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Just now, RobInMN said:

 

Don't actually "chuck" it, you'll need it again in the cruise terminal at the end of the cruise. RCI doesn't actually control the terminal mask rules. I believe they said that it's the same rules that mandate masks in airports.

 

Just a figure of speech. I assumed if I needed it at the terminal to go in I'd need it to come back out but at least coming out I barely need to even stop anymore unlike the 2 hour wait going in.

21 hours ago, njkruzer said:

Yes, but Royal agreed to them.

Booooooo

44 minutes ago, orville99 said:

One of the really fascinating things to see were little kids (2-4 YO) just  staring at people with puzzled looks on their faces. They have lived almost their entire lives seeing only eyes and masks.

Which is pretty much accurate depending on the state they live in.

21 hours ago, orville99 said:

Yep. Didn’t wear one all week once we were on board.

Woohoo!!!!!!

Can't wait to go cruising again in 4 days!

2 hours ago, dleahy4444 said:

I’m diamond but my friend has never cruised before. Will she be able to access the diamond lounge with me if we go together? I assume she won’t be getting the diamond vouchers but if she gains entrance and feels like a cocktail could she purchase one there? Thanks!

Nope.

4 hours ago, orville99 said:

BTW, I would be happy to answer any questions about what was different/better.

So I assume you had to wear the mask while in the cruise terminal and then chucked it when you got onboard?

On 3/5/2022 at 10:16 PM, blackjack24 said:

Assuming everything goes smooth it should be ok right? I know most will say not to do it but there aren't many great options. If everything goes right it gives you 3 hours to get to port and its only an 8 min drive. Thoughts?

Have fun with the stress.

4 hours ago, geneparmesan said:

Anyone have any tips, recommendations, or good stories from flying in the morning of the cruise? 😃

Best tip I can give is "Don't fly the morning of the cruise".

Glad I don't drink coffee.

2 minutes ago, ONECRUISER said:

Yup, Diet Dew. Carry on in my Back Pack and been doing this on Royal Ships over 2 Decades, 12 Bottles though. Was one thing liked on NCL Ships having Vending Machines with Dt Dew Bottles for purchase

Carnival has now gone to Pepsi products and carries Diet Mountain Dew.

1 minute ago, Saab4444 said:

You can afford an Owner‘s Suite but try to save a few Dollars by carrying a lot of bottles or cans into it? 

Coke Zero is hard to get on board. While the soda machines have a lot of variety, the bars don't.

On 2/17/2022 at 2:53 PM, B113 said:

What's everyone's opinion on this?

Today would be great.

On 2/15/2022 at 12:39 PM, boilachicken said:

100% this. We don’t want to cancel or go get our money back. We just want back on the itinerary we originally had before they removed it. 

Then pay the $500 and sail on the Wonder. Royal has already said they won't change it for free so decide if the Wonder is worth $500 more or not.

Harmony was open for dinner every night a few weeks ago.

6 hours ago, gadaboutgal said:

There are still many Caribbean islands that require masks to be worn no matter what the rules are on the ship.  One masks up on leaving the ship for the day.  So European cruises will most likely be the same. 

That's why I rarely leave the ship.

2 hours ago, karena1 said:

I can tell you FOR SURE I will not be wearing a mask now.  So happy we don't have to wear them anymore.  Next step - stop making us get the stupid Covid test before a cruise.

 

That would be awesome!

6 hours ago, BND said:

Site went down for me for a few minutes so that's probably what caused it.  It should correct itself at some point lol.

Yes, it's corrected itself to 9.6k views. 🤣

6 hours ago, Hazeljtwo said:

I was misled by RC. My party of six was given (as advertised) a 450 dollar onboard credit for our £12,000+ cruise. I chose a balcony cabin and the picture was an outdoor sea view balcony.

When I got my documents it was an indoor balcony cabin. However, I accepted that in the small print (although the picture was a sea view) it said there was no guarantee of a sea view.

 

So I called to upgrade my cabin and pay extra for a sea view cabin for an extra cost.
 

Couple of days later I noticed my onboard credit was taken from me and my party without consultation!! Costing us 450 dollars.
 

I would not have upgraded if I knew this would happen.

 

After asking for the call to be listened where I am 100% sure I was not advised of this and emailing 4 times - it has been 2 weeks now and no resolution.

 I am seriously disappointed with RC - I usually go with Cunard or Princess and this has taken the shine off my upcoming cruise for my whole party. 

I'm gonna bet you didn't ask if you would lose your OBC while upgrading that cabin.

On 1/28/2022 at 7:27 AM, tx121 said:

The cruise isn't even over yet and I am already writing a review of my experience on Carnival's Mardi Gras. That's how confident and impressed I am with this ship!  Watch out Royal and NCL, Carnival's out to get your  loyal members with this ship.  

 

Background 

I usually gravitate towards the Royal Caribbean / Celebrity brand (diamond/ elite status) and Norwegian Cruise Line (gold status). Since the cruise restart I have cruised 6 times, basically taking advantage of the great deals and lower capacities. My goal is also to try out cruise lines that I haven't experienced before like MSC and Carnival.

Prior to this cruise, my only experience on Carnival was on the Sunrise in November. Now expectations were low for that cruise and i was expecting the "typical reputation" Carnival gets. Well all of that was proven correct as the food wasn't that great, the entertainment/ production shows were just ok compared to other cruise lines, service was spotty. However what I did like which was surprising was the fellow guests. People from all backgrounds were there to just have a good time. The best way to describe the atmosphere was care free. 

Now after a few weeks at home, I got a email discount offer from Carnivals VIFP program. The cruise rate was about $350 per person WITH taxes and fees for this sailing on the Mardi Gras. This was a no brainer and I booked. 

 

Embarkation 

This went pretty fast. It took maybe 25 minutes from start to finish. I noticed that people were bringing a 12 pack of soda with them onboard. It's good to know for next time that this is allowed.

 

The Ship

It is Amazing!! The Mardi Gras ship design is in my Top 2 favorites, only behind the Oasis class ships on Royal Caribbean. I love how it flows, the massive amount of dining options (free and fee), the themeing of the venues and areas around the ship. Everything looks modern and designed to space people out. Now I think we are only sailing around 60% because of cancellations due to omicron surge. I am curious to know how it will be with 100% capacity and if the design still works for this ship. 

 

Activities and Entertainment 

Where do I begin?! There are so many activities on this ship that it is impossible to do them all. A lot of them overlap each other but i think that it's great to have options. You will not be bored. 

The production shows in the main theater are just ok but the shows at center stage are amazing! I thoroughly enjoy the different shows that are showcased here. 

Family Feud is a must see. Even the audition finals are entertaining to watch.

If you like comedy, this is the ship for you. There are many shows throughout the cruise with around 5 different comedians for the week. 

Everything is fun fun fun! The cruise director Mike has done a great job planning activities and events for this cruise. I love how visible he is around the ship and his energy. 

 

Food

There are so many food options available on this ship. Now I am not sure if certain places like Chibang, Guys BBQ dinner, Cucina del Capitano will be free after the inaugural season. These are great places to go besides the main dining room. They are all very good.

Shaqs chicken, Guys burgers, Iguana Cantina are good. 

The street eats area is hit or miss depending on the day.  

The pizza is fresh and surprisingly really good. The hidden gem is the panini /sandwich place next to the pizza. They are so good! 

The buffet has a limited options and isn't that big as far as variety...but with so many more options around, it's ok. 

I had Teppanyaki last nite and I thought it was decent.

Tonight we are headed to 555 Fareinheit Steakhouse.  Anyone have any recommendations of must try dishes? We really wanted to try Rudis but it was all booked up for the week. 😔

 

Overall Thoughts

I HIGHLY recommend the Mardi Gras. Carnival has done a great job with this ship and I really think this will attract loyal customers from other cruise lines who are hesitant to try Carnival because of the past reputation and style of their older ships. 

 

 

 

Royal has a MUCH better loyalty program than Carnival and because of that I am already gravitating more towards Royal. Carnival Mardi Gras is a great ship but their loyalty program simply sucks. My wife gets 8 drinks daily on Royal (because I don't drink) and that saves us over $700 per week long cruise. Mardi Gras can't compete with that (and the Oasis class ships are just as nice as the Mardi Gras).

On 2/14/2022 at 7:39 PM, momin05 said:

Unless I just missed something, this occurred without fanfare. The Carnival website now says smoking is allowed in the casino. Previously, smoking was banned completely. I am sure many smokers are happy. Personally, I was looking forward to being able to breathe in the casino and my hair and clothes not smelling like smoke!  

Yeah!!!!

14 minutes ago, scubamargie said:

That's what I thought. I just didn't know how likely it would be to get an exemption for a child nearly fully vaccinated.

 

The same chances as for a child who has never gotten a shot. There is no gray area here, it is black and white.

25 minutes ago, mondello said:

I'd expect they'd need an exemption because they wouldn't be considered fully vaccinated. They don't make exceptions for adults.

I believe they still allow an unvaccinated adult if they are medically unable to get the vaccine but those would be few and far in between.

If anyone (child or otherwise) gets their last shot lass than 15 days before sailing they are considered unvaccinated and will require an exemption.

What is a WOW band?? WAs on the Oasis in December and didn't get one or hear of them.

11 hours ago, MommaBear55 said:

Not allowed currently. 

Which changes in 2 days.