Nic6318

Hi I don't think that Carnival will be doing any significant changes to their loyalty program. They have already made changes as it suits them in the past. Look at how cabins are not ready now for platinum and diamonds on embarkation. They stopped delivering the "goodies" to the cabins. Now many of these baubles aren't even claimed. Just as on journey cruises, except for the freebies it is meaningless. The actual perks are nothing really to start with, especially compared to other companies. They can continue to do the same without changing anything else. A few free drinks here and there, considering many already have the drinks package, costs them nothing. Their real challenge, has always been the same, and that is to offer a good product at a competitive price. Like everything else out there, their prices have been going up. People have pretty much used up their covid OBC's. There was a surge of new cruisers after people could start travelling freely again. With those higher prices many of those new cruisers will be taking a break from travel, in general very soon. Everybody is talking how hard it is to make ends meet. That isn't a good environment to find people willing to spend money on cruises. The cuts have already been made. How few shrimp can you have on a plate and still call it a shrimp cocktail, instead of what it is, "a few shrimp on a plate"? They will still be looking for more, but the low hanging fruit has already been picked. All they can do now is to watch their competition and do their best to keep their prices attractive and hope that people don't run out of money. As always, we, as consumers have to do our best in determining the value of what is being offered. Nobody should be patronizing a cruise line solely for the loyalty perks.

Hi We are going to be on this cruise as well. Are you driving all the way? If so, then there is parking near the terminal. It is $40/day. You can get more info on this site (check East coast departures threads), or online. For cruises from Manhattan/or Brooklyn, we have been taking the "Yankee Trails" buses. They are located in Albany. We typically drive to Albany (we live just an hour north of you), stay overnight, and take the bus from there. The bus will bring you right to the ship (and return if you want). Parking at their bus terminal is included in the price. I have also done this staying over in Manhattan and taken the train back to Albany, unfortunately, I doubt there would be space available at this late date (unless they add an additional bus), but you can call. They have a website. have a great cruise

Good morning She says she would give it a try. 😀 we are on a bus right now heading to the port. We got on the bus near Albany. safe travels to everyone

Hi Carnival stopped the meet & greet due to covid, and have not restarted. To be fair, they (Carnival) really never fully committed to the idea. At best it was hit or miss, depending on the ship. There was (I guess it would still be there) a significant thread on this site, basically complaining about that. Such as: it didn't happen, it was scheduled, during port times, during dinner times, nobody was notified, staff didn't show up, venue was double booked, etc. I experienced some of those poor attempts. It was typically suggested that we just do it on our own, as we did before they (on cruise critic) got the cruise lines to have a more formal meeting, I believe Carnival just didn't see it as a priority, and didn't put in the effort, certainly not like some other cruise lines did, and that is how everybody was comparing it.

Hi Marian We are in cabin 1291. Just to be clear, my wife can't play. Her ankle won't allow that type of exercise. I am an older guy, but in pretty good condition, and I love to be active. Tell your husband to be gentle with the old guy 😀. Hope to hear from you soon Ian

Hi I didn't realize they would have room for pickle ball. I would play if the time worked out. I am not a regular player, but always like to have fun. I had booked this cruise some time ago, but just realized that I hadn't looked at the roll call It's right around the corner now. 😀

Hi I have never been offered $200 for missing a Caribbean port or two. $25 might be more like it. I hope you aren't too disappointed if this happens to you. It has long been stated; do not go on a cruise if your are specifically wanting to see a particular port. There are no guarantees. If you don't understand this, then you haven't been following the Cruise Critic boards long enough. I think people are expecting just too much for any inconvenience. I agree that the cruise line could have given more, but they didn't, and they didn't have to. I see the prices are going up (for all cruise lines) with more and more new cruisers giving it a go. The cruise lines much prefer new cruisers than someone who has been doing it for a while. As long as they are doing reasonably well, they will continue their penny pinching ways. You are the customer, if you don't like what you purchased in the past, try something different the next time.

Hi C.McG Welcome to cruise critic. You do need to accept the reasoning that if this was allowed, many people would just buy one package and share with all in their cabin. It doesn't matter how much anyone says they wouldn't, they do. Even with the rules as they are, people who have the package, don't think anything is wrong with buying their children a couple of milkshakes here and there. They try to defend their actions on this site, often. If your significant other doesn't drink, then you would have to, as you put it "drink yourself silly" to get a "surprise drink bill". The price for drinks "a la carte", is just not that high. If you drink wine, you can bring two bottles onboard at embarkation day, and buy some bottles during the trip. If you like soda, you can bring your own as well. Many people who like to drink a bit more, will often do so at their port stops.

Thank you for your answers. It shows clearly. I guess my trip doesn't get it.

Yes. That's it.

Hi there How do you know if you are within the 90 days from launch date (how do you know when was the launch date), or is it just shown when you do your booking?

Hi The title says most of it. More specifically, I am concerned of possible noise from passengers or just the daily setting up of the area. Does anyone have past experience? I am looking at a cabin on the Koningsdam, but I would imagine it would be the same on any other ship with a similar area. I have never had a cabin on any open deck before as a reference. I welcome any thoughts. Thank you

Hi I have seen the same comment often, and I just don't get it. Apart from willing to try something new, it was the price that drew me to finally booking a MSC cruise. From what I am seeing, if I wanted to opt for a YC cabin, it would cost considerably more. My thought is that if I was to pay that much, I would choose a better cruise line. My general opinion is that MSC is "okay", not good or great. If you have to pay thousands more to get a product that you are willing to use, you should look elsewhere. To the topic; I have only sailed with MSC twice. The first time was just at the start of covid Feb. 2020. I had a status match at the time with a my Platinum on Carnival giving me Gold with MSC. I hadn't said with them again until this past spring. I was very happy to see that for some unknown reason they decided to give me a Black/Diamond status. I don't know how or why, but I also have a cruise booked with them for later this year and they have me listed with Diamond status. At the Diamond party the captain did mention that the company was looking at adding an additional level after Diamond. I am not concerned, because they certainly are not my preferred cruise line and if I was going to spend more I would stick to Oceania.

Hi Welcome to cruise critic Most excursions on all cruise lines are not very "accessible". You say your mother will have an electric scooter, unless you are talking about a small folding scooter, you wont be able to bring it, and it would be unlikely that there would be a safe place to leave behind a regular mobility device. If your mother is somewhat mobile, I would suggest you also bring a regular folding wheelchair. With your help, she would be able to get around in Nassau, and if you want to see more of the island it can always be folded you can take a taxi (if you want to do things on your own). I don't know what cruise line excursions are available, but you would be more likely to find one that would be able to take you if she were in a regular wheelchair. have a great trip

Hi I have been using MJS Transportation for many years now. They have always been reliable and efficient. Pickup can be either from the airport, or hotels that are listed on their website (all in the airport vicinity), also pickup from POM to FLL after the cruise.

Hi I think you have a general consensus. DON'T DO IT I agree with Drazil65. If you are willing to do this group a big favor, research one or a few cruises, try to list as many options that might be possible. Then hand them your research and see if the group can even come to a decision on which cruise to take. If they get that far, then offer to show them how to get information on questions they might have. *** Advise them to go to CruiseCritic.com and ask their questions here *** Tell them it's not worth anyone's time to deal with 30+ people unless the are being paid, and they can call any given cruise line or a TA to complete the booking themselves.

Hi There really any "other side". Carnival offers a product and people make a choice in where to spend their money. There are many other things (we are talking food here, but it could be anything) that other cruise lines offer that Carnival doesn't, and there are things offered by Carnival that are not offered on other cruise lines. Your money, your choice. If you try a product and don't like what you get, don't buy it again. These companies are all struggling to make money. They are all looking for ways to cut back on costs. Why would anyone think Carnival should be an exception? This has always been the case, it would seem. I can certainly remember people commenting on cutbacks on this site for decades now.

Hi It's not so much that I would be reticent of change. I just don't like the idea that I am practically forced to carry my phone when I am on a cruise/vacation. I realize that Carnival is not alone in doing this, but with the paper Fun Times and a set time dinner, I can see myself leaving my phone in the safe again. If a waiter refused to come up with a menu, I would make sure the issue was resolved immediately. The wait staff would have a difficult time supporting their position. You just have to call the maitre d'.

Hi Tomcatguy, I wouldn't hesitate to book an excursion for "beginner" scuba on a cruise. I would say that you should feel that you are a calm strong swimmer. They are typically called "Resort course". You spend about 30-45 min. with instruction (not in the water). Then your instructor will bring everyone into shallow water suited up, where you will be asked to demonstrate each point of your instruction. The main thing your instructor will be looking at is that you are understanding and able to carry out what is being asked while being calm. Once your instructor is satisfied, you will be brought into deeper water generally not deeper than about 30ft. You will be required to stay close to him/her or you might find your dive cut short. Depending where you are diving from, it will be either walking in from shore, or off a boat. For these dives you will likely be out of the water in about 30 min., possibly a little longer, but not much more. I have done this 4 separate times in different locations over the years. I just never had the time to get my certification. Every time was wonderful. If you feel comfortable in the water especially snorkeling, this will bring you into a new world. The only issue could be if your group is too large or someone in the group was having problems, it could delay things, but I would expect that these instructors have dealt with many people. As far as finding someone to do this with, check these boards for some recommendations or look on the internet. Look for something like "best dive shop in ...." and read the reviews. enjoy

Hi You will be fine using USD. If you were purchasing something in town at a store, you could also use a credit card.

Hi You wont have any trouble finding transport to Coral World or back to the ship. If you want to do the Sea Trek, I would suggest booking online prior to your trip. It is very popular and does sell out for some of the time slots that might be more convenient to your hours in port. Coki beach is right next door, just a five minute walk. Just to warn you, while it is a great beach for snorkeling or scuba, it is a VERY popular beach, and so it is most often VERY crowded. have a great cruise

Hi The main issue with putting anything of value in your checked luggage is that on occasion they do get lost. I have been on many cruises and it has never happened to me, so I guess you are right, it is low risk, but it does happen. You just have to read these forums. Even if only delayed, for a day or two, it wouldn't be something I would chance, considering the bag and equipment only weighs 5 lbs. at most. I personally have seen baggage being transported onto the ship in one of their large bins by a fork truck that hit something on the ground with a bag bouncing out of the top onto the asphalt. I have read on this site about someone who had clothing ruined because someone had a liquid that leaked from their bag into bags underneath theirs, while in those same transport bins. I wouldn't put anything that I thought I needed or cared about losing in a checked bag, either getting on or off the ship.

Hi If you really "aren't big drinkers", then it is unlikely that the drink package with save you anything in the long run. Most people who do like drinking (sometimes a lot), find the package controls their spending. Also, I see some who feel this allows them to buy "something different", and if they don't like it they don't feel bad not finishing it. Why don't you try the other way from your plan. Count what you spend on your first cruise, and then you can decide for your second cruise. As you said, we also aren't big drinkers, but do have drinks every day, an occasional bottle of wine, but have never come close to spending the daily cost of the drinks package for any cruise line. Most of the others try to have the package blended into the cruise cost to make passengers feel it is included. The bottom line is that the cruise lines make most of their money in the casinos and with alcohol sales. They are doing very well with their drink packages. have a great cruise

Hi The casino offers do say the person who received the offer must sail, as Evanbob suggests. You might look at the others in your party, perhaps someone else may have a comparable offer, or close. It would require some switching around on paper, but may save them some money. How good the original offer was could influence whether it's worth it to try and see if they do nothing if he doesn't show.

Hi The last time I sent one in, I received an email acknowledging that they had received the request and not to not to resend the request. I guess some people get impatient. Did you not get this confirmation email? I did get my OBC in plenty of time. I figured that even if it wasn't in my account by sail date, I would bring their email with me along with my statement, and they would correct the issue. They have done it in the past for me.