportunity.)

Has Carnival said anything? I guess that's the key (I haven't been following the thread that closely nor do I care that much about the issue to do much research into it). If someone wants to think that Carnival's rules don't apply to them that is on them and they will be the ones to face any consequences. Hemp based CBD with less than a certain amount of THC is legal. Carnival may be imposing a ban on all of it to prevent any that isn't compliant from being brought aboard.

They don't need to say anything, really. As for people making illogical arguments as a possible reason, so what? It's irrelevant. The main reason for the ban out of a US port, as I understand it, is that the substance is banned by the US government. That other governments may or may not ban it is immaterial.

Don't forget any over the counter meds that you might need for colds, coughs, upset stomachs, sea sickness, etc. Remember your documents, remind the other adults to remember theirs. Sun screen. Water shoes if you use them. Travel games for the littles if needed. Reading material. As mentioned, don't stress too much and try to avoid overpacking (I presume you are driving to the port so this isn't as critical as it is if you are flying). Don't forget your sense of fun!

It depends on the Cruise Director, I think. Some don't include it in their schedule, as I understand it.

Thank you for sharing. He will be missed on the boards. My condolences to you and your family.

Good for them!

We purchased the Thermal Suite pass many months ago for our upcoming Mardi Gras cruise. Didn't want to take the chance on missing it. $150 each for the week as I recall. Those heated loungers alone look like they are worth the price of admission.

This is entirely a personal question and decision. Since they have already received the tip they are supposed to get there is no need to leave anything else. We usually leave more if they make our cruise a little more enjoyable or if they handle any special requests from us. Generally $20 for the steward and $30 for the waitstaff. We've never taken more than 7 day cruises but if we were to take one that was longer we would likely leave more.

As with any marketing from any company one needs to pay attention to the details. I suppose if the purchaser believes that they got a good deal that's all that matters, to them. Welcome to Cruise Critic!

Very true. Sailors only live at sea part of the year, the rest of the time they live on land.

And I've demonstrated with tips they make more then an hourly rate. Working for tips isn't easy and isn't for everyone but it can provide a decent living, even with the lulls.

Two hour shift, one worker gets $15 an hour, the other $5 an hour plus tips. They both serve 6 parties of 2 in their shift and the total of all of the bills is $480 (a modest $40 per person). At the end of the two hours the worker getting $15 an hour makes $30. The other server makes $82 ($10 plus $72 based on 15% tip). If I had to make a living as a server I know which system that I'd rather work under.

I would expect so since gratuities make up most of their compensation. Just like in a land based restaurant the busier it is the more tips are earned the same applies at sea.

The 15 day limit is for all alcohol drinks, not just those purchased under Cheers.

The only restriction that I'm aware of for the MDR for dining times other than dinner is no swimwear.

I would consider her an operator.

Things like this are probably why the cruise line doesn't offer excursions from them. They do vet all operators and won't book with problematic ones.

I think that it's enough of a possibility that I would ask. Worse case scenario they can't do it, best case you'd get the chair.

I don't give any information when doing a faux booking unless it is absolutely necessary, but if it is necessary then I will input something similar to what others have posted. Usually it isn't necessary and there is a button somewhere on the page that says "continue as guest" or something along those lines.

Yes, the passengers are going to be a problem and with the crew not working with all of the passengers all at once their training isn't going to be as comprehensive as it could be. The crew needs to know how to handle hundreds of people all trying to find their way and while some of that can be taught in a classroom setting the best experience is actual experience. Your tales only re-enforce my point.

You first sentence is exactly on point, none of us knows for sure. Therefore the best course of action (in my mind, obviously others will have a different opinion) is to leave things the way that they are because then the crew gets exactly what they agreed to when they signed on. It's not our job to re-invent the wheel. As for the maitre'd it was announced some years ago that they were removed from receiving any portion of the tips. It is my understanding that when a passenger removes the tips the main crew members are questioned about it, since the implication is they weren't doing their job. At the least they are notified when passengers remove the tips. Yes, it is the honor system for them to turn in what they get and I think this is mostly done for the same reason the waitress in my previous example turns in that $100 tricky wink tip- that's how the system works and the staff knows it.

That's how it's supposed to work as I understand it. Fortunately for the crew that's not likely to happen.

(Elaine I am using your post as a springboard.) Only up to a point. The cruise line is obligated to pay a minimum amount even if tips are removed, but the amount that they get if all of the tips are kept in place is much higher. Similar to what happens in most restaurants ashore- servers receive less than minimum wage with tips making up most of their compensation. However if they don't earn enough in tips then the restaurant has to make up the difference so they get full minimum wage. As for removing tips and only giving it to staff that directly serves you it's great in theory, but when tips are pooled it just doesn't work that way. Again, to use a land establishment as a guide if you're eating in a restaurant where tips are pooled (which you probably won't know) you can't slip your server $100 and a tricky wink and say "this is just for you, don't share it". The money will still end up in a pool. Yes, there are some that might keep it, but they typically don't last long. Finally, the tipping system works for the cruise lines and the employees. The amounts paid are the minimum amount, like a 15 or 18 percent gratuity ashore. If someone has an issue with the service they received then the amount can be reduced (hopefully after complaining to a supervisor first). If someone really enjoyed the service they can leave more. Regardless of how any of us feel this it is how many of the staff earn their compensation and they earn every penny.

Yes, I am well aware of that. I'm referring to actually being able to work with a massive crowd of passengers week after week and getting them to cooperate. That real hands on experience is hard to simulate. During an emergency if muster needs to be done they'll know what to do, but they'll have to learn how in the moment.