urbanhawk

On 10/11/2021 at 6:42 PM, cruises42 said:

Did you mail it regular mail?

Yes, regular mail, but as  "Cap" mentioned, I did use certified mail, so I could track it being delivered.

1 hour ago, Virga said:

My passport photo - the one they keep scanning before I get onboard - is absolutely terrible.  It was taken by a pharmacy employee who would not take the picture if I smiled, even if I didn't show teeth - after an overnight shift, a frantic drive to my hometown to have a birth certificate printed, and an equally frantic drive back to Miami to make my same day service appointment for a last minute international trip the following day.  I look haggard and horrible, I cringe every time I look at it.  Even worse, the facial scanners have never once been tripped up - apparently I'm always recognizable as that tired, scowling old hag.

 

I'm not Judy, though, and there isn't a trace of beard in the photo, so I guess I've got that going for me =p

Sorry that happened to you, Virga. Earlier this year, I also had my passport photo taken at a pharmacy. The photo was horrible,  and a lot had  to do with the lighting.  Not to do any thing with vanity, I knew I  wouldn't be able to live with photo.  So, I went  to the local photo shop I went  to the last time for passport  renewal.  This photo was much better. I'm still a fat old man, but the lighting was better! (and, at least,  I could live with it .....in  my  twilight years!)

Too funny!!!!  Poor Judy- talk about having "5:00 shadow"!

56 minutes ago, cruises42 said:

Did everyone just mail the renewal in normal mail or some type of certified or registered mail. We are not doing expedited service.

I did not do the expedited service, and my renewed one was returned by regular mail. It took an additional 5 weeks to get my original one mailed back. just a regular envelope/ regular mail.

Carnival's cruises in 2022 will start and end in Seattle with a stop in Victoria ( except for its cruises out of S.F.), just  as an fyi.

12 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

I’ve always chuckled at the cruise lines’ use of the term “sail away.” Never a single sail involved. Even the ships that boast having sails dock and depart under power.

Maybe for Carnival's ships they could say "whale tail away"!!! (Sorry, happy hour here has started) !!!!

Thanks for all the answers/perspectives. I have always thought  of "sail away" for cruises, and "all aboard"when riding trains/Amtrak.  

As an "older" adult, I've noticed that the cruises to Alaska have less of a party atmosphere, overall. People go on these cruises to see the flora, fauna, and glaciers, as well as the coastal communities/history of the gold rush, etc.

Thanks Virga "V" for info on the speak easy. Every year  Tucson has Dillinger Days. I've never participated, but it's always fun to see all the folks dressed to the nines, and driving around in their classic, gangster cars!

Pesto pasta is the best! Hope  you feel better, so you can enjoy the rest of your cruise!

If one is lucky enough to get an invite to the speakeasy, does carnival provide the period  costumes, or does one pack a costume, in hopes of  receiving, an invitation?  Thanks in advance.

42 minutes ago, Terab85 said:

Having a hard time editing, so please forgive the duplicate pictures.

No  problem for me seeing the duplicates! Enjoying your  photos, and stories.  The chocolate martini looks good. I'd try it. I don't know if 007 would, as  he likes his martinis "shaken, not stirred"!😁

9 minutes ago, pnwredhead said:

Hey all,

 

I was on a cruise 2 weeks ago and it was not a great experience. I have never had an experience like this before (undercooked food at almost every meal in the MDR, rude bartenders, waiters forgetting some of the orders, unprofessional jewelry expert, issues at the fun shops, piped in music so loud that even the bartenders were complaining, premium internet issues and the response from guest services, etc.) I have been on Carnival many times and never experienced a cruise like this. 

 

I sent an email to guestcare at Carnival because I was told that they could respond to me on this. I have never sent in a complaint before as usually it isn't a huge deal and/or it doesn't last the entire cruise so I don't know what to expect. Honestly, what I want most is a reply and to know I was heard.

 

My question is, have you ever sent in a complaint? Did you receive a reply from them? Do you feel like your concerns were acknowledged? Is there another place at Carnival that this should be sent to? 

 

TIA 😃

Sorry to hear about your bad experiences, especially, after needing to wait so long to go on a cruise again.  It May take awhile to get a response, if you even get one. I haven't been on a cruise in several years, but seem to remember, that at the end of the cruise, you could fill out a card, and add comments, which was then returned to guest services.  . Maybe they don't do this anymore? 

4 hours ago, ryanpatricksmom said:

Actually when I went thru the booking process a casino offer did attach....not a good one, but at least there was a $500 onboard credit that attached and a two category upgrade.  I forget what the offer code was but it mentioned something about the casino and automatically chose that offer as the best one. I think the cruise is too far out for the better offers.

 

Wow. Thanks for the info. I checked and I have the Hot Steak offer- free  interior, free drinks, and $200 casino play.

2 hours ago, sanmarcosman said:

If they don't change the pricing as rates close out I'd call this practice bait and switch. They could offer one cabin at a special rate in a category and then say "oops, sorry Charlie." 

Same thing with their reduced deposit sales, Fly. Pre-Covid the ads said $50 ( or whatever ) reduced deposit per person. Now they say: From $50 per person. When I call my PVP that deposit amount is never available and they cluck their tongue and remind me the ad says FROM... Grrrrr.

I personally don't think It is a bait and switch. I think there are only a certain number of allocated cabins at the promotional rates. Once they are booked, need to book at nonpromotional  rates.

3 hours ago, helene109 said:

I might have to change my sailing date in May on the Horizon. Won’t know for another day. So bummed as all of the coves are gone. Switching from ABC itinerary to the other itinerary with Amber Cove. Just wondering if there is a way around the fees. I have 2 rooms booked. Thanks!

Since your booking is so far out-even for final payment-would you be able to just cancel, without any fees or penalties, and just book a new cruise? (It may depend on the rate you booked it?) Hope it all works out for you, in your favor.)

35 minutes ago, nwcruiselover said:

That itinerary is so attractive, but very pricey. I’m not booking yet.

Yes, so attractive, and, so very pricey! I don't know why I can't use any of my casino promos- they 're good even for Australia, and that 's much farther away!😮😉!!!

This reminds me of the day, when people could smoke on airlines. Of  course they had smoking and non-smoking sections. It seemed like I always got the seat in the no smoking section, just behind the smoking section!😬

I would have been on the Panorama in Dec., but postponed cruising for now.

I only play  the slots. I could "teach" how to lose $ $$$😬!!!

The only thing I've ever heard about craps is to "take the dice from the baby, he/she is crapping  on the floor"😇!!!! Happy cruising!!! 

Well, I guess I'm a whiner. I can live with that! I booked a cruise last Dec. for one this Dec. At the time, I thought the pandemic would be behind us. Earlier this week, I rebooked for one next Aug. It's vacation. I just didn't want to deal with the masks and testing.

Last Dec., I independently booked a cruise on CCL, even though I had a pvp. (She was out of office for family emegency). On Monday,  I called my pvp, and she was able to cancel and rebook my cruise for a later date. Hope this works out for you.

That puts these cruises thru the end of Dec. These will be "vaccinated" cruises. Even though I had 2 vaccinations and will get the booster, I just didn't want to deal with the masks, and tests, while I was on vacation. Therefore, on Monday I rebooked my Dec. cruise to Mexico, out of Long Beach to August of next year. I believe that (many) others may be doing the same thing, which is why there may be more cabins opening up, and Carnival is wanting  to fill those cabins. This is all, just in my  own opinion.

On Monday, I called my pvp and left a message. I received a call back about 2 minutes later. She's a keeper!😉!!! 

I wish you well on your journey. I had a co-worker several years ago, who went to Thailand for her transition. She was pleased with the end results. Since this is such personal matter, I guess it depends on how open you want to be. Is it anybody's business?  (This is a rhetorical question!) 

Sorry I don't know, which cruise lines may be  more open minded/ tolerant..Hope it all works out for you.  Happy cruising!

Need more info, of how cruise was booked. Was the deposit nonrefundable, as in a casino promo? Was it booked Early Saver? If neither of these are the case, I think you would get all your moneyback.

I am platinum, so have gone on a few cruises. It's been over 7-8 years, since I 'be been able to go on a cruise. I admit that  my last 2 cruises, I spent a lot of time in the casino, as well as money. (Several thousand, which for me was alot). I get promos nearly every day.  They are  for ultras, elite, hot streak, , free suites, ,balconies,  inside cabins,  and  cruises  to  Alaska, Hawaii, , Europe,  Australia,  trans Atlantic, etc. I imagine that after I take a cruise or 2, , and don't spend time/money in the casino,  I will not receive these  promos. I can live with that!!