lazydayz

Safe travels. Can’t wait to follow along with your live!

Our granddaughter, then about 18, was once able to board with a photo of her driver’s license on her phone. This was at PC, and it was a huge hassle. So glad her boyfriend is bringing it to her.

Love your review. Our next cruise is the Celebration at the end of March. So excited to see how it differs from the Mardi Gras.

Going in with the knowledge that cruising has changed (as have you and your family) in the last 14 years will serve you well. Some changes were due to COVID, some not. Some of the changes are good (new muster drill; better Wifi; more options), some are not (staff shortages and supply chain issues). The good news is you are going on a much bigger (better) ship and your kids will love it. So I don't think you will be disappointed. If you want a more upscale atmosphere, and better food, book the specialty restaurants. This used to be a special occasion treat for us, now we do specialty dining on every cruise. My guess is you and your family will have a great time. Two of our three granddaughters much prefer Carnival over RC because of the "fun" atmosphere, and of course, Guy's Burgers. LOL

If you are not going to sail, then first cancel your prepaid items, such as beverage package and excursions. If you don’t sail, you will automatically get back the port fees, taxes and prepaid gratuities. So why not call Casino Royale and see what your options are? Maybe they will let you transfer to another cruise or date.

As to your question as to whether to do Elite with little or no fun play or a non-Elite with lots of free play, I find myself in the same position. Generally, I would take the Elite offer as the perks more than outweigh what I would actually win from the fun play. But there was a really interesting repositioning cruise from Tampa to Baltimore, where I could have a free balcony, drinks everywhere for two, and 1,000 in fun play, or be part of the Premier group and pay an extra $1,000 for the same balcony and have 500 in fun play. I took the first offer.

We love the Elite cruises. Great benefits and treated royally. Promptly respond to the email from the casino host - this is where you let them know your choice of alcohol for the room (never open mine on the ship as you have Free Drinks Everywhere; just bring the bottles home). whether you want the car service or will park at the port, and whether you plan to do one of the listed excursions or take the spa credit. Usually you will have a card in the room asking you to come to the casino at the listed time on boarding day, and there you can pick up your lanyards, spa credit or excursion tickets (sometimes these were delivered later) and go to the casino cage (when it opens) to get any free play you may have. We usually receive gifts every day. You really do feel like a VIP. Enjoy!

Thank you for this. I clicked the link and ended up booking the Carnival Pride repositioning cruise. Great ports.

Over the last 18 years, we have had two awesome PVPs, and a handful of awful ones. The current one is great, and I recommend him to all of my friends.

I think Carnival figured the tripping risk was much greater than the reward. On the MG, PFD's aren't even in your cabin. I think they are stored at or near the lifeboats.

Can't wait to hear about your day in Bonaire. Love that island.

Wow, that was the really old muster drill. Haven't had to wear or bring your PFD for a decade or more.

Enjoy San Juan - one of my favorite ports and a great vacation spot.

Have one for me. Oh well, there is always next year.

Another vote for Rudi’s. On our last MG cruise, we went to Rudi’s three times. Having previously dined at both on the MG, we find Rudi’s superior so we book it before the cruise to make sure they have room for us.

not if you walk for a little bit. Down by Jack’s Shack it wasn’t rocky.

Thanks for the review.

That is very odd. I would reach out to them (I believe it is Carnival Players Club, but someone else might be able to supply the contact info) and see why you are not receiving any offers. On your last cruise, did you not get a certificate in your mailbox for a free cruise? If not, then check with the casino host on your next cruise and see what you can do to start receiving the offers.

Since you have already been to Nassau, I would recommend the Western route. Cozumel has great beach clubs and fun shopping downtown and at the port. Costa Maya is an easy beach day as well. The port has Costa Maya has gotten more interesting, with a pool, flamingos, etc. mahogany Bay is also a great beach within easy walking distance of the ship.

This is wonderful of you to do. Keep an eye out for sales, though, to see if an affordable interior shows up. Either way, enjoy the cruise and spending time with your grands.

The one we loved was Celestial Strings. There were some others, including Lovin Vegas, and some I don't recall. They were of a high quality but you need to get there early to get good seats.

Yes, since that is the better offer for drinks. You should still get your free play. Have a great time!

We have been on the MG four times, and didn’t have any excessive movement.

Just get an extra key for your room. Everyone should go to Guest Services together and there should not be any issue.

I would keep the specialty reservation. Elegant night is what you make of it.