ahoys

We were on the same sailing. We got a porter who told us we should download the mobile customs app--now. We did as we headed toward the line. It was very easy to download and fill in the information. It took maybe 2 minutes. The porter whisked us out of the long line and into the express line for the mobile customs. In and out--done!

I've been sailing since 1986 and have always seen extra linens. When I travel with my husband the twin sets of sheets are stored and when I travel with my best friend the king sized bedding is stored. They do take up space, but I can understand why the steward wants it stored in the room.

Was that you?

My husband and I sat at a Lido table for two and started to play cards after we'd finished breakfast. No one was around. A huge late breakfast/early lunch crowd descended and the place filled up quickly. I noticed one man walking around with his plate, looking for a spot. I called him over to let him know the seat next to us was available. He sat down and then reprimanded my husband and me for playing cards while people were trying to find a spot to eat.

We were not rude to play cards. You were rude to feel entitled. You're on a cruise, fun guy. Lighten up.

I watched the news from the very first "breaking news" segment of the tragedy. The reporters were having a very difficult time getting information from the airport officials and the airlines. The mayor was interviewed, and it seemed that much of the information was tentative until later.

I can't see how it was Carnival's responsibility to inform guests when the information was sketchy until hours after the horrible shootings. By then, guests were notified by watching the news. It wouldn't have been until hours later that Carnival could obtain concrete information about their guests and how they would be impacted by cancelled flights, delays, etc.

Our June 3 Valor (now Liberty) booking was visible a week ago Friday. They moved our cabin to the opposite end of the ship. We chose to change our booking to the Conquest. Carnival accommodated our change without incident.

We received the new Tervis cups on the Fantasy last month.

The best thing about the inside on the Verandah deck is that it's a short walk down the hall to get to the deck at the front of the ship. They are my favorite inside cabins.

During the Platinum and Diamond party on the Glory in March I spoke to the food and beverage manager. He said they were waiting to change the menu until the Vista's inaugural sailing. The menu should be fleetwide. I'm expecting some minor changes before we sail in November.

Duffle bag on the Glory last week.

We just got back yesterday as well. Eric was annoying to me in the beginning, but I just got used to him.

We had Your Time Dining and found the food to be very good. Service? We were seated with the same wait staff twice and it was phenomenal. The wait staff was pleasant and attentive--no worries there.

However, twice we were seated in a corner table--two different corners and two different wait staffs. Both times were were completely ignored. The first time we waited 45 minutes after the entree plates were cleared to finally get the asst. waiter to bring a dessert menu. "Ready for dessert?" she asked with giddy enthusiasm. "We've been ready," I grumped at her. No apology from any of the wait staff for the delay.

The other corner fiasco was strange. The asst. waiter brought all of the entrees from the kitchen. All except for ours. We were delayed at least 20 minutes and finally received our entrees. We ate most of the baked potato and prime rib before the waiter brought over the au jus and sour cream. Then we sat with our dirty dishes for another 30 minutes before we were able to order dessert. I actually had to raise my voice, "Could I PLEASE get another cup of coffee?" to get a second cup of coffee to finish my dessert.

My advice--if they try to seat you in the corner, ask for a different table!

I would love that location. A couple of steps away from the atrium elevators. Some might warn you of the noise from the atrium or the traffic from passengers coming off of the elevators. I've never had much of a problem with the noise in that location, though. You'll love the balcony--congratulations!

We've bought several pieces over the years, but none recently. We've run out of wall space for more artwork and the prices in recent years are not as attractive as they were years ago.

Little battery operated fans to make a humid port visit more bearable.

We had the upsell filet mignon in the MDR on the Pride in November. It was delicious and well worth the extra charge.

I love the Fantasy class ships. After sailing the Holiday, Jubilee, and Celebration, I was excited to try the Fantasy when it was brand new, then the Ecstasy when it first sailed as a 7 day trip. I've had multiple sailings on Inspiration, Paradise, Sensation (our honeymoon cruise), etc. I have only one Fantasy class left and then I'll have the collection--the Elation. My DH and I will be sailing on her in June.

I do like the other classes of ships. The Breeze had way too many people for my comfort. If I'm in the mood for big and busy, I'll go back to the Dream class. I love the Spirit class--it's my favorite size. Conquest class is a good mixture of Fantasy class layout and lots of choices. Alas, the Destiny class can't be called that anymore, but I like the size of the Triumph and Victory. But I'm heading back on the Sensation next month, and then the Elation in June. I'm looking forward to relaxing cruises, with fewer people and a hopping Promenade deck at night.

It was the same commercial. All of the ones in the final four had all the Carnival Corporation lines at the end.

If the cabin steward began to clean those rooms, it's possible the door was left open. I highly doubt that the cabin stewards would go through suitcases. But I wouldn't be surprised if passengers went through open rooms to see what they could find.

My husband wants me to figure out how to make those melty popcorn pudding bites. Do you have any idea where I can begin looking for a recipe for something similar?

The webcam in Miami shows a pretty morning with all four ships docked and waiting for you. I usually get there early, but I'm platinum. You still might want to get there around 11:00 to get an early zone number. You'll still wait, but at least you'll be fairly comfortable. If you wait much later than that, you'll be standing in a long line.

I was on this cruise as well. As you know, the waves were awful coming through the pier at Costa Maya. I'd hate to try to board tenders in those conditions. We were rocking pretty hard when we left Belize, so despite what the NCL passengers said, I still believe the choice to skip the tender ports and have us dock in Costa Maya was the right one. Costa Maya is not one of Carnival's "ports" (like Grand Turk), so I don't believe the decision was based on trying to get more money from us.--Just my opinion, of course.

I hope you were still able to enjoy the trip.

They will probably begin boarding the diamond and platinum passengers around 11:30-12:00. You can go as early as 10:30, but it will still be rather hectic, as passengers from last week will be trying to get off. You don't have to wait until 1:00.

Which Hampton did you stay at in Tampa? I have ressie for Ricky Point but I'm afraid it is further away from port than the one you stayed at.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

OP stayed at the Hampton in Ybor City. Your Hampton is by the airport, which is farther away from the port. It is, however, closer to two malls that have great choices for restaurants. It might be worth the longer drive to the port on the morning you sail.

Be adventurous at the Alchemy Bar and trust the mixologists. Tell them what you're in the mood for--spicy, sweet, fruity, really strong, light and refreshing, etc. They'll make up perfect drink. They will become friends, along with the other Alchemy fans. You will enjoy.

A post on a social network site said there was a medical issue onboard.

NCTribeFan

Thank you. Your post echos my thoughts exactly---except I took my Milestone cruise and still come back every year.

At one point, around my milestone cruise, I decided that I would take a break from Carnival--same menus, same shows. But I went back "just one more" time because the rate was good and the sea was calling. Had a wonderful time, then booked two more cruises.

There are cutbacks in every restaurant I visit near my home. Just last night we went to a restaurant where I love their fish and chips. They used to serve so many fish filets and the filets were so big that I never could eat them all. Last night the filets were half the size and the portion was much smaller. It's happening everywhere.

I've been sailing Carnival since 1986. You can imagine the number of changes that have occurred since then. Some have been good, some I miss (like the Beef Wellington on the first night).

I'll be going on the Thanksgiving sailing on the Pride in a couple of months. I will not be looking for signs of cutbacks, or worn carpeting, or smaller portions, or anything else that I want to complain about. If something I am used to having or seeing or doing has been changed I'll go with the flow. I'll enjoy my vacation time and relax.