RMcoolX

I would say that normally the CD has had very little influence on my overall cruise experiences. The exception has been my last two cruises, however. Dr E (Everson Beville) was the CD on the Magic, and he has been my favorite CD ever. Definitely makes me want to do that ship again as long as he is on it. We followed that up with the Dream last year. The CD totally sucked, as did the whole entertainment staff and activities. Worst experience of all my cruises.

The biggest difference that I've noticed is that Carnival provides better entertainment options, and gives you more bang for the buck. Nothing else stands out IMO.

Totally worth it. You'd still be very unlikely to be able to get a better bang-for-the-buck cruising experience.

Sang the last night on the Liberty. Danced two or three nights out of five. One of our favorite parts about eating in the main dining room :)

We love it. For those who don't, all you gotta do is show up on time, eat a little faster, and get the hell out before they start.

I've had several balcony cabins, but only once did I opt for an aft balcony. Never again! For me, the cons outweighed the pros. The major cons I had were the lack of privacy on each side and from above, cigarettes being tossed from above, and too hot due to virtually no overhang. That long walk to EVERYWHERE on the ship was a drag too.

With all that being said, I don't want to discourage you from trying it. Many people I have conversed with love them, and you may too. I say to try it at least once and make up your own mind. Have fun!

I just got the following message. Anyone know more about what's going on with the ship?

Dear Carnival Dream Guests,

We know you must be very excited about your cruise tomorrow. So we want to provide you some important information.

Carnival Dream is currently experiencing a technical issue, which is only affecting her maximum cruising speed. Rest assured all other safety systems and hotel services are operating normally.

I'm sorry to say as a result, our arrival tomorrow will be delayed. We expect to be alongside at approximately 9:00 AM.

For your comfort and convenience, we ask that you please add two and half hours to your selected check-in window. At this time, we do not foresee this delay will have any impact on our itinerary plans.

...

I like the mega ships, but I absolutely love the smaller Fantasy class ships. They give you all the basics of the larger ships, but with far less hassle and crowds. I wish they still did more 7 day cruises on Fantasy ships out of Galveston and NOLA.

I don't like it either. I guess it looks pretty, but it's so clunky and not practical. It's harder to find exactly what you want.

Ditto. Looks nice, but sucks functionally! I wish they would just go back to the old setup. I never feel like I'm seeing everything that I would have otherwise like to have seen. :(

Carnival, I hope you're listening!!!

It's my money and Carnival will get it on the last day possible. If it's due on the 12th they get it on the 12th.

This is how I feel about it too...but then my wife tells me to quit screwing around and pay the damn bill the day before so that I don't forget on the day of! :D

I think my sig says it all.

Thanks for the memories Carnival! Best band for the buck on the seas.

I am the approver of leave at my job for about 200 officers. I've had a few occasions where a person books a cruise prior to getting approval. My favorite thing is when then try and use it as justification as to why they should be granted the leave. I am proud to say (as a fellow cruiser), that I have never had to be the bad guy that checked the disapproved box that cost someone their cruise.

My suggestion is for your hubby to be the squeaky wheel that may eventually get the grease. If he can show supporting documentation that he has booked and paid for the cruise, they may reconsider or try and work something else out. If all else fails, he should be able to seek out a higher authority and plead his case some more. In other words, don't give up so easily. Good luck!

I'll be cruising out of Galveston this coming weekend. After reading some of the experiences people have had with the assigned check-in times, I'm dreading having to go into that chaotic mess. If it's as bad as everyone is saying, I will never cruise out of Galveston again.

I wouldn't say to fear the new process as a priority guest. It's not so bad if you lower your expectations a bit. It may turn out to be a complete success if the intent is to lessen the confusion once inside the terminal for non-priority guests. My suggestion to them will be to show up at your assigned time and all should be fine.

On the other hand, however, if the intent was to keep the priority guests as status quo...EPIC FAIL! My suggestion to you as a Platinum member will be expect less exclusivity and pampering than you've probably been accustomed to during embarkation. It's not so bad, however, that it should make you not want to cruise out of Galveston again. The customer service was still top notch all the way to the ship, and once you get that first drink and/or WCMC in your system, all will be forgotten! lol

Good questions. Hope we hear from more folks. Most arrived back this past weekend and with this week being Thanksgiving, hearing from them may take a bit. However, I think we've had some constructive feedback already.

 

Some of my questions have been answered so far:

 

1) the process actually took place

2) it was enforced

3) need for signage to cut down on the confusion

4) everyone checks in at the same place/counter

5) for plat/diamond, lounge is occupied after check in

6) you can check luggage, but must wait until selected check in time

7) priority/FTTF, suites, etc. were allowed into terminal upon arrival

 

My remaining questions:

 

1) clerify; waiting areas were outside the terminal pre-check in, not inside?

2) what did people do that arrived significantly early to pass the time?

3) overall wait time once inside the terminal (any check in window) 10-10:30a busy, 2-2:30p no wait, etc.?

4) were those that boarded with a later check in able to get a bite to eat?

 

I think that's it for me. Again, thank you to those who have responded and kept this thread informational and constructive. Safe Travels this holiday week!!

As for your questions that have been answered so far, I would say that you're on point with all of them except for #5. I never saw a lounge, nor was I directed to one, so I hardly consider that to be 'occupied'.

As for your remaining questions:

1) Waiting areas appeared to be outside. I say that because there were alot of people outside. It is possible, however, that some of the people I was seeing were disembarking being that I heard that the ship was not able to start the process until 0900 due to adverse weather conditions.

2) Based on what I could see, they were checking bags in, then standing in place.

3) We started the process at about 1130, and were on board by 1200. That is on par with the length of time that it has always taken as a Platinum member, but never did it seem so confusing. It certainly 'felt' longer than it ultimately was. I'll admit, I'm used to being spoiled a bit during the priority embarkation process. Not so much yesterday.

4) Dining areas were kept open all they way until the drill. I'm sure all guests were onboard in time enough to eat.

So do Platinum, Diamond, and Suites no longer check in at the Captain's Lounge? We were on the Magic the week before they started this new process and checked in at the Captain's Lounge.

There was no check-in whatsoever in the Captain's lounge. If there was a Captain's Lounge at all, we missed it! We went to the far left end of the same counter that everyone else went to. From there, to the ship after being 'plucked' from the same line as non-priority folks.

I was so ready to feel 'special' (lol) as a Platinum guest, but that was not the case today.

We went through the staggered embarkation process today, and I'm currently onboard (I know, I know...why in the heck am I online instead of playing. Well, that will happen shortly, trust me!). I set us up for a time of 1100-1130. We got there and noticed many people 'hanging' outside the terminal. As Platinum members who were taking our bags onboard ourselves, we were promptly ushered into the terminal by Carnival personnel outside. Once inside, we were surprised at how many folks were not only in the priority line, but how crowded and disorganized the whole terminal experience seemed to go. If this new process was meant to provide order, then it is a failure thus far. There was a definite lack of signage telling us where to go, and after check-in the rep stamped something on our paperwork and told us to just go to the front of another big crowd of folks waiting to board. People were looking at us walk past them as if to say "where in the hell are THEY going?!?". Luckily, a Carnival rep came towards us, asked were we platinum, and ushered us on through towards the Welcome Aboard picture taking ritual. It was only at this point did it hit me that there was not going to be a Platinum lounge experience. Wow, I know they're cutting back, but I didn't think that we were eating THAT many cookies in the lounge! LOL

This was easily the worst boarding experience we've had as platinum members. Hell, for that matter, as ANY member! This is our third time boarding in Galveston...hopefully #4 will be much better than today.

So what is the current gift?

How often does the gift change? We sail in 6 weeks, so I'm wondering if we too will get the journal/pen?

I've done aft, cove, and 'regular' balconies. Any balcony is a good balcony! :)

I think all the ships sunk!

j/k :D

We've done two coves, and have a3rd coming up. I love them, primarily for the privacy. I also like the closeness to the ocean and the additional 10 sq ft they give when compared to standard balconies. The fact that they're cheaper is a bonus.

We primarily sail Carnival for much the same reasons as you. We've tried others, but we keep coming back for more Carnival!

You are not alone! lol

Don't listen to all these folks. They know nothing about what they speak. I say you can make it.

I mean, you are the pilot, right?!? :D

I've had two cove balconies. They are definitely more private. Sure, someone could look around the partition if so inclined, but they run the risk of falling into the ocean to do so. :)