Top_of_the_Cube

Just an observation, for years John Heald has advised that it is okay to leave your balcony door open. This isn't a new thing. It does puzzle me, though, as it goes against the signage displayed in the cabins. I appreciate those knowledgeable folks on CC explaining how the system actually works. Anyone experience the wind tunnel effect?

If it is "entry level" to just see if you can handle being on a ship, then hands-down I think it would be Carnival. I always do a spreadsheet (yes, I am that guy) and compare ships and different lines. And, at least for the times and embarkation ports I am considering, Carnival always has been the lowest price. If "entry level" to see if you like the whole cruising experience, then picking Carnival might be deceiving. It caters to a specific market for a reason, and if you are not that market, you might be tainted from all cruising just because you do not like their "vibe". If you are more discriminating, then skip "entry level" and match a cruise line with your expectations (which may indeed be Carnival).

It is all timing. Wife and I will wander up to the Serenity area at any point of the morning or afternoon (sea and port days) to read and just relax. We usually (but not always) find open seats. And, after setting up camp, at some point folks often vacate more desirable real estate to which we will move.

For my own curiosity, I checked the room doors on the last two Carnival ships that I sailed (Breeze, Vista). Magnets were not attracted to the doors, but did stick to the door handle cover plate. I don't do door decorations (not opposed, just not my thing), but I would highly recommend that passengers only use material that is specifically labeled as fire retardant. Regular plastic is definitely not fire retardant.

I can appreciate your opinion here, and I imagine there are lots of "gifts" at which crew members might roll their eyes (inside their heads) while appearing very grateful. I do not claim any special insider knowledge on this matter, but I occasionally read blogs and watch videos put out by current and former crew members. I have never seen a statement that they do not like gifts, and I have seen comments on how much they appreciate candy and small items that might have to do with the passenger's home town or state. Baseball hats and souvenir magnets stick out in my memory. Some employees collect specific things (one bar tender likes the magnets), and might trade amongst themselves. Also, they are apparently a big hit to family and friends back home. So if I were a gift-giver (which I am not and I don't), I would feel okay with handing out "approved" items as long as they aren't big or bulky, and aren't some cheap gumball machine trinket. Also, I should prepare myself not to take it personally if I find out my "special" gift were bartered or given away. And to reiterate from my original post (#70), gifts should be fourth on my list of ways to truly show appreciation for a job well done. In my opinion.

[Just my ramblings on the topic and not "in response" to any particular post] There is certainly a reasonableness and a level of absurdity in what gifts you might give to a crew member, but I am only aware of positive comments from crew members and folks close to crew members regarding receiving (reasonable) gifts. From those in the industry and current and former crew members who post their experiences, it is my (and mine alone) conclusion that the biggest impact for crew members are, in order of meaning (again, just my impression) - Praising the crew member by name to management and on surveys; Leaving your auto-gratuity intact; Additional tips; and, Gifts So while gifts don't advance them in their job or provide more money, that personal thought is still appreciated by many workers. If I were a gift-giver (which I am not and I don't), I would feel comfortable in expressing my thanks and appreciation through appropriate gifts. Of course, without skimping on the first three. It doesn't have to be either/or.

Mr. Heald did say these gifts (actually, I think he called them prizes) will be available in the Pixels gallery.

Auto-gratuities give me a rash, on the ship and on land. The auto-gratuities on board have nothing to do with excellent and attentive service, in fact, nothing to do with "gratuity" at all! It is actually just a supplemental source of income to Carnival that goes towards the wages and benefits of just certain employees. And while I don't think the company takes any of that money for itself, it has to enter into the compensation package that Carnival offers its crew. Ideally, auto-gratuities would just be merged into the cruise fare with all behind-the-scenes workers getting a competitive wage. Crew members that directly serve passengers can be paid a sub-standard level, because they have the opportunity to "wow" the customer and rake in mega-tips by offering top shelf service. I consider those types of crew members as entrepreneurs, their income is only limited by their effort. Alas, this will never be. So for the sake of my blood pressure, I just add the auto-gratuity to the ticket price and consider it all as just part of the cost to get on board. If I truly want to reward the dining crew or bar staff or room attendants, it won't be through auto-gratuities (which I never adjust or remove). It will be through praising them to management, which I hear goes a long way, and tipping them individually. Now, got to get back to work. Looks like Table 3 is griping because "apparently" I got their order wrong. Those schmucks.

Amen, and amen.

My hearing challenge may not be as extreme as some of you, but if I can focus on you without a lot of other noisy distractions, you may not even be able to tell I have issues. But, doesn't take much in order for me to find it very difficult to impossible to carry on a conversation. Been that way ever since I was a wee lad. With that, my wife craves interaction with others. I am sure that is not an indictment on me (I keep telling myself). So, we try to sit with others at breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. I converse as best I can, but often I just let the folks know I just can't hear, and not to worry about including me in the conversation. Our experience, though, on some other issues, is that we don't have to keep making the same request at each visit when we have the maître de add a note in their system of our preference. I don't know if that would work for table requests, and it may just be we had a very accommodating dining staff. YMMGYTACDD (your mileage may get you to a completely different destination)

I have watched a few videos put out by a couple of these vloggers covering some of their past group cruises. They did have special meet-ups in some of the venues, although I didn't see anything that would concern me about "taking over" the ship. But, I also do not know what they did not include. It could be an opportunity for someone interested in cruising, videography, or social media to grab one of these folks and get some good tips. They seem to like what they do and are eager to share. As for me personally in my current situation, it's just too risky with all the cameras and videos around according to the federal marshals.

I can appreciate your take on Roatan and Belize. It is also good to remember that in Roatan, RCCL ports at Coxen Hole, which is right there at the largest city on the island. Probably perfect for a walkabout once debarking the ship. Carnival, though, pulls into Mahogany Bay. Mahogany Bay has port shops and a beach built by Carnival. I only left the port/beach area to walk to my excursion meet-up van. Not sure what else might be close by and worth walking to.

Wife and I enjoy both ports, although Belize seems to be less popular with cruisers. Roatan - on Carnival, you will dock at Mahogany Bay, Carnival's own development. There is the port shopping area right there just off the ship, and their own beach within walking (or sky-ride) distance. We enjoyed our beach day there. Or, the island offers many activities and experiences. We have done Carnival-sponsored excursions and private excursions. Roatan offers hiking and zip-lining and snorkeling and resorts and deep-sea fishing and animal encounters and beaches and cultural experiences and good food and.... whatever floats your boat. Belize - the ship will anchor out at sea, and getting to port will require a water taxi (about a thirty minute shuttle?). This transport to and from the ship is not an extra costs. The port area (not owned by Carnival) has shopping and drinking and eating, etc. I would NOT venture outside of this port area on my own. But that is me. This is one stop that I might recommend taking a Carnival-sponsored excursion to venture out and explore the country. With that said, we have no issues with arranging something with one of the private tour companies. As @IntrepidFromDC suggested, use a trusted site such as TripAdvisor to find these. The opportunities for adventure are much the same as Roatan. Other options might include cave tubing, tours of Maya ruins, and visits to distilleries. Plus, whatever advice you might find on the Cruise Critic discussion boards for each particular port of call.

Yup, Carnival Gift cards never expire. You can use any balance on future cruises and transactions with Carnival. If you apply the Gift cards to your Sail and Sign (on-board) account, anything not spent will be refunded to you on a new Gift card which Carnival will mail to you.

Last few cruises out of Galveston(including after the restart), wife and I eat a leisurely lunch in view of the ship and then arrive at the pier after 1:00 pm. We are lowly Gold and do not purchase FTTF, so no special boarding perks. No crowds, very few people. We hit the various check-in stations and security with very short to no lines, and walk right on board, and head to our room. Unload our luggage, and are unfettered to move about the ship. For those who might not know, here are some good things to keep in mind: 1) schedule your arrival time comfortably before "last boarding time"; 2) don't confuse "last boarding time" with "sailing time"; and, 3) if wanting to arrive at the very last minute, know that you may have to carry on all your luggage. Late arrival works for us, although I completely understand those who are eager to get the party started as early as possible.

I think that's art. It really speaks to me.

I cannot verify that this is always followed, but Carnival supposedly will let you know as soon as the decision is made to skip one of the planned stops. Sometimes that is before the ship sails, and sometimes it is right at the point that they are to be pulling into the pier or dropping anchor. Admittedly, Carnival can be too optimistic that it can make its planned itinerary when they are already aware of a mechanical issue. As for non-Carnival excursions, that is a very valid concern. The private companies I have used in the Caribbean do not charge if the ship does not port.

Last October, wife had to ask about them. The Shotmeister was tracked down and came to our table. Thereafter, we were on his regular route. Apparently they may not get around to all areas of the dinning room(s).

Sorry if this is too off-topic, but I am a chicken parmesan fan, and this caught my eye. According to my go-to foodie expert, it is unknown where chicken parm actually originated, but can be traced back to Italian communities in America. Probably came from similarly prepared Italian dishes (he cited a few possibilities) in which chicken replaced a vegetable. Italian wedding soup is actually a soup originating in a region in southern Italy. "Wedding" should probably be better translated from the Italian as "Marriage", referencing the marriage of the different ingredients. As with any dish, the preparation and ingredients may be "regionalized" to a point and still be called Italian wedding soup. Can't completely vouch for these histories, but I bring it up because in my heart of hearts, I want to eat these dishes on Carnival in their Italian-themed restaurants, and believe that they are at least authentically Italian inspired. Don't burst my bubble!

Mahogany Bay (Roatan) - is pretty safe to grab a taxi and do your own thing, if you have done your research ahead of time to become familiar with the available beaches and attractions. Or, some like to let the taxi driver recommend places to see. Be aware that Carnival controls the port area, so you will have to walk out of the port area to hook up with non-Carnival excursions. Something to think about if you have mobility challenges. As for AI, you may want to check out Little French Key (private excursion) or Big French Key (Carnival excursion). You can buy packages to "customize" your all-inclusive experience. There may be other resorts that I am not aware of. And, if nothing else, I have enjoyed Carnival's beach just steps (or a sky ride) away from the ship. This, of course, is just a small sampling of what might be experienced at this stop. Great zip lines, public and private beaches, animal encounters, snorkeling, jungle tours, cultural immersions, etc. Belize - you take the tender/water taxi/water shuttle from the ship to shore. It is safe to walk around and experience the port area, but I personally would not venture outside of that area on my own. But, I believe the private tours offered by legit operators and Carnival excursions are safe. As others have mentioned, you might enjoy the AI experience at one of the island resorts just off the mainland. I have not done one of those, but there are a few to choose from. We have called at Belize many times and have always done a different activity. I still have a bucket list for future cruise visits to this country. I know that getting off at Belize makes some people concerned for their safety, and others just don't find it interesting, but wife and I highly enjoy it and the people.

Focusing on this comment, wife and I each ordered a large bottle of water (with CHEERS!) each evening at dinner, saving these to take with us off the ship at ports of call.

Wife and I have taken a few private excursions in Belize. We are not priority anything, but I do not recall ever having an issue getting to our pick-up point in Belize at a decent time. Do try to get as early a start as you can. Listen for instructions on how and when and where to queue up for the ride from the ship to shore, and you should be fine. Also, prepare for long lines in the stairwell as they may snake up at least one deck. Depending on the type of tour, the tour operator will probably wait for late-comers, but the time spent on the excursion may be adjusted. I do admit I usually turn green on the trip from the ship to the port. I was expecting once they switched over from tenders to water shuttles that my stomach would no longer be affected. Alas, it was not to be.

On a couple of ships, we found that the app needed to be closed and reopened often to update messages. Even then, there were delays in delivery.

Just to add to @klfrodo's post, one of the owner/guides on a private tour I was on in Belize commented that ALL legitimate excursion operators work together to make sure no passengers are ever late. If there is even one incident of missing a ship, it can tank the whole industry. In fact, on that particular outing the owner got a call that another company was having bus problems while taking clients back to the port. Contingencies were discussed, including the option that we might pick them up. Fortunately, the bus problem was resolved in time.

Carnival has made marketing blunders in the past, but for the most part, Carnival has read the market and their customers pretty well. For everyone who says they may leave Carnival because of one thing or another, there apparently are many more who are attracted to Carnival based on the strong bookings even after the phenomenal deals became less frequent. Raising prices MAY help in a lot of ways, in spite of the complaining - Dissuade customers who are prone to misbehaving; Increase spending to provide more consistent service and food quality; Provide more revenue to pay down debt; etc. The balancing act is that Carnival will have to maintain a price point that is, on the whole, less than their competitors. Because if I can find cruises that fit my criteria and are less than Carnival, that is where my dollars will be spent. Don't question me or my reputation as a business and financial guru. My resume includes helping notable companies like FTX and Blockbuster to become what they are today.