ober134

On 8/18/2022 at 3:51 PM, thunderingherd11 said:

So what's the latest you can get on.   Doing Paradise in December and two of my kids will be pushing it to get to the port in a timely manner.

There is a cut off time. I believe there's a passenger head count and/or manifest that needs turned over to authorities. Its usually about an hour before sail away. No one will be permitted to board after that cut off time.

26 minutes ago, BTromboneFrack said:

We have cruised on Disney and Carnival.   Now that Disney's prices have gone through the roof, we have been sticking to Carnival and have NEVER been disappointed.   Carnival has a wide mixture of people on board and we like that.   It's fun to meet a newlywed couple on their first cruise.  It's GREAT to see the children so excited about the pools and the water slides.   It's fun to meet empty nesters like us who have been cruising a long time, and college age kids are always fun to have around.   The thing that keeps amazing us is the friendliness of of the staff - and I mean ALL of the staff.  It doesn't matter if they are cleaning the ship at 2 in the morning, or wearing a white uniform on formal night, the Carnival staff is always saying hi with a smile.  If you don't like something, make sure you tell them, and they will make it right.   I have found the food to be very good, but the Steakhouse is consistently one of the finest restaurants we have ever eaten at - anywhere.    I am sure there will be some differences between Celebrity/Holland American/Princess and Carnival, but we like the variety of people and the laid back, fun atmosphere.  Go enjoy yourself, and don't worry about those who keep saying this is the "Walmart" of cruises.   There are a lot of really wealthy, classy people who are just fun to be with on these ships too.   Oh, and the Glory?  We have been on it twice and loved it both times.   Out of NewOrleans, you will have a 8 hour cruise out down the Mississippi to the gulf.   That is a special treat on this cruise.  

This! Take the cruise have fun and make memories.

wow! Very large room by NYC standards.

Too much cheating and "sharing" of drink packages

I don't know from personal experience, but this topic comes up on these boards once in a while..and the answer per those discussions is NO exceptions. Not for illness, medical or even pregnancy. Unless the policy has changed. Call and see.

Why is this even worth an argument? Its the policy whether you like it or not. Personally, I like it and speeds us right thru and on to ship quickly. 

June is a long way off, so what exists today may be different by then. Folks tend to bash CCL, but we enjoy it. We find the food is fine, entertainment is adequate and staff is suburb. Keep expectations in check and have fun. Also, there are many reviews here. Find a couple and it will provide a good idea. Those ports are very family friendly.

Are you using a PVP? I've had to "cancel" in the past, but  not that close to sailing. my PVP was able to move my booking to a future cruise. So if you have another cruise in mind that might be an option.

I'm  not sure 1:00 will work out. Check in time not a guarantee, and you may not have access to your cabin. Diamond and Platinum, wedding parties, Suites will have priority boarding. So depending on how many of those folks are on board, you may not grab one of those coveted early times. Keep in mind, check-in time is not the same as boarding time.

I'm not sure what to add. I agree with some statements, but it won't stop me from cruising. We are early 60's and recently retired with 3 future cruises booked. We are mostly loyal to CCL. It really depends on the ship and time of year. We avoid cruising in summer or spring break - too hot too expensive and too many kids. Now, I don't dislike kids we just prefer to sail when there are fewer on board. I see all the complaints about food - I have never starved on a cruise. Since restart my 2 cruises have been fine and food in all venues more than adequate. Yes, you may encounter lines here and there--post covid the world has changed and we just have to be patient and deal with supply chain issues and staffing shortages. Hopefully things will slowly improve on both land and sea. I still think cruises are about the most reasonably priced vacays and will continue to sail.

Thanks for heads up. I didn't have it, but DH did!

1 hour ago, vwrestler171 said:

The data was for 2019, not 2 years ago. So CCL is booking at 2x the same date in 2019.

My bad. You are correct, the article referenced pre pandemic... 2019 not 2020. No more $30 offers in the foreseeable future

According to financial news outlet, booking numbers are twice that of same date 2 years ago. Not sure if that's a good metric, but Economics 101 is supply and demand.

Late to this review, and just binge read all 100+ pages! I see you are a meticulous planner, but I do have a NYC recommendation… East Village, St. Marks Place… Cafe Mogador. And right across the street is the building used for LZ’s album Cover Physical Graffiti 

OK ... More specifically: We turn Platinum on our next cruise in November, so technically 'today' still Gold? My Cruise manager does not reflect 2 day advance check in date.... Am I entitled to those 2 days?

In the past I've gotten OBC. But my PVP has taken care of it for me once I call her.

Amazing review and photos! I searched CC for info on Celebration and somehow hit upon this thread and not sure how I missed it before. We booked Celebration for January, so this is providing a great idea of layout and all those special venues that will hopefully be similar on Celebration. Thanks for all the tips.

14 hours ago, HakunaMatada said:

disregard, just got email from cortrans and they are sold out both dates

Same thing happened to us past April. Most shuttles sold out. I guess Spring break... We ended up getting hotel near MCO (was late flight night prior) with free shuttle. Morning of cruise, we took hotel shuttle back to MCO and took Carnival shuttle to PC. Must book in advance as Carnival excursion. wasn't cheapest but we few options as we booked rather last minute. Met ppl on ship who planned on using Uber to get back to MCO.... They said Uber surcharge was $160. So keep that in mind, but not sure if that is typical

Following. I too have been wondering about this. I have several free government tests we received in July, however they've already expired 5 weeks later! I wonder if this matters? 

We started doing carry on only a few years ago... Including 8 days in Italy. We prefer cruising from FL so we must fly there. Same tips as previously mentioned on above posts. Additionally, wear heaviest clothing on the plane - jacket, sweater, jeans, shoes and layers. Use those jacket pockets too. Washable items that dry quickly... I like cotton blend t-shirts and undergarments. Remember a few clothes pins. Sundresses are key. DH has big feet so shoes are problem. He stuffs toiletries inside. It is doable with practice and quite freeing not to deal with all those extra clothes in the cabin

I know this probably won't be popular opinion and I won't engage any arguments. Retired health care worker..  And now since the majority Population (meaning more than half) has received the vaccine, the non vaxxers are in the minority. Keep vaccine requirement in place but drop testing. if you choose to forego the vax, I respect your choice (but I still dont understand) but your choice does come with consequences

Sorry if this is a duplicate item.... I tried searching. Is it worth the cost? I know this is hugely subjective, just wondering if its really that special. We've booked Celebration and want to get the trip planned. Have not been on MG yet. 

We sailed Horizon last November. One of the best cruises we've had... But there were just 2600 ppl aboard. We are on her again in  November this year. I'm keeping fingers crossed. We thought the buffet was decent, so I'm wondering if we aren't choosey or if offerings have gone downhill. May I asked what you did in Bonaire...

I agree with most comments on this thread.  Bottom line: it depends. If its a specific itinerary or port, then select the sailing. If its just to get away, then select whatever floats your boat in your budget. If its to experience a new or different ship, that's ok too. As I mentioned, we are primarily Carnival cruisers.... But there is an itinerary we want not available on CCL, so we booked Royal. Its all about choices... As long as I'm on a ship somewhere I'm happy. Expectations are in check and I count my blessings.

1 hour ago, njkate said:

I'm happy to read this as I'm looking for a Northern Europe cruise next summer and my usual cruise line NCL the pricing is outrageous, found a good deal on Carnival but hesitant from all the "party atmosphere" I've read regarding Carnival, but assuming a cruise in Europe would be a different dynamic then a 5 day Carribbean cruise

My experience is that the party atmosphere notion  is exaggerated. We are retired 60-somethings and enjoy Carnival. Yes, people are having a good time;   but there are many quiet places if that's what you want. Perhaps we've lucked out but have rarely if ever encountered a drunk obnoxious passenger