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Lois, Have a great trip. Can't wait to hear all about it when you return!

Could anyone tell me if they actually have a Formal night on the 4 night itinerary?

Thanks!

They have in the past. Just stop by bell station near hotel front desk. We have done it several times... just provided a gratuity and no problem...

Yes

Thanks for the help!

Did you happen to notice if casino had a Let It Ride table?

Thanks...

I guess we should assume this is in Fort Lauderdale?

I always enjoy your reports. Thanks again!

Great report, as always. Thanks for taking the time.

Thanks for the follow up, and Congrats!

Since you "appear" to be from FL., it might be cheaper to rent a car to drive to port and rent another car to drive home...

Depending on where you are sending it from, I would allow at least a week.

The week before Xmas both UPS and FedEx tend to get overwhelmed and delivery times are extended...

Ok Gail, don't leave us hanging!

Looking forward to rest of trip!

I am pretty sure PH8 is talking about the Holiday Inn Express. From what I have found out about it, Olive Garden and Applebee's are supposed to be close by.

They are. There is a "Big Box" mall with those restaurants that is a 5 minute walk from hotel...

Any casino offer I've received from a cruise line (Carnival, Celebrity, NCL, Royal Caribbean) has always been just for the cabin I'm in. I'm sure you can pay regular 3rd/4th person rates and add someone. Having said that, I'm pretty sure if you're a player with a $100,000+ line of credit (and utilize a good portion of it regularly) that you could negotiate additional cabins. In all of our sailings though, I can say I've only seen a handful of players who'd fall into that category!

 

I've had luck with Celebrity and Royal Caribbean in terms of shifting cash back (loss rebate) from one line to the other, but don't see Carnival corporation line extending offers to other lines which are under the same (Carnival) umbrella. Even w/regard to past guest status, Celebrity and Royal offer reciprocity: Having achieved Elite status with Celebrity automatically made me Diamond when we then sailed on Royal Caribbean... SMART !

 

Carnival could learn a thing or two about encouraging trips within their own companies ships - otherwise when guests "try the waters" elsewhere, there's nothing to keep those $'s in house!

 

Back to the casino - I'm looking forward to seeing how HAL will "reward" my play. After my first cruise with Celebrity (a 4 nighter) I was offered a free balcony on a 10-night holiday sailing - which I took them up on. Sadly, the gamble worked out well for them! I've enjoyed a few free sailings on Carnival, and heavily discounted ($3-5,000 off) suites on NCL and Royal Caribbean. All of those things though seem to come and go - sometimes they're offering nothing (for years!) then out of nowhere they change their tune and extend a carrot!

 

Tom

Carnival may slowly be moving in the direction of cross branded promotions. We haven't been on HAL in about 5 years, but have participated in a few Princess casino offers in last couple years. Three months ago we received a free 7 day cruise offer from HAL...

Welcome back from " overseas" as well. Even though we never met in person- I have " cruised " many times with you while reading your "Live from" ! Love it!

As the saying goes - good to have you back on board!

Greetings

Michael

Totally agree!

What a nice review, and GREAT pictures! Thanks.

Considering you don't fly til April, two other factors may enter into the realm as well. Flt times may change giving you more (or less) time to connect. Also aircraft changes may take place, ie downgrading from A319 to smaller plane. don't "expect" Delta to notify you. Check on your reservation every few weeks...

Cindy, thanks for providing more info about these offers.

We have received the offer and were wondering as well.

I agree with all of the above. I appreciate any and all feedback people are willing and able to provide!

Sail I also thank you for taking the time to write this review. We are also part of the NEVER NCL camp, and are intrigued by your review.

Glad you enjoyed your journey, and thanks again for sharing with us.

Thanks for the report!

Don't worry, Plenty of Southern Comfort on board;)

Yes, sounded like great F seats. Thanks again.

Very interesting report, thanks. What airline did you fly?