Tom-n-Cheryl

Not sure why they can't manage to get the Mardi Gras on a real eastern itinerary (throw in it at least ONE "St" port). For that reason, I'd pick the western for sure - and grab a margarita at Pancho's !! Having said that... we're going on her "eastern" run next month, it's just the way the dates worked out (already off work), darn it! Tom

When it rains, it pours!

No doubt I've had some great wins too, but for some reason it's these flame outs which really stick with you! Tom

I look at the ice cream in the Oceanview Cafe, but almost always just keep on walking. I don't think that they're ever going to have something there which really catches my interest -- like cookie dough or cookies and cream ice cream.... boring ! Tom

You've gotta love some of the situations which come up at tables like that! I try not to offer advice unless it's requested, but sometimes it's difficult to hold back! I have this "vision" (in a situation like yours) of me telling someone not to hit, then the next card is an A, 2, or 3 - which the dealer gets instead - and manages to end up with a winning hand. YIKES Here's one of my (infamously) favorite hands from perhaps 10+ years ago. I was dealt a pair of 7's against the dealer (5... might have been 6). Either way, it led me down "the path"... dealer ended up with a 21 after I added a couple of doubles to the image you see here... 😞 Tom

I've watched a couple of Harr Travel videos touring different cabins. I know that Danny occasionally talks about having your butler draw a bath - but I just can't picture someone filling a tub for me. But, that's just me! Tom

How old is this? Surprised to see the surrender option, but nice to see the 3:2 BJ... A $5 table w/$200 max. Here's hoping they have a $25 table (if only to weed out the beginners, not that they won't sit down at the $25 and play hunches too). 🙂 Tom

THANKS 🙂 We sail on 4/27. You got a great rate! Ours is just under $1,000 for the two of us in a balcony (upgraded to some different tier... not fully familiar with all that yet). I'm on the fence regarding the Yacht Club, but that nearly triples the cost. Heck, I'd manage in an interior... Cheryl, not so much ! 🙂 Tom

Have fun, and GOOD LUCK! Yep, on Carnival they have Fun21 (no queens I believe). I've also played Spanish21 at a couple places in Vegas. Fun, but different strategies. Usually low limit tables, so lots of people playing it that have no clue! Tom

New week - perhaps new input? Tom

Learning new "stuff" all the time 🙂 Tom

Still - I find it strange that they don't allow you tackle this ahead of time during online check-in. Tom

Interesting. On Carnival, they'd be sweating bullets !! Tom

So, they allow you to run up charges (specialty dining, chips in the casino, etc) without any $ backing it up? Tom

I can only really find older YouTube reviews/tours of the ship with any detail. One indicated that the credit card you use for your shipboard charges can't be set up ahead of time, but rather at some kiosk once on the ship. Is that still the case? Tom

That's never happened to us in Nassau. On the bright side, it's "only" Nassau! We did have one sailing to Key West on Celebrity where, at the end of the day, they could not safely push away from the pier due to high winds. We overnighted (though we couldn't get off the ship to enjoy the nightlife), and they somehow managed to open the casino! Tom

Yep... and Zenith no longer be the top tier either! Tom

I'm pretty sure you'll be able to buy it on ebay soon enough... at $5/can 🙂 Tom

So true. Though that would probably bring even more attention to the fact that some intermediate level might be indicated (not holding my breath)! Tom

Of course, that's the same FDA which still allows certain food colorings other nations have banned. Tom

Thanks... I forgot I did that. This way, my next cruise will be that much less costly (the way I prefer to look at it, lol) Tom

(chiming in... ME TOO) After 15 years of cruises with Celebrity, I've made it halfway to Zenith... but, I've got an ace in the hole... looking at the bottom of my points page, there's one which will help push me over the line (no idea what it is or where it came from), but I've got THAT going for me, in the year 2039 ! lol Tom

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-with-msg#1.-Fast-food A couple surprises there

As long as there's sufficient numbers of (whatever language) folks onboard to benefit from it - it makes sense to at least relay important information to them as well. I'd certainly appreciate announcements in English if I found myself in a situation where I was in the minority. There are some lines that just attract a more cosmopolitan group of guests, then there's Carnival. 🙂 Tom

Which begs the question... which are the "smart" ships? Tom