cruising with the family

To the OP, I prefer YTD, but there is a benefit, IMO to having the same table, samewaitstaff...they sometimes remember the things you like (i.e., bread or no, separate butter, etc.), but you can always request to have the same waitstaff at YTD, if they are still doing that (I haven't cruised in a while!).  

On 3/3/2023 at 12:20 PM, lasekeye said:

Hi, I’m Celiac too & have been cruising for many years with Carnival (home 1 week since our last) & alway have YTD.

I prefer to eat at the MDR for evening & for Sea Day Brunch, for a few reasons….but it def is easier eating GF there.  Yes, the menue does have a symbol showing what’s GF & another symbol showing what is gluten free available (just pre order the night before).  The head table waiter always asks for my next night’s order (they will also take the morning order..but I usually have fruit & the always gf yogurt and granola parfait (I order an extra plain yogurt to go with it as the parfait has a very high ratio of the granola to yogurt), then I mix it all together on a plate…so I don’t pre order.

In the evening after being seated, I let the table staff know that I have pre ordered my meal.  They confirm my meal on their computer.  
The kitchen is also able to tweak items that aren’t usually always gf or gf available..eg the fried mozzarella sticks and the fried prawns…yummy, don’t hesitate to ask if there is something that you would like.

The dessert part of the menue doesn’t show many gf options other than the always available, fruit plate, chocolate melting cake or ice cream.  I quite often ask for the banana split (from the child’s menue).

they mark the GF items on the dinner menu now?  that's awesome.  I've been cruising for 11+ years with celiac and have been wanting this forever.  I have had to give multiple choices many nights, because the staff didn't know if they could do the entrees I picked GF or not!

Anyone?  We will be there next week!  ha!

Does anyone know the latest fare from the port to Breezes?  And do we need cash, or can we use a card? 

I did try searching the forum, unsuccessfully.

We have cruised Carnival a lot, but not so much recently.  We are on a 5-night cruise on the Sunshine, leaving March 18, so I'm trying to be prepared (and not disappointed!).  I have read here and there about random changes.  I tried to search this forum but couldn't find anything specific that summarized the major changes over the last few years.  What I have seen:

1. No lobster on 5-nighters

2. Housekeeping is only once per day

3. Recent brunch menu changes?  just brunch?  or dinner too?

4. wifi package appears to be more expensive, as well as gratuities (and in stateroom bottled water delivery)

Anything else I should know?  

Thanks in advance!  We are excited!

4 minutes ago, jslev9 said:

 

I think we're on your sailing, got the call, and debated the same thing. We ended up deciding against it because of how port heavy the sailing is -- yes, there are three days at sea but there are seven days that are *full* days in port. We felt like we'll be doing so much sightseeing that we'll be exhausted when we get back on board so we couldn't justify the pricy upgrade. If this was a Caribbean cruise, though, I think it'd be a different story.

That's what I'm thinking, too, although the balcony would be awesome on those 3 days, and the extra space in the bathroom would also be nice (i'm taking my 21-yr old daughter with me, and she brings lots of makeup, etc.).

We are on the 10-night Carnival Pride sailing from Barcelona and got a call to upgrade to the Vista wrap-around balcony suite.  The upgrade is an additional 2/3rds (66%) of what we paid for the balcony room.  Just wondering if it is worth pursuing.  How much extra would you pay for this upgrade?  I've never stayed in a suite!

50 minutes ago, cougartwins said:

Essentially the same tour is available through italytours.eu for $99 per person

Have you used this tour company?  I'm thinking about booking several tours through them, if available.

On 2/25/2022 at 2:27 PM, diamondlady1 said:

We are on the Carnival Pride May 19th to 29th out of Barcelona.
We are seasoned cruisers and wanted these exact dates as they line up with friends meeting us in Barcelona.
We are flying in 3 days early and also staying 3 days after.

 

How are you getting the PCR test that is required 3 days before boarding the ship?  Can you get them in Barcelona somewhere?

21 minutes ago, MsTabbyKats said:

The credits etc should be in your Carnival acct...so you can do it yourself.

My cruise, scheduled for last week, was canceled back in March, and I still have no "credit" despite choosing that as an option on the form.

Oh.  I was hoping I would have a credit and that I could apply it myself by booking online, instead of spending lots of time on hold on the phone.  😞 

I am just hoping to see my FCC...still waiting!

We were supposed to cruise April 6.  As soon as it was canceled, I filled out the form for a FCC/OBC.  I have actually been ready to book another cruise with some of the deals that have been out there...but I do not have the credit, and my cruise planner is still showing I am cruising in 7 days.  How long has it taken?  I was hoping NOT to have to call them! 

If only I actually had my FCC.  I filled out the form when they sent it, but it is still showing me as cruising in 19 days.

Royal has canceled for 30 days.

People in Charleston were turned away this morning from boarding because they had diabetes.  They had them on the news tonight, understandably unhappy.  they got no advanced notice.  They were turned away at the port and told it was CDC guidance, with no information on refunds, etc.

We are sailing April 6th.  Booked directly through Carnival.  Also nothing yet.

should I be concerned that we have NOT received the letter for our April 6 sailing?  What's up with that?

edited to add: I booked directly with Carnival, through the website.

On 3/2/2020 at 1:01 PM, klmb318 said:

THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing this. I just got off the phone with Carnival. I am booked on the Miracle for May 1st and didn't think I could do anything about the price drops after my final payment date. By calling, I got a $328 OBC!!!

what rate did you book?

FYI, I called and was told only early saver is eligible for price drops after final payment date.  end of story.  no negotiating.  I was nice.  she just said, sorry, there is nothing that can be done.  I booked under a VIFP rate and am ineligible to change.  😞 

My rate dropped by $100, but I just booked 2 weeks ago, after final payment date.  Is there any recourse?  eek.

2 hours ago, JohninDC said:

What cruise line/ship?  Most ships stay on the time of the home port, so yes in April the east coast should be an hour ahead of Coz local time.  As always, use a watch, not your cell phone, set to ship's time to avoid being late and missing the ship! 😲

Carnival Conquest.  Thanks!

Also interested in this topic.  We are cruising in April, so definitely during daylight savings time, leaving from the east coast.  So does that mean it will really be 11?  

On 2/1/2020 at 11:24 AM, PC Cruisin said:

We went to both resorts. Check videos out below and let you decide which resort is for you!

 

 

 

I noticed in your Mr. Sanchos video, you didn't get to port until 12.  How long did you stay at Mr. Sanchos?  Did they close at 5?  Is it worth going if the ship does not arrive until noon?  We are on this itinerary in April (during daylight savings time), so trying to figure out if an AI is worth the cost. 

I guess I should have said noon to 8 PM (i.e., not December 8!) 😄