mondello

@meanmom08 You can choose one of the later times to avoid most of the crush. You will need to be aboard at least an hour before sail away. 11:00-1:00 is probably the busiest arrival/boarding time. I like to show up around 1:00 and cabin is ready (1:30) by the time you board. Lunch is still being served until 2:30/3:00 with some venues open later.

Guess we could wear them to the 80’s Party.

Probably. However, mother would likely lose her deposit if she changes her mind; or more if past final payment.

Did you book “just today” or did you find out “just today” that mother wants to go? You can just cancel and rebook within 24 hours of your original booking. Otherwise, I’d call Carnival and book the second cabin. Shouldn’t be too much trouble.

@IntrepidFromDC Surprised @Tom-n-Cheryl didn’t take you to dinner or at least buy you a drink pre-cruise?

Cool, we’ll become Platinum 4/2/2023 on Spirit 6 night.

Yeah, that was the first time I’d used YTD; just to have priority for the inclusive specialty venues. Ended up we only went to Cucina once. Late seating is fine for us because Early seating is just too early for me. 7:45 sounds great, hope it is on Spirit 4/2.

Carnival will likely refund port fees and taxes. Good luck with recovering your other expenses from the insurance carrier. Hope you have a healthy recovery.

I’m trying not to make the news.

Both. Seeing it for Spirit 4/2/2023. Was on Celebration 12/19/2022 but booked YTD. add: seen others post they opened the MDR early to spread the crowd.

Don’t know which ship you may have seen that. My cruises on Carnival are still: 6:00/Early, 8:15/Late. YTD does start earlier, 5:30-9:30.

We were in an Uber the night before our Christmas Celebration cruise, stuck in traffic for Andrea Bocelli concert at the arena. 20 minute ride back from Walmart took about an hour.

Yeah, if you get seated and served fairly quickly. Dinner starts at 6:00 and most shows are 7:30/9:30.

Pretty sure you have to go to the casino and get it. Can vary from ship to ship, $25 cash, slot credit, or chips. Wouldn’t be surprised if the slot tournaments return.

You can pre-order a bottle of sparkling cider from the FunShops, $9.50.

You may wanna check out the appropriate section of the Port Of Calls board.

If you drink beer like water and are worried about the 15/limit, maybe you should try RCI?

@Danny61231 I was on Celebration for an 8 day Christmas cruise. Yes, the multiple food venues are awesome. Guests with YTD can request a table at the inclusive dining; those with MDR Early/Late seating must wait until 8:00 to enjoy Cucina or ChiBang. Your kids are young enough you should be fine in an interior with upper bunks; you can use the gym showers if that would help get ready for dinner. I never buy the drink or soda package but, you should bring 2 bottles of wine or champagne and 2 cases of soda. Yeah, it is a pain to bring it but the money saved is worth it to me. I prefer Celebration, just seems easier to cruise from Miami rather than Port Canaveral.

@sd63 Eat at the Steakhouse the first night and get 50% off bottles of wine. They may or may not let you buy more than 1 bottle. The Steakhouse bar will likely have the best selection and yes, you can buy everyday. I’ve not heard of this counting towards the 15 daily drink limit. Shouldn’t be a problem unless guest is obviously impaired.

I was on Celebration for an 8 day Christmas cruise, 12/19-12/27. Every cruise has an ‘80’s Rock and Glow Party, where they toss out a bunch of light sticks into the crowd. There was also a Mega Deck party on Lido. Review of my FunTimes shows they had a White Hot Night Party at Serenity at 11:00pm. Most of the best shows were at the Center Stage, like Grand Central on Mardi Gras. Lee Mason is definitely one of the best Cruise Directors.

You’re not past final payment. Call and request what you’d consider an acceptable cabin. Cancel and rebook at the new, lower price if that works for you.

I see Corey Glover listed, saw him years ago with Living Colour; opened for The Rolling Stones back in ‘89 on the Steel Wheels tour.

You don’t need a reservation for Emeril’s Bistro.

No promises but, it definitely won’t hurt to ask. Some requests can be met if your waitstaff clears it with the kitchen the night before. I saw a table served crème brûlée on a night when it was not on the menu simply because they asked the night before.

Was just there on our Celebration Christmas cruise. They didn’t need to check status because S&S card would “ping” for those unvaccinated attempting to get off the ship. Although the testing requirement was dropped, I thought there was still a health question in there somewhere that enables them to keep track of those who remain unvaccinated?