firemanbobswife

I just wanted to update this. Found out we are getting a little girl :). Also when I called to cancel, the man I talked to said that they cannot allow cheers for women who they know are pregnant when departing from certain US ports due to state liquor laws that make it illegal to serve pregnant women. Made sense to me and makes sense why some people say they got cut off while pregnant and some people didn’t! Happy sailing...I’m going to be shopping for little girl clothes all night lol

Congrats! How exciting!

I can see them refusing to serve them alcohol in certain ports if that is actually the law, but since Cheers isn't strictly an alcoholic package, I don't see how it would be illegal for pregnant women to have the package. Maybe they like the fruity drinks without the alcohol or want the water, juices, milkshakes, etc.

So can you still buy a certain number of internet minutes while on the ship like we used to do?

Instead of getting one of the 3 per day plans?

Per minute internet plans are no longer an option.

My last cruise in April, my Australian friends did a B2B. The first week they did YTD. The second week when we came on they had early with us. They much preferred assigned. They said the service was way better and they felt less rushed. They were very glad they changed for the second week. I’ve never done YTD so I don’t have any experience with it. I choose early because of the things that I previously mentioned as well as I want “My table” ready with no wait. I also like the fact that they already have my drink waiting for me when I get there.

Of course there are valid reasons for choosing early dining, including medical reasons.

 

Interesting are others, who say they can't eat late, eat early, and then complain about a lack of late night when they get hungry and/or overserved.

Not me. If I’m hungry later I’ll have a piece of pizza but that’s usually around midnight or so. Only ordered room service once and that was when I didn’t really care for my dinner in the MDR. I got some chicken wings which were decent. But I can’t eat a full meal starting at 8:30pm every night. That’s just too much.

That would be families and fossils. Fun people know late is great!

I’m not normally part of a family when I cruise nor fossil but am lots of fun and can’t eat that late. We prefer to do things in the evening and not have to worry about being at dinner later. We eat then go to the casino, bar, or Serenity hot tubs or whatever else we want to do. Since they shut down the hot tubs in Serenity at 10pm we wouldn’t get to go if we ate late. We prefer those to the adults only ones at the aft of Conquest Class ships.

You know, I never looked at the Early Saver form before; I always did it through my pvp. I just looked at it, at https://www.carnival.com/core/requestforms/priceprotection.aspx. On the form it DOES have a place you can check if you agree to a guarantee, and it does NOT say that if you do this, you give up future price protection. Is there any official place that states that policy?

I’m not sure, but it is considered a downgrade so technically shouldn’t be allowed. However, there have been many cases of Carnival allowing it once with the agreement that you are no longer eligible for price drops.

I’m thinking they have that button as an option there in case you did book an ES rate that was a guarantee to begin with and are price matching to another guarantee rate. But I don’t like the fact that it defaults automatically to that. If you’re not paying attention it’s real easy to mess it up.

I have only booked an Early Saver rate once. On my first price drop ($30) I submitted the form. A few minutes later, I received an email saying it was "approved"... When I went back to my booking, they had switched me to a "guarantee" cabin. I immediately called in and told them I did not price match to a guarantee rate, and only wanted the small price drop. They said, "well, it's done now. You cannot get your previous cabin back"

I was furious. I asked to speak to a supervisor, and it took about 20 minutes, but I was finally able to get my original cabin back, as well as the modest price break...

Yeah I hate those forms. They default to the "Include fares where Carnival picks your room" option. I am always so careful to make sure to hit the "No" button instead. I also put in the notes "Keep same cabin number and do not make any other changes to the booking besides the price drop." But I don't mess with those anymore. I just call my PVP and he gets it handled while I'm on the phone with him and I have an email confirmation before I hang up.

Late doesn't work at all for me. I usually don't stay up until the wee hours and there's no way I can eat that much and then basically go to bed shortly after. Maybe people that aren't sure if they are going to eat in the dining room at all should choose late so it frees up tables for those that want early or YTD. Sounds like it's the least popular anyway.

I guess that was just more false information the representative on the phone gave me then. *Shakes head* I swear I asked multiple times if I would still be Early Saver and eligible for price matches and was told yes.

 

*grumbles* sorry people, I’ll go back to not answering questions.

Wouldn't be the first time they gave wrong info. The terms and conditions of ES is that you price match to the same category. When you move to the guarantee pool, it's no longer the same category. Technically they don't have to allow it, but it has been done. The catch is that you no longer get price drops.

Yes and you should still be listed as Early Saver and qualify for future price drops.

 

Just submit the price match form online. Make sure to include the name of the rate you want to switch to where it asks for it and also the correct price. I suggest that you even enter the onboard credit request in the box that asks for other comments.

 

The only actual problem is that your room could really suck but if that doesn’t matter to you go for it.

Once you move yourself to the guarantee pool you lose ES price match status. It’s one and done.

You may be allowed to switch but you will be done for price drops if they do it. Be prepared to get the worst cabin in that category. While some have had good luck with a guarantee, plenty haven't. You will not be able to call and get a different cabin if you're not happy with the one that is assigned to you. That's the chance you take. I am way too picky to ever let them choose my cabin so it's not even a consideration for me.

The area that was burned down was the beach house with a bar underneath and some animal cages that were right next to the house. It’s all cleaned up now and hasn’t affected where you swim or lay out. I have friends that are going on a cruise in October and they are still going to LFK. I’ve stayed there for 3 nights at the beginning of August and been there 3 times on a cruise. I know exactly where the fire was and can say your visit will not be affected in anyway. They also still do have some animals so you can see them but they aren’t having anymore interactions at this time due to the stress.

While I haven’t been there since the fire, I have seen people post saying it’s still beautiful. I also know some employees and it’s all good. I would go and not worry.

It’s always said it doesn’t work with iMessage but it has for me each time. I have had both the Social and Value plans.

Just stay away from the area around the Atrium if you go to bed before around midnight. They have bands playing down there and it gets very loud. I have stayed in 9270 and could hear it in my cabin. Twice I was in 9292 and it was very clear in the hallway but not in my cabin. I’m positive the people closer to the Atrium could hear it in theirs just like I didn’t in 9270. In 9292 I did hear kids running as it was at the bottom of the water slide but that closes down fairly early.

One night I was woken up by the workers dragging deck chairs while cleaning. I swear they were just moving one lounger back and forth right above my cabin. After about 30 min maybe longer I don’t remember it was like 3 or 4am I couldn’t take it anymore so I threw on my robe and went out there to see what it was. Yep it was one guy right above my room just standing there with a mop. Not sure how he was exactly cleaning as all the chairs were still out but I yelled “Seriously?!” and went back to bed. No more noises after that.

Same reply I gave when someone asked about the Valor a day or two ago:

All cabins on Conquest Class ships have fridges. I agree that keeping the outside cabinet door open makes for MUCH better cooling. Those little vents on the side do absolutely nothing to dissipate the heat generated. It got so cold that my strawberries were practically frozen. You'll have some people say they don't get cold, but I can tell you that 100% of the time when I left the door open, it made a ton of difference. If you leave the door shut, then the fridge only gets slightly chilly.

All cabins on Conquest Class ships have fridges. I agree that keeping the outside cabinet door open makes for MUCH better cooling. Those little vents on the side do absolutely nothing to dissipate the heat generated. It got so cold that my strawberries were practically frozen. You'll have some people say they don't get cold, but I can tell you that 100% of the time when I left the door open, it made a ton of difference. If you leave the door shut, then the fridge only gets slightly chilly.

On the FTTF Excursion page (for an upcoming cruise) that I just looked at, it says:

 

 

 

"(Note: VIFP Club Platinum and Diamond members do not need to purchase this package as these and other benefits are included as part of your VIFP Club status.)"

 

 

 

And

 

 

 

"Guaranteed Stateroom

 

Your stateroom will be ready as soon as you board, so you can relax or freshen up for the fun you're about to have."

 

 

 

So I'm guessing that your statement about it no longer being listed under FTTF is from the general FTTF activity page:

 

 

 

https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1374/~/faster-to-the-fun-%28fttf%29

 

 

 

It is a bit odd that for all the other perks they specifically mention "Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests" or "Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations.".

 

 

 

As a side note, although I think this has been mentioned, I'll note it again: For those paranoid/curious about why FTTF seems to become available "mysteriously" closer in to the actual sail date (usually not long after final payments are due), Carnival does say this:

 

 

 

"The number of people who may purchase the FTTF package will be capacity controlled based upon the number of VIFP Diamond and Platinum members booked on the sailing."

 

 

 

So once they get close to know the total number of D/Ps, they can possibly free up more FTTFs.

Yes that is what I was referring to. It used to say that first access to stateroom was also included for D/P but that was deleted from the page earlier in the year. That was around the same time CSRs and GS were telling people that it was only a perk for FTTF. When it was brought to JH’s attention he said it wasn’t true. But I truly believe it was (and is) their intention to take that perk away from Platinums. It was just rolled out poorly and they received a lot of negative feedback so back peddled on it. For now. Time will tell what will actually happen.

How are you going to see your friends if they have kids and can't come into the Havana area? Are they traveling with you or just happen to be on the same cruise? I figured you all could enjoy your extended aft together while staying in the FH. If you are staying in the Havana when do you plan on being with your friends?

When we all wanted to hang out we met somewhere else and also had dinner together. We didn’t need to be around each other all the time and it worked out perfectly. We were so glad to have the Havana area to relax and get away from the crowds. They knew they couldn’t go into the aft Havana area until after 7pm and that was fine. There was plenty for everyone to do. Who wants to sit around in a cabin or on a balcony all day anyway? There are plenty of outdoor spaces especially on Deck 5 if you’re just looking to sit outside.

Thinking of going here in November with some friends... I am really not wanting to give money to a place that unethically keeps animals.. The thread posted from trip advisor makes them sound awful, can anyone who has been there confirm if this place treats their animals properly? I'm not like a die-hard animal rights activist or anything, but would rather spend my money somewhere that is worthy of it. I've read pretty good reviews other than the link posted here on page 1...

I have been there 3 times on a cruise and I stayed there for 3 nights at the beginning of August. I can tell you that the animals were VERY well taken care of. If I had seen any evidence of neglect I would never have been back and certainly wouldn’t have brought a couple hundred people there. If you wish to discuss further feel free to email me. I have also posted about it in my ship reviews. Check out Glory April 7 2018 and October 14, 2017.

When do you sail again?

Also, I think I am right in that this perk is no longer listed anywhere, is it? Except maybe the TV behind guest services. This perk is going away, I am sure :-(

No idea. I don't have anything booked and don't plan on it any time soon. I have a trip to Australia planned and then probably a land vacation next.

It's no longer listed under FTTF but on the other page it says that D/P get all the benefits and more of FTTF so you don't need to purchase FTTF. I've actually never seen the sign behind GS, but then again I try my best to avoid it the first day. I do believe it will be going away for Platinum but think they will leave it for Diamond. There are just so many Platinums that I don't see how they can continue to have all the cabins ready early unless they keep pushing back the check in times like they have already started to do. I realize that check in and boarding are 2 separate things, but if people start rolling in at 11AM vs 10AM, then there's less time they have to wait in the terminal taking a little bit of the pressure off. Wouldn't surprise me to see check in times get even later. But I have been saying for a while that I thought Platinums would be getting this benefit taken away. I even started a poll on it months ago and it got merged with another thread talking about it.

Exteneded aft harbor or Havana ? Man, stick with the extended aft in the FH ..... no question about it. Why would you even compare an inside anywhere to an exteded aft. Only one cabin holds 4 in the FH aft cabin section so kids back there won't be a real issue. Not even a comparsion in my opinion. Extended aft or inside ...... Um ..... Yeah. You'll get access to the breakfast, snacks, and drinks in the FH as well.

I have stayed in Havana and some of my friends and family were in FH. Hands down Havana wins. We aren't in our cabin anyway and the Havana area outside with your own pools, hot tubs, and especially loungers make it a no brainer. I wrote about it in my Vista review last year. They are 2 totally different worlds and yes when we went down to their cabins in FH there were kids running up and down the halls. My sister and her family never even used the FH lounge. And in Havana you have everything close by with Ocean Plaza and the Bar right there. Havana cabin even an inside would be the ONLY way I would even consider another Vista class.

Currently have inside havana but can upgrade to aft-ext family harbor for like $140 total more.

Stay put. Just trust me. You're going to love the peace and quiet of the Havana area. Also if you are prone to motion sickness or if vibrations bother you, then all the way aft on Deck 2 can be a little rough. I love the movement and noise, but many people don't. Also keep in mind you'll have a bunch of kids running the halls on Deck 2. No kids under 12 in Havana.

Havana cabin. You'll love the quietness of the Havana area outside and won't hardly be in your room anyway.

I haven't seen anything worthy of You Tube fame. I think you will find most of the negative associations from people who either haven't ever sailed Carnival or who haven't in a very long time and are just itching to point out the very few instances where people aren't on their best behavior. A certain poster comes to mind. I'm sure they will be along shortly to tell you how horrible Carnival is :confused:.

Although the rooms were ready, I am absolutely certain they were not told they would be ready at 1130, or when they board.

 

There is lots of mentions other than this thread, from the "mistaken" original message from Carnival, from the the sign changes, to the ship crew saying it, to the new speeches in Galveston and Miami..... Even the luggage tags changed, the priority and fttf are no longer the same. Priority for suites and diamonds and platinums say priority, the fttf say fttf... That tells me that luggage delivery will possibly change too, but that is my opinion and not like the other things I mentioned that I have seen

Suites don't get Priority luggage delivery anymore. It was never a perk to begin with and they adjusted the Suite luggage tags to reflect that early this year. But yes, the D/P tags no longer have FTTF on them.

The signs on the fire doors have been changed for over a year and I suspected something was up then as evidenced by my Conquest review. I am still curious as to why they haven't changed the wording back on the website under FTTF where it used to say first access to stateroom is also a benefit for Diamonds and Platinums. I know it says on the other one that all benefits and then some of FTTF are included as D/P, but they purposefully removed that one sentence and haven't put it back.

There's no doubt in my mind they were trying to change it (as was brought up in the other thread(s)) but then backed off due to the poor execution and uproar. While I don't dismiss that they are planning to do away with the first access to the stateroom for Platinums, I don't get the feeling that this particular turn of events is the beginning. I still think it's because the port workers were incorrectly telling Suite passengers that their cabins are ready at boarding simply because they saw the "Priority" on their boarding passes without looking to see if they are Diamond or Platinum and it was causing confusion. So now there's no room for error if you tell everyone the same thing - 1:30PM. Those that are D/P/FTTF know you can go to your room and continue to do so. If there is widespread reporting and it's constantly happening that cabins aren't ready and S&S cards aren't in the mailboxes, or they put signs up saying just FTTF can go to their cabins, then it's time to be concerned. But who knows? We'll just have to wait and see.