Sailor75

Well, I have 46 Carnival cruises and 8 MSC under my belt (also NCL, Princess, Disney, and RCL). I agree MSC has much nicer ships and are better than Carnival's, at least the MSC's I've been on; although the Mardi Grad was pretty nice. But, Royal Caribbean also left Port Canaveral and from what I could see every other line was sailing as normal, including Disney, Celebrity, NCL, etc. As far as feeling rough seas, I think it depends on the ship and how rough the water is. I think most people should expect some rough seas during hurricane season. As far as sub par staff, who knows, everyone has a different opinion. There are news articles on MSC involved accidents as well as many other cruise lines, including Carnival, etc. I sailed on the Carnival Liberty and got caught in Superstorm Sandy because the bridge staff's math must have been off. They were trying to get us back to Florida and avoid the storm; but, instead we ended up in it. When dishes are crashing, sea water is coming over the lido deck, and the ship is vertical; the captain probably should've turned back, but he kept going. I don't especially like Carnival either, I simply don't understand how every other cruise line still sailed except MSC. I guess it's just what they do, I know MSC certainly doesn't care what other cruise lines do.

I would call Princess too, even if it was an incorrect price they should still honor it. How many people could've booked the excursion that far out? But, I've never been to Iceland so maybe people do.

That sounds completely different, these ships were scheduled to leave at the same time from the same port and all were going to the Bahamas, not that the details matter to you.

It looks like Carnival made it to Nassau in one piece, exactly where the Seashore was supposed to be.

You're about to have company, three ships are on their way in; everyone sailing as normal except MSC.

How can two other ships leave but not MSC? MSC seems to have no problem changing port stops. The current sailing on the Meraviglia cancelled Bermuda because of weather, yet 4 other ships still went there. Instead, it went to Port Canaveral and Nassau right into the storm.

I don't even bother filling them out, it seems like a waste of time; nothing changes with Carnival.

I'll try email, if it doesn't work I'll just mail it; I'll see if they send that back.

I wonder if this is a way to reduce the number of OBC's or is Carnival saving money by outsourcing this, maybe both?

I went on it for 4 days in July 2023 and it was always in the Garage Club and was extremely crowded; but, it's also an extremely small venue. I told the cruise director it used to be by the pool in 2019, so maybe they have it there some now too (it was also held one night in the atrium in 2019).

Another disappointment on the Meraviglia was the diamond party which was held at the same time as the welcome back party in the theater. The theater was divided with diamond separated, but I was only given one drink and one serving of appetizers; the people who didn't sit near the aisle got no food. A few waiters were walking around with champagne bottles but since I didn't have a champagne glass I didn't get any, although the bars have no problem putting a drink in the wrong glass. This was my 4th time on this ship this year and previously the diamond party was in the sky lounge. Also, I had a gold guest with me (my spouse) and the guy at the door wouldn't let her in; he said we had to sit in separate areas. She's always gone with me before and no one said anything, I thought you could bring a guest if you were in the same room. I questioned a senior officer (Tony Di Paola - Director of Hotel Services) and he said she wasn't allowed to sit in the diamond area, we went in anyway after another officer said we could sit together (I don't know who she was).

Just off the Meraviglia out of Brooklyn, no late check outs allowed; everyone had to be out of their room by 7:30 am. It would be a nice benefit if I could actually use it, but maybe some ships allow it.

Thanks for the info, I was wondering about the rate. I wouldn't think MSC would just leave us in Brooklyn for 10 days; I didn't do anything wrong, the rate was available to me. I have received many great deals on MSC in the past year and this is my sixth cruise on them in that time frame. I just figured they were trying to drum up business as other cruise lines have offered great deals too.

I got a 10 day Canada/New England premium balcony for $200 per person (for 2 people in the room). I thought for sure MSC would cancel it; but, they never did, I leave in 3 days. Maybe they shut it down before it was completely booked? Don't know, but it was available for at least 2 days.

I'd take a free cruise on either; but, the Ascent would be my choice. New ship and better ports, not much to do or see in Bimini. I booked an excursion to swim with the sharks, but it got cancelled due to a severe storm so I was left with nothing to do.

I understand your situation, I've had that happen to me before as well. Can you not cancel and rebook? Have you paid in full? One time I cancelled 6 bookings to get a lower price on one cruise, but the deposits I lost were less than what I saved when I rebooked the one cruise. I wouldn't take it out on the crew though, it's not their fault.

But, isn't Royal's drink package unlimited? That's a big difference between the two.

I don't think one is necessarily more fun than the other, I have fun on any cruise, I just enjoy the atmosphere, food, drinks, and just getting away.

You could just take the picture and post it after your vacation; but, I understand, I've never posted a picture either. I also hide ducks and the message about posting is just usually on the tag by default; I've never actually looked to see if anyone posted a picture. I do sometimes watch to see who finds them, it's usually employees.

Maybe Carnival could have a drink package with less drinks per day, say 6 or 7 at a cheaper price for people who don't drink as much.

I'm not sure if you can book it on the ship, but you can call MSC and ask or just book it with them in advance; it was $88 for two people from the ship to LaGuardia.

MSC offers transfers to and from the airports if they're still available, I got one, you just have to call them. Too bad you just can't book it on their website.

I never realized that, I guess I was wrong. I'm glad you both let me know.

I think CUK (Carnival UK) is the parent company, CCL is Carnival Cruise Lines only.

I buy new Mercedes, Audi's, etc not junk from the buy here pay here lot.