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Read from another cruiser that they were told on a recent cruise that the BB offer from the casino were going away and being replaced with discounts on future cruise. Any validation?

If this is the case I may be looking at spending my casino money on other lines now. These constant changes that Carnival is making are frustrating for veteran cruisers. They do give an air of 'cut backs'. I do understand changes do not always equate to 'cuts' (like adding Guy's, alchemy, and Red Frog). But after they just changed the casino 'cash' incentives to casino 'credit' a few months ago it makes me wonder.

If you can get a Deluxe Ocean view it would be the most cost efficient and they have plenty of room for 5. The rooms are 50% bigger and have 2 bathrooms (though the one does not have a toilet). So 2 can shower at the same time if they want. We have booked one and had no issues with 5 in it.

The 2.0 upgrades- Guy's burgers/BBQ, Alchemy bar, Red Frog Pub, Blue Iguana, and general things like carpets and fixtures.

You can always ask for 2 times a day. Cleaning has only done once a day all along anyway, while the 2nd visit was to make bed and check towels and trash. Bedding has only been changed once on 6-9 days, 2 times on 10-14. There are many times I slept in and they could not get in to do the morning anyway so I just tell the Steward to do which ever is easiest. Which is usually evening anyway. As long as I have fresh ice in my bucket, fresh towels (hanging them up does not work as they do not dry in that small non ventilated area- plus I am on vacation and love a fresh fluffy towel!), bed made once, fun times, and general cleaning I am good. If I needed anything then I hit the 'housekeeping' button on the phone and with in 2 minutes I get what I need. The fact that Carnival changed policy does not mean the Stewards do not do an outstanding job for us individually even while getting more rooms to clean. So you can have your twice a day if you want, they are still providing service we expect so why would anyone reduce their money? If they do not provide service that is when you take away the tips. So there should be no complains about a business trying to find a way to save money and still provide service since that is what they are in business for- profit. I get tired of hearing 'cut backs'. Change does not equate to cut backs! If anything Carnival has invested Billions for new ships, 2.0 upgrades that DO NOT COST EXTRA like other cruise lines, and port upgrades.

Wind is one of the main causes of waves.

The ships also have stabilizers that come out the sides to keep the ships more steady because they are so shallow a draft and top heavy.

Does anyone know if the Fantasy has a nice covered area that allows cigar smoking like the great places on the Dream, Breeze & Magic?

On the Lido deck smoking area bar. The far right side of the bar and tables in front of it. It is covered there (and can actually get stuffy there).

We have been wondering this too, we cruise out October 2, 2016. So should I give up also? LoL

About to go on our third. It nice to feel like we git a 'free' cruise. In reality we pre pay in the casino :)

You have to book in 14 days of debarkation of one you are on and cruise with in 6 months. If you cancel after then are penalized the retail value so get insurance somewhere. Some come with drinks on us like our upcoming did for both in the cabin, and some have money to start gambling like our last that gave us 150.

You are better off getting the bottomless bubbles which ends up being about $5.50 /day or so for unlimited sodas(fresh glass with ice every time too). No fuss and good value if you drink more than 2 a day. Or if you drink sodas and alcohol- then the cheers for $50/day is a better value so you can get water(all bottles and sparkling)/specialty coffees/sodas unlimited every day PLUS get about 3 DOD's or glasses of wine or beers with the previous and you come ahead in money and no carrying or ordering water for the room! ex of one day: 3 sodas about $2.50 each, 1 latte/cappuccino $4.00, 2 bottles of water $2.00 ea (unless got the 1.5 liter bottle which is a great value!), and 4 alcohol drinks at an avg of $9 ea= break even and convenient.

Most of our experiences have been such that we always ask for a large table. Love the experience. Sure we don't do this in the states in restaurants but it is different on a ship and people are different when in this type of atmosphere. Our cruise in Jan 15 we met the most awesome couple from Canada and they are actually coming to our home for a couple days before we all drive down to the port for a cruise together in Oct! When we met them it was like we had always known them. Why spend our time in life not experiencing it? And I have not been a very outgoing social person ever. But my wife has helped me see more in life!

got it. again, not questioning your proposition. i was just curious and not willing to search the internet all night to find an obscure face book post. also wasn't sure if you were aware you could even post that stuff (that are not groups, etc.)

 

just seemed since it started to get to 'someone from carnival acknowledged' basically (paraphrased) - well, where is that.

 

interested to see what happened. hope all are well. i hope to be on sunshine sometime soon :eek:

Sorry got jaded from those that post with other intentions here- should not have assumed. Plus is hard to get all the intentions out of just writing.

so where is a link to any of these posts?

 

you're not allowed to promote face book groups here in lieu of CC roll calls and such - granted - but i believe the filters and mods allow links to news (such as from john heald, etc.)...

 

i'm not saying i doubt it but it hasn't hit the news yet. let's see it.

Take it for what you want. Not posting links as is a closed group and can not do that.

Thanks for the updates. If true, that passenger should be tossed off ship at next port.

The manager also had told this person that Carnival is making them pay for the damage. Though as fast as it happened I am not sure how they would have that information already or is just extrapolating it based on the info from his peers. You know how person to person to person info is. The severe damage may be a couple lost towel animals in flames. I still am amazed though at how many break the smoking rules with out thinking of the major consequences and how the rules are for everyone else.

The boing when you get on. Didn't have it on HAL and I missed it.

Yes! I thought I was weird.That first time when the card goes in and it feels real. :D

UPDATE:

The fire is out and there was SEVERE damage to a cabin 6th Deck Aft. A Customer was smoking in the room and a towel caught fire that then pretty much took out the rest of the room. This is from an employee in the Casino where this reporting cruiser got the information from.

It is true. It is being reported by a current cruiser. They just announced that it is out. Was about a 30 min ordeal. Must have been more than a small one for that long and fire doors shut. He will update when he finds out more.

It is being reported from a cruiser currently on the Sunshine that there is a fire currently under way. All I know it is on deck 6 and the fire doors are closed. It comes from a FB group member. Anyone hear anything?

Love Love Love the Braised Rabbit Appetizer! Also love the Spring Rolls, Cream of Mushroom Soup, the Fried Shrimp Dinner (always comes out so hot and crispy!), Tiramisu, the BLT's from room service with extra bacon/toasted, and the Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce with sweet Italian Sausage is OUT OF THIS WORLD at Pasta Bella. Of course the 24 hour Ice Cream really is some of the best I have had- so creamy and rich.

Pizza now is not as good as before. Last time I held it up you could see through it. Scrambled eggs any where (the dining room now uses the powder). A port special(I think Belize or Honduras) fish with some crust on it was way dry and 'fishy'. The dining room Fish and Chips not so much either.

A surprise I had was the vegetarian Pumpkin Shepard's Pie (I don't remember actual name, but was on Dream in July). A very different but good main course.

You get all price drops and the 15%. It would be no different from booking at the new lower price for the first time. We had a 15% off and then the price dropped 3 times which our PVP then made sure we got under ES (the last one was an obc since past final payment).

Yes

So I am on our booking on Carnival's Web Site and when I search for FTTF it is completely gone????? Doesn't show sold out, doesn't show it at all. Is anyone else getting this? It just show Home Port thing for a penny. What is going on? HELP!!!

Food you pay for :

Steakhouse, Italian Restaurant, certain Room Service items (otherwise they are free), A few Steakhouse items are available for purchase on the Main Dining menu daily, Tea selections (except the free lipton basic/green), cappuccinos in the dining room, the items at the coffee cafe (milkshakes, coffee drinks, pastries, ice cream), snacks in the Red Frog Pub, and the items in the shop or candy store (cherry on top). Might have missed one or two, but otherwise everything else is included!

Included:

All Buffets

Pizza (not the room service)

Deli

Guy's Burgers

Guy's Pig's and Anchors

Blue Iguana Burrito Bar

Mongolian Wok

Taste Bar

Regular coffee lido and room service

lemonade

Iced Tea

Lipton Hot tea Reg/Green

Fish and Chips

Pasta Bella pasta bar at Lunch

Popcorn with movies

BBQ grill (those without a Guy's)

BBQ lunch on private Islands

Indian grill

Burrito Bar (those without Blue Iguana)

24 hour Soft Serve Ice Cream (Which is THE BEST!!)

July 17th- No problems.

Always use insure my trip .com. As it compares many different companies for you to look at. Usually much less than cruise line's for better coverage. Definitely good peace of mind.

Pig's and Anchors is only open Sea days not embarkation day.