jsglow

Yep. In fact my PVP once 'yelled' at me (we're actual friends) saying 'that's what I'm here for'.

Whatever. I have more important issues in my life. Have a nice day.

No, it was an inartfully chosen phrase; not a 'lie'. 🙄

So here's what I'm remembering. Boarding began as normal about 11a if memory serves. But unlike in Miami (or any other American port for that matter), there isn't a crush of people at the outset. Rather, they trickle in throughout the day. We took the train down in the morning, had coffee and pastries at the local shop in town, then walked to the port bus loading area and went to the ship. We were surprised NOT to find a big crowd as one normally would here in the US. There were people, sure, but not the masses early in the boarding process. I'm thinking that our train might have left Rome at 8:30a and arrived in Civitavecchia around 9:30a. Further details are sketchy for me as this was in '22. Also understand that because most folks board mid afternoon or later, Carnival MAY have simply pushed the start into the afternoon so I can't comment on the most recent procedure from the '23 season.

Yes, it is free. As to open every day, certainly sea days.... no clue on port days but guessing perhaps not.

Awesome. I think I need to tune in. So much more fun than dock runners in Cozumel.

Welcome @JPALJ. You'll have a Final Boarding time printed on your Boarding Pass when you check-in 2 weeks before the cruise. That time is a HARD deadline. The doors to the terminal will be thereafter locked and will not re-open. Think of it like the airline door closing. Miss it and you won't cruise. I'm guessing that will be about an hour (maybe 90 minutes?) prior to the scheduled departure time. Others who like arriving late will know better. Most folks will already be onboard if you arrive at the terminal by 1:30pm, I'd guess. And as mentioned, by 2pm porters are no longer available. Don't push it. If your underlying question is more about flight delays and folks are arriving from numerous places across the country, please do fly the night before and pay the price for a modest hotel. In contrast, don't let anyone in your group consider some form of connecting flight the morning of the cruise that lands at MIA or FLL at noon thinking they have time! I promise, someone in your large group will be delayed and left on the pier. As to disembarkation. you likely be off the ship by 9a, even with checked luggage. By 10a the last of the passengers will be politely told to leave.

Wow, very surprised by this. I must admit that my info is 15 years old.

One thing to note. I do recall that there was a 'no exceptions' policy once a teen turns 18. I'm sure this is for liability reasons.

What I take from the chart Blerk posted above is that small ships will continue to get built, if not for Carnival than somebody. I'd love to do a Viking cruise someday. Yes, I'll have to pay for it. I agree with the notion that Carnival Corp will likely do this via greater brand distinction.

I'm going to agree with those pointing you to the Panorama. Especially with kids, the 'low impact' of getting there from home makes that a winner. If everyone ends up loving it, then your next trip is to the Caribbean.

Certainly their most 'senior' CDs get assigned to the new ships. No one here knows about any pay differential but it seems likely. That's not to say that certain cruise directors aren't better suited for smaller ships or more seasoned cruisers in Europe, for example. Frankie routinely works aboard Pride, a perfect fit for him.

We travel worldwide for weeks on end with a carry-on plus backpack each. We are always sensitive to the clothing we bring making sure it's appropriately 'weathered'. Still, there are items we will hand wash in the sink. We typically send out a modest bag of laundry every 2-3 days. In what probably now approaches 100 total laundry bags on Carnival, we've probably had 2-3 items that were slightly impacted but it is worth noting that general fading does occur over time. I've noticed a few polos that I often take where after a half dozen trips through the ship's laundry it is somewhat noticeable when compared against brand new. We take the approach that clothes do wear out over time and industrial washers are hard on them. We're blessed to be able to travel and that's a small price to pay. Oh, and I must strenuously object to the thread title!!!! I'm a guy and am routinely responsible for our laundry onboard. (Just pullin' your chain OP. 😁) Sail on.

It may help a little in that immediate out of pocket costs might be quickly covered and victims might not need to instantly come out of pocket. But in the long term you are 100% correct. Attorneys and courts will be resolving the damages down the line. They'll be significant. Of course none of this really matters in the grand scheme and nothing brings the deceased person back. Prayers for the families. I even feel sad for the remaining passengers to whom these folks were complete strangers as I know I would feel guilty for simply trying to enjoy the rest of my cruise. Good reminder that kindness and graceful living are the only way as today might be our last.

Huge 'it depends' Karen. Here's what certainly IS true. Carnival will be happy to sell you an upgraded cabin. Going 'up town' is always easier than going 'down town'. As OFC said, give your representative or 1-800 a call.