ferfoodle

19 hours ago, toad455 said:

John Heald posted that they're remaining hopefully that the Pride's repo cruise will end in Baltimore. Good for Carnival for being optimistic.

The email we received stated "it is possible that the Baltimore Harbor channel will be cleared for limited operations to allow for our arrival in Baltimore on April 21." Then followed with "If we are not able to debark in Baltimore, we will end the voyage in Norfolk and then provide complimentary bus service to the three major airports" near Baltimore.

I changed my BWI flight from 1:30 to 6:00pm to allow for the bus ride...or I get to hang out at BWI for several extra hours. Either way, we know have a plan.

When your boarding pass says "rooms won't be ready until 1:30 pm including VIFP Diamond and Platinum guests" that's a con of Journey cruises. But the pros IMO outweigh the cons. Different ports, more sea days, different menu selections, etc.

As someone who has to fly to all my cruises, I definitely make it worth my effort and seek the longer cruises or B2B minimum.

21 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

I would bet very low.  Pretty sure that home port has the highest persistency.

Well since Colorado doesn't have a home port...I fly. My flight from Baltimore is early afternoon. A bus ride wouldn't make it in time. Not knowing what the arrival time in Norfolk would be, I would be uncomfortable changing to a new flight right away. I'll get it figured out but would like the official word from Carnival first (and in time).

5 hours ago, pcvtmom said:

I'm on the Pride (Tampa to Baltimore??) repositioning cruise from April 7 to April 21. I feel like there will be time to find an alternate port between now and the 21st, and my first thought was Norfolk. I know they are planning to rebuild, to prepare for the arrival of the Sunshine in 2025, since Charleston will no longer accept ships. Depending on how far along the progress is, perhaps Norfolk is still a possibility. I guess speculation is all we can do at the moment.

First up and most important, my thoughts are with the families of those who have perished and who are injured in this terrible incident. Human life is most important.

I too am on the Pride repositioning cruise April 7th. I hope we find out in the next few days what are end destination will be. Changing flights this late is going to be rough enough but having to do that at sea...ay ay ay. 

On 1/24/2024 at 11:25 AM, mom says said:

I've experienced this on occasion, and it was a bit disconcerting. I also suffer motion sickness on many kinds of transportation, including  ships. I can prevent the motion sickness just by taking a Bonine tablet at bedtime every night, starting the night before embarkation.  My family doctor suggested that I continue the Bonine for 3 days or so after the cruise ended, ét voilà, pas plus Mal de debarquement pour moi. ( no more spinnies after the cruise). I've seen some cruisers mention that spending time in a rocking chair helped them. 

This. I used to get this my first few cruises lasting anywhere from 3 days to 3 months. But I loved cruising, so I researched and researched until I came across an article that stated the condition is made worse by flying soon after cruising. The suggestion was to start taking meclizine (Bonine) two nights before getting off the ship and continue to take one a night for at least 2 more days after getting off the ship. But more importantly, take a nasal decongestant 1/2 hour  before your flight and continue on the recommended dosage of that for at least two days.

Since I started this regiment, I haven't experienced any symptoms of land sickness since (like zero symptoms) let alone Mal de Debarquement. 

I don't know if I would feel comfortable filling out how much I plan on spending. If I give a low amount, will my casino offers come to an end? If I give a high amount, will they sign me up for gamblers anonymous?

Seriously though, I always take the same amount budgeting a limit for each day of the cruise. Sometimes my winnings on the first or second day cover the rest of the cruise where I don't have to spend my own money anymore. How does one "truthfully" answer that question?

Like others have said, the longer cruises really help one decompress. The Journey cruises do offer extra activities that make them a lot different than the non-journey cruises. I thoroughly enjoy them.

However, one thing to note is that the ship will load all of its provisions (food and drinks) from the home port for the whole two weeks. They will run out of certain items as the days go on. By day 12 or 13 expect the omelet station to have very little to add, expect certain beers to run out, etc. There still will be plenty of food, just maybe not your favorites. If there is something you really want, get it early in the cruise because the ship might be out if you wait.

3 hours ago, ryanpatricksmom said:

Also, there are still some ships where they actually hand you cash rather than having it available to download on the machines (the Spirit class ships as an example).  If that happens you can certainly choose not to play it and use it to offset your onboard charges.....I personally don't have that level of discipline, LOL!

 

Just sailed on the Spirit in February and had fun play credits as well as drinks anywhere on the ship. The fun play credits were not handed in cash. They were downloaded on to the slot machines per usual with fun play credits. It was nice to have the free drinks everywhere too. Wish they would bring back that offer again.

It only matters which side if I am getting a balcony. I love taking naps on the balcony on seas days. Since I burn easily, I select the side which will have the least amount of afternoon sun on the most sea days. As it turns out, I am right at 50/50 port and starboard regardless of stateroom category.

Just now, mz-s said:

 

Selfishly I hope they keep the $25 funplay instead of the tournament entries.

Me too!

I noticed the "**" next to priority benefits on "my benefits" section on Carnival site are gone too. The stars remain for the casino benefits though. Glad things are getting back to more normal than not.

You could have your granddaughter check with her State's health department as they usually have a centralized immunization system. She could get them verification of the name change and they will update her record(s). She should then be able to print out the verification of her Covid vaccine(s) in her new name. That letter is acceptable in lieu of the vaccine card.

where is it located?

Mid ship pool area between Guy's and Blue Iguana.

OP - Been on both ships and enjoy them both. The Pride is still my favorite ship of all time. Very easy to get around and doesn't feel crowded at all. Prefer the aft wrap around lower promenade deck vs. the Conquest which only has a portion of the outside deck on either side. The itineraries out of Baltimore leave more to be desired IMO unless you snag one of the 14 day Journey cruises.

Capacity on the paradise is 2052 passengers .

At double capacity it is 2052 but with several rooms holding 3 or 4, the maximum capacity increases to 2462. 2300 would be typical for this class of ship.

When you got to the actual agent, did it take longer than usual? Just curious if "Cuba" made a difference like "Belize" does on the Western cruises.

Im platinum, close to whatever the top tier is called, and I too havent cruised in a while, Im guessing 2 years.

 

I just assumed priority boarding, but when i was filling out my boarding info, it asked me to pick a time. The system can see Im plainum, but it made me choose a time. confusing if you ask me. Everyone needs to select an appointment time to check in. However, Plats/Diamonds and FTTF can check in whenever they want to.

 

Im actually considering arriving later than the time I picked if I drive down the day of, hopefully its not a problem not to arrive during your time slot?

 

no more free lobster, now thats a big dissapoitment. I love lobster. I booked a 7 day western. Lobster is still served on the first elegant night on 7 day cruises.

 

someone said the cruising or snoozing cards now only have one choice. Snoozing only. Also, on some ships, the steward will leave a card (or ask you in person) if you want service in the morning OR service in the evening. Twice a day service now has to be requested according to most cruisers.

 

Im a big salad eater, and hopefully the salad choices for lunch are still good. They are.

 

I got kinda burned from a bum TA who stole some of my money and turned off to cruising, i used to cruise up to 7 or 8 times a year, not all on Carnival. Ouch - that bites. Glad to see you back!

 

Ill have to keep a eye on this thread, and see what other surprises are in store for me. At least I dont have the menus memorized and they will be a surprise :D

Pizza and ice cream are still 24/7. They have expanded the room service options to include some items for a fee. Still plenty of free items.

Cruise lines would go out of business if people didn't cruise all year round and who wants to swim or snorkel in January? If you're not booked on a cruise that could be impacted by IRMA, why are you interested in our discussion? It obviously doesn't apply to you.

 

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Not everyone lives in Florida. Us "Northerners" have no issue swimming/snorkeling the Caribbean in January. Our waters don't get that warm anytime of the year here.

Hoping that Irma steers north and away from everything - but it doesn't look good.

but this is my first time cruising. I tried to post this under the Elation board but it wouldn't give me the option to post on that board. Anywho...

 

I'm sailing from Jacksonville to Nassau and Freeport. My ex-husband pays the cell service for me and my boys as part of our divorce agreement. I want to ask him to ask AT and T if they will charge us for using our phones-text, data, calls, etc., from the ship or the islands. However, he's pretty jealous we are going at all so I don't know that he would give me a straight answer or even bother to call and ask. Has anyone tried to use their phone on a cruise? I know you can buy the Internet package but I wasn't sure how all that worked.

 

Thanks in advance for suffering the newbie :D

I believe the usage fees of using cells has been covered by others, but....Just a FYI: I am the account owner of mine and my adult sons cell phones. I can see every single phone number they call and receive and for how long connected. I can also see every number they text or receive. I don't know if I would want my ex to be able to see that info. Something to think about. (And no, before anyone accuses, I don't snoop on my sons. I just know that information is there when I view my on-line bill.)

Also try to get to your room steward before your husband when you first board. On my last B2B, our steward introduced himself and asked if we had any special requests for either leg of our B2B. And like another poster stated, the B2B info will probably be left in your mailbox or room with the next days instructions. Maybe surprise him at breakfast? That way he won't be bummed all day with it being the last day?

Wonder if this same group thinks it is okay to use flip-flops to reserve lounge chairs by the pool too? Have they not paid attention to the announcements on board right before the "clear to leave the ship" is given? Not only is the time to be back on board given, but the statement to NOT bring food ashore. Just because some have done it, doesn't mean it is okay. Some ports are quite strict about it such as Cozumel and indeed have the sniffer dogs sniffing every bag. Other ports are quite lax and don't have checks in place for non-packaged food items.

Very sad news. My thoughts go out to Stitch and his loved ones.

Mach was always so helpful. It was from him I first learned of the green flash. It took a few cruises, but I finally saw one and instantly thought of Mach. I have seen a few since, and always think of him...and now always will. RIP Mach.

I did a B2B on the Freedom back in January. Both drills were the fastest I've done with Carnival. They used the i-pads and scanned one card per stateroom - which pulled up the photos and they tapped each one as they looked at you. Maybe we just lucked out and both sailings people (including the drunk and loud lady on leg 2 that we had the pleasure of standing next to) showing up in a timely fashion.

B2B is the only thing we do anymore. We always have to fly to the ports and it better amortizes the airfare. Our ships are Magic (Dream Class), Glory or Conquest (Conquest Class), Pride (Pride Class), and never been on a Fantasy Class. The rotating itineraries make is really great for B2B. Carnival 2.0 upgrades are a must for us as well as the new BBQ.

I am under the same belief now too. Having to fly to all ports, I much prefer to take cruises that are 10 days or longer or I do B2Bs. I would even consider a side to side. For me it is more than just the high cost of airfare. The older I get, the more jet lag is affecting me. I really don't feel refreshed from flying until the 2nd or 3rd day on the ship - and we fly in the day before as well. Taking a standard 7 day cruise - it is almost half over before I have recovered from flying.

OP - I would take a B2B on any of the ships as long as it totals 2 weeks or so (7+7, 8+6, 8+5). I would also choose ones that had different itineraries such as Eastern Caribbean one week and Western the other. My next B2B are actually both Eastern going to 8 ports with only Grand Turk being a repeat port during the two weeks. I'm good with that and fine with repeat menus (you can only eat so much at dinner anyway - choose something else the next time the menu comes around) and fine with repeat entertainment (you can't hit everything in any one day).

I don't like it either...but I am adjusting. I get it to work "fine" on my ancient computer. Am able to pull up the deck plans, compare rates, etc. But then again I work all day (well try to work anyway) in programs created by CGI; so I'm used to web pages/programs that look pretty but function like garbage.

Every time Carnival makes changes to their site, we go through the hate stage - have seen it many times. Eventually the bugs will get worked out and it will be fine - then bam, they will change it and we will start these type of posts all over again.

Incorrect. Bars are open when you step aboard. TABC laws here require alcohol served in US waters to have a tax paid on them. Carnival keeps two inventories at each bar and serves the tax paid beer and hard liquor until the ship reaches international water (12 nautical miles) from Galveston. Unless you are right at a bar you'd never see the changeover happen. In a few minutes beer coolers are locked, others are opened and liquor bottles are swapped. The entire process takes ten minutes or less.

Fog: we've averaged eleven departures and arrivals delayed on an annual basis for the past five years. That's spread across two full time and one part time cruise line from here. It's not fun if it happens to you, but know it's rare.

In 2017 we'll have six ships sailing from here either part time or full time. They sail full, and aren't heavily discounted. Something's working.

Have a super trip.

 

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Not arguing that Galveston is a profitable port. It is. However, an average of 11 sailings affected by fog is greater than "rare". Most if not all of the fog delays/cancellations happen in the winter - correct? 11 sailings in 13 weeks (approximately 80 to 84 cruise?) is 13-14% of cruises affected. That doesn't constitute rare in my book.

I booked those cruises knowing we risked fog messing with our travel and or cruise. However, by booking the Freedom vs. ships from Florida, I saved over 1K. The savings was well worth the risk in my book. But as one who has to fly to all cruises, I learned my lesson. It was quite stressful not having a car, having to book a last minute hotel, sitting on the Strand with all our luggage for the better part of two days, etc. Just not worth the effort in my book.

You wanted stories, so here goes:

A heads up on sailing from Galveston in the winter: FOG. Not playing a Debbie Downer, but the reality is Gulf departures risk being delayed and shortened because of it. I did a B2B this past January on the Freedom. Our first leg was to start on Saturday, 1/13/17 and both the Valor and Freedom were due to dock. The port was closed until the wee hours of Sunday (which was the port schedule for the Breeze and Liberty of the Seas). They brought in the Valor and LOS first and then the Freedom into the port but she couldn't dock at the cruise terminal until the Valor left. We set sail in the wee hours of Monday morning. All 3 Carnival ships were shortened by one day. We lost a port because of it.

Then on our second leg - you got it: FOG. We couldn't come into port and sat parked outside the port until it lifted. Disembarkation was delayed 6 hours. We set sail about 5 hours late is all on that one. Thankfully, our return from the second leg arrived as scheduled so I didn't have to redo flights. A lot of people from the 1/13 and 1/20 sailing did.

I might sail out of Galveston in the future - but never, never ever again in the winter.