First and Ten

If I took this out of context I apologize. I know this comment wasn't directed at me, but the idea that someone has to have a high number of cruises to understand how to board, just seems odd to me. There is a lot to learn from you and others about cruising, but with all respect, boarding is not complicated.

 

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No apologies needed. I never said understanding the boarding process is contingent on how many cruises one takes. What I said was I give more weight of the opinion of a cruiser that has cruised 21 or 22 times than one who has cruised 1 or 2 times, as it applies to cruising. One poster took that to mean that I said the multiple cruiser was "better" than the noob or semi noob cruiser. That is an asinine stretch of logic

I did. You "actually typed" that people who want to get on the boat early have a "herd mentality." I wanted to clarify, as someone who does strive to be on the boat as early as possible, that I do NOT make my decision to want to get on early based on any "herd mentality," and I think I can pretty confidently say that MOST of the early boarders have other reasons for wanting to get on the ship early, NOT a "herd mentality." I have never heard anyone say, or seen anyone post, that that is their reason for wanting to board early. I didn't say you said I was cheap. I said I don't mind if you say I'm cheap. It would be more accurate than saying I have a "herd mentality-" which is not accurate at ALL.

Do you like standing in a crowded terminal?

I am grown and mature....

Says who? [emoji16]

You are so condescending. Why can't you just admit that it is OK to get on at 1:30 or 11:30. The reason it is so crowded at first is because there are a lot of people that love to get on early. Why do you care about the time anyone gets on the ship other than the time you get on.

By the same respect, what does it matter to you what I think. I don't care what time anyone gets on the ship. I do think it's humorous when supposedly grown mature adults lose their minds and act like 8 yr olds. They will post things like "I cruise in 3 months and I can't get FTTF, I check multiple times a day and still can't get it. I don't know if I can cruise without it, what should I do"? These are apparently grown adults posting stuff like this [emoji849] I just try to reassure people that without FTTF, while it may be inconceivable, you can still have a great cruise without it

Want to discuss the dress code for the MDR next? [emoji57]

I didn't say you were starting an argument with bingomamma. I said you came here to start an argument, period. Just as you go to every thread related to something you disagree with just to start an argument. But if it makes you feel better, you can spin it any way you like.

 

Actually, according to Carnival's loyalty system, I'm a red card. ;) I'm new to cruising and not ashamed of it. Whether it's now or in 10 years, I don't think cruising more somehow makes me better than those who have cruised less. But if that's what you need to convince yourself of, so be it. And I take pride in the fact that, even as a newcomer to cruising, I've contributed a lot of meaningful and helpful content to this forum in the short time I've been here so far. What is it you do here, besides gripe about other cruisers, call people childish names, and put down anyone who doesn't agree with what you say or how you cruise?

Noob, you stalk my posts and look to stir the pot up with me. Didn't realize you got to red. I will not call you Noob anymore....you you are now dubbed "Semi-Noob"

Again, comprehension seems to be an issue with you, along with exaggeration. I never said a person who has cruised more is "better" than someone who has cruised less. What I said was I personally value the opinion of a cruiser that has cruised significantly more than someone who hasnt....stay with me now and read and try to comprehend....as it pertains to cruising. A bit conceited of you to post that you have brought a lot of meaningful and helpful content....toot your own horn much? [emoji16]

Going back to the post in question, I agreed with bingo's assessment. To you that somehow means I was starting an argument or putting someone down. Quite a reach, but somehow you try to justify it

You are so funny. The boards are full of complaints about rules not being followed which is evidence that Carnival rarely police the rules they have set. I believe that indicates lots of grey. Maybe some like to rail at windmills? IDK. I do know that it s an extremely small percentage of Carnival cruisers that post to these boards and it seems to me that someone who desires for others to follow rules would not want to make anyone feel stupid for asking or do anything to deter them from participating, yet that is what I've observed. I'm sure that will make someone want to follow the rules. [emoji57]

 

 

NCL Sunward 1974

NCL Starward 1978

Costa Daphne 1982

Carnival Triumph 2001

Carnival Conquests 2005

Carnival Magic 2014

I agreed with you that Carnival can be hit or miss in enforcing the rules. Where we seem to disagree is where you seem to believe that the rules are open for interpretation. 21 is 21. It's not 17 and really mature. I nor you should have to make someone else want to follow rules. If you are intelligent enough to understand the rules, you should follow them. That goes for the convenient and inconvenient rules.

Hey, this is America. We put ketchup on our ketchup! ;)

I like ketchup....on hamburgers!!!!

Ketchup on hot dogs is almost as bad as putting mayo on a pastrami sandwich [emoji31]

"Herd mentality?!" I would do anything in my power to board as early as possible. I have the earliest time slot reserved for my next cruise - and it was no accident. On my last cruise, with another line without staggered check-in, I arrived before they started letting anyone in. It is NOT because I have a "herd mentality." It's because I like to get the maximum value out of my trip. More time on the ship = greater value. I would see getting on late as forfeiting some of the value of my trip because of the hours I am losing. I think about what I get paid per hour... time has value. Go ahead and call me "cheap," but saying I have a "herd mentality" is not accurate. What other people do has zero impact on my decision to arrive early. If someone else wants to arrive late, I say, more power to them - it helps those of us that want to get on early, and I would not criticize them. I don't agree with their reasoning but I respect that they are certainly entitled to it, and to act on it. Likewise, others should not criticize people wanting to arrive early or claiming that their only rationale is "herd mentality" when there are so many viable arguments for arriving early (e.g. increasing trip value, hitting the buffet before it gets crowded, coincidental timing because of when their flight arrives, etc.). I doubt very many of the people who arrive early do it just because "everyone else does." As for "noobs" expressing opinions - no one has a monopoly on the right to express opinions and anyone who has cruised has probably learned some things from their experience that could help someone else, and everyone should be encouraged to share.

Herd mentality are the people lining up in the terminal, stacked like cattle. I agree they have the same outlook of....GOTTA GET ON THE SHIP FIRST....I AM A FIRSTIE!!!! I wasn't being critical, just making an observation. As far as being cheap, I never used the word cheap in regards to this thread. I never said Firsties were cheap. I don't know if you are cheap or not. I have called people who remove their tips "cheap". Now I am sure there are cheapskate Firsties out there, but I don't know if that is you or not. I never said a noob can't express an opinion. I personally place more emphasis on the opinion of the cruiser who has 21 or 22 cruises than someone who has 1 or 2 when it pertains to cruising, but a noob can express here, I never said they couldn't. Don't attribute to me what you "think" I typed. Try to focus, if you can, on what I actually type.

I always thought people who cruise on Carnival were slightly imbalanced...it's nice to know that's been confirmed in this thread...lol...

So I'll bite....What are the cruise lines that the "perfectly balanced" sail on? [emoji848]

I did do a muster station drill up on the lido deck on the Fantasy though. That's as close to a mustard safety drill as I've gotten at that time. :)

My only issue is the picture....if you put ketchup on a hot dog, you need to be banned from ever being allowed to eat a hot dog again....that is just so wrong!!!! [emoji36]

First & Ten is just fishing for someone to argue with. They're here merely to start trouble because they hate FTTF and get their kicks from making fun of people who enjoy getting on board as soon as possible. Except for diamond/platinum cruisers who like to get on board first. For some reason, their desire to get on early is somehow different from everyone else's and they don't get attacked. Probably because F&T knows that wouldn't go over well on these boards. Next thing you know, havingfun2010 will be here to tag in. F&T has always said they board late. That way, the lines for check-in are gone and by the time they get to the Lido buffet, the crowds are gone. But in other threads, they claim that they always experience the madhouse of the Lido buffet on embarkation day with luggage piled everywhere and getting ran over by luggage. Their story changes to fit their intended argument.

Wrong again!!!! I never said I ALWAYS HAVE boarded late. I mostly board late now, due to the chaos and herd mentality of the early birds and Firsties....bingo was spot on, I wasn't starting an argument with her, I was agreeing with her as what she describes is a good way to start your vacation. Helps minimize stress. There you go stalking my posts again....As a blue card newbie, I realize you haven't cruised that much and your expertise hasnt yet been developed. Don't fret, you may get there one day....it takes time noob [emoji16]

$20 to the porter at the terminal and your bags will be in your cabin before dinner. I had the same problem but when we boarded the Magic last September, we were checked in and on board in under 30 minutes...now we waited until 1 pm to check in. We were able to be in our cabin by 1:30. Didn't really need FTTF.

Whats worked for me in the past (helps if you have luggage that stands out). A nice tip to your cabin steward and show him/her a picture of your luggage. You will have it inside of 45 mins after showing it to him/her [emoji106]

Cash is King!!!!

Well, that sounds like a perfect way to start your vacation (n) Why would anyone want to do that?

 

 

 

I actually have gone to just picking a 1:30p check in time---zip right through to check in--board immediately and can go right to the room to drop our stuff off. No FTTF fees and no dragging stuff around waiting for our rooms. Stress free start to our vacation :)

The perfect way to start a vacation bingo, I totally agree with your mindset!!!! I tell people to board later to avoid the herds in the terminals. At 1:30-2 pm, the terminal is a ghost town. Room is ready and believe it or not, the buffet still has food and they are still serving the DOD [emoji33]

I think that it may be time to GIVE IT A REST.

Was that a yes or no?

That is the point of the thread and to inform the new people that even when it comes from carnival, rules are open to interpretation and may or may not be enforced.

 

 

NCL Sunward 1974

NCL Starward 1978

Costa Daphne 1982

Carnival Triumph 2001

Carnival Conquests 2005

Carnival Magic 2014

Question....I get the fact that Carnivals rules may or may not be enforced. This idea of "open for interpretation", how does that work? [emoji848]....For instance, the Serenity Deck. It's 21+....that's black and white, not grey. Interpreting that rule isn't hard. Now if you choose not to follow it is another thing. 21+ isn't hard to interpret

Sort of making a lot of assumptions. I've not ever seen one post from a person that was kicked off for smuggling booze.

I wouldn't think someone would admit to being that much of a chucklehead [emoji23]

Some aren't in this thread for healthy disagreement, they're here to put down anyone who cruises in a way that differs from their own. Instead of simply ignoring a topic they know they're not interested in, they can't help but post their rhetoric over & over & over. I will give them credit, though. They did manage to hold off for four days before coming into this one with their usual negativity. Funny thing is, neither of them posted in this thread until today and when they do, they're two minutes apart. Where there's one, the other usually follows, encouraging and feeding the rude behavior of one another. This so-called "firstie mentality" that some speak of so much only ever seems to apply to people who buy FTTF. No one ever targets any of the platinum/diamond passengers who enjoy getting on board as soon as possible, and there are many. As if they're desire to start their cruise as soon as possible is somehow more justified than anyone else. Some people are such that they feel the need to constantly put down others in order to make themselves feel bigger. All of this is classic bully behavior and shouldn't be tolerated on here, but unfortunately, it is.

 

Any rational person understands that FTTF is a service that's value/worth is subjective to each individual. A majority get that and you'll see it all over this message board, including from those who don't have a need (or want) for it. Thankfully, there's only a select few who can't help but react to it in a childish, rude manner. I think they do understand the subjective nature of the service. They'd just rather address it in a way that puts people down. To think that a for-profit company would provide a service that costs them little to nothing in expenses, yet brings in a lot of revenue. :eek: Thank goodness Carnival is the only company that takes advantage of such evil business practices. :rolleyes:

 

Hope you get to read this reply because anytime anyone stands up to this behavior, the post mysteriously gets reported.

Just a hunch, but I think OC is referring to me [emoji23]

How do you assume I am not interested in the FTTF threads. I am very interested in them

I never said Firsties are just people with FTTF. I have given examples of the mindset. I don't discriminate. I go after Dias/Plats/FTTFers/the under dressed/the underaged all equally. I share the love all around [emoji57]

As far as the so called "service", I have said on numerous occasions that it may be the single best marketing gimmick that Carnival ever came up with. It costs them nothing, there is no overhead. They just jacked it up in price 40% and they are still selling them like hot cakes. That is absolutely BRILLIANT marketing on their part. PT Barnum would be impressed

As far as your claim about me reporting people, that's a flat out lie. I don't report people here. Nobody, not even you OC, has ever typed anything here (that I have read) that has come close to offending/upsetting me. No reason for me to "report" anyone. Not saying that button doesn't get overused. Some people have a very sensitive side [emoji12]

You off your soapbox yet OC?

Disagreement is healthy.

 

 

 

Time is a commodity and has a value.

 

 

 

Yes, it's a different steak but Carnival created that difference by removing quality steak from the MDR.

 

 

 

I always hope no one buys FTTF until I book a cruise and secure it, but that's just my selfish nature raising its ugly head.

 

 

 

And for me it's not a firstie mentality. I plan my drive to arrive at the terminal when priority boarding should be just winding down. Then we skip to the head of all the massive lines, never sit down to wait anywhere with any boarding group, and walk right onto the ship with our cabin ready and the terminal still a crowded mess.

 

 

 

Of course what works for me isn't for everybody. We all place a different value on our time.

 

 

 

Two weeks from yesterday we will be on the Breeze and can hardly wait!

A word as innocuous as "firstie" drives people crazy. [emoji16] I will agree time is a commodity, so I get where you made the comparison to a steak. I think you being a bit harsh against the flat iron. Is it as good a quality as a filet or ribeye, no. It's not a bad steak tho

You presented a clear, concise, and objective case. The only thing you fail to take into account is that different things are valued by different individuals.

 

 

 

Most of your statements apply equally to specialty dining.

 

 

 

Furnish an elegant MDR with less elegant and noisier table tops. Reduce wait staff so that service is slower and less personal. Downgrade the quality of menu items, meatloaf and fried chicken rather than Chateaubriand and Beef Wellington.

 

 

 

Specialty dining is designed to get money for previously included items, that in many cases were artificially created by Carnival, to make it sound like it is a great thing.

 

 

 

Personally I love FTTF and I truly enjoy a meal in the Steakhouse. I hope you enjoy the choices you make on your cruises.

 

 

 

Happy sailing!

With Specialty dining, you are purchasing something different. It's a different steak than the flat iron in the MDR. With FTTF, you are essentially buying time. You aren't getting a different cabin, just access to it quicker. You aren't getting a different tender, just getting on it sooner. So I would disagree that FTTF is the same concept as Specialty dining

I think it's funny how people sail on Carnival to save money, than at the first opportunity, they spend money on items that are absolutely free.

 

 

 

1. Carry on bags - one pack pack is all that is needed. Funny thing is many people who want to drop things off early, than will carry huge bags to the beach the next day. One day it's not ok, the next day it's ok to carry things.

 

 

 

2. Get bags faster in your room. Hit or miss it seems. But why does it matter? It takes 15 minutes to unpack at some point on day 1.

 

 

 

3. GS line. The lines are nothing more than Carnival reducing services by not proper staffing of the desk, creating the long lines, and thus creating an artificial need.

 

 

 

4. Priority tender. If you have an excursion, you get it anyway. For the others, people rush to get off, but yet come back a few hours early? Why not just wait an hour, enjoy breakfast and avoid the rush?

 

 

 

5. Have access to your room? Why not arrive, go get lunch and than go to your room? You are paying exactly for what?

 

 

 

6. Disabled? On other cruise lines, the disabled, usually are identified immediately and directed to a special line. Doesn't Carnival do that? Or did they remove it, so they can sell the disabled FTTF?

 

 

 

FTTF is designed to get money, for free items, that in many cases were artificially created by Carnival to make it sound like it is a great thing.

NAILED IT!!!! [emoji106]

I doubt it, will give you some feedback when we sail Azamara next month. My guess self entitlement would be worse.

 

 

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I agree with Jimbo. Higher on the economic scale, the more of a PITA entitlement they become. Give Bubba from the trailer park another PBR, he is happy. Give his girlfriend a shiny ship on a stick, she will go away content. You go up higher on the scale, and the entitlement grows exponentially....Here is the dead giveaway when people want only what they want, not an equitable compromise....you ready...."I want to speak to your supervisor". When you hear that, the person complaining only wants what THEY want, they are not concerned with being fair

I normally don't play any game in the casino other than poker (Craps looks interesting, I am just to much of a novice and don't understand the game enough to risk $). For me, playing Black Jack or slots is akin to watching paint dry or grass grow. Slots is mindless and boring. Black Jack is barely any better. One cruise I entered a Poker tourney. $100 buyin and there were 9 of us. Fortunate enough to win so that was $800 (The ship had to get their rake of course [emoji57]). DW was going to meet me in Casino for dinner. She still wasn't there, so I sat down at I believe was either a 3 card poker table/Caribbean poker....Within 6 hands of playing, I was up another $1000. Lost the next hand, I got up, handed the dealer $100 (he couldn't believe I was leaving), walked away. Just then my wife came down. She was very happy to find out she had some extra spending $$$$ for that nights jewelry sale [emoji16]

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In lieu of GS work, would you consider the FTTF dept? ;)

[emoji23]....That was good....Could you picture me controlling how many FTTF passes were available for a sailing? These people are crazed now, I would drive them ballastic. One minute there would be 20 FTTF slots available for sale....oh wait, let me update that to Zero....SOLD OUT, get in line...."No FIRSTIE for you" (Seinfeld Soup Na(z)i voice) [emoji23]

You might last a day :D :D

Would you like Brie or Cheddar?

Would you ever consider working on a Carnival Cruise Ship? How would you feel about a son or daughter doing so? Just curious. I don't recall having ever seen this topic discussed on CC. If it has been, my apologies.

I would LOVE to work the GS desk and interact with some of the people on these boards. I would probably answer some of their so called complaints with "Would you like me to call room service for you and have some cheese delivered to your stateroom? I am sure it would pair well with that whine of yours. Enjoy your evening" [emoji57]