kgb46

I have always gotten price drops on casino rates up until final payment.  You need call Carnival and ask for the department that handles the casino offers.  They can help you and do it over the phone.  Good luck.

I had a Mardi Gras cruise for September and it was canceled by Carnival.  I got $502 in FCC and $200 in OBC if I changed to another cruise by mid February.  So we booked the Vista out of Galveston for May 9th.  On the 12th of March I cancelled and moved the booking to October on the Horizon out of Miami.  They transferred the FCC and the OBC since that was due to the Mardi Gras debacle.  After I got all situated and everything done they cancel the May cruise and offer OBC of &600 plus a FCC.  That is retroactive to May 6th and later if you had already canceled and booked a new cruise.  I was told by my PVP that I would probably get to keep the $200 FCC since that was basically on Carnival for having to cancel the 1st cruise.  But she asked me to call her later when things settle down and we would get that added to the new cruise.  But we did not discuss FCC.  From what I have been told on FB the amount is the same as what your penalty would have been if canceling.  We were at $500 penalty when we changed cruises.  Does this sound correct?  

On 12/22/2019 at 10:32 AM, jimbo5544 said:

I agree with the last comment, while I do not know the reason(s) for the delay, I cannot fathom a miss by that length of time without the ship builder being at fault, especially with a similar experience on their last build.  

Jimbo554, you are correct.  It is the ship builders fault.  They are the one in control of everything that goes into that ship until they hand it over to Carnival.  I am one of those who was booked for the sailing out of New York.  Even though I am not happy, I understand that things happen but they really screwed up on this one causing 8 sailings to be cancelled.  I feel Carnival is generous with what they offered and the way they offered it.  I would not want OBC instead of a FCC as the OP suggest.  I don't shop on the ships and I will only consume a few drinks during the week.  I want it to go towards the cruise and the difference will come back to me.  I am not happy with all of the work I am having to put in to change things but I have gotten most of it done.  And I would now like for Carnival to offer me a hunk of a man to stand over me the entire cruise and rub lotion on my back and fan me if I get too hot.  But that might be asking for a bit too much.

This is just something to brighten your day and I will add a few details on my cruise last week (April 22-29, 2017).

I got wind of this as I was getting on an elevator near the end of my cruise and thought it was a hoot. Seems we had an elderly couple, both in scooters, who was not getting along too well. He was rolling along and she had a cane and was whacking him upside the head with it. At one point he got on an elevator and asked another man if she was behind him. All the sudden there she was and knocked him with the cane again. Well I finally got to see them and sure enough she had that cane and he was scooting on to stay away from her. I am going to love getting older!

This was a chick trip for me and my best friend and her daughter. We went to Amber Cove, St. Thomas, San Juan, and Grand Turk. I did not take a lot of pictures and don't really have a lot of time to post any. There are more then enough on other peoples reviews. Amber Cove, I found some of it very pretty and some of it very humbling. Pigs and dogs running together put a smile on my face then the next thing I see is a drug deal right beside our bus. Lots of poverty.

St. Thomas, we did the Kon Tiki boat for the specific reason of my friends daughter who is mentally disabled but loves to dance. She really did not enjoy it. I found it to be a very lack luster experience but those who were throwing back the rum punch seemed to be having a good time. The music was very good. They dropped us off and routed us through the shops which made for a very very long walk back to the ship. Upon arriving there we were greeted by the smell of raw sewage. I am talking an over powering smell to where we covered our noses and saw some people gagging. A lot of the smell was coming from some vents that were blowing air out above the cove balconies. I don't think I would ever stay in one of those rooms.

San Juan, never got the chance to get off of the ship since my room mates decided to be lazy heads and I am not one to venture out on my own. Looked pretty from the ship so I just relaxed, played trivia, had a drink. Actually turned out to be a nice day.

Grand Turk, our plans were to shop. After 2 tee shirts and a cap for my hubby and son we went into EFFY. Shopping excursion go cut short at that point. I have been wanting a pair of their diamond convertible earrings for 6 years. They are the only company that makes them. I think EFFY had a scanner to tell how much money you have on your. They got it all! But I left a happy girl!

Magic is a pretty ship and I only had a few times that I waited in line more then 3 minutes. Guys burgers were good as usual. Steakhouse food was good but I have had better on other Carnival ships. It was the first time in one of the steakhouses that I really did not like the waitstaff. They seemed very indifferent on giving a good experience.

I do want to cover the tablecloth issue since it always seems to be an issue for some people. It did not bother me at all but I do think the noise level has escalated. And my thoughts are that people see it more in line with a family restaurant so they yell at each other. We were seated on the second night and the table that was in the elevated section above us had 3 couples. I swear two of the women swallowed Minnie Mouse. The drunker they got, the louder they got. By the end of dinner my guts hurt from laughing at the sound of their voices. Then one of the men stood up and announced to the entire area that he had to "drain the vein" and his wife took off with him. A few minutes later they returned. I really don't think I want to know why she went with him, lol. UMHUMMM, back to table cloths, seriously I think people make too much of a stink about them. If your worried about germs getting on your fork from the table, just set it up on the bread plate. See, I just solved a major life problem.

We had a handicapped suite so had priority embark and debark. Both of those went smoother then any other cruise I have ever been on. Just show up at your chosen time and you will be on the boat in no time. Port Canaveral is my favorite!

Some of this may sound negative and it was in a way but I still had a great cruise. I tend to be more laid back and enjoy time in the casino verses deck parties. The Magic is a beautiful ship and some day in the future I might sail on her again. As for Carnival, I did experience some differences on this cruise as compared to past cruises. Most of what I saw was how overworked the waitstaff was. At times it looked like a three ring circus with them trying not to trip over each other while running around. Also, I think the stewards have way too many rooms to clean now and they look tired and not as peppy. I might consider doing a RC cruise the next time just for a personal comparison. I never know where I will wind up. Until next time, I hope all of you that have upcoming cruises have a wonderful trip.

I just got off of a 7 day on the Magic as of this morning. I can tell you there were some kids but they were very well behaved. I never heard a screaming kid in the MDR. Even had a few in the Steakhouse. They were playing in the main pool some and were very good. The adults on the other hand were a bit rowdy at times but it was not bad. I babysat for years and have an adult disabled son who is like having a 2 year old so I enjoy time away from kids. But in all honesty, just go about your business of having fun and you probably won't pay attention to the kiddos.

Stop worrying.... it's the water that makes it rocks!!!

Some people make it more than waht it is.............

Yeah, just pop some Bonnie and you'll be fine. I haven't gotten sick yet.

Why are so many people saying that there is so much movement on Magic lately.

I mean I don't mind some rocking, but everyone is making sound like it's more than that.

We are on the Magic in June.

Thoughts?

I'm not sure if it is the ocean or the boat has a problem. Last night was not as bad but it is swaying more tonight. I was on Dream in November and it was about the same and I thought that was due to being in the Gulf. Now I am starting to think it is this class of ship. I just take Bonnie and go have fun.

Actually that is not what it is at all hence the reason for someone that actually knows what they are talking about to explain in further detail. The smell is MUCH worse in port than it is at sea from my very limited experiences.

Yes, you are correct. Overall I am having a good time. The few things I mentioned were the cons for me. Beautiful ship though.

Does anyone have any Pros/Cons for the Magic?

Hubby and I are going on it January 27,2018 for 7 days !!!!!

I'm on it now. I will say that MDR service is very lacking with the cutbacks it is like going to the circus watching the workers trying their hardest to wait on everyone. Dinner last night was over 2 1/2 hours. Getting back on boat in St. Thomas was very sickening due to the raw sewage smell as you are walking back and boarding. We had to cover our noses with towels. Feel sorry for anyone in a balcony room around that area. And there are faint scents of sewage in many areas. For the good, most of food is excellent and shows are entertaining. And this boat has rocked a lot. More nhen likely it will be my last time on it.

Looking at the AARP website right now and they have Royal Caribbean gift cards available now... do they usually switch between the two? Hoping they didn't make a perma-change right after I found out about the discounted GCs!

The reason that the RC gift cards are available most of the time is that they go by a whole other set of rules. You can ONLY use them at the time you BOOK the cruise with RC. Then they have to have paper work filled out and the gift certificates/cards have to be mailed into them. You cannot use them for any other thing on RC. And the Carnival gift cards tend to be available every 2 or 3 weeks but once word gets out that they are available, they go very quickly.

Bon VOyage!! We are leaving on her in a few weeks so I am getting a bit anxious about this too. We do a LOT of cruising and have been impressed with the fact that you can usually not even tell you are moving! To be bumping and rolling when there is no storm does not sound like fun at all! Can you report back after your cruise and let us know your experience?

Thanks!

I will try to remember to do that for you. I was on the Dream the last week of November and that was a full blown rocker. We went to Mahogany Bay, Cozumel, and Belize. The last day of the trip when we were packing was a hoot. When the ship rocked starboard I would be at the closet and grab clothes. Then it would quickly go port and I would be running towards the bed to throw in clothes. Never got sea sick thanks to Bonine but wow, what a ride.

Thank you Hobster7. I am leaving this coming Saturday on the Magic with the same itinerary. We booked in January 2016 and this has been a loooonnnnnngggg wait.

Ok, I'm a little concerned about the stabilizer issue. We have a first timer going with us and I'm worried about her getting sick. We have been on several cruises (one during a hurricane) so I'm not worried about us. Was the rocking enough to make you sick?

 

 

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Try having them take Bonine (buy at any box store or pharmacy) starting 2 nights before trip and every evening of trip. Always do it and never been sick. I never use Dramamine because it makes me sleepy. Even the non drowsy form.

Oh wow, sorry, I didn't mean to open a can of worms. Thanks for the updated info, and I will see if they have any FTTF left for my upcoming cruise. Thank you very much.

You welcome for the information. I wish that some of the posters would do some fact checking before posting incorrect information. I have read some of the reviews that people put on here and some of the are people without FTTF and are not Diamond/Platinum and they just go right on through the doors and dump stuff in their rooms. Can they not read the signs?

Seriously ? These aren't pools . They are dipping holes where you exchange sweat , suntan lotion and God knows what else for a bit of cool-off before roasting your skin again . Most people don't use the pool at all except as the centerpiece for lounging . That small group that uses them does off-hours where there are few people around including so children are not an issue . Of course there is always that idiot who tries to actually swim when the "pool" is busy . Not a good idea .

Apparently you don't use the pools and from the sounds of it would be horrified if you kids got into one. So lets keep it simple and let the frogs do their laps without having to bump into the tadpoles.

Hello, we have a suite booked for an upcoming cruise and our documents have Priority on them, does that mean we will be able to go directly to our cabin to drop off our stuff, or do we need FTTF for that? Thank you.

No, you will have to have FTTF for that. I have a suite booked as well and taking a disabled cruiser with me who will need a bit of rest after we got on the ship. Suite perks include priority embark/debark, bottle of water, 1 bag of laundry. FTTF, includes early access to room, priority guest services, priority tenders, early delivery of luggage, priority for dining reservations. There might be something else because I don't remember everything but needed to get the FTTF in order for her to rest for a while. I don't go to guest services very much and we don't have any tenders on upcoming trip next week.

You have an outdoor area. It's called Serenity. Most of the time kids only want to be at the back pool when it is raining or just terrible weather. Their parents have to pay full fare as well and they deserve to have the same spaces as adults. Just remember the fact that you were kids once.

LOL, I remember it well. It was that time in life when "rules were rules" and kids were treated as kids. Not as mom and dad's best friend. We were raised to respect the rules and taught that throwing a temper tantrum only got your butt swatted or you were grounded from doing your favorite activity. And yes, my mom and dad enjoyed time with other adult friends while we played with our friends. I was allowed to go out and play and had to be home when mom yelled for us or when the street lights came on. Through it all my brother and I became responsible adults who don't cry when we are told we can't do something. And to top that off, my parents didn't throw a temper tantrum when their kids were not invited to something that was for adults. Now, as an adult I would love to enjoy an adult area without having to put up with precious angels who have parents that think their kids deserve to have everything. Let your kids grow up having fun with the understanding that when they become adults they will then get to enjoy an adult area. Leave them something to look forward to.

On Sea Days you need to go to the MDR and have the Sea Day Brunch instead of Lido. I was on the Dream late November and it was wonderful. They have steak and eggs, wacky waffles (waffles coated with 1 of 4 different kinds of cereal), and all types of other things. The mac and cheese with bacon was great. And I honestly did not seem to ever have to be in any long lines. We never had a wait for ATD other then a few minutes in the line to get into the dining room. Enjoy! I am leaving on the Magic on the 22nd.

My son is 28 and disabled and I tell him all the time that mommy can't stand herself 24 hours a day and that is why she goes to sleep at night. He attends an adult day care 3 days a week to have the chance to be away from me and have fun with others. I feel that is the same for the adult only pool. Away from kids and interacting with other adults without the constant screaming and interrupting. Just because we love our kids does not mean we have to have our noses up their butts all day long nor vice versa. And just because you love your kid does not mean I have to love, like or tolerate your child. There are enough things on the ship to keep your kiddo occupied without having to overtake an area for adults. With the pools overrun with kids now, more adults will flock to the Serenity leaving no seating what so ever. Less then 2 weeks away from a Carnival cruise and if it affects me then I won't be back.

I have read this thread and will give my two cents. Initially I was not going to reply for I can come off as *harsh* but well here goes.

 

I am disabled and have been for a number of years due to a progressive disease.

 

"people say I PAY for FTTF so why should YOU get it free just because you are disabled. You have the same rights to get to you room as i do just go later in the day"

 

funny for I do not have the same rights as a healthy person.

 

You know I would die to see the ship tour they do. And I can't it is not accessible. Most behind the scene tours are not

 

Disnaccessible to us, but they are to healthy people. Most ships I cannot get to the top deck. Sometimes I think how cool it would be to just SEE it. But I can't, on many ships, not accessible.

 

Tendered port? Forget it - a ship day for me.

 

Excursions - not likely unless they can accommodate my 300 pound wheelchair.

 

I do not have an *entitled* attitude, but I do think *who the hell cares if a disabled can go to their room before others? not like they can stay up all night..and dance. "

 

and its funny right, for the disabled are not abusing the system we fight tooth and nail to get the same rights, its the healthy that are abusing it, cheating it, and we , the sick pay for it and the healthy ones yell about the few *extras* we do get.Some healthy people make it seem Like dying from a progressive disease is some special thing.

 

True story - Disney last year and it was HOT, hubby has customized my wheelchair, I have shade, I have a fan, even a cell phone charger on it. Standing in line a woman looked at me and said..you are so lucky a fan and shade...I quickly replied..you can have my fan and shade..if i can have your legs.

Disney was the worst place in the world we have taken our son. He is in a wheelchair, has CP, blind, mentally about 2 and has seizures. No only were the staff nasty but most of the elderly who were visitors were just as bad. They pushed my sons wheelchair out of their way when we were standing in line. I actually see some of this on the ship and I would love to have a bowling ball and knock a few people down for not letting someone in a wheelchair onto the elevators. As for the lady who started this thread I hope she can come up with a good solution.

You forgot "fake service dogs"...it has ruined the legitimate service dogs place.

This is just a suggestion but have you joined the Roll Call for your cruise? You could possible find someone on there who is Diamond/Platinum who will be close to your room. Ask them if they could possibly meet you in the lobby and give them your card to go get the scooter from your room for you. Before people get antsy about giving out your sign and sail to a stranger they are only going to have it for a very short time and they can't charge anything on it. Only a suggestion.

Well, I have been checking Verizon, Aarp etc. for the 10% off $500 Carnival Gift cards for weeks several times a day... DELUXE REWARDS is the supplier to both Verizon, AARP etc. I believe. Seems like DELUXE REWARDS has lost it's ability to get the Carnival cards and can't supply them anymore or they are not supplying them to the retailers I know about:(! Tired of checking 20 times a day, but would really like to use them to pay off a cruise.

Try checking on the CC Carnival boards where you posted this and look for the thread about AARP cards first and check the last page to see if they are available. I also have it set to get notices by email when that thread comes up and anyone post anything at all on it. I usually am able to get them. I let my BIL know last week and he snagged $1000 worth.

Yes, avoid going through Atlanta. Take I-285 around the city and rejoin 75S down by the airport. HUGE mess!!!

 

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Did I miss something? I don't see where I-75S is being closed.

My grandson is 6 years old. We took his brother on his first cruise 4 years ago, now its this one's turn. If I think there is going to be any type of delay, my son and DIL WILLget me a certified copy of his BC.

 

I have cruised many times and am well versed on the laws as DH and I sailed several times without passports until we headed to Europe, then it was a requirement. I am just more comfortable having a passport for him... just in case.

 

Thanks for your input everyone. From reading, it looks like its between 3 - 4 week turnaround time.

I got mine in 9 days. Needless to say I was shocked that it came that fast.

If there are, they usually isolate the area to minimize, if not totally avoid, disturbance.

The next dry dock for Elation is August 31st to September 27th.