ElCrappyTan

1 hour ago, mfs2k said:

 

FYI. Starting this year you can only offset winnings with losses if you have enough deductions to itemize. With the increased standardized deduction and the reduction in SALT deductions, many people can’t itemize who did before. 

A majority of people don't fully understand the tax ramifications of this. They think they can just deduct it right "off the top". They don't realize they had to claim losses as a itemized deduction, and in many cases, the standard deduction was still greater than their itemized deductions, leaving them taxed on the entire amount of the W-2G(s).

Happened to a friend of mine years ago. Hit a $2,000 jackpot on a cruise ship. Thought he could offset it with $5,000 in losses from his land-based casino play and wouldn't be taxed for it. He was married, rented (no mortgage interest), lived in a low income/property tax/no sales tax state, and really did not have many other items he could deduct (medical/charitable), so his $5,000 losses was less than the $12,000 standard deduction, so he was taxed on the entire $2,000 even though he had a net gambling loss.

I’m gonna say no. Even on the high side of your estimated use, I estimate you almost to the daily rate. If it’s me, I’d pay as I go and purchase the water in advance through the fun shops.

No.

A small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, energy drinks, juice, and milk) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought on board on embarkation day and must be in the guest's carry-on luggage. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person.

https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2633/~/liquor-and-beverage-policy

Probably won’t know till end of week as ship is on first sailing since dry docking.

Ive been in 6269, 7301, and 8200. Never had an issue with the vibration. Only time I noticed it was in MDR. I never felt it on lido or in serenity area.

Are these actually made on ship or are they “boxed” cakes?

Hemp oil is actually found in a lot of on the shelf products. The main one is body lotion. Some people swear it helps with the skin.

As an HR director for a company that random drug tests, this is the second excuse people use for failing a test. The first is still the old poppy seed bagel.

Isn’t hemp oil different than CBD oil? If so, then it’s not on the restricted list. 

Mine says 59-1562976. It should be in the first box with the address, phone number, etc. 

And yes, you have to file it.

Was the missing person announcement blasted in the staterooms? To be fair, especially if you are sleeping or there is a lot of in-room noise, you can't hear the general announcements.

31 minutes ago, Gold_Cruiser said:

That port was worse than the Maryland one by far to me.  Very unorganized. 

That's saying a lot because in my experiences, Baltimore is pretty unorganized (along with a lot of lazy port workers).

7 minutes ago, joy4ron said:

How much would you say you've played before you get free drinks?

Me, not much, because I think the first night the pit or casino boss looks at my prior play history and knows I'm pretty much good for 25-30 hours minimum and that I tend to be a good tipper.

Otherwise, at slots, it's $2.50 coin in = 1 point, 1,500 points on salings 5+ days, 1,000 points on 4 or less days. Table games is based on your average bet/time played/etc. Usually they want to see $10-$15 average per hand with a 4+ hour a day trend. 

Smuggling alcohol = horrible person.

Smuggling irons = Ok.

3 minutes ago, mommag3boys said:

We get several offers constantly for premier casino cruise but naturally the dates don't match up with our next cruise. Anyone had any luck with calling in and being able to get free drinks pushed to a different date? I don't really care about getting the $500 casino cash part of the offer (or the early check in, cocktail parties, etc.) I just think it's dumb that we are not given free drinks right off the bat, especially since I usually earn them by mid day on day 2 of the cruise.

I'm not sure about switching dates, but I'll agree on the "right off the bat" thing. When I let the Players Club know about upcoming cruises to see what they can offer, I always mention getting the DOU card. They tell me it will be based on my play, but everytime I have it by the end of the first night, even if I just start out at the $5 tables. 🙄

Actually a couple of cruises ago I played craps with another couple that actually search eBay for people selling CCL casino chips at a discount. Not the $1 or $5 chips  but sometimes they get people selling a $25 or $100 chip at a discount just to get something for it. Either they thought it was a collectors item, or sometimes they forgot they had it until they got off the ship.

A little OT, but I would like to see CCL go to a chip that is the same regardless of ship. 

Unless Carnival has swapped out its chips lately, which I don't believe it has, you should be able to use it on any CCL ship. Any one who actually plays tables games and pays attention to their chips knows their are chips from many different ships in their stack. 

Depends on the port in my experiences. Some are lax, others, like Baltimore, won't let you in a minute before your scheduled time.

I'll take my chances 🙂

13 hours ago, Bernardo62 said:

T M I.....

There's a recent post telling people to pack USB rechargeable sex toys for their cruise in case there is a power outage, and this is TMI? Wow, this place truly has changed over the past couple of years.

Drink prices ticked up a little as well. Typical inflation...  🙂

Do they give you time afterward to "enjoy the room"?

Did they wall mount the flat screens or are they still in the little TV cubby?

There is a little known secret when it comes to Bonsai Sushi. During dinner service, anytime during your meal, if you stand up and shout "bow to your sensei",  they will give you a sushi roll. 

Granted it's been a couple years, but when I did it on the Pride in 2017, it wasn't advertised in the FunTimes, and it was by "invite only" by the bartenders. Like they offered to the regulars. It ended up being me and one other younger couple that showed up. It was either $20 or $25, you got to learn and taste some of the drinks they make, and they gave you a mixology kit (the same one that used to be for sale on the FunShops online - not sure if it's still there).

7 hours ago, BoDidly said:

You're wanting to walk left when leaving the pier pass Margaritaville . A good 40 to 45 minute walk.

 

If you're staggering drunk and fall down every 10 minutes, maybe 40-45 minutes...