Carnival Venezia 29 Sep-14 Oct 2023

[Destiny0315]

6 minutes ago, Jamman54 said:

On another note, still no shore excursions listed for Barbados. 🙁

Well they are ready for us, I just don't know why CCL ain't ready for them!🤔https://cruisefever.net/caribbean-cruise-port-expecting-record-season/

[retltrcrr]

On 8/11/2023 at 9:26 AM, JOHN 57 said:

did test for heptitus, hiv, etc, all showed negative results. Yes, I am well aware of being careful, that is why I try to stay away from others and wear a mask. Concerning meals, Myriam will get my food and bring to me from Buffet etc. At main restaurant, we will ask for an isolated table.  Concerning comedians getting there early and leaving late, again hoping to sit in isolated areas. Concerning meet and greet intend to keep my distance.  Which is hard but has to be done.

I'll bring a mask because I'd love to talk to you about your disease and see how it mirrors mine.  I had world leaders in the field at Mayo Clinic Rochester involved in my treatment so I'm a bit curious about yours.  All the test you had are standard when narrowing the field of diseases.  I had all the same plus the vaccines in the beginning but I got a diagnosis which seems you never have.  Look forward to meeting you and Miriam.

[retltrcrr]

28 minutes ago, Destiny0315 said:

Well they are ready for us, I just don't know why CCL ain't ready for them!🤔https://cruisefever.net/caribbean-cruise-port-expecting-record-season/

Maybe Barbados is a port that doesn't allow the cruise industry to horn in on the island excursion industry.  I'm excited about the excursion I have there as the independents need to work without kick backs to the cruise lines as well.

[JOHN 57]

9 minutes ago, retltrcrr said:

I'll bring a mask because I'd love to talk to you about your disease and see how it mirrors mine.  I had world leaders in the field at Mayo Clinic Rochester involved in my treatment so I'm a bit curious about yours.  All the test you had are standard when narrowing the field of diseases.  I had all the same plus the vaccines in the beginning but I got a diagnosis which seems you never have.  Look forward to meeting you and Miriam.

Oh, yes we will have to meet and talk

[JOHN 57]

47 minutes ago, Jamman54 said:

I'm sure that there will be 6 to 8 different comedians on board during our cruise.

 

On another note, still no shore excursions listed for Barbados. 🙁

I have no doubt, that we will have comedians, question is who are they.

[JOHN 57]

I see, that the check in time is 14 days before our cruise, so that should be 15 September, so you can pick arrival time.  Undecided, what time.  I do know, that we will be eager for lunch.  Myriam will select and pick my food, so I can sit in an isolated area.  

[Jamman54]

50 minutes ago, retltrcrr said:

Maybe Barbados is a port that doesn't allow the cruise industry to horn in on the island excursion industry.  I'm excited about the excursion I have there as the independents need to work without kick backs to the cruise lines as well.

If Carnival can't make money selling shore excursions at a port, they won't be stopping there. They will go to an alternate port where they can sell excursions,  or change it to a sea day. 😎

[retltrcrr]

2 minutes ago, Jamman54 said:

If Carnival can't make money selling shore excursions at a port, they won't be stopping there. They will go to an alternate port where they can sell excursions,  or change it to a sea day. 😎

There's still time to add some excursions.  The cruise I leave on this weekend just added more excursions 2 weeks ago.

[Jamman54]

Just now, retltrcrr said:

There's still time to add some excursions.  The cruise I leave on this weekend just added more excursions 2 weeks ago.

I agree. Since our cruise will be the first one stopping there, Carnival is probably already hammering out contracts with excursion providers. Hopefully,  we'll see some excursions dropping in soon. A lot of cruisers are uncomfortable booking with independent providers, even though we both know that there are better deals to be had. 😎

[Jamman54]

26 minutes ago, JOHN 57 said:

I see, that the check in time is 14 days before our cruise, so that should be 15 September, so you can pick arrival time.  Undecided, what time.  I do know, that we will be eager for lunch.  Myriam will select and pick my food, so I can sit in an isolated area.  

As a reminder, if you are Diamond or Platinum, check in is 16 days.

[JOHN 57]

so that is 33 days till check in on 15 September

[Destiny0315]

30 minutes ago, Jamman54 said:

I agree. Since our cruise will be the first one stopping there, Carnival is probably already hammering out contracts with excursion providers. Hopefully,  we'll see some excursions dropping in soon. A lot of cruisers are uncomfortable booking with independent providers, even though we both know that there are better deals to be had. 😎

In 2003 we were on a CCL excursion in Martinque(with around 25-30 other pax)that took us to infamous Mt. Pelee volcano amongst other sites. Our bus got caught in late afternoon traffic on the narrow streets of the capital of Fort de France during a rain storm and there was constant communications with the ship which was being held for us in the port. Because it was one of Carnival's own excursions it made sense for them to hold rather than sail away and then have to foot the bill for the transportation to have us rejoin them at another point. If we were on an independent tour, especially back then, I think things would have been much different.

[JOHN 57]

we only did a cruiseline excursion, rest of time, by taxi or indpendent, and never any problem

[retltrcrr]

6 hours ago, Jamman54 said:

As a reminder, if you are Diamond or Platinum, check in is 16 days.

 

6 hours ago, Jamman54 said:

I agree. Since our cruise will be the first one stopping there, Carnival is probably already hammering out contracts with excursion providers. Hopefully,  we'll see some excursions dropping in soon. A lot of cruisers are uncomfortable booking with independent providers, even though we both know that there are better deals to be had. 😎

It's not so much the price, though I do compare, but the smaller groups that can be found outside the cruise line excursions.  They can pack more into your day in a van of 12 rather than the big buses of 30 to 40.  I start with the cruise excursions, read the reviews then go from there to weigh my options.  The zip line, hike, sky ride in St Lucia was an identical itinerary and price from the cruise verses the independent agencies so obviously I bought thru Carnival.  It's a personal preference with what makes you comfortable.  This itinerary fine, if it was Columbia or some of Central America, not so much.  I'm sticking with the excursions the cruise lines offer.  Safety in numbers and in general.  Know your surroundings. 

Edited August 12, 2023 by retltrcrr

[retltrcrr]

11 hours ago, Jamman54 said:

I agree. Since our cruise will be the first one stopping there, Carnival is probably already hammering out contracts with excursion providers. Hopefully,  we'll see some excursions dropping in soon. A lot of cruisers are uncomfortable booking with independent providers, even though we both know that there are better deals to be had. 😎

Makes sense with the Barbados cruise season running October thru April that they'd be late to the game with excursions.  I also rely on whatsinport.com for info on what to see and do, how to get around on your own and also some cautions like recognizing a legitimate cab, how much that should cost, local currency.  He covers ports around the world.  It's a great tool for planning a day or choosing an excursion.  Jeez I must lead a boring life as I'm typing on here at nearly 11pm on a Saturday.  But I did go bowl a couple games today and let's not forget the margarita during, so there's that!  I better say good night before John says good morning in a few hours.

[JOHN 57]

Good morning, our ship is at sea, 46 days to go, and 32 days till we can check in on 15 September.  

to discuss.

1.Meet and greet, 1st two sea days, which is 30 September or 1 October.  Question will be where and when.

[retltrcrr]

2 hours ago, JOHN 57 said:

Good morning, our ship is at sea, 46 days to go, and 32 days till we can check in on 15 September.  

to discuss.

1.Meet and greet, 1st two sea days, which is 30 September or 1 October.  Question will be where and when.

Do you prefer an indoor lounge/bar location or an outdoor deck location for a M&G?  I think Saturday rather than Sunday.  People tend to watch football on Sundays.  Just before or just after the lunch hour.  Like 11am or 2pm.  That's all I got to offer.

[Destiny0315]

45 minutes ago, retltrcrr said:

Do you prefer an indoor lounge/bar location or an outdoor deck location for a M&G?  I think Saturday rather than Sunday.  People tend to watch football on Sundays.  Just before or just after the lunch hour.  Like 11am or 2pm.  That's all I got to offer.

Ironically I was thinking like you Harriet and was going to suggest Saturday the 30th around 11am(or even a little before) between breakfast/late sleep-in and before lunch/bars/casino/pool and other afternoon activities really get going. I was also going to suggest the area on the Mezzanine deck 4 starboard outside(weather permitting)around mid-ship just outside of the Heroes Tribute Bar knowing that John has already talked about spending time outside on that deck after he posted photos of it earlier in this thread. But then that doesn't provide much for seating so maybe it could be in and outside of that bar area, or some similar area away from the congestion of the pool/buffet areas on other decks.

https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/deckplans/deckbydeck.php?ship=Carnival-Venezia&deck=4

Edited August 13, 2023 by Destiny0315

[Destiny0315]

There is no direct access from the Heroes Bar to the outside deck though so that nixes the idea of just casually stepping in and out while we are mingling. Here is a short video of the Heroes Bar

https://youtube.com/shorts/9QF2akva3UY?feature=share

[JOHN 57]

update

46 days to go, 32 till check in on 15 September.

Meet and greet

suggestions.

1.Saturday, 30 September, suggestion date about 11am

2.suggestion plac mezzanine deck 4 starboard.

ok, another other thoughts?

[retltrcrr]

1 hour ago, Destiny0315 said:

There is no direct access from the Heroes Bar to the outside deck though so that nixes the idea of just casually stepping in and out while we are mingling. Here is a short video of the Heroes Bar

https://youtube.com/shorts/9QF2akva3UY?feature=share

That's a cozy looking lounge.   Are there many military in our online cruise family?  I'm from a military family. 4 of my 5 brothers served in Vietnam and one went on to retire from the Army.  My deceased husband was also retired Air Force and my oldest nephew just retired from the Army as a Colonel.  My family has Army, Air Force, Navy but no Marines though I worked with many a proud Marine.  This lounge is a nice tribute in thanking one and all for their service to country and countrymen.

[retltrcrr]

1 hour ago, Destiny0315 said:

Ironically I was thinking like you Harriet and was going to suggest Saturday the 30th around 11am(or even a little before) between breakfast/late sleep-in and before lunch/bars/casino/pool and other afternoon activities really get going. I was also going to suggest the area on the Mezzanine deck 4 starboard outside(weather permitting)around mid-ship just outside of the Heroes Tribute Bar knowing that John has already talked about spending time outside on that deck after he posted photos of it earlier in this thread. But then that doesn't provide much for seating so maybe it could be in and outside of that bar area, or some similar area away from the congestion of the pool/buffet areas on other decks.

https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/DP/deckplans/deckbydeck.php?ship=Carnival-Venezia&deck=4

Outside is probably fine even with limited seating because really how many people will stop by or stay long.  Especially if its right before lunch we may drop over from hunger. 

[Destiny0315]

6 minutes ago, retltrcrr said:

That's a cozy looking lounge.   Are there many military in our online cruise family?  I'm from a military family. 4 of my 5 brothers served in Vietnam and one went on to retire from the Army.  My deceased husband was also retired Air Force and my oldest nephew just retired from the Army as a Colonel.  My family has Army, Air Force, Navy but no Marines though I worked with many a proud Marine.  This lounge is a nice tribute in thanking one and all for their service to country and countrymen.

Sounds like you should have stock in that lounge.😉 The best I can offer is my brother-in-law who is a retired Navy Captain(Vietnam and Desert Shield/Storm). Also a couple of cousins who were in the Marines and saw action In Vietnam (one dying there)along with a couple of other lower ranked Navy, Air Force relatives. My Dad was an Army Sargent in the 45th Infantry Thunderbirds Division during WW2 and was injured during the battle of Anzio in Italy, so no one wanted to follow those footsteps!

[Destiny0315]

17 minutes ago, retltrcrr said:

Outside is probably fine even with limited seating because really how many people will stop by or stay long.  Especially if its right before lunch we may drop over from hunger. 

But it is on the same deck as the casinos for those who want to give their $$ to the CCL Charitable Foundation.🙂

[retltrcrr]

18 minutes ago, Destiny0315 said:

But it is on the same deck as the casinos for those who want to give their $$ to the CCL Charitable Foundation.🙂

That's my favorite charity