comiso13

My first cruise was a Thanksgiving cruise in 1995 or 1996 on Jubilee.  I kept the paperwork but it is stored somewhere and I'm not sure of the year.  But when I called to book my Carnival cruise in December 2018, they either found my information in their computer or they were willing to accept what I was telling them on the phone.  either way, I got credit for the cruise without going through any hoops.

On 8/28/2019 at 8:43 AM, Djptcp said:

Casino from early morning until lunch time and then back again after dinner.

Typically the craps table isn't open until afternoon or early evening, but I have been known to play for hours depending on how I am doing.  A funtastic way to spend an evening.

160 days 16 hours until I embark on the Panorama!  Some head to the bar, which does sound inviting, but I think I'll look for one of the lesser crowded food place first.

I enjoy starting a sea day with the sea day brunch, meeting new people.  Then sitting at a bar interacting with the variety of people there.

the pic of the new menu was hard to read, I had to zoom in to read it.  Very relieved steak and eggs are still on the menu.  Sea day brunch is something I really look forward to.  I find the food very good and I love meeting new people at the table.

On my first cruise I wondered if stapling my tags was secure enough.  Although I had no problem, I did hear about the plastic tag holders and decided to buy a set.  I feel better having them, they only cost a few dollars and are reusable.  And in my mind, one less thing to worry about as I start my cruise.  I like to start with no worries, just excitement and something to drink.

I had a MDR upgrade for my gambling, I won, and could order from the menu for one of the $18 upgrades.  I ordered a steak which was good size and cooked perfectly at medium rare.  So although it was free, I would have been pleased if I had ordered on another night and paid the $18.

Some people will be pleased with the main dining room menu upgrade, but the experience of the steak house is worth it too.  I travel solo, so not likely to go to the steak house, but on a night I don't like the entrees in the MDR, I am willing to upgrade to an additional charge.

I had problems when I left the casino, not because I had been drinking, but because there were few references as to direction until you actually leave the casino.  Many times I ended up by the main pool, not the aft bar.  Also would get 15 or 20 steps into my trek, then make a hard U turn.  Have had to apologize for my change of direction without signaling first.  But, I always ended up where I was headed.😤

I hadn't originally read the DOU card carefully and went to the bar.  The craps table wasn't even open.  That is when I learned I had to be gambling to get the free drink.  But I don't usually drink while gambling.  So DOU wasn't a big deal for me.

I had the social plan on Splendor to Hawaii and it worked well for Facebook and Messenger, was able to send pictures and get almost immediate responses from family in California.  But I have heard horror stories about access too.  My experience was in December last year.

On 7/25/2019 at 2:06 PM, hotsauce126 said:

 

You absolutely can do it on the app on some ships

The Carnival website says advance table reservations are not accepted on board.  Don't know why they added the On Board unless it means you can reserve prior to your cruise?

I've purchased the Social plan my last 2 cruises and it worked well for FB and Messenger, which are about all I wanted.  That is why I am getting the social plan again this cruise.  Regardless which plan you select, being able to only have 1 device logged in per number of plans purchased could be a problem.

I am a bottomless bubbles kind of guy, but do want to try something alcoholic after arriving onboard.  But don't know much about the selections you have all mentioned.  will have to read up, don't want to experiment on what might taste good.

Yes, Splendor inside cabins have fridges, but they act more like coolers.  The idea of opening the cabinet door helps get it cooler.  I was able to keep my water cold.  Loved cruising on Splendor, have a fantastic time.

5 minutes ago, James4me said:

How about an anger room where you get to bust up stuff😆

Could only let one person in an anger room so they don't take it out on each other.😏

1 hour ago, outdoors27 said:

We are booked on the Panorama for February 2020.  Hopefully we can follow through with the booking depending on our oldest daughters soccer travel schedule.  We booked early and got a ridiculous rate for 4 for this sailing.  Our airfare may cost more than the sailing coming from Boston during February vacation.  The last time we did this route was in 2005 on the Pride when it use to sail out of Long Beach.  Hopefully it all works out and we can go. Totally scared about the Sky Zone at sea and potential injury to the girls as I know of enough that occur at our local land based one.  Can't believe I'm saying this but I almost wish it still had the IMAX. Happy cruising!

Boston in the winter or the Mexican Riviera on Panorama?  Hope you can work out your schedules and make the cruise.  

Good to know the buffalo shrimp is just fried shrimp and cocktail sauce.  That is what I prefer.  Hope it is the same way on Panorama.  Maybe I can ask for it that way if not.  Lobster roll, fried shrimp, clam chowder, damn I'm getting hungry

9 minutes ago, Chervil said:

I get the BB, my wife doesn't.
But in addition to the sodas we like the fact that it has the juice as well.

As others have said, some bartenders are strict in only giving you a 16oz glass with ice and what soda they pour in, others hand you the can and a glass.
Personally I always take my own sports bottle that is about 20oz and ask for light ice.
They are usually very accommodating in filling it for me, and that ensures I get the whole can.

 

Chervil, this is the first time I am taking my own RTIC cup, will have to remember for light ice.  Especially because it doesn't melt quickly.  By the 2nd day I know the bartenders at whatever bar I frequent and they are very accommodating for me too.

33 minutes ago, lensonlife said:

I observed that individuals with Bottomless Bubbles were given cans of soda. And when I purchase soda (no BB), I was given a can. 

I was usually given a full glass of ice and soda, not the can unless it filled the glass.  They sometimes did leave me the whole can, tipping helps, lol, but it varied.  But with BB I could always get another soda anytime.

Coca cola addict here, easily drink more than 3 sodas a day.  And with the juice options as well, I find the bottomless bubbles package a great deal.

Sad to admit, but I take many meds.  Too many to just put them in a 7 day container and I don't want have more than one 7 day container.  So I just keep them in their original containers, put them in a large baggie and keep them with me in my carry on.  I just feel more comfortable doing it this way

I've looked at the menu for Cucina on Panorama and while it is a decent menu, I don't see Chicken Marsala.  

On 7/3/2019 at 1:39 PM, Bob NC said:

Tip your bartender in cash they have to pool it.

 

Tip on the receipt they get the whole thing.

Bob, that is what i was wondering while reading this thread.  I have tipped cash and I have added to the receipt, want to make sure the bartender I am tipping gets it all.

I prefer drinking my coke from a glass without a straw, I don't use a straw at home.  And if I am using my RTIC, I can use the metal straw I got with it or just sip from it like I do now.  

Lots to agree with here, absolutely love starting my sea day with the brunch.  I have read the bbq is free for lunch, but didn't know Cucina was, is that true?  Not into Asian or going to the Steakhouse alone, but many other opportunities I am looking forward to.