Wolfshair

You can get a free lunch at both Cucina del Capitano and JiJi's Asian Kitchen. You also have the buffet, regular dining room, Guy's Burger, the Blue Iquana Cantina, Pizza, the Deli.... if you can't find something you like then you're not trying. There are some pay places also.

Yeah, it definitely depends on the ship. Some have a nice view and larger pools and some very small pools. They do limit the number of extra passes but if you have a spa room you can go any time. It does get crowded sometimes on sea days. Some have dry heat rooms also. They are pretty nice.

The Spa interior is only good if you like the amenities. If you don't use them then the spa area is not worth it. My wife and I love them but you have to be on the right ships for them to be worth it in my opinion. Oceanview is great if you don't use the spa facilities but I don't think of it as an upgrade.

Yeah, we like to get our breakfast at the Lido and then take it to the pool area at back. Much quieter.

Just as a different opinion, my wife and I never get a drink package because it's not cost effective for us and we always go and get our free drink at the dining room. Different strokes for different folks.

I've had upgrades that I was interested in and accepted them and I've had upgrades I had no interest in and never accepted. It's nothing to be offended by. They have some rooms to let go and they make an offer. Just pass them by when you don't like it. Enjoy your cruise.

My wife and I always use the free drink, we also just go to the dining room, order our drinks and then leave with them. I have to admit, I have always recommended to Carnival that they just give us a free drink at any bar.

It's a 1 time per cruise benefit.

I believe it is only supposed to be used while you are playing a game.

Your boarding pass will say Priority if you get it.

that limit only applies to people with a drink package

My understanding of the spa rooms is this ... Priority spa reservations, free fitness classes, unlimited access to the thermal suites, discounts on treatments during port days, a unique welcome ritual, complimentary scrub kits, complimentary body composition analysis, spa bathrobes and slippers, and upgraded elemis toiletries. Hope that helps.

We have done anytime dining ever since they have offered it. It has been rare that we have had a bad time getting seated. There have been some waits but we go to a bar, get a drink, watch [people some and then there we are. Our service is usually as good as ever and we continue to do it, so I guess that says we are satisfied.

I've sailed the Mardi Gras 4 times, absolutely LOVED Chibang for either lunch or dinner.  No charge while we were sailing for either place.

I never need sweaters or long sleeves inside and my wife ALWAYS does. Safer to take something I would imagine.

Let me put it this way, I've been on 35 Carnival sailings and I've never been limited....

You are not limited to 15 drinks a day if you do not have the cheers package.

I've seen several people trying it. They seemed to like it. We did not order it but absolutely loved Chibang. 

We were there in september. They did a temperature check. We had a great day there. Saw lots of snorkeling excursions there.

And we were there is September. Same great place and same great service. 

We were on the Mardi Gras in September in a balcony room. We are diamond and our room was ready when we boarded the ship.

I also saw Wild Turkey and some Beam I think, and there were whiskey tastings.

My advice is to always use your personal cruise planner. They are really helpful and it doesn't cost you anymore. 

We did a partial transit a couple of years ago. Excursion in Costa Rico were fantastic, great pictures and a lot of fun. We got off at Cartagena and toured Old Town and it was pretty interesting but very few people speak english and my wife and I don't speak spanish. Still, very interesting area. I would recommend it to anyone.

Mike Pack is a really great CD (but I like Emma, his wife, a little better). We were on the Mardi Gras for 2 weeks in September and getting back on her for 2 weeks in January. Right now I have to watch you have a blast. The Hurricanes are really good and be sure to eat in Chibang.