Steve551

9 hours ago, tom3562 said:

Has anyone had luck tipping your cabin stewards up front? 

Even thou we always pre-pay our gratuities, I got into a habit of giving our steward a $20 bill up front when they introduce themselves. This has seamed to always make a great cabin steward / customer relationship for the week. with thee exception one time. I believe it was a 4 day voyage, I tipped up front, and never seen him again till the last day leaving my room. Curious if anyone else does the same?

Happy Sailing!

I do tip upfront by prepaying our gratuities. Extra tip is given the last night of the cruise.

The only time we stay close to the port is in NOLA. We love to cruise out of NOLA.

49 minutes ago, Lee2385 said:

I am platinum and have never had this happen before. I received an email stating I have an outstanding balance of $13.48 due from my Valentine’s Day cruise. This was sent to me from the Carnival collection department!!! Of course I’ll call first thing in morning but has anyone ever had this happen!?! My credit card was set up prior to our cruise for our sail and sign account. My PVP has never seen this either!?! Kind of annoyed as I have to pay via western union or cashier check so I’ll have to go to the bank. Oy 

Yes but not on Carnival. Our bill was for $602.00. They hadn't processed any of our on-board expenditures. After verifying with my credit card company that I had not been charged I called the cruise line and they excepted payment via credit card.

2 hours ago, steven888 said:

Anyone know where I can get a list of the room categories differences for Carnival Sunrise?

https://www.icruise.com/ships/carnival-cruises-carnival-sunrise-staterooms.html

45 minutes ago, KrakedMask said:

A few of my friends and I have the Switch and plan on bringing one with to play Super Smash and Drunk Driving Mario Kart while on board, we will be on Sunrise this November. Will any tvs have an HDMI port we can use to plug the dock into or will we have to just play with the handheld? 

This is a frequent question on JH's FB page. You will not be able to use the HDMI port of the tv.

On 8/10/2017 at 10:40 AM, trippintex said:

we where thinking of bring a couple of gifts for crew my be american football tee shirt for the guys and earrings for the girls plus money

A friend of mine tells this story, I have no idea if it is true since I wasn't there.

He was cruising with his girlfriend (now his wife) and asked the cabin steward if he could give him a gift of appreciation along with a cash tip.

He said that the cabin steward thought for a couple of minutes then replied, "Sex with your girlfriend would be nice".

Knowing my friend I doubt that he gave the steward the gift he asked for.

34 minutes ago, MRSG29 said:

Also, Make sure you let your banks know that you are traveling and where. My first cruise, my cards got locked and I had no way to contact the banks to unlock them. smh

That's good advice.

1 minute ago, Mommawo said:

Well it looks like you all have it figured out 😂.  We are a bit more uptight I suppose 😆.  Love it!

My wife is a 'free spirit' who lives the moment..... I guess that's how to describe her.

6 minutes ago, Mommawo said:

I would be beyond pissed at my husband lol however we are both very punctual people.  I would absolutely flip out if we missed the ship.  You are a very patient man.  

Never pissed, I know that my wife is a very capable person (with a lot of life insurance) plus I have great stories to share with friends/family.... Any money she pisses away like that a matching amount goes into my WSOP poker tournament fund....

Let me add, no one in the family will shop with my wife! On shore or on a cruise....  We were taking son #3 and his lovely wife on a cruise. She told my son that she was afraid to go shopping with my wife because she didn't want to miss the ship  LOL.  Quite the reputation huh?

4 hours ago, hotsauce126 said:

 

My mind is so blown right now. Missing the ship is probably my biggest fear when cruising. She regularly misses it on purpose? Isn't that more expensive than island hopping by plane?

It is never on purpose. She just gets 'out and about' looking for local artist and loses track of time. Yes, to arrange non-scheduled travel can be expensive, even last minute scheduled travel can be pricey. It hasn't happened too many times. Her being the last one on the ship has happened frequently but she usually makes it. Like I say, she is much better now. 10-15 years ago??? Watch out!

1 hour ago, emoorehead said:

To each his own....but I am also in the camp of "My butt will be back on the ship WELL before time to leave". I would definitely have a panic attack if i missed the ship.

However, I love that you guys have a plan in place for what to do when this happens. If it works for you and you both still enjoy your vacation, then more power to you 😀.

Incidentally, there are some videos on youtube (like a video review type thing) that this one couple did.....there was another couple on board their cruise that was late back to the ship at something like 5 out of 7 ports and missed the ship altogether at another port. They have John Heald on the PA system in the video....it's kinda funny. I will look for the link.

I've seen that video LOL  That wasn't my wife.

My wife has gotten better the past 2 or 3 years. Although she was almost left behind by a tour bus in Naples as recently as 2017. We were on a tour where we were using radios. We had a short lunch stop and the guide asked us to remain in the area. Of course my wife didn't listen, took her "ear thingy" out of her ear and went shopping. She didn't hear the guide's instructions to follow him to the bus, which was parked quite a distance from the entrance to Pompeii. He asked me if I had looked for her, I told him "no", just to leave her that she would be okay but he said that he would get fired if he did. To make a long story short the guide and I searched and found her.  Usually I stay with her to ensure that this doesn't happen. I don't remember how she got away from me this time.... it's happened before!

1 hour ago, Mommawo said:

Oh my I would flip if I missed my ship!

It's always a 'roll of the dice' with regards to my wife. I must say that she is doing better the last few years. 

The first time it happened I almost flipped out too. I wanted to get off the ship and wait for her but Carnival recommended that I stay on-board with our stuff.  That was the right choice. My wife doesn't care, especially if the next day is a sea day. Her plan is to spend an extra day where she is (shopping) and meet the ship at the next port. If the next port is our home port then the plan is to meet at the airport.

8 minutes ago, rukkian said:

I actually liked the Dog Shack, just wish it were open later.

Made too many visits to the Dog House on our last cruise on the Allure LOL

3 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

Got it, that is why I said that.  I find the “seating charge” for JR for non breakfast to be WAY over the top.  They can disguise this gouging by calling it anything they want.  

I've never eaten at JR's, except breakfast, for that reason.

2 minutes ago, Joebucks said:

 

So, charging $25 for an event is the worst-case scenario, huh?

No, it is just another "cost saving" scenario

1 minute ago, ProgRockCruiser said:

 

I would say that is mis-characterized, based on what Mr Heald wrote about the situation.  There were guests who signed up for the "FFS Cruise" only because their TA told them they'd get a free t-shirt and drink etc; they had no idea who John Heald was.

 

So to deter guests from signing up solely for the freebies, they will start with a small charge to act as a dis-incentive to those that just wanted that "free stuff".

 

I get what they are doing.  Not sure it will work, or will be perceived as a "cut back" as you have interpreted it as.  I'd prefer to see some sort of quiz you have to pass to qualify for the FFS sign-up:  What is the name of John Heald's dog?  What kind of phone does he use when live blogging - spell it the way he does?  Pick out JH from a photo line-up.  If nothing else, it would mean those trying to "cheat the system for free stuff" would have to edumacate themselves about Mr Heald...

My thoughts on this are, IF there was evidence of widespread misuse of the FFS perks something should be done. BUT, one family in an elevator?  That's BS! 

650 x $25 = $16,250..... that's why Carnival has added the fee. I personally would have no problem paying $25 to be part of the FFS excitement (and will when another FFS cruise comes to the West Coast) but the story used to justify the $25 feet is BS in my humble opinion.

In light of recent "cost saving" cutbacks & the failed attempt (so far) to charge for room service ala carte  it's not a far stretch to have doubts regarding the reason for the $25 FFS fee.

9 hours ago, xDisconnections said:

Royal Caribbean has a new initiative called The Key. Check it out... you may be surprised.

The Key Guests will enjoy the following exclusive and special amenities during their cruise vacation: 

• Priority check-in and boarding*
• Carry-on bag drop off and delivery to stateroom**
• Exclusive welcome lunch at Chops Grille® 
• Private hours at onboard activities*** including Rock Climbing, FlowRider®  and more. The private hours schedule will be provided at check-in. 
• Priority port of call debarkation
• Reserved seating at shows in the Main Theater, Aqua Theater and Studio B.
• VOOM ® Surf & Stream 1 Device high speed internet
• Choice debarkation with an exclusive a la carte breakfast

2 hours ago, jimbo5544 said:

Well, I guess that meal at JR’s is free as opposed to the “seating charge” for other times....

Breakfast is free

On 2/22/2019 at 3:25 PM, Greensuz said:

I haven't cruised in quite a while.  My new husband and I are looking at Carnival Sunshine out of Charleston.  This is very attractive to us, because we live only about an hour from Charleston.  My previous cruises are mostly Celebrity.   I know not to expect everything on Carnival that Celebrity offers.  I love the Carnival price!  I'm also very open-minded, and not at all picky or a cruise snob.   Any encouraging comments from those of you who have cruised both lines?

We have 18 cruises on Carnival & a couple less on Celebrity (do not remember for sure). Carnival is a more budget cruise line than Celebrity and it shows BUT we've never had a bad cruise on Carnival and feel that it's a good value for the money spent. I am looking forward to our next cruise on Carnival.

On 2/11/2019 at 8:02 PM, Joebucks said:

 

There needs to be more benefits for gold members. Platinum and Diamond members are doing just fine.

More of something for free? From Carnival?  Lot's of luck.  Aparently the FFS cruises are so popular that Carnival just announced that they will be charging $25pp for the 600-650 people signing up to attend JH's events.  CCL now stands for "Carnival Cutback Lines". 

On 2/23/2019 at 7:21 AM, Cruisegoer said:

Don’t get me wrong, all lines have “modernized” cruising but IMHO Carnival has integrated the most number of practices to change the tradition of cruising, their worst being once a day servicing of your stateroom.  I would never want to have to chose just once in such a small room on vacation.  I wonder how many people on Carnival ships know they can order multiple items off the MDR menu?   They’ve convinced the masses that Guy Fierri burgers are a proper meal plan.  Again, yes I know everyone has different tastes but the burger push is real on Carnival.  Selling access to board the ship, FTTF, is also a “new” concept that I really don’t understand but yet I’ve purchased it on my upcoming cruise.

You can still have twice a day cabin service but morning service is okay for me.

I wonder how many people know that they can order multiple items off the MDR menu on other cruise lines too?

I like Guy's burgers myself.

I wish that they had FTTF before we reached Platinum, I would have purchased it.

1 hour ago, Greg901 said:

We are going on our first cruise on the conquest in June. i've learned a look around here so thanks everyone. i am a planner and have a question when we embark what is open. we are driving down from Orlando that morning so to there going to be some place eat on the ship or should we eat before we get onboard.

Thanks for the help.

 

No shortage of food!  Remember, in the Main Dining Room you can order as many different things as you want off the menu - don't be shy....you should see me on Lobster Night

32 minutes ago, rukkian said:

You are spot on for the allure, we absolutely loved it.  We are doing a magic cruise this time, and will be able to see the differences.  

Just on the Allure in December.  I miss eating breakfast sitting outside at Johnny Rockets or in the Solarium. Next cruise coming up soon but its with Princess....

On 2/13/2019 at 4:28 PM, Idacruiser77 said:

Before I get in to it I know there are a million places to find people bickering back and forth about which line is better, I just thought I'd add another 😉

 

Anyway, my wife and I are headed out on the Carnival Magic later this year and to be completely honest I'm a bit nervous. We have 5 cruises under our belts with RCCL and have always stayed away from Carnival. No particular reason, I chalk it up to having tried Royal first and just being blown away by the "WOW factor" and being afraid to veer away from it. Our last 3 have been on Oasis Class ships and I'm worried that has spoiled us beyond repair. Thoughts on that?

 

Our first cruise together was on the Mariner OTS and the Magic seems to be pretty comparable to that. Those of you that have been on both/either, what are your thoughts?

 

We're younger but aren't big partiers. Mostly enjoying a few drinks throughout the day, relaxing on the balcony, and checking everything out. No excursions, maybe a show here and there, no specialty dining unless we really want to try it.  What are the BIG differences between the two lines and ships? What makes or breaks it for you?

 

Thanks in advance everyone!

I have been on 18 Carnival cruises and 12 or so RCCL.  I have cruised on every other major cruise line as well, although you didn't ask about them.

IMHO there are no ships anywhere that compare to the Oasis Class ships. The first time I cruised on an Oasis Class ship I told my wife that the next time we need to book a 14-day cruise just to enjoy everything that the ships offers.

If I were to compare any CCL ship/RCCL (Oasis Class):

Entertainment (shows) RCCL would win hands down!

Entertainment (venues like clubs) RCCL again wins hands down!

Food in the MDR, I feel that these are comparable. We do not eat at the buffets so I can't help you there.

Specialty restaurants, once again my vote goes to RCCL Although I do enjoy Carnival's Guy's Burgers and their BBQ.

Casino: I am a poker player and I prefer live dealers over Carnival's poker machines.

If any CCL ship and a RCCL Oasis Class were both offering an itinerary I wanted I would pick the Oasis Class ship, even if it were a bit more expensive.

Just my opinion, I'm sure that there are many who would disagree.

On 2/11/2019 at 5:03 PM, mpdog42 said:

Hope it's to stop screwing Solo's and give up the Points/Days that we've paid for !!!

 

Mike St Louis

You mean double VIFP points?  That seems fare to me. 

Carnival does not build ships to accommodate solo passengers, at least not yet, so IMHO Carnival will not offer special solo rates on their existing ships. It has to do with the amount of revenue versus the space used. If they allow one person to take up the same space as two people (or more) then they lose revenue. Even charging "double" occupancy fare they are losing revenue. One less person drinking, purchasing things in the shops, gambling, purchasing photos, purchasing shore excursions, and etc. It's about the bottom line!