RoperDK

7 minutes ago, Elaine5715 said:

You can't have a luxury experience on a budget,  That is why Rodeway hotels and JW Marriott both exist.   You get what you pay for.

 

I totally agree that more money should equal better quality.  That used to be the case with Carnival. You spent less to cruise and had an acceptable experience.  Carnival was the value cruise line. I cruised many times on Carnival with that expectation in mind. On many occasions, my expectations were exceeded.  Lately however, my expectations haven't been met AND the cost of the cruise was the same as more upscale lines.  That is my disappointment. My biggest complaint is with the food quality.  My opinion.  You may disagree.  I'm okay with that.    

5 hours ago, RumpunchGirl said:

I'm asking for my sister and my niece. This is their 1st cruise and traveling with a baby. Is there a frig in this type of cabin? if not Can you request one?  Thanks!

No frig in the ocean view cabin unless they were added during drydock.  Not a lot of spare room in those cabins. Don't know where they would put one.  There isn't enough room for a sofa. Just a chair. 

11 minutes ago, Taters said:

Let me start by saying that I love Carnival.  Or at least I used to.  DH and I have been cruising with Carnival since 1996 and have enjoyed every minute of each cruise, even if we missed a port due to weather or things weren't optimal.  However - We were on the 14 day Southern Caribbean cruise on the Pride from Baltimore January 6th - 20th, 2019, and were really underwhelmed.  

 

Our preference is the Spirit and Fantasy classes of Carnival ships.  We've found that ships over 100,000 GT are simply too big for us.  Luckily, there are lots of choices for us and Carnival has fit the bill for us many times.  Most of our cruises have been over 10 days because we have to travel from Fairbanks, Alaska to embark.

 

Unfortunately, Carnival has taken so many of the little touches away, that there is really nothing special about cruising Carnival anymore.  We especially noticed the lack of service on this cruise.  In the main dining room, most nights our food was served almost cold, and our dirty plates were left on the table through most of the meal.  When dessert was coming around, the server would pick up the dirty plate or push it aside to put the dessert in front of us.  Please note that this was late seating, and the dining room was not full for this seating the entire cruise.  There were empty tables all around us every night.

 

One day we sat at a table near the Serenity bar to play a game of cards and there were dirty dishes on it that we pushed aside.  It was over an hour before they were removed.

 

We noticed the lack of drink servers around the pool, and in the afternoons our dinner waiter was the only person out by the mid ship pool wandering around to see if anyone needed anything.  So they've reduced staff and want to work the dining room staff to death?  Weird.  

 

Our cabin, including the bathroom, did not get a full cleaning the entire 2 weeks.  I cleaned the dust off of shelves myself.  Towels were always replaced, garbage was taken out and the beds were made, but I do not believe they vacuumed the entire 14 days.

 

Since this was a Journeys cruise, they advertised the "Gala Midnight Buffet", but it was held in the lido buffet and it was by no means the gala event of days gone by.  We've been on many Journeys cruises (and many cruises where the midnight and Gala midnight buffets were a regular thing), and this was simply a regular buffet with a few fancy cakes and ice sculptures.  In the past this was held in the main dining room, where all of the tables in the middle were moved to make room for a long table and very fancy appetizers, desserts and fabulous munchables.  

 

Another thing we noticed that on port days, we'd come back on board hungry around 3 PM and all that was available was a Guys burger, a sandwich from the deli, pizza or room service.  They used to keep the lido buffet open later on port days and were really disappointed that we didn't have more of a choice of what to eat in the afternoon.

 

And speaking of room service, just prior to this cruise it was announced that there would be a charge for room service beginning in mid January.  Then I'd read here on CC that Carnival started charging on January 1st.  THEN it was announced that they were going to rethink this, so on our sailing (January 6th), things were back to "normal", only charging for room service after 10 PM.  

 

Gratuities went up (again) to $13.99 per day and the service was not good.  There simply aren't enough staff to warrant this change.  The auto gratuities for cocktails, sodas, specialty coffees, etc. went up from 15% to 18%.  Why, when you have to go get it yourself?

 

There are other issues as well.  Don't get me wrong, we had a great cruise (we always do!), but I am not interested in bare bones cruising.  I want to be pampered just a little.  I like tablecloths.  I don't like dust.  I like it when a bar waiter comes around and asks me what I'd like when I'm in my pool chair.  I don't like sitting next to dirty dishes.

 

So at this point, I have to say that I won't be booking anymore Carnival cruises.  We used to love Royal Caribbean until they changed so many things about the way they did business.  We haven't sailed on them since 2007.  Carnival has now changed so many things.  It's too bad.  Like I mentioned before, there are plenty of choices for us as far as cruising goes, and we are booked on 2 sailings that will better suit our wants and needs.  

 

Carnival may be going in a direction that is better to new cruisers and their new ships.  For the loyal passengers who have been around a while, (at least for us), there is no reason to go back anytime soon.

 

Thanks for reading, and please don't flame me.  This is simply my own humble opinion.

 

 

 

I definitely agree with a lot of what you said.  I've seen many changes over the years. We have branched out to other cruise lines, also.  We still cruise on Carnival now and again. Thanks for offering your opinion.

Thanks everyone.  Come to think of it, the only time I was at Grand Turk it was a casino premier cruise.  I wasn't part of the premier group and didn't even imagine that the casino would be open at port.  Didn't realize it until after looking again at the Funtimes after sailing.  I know our next cruise isn't a gambling cruise, so I'll see what happens.  Never been to Amber Cove before so wasn't sure about that.   

I know that the casino closes during port calls, but I seem to remember that it was open at Grand Turk. Is this true?  What about Amber Cove?

Thanks in advance!

Thanks everyone.  I verified that both San Juan and St. Thomas were included in my talk, text, and data plan.  We have Travel Pass which is only $5 a day when in Mexico and Canada.  Most other countries are included at $10 a day. With 2 "free" days, I don't think we'll need Travel Pass this time. I usually have my phone in airplane mode while on the ship. Is this why I can't "see" what the cell service provider is?  If I turn off mobile data and then turn off airplane mode, will I be able to see the service provider without getting a big hit with data?   

Leaving on the Breeze in a couple of weeks.  We will dock in San Juan and St. Thomas. Our cell service includes those areas in our plan (Verizon). Duh, they are part of the United States. What I want to verify is that while the ship is DOCKED that they turn off the ship's towers and that we can guarantee to connect to free service.  We did that years ago during a Hawaiian cruise.  Also, how do you tell if you are connected to Verizon towers or the ship's towers?  We never have the opportunity to "see" what that looks like. I've heard several people talk about getting local cell service while off shore.  I've never been exactly sure how to verify that.

Thanks in advance! 

I've never ordered anything from the coffee bar on Carnival.  We have Cheers on our next cruise. Anyone have a current coffee bar menu?

Thanks in Advance!

14 hours ago, samiam0403 said:

 

And here I always thought they were talking about Cuban cigars! In fact, I'm pretty sure they specifically mentioned cigars - which were legal to buy, but not legal to bring back into the US. Unless I horribly misunderstood and the cruise directors were, in fact, willing to lose their jobs over illegal activity on board. 😯

I remember that announcement on just about every cruise.  They always said Cuban cigars.  They always made sure to differentiate between US and Canadian Citizens.  Canadians could bring back Cuban cigars, but not Americans.  If I'm not mistaken, US Citizens can bring back Cuban cigars now.

If you are unfortunate enough to come down with Noro, how do you treat it?  I have heard to let the virus run through you without medications and others say to take anti-nausea and diarrhea meds.  Of course, keeping hydrated is a must. So, how is the best way to survive this illness?  I understand the concept of allowing the body to expel the virus without slowing it down, but it seems like medications to ease symptoms would be appreciated.    

This may be overkill.  I'm almost afraid to ask, but has anyone ever used food service gloves when using the buffet?  Wouldn't that provide an extra layer of protection?  Wash your hands before entering the buffet. Put on the gloves and then remove them once seated.  I've never seen it done, but have heard about it from the Princess boards.  I take medications that compromise my immune system, so I am very cautious. Haven't been able to travel for a year and have a much needed cruise next month.  We've disinfected our cabins and hotel rooms for years with Lysol spray and wipes, but I now know that it won't kill the dreaded Noro.

Dawn 

Following.  We're cruising on the Breeze next month!

Dawn

Update.....I am the OP.  We cancelled our Funshop liquor order.  We have ordered liquor and mixers for the cabin many times.  We accepted that they were overpriced, but enjoyed having drinks on the balcony enough that we felt the cost was acceptable for us.  The added 18% delivery charge just didn't sit well with us, so we cancelled.  We went ahead and purchased Cheers.  We are on the border of the cost being in our favor, but there are other drink options to go along with the alcohol options, so I think we will end up feeling good about our choice.  

Dawn 

3 minutes ago, Bostwick girl said:

And don't forget since you are ordering precruise, you have to pay sales tax as well.

 

Yes, that is true. Our tax was over $11.

We've been on several super bowl cruises.  They always had several areas to view the game with plenty of snacks.  A nice experience!

Dawn

BTW - Even though they showed the game at several venues around the ship, you couldn't see it in your cabin.

Before I hit the buy button, DH wants to know......

1.  When ordering a bloody mary or screwdriver can you specify the vodka type or do you have to take the "house" brand?  On Princess and RCCL we always get Grey Goose in our vodka drinks.

2.  Can one of us take both of our cards and get two drinks instead of each of us having to get our own drinks?  Again, on other cruise lines, as long as you had your cabinmates card you could get both drinks.

3.  The soda is "fountain soda" not an unopened can, correct?

Thanks in advance,

Dawn 

15 minutes ago, moongal said:

Is there an option to purchase items from the Funshops and go and pick it up yourself?  

I don't think so.  During your order they ask where you want the order delivered.  My only option was my cabin.  When we have had linked cabins in the past, I could choose which one.  I assume that wine could be delivered to the dining room.

41 minutes ago, GUT2407 said:

Is it a delivery fee, or a gratuity. Seems they want an 18% tip for everything now.

It clearly states "delivery fee" on my Funshop order.

Dawn

Just ordered our customary 2 bottles of liquor with mixers from the Funshops.  They added on an 18% delivery fee which totaled over $30. When did this begin?  The bottles and mixers are way overpriced, but we enjoy a cocktail on the balcony and gave up on "smuggling" years ago.  I knew you could order a bottle on board, but there was an added gratuity, so we always pre-ordered to avoid that. Don't know that we will order from the Funshops again. It's a pain sometimes to get a drink at the bar and haul it back to the cabin. As much as we don't like the idea, then Cheers may end up being a better option for us.  Regardless, it's still a pain to bring drinks back to the cabin.  I hadn't seen any posts about the 18% delivery charge, so just wanted to let everyone know.

Dawn  

Can you select your table size when you make the reservation?

Is the new fish place the "Seafood Shack"?  A pay option or free?

Thanks in advance,

Dawn

1 hour ago, stevenr597 said:

In a way it makes sense.  In the past, when we cruised with Carnival, we often found that the halls were littered with half eaten meals and snack from individuals who ordered room service.  This did add substantially to the cost, in that Carnival had to detail individuals to constantly clean the halls.

Considering the fact that one can get practically any type of food for much of the day, there is little reason for room service.

I've cruised on Carnival and many other lines for 20 years.  While it used to be true that the room service trays were picked up frequently by Carnival service personnel, I haven't found that to be true for several years.  Trays are left out for hours now.  Haven't noticed that so much on other lines, but perhaps it happens.

My biggest complaint with Carnival's room service is the mediocre food that is offered. Dry, skimpy sandwiches. Hot items served lukewarm. If other cruise lines can deliver a cheeseburger and fries piping hot with all of the requested condiments, why can't Carnival?  Oh wait, Carnival doesn't offer a cheeseburger.  Why not?  I'm glad to see the addition of an omelet on the menu, but with fries?  No bacon or sausage?  I've always found the new and improved room service offerings a bit bizarre, but that is just me.  We get coffee in the morning and an occasional room service order when returning from port.  The cost for a sandwich or two won't blow our budget, but we are finding ourselves cruising on Carnival less and less.  All of these changes remove what I always liked the most about Carnival, they offered a great "value".  A good product (not superior) that included many things that other lines charge for either as extras or in an increased cruise fare.  With Carnival's cutbacks and increased cruise pricing, I'm not seeing the value anymore.

I wonder how many more lines and increased wait times there will be on lido at the deli, pizza counter and other venues?  I'm pretty sure they won't add personnel to help with the increase in demand.  I guess I'll find out when we cruise on the Breeze next month.  Ironically, it's a John Heald Blogger's cruise.

Dawn  

Thank you for posting menus and funtimes.  We are on this itinerary in a few weeks. I have a few questions....

1.  How was the buffet quality and selection?  Did the dinner buffet have some of the MDR options?  On our last couple of cruises we have been disappointed with the buffet.

2.  Do suite passengers have priority disembarkation?  Will they get luggage tags in their stateroom or have to pick them up?

Thanks in advance,

Dawn

Question about the "pay movies".  They are $4.99?  That doesn't seem too bad.  Is there a good selection?  Once you rent, do you "own" it for the remainder of the cruise?  I normally don't care so much about programming in the cabin, but I am recovering from an illness and know that I will be spending more time than usual in the cabin this trip. 

Thanks in advance,

Dawn

Thank you for all of your help.  I grew up in South Miami and The Keys many decades ago . I so miss my fresh seafood.  Memories of going to the docks to get fresh fish and shrimp right off of the boats. I realize that things are different now, but I still seem to find a local place that serves as fresh as possible under today's restrictions.  I appreciate you sending me in the right direction!

Dawn

P.S - Capt_BJ,, I saw the lionfish menu. What a great idea to help rid the area of an invasive species! Oh my, it would be hard for me to dig into the whole fish though! They are quite a plate full!