VentureMan_2000

Just wanted to share something I was not aware of. We have two upcoming cruises. We will turn Platinum on the 2nd cruise as it will push us past the 75-day milestone to become Platinum. I've always been curious about how Carnival tracks this. I wanted to be able to take advantage of Priority online check-in to check in two days early on the 2nd cruise. So, I went to my Cruise Manage to make note of the check-in dates for these two cruises. I see the check-in for the 1st cruise is 14 days before the start of the cruise... standard for Gold status. I was surprised to see the check-in for the 2nd cruise is 16 days before the start of the cruise - something only provided with Plat/Diamond cruisers. I didn't think I would see any reference to Platinum status until after I completed the first cruise.

I don't see any change to the VFIP program while they are still trying to recoup the billions they spent trying to stay afloat during Covid. Change always pisses off folks... Delta for example. I can't see Carnival making any changes that might piss people off until after they have recouped their losses. They can't afford to lose passengers at the moment.

Oh... and it's assumed that you are self-disembarking with your luggage. If not, then you will have to wait for your luggage to be loaded off the ship based on your luggage priority tag -- kind of defeats the purpose of getting off the ship early.

Just off the Glory a week ago. Priority folks who wanted to disembark early were seated as they arrived, and released to disembark in the same order of arrival. Priority folks disembarked first. They did the same for the non-priority guests... sat them in a different section and were released, in order of arrival, after the last of the priority folks were released.

Only looks to be a couple hundred people... not a big deal. Will take them 10 - 15 minutes to board.

Texas State law and TABC rules prohibit any practice which could reasonably be interpreted to allow or encourage overconsumption of alcohol. This includes “all you can drink” packages or other promotions which allow unlimited alcohol for a buy-in price. These standards would apply to any alcoholic beverages served or sold within Texas territory, including any waters over which Texas claims jurisdiction. Once a vessel is outside of Texas territory, the state’s laws no longer apply.” This appears to be the reason that Carnival waits to sell their drink package until the morning after sail-away from Galveston. But what about Royal Caribbean? Frankly, we’re not sure. It seems that offering the drink package while the ship is still in Texas waters wouldn’t be allowed given Texas laws. However, there may be special circumstances that allow the cruise line to comply with the law for its specific situation.

I'm thinking the PA processing center is on the ball...

Where did you renew from ? I'm guessing that could make a difference.

How did you get off the ship without an ID card... they always scan everyone's ID card.

Wonder if that free drink counts towards your CHEERS...

Thanks for the answer. I suspected that it's a break-even scenario, or nearly so, and you get 7 nights of entertainment. Good deal. I'm a penny slots kind of guy, so I had no idea how this all worked.

I've always been curious... and wondered is someone would answer honestly if I asked, How much money do you gamers lose gambling in order to get a free cruise ? Said another way, a balcony stateroom is about $3000... and I'm assuming that casinos are not staying open because they are giving money away... would, on average, you lose $3k - $5 during the cruise duration ?

Your explanation is pure conjecture... a guess. The Cruisehive article clearly states:

Given the large number of Plats/Diamonds on each sailing, is FTTF really that much more beneficial than Gold ? Seems like it might save 30 minutes at best.

The theory is that the plastic straws can't be effectively separated from the rest of the trash. However, plastic bottles can.

I don't think that's fair... or true...

Yup. Finished it this morning. I wish during the survey that I had the names of the comedians during our June Alaska cruise.

I'm still waiting on getting not quite bored, but not as entertained/pleasantly surprised each day of a cruise. I think 25 cruises ought to do it... 🤣

On Alaska cruises, Early dining starts at 5:30pm, Late dining at 7:45pm. Most other cruises, Early dining starts at 6:00pm, Late dining at 8:15pm.

Dinners on Alaska cruises start earlier.

You're falling into the same trap too... wanting to take "take off" a certain percentage from the on-board pricing. Nowhere does Carnival say 10% off. "save 10%" implies there is a 10% difference... not 10% off.

I have to wait until the annual shareholders meeting in April for our cruised booked in October 2024. I did receive shareholder OBC for our two cruises coming up this September.

Carnival must have heard the bickering... 🤣

If you booked thru another site or travel agent, you may need to call them to change your selection as they be the only folks who can change this selection.

Exactly what I think. I've visited the customer service desk a few times to help me with questions I had. Having to stand in line for 5 or 10 minutes did not ruin my cruise. Stand in line with a cocktail if that makes your wait more enjoyable.