Markmom18

9 hours ago, BamaMomRollTide said:

Who has cruised within the last month and what did they see in regards to masking?  My husband will be annoyed if he has to wear a mask a lot.  We’re both fully vax’d and have booster.  

I was just in Calif and we had to mask up much of the time and that was annoying.  

  Yes, yes, yes!   If your husband will be annoyed perhaps another vacation option. Or cruise out of Texas or Florida. Sorry, but your questions have been answered … many times.

I cruised from California in September and October. I have shared my mask observances.   My unsolicited advice : Please don’t take a knowingly “annoyed” hubby on a cruise out of Southern California, on a Carnival cruise. I read here on CC that Celebrity is pretty much a “mask free” cruise experience. 

My native Californian’s Covid Mask Experience. We DO mask, as mandated by our State.  We are vaccinated & recently got the Booster. Not annoyed in the least. 🙋🏻‍♀️😷😁💛
 

I’ve been reading that apparently if you want to go to Disneyland, they don’t enforce mask or social distancing. As a local … no thank you … but might be a better fit for you & your “annoyed” [your words] hubby. 🏰🎢🎠

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

8 hours ago, BamaMomRollTide said:

So, when people are sitting inside watching a show, they’re wearing masks? Or are they not because drinks are being served?

  Hi,

   I guess you’ll be cruising soon. Are you concerned about wearing your mask too often? ScottsSweetie posted Carnival’s Ofticial Statement.  Many people have shared their recent first hand experiences, myself included.  
   I hope by now you can make an informed decision as to whether you will be able to cruise during the immediate future. 
  🛳🛳

  Bobbi 

4 minutes ago, ScottsSweetie said:

Well, that's interesting. On the September 4 cruise, I would say it was about 50/50 when walking through halls and in areas where masking is not required. It will be interesting to see how it shakes out next week. And I saw from your earlier post that Panorama is now sailing at higher capacity than in September, so we'll see how that goes.

  Scott’s, ya know maybe it’s like when you get a new car. Suddenly you notice how many of YOUR car is out there on road!   My hubby & I didn’t know what to expect given the political climate regarding masking up. So, when we saw the majority of guests masked, it was a great surprise! 
 

  Of course, everything these days is subject to change. We go back in March on the Panorama, who knows by then?? Love the ship and will be thrilled to be onboard with Mark.  🥰

🛳🛳

 Bobbi 

14 hours ago, ontheweb said:

I did not mean tips directly from guests; what I was asking was does he and the other members of the fun squad share in the pooled tips.

 Unless I’ve been misunderstanding Mark, the Fun Squad is not given Tips. So, there is nothing ($$) to pool. Now, does that mean that someone has tipped a Squad Member at some point during Carnival Cruise history?? Heck if I know! 🤪

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

H BigGuy,

  Sure wish I was on the ship too!  
 

I noticed people, like me, would leave their cabins masks in hand. Putting them on.

I was more into what time does Trivia start & where do I ho  😁, then thinking …

”NOW … I’m in “this” Zone do I put On or Take Off my mask.”

Put it on when I leave my cabin  and take off when I eat, drink or am outside enjoying that sea breeze & sunshine❣️
 

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

9 hours ago, BamaMomRollTide said:

 

Ok, they’re 99% compliant when masks are required...and they’re rarely required...I think when at port and walking into and out of restaurants.

   For my Halloween Cruise on the Miracle I got off the ship in Ensenada and went on the Lobster Shopping & Lunch Excursion provided by Carnival. Everyone, 100%, kept their mask on the bus.  Of course, no masks in the restaurant.
 

😷😷😷  Our guide & bus driver, the shop keepers. I didn’t keep a journal 🤣 but seemed to me most locals were masked, like what I see here where I live.  
 

 I think if it’s a big deal to wear a mask on a Carnival cruise, I would think of another vacation idea. Unsolicited advice I know.

🛳🛳

 Bobbi 
 

10 hours ago, ScottsSweetie said:

I'm reading this as 99% compliance with the mask requirements (which do not include masks 100% of the time inside the ship).

  ScottsSweetie thank you. I think you have haloed me out before. I guess I write how speak. I don’t mean to confuse. 

  But, to clarify we saw INSIDE most everybody was masked. NOT including the Lido Buffet and MDR. This meant the shops, the walkways meandering through the different public areas & the cabin hallways. People wore masks. 😷
 

  We didn’t go in the bars, so have no idea. But, people are drinking so …   Of course, Outside, not so much … we ARE outside in the fresh ocean air, right. 😁😁  

 It sure seems the ships are cruising with lots more people now.  For anyone going cruising shortly, take the advice of those JUST off the ships. 
  
 We all know the Covid protocols seem like a pretty fluid situation. Or at the least the interpretation is one of much debate!

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

Boy, I’m the one who cruises (between me & hubby). But he’s the one who gets the low offers, yes I DO think it’s because he gambles.

Of course, I have never seen these $5 or $50 rates … 

 Sigh ….

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

On 11/10/2021 at 3:43 AM, ontheweb said:

Thank you for that perspective coming from an actual crew member. Cabin size and limited closet space was never mentioned in any of the discussions of gifts to crew members.

 

As a fun squad member does he share in the pooled tips?

   To my knowledge, he does not receive tips. It’s Fun Squad after all, paid to have offer fun activities with all the guests! 🥰 Honestly, as a cruiser I just wouldn’t think to tip the Team, the Playlist Production members etc. Maybe that’s just me. 
 

  I will say that the comments are shown to the Team members/Crew of Carnival. Positive & not so positive, the Squad sees them. They make a difference!  We’re very proud of our son. 
 

  🛳🛳

  Bobbi 

1 hour ago, crzndeb said:

Did you mean Mardi Gras, Firefly? Panorama is a Vista class ship.

 

I will be on Panorama in about 3 weeks. I have done Vista, so I know what to expect. I don’t do comedy shows, but I agree about theater. Worst design for that class. But I did discover perfect seats, so I will try for those on Panorama shows.

  If you could …. say Hi to Marky Mark (Fun Squad) from his Mom & Dad ❣️❣️
 

 🛳🛳

  Bobbi 

My husband and I really loved the Panorama in September!! I went solo last month on the Miracle. Both were great, preference though was definitely Panorama❣️

🤩🤩 
 

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

Hi,

  I had 4 Covid cruises cancelled by Carnival. I took the OBC for the future cruises, which I have already cruised 2 of the 4. Loved having that OBC.
 

Last month I came home with the OBC in real $$ to use for my next cruise on the Radiance in January!  I did the Casino dealio to get my OBC in cash bills. 
 

  No regrets. 
 

 🛳🛳

 Bobbi

Hi,

Yep. I have never booked any “Guarantee” cabin.

It’s about $180 to go from my Inside to the Balcony.  This is a 3 Day cruise.

Actual experience info would be helpful.

  Thanks!

  🛳🛳

  Bobbi 

OP:

I was on the Carnival Miracle Halloween Cruise (B2B) last month.

I did not experience the cruise experience you described.

Karaoke, Playlist Productions, Comedy Club, Love & Marriage, Deck Parties, Buffet, MDR, talking with Staff, Trivia, everything was great!

I was vaccinated and wore my mask …as I would guesstimate 90% if guests did (except eating, drinking, outdoors). 

I did the Lobster Excursion to Rosarita Beach. Yes, we wore masks. Damn, the local people do. It’s what’s going on in the world ya know. 
 

We’ll be on the Harmony in the Fall. Looking forward to another fantastic cruise!! 

🛳🛳

Bobbi

P.S.To the OP:

  B.S. in particular on CCL not letting you mingle/get close to other guests. Have you recently been on ANY cruise? Safe, courteous to other guests, kind, and welcoming is what I found.  BTW, our son is a Carnival Fun Squad Member on the Panorama.  I have first hand experience and knowledge via our son. Please don’t spread misinformation.

Thank you Blerk!

 How cool that the staff get their photos for the Inaugural Sailing!  Mark’s ship has Fun Squad people coming & going, for various reasons. Plus, there are 10 of them (including the DJ). 
 

Where can I find this page? Curious if our son is listed. Probably not because he’s just one of many now. Still would like to look, if it’s ok to mention it.

Thanks again,

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

And has the Cruise Director been announced??  
 

Thanks

🙂🙂
 

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

On 11/6/2021 at 5:39 PM, ThisGirlsOnFire said:

do you have to make an appointment at CVS?

  No, I live in Southern California. I have Kaiser health insurance. I have tested at Kaiser & CVS. Just wanted to add my experience.

🙂🙂

Bobbi 

15 hours ago, ontheweb said:

I hope your son is doing well. He must be so happy to be back working for Carnival.

 

There have been recent threads about gifts instead of or in addition to cash for crew members. Maybe you could ask him for a comment on that. Plus are crew members allowed to get off the ship at port stops?

   Hi,

   As a Fun Squad Member he isn’t tipped. But, we’ve talked as a family about such things. Cash. Why? There is very little room in the crew quarters, plus you share that tiny cabin with another person. Bunk beds, tiny closet. And shared tiny bathroom. No exaggeration.
 

Every Saturday the Panorama has thousands of new guests. If just 1% gave crew members a tangible “gift” …. 

Each cruiser can decide to give a physical gift or not. After seeing at least 4 ship crew quarters …. I say please give a cash gift.  That’s my opinion.

On the Panorama, Mark had lunch (off the ship) with some co-workers last Saturday. Which was standard pre-covid. He goes to Target etc for whatever he needs, Purchased out of his paycheck. Carnival does not provide him with personal items.  Of course, he is allowed to dine aboard! 🤣

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

5 hours ago, Damikaan said:

Just got off the Glory yesterday. Our ship was at 60% capacity and everyone we talked to paid very little for their room. We had a balcony cabin for $169 per person for the week but some people got their rooms for free if they have a history of spending a lot in the casinos.  It was a fantastic cruise, no waiting for anything except pizza. 

  Price Comparison …

Yesterday I booked a mid-January ‘22 ,  

3-Day RADIANCE out of Long Beach.  

INTERIOR, Extra $34 for Empress Deck.
 

   Cruise Rate:  $159 pp  = $318 for me as a SOLO

   Plus Taxes & Grats  

  TOTAL: $458.83

I just spoke to our son who is working on the Panorama. A couple of general things he mentioned:

 * He estimates 99% of guests wear masks. But that 1% are “vocalizing their opinion on the mask mandates”. Something he wished he didn’t have to deal with, but remind guests he must (when entering a certain Mask Mandated area of the ship).

 * Was told the ship is cruising with over 3,000 guests. As comparison, when my hubby & I cruised mid September we were at 2200-2400 guests. 

* Lastly, just having a great time .. CD Lee is the best!! 
 

🛳🛳

Hi,

  We just booked a Harmony cruise for September ‘22.  Tonight I went to check our Ressie, and saw the Drink Packages were 30% lower (Pre-Cruise Price). Our savings were $70. So, I bought the Refreshment Package for $22/day.  It’s the Package that includes waters, NON Starbucks speciality coffees, Mocktails etc etc.

 I have no way of knowing if this will end up being THE least expensive price. But, I always have the option of canceling & rebooking a better priced package (if one comes along).

  🛳🛳

  Bobbi 

I was on a B2B Miracle during this years Halloween. Only PATCH, no blow ups like in past years.I was disappointed.

We hardly had any children onboard, so the logic of kids jumping on them doesn’t seem like a valid reason me.  

I don’t recall past fully decorated Halloween cruises having children climbing over the blow ups …

I always wear a costume, but sadly the majority do not.  I 💛 Halloween and decorate our house (inside & out) for the month of October every year too! 😁😁 

Like any other clothing decision on cruises …. Wear what makes you comfortable, it’s your vacation.

🛳🛳

Bobbi 

5 hours ago, firefly333 said:

That's why our brunch table was so rushed.  Every leg of the cruise pax and crew get tested. Pax were mostly scheduled at 10 am the morning before we docked, some had 1030 and ignored it and got there at 10. Our brunch didnt come for almost a hour from 830 to 930 leaving little time to eat and mixed up order anyway. 

 

There were a lot of b2bs on breeze getting those 20 to 100 cabins. I talked to a lot of them. We got a b2b picture and a free mimosa which I thought was nice. Here is who just did the customs, didnt go into Galveston to shop on the b2b.

 

   Oh hey I remember a crew member taking a photo of us B2B folks. I was on the Miracle a couple of weeks ago, darn I wonder where our photo was??
 

I didn’t even think to look till I saw your photo here … 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

Hi,

  Well, I said goodbye to the great crew on the Miracle this morning. Home by 10:30am. NOPE.  I was never contacted, in any form, to get tested. I’m sorry that I just don’t have any reason why I wasn’t. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ 
 🛳🛳

  Bobbi 

I got home today from a B2B Miracle cruise. Unless in the MDR, Buffet, or “eating/drinking” or outside by the pool. I’d say 99% of the cruisers wore masks. 

I did a lobster excursion to Rosarita Beach, masks were required onboard the bus, but not in the restaurant.

🛳🛳

Bobbi