80sGal

In my experience, no. Some days it works. Other days I sit and wonder why someone doesn't reply ... only to discover later they never received it even though it appears "sent."

We scheduled the driver for 7:30 in Dover and it worked out perfectly. Everything went smoothly at the Dover port -- much better than Rome (Civi).

We play in the casino but our offers aren't all that great. I'm assuming they are among the lower level offers. How are points allocated? Clearly, I must not play enough! Usually roulette and some slots, and DH likes blackjack. What is the gambled value of that many points (as in -- how much do I need to spend to get those good offers??!!)

Can I ask "how much is too much"? I've always wondered how much we need to spend to start getting better offers.

They used to advertise the Guarantee prominently on their website. I don't think I've seen it since around 2019.

We stayed on Deck 7 on Horizon just a few cabins down from the IMAX. No issues with noise at all!

Getting ready for our third trip to Mahogany Bat in 15 more days! The first time we did the Jolly Roger snorkeling and still had PLENTY of time to take the Magic Chair over to the beach for the afternoon. I can't say enough good things about the Jolly Roger. We've taken several catamaran tours over the years and the JR crew were great!! The snorkeling was good, the drinks were good, the guides were great with the guests! I guess my point is you have time to do both! Second time we just stayed at the beach with the chairs and umbrellas and this upcoming trip, we're moving over to a cabana with friends. HMC and Mahogany Bay are my two favorite ports!

I got credit for a 1999 cruise which they must have located using my name and birthdate because I don't recall having to ask for credit. It just shows up in my VIFP balance without a ship name, but with the right number of days.

Trying to decide which Panorama itinerary to choose. When the itinerary shows 2 days in Cabo, what is the ship doing at night? Just circling around, or is it anchored in one place? Does that affect casino operations that evening? And last, is the northern part of the Riviera (compared to PV) the smoother or the choppier part? I don't want to be stuck on the choppier water for 2 days! Thanks!!

Anyone done VIBE on Breakaway? I've found two videos ... one shows seats and tables along with the loungers and cabanas but the other one is just ALL loungers, no chairs that I can see. Which is the current situation? We are trying out NCL in the Spring. Any info about Breakaway Vibe is appreciated!

Good to Know! Thanks!

Ill agree with that. But like I said ... Both Summer .... Both Europe .... 10 days/12 days .... and I acknowledged the different age and size of ship It might not be perfect Apples to Apples but it's at least Oranges to Tangerines. 🙂

We recently tried RC after finally reaching Platinum on Carnival this year. We thought we'd like to see what a different line offers because it was starting to feel a bit like Groundhog Day on Carnival .... buy, hey, maybe I like Groundhogs. Anyway, we booked RC for a European adventure this summer, and then are going to try out NCL and MSC next year for even more comparisons. As a previously Only Carnival cruiser, I figured other people might be wondering the same thing we had been wondering about -- what are the differences, and are they different enough to make a REAL difference. Here's some of the things we found out along the way. Obviously, RC appears to be more expensive. We did 12 days on the Pride last summer out of Dover, and 10 days this year on Odyssey out of Rome. Our 12 day cruise on Carnival was about 33% LESS than the 10 day cruise on Royal. Granted, the class of ship is different too -- Carnival's small older ship/Royal's newer larger ship, so that is part of that difference. For us, though, we've enjoyed all the ships we've tried out -- 3 or 4 of the old Fantasy Class, the Pride, Horizon a couple of times, Sunrise a few times, Dream and Celebration once each. I think we're not so much into how pristine it all looks on the surface, or how large the ship is, but the type of service we get from the crew and the experience of the things to do on the ships. And for that -- Royal -- they offer straws with drinks. Biodegradable ones! Why can't Carnival give me a straw? Why do I have to pack my own or get all sticky with their candy straws?? Score One for Royal! Carnival -- hands down the winner on bedding! Those wonderful Carnival pillows! On Royal -- I've never had to sleep on such a lumpy pillow (all four of them the same amount of lumpy) as I found on Odyssey. The bed wasn't as comfy either, although I will say that our bed on the Pride wasn't as good last year as the newer bedding on Horizon, Sunrise and Celebration. But overall -- Carnival wins here! Royal -- Two words here, Carnival -- listen up! SHOWER DOORS! Yes, I know Celebration and MG have them now, and they can be found in suites (which we've had twice but we usually can't afford to splurge like that) on other Carnival ships, but they appeared to be standard for Royal. Also, Carnival, while you're at it, can you get me a little footrest for my balcony chair, too? Royal had them, and we didn't have to ask the steward for it either! Royal -- The winner here, too, with the VARIETY of daily activities. We are Bingo players, and we like a good round of trivia at least once or twice per sailing, and maybe a go at Wheely Big Trivia, and we almost always try out Deal or No Deal (but it costs extra), but Royal seemed to have SO MUCH more variety that was included at no extra cost. There was a music game similar to Name that Tune, a Song and Dance contest, Battle of the Sexes, Family Feud, and of course, Bingo -- and those are just the ones we went to. There was plenty to choose from on Royal, and something different each day, while Carnival seems to be getting a bit stale with the same old/same old -- and now that we've sailed more frequently since becoming Empty Nesters a couple of years ago (about 3x per year), we've realized that the questions and songs don't even get mixed up at trivia very often. With that said, I'd have to add that Carnival's ENERGY is better. The Fun Squad members do a good job at getting people involved, and Royal's tried -- but on our sailing I don't think the team members were as engaged as what we see on Carnival, and that is part of what makes Carnival FUN -- even for us who are maybe past Hairy Chest contests but aren't ready for a rocking chair yet. Variety - Royal! Staff Personality -- Carnival! Royal -- Tags on the Doors for Breakfast Room Service!! I was SO excited when I saw those tags in the stateroom. I still do not understand why Carnival hasn't brought that back since the restart. It delays everything when I have to wake up, place my order by phone and then wait! I like to wake up with my coffee on the balcony and get my day started! Food -- DH said he liked the Main Dining Room better on Royal. I don't know that I could tell much difference. We tried out Royal's hibachi, and I also didn't see much difference in the food or the fun experience with the chef with either line. We've also tried out the Italian specialty on both, and although the offerings were different, I don't think one was far superior to the other. And as for the go-to pizza, Royal wins on speed (it was always available, no lines at all -- while I think that Carnival's pizza is better). Carnival -- Definitely wins on the shows and nightlife experience! Royal had a different show every night of the cruise, along with their repeating primary production, and that was nice -- but none of them really wowed us other than the duo from Ukraine's Got Talent who were fabulous with their combined "magic" and cirque-like routine. I had heard so many people talk about the fantastic shows on Royal -- but we were both feeling MEH about that afterwards. Carnival's shows keep us entertained with their music and dancing (and on some ships, I'll grant you, it's better than others), but overall we were in agreement that Carnival wins. And Comedy?? Non-existent on our Odyssey cruise, although we heard that Oasis Class has better comedy options. We really enjoy a good comedian -- and Carnival has had some really, really good ones in our experience (with an occasional has-been who needed to retire years ago), too. As a final thought on nightlife -- the Captain on Royal was Out and About ALL THE TIME. When do we ever see the Captain on Carnival? Maybe -- maybe -- one night at the Atrium Bar for 15 minutes. But this one? He was somewhere to be found for a little while on at least half the days -- Photo Opp one night, Meet and Greet, Q&A with the Crew, we even saw him randomly at dinner at the Italian restaurant. I just don't remember this on Carnival. And maybe I really would prefer my Captain to be on the Bridge, getting me to my destination, but it was a nice touch to have so much interaction and it reminded us of Captain Stubing from our childhood TV memories. Carnival -- PIANO BAR! Royal's idea of a Piano Bar player was not in a closed environment, but in one of the pubs that were open air to the foot traffic. And after walking by a couple of times, we just kept walking. Where was Eden's energy? Somewhere on Carnival! Because it sure wasn't on Royal. But that's just one ship -- so maybe others are better. Shore Excursions -- Too close to call, and probably operated by the same groups off the ship anyway. Royal had theirs organized much like Carnival. Meet in Main Theatre, go by groups. A draw here. So, even with some of the things that we had questioned about Carnival (Where's a decent straw -- it's the little things, ya know! -- Where's the Door Tag for Breakfast? -- Why Have I Heard this Trivia Question Five Times on Five Ships?) -- I think overall we're gonna give Carnival the Thumbs Up -- with the caveat to Show Us The Captain! And that may sound strange given that there were things about Royal that we liked better. But -- we even booked another Carnival cruise just this week -- for next NYE -- and we're thinking about the Panorama for Summer 2024. And that probably says the most. We came back from a Royal cruise, and booked one on Carnival. LOL There was nothing so great about Royal that we felt like we got much more value for the extra money that we spent. Would we try Royal again? Sure, someday -- I'd like to try out the Oasis Class -- but for people who like to cruise and have fun, without seriously breaking the bank -- Carnival wins. We'll still try out NCL (which seems to be the most expensive, but the drink prices are factored into the fare) and MSC (which was more in line with Carnival's pricing for the cruise we chose) next year to see what we can find out about those lines. Hope this was helpful to anyone thinking about where to spend their Cruising Cash!

I'd go to the Casino Cashier with your card in hand in case they need to verify. We've won Casino Cash in the past on that game and it showed up very quickly. A few days doesn't sound right.

Wait! What?? More info needed please! We have been looking at Panorama as we had it scheduled WAAY back in May 2020 which obviously didn't happen and we've stuck to the usual East Coast since the restart. We had chosen the 8 day in June next year but haven't paid the deposit yet. We chose it for the times. Cabo first, 10 to 7, the Mazatlan and LaPaz regular hours and PV last, 9 to 9. It seems perfect based on that .... but now that I've read this thread I'm wondering about the sea conditions in the summer. Is it really that rough so as to be unpleasant w 2 sea days at the end??

We are new to NCL, but not to cruising. We have a booking on Breakaway, and I have found another NCL that I want to book but it is a long way out. Once we've completed our first sailing with NCL, will we receive promos like we do with other lines for (slightly) cheaper rates than the general advertisements? Trying to decide if it's worth booking now and get the cabin/deck I want, vs. waiting several months to see what promos I might get after our first sailing. Any insights are appreciated!

I guess I'll have to keep checking on it. These are all purchased items that do not show. They are on the online website calendar in the cruise planner, but they are not on the app I installed from the Play store.

Thanks for the screenshot -- unfortunately my calendar is still blank. Cruise is May 18.

New to RC. When I log in online on the regular site and click the icon for the calendar I can see the dinner reservations, excursions, etc. Installed the app, found the cruise, logged in and norhing is in "My Calendar." Is that normal? When will my purchases show on the app? We decline wifi onboard to unwond so if its not on the app, I won't be able to sh9w Guest Services the things on the online calendar to indicate what I purchased. Just curious when the two calendars will sync. Thanks!

I get it that they sniff the luggage but this dog was prowling the hallway sniffing at the doors. That seems a bit much in 2023. Reefer Madness, Anyone?

Yes! We like the layout on Sunrise even more than the Grand Suite we had on the Horizon.

On Sunrise last week, as we headed to dinner, we passed by a guard/officer/security of some variety with a sniffing dog going up and down the hall. Is this new? I know we smelled "the smell" a few times over the days in the halls, but I didn't feel like it was to the point of needing a drug dog on board. I can't recall if it was after Key West or Cozumel but it was mid-cruise. Any info about this?

I had a very helpful phone rep after the restart who waived the 50 pp fee when I pointed out I wanted to move it to a longer, more expensive cruise. I really think it's the luck of the draw on who happens to answer the call.

Seasoned Bingo player here! The game runs on sets of cards. For 25 bucks you can get a row of 3 cards. You play all 3 top cards the first round, tear off, play next three, tear off play last 3. For 38 bucks you can get a larger set of 3 cards x 2 rows. For 48 bucks you can get the 3 x 3 card which will come with a pull tab game and a dauber and an extra card of 3 for the last game only. Some ships now have an even larger pack that comes with a t-shirt. I think its 56. If you already have a dauber they will give you an extra card for the last game instead if you ask. We always play Bingo. Yes its a little pricey but it is more fun, IMO, than spending that 48 bucks on slots that can be over in 10 minutes. We have won 3 times I think over the years. The prizes go up based on number of players. The jackpot might be 1K on a small ship but 2K or 2500 on a larger one. Buy tickets during the early sales time as lines can be very long right beforehand. Cheers!

The alternate included venues are Chibang and Cucina but as stated above, only on Excel class. Horizon is Vista class.