NIATPAC29

IS THE SALE LISTED ON THE MSC WEBSITE LEGIT? IS IT FOR ANY CRUISE? CUSTOMER SERVICE ISNT EASY TO DEAL WITH ON PHONE !

22 hours ago, FLAHAM said:

I don’t know the disposition of my cash tips ($1/drink in bars, $3/meal in included restaurants, $5/meal in specialty restaurants, $10/person to cabin steward), but the staff seems pretty darn pleased to get them.

NOT MUCH FOR TIPPING ARE YOU

13 hours ago, cruisin from vegas said:

Absolutely..  you were very lucky.  I know several who were not.  

LET IT GO--ITS 2022

Does anyone out there know if Carnival is taking applications for religious exemptions to get the covid19 vac ? I have searched and cannot find a definative answer.Thanks

1 hour ago, babygrljaz said:

I hope so.  That is all that is provided where we got ours.  My son lost his card but they said they are not allowed to give another card due to fraud, which i totally understand.  They said the best they could do was provide a copy of his shot record which does have the lot #s, date vaccines were administered, provider info & his info

So your son was originally given a card,and you were given a copy from their records?

Hello all,does anyone know if CCL accepts a Covid vacc record that is mailed to you from the providor? Or is this considered a copy which CCL does not accept per the website

On 7/11/2021 at 1:19 PM, Flatbush Flyer said:

Hopefully that includes a ban for life. 

Relax.Its a cruise--not a war crime

51 minutes ago, clo said:

Post-9/11 has caused permanent changes. Why not post-COVID.

apples to oranges

On 11/14/2020 at 1:05 PM, Hlitner said:

I think the OP makes a great point.  COVID will cause permanent changes to the entire travel/tourist/cruise world.  Think how 9/11 changed travel.  Well COVID will likely have a greater impact.  I no longer feel confident in dispensing cruise advice when folks ask me questions about cruise lines, ships, itineraries, etc.  Much that we know will be changed.  What we experience on future cruises will likely be so different that many of us will talk about the "good ole days" as something far in the past.  Many of us who have cruised for a long time (especially on longer cruises) have been aware of the increased health risks on cruises.  Not only did we need to be cognizant of Norovirus, but there were also plenty of problems with the flu and URIs (so-called cabin cough) plus the usual assortments of common colds.  DW and I got so fed-up with catching things on cruises (primarily URIs) that we started making our own mitigation adjustments over 5 years ago such as trying to avoid elevators in favor of using the steps, keeping our distance from folks that appeared to be ill (avoid coughers) etc.  We actually had a lot of success with our basic mitigation measures without sacrificing any of the pleasures of cruising.  But now, these kind of mitigation measures will likely become institutionalized.  I have no clue how cruise ships will deal with the elevator problems (an elevator is a closed chamber where any kind of distancing is impossible).   Even flying long distances has lost so much of its charm.  We have always enjoyed international business class but many of the perks of that kind of travel are now gone (we suspect much of that will eventually come back).

 

When the OP talks about writing a travel book/guide I think much of what was previously good is now going to be obsolete.  I have long recommended the Rick Steves guide books which has lots of terrific advice for we independent travelers.  But now, Mr Steves will likely need to modify all of his books with advice on crowd avoidance and other mitigation suggestions.   So, instead of going to Pompeii on a busy day one might be better advised to go to less crowded Herculanium.  or....When choosing an outdoor cafe in the Piazza Navona (a favorite hangout of ours) the recommendations might be guided by the cafes that have the most space between tables.  Argh!

 

Hank

1 BIG mistake.temp changes ,they will not be permanent

Way too much fear and pesimissim. All will be good in 2nd quarter of 2021.

I agree. Fun City. Good people. Good food. Safe place to visit .Im  looking forward to going back soon

On 10/23/2020 at 5:49 PM, lenquixote66 said:

I never have a problem with a scale as I have not been overweight since 1968.

Good for you! Bless your skinny heart!

YTD is the way to go. keeps things flexible. who wants to be on a tight schedule when on a cruise? Unless of course you have a need to bond or become pals with the waite staff

On 10/22/2020 at 12:39 PM, 1025cruise said:

I wouldn't rush to cancel 9/21 yet. The entire landscape is going to change by then.

Their  FEAR is very REAL !!

3 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

I just read an article in the Miami Herald that Carnival has to submit environmental protocols to a judge 60 days prior to sailing and can’t cruise unless/until the judge grants approval. I don’t think the CDC has treated the cruise lines fairly, but in this situation Carnival and their poor environmental history has no one to blame but themselves. 

No big deal.Just another bump in the road. CCL can handle it

1 hour ago, ALWAYS CRUZIN said:

A recent article says it will take 30 days to get ready to cruise. So for those booked for November, it sounds like a go.

THERE will not be any shows.Due to distancing mandates

56 minutes ago, molly361 said:

They are just leaving the window open for cruises from PC and Miami as those are the only ports that "may" sail in November or December which is doubtful

If we cancel are we allowed to trans the future cruise credit  to another cruise thats booked but not paid for?

59 minutes ago, cellfree said:

1) from all but Miami and Canaveral cancelled

2) read email carefully - if you are Miami or Canaveral you can “voluntarily” cancel and receive what officially cancelled cruisers are offered - I missed this first reading through 

3) and I suggest they are not saying they are 100% sure Miami and Canaveral are a go but hoping so and if willing you can still wait and see

We are November 2 out of Miami and hoping. 

If we cancel are we allowed to trans the future cruise credit  to another cruise thats booked but not paid for?

19 minutes ago, sfaaa said:

Cool. I respect people that walk the talks. I have four booked in 2021 and one in 2022. MSC is already sailing in Europe and vaccine development is in its final stage. Things are definitely trending in the right direction. 

I agree. Not sure about that November of 20 cruise but I'm really feeling good about May of 21. I own  stock so when CCL begins sailng again it's  all good for me

7 minutes ago, sfaaa said:

You seem very assertive. So how many cruises have you booked in 2021 and 2022? Let's hear it.

I am NOT consumed by media driven fear and irrational reactions to same. I have 1 in Nov of 2020 and 1 in May of 2021. You going ever again ?

On 9/22/2020 at 6:39 PM, Hlitner said:

Since the early days of CC I have often posted my personal opinion that it makes sense to shop around, among reputable cruise/travel agencies for the best deal.  What I have learned here on CC is that many folks have their own reasons for dealing with specific agents or directly with the cruise lines.  Those folks apparently do not care about saving money but rather find loyalty to a person, agency, PCC, etc. is more important then money.  When I read the OP's comments that immediately came to mind.  The OP prefers to deal with a specific TA and has been willing (or has been naïve) to pay the price.  The price can be heavy.  We have previously posted that folks can routinely save 7-10% (vs booking direct with a cruise line) by simply shopping around.  For those of us who take longer or more expensive cruises the savings can amount to thousands of dollars for a single booking/cruise.    We normally book 3-5 cruises a year (75-110 days) and shop among several cruise agencies on our personal "short list" as well as explore other new options.  I do have a favorite cruise agency/agent and I have told her that I am very loyal as long as she has the best deal :).  As a rule I expect to save at least 10% on every cruise although there are times when we must settle for a little less.

 

We have also noticed here on CC that the only folks who debate this issue are folks who claim to be "loyal" to somebody, an agency, etc.  To us there is no argument...if you are willing to pay hundreds or thousands of extra dollars because you feel some kind of "loyalty" or "bond" with an order taker (PCC, travel agent, etc) then that is your choice.

 

Hank

Very true. The TA is good at  making you think that are just all about saving you money.Odd how so many fall for their sales pitches and believe their BS. So many folks are easily mainipulated.

On 9/21/2020 at 11:30 AM, Toofarfromthesea said:

 

Control over my booking?  I'd rather the TA spend time on the phone with the cruiselines than do it myself.

I've never experienced middle man headache as you call it. What is that, anyway?

As to money, the whole point of using a TA is to save money.

Have you ever even used a TA?  

Nothing but a problem.I gave up on the TA industry.I have them to be mostly self serving and unmotivated

7 minutes ago, iancal said:

We cannot imagine ourselves taking a cruise for a least 18-24 months so we have simply put it out of our minds as an viable option.  Thinking about other travel options instead.

You that scared?

8 hours ago, drsel said:

 

Yes, I agree that you have more control over your booking if you book directly with the cruise line.
But I don't agree with everything else--
1. The travel agent is certainly not a headache
2. We look & shop for deals and offers from different travel agents on the bidding site--that is also very easy to do on your own.
3. The travel agents work 365 days a year so they are certainly not difficult to reach.
In fact there are so many of them in each company that even if one is on leave, you will get someone else.
4. Changes are usually done in 1--3 days
5. It's certainly your money, so why pay more or waste a discount / OBC
6. Today's technology helps you to get the best deal from a wide range of travel agents, which you would not get directly from the cruise line.
7. Most travel agents are concerned about giving you the best deal, so that they can retain your business.
8. They work on tiny margins and high volumes.

You must have found one of the rare efficient agents. My poor history with TAs led me to do my own bookings. "BIDDING SITE" ?

On 9/17/2020 at 7:23 PM, maryandmarge said:

After recently reading a lot of the CC comments on OBC from Carnival and OBC from their TA's I have a quick question.     All but one of my past cruises we have booked thru a TA that is also considered a friend.   She has been a TA forever.     We have never received any kind of OBC or perks from her.   When reading thru the different comments it seems that a lot of the TA's have given their clients OBC.   I never knew any of them did this.     I have always done all of the research on my own and just emailed her the ship, the dates, the exact room that we wanted and she would book it.    I have no idea how much she makes on this - but I've done all the leg work and all she has to do is call the cruise line and enter it.    I'm sure we are one of her easiest clients.   Seeing that other people are getting extra perks from their TA's makes me wonder why I use her since she hasn't offered any.    Would appreciate any comments good or bad on what everyone thinks.    Thanks much -    Be safe

Fire her.Do it yourself.Its easy,fun and it gives you more control over your booking and $$