Diamond & Platinum Not great

[BlerkOne]

15 minutes ago, RoperDK said:

Hate to not agree, but it is not my job to search and scan for menus and then print them out to take to a restaurant on a cruise that I spent my hard earned vacation money on.  Menus are usually posted outside of the venue, but not on the Mardi Gras (except for our Rudi's night).  I realize there is a learning curve and the hub app does post menus, but inexplicably not ALL menus.  The hub app does not always show sides or anytime items.  I realize the times have changed, and I used to cringe at holding the old menus before eating after I had just washed my hands.  My disappointment was with the waitstaff not helping with ordering.  They came up. Wanted your order, including desert, and then off they went.  If you didn't know there were other options, they didn't make suggestions.  I assume they have been told to not make it easy for people to order extra.  This is not the Carnival I love, with friendly helpful bartenders and waitstaff.  I am giving extra slack for the terrible conditions of trying to cruise during a pandemic.  I will go on Mardi Gras one more time in a couple of months.  We are canceling our other Carnival cruises for now.  We have had friends come off of Princess and RCCL.  They don't have the same complaints.         

I simply provided a viable option for those who are technologically challenged. There seem to be many on CC asking for menus.

[RoperDK]

9 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

I simply provided a viable option for those who are technologically challenged. There seem to be many on CC asking for menus.

I understand.  I actually printed off the Pig and Anchor night menu with daily specials.  On the Mardi Gras the food venues are so extensive that it can be overwhelming.  On other Carnival ships, the food venues are pretty standard.  Newcomers still would be lost on those ships, I'm afraid, without menus posted or help from the crew.  I wish I could put my feelings into words better.  My gut feeling is that we will not be happy with the direction of Carnival even after the pandemic fades.  Time will tell.    

[rim140]

On board the Horizon now (on for 3 weeks, 11/7 - 11/27). I remember reading earlier post about the Platinum/Diamond Reunion party.... attended the reception this afternoon. Wasn't expecting much after reading negative previous post, only lasted for a short 30 min but we did enjoy it, with free flowing cocktails. We also did go down to the casino to claim $25 play money tonight, we don't do casino but hey it's free, why waste it right? $25 is $25! Agree with not so impressive surprise VIFP stuff we picked up from the photo place, luggage tags and pins. At least free laundry perks are still usable 😁

 

Happy cruising!

Edited November 11, 2021 by rim140

[BlerkOne]

2 minutes ago, rim140 said:

On board the Horizon now (on for 3 weeks, 11/7 - 11/27). I remember reading earlier post about the Platinum/Diamond Reunion party.... attended the reception this afternoon. Wasn't expecting much after reading negative previous post, only lasted for a short 30 min but we did enjoy it, with free flowing cocktails. We also did go down to the casino to claim $25 play money tonight, we don't do casino but hey it's free, why waste it right? $25 is $25! Agree with not so impressive surprise VIFP stuff we picked up from the photo place, luggage tags and pins. At least free laundry perks are still usable 😁

 

Happy cruising!

Some ships, like Valor, simply hand you $25 cash (which is just as good as money!) in lieu of machine credits.

[firefly333]

I still dont know how to scan codes with my tablet. But next to venues I was able to click on menus and can change the day of the week above to see menus for other days.

 

I did think it was rude when I heard the waiter in the steak house lecture a couple in their 80s to learn how to scan codes and refuse to give out menus. I could have turned on my tablet and helped but I was busy eating, waiter should have. I just encountered a lot of saucy and not quite up to par waiters. This was just one. If you are asked for a menu .. say ok dont give a lecture. Just bad attitude. 

 

As far as blerk telling me get over it I dont need bacon for breakfast. Heck I'd trade prime rib and that chewy steak for some bacon. What one likes someone else could care less. Very annoying to be told how to feel or I am wrong if there is something I prefer. 

[BlerkOne]

7 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

As far as blerk telling me get over it I dont need bacon for breakfast. Heck I'd trade prime rib and that chewy steak for some bacon. What one likes someone else could care less. Very annoying to be told how to feel or I am wrong if there is something I prefer. 

I said no such thing. Pork prices have grown wings. My cruise prices don't have to compete.

[Computer Nerd]

On 11/9/2021 at 2:05 PM, Don Kehote said:

By this logic, it is perfectly fine to touch wet paint because you are wearing overalls, and do not think it is possible to wipe paint onto other people/things that other people touch.

 

I can't put this in crayon, but maybe a fun, colorful font will help.

Medically speaking, it is perfectly fine. Will mess up the paint job though. I've been vax'ed myself, specifically to cruise, so as far as I'm concerned, I can go back to licking doorknobs again for all I care about this virus.

[Computer Nerd]

7 hours ago, firefly333 said:

I still dont know how to scan codes with my tablet. But next to venues I was able to click on menus and can change the day of the week above to see menus for other days.

 

I did think it was rude when I heard the waiter in the steak house lecture a couple in their 80s to learn how to scan codes and refuse to give out menus. I could have turned on my tablet and helped but I was busy eating, waiter should have. I just encountered a lot of saucy and not quite up to par waiters. This was just one. If you are asked for a menu .. say ok dont give a lecture. Just bad attitude. 

 

As far as blerk telling me get over it I dont need bacon for breakfast. Heck I'd trade prime rib and that chewy steak for some bacon. What one likes someone else could care less. Very annoying to be told how to feel or I am wrong if there is something I prefer. 

I just use the menu that is listed on the hub for the MDR. Also, if you can't scan correctly, the URL is listed below the QR code. You can just type it in manually and achieve the same thing.

[Anyislandwilldo]

16 hours ago, firefly333 said:

 

 

As far as blerk telling me get over it I dont need bacon for breakfast. Heck I'd trade prime rib and that chewy steak for some bacon. What one likes someone else could care less. Very annoying to be told how to feel or I am wrong if there is something I prefer. 

 

I blocked Blerk, I was sick of his negative attitude towards everything! 

[BlerkOne]

8 hours ago, Computer Nerd said:

I just use the menu that is listed on the hub for the MDR. Also, if you can't scan correctly, the URL is listed below the QR code. You can just type it in manually and achieve the same thing.

funshi.ps/{something} and it redirects you.

[DGNewton]

On 11/6/2021 at 4:49 PM, ALWAYS CRUZIN said:

Just got off of the Mardi Gras. Not impressed. Do your room morning OR evening. Not much for them to do anymore. Well our next Carnival cruise will be our 50th. Once we reached the Priority boarding level we we so very happy. The other perks are nice but not as great as Priority Boarding. Well not this time. Only those that purchase a suite were considered priority. Look at your boarding pass. Do you see priority on it? I just went and took a look at the list. It still shows Priority boarding. Well the Mardi Gras boarding took 1-1/2 hours. Now lets cover the other perks. Want your free bottle of water. Go get it yourself at the bar. Want the ships pin and gift. Go get it yourself at Pixels. By the way. No ships name on the pin any longer. Want the nice strawberries or cookies delivered to your room. Call room service. So I guess you going to get the items yourself is saving them money? How? There was nothing telling us any of this. If we did not ask, we would never have known. Remember the get together party. Free flowing drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Now you receive one glass of wine. No other choice. Then they give you a $10.50 voucher for a drink. Now! they are saving money and demoting our status at the same time. If you are not going to give something additional, at least do not take things away. I do understand they took a hit. They are charging more for the cruise plus other things. Maybe the Priority Boarding will just be temporary. What can they possibly be saving there? If you purchase a suite and you get priority boarding why not us that deserve it. Guess loyalty has been tossed overboard.

Since Carnival started sailing again, this was well documented as to what the rules would be.

Diamond and Platinum were granted an addition 2 day advance to secure an early booing time to those that wanted to get on board quickly.

In addition, Carnival always loaded Wedding parties and suite first ever since I've know.

I've sailed 3 times since July and have no issue getting on straight away.

We are also in a Covid restricted era with Protocols; hence the way to gather your perks.

Unfortunately there were out of strawberries when we called for ours on day 7 of 8.  But we just pressed on an enjoyed a fantastic cruise on the Horizon.

When the nrom returns, if ever I'm sure things will change back to enjoying more service and gifts.

But if you need high treatment, pay the price and seek HAL or Disney.  You pay for what you get.

Look in the mirror and say to yourself, what's the solution, usually you have some humble pie.  

 

Hats off to the best thing going for Carnival right now - The Horizon - ranked #1 amongst their fleet!

There is no doubt for us as we've been sailing since 1980.

 

[johnny75]

Went on the Horizon, ad the Platinum party with drinks and food.

 

Why not Mardi Gras?

[RoperDK]

12 hours ago, Computer Nerd said:

I just use the menu that is listed on the hub for the MDR. Also, if you can't scan correctly, the URL is listed below the QR code. You can just type it in manually and achieve the same thing.

Are all of the other cruise lines doing the same thing?  I can't imagine someone on Princess accepting this as the new normal.  What about RCCL or NCL?  Those are comparable quality lines.  I am tech savvy and adapted and especially enjoyed the enhanced hub app.  It definitely didn't have any upscale feel at all to me.  Nothing like going in to Rudi's on formal night and fumbling with your phone to order your $38 meal.  My biggest problem was with the waitstaff.  I know it is difficult for them now, but I sure do miss the welcoming attitude and attention to detail from before the pandemic.  At Rudi's we asked for iced tea instead of water with dinner and it took 10 minutes for them to bring it out.  It also stayed unfilled throughout the meal.  Desert came and I asked for coffee. She was so surprised that I would ask for it.  It came with no creamer or sweetener after our desert was finished.  For those who feel that I am being too picky or demanding, I would say that for a pay restaurant, this was poor service.  The restaurant was not crowded, also.  I gave so many waitstaff and bartenders a mile of extra slack, but training or not prioritizing the usual outstanding Carnival service is lacking.  Just relating my experience.  

 

         

[Colorado Beach Bum]

16 minutes ago, RoperDK said:

Are all of the other cruise lines doing the same thing?  I can't imagine someone on Princess accepting this as the new normal.  What about RCCL or NCL?  Those are comparable quality lines.  I am tech savvy and adapted and especially enjoyed the enhanced hub app.  It definitely didn't have any upscale feel at all to me.  Nothing like going in to Rudi's on formal night and fumbling with your phone to order your $38 meal.  My biggest problem was with the waitstaff.  I know it is difficult for them now, but I sure do miss the welcoming attitude and attention to detail from before the pandemic.  At Rudi's we asked for iced tea instead of water with dinner and it took 10 minutes for them to bring it out.  It also stayed unfilled throughout the meal.  Desert came and I asked for coffee. She was so surprised that I would ask for it.  It came with no creamer or sweetener after our desert was finished.  For those who feel that I am being too picky or demanding, I would say that for a pay restaurant, this was poor service.  The restaurant was not crowded, also.  I gave so many waitstaff and bartenders a mile of extra slack, but training or not prioritizing the usual outstanding Carnival service is lacking.  Just relating my experience.  

 

         

I’d say that’s poor service in MDR.  Iced tea and coffee are pretty standard.  Seems like if you have fixed dining times your wait staff gets to know you and iced tea and coffee will be there by night 2 or 3 and you have much better service. With anytime and speciality the service just isn’t as personalized as they don’t know you. 

[RoperDK]

23 minutes ago, Colorado Beach Bum said:

I’d say that’s poor service in MDR.  Iced tea and coffee are pretty standard.  Seems like if you have fixed dining times your wait staff gets to know you and iced tea and coffee will be there by night 2 or 3 and you have much better service. With anytime and speciality the service just isn’t as personalized as they don’t know you. 

I agree that fixed dining gets to know your preferences, and that is a plus for choosing that option.  On Mardi Gras, having your time dining gives you more flexibility to use the other "free for now" options.  I was so surprised that the specialty restaurant Rudi's, not crowded at all, was so lacking.  Not my usual Carnival experience.  I hope someone else that has experienced the specialty restaurants recently can weigh in on their experiences.   

[Colorado Beach Bum]

16 minutes ago, RoperDK said:

I agree that fixed dining gets to know your preferences, and that is a plus for choosing that option.  On Mardi Gras, having your time dining gives you more flexibility to use the other "free for now" options.  I was so surprised that the specialty restaurant Rudi's, not crowded at all, was so lacking.  Not my usual Carnival experience.  I hope someone else that has experienced the specialty restaurants recently can weigh in on their experiences.   

We only ate in MDR once.  We had very good service at all of the speciality (free and paid) in September on the Mardi Gras. First night in Chibang was the best we had all week but all the others were very good.  

[TomCruise48]

2 hours ago, RoperDK said:

Are all of the other cruise lines doing the same thing?  I can't imagine someone on Princess accepting this as the new normal.  What about RCCL or NCL?  Those are comparable quality lines.          

Sailed on RCCL a couple of months ago.  They prefer that you view the menu on their app, but will happily bring you a paper copy if you request.

[ilovesparky13]

You’re complaining because you had to get your own things? Pure laziness. 

[firefly333]

4 hours ago, ilovesparky13 said:

You’re complaining because you had to get your own things? Pure laziness. 

My favorite thing about cruising is having someone else cook and clean up afterwards. I dont cruise to go on a scavenger hunt. For me I dont care about getting trinkets but wrong food order, bad attitudes from waiters I ran into I do care about. My only complaint was dining. 

 

But if someone does complain, about having to figure out where to fetch stuff from that's their right to their opinion. 

[Computer Nerd]

10 hours ago, RoperDK said:

Are all of the other cruise lines doing the same thing?  I can't imagine someone on Princess accepting this as the new normal.  What about RCCL or NCL?  Those are comparable quality lines.  I am tech savvy and adapted and especially enjoyed the enhanced hub app.  It definitely didn't have any upscale feel at all to me.  Nothing like going in to Rudi's on formal night and fumbling with your phone to order your $38 meal.  My biggest problem was with the waitstaff.  I know it is difficult for them now, but I sure do miss the welcoming attitude and attention to detail from before the pandemic.  At Rudi's we asked for iced tea instead of water with dinner and it took 10 minutes for them to bring it out.  It also stayed unfilled throughout the meal.  Desert came and I asked for coffee. She was so surprised that I would ask for it.  It came with no creamer or sweetener after our desert was finished.  For those who feel that I am being too picky or demanding, I would say that for a pay restaurant, this was poor service.  The restaurant was not crowded, also.  I gave so many waitstaff and bartenders a mile of extra slack, but training or not prioritizing the usual outstanding Carnival service is lacking.  Just relating my experience.  

 

         

I don't know as of yet as I have only sailed one cruise since the restart. I do have a Royal cruise next month so I'll see what they are doing there in regards to menus. I do know on Royal they still have the tablecloths in the MDR and they are still servicing the cabin twice a day.

[DGNewton]

On 11/10/2021 at 8:24 PM, BlerkOne said:

I simply provided a viable option for those who are technologically challenged. There seem to be many on CC asking for menus.

 

A viable issue Carnival needs to address.

Phone battery life is hurting many if us.  Can't keep them alive all day - duh!

Print any restaurant menus and fun times...along side our little towel animal!

Afterall, Carnival posted revenues are soaring!  Bought popcorn onc, and will not do it again, bland, no butter or salt available - sucked.  Take it up a notch if you want us to pay!  Not the fist cruise - was better in July.

That's all that is asked - simple, not anyone's personal way, but those that are paying customers and a way forward.

.

 

[naxer]

I just checked in for my cruise on Nov. 27th on the Mardi Gras, printed my luggage tag, and it said "Platinum" for the first time.  That made me very happy.  That was originally supposed to have happened 11 months and 3 cancelled cruises ago.  I'm just so happy to be cruising again.  I'll call for the strawberries, walk to Pixels to get my luggage tags, and chase down the water bottle.  And I only recently learned about the $25?  Life has changed for everyone and everything over this year.  I'm determined to make the best of any good I can find, and try not to look back, except in gratitude.

Edited November 13, 2021 by naxer

[BlerkOne]

1 hour ago, DGNewton said:

 

A viable issue Carnival needs to address.

Phone battery life is hurting many if us.  Can't keep them alive all day - duh!

Print any restaurant menus and fun times...along side our little towel animal!

Afterall, Carnival posted revenues are soaring!  Bought popcorn onc, and will not do it again, bland, no butter or salt available - sucked.  Take it up a notch if you want us to pay!  Not the fist cruise - was better in July.

That's all that is asked - simple, not anyone's personal way, but those that are paying customers and a way forward.

Carnival took on many billions in debt. It's a price you pay for cruising during a pandemic and prior to economic recovery. Even when Carnival recovers, it is doubtful there will ever be cruising like 2019 for more than economic reasons.

[DGNewton]

Just fork out donations it you'd like....just saying they boosted on the media.....we also tipped triple to quadrupled for the staff more than the normal....Horizon rocked the seas and ready to go again.....for the first time the cabin person did what we asked, way to go DWI!!!!!

 

[hurricane0226]

1 hour ago, naxer said:

I just checked in for my cruise on Nov. 27th on the Mardi Gras, printed my luggage tag, and it said "Platinum" for the first time.  That made me very happy.  That was originally supposed to have happened 11 months and 3 cancelled cruises ago.  I'm just so happy to be cruising again.  I'll call for the strawberries, walk to Pixels to get my luggage tags, and chase down the water bottle.  And I only recently learned about the $25?  Life has changed for everyone and everything over this year.  I'm determined to make the best of any good I can find, and try not to look back, except in gratitude.

will try and save you some strawberries from our Nov 20th sailing on the MG. lol.