mz-s

I have been told the opposite on Sunshine. Strange!

I absolutely do not tip at for example a Holiday Inn Express. If you do, more power to you. I did not initially respond beyond my laugh because I don't want this thread to get deleted for spiraling into a tipping debate.

Well typically people tip at restaurants as a percentage of the bill so this has precedent.

You tip at Marriott?

you make a good point that there are a lot of things that must be treated as biohazards, not just noro cases.

I'll gladly sign an affidavit or bring a notarized promissory saying I promise I'll tip in cash if I don't have to stand in line at guest services the last night...

Right, they don't want too many guests to go through with it so they make them stand in line on the last night. To me the system needs to be re-thought.

Yes I can definitely see how the portion sizes in the MDR and steakhouse these days would leave a lot of folks wanting for more.

I know why they don't obviously (they want it to be painful), but I wish Carnival would allow us to just say we're going to do cash tips so don't automatically charge the gratuities. It saves waiting in line to have them removed.

What is horrible is it sounds like Carnival knew about the noro outbreak with the biohazard bags etc and did nothing about it. I would probably alert the CDC or something. That's a big deal. And yes I'd rather have today's milder COVID than noro no doubt...

Most likely they'll see what looks like a bottle of champagne in the scanner and send OP on through with no further action. But you never really know until you get there. Like you said, be prepared to lose the bottle.

sounds like all that sanitizing silliness was a waste of effort huh get well soon

It is neither wine nor a 12 pack of soda so I'm confused how it could count as either.

As is your right.

They should make the breakdown public. $16 a day per person is a lot, I think it's fair for guests to know where it's going. For a family of 4 on a 4 day cruise we're talking over $250 just in gratuities. $250 is more than I'm personally willing to just wave away.

One thing about T-Mobile I did enjoy was the free data when overseas. It was slow but was enough to check-in with family back home or check email or what have you. The problem I had with their service was their coverage and data speeds at my home were slower and less reliable than the Bahamas. I need good service at home far more than I need it in the Bahamas. So I went back to my previous carrier. Each to their own.

People voice concerns about the cards being out in the open, but in reality it’s a good system. Saves a lot of time at check in. And I know of zero theft or other issues. Anyone who knows me knows I’m not shy to beat up on carnivals cutbacks or what not. But the way they handle s&s cards during check in is an excellent change compared to how it used to be.

Why is Carnival in a race to the bottom, seemingly in a race with themselves?

The steakhouse has really been diluted with this menu change hasn't it. Really a shame.

In such circumstances, checking in at the hostess desk is easier because you can directly state your preferences each evening at check-in. But then you are treated like a pariah for not using the app. Impossible to win I suppose. Another option, which doesn't help for breakfast of course, is to do set time dining and speak to the Maitre'd during embarkation to make your needs known, along with a table change as necessary.

Carnival also blocks VPNs. Although like all blocks they're not 100% effective so it is possible you can get it to work.

The kids programs do not run during dinner time.

At least one other cruise line calls it "dress up optional" night. I like it.

It's very common though to be seated along the benches where the 2-top tables are about 8" apart, which was also part of OP's issue.

"No shirt, no shoes, no problem" Carnival absolutely does not enforce dress code anymore. They might turn you away if you're wearing a bathing suit, but that's about it.