AutumnorFall

2 hours ago, HskrCrsr said:

I don't have much experience with their premium coffees, but others on here have suggested much like you did, there's premium and then there's extra (maybe with booze).

 

When you mention $30 per person per day, I assume you are looking at Elevate and Indulge. Since the price increments the same per day, but the benefits (primarily excursion or onboard credits) jump at different times (as you noted), sometimes these upgrades are worth it and sometimes not. My opinion is that if Wi-Fi is not important to you, just upgrade the drink package for $12 per person per day (a small Captain's Club discount may apply). If Wi-Fi matters, then the upgrade might be worth it. The savings tend to be small. And you can also just upgrade the Wi-Fi separately, if desired. They market Always Included (and upgrades) as making things simpler, not cheaper. I think that's accurate in most cases.

Yeah.  I think I ended up going with them primarily because I could see what the price would be with the tips and drinks on the search list rather than figuring it in.  It is easier to look at it with it all there instead of looking at prices that are going to be hundreds of dollars more with just adding in tips and all of that.  

On 4/27/2021 at 3:49 PM, HskrCrsr said:

The drink package differences are shown here:

https://www.celebritycruises.com/content/dam/celebrity/pdf/beverage-package-flyer-optimized.pdf

 

My wife enjoys the better wines and does not want to be concerned about price, so she finds the Premium Beverage Package to be a good value just for the simplicity. You can upgrade just the drink package from Classic (provided in All Included) for $12 per person person, with a small (5-10%) Captain's Club discount possible once inside final payment. You can also just go with the classic package and pay the difference (plus gratuity) per drink if it costs more than the package allows. Menus with prices can be found in these threads if you search for them.

 

Wi-fi is a different story and I hope others will weigh in. For me and checking email, the standard Surf package is good enough. You can upgrade to Stream for $20 per person per day, although I think this is for a single device. Captain's Club discounts may apply here, too. Some tiers get free minutes of streaming access. If you need multiple devices, you can log out on one, then log in on another and still get by with a single device package.

 

Captain's Club discounts are shown here:

https://secure.viewer.zmags.com/publication/cc0ce13c#/cc0ce13c/2

 

My personal opinion on upgrading to Indulge or Elevate are:

In general, if Wi-Fi upgrade is not needed, Indulge is not a good investment.    
If Wi-Fi upgrade is not needed but drink upgrade is needed, Elevate may be good for cruises 10 (7) days and under.

If Wi-Fi and drink upgrades are wanted, Indulge is good for cruises 14 (10) days and under.
The days in parentheses are valid if Captain's Club discounts are included.

 

My choice has been to simply go with standard Always Included and just upgrade the drink package. Personal preferences and desire for simplicity will always factor in.

I have only done one cruise and it was with carnival.  I shopped around for the one we will do next which is going to be in January (when hopefully COVID things are done).  Something that is confusing me is the advertisement for the drink packages.  Premium lists "premium coffees and teas" while the classic does not.  Whenever you click on the list provided, the premium coffees are under the classic.  Are there premium and then PREMIUM coffees or something. 

I'm a bit confused on the math.  It's $30 per person per day so $120 per person. With 4 days. So, $360 total?  But that doesn't sound right because it says it gives you $200 per person for shore excursions.  So they're really going to pay $600 while I pay $360?  Or am I doing something wrong? 

Nevermind, I figured it out.  It is based on length of cruise.  So no.  Not gonna get the full $200.  I need to learn to math and read better.  

I'm taking my first cruise on sunshine from Charleston this September. How does the park and cruise work at these hotels? Do they charge you extra for the parking? Would you be allowed to be parked and checked out of the hotel? I live in West Columbia and it would only be about one and a half hours to port. It would be $160 to park in port for eight days. We considered being dropped off, but it is our honeymoon. We might want to be alone. 

Hey, I want to go on a cruise next year too.  So, I've been looking on the list.  I would like to just leave out of Charleston, SC because I live in SC and it is only a one and a half hour ride.  I am taking an 8 day one in September this year.  I am surprised to see that the cruises leaving this port are all 3-5 days for 2020 and that they are only going to the Bahamas or Cuba.  For this year, there are a few different places that are being cruised from this port and I am even going on an 8 day to Easter Caribbean.  Are they going to add more later or is that it?   

Maybe they changed things? My upcoming cruise is leaving at 4pm instead of 6pm on the first day. 

I think that requiring proof of disability could both help and hurt those who need accessible rooms. On one side, the cabins are limited and people who don't need them should leave them for those who do. On the other side, I couldn't imagine having to pay a doctor to make me a statement for every vacation. Also, getting medical records is a pain. I know that from when I was trying for the navy.

It just seems like something that would be in the way of accessibility. It's like a conversation on an article about service animals. People saw an article about an airport when someone got mad they couldn't take a peacock. Now there is this cry for requiring standardized papers. Sure, it would end the rare peacock or alligator, but I couldn't imagine being harassed for papers everywhere I went if I had a service dog. 

Why not call carnival or your insurance and ask the options?

1 minute ago, coevan said:

The cost to pre-purchase CHEERS! prior to your cruise is $51.95 USD per person, per day plus 18% gratuity. 

 

I don't know where you are getting your numbers. Add 18% or $9.35 to $51.95 and you get $61.30 X 7 = $429.

From the carnival.com funshop in my cart.  I meant to say 8 days instead of 7, but still it is $980 with all the fees and taxes on there.  It is $490.14 for each person.  51.95 plus 18%.  The AARP thing I will be looking into a lot though.  I really like that idea you gave me, so thanks for that.  I was looking at my "corporate perks at work" thing that I have from my job to try and maybe rack up points or something, but so far I don't see any gift cards for cruises and the only offers they have are for "last minute cruises."  I believe I save more by booking earlier and besides, I already did book.

2 hours ago, coevan said:

 

 

I believe we paid $804.30 for 7 days, twice for the B2B, minus the 10% saved with AARP gift cards, so it netted about $720

What is b2b? I should look into the aarp gift cards. I put cheers in my cart on carnival and it was $980 in total for my cruise with the taxes and 18% tips. So, $980 total. 

8 minutes ago, coevan said:

 

 

You will be surprised how fast it adds up. Throw in all the sodas, waters, coffees, and shakes it's pretty easy to get to $56, approximately for those who want to copy and paste the exact price. 

Yeah, I did one of those calculator things and it said I would save with the package.  There are four sea days on the cruise I'm taking so I am taking that into account too.  I might tack things on in some order or something like I'm doing my wedding.  Everyone while I was with my decorator at the venue was like "The cake!  The cake!" and I told them, "I didn't even put a deposit on the caterer yet."  There are two main things you need for a party, food and someplace to have it.  So I started there.  For a cruise, you need the money to pay for the ticket as main thing.  After that, maybe an excursion.  Then too, there is the extras like a night in the steakhouse or the captain's table.  Finally, it is the drink packages.  I think that is the way I"m going to do it.  We are thrifty everywhere in our lives.  It would be nice to go onto a ship and just not even worry because I bought it already.  I can also not do that, drink lots of the free juices or teas and still cruise though.  Both of these I've never done.  I really hope to have the cheers program, but is is $980 for two people for 7 days.

20 hours ago, BigCruze said:

Where did you see this rule. I get my beer without being opened with no problem. No they don't open the bottle waters or Gatorade. Stay sealed. 

It is in the FAQ part for the cheers program.  I don't see it as a rule in the funshop before you would purchase it, though most all other rules are there.  I figured maybe they did it so that it would be hard to have them for inside the room or something.  I'm glad they don't follow it because now maybe, my husband can have a beer and I could bring wine for on our balcony.  That is if I decide to purchase this.  It seems steep for 7 days, but I'm afraid I'll spend that much anyway or be too scared to enjoy myself.  We'll see.

The rules for cheers say the drinks are sold open.  Will they take the cap from us for the water?

On 1/10/2019 at 7:16 AM, bbtbear said:

From Carnival's website:
 

Here's what the program includes:

Priority Security, Check-in and Boarding
A dedicated security and check-in lane has been set aside for all Priority guests on embarkation day. FTTF guests will board after VIFP Diamond, Platinum and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations.  
Note: Only VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations have access to the Captain’s Lounge.  

First Access to Stateroom
Your stateroom will be ready for you as soon as you board, so you can relax or freshen up for all the fun you are about to have.

Priority Luggage
While we process thousands of bags, FTTF luggage will receive priority delivery.
Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests.

Guest Services
Quickly have any of your questions answered or requests addressed as you will have a dedicated phone extension and line at Guest Services.
Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests.

Dining Reservations
Priority Dinner Time Assignment: FTTF guests will be cleared after VIFP Platinum guests. This benefit does not include specific time reservations for 'Your Time Dining'.
Note: VIFP Diamond guests and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations are guaranteed their dining in the Main Dining Room.

Water Shuttle Priority
You will have priority water shuttle service from ship to shore (multiple departure times may be possible) so you can explore ashore as quickly as you want to. When ready to go ashore, if not on a Carnival shore excursion, present yourself at the Guest Services Desk.
Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations.

Debarkation Choices
When it’s time to say good bye, you may choose an early or late disembarkation time upon arrival to your homeport.
Note: This is also a benefit for VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests and guests traveling in deluxe suite accommodations.

Hey, does carnival sunshine's "ocean suite " count as a "deluxe suites?" Or are they speaking of the captain suites?