BlerkOne

If they really, really, really wanted the room, they could just take it.

A lot of people have gotten sick on cruises in recent years, and not from food.

Besides the buffet, there is pizza, the Deli, Seafood Shack, room service,...

I imagine if a travel agent books one for clients on the cruise they could figure it out. Probably some other schemes, too.

Eggs, bacon, politicians - prices are variable. It comes down to supply and demand. What you miss is price if booked in advance vs price if booked on the ship. The ship can sell unsold cabanas for whatever discount they fancy. Those that positively must have one, or just looking for a tax deduction, can purchase in advance. Or you can take your chances on the ship. They will sell out either way.

Fixed pricing is so yesteryear.

You used to get more than 4 before the Royal cutbacks, but I digress. Perks are bribes.

A feature of Cucina: il capitano ’s signature dish Each Cucina Del Capitano also features a signature entrée inspired by the Captain’s treasured family recipe that’s been handled down for generations. And while each dish is different, rest assured it’s a mouth-watering Italian classic that we are sure your family will enjoy! for example, on Celebration Rigatoni Ncasciata alla Siciliana Is the favorite comfort food of Carnival Celebration’s Inaugural Captain Vincenzo Alcaras. Made with Captain’s own Sicilian recipe for a hearty Bolognese Ragu with generous amount of ham and eggplant cooked in olive oil and layered with parmesan and mozzarella. A baked pasta that captures the warmth and hospitality of the Sicily. on Mardi Gras Farfalle Al Pistachio A favorite dish of Mardi Gras’ inaugural Captain, Giuseppe Giusa, this recipe has been handed down over several generations and today it is known the world over. Captain Giusa’s wife, “Giusy” Giuseppina, frequently prepares this traditional and delicious dish with a pesto of pistachios and herbs laced with bacon, extra virgin olive oil and white wine, topped with toasted pistachios.

It isn't on Celebration. It is on Mardi Gras.

not sure how you could "return" to Venezia

Yep. But I have little doubt that booze is the cash cow and not a few huts.

Everything is subjective. We have no plans to return to Mardi Gras or Celebration.

Now that's crispy!

I didn't. You and others have brought Cucina into conversation. I could eat there every night on Mardi Gras/Celebration.

I don't waste my time with Chibang even when free. Now Cucina is a different story.

All cruise lines will cut you off when you get stupid drunk, 15 drinks or not, and it doesn't matter what the drunk thinks.

Just a guess, but I think the $8 surcharge might not apply to casino comped meals.

The menu is different, I did not find quality to be downscaled on Mardi Gras or Celebration. Some dishes are available on the Excel ships that are not available on the other ships.

For once we agree. 😉

Carnival seems to have gotten another one right. Some will pay the $8, some won't. $6 for a PBandJ is ridiculous, since the price is $5 and includes a cookie and chips! It is inline with what is charged for the other sandwiches.

Same thing with the price of eggs on land.

I think Chibang is larger. https://www.carnival.com/~/media/Images/Ships/MD/DeckPlans/mardi-gras-deck-plan-pdf

Crazy smart. Brilliant. One way to get diners to rotate through the restaurants. The screenshots seem to be from different dining options, since one specifically mentions after 7:45 (like traditional dining might be offered). Cucina is the better option, anyway. On lobster nights, you can get lobster in the other restaurants, but not prime rib.

Do you really expect a cash refund when you pay with a discounted gift card?

Pretty sure most cruisers who have been to HMC have never rented a cabana/etc (I know we didn't) and this will have zero impact for most future cruisers.