stormgrey11

Interesting move by Carnival.

Except for a couple of Journey cruises, looks starting in 2025 , the Spirit will do 6 and 8 day cruises out of Mobile to the Bahamas only and thereby completly eliminating Western Caribbean ports.

6 day Start: Mobile > Bimini > Celebration Key  or

          Start: Mobile > Celebration Key > Nassau

8 day Start: Mobile > Bimini > Celebration Key > Princess Cays > Nassau or 

          Start: Mobile > Bimini > Nassau > Celebration Key > Half Moon Cay

Good move by Carnival or not ?

Curious, I am looking at a few  7-Day Western Caribbean itineraries in March of 2025 out of New Orleans and Port Canaveral and see that the Liberty is more expensive than the Mardi Gras in balconies. I always thought tat the Mardi Gras would cost more being a much newer ship with more bells and whistles !

Things are certainly back to normal when people complain about dress codes, rowdy kids and bad sausage gravy !

PTCflyer, that is a great deal ! My deal is slightly more:

Room 1: Balcony

Not So Spooky Early Saver Sale (OLS)

$50.00 Credit to spend onboard

Included

Guest 1:

$1,974.00

Guest 2:

$1,974.00

Taxes, fees & port expenses:

$349.64

Prepay gratuities

$638.00

Add vacation protection

$378.00

Room 1 Total:$4,297.64

America Rocks

Ships: Dream, Ecstasy, Liberty, Magic, Valor, Vista

Songs: Any Way You Want It-Journey, Boogie Nights-Heatwave, Born in the USA-Bruce Springsteen, Call Me-Blondie, Centerfold-The J. Geils Band, Drive-The Cars, Dude Looks Like a Lady-Aerosmith, Free Bird-Lynyrd Skynyrd, Freeze Frame-The J. Geils Band, Heartbreaker-Pat Benatar, Hit Me with Your Best Shot-Pat Benatar, Hotel California-The Eagles, Lady-Styx, Long Train Runnin’-The Doobie Brothers, 25 or 6 to 4-Chicago, One Way or Another-Blondie, Renegade, R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.-John Mellencamp, Rock and Roll all Nite-Kiss, Rock and Roll Band-Boston, Sweet Home Alabama-Lynyrd Skynyrd, Walk This Way-Aerosmith, You Give Love a Bad Name-Bon Jovi

Amor Cubano

Ships: Glory, Horizon, Paradise, Vista

Songs: Fireball-Pitbull, I Need to Know-Marc Anthony, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For-U2, La vida es un Carnaval-Celia Cruz, Mambo No. 5-Lou Bega, Oye Come Va-Santana, Represent Cuba-Orishas, You’ll Be Mine ( Party Time)-Gloria Estefan

The Brits

Ships: Ecstasy, Legend

Broadway Beats

Ships: Panorama, Mardi Gras

Celestial Strings

Ships: Horizon, Panorama, Mardi Gras

Songs: Chasing Cars-Snow Patrol, Come What May-Moulin Rouge, Fields of Gold-Sting, Kiss from a Rose-Seal, Live and Let Die by Paul McCartney, Nothing Else Matters-Metallica, Roxanne-The Police, Show Must Go On-Queen, Uninvited-Alanis Morrisette, Viva La Vida-Coldplay, We Found Love-Rihanna

Country Road

Ships: Breeze, Magic, Valor

Songs: All About Tonight-Blake Shelton, Bless the Broken Road-Rascal Flatts, Bob that Head-Rascal Flatts, Crazy-Patsy Cline, Cruise-Florida Georgia Line, Fastest Girl in Town-Miranda Lambert, Girl in a Country Song-Maddie & Tae, God Blessed Texas, Heavy Liftin’-Blake Shelton, If You Ain’t Here To Party-Luke Bryan, King of the Road, Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys-Willie Nelson, Redneck Woman-Gretchen Wilson, Sure Be Cool If You Did-Blake Shelton, Put Some Drive in your Country-Travis Tritt, Take the Back Road-Rodney Atkins, That Was the Whiskey-Leslie Cours Mather, Take Me There-Rascal Flatts, T-R-O-U-B-L-E-Travis Tritt, When Boy Meets Girl-Terri Clark

Divas

Ships: Elation

Songs: Circus – Brittney Spears, Telephone – Lady Gaga, Single Ladies – Beyoncé, Kiss – Prince, Lady Marmalade – Patti LaBelle, Vogue – Madonna, Sweet Dreams – Eurythmics, Can’t Get You out of My Head – Kylie Minogue, Fighter – Christina Aguilera, Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis, Umbrella – Rhianna, I’m Alive – Celine dion, Firework – Katy Perry, The Edge of Glory – Lady Gaga, Queen of the Night – Whitney Houston

80’s Pop to the Max

Ships: Conquest, Dream, Freedom, Miracle, Paradise, Pride, Spirit, Splendor

Songs: Video Killed the Radio Star – The Buggles, Hungry Like the Wolf – Duran Duran, Girls Just Want to Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper, Wake Me Up Before You Go Go – Wham, Take On Me – A-Ha, I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston, True – Spandau Ballet, Jump – Van Halen, Let’s Go Crazy – Prince, Express Yourself – Madonna, Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield, Rhythm Nation – Janet Jackson, Billie Jean – Michael Jackson, The Way You Make Me Feel – Michael Jackson, Annie Are You OK – Michael Jackson, Smooth Criminal – Michael Jackson, Man In The Mirror – Michael Jackson

88 Keys

Ships: Breeze, Freedom, Magic, Miracle, Pride, Sensation, Spirit, Splendor

Songs: Piano Man – Billy Joel, Crocodile Rock – Elton John, Great Balls of Fire – Jerry Lee Lewis, Good Golly Miss Molly – Little Richard, Hit The Road Jack – Ray Charles, Movin’ Out – Billy Joel, Come Sail Away – Styx, I feel the Earth Move – Carole King, Could it be Magic? – Barry Manilow, Benny and the Jets – Elton John, Love will keep us together – Captain and Tenille, Ole time Rock N Roll – Bob Seger. Encore: I’m still standing – Elton John, Tutti Frutti – Little Richard, It’s a Miracle – Barry Manilow

Epic Rock

Ships: Conquest, Elation, Glory, Legend, Paradise, Spirit, Splendor, Sunshine

Songs: Alone, Bohemian Rhapsody, Dream On, Don’t Stop Believin’, I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That), I Love Rock N Roll, Livin’ on a Prayer, One (U2), Paradise City, Smoke on the Water, Somebody to Love, Stairway to Heaven, Total Eclipse of the Heart, We Built This City, We Will Rock You, Whole Lotta Love

Flick

Ships: Breeze, Conquest, Dream, Liberty, Magic, Vista

Songs: Cuban Pete, Eye of The Tiger-Survivor, Footloose-Kenny Loggins, Harry Potter Theme, Indiana Jones Theme, I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing-Aerosmith, I’m a Believer-Smash Mouth, I Have Nothing-Whitney Houston, (I’ve Had) the Time Of My Life-Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes, Ice Dance from Edward Scissorhands, I Like to Move it-Real 2 Reel, I Will Always Love You-Mariah Carey, I’m a Believer-Smash Mouth, Jurassic Park Theme, Lord of the Rings Theme, My Heart Will Go On-Celine Dion, Over the Rainbow-Judy Garland, Pure Imagination-Gene Wilder, Skyfall-Adele, Star Wars Theme, Superman Theme, Take My Breath Away-Berlin

Getaway Island

Ships: Freedom, Glory, Miracle, Pride, Spirit

Songs: Surfin Safari – The Beach Boys, Fun Fun Fun – The Beach Boys, Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys, Kokomo – The Beach Boys, No Shoes No Shirt No Problems – Kenny Chesney , Jump In Line – Harry Belafonte, Margaritaville- Jimmy Buffett, Red Red Wine – UB40, Escape – Rupert Holmes, Margaritaville- Jimmy Buffett, Coconut – Harry Nilson, Tequila – The Champs, Jamming – Bob Marley, Everything’s Gonna Be Alright – Bob Marley, One Love – Bob Marley, Volcano – Jimmy Buffett, Day ‘O – Harry Belafonte, Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Judy Garland, Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves, Feeling Hot Hot Hot – The Merrymen

Heart of Soul

Ships: Conquest, Elation, Freedom, Miracle, Pride

Songs: After the Love Has Gone-Earth, Wind, and Fire, Green Onions-Booker T. & The M.G.’s, I Got You (I Feel Good)-James Brown, I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)-Aretha Franklin, I Wish-Stevie Wonder, Just the Two of Us-Grover Washington, Land of 1000 Dances-Wilson Pickett, Let’s Stay Together-Al Green, River Deep-Tina Turner, Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours-Stevie Wonder, (Sitting On) The Dock of the Bay-Otis Redding, Take Me to the River-Al Green, This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)-Natalie Cole, What’d I Say-Ray Charles, You’re All I Need To Get By-Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Latin Nights

Ships: Sunrise, Sunshine

Songs: Bamboleo-Gipsy Kings, Fever, Hero-Enrique Iglesias, I Know You Want Me-Pitbull, Let’s Get Loud-Jennifer Lopez, Mambo No 5-Lou Bega, Maria Maria-Santana, On the Floor-Jennifer Lopez, Oye Como Va-Santana, Sway, Turn the Beat Around-Gloria Estefan

Motor City

Ships: Breeze, Dream, Ecstasy, Glory, Legend, Sunshine

Songs: ABC-Jackson 5, All Night Long-Lionel Richie, Baby I Need Your Lovin’-The Four Tops, Brick House-Commodores, Come See about Me-The Supremes, Dancing in the Street-Martha & Vandellas, Do You Love Me?-The Contours, Heat Wave-Martha & Vandellas, I’m Coming Out-Diana Ross, I Want You Back-Jackson 5, Night Shift-Commodores, Respect-Aretha Franklin, Right Back Where We Started From-Maxine Nightingale, The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss)-Betty Everett, The Way You Do the Things You Do-The Temptations, Let it Whip-Dazz Band

Rock Revolution

Ships: Panorama, Mardi Gras, Radiance

Aquarius/Let the Sunshine in-The 5th Dimension, Need a Whole Lotta Love-Led Zeppelin, Black Magic Woman-Fleetwood Mac, Aquarius/Let the Sunshine in-The 5th Dimension, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds-The Beatles, Come Together-The Beatles, It’s the Time of the Season for Loving-The Zombies, Somebody to Love-Jefferson Airplane, Piece of my Heart-Janice Joplin, You’ve Made Me So Very Happy-Blood, Sweat & Tears, Bridge Over Troubled Water-Simon & Garfunkel, With a Little Help From My Friends-Joe Cocker, Bad Moon Rising-Creedence Clearwater Revival, Sound of Silence-Simon & Garfunkel, Hey Jude-The Beatles, Dance to the Music-Sly & The Family Stone, Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye-Steam

Soulbound

Ships: Horizon, Panorama, Sunrise, Radiance

Songs: Born Under a Bad Sign-Albert King, Haunted-Beyonce, I Put a Spell on You-Creedence Clearwater Revival, I’m Every Woman-Whitney Houston, In The Midnight Hour-Wilson Pickett, Rescue Me-Fontella Bass, Something’s Gotta A Hold on Me-Etta James, Soul Man-Sam and Dave, Spirit in the Dark-Aretha Franklin, Superstition-Stevie Wonder, Unchain My Heart-Joe Cocker, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman-Aretha Franklin

Studio VIP

Ships: Legend, Sensation, Splendor, Sunshine, Valor, Vista

Songs: Boogie Wonderland-Earth, Wind, and Fire, Dancing Queen-Abba, Dim All the Lights-Donna Summer, Flashback-Imagination, Flash Light-Parliament, Funkytown-Lipps, Inc, Get Down Tonight-KC & Sunshine Band, He’s the Greatest Dancer-Sister Sledge, The Hustle-Van McCoy, I Love the Nightlife-Alicia Bridges, Last Dance-Donna Summer, Le Freak-Chic, Love Train, MacArthur Park-Donna Summer, More More More-Andrea True, Saturday Night Fever-Bee Gees, You Should Be Dancing-Bee Gees, Y.M.C.A.-Village People, You’re the First, the Last, My Everything-Barry White

Vintage Pop

Ships: Horizon, Sunrise

Songs: That’s What I Like, All about that Bass, Work, Feeling Good, Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing), Ain’t Misbehavin’, I Got Rhythm, On the Sunny Side of the Street, Side to Side, It Don’t Mean A Thing (If it Ain’t Got That Swing), Shape of You, A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)

On 3/25/2022 at 11:38 PM, rolloman said:

On a recent sailing I went through the tedious Verifly process.  For the record it was a week out before the APP would recognize my booking number. Fast forward to embarkation day, I went through the check in process and quickly found out the Verifly process was not speedier and in fact it was basically a joke. The check-in agent said they only look at the Verifly APP for proof of vaccination which of course can be handled in the same amount of time by just showing them proof by either picture or paper.  Regardless, about 30 seconds later I was scuttled to another nearby agent who looked at my passport and boarding pass and then I stood there waiting for a supervisor agent to provide official clearance... then I was off to security xray and finally boarding.  So, no special line, no special treatment, no expedited process. Just a bunch of "extra" busy work prior to sailing. 

Same here ! We went through the embarkation process at the port of Mobile on March 24th and had a similar experience. At the check-in desk we presented the agent with our verifly app and showed the pass with the "ready to sail" checkmark !

The agent there basically used it as her checklist. "So it says here that you uploaded the vaccination, can I see that please ?". " Now here it shows' that you have submitted negative test results, do you have that letter stating this?'

When the agent saw the pictures for the pass she asked if she could see our passports...

So yes, we walked away from the check-in with the feeling: " Why did we take the time to go through this verifly process ???

We will be interested as well. If we are going by some of the reports on the FB groups we would certainly be discouraged. Our cruise is March 24th

"Worst cruise ever", "What a rust bucket!", "Food was horrible", etc. etc. etc.

Smart move ! i sure didn't see this one coming though !

Where before Mobile offered 4 and 5 days cruises going to same ports a Conquest class ship out of New Orleans would go to, it now gives totally different options.

Christine Duffy mentioned that 2024 itineraries are open but I have not seen anything.

The repositioning cruises from/to Seattle through the Panama Canal should be a fantastic cruise !

So we got the cancellation letters for our 2 cruises booked out of Mobile. Our 6 day Thanksgiving cruise for Nov 2022 and our 5 day cruise for January 2023 were paid for and had a combined $700 OBC due to previous cancellations.

According to the letter, we will get a refund and are able to preserve existing pricing except in the case of a holiday cruise. So I guess we will lose the great price we were able to book this cruise for. We are not able tor rebook at the existing price as it is a cruise over the thanksgiving holiday. We will also lose our OBC of $ 700 but will get $ 100 if we decide to rebook ?

Wednesday July 11 St Kitts

 

 

We had put out our room serice breakfast tag the night before, but today the service never arrived. Not sure what happened. We gave up waiting for it and went up to grab a quick bite on the lido deck before debarking.

 

I had reserved a tour with Thenford Grey way back on March 1. We went on "The Grand Tour of St. Kitts" with Grey's Island Excursions. I absolutely recommend this tour. It cost only $55 for a 6 hour tour. This is a very affordable price. We had no trouble meeting up with our tour group upon disembarking the ship. There was someone holding up a sign, easy to find.

 

They promptly led us to our bus. We had a group of 16 people. This is one reason I love privately booked tours: you can get much smaller, more personal experiences at better prices than the ship tours. I do not like being herded onto a huge tour bus with 40 or 50 other passengers.

 

So our driver was the company owner, Mr. Grey. He drove us through the narrow streets of Basseterre and pointed out some city landmarks. He was charming. Gave a very informative narrative.

 

We arrived at Romney Manor where our guide gave us a tour of the beautiful, lush garden, describing many of the plants and the history of the manor. We went to the batik studio and bought a slice of the most amazing homemade rum cake.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the review ! We were with you on this tour (I am the guy in the hat) and are getting to relive it !

Please send fun times and entertainment schedule to

rentner2025@yahoo.com

Thank you!

Pretty much all tourist areas should take the USD at Souvenir shops. If you are planning on visiting a Walmart or Home depot, etc using a foreign transaction fee free credit card would be best.

If you still feel the need for some pesos in your pocket, withdraw some at a local ATM, the current rate is about 18.5 pesos to 1 USD.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

An update:

We arrived at the port around 11:45 am and I showed our doc’s to the CCL employee. Without a word she pointed to the left to the priority check in (where btw there was no one in line) and we checked in.

We then were directed to board the ship and both of our cabins were ready.

 

I don’t know if it helped that we were a family of five, two parents and three children in connecting cabins?

 

I am platinum. My husband and our eldest son son are days away from platinum and our other sons are gold?

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Just wondering, if your husband and son are days from platinum and if those "days" were less than the number of days in the cruise you are taking, then the whole thing should not be an issue !

Some folks enjoy the feeling of not having the stress of an added bar bill at the end of the cruise !

Then there are some folks who find it stressful to be under pressure to keep drinking just so they can break even !

You can always set an alert through cruisef......sh if you don't want to bother to look all the time !

Has anyone been in contact with Trikes St. Marteen recently? I sent a request to book for March 2018 a few days ago and haven't heard back. Just wondering if they are back up and running after the storms. Ty.

Wondering the same thing !

subscribing

INCLUDED:

• All you can eat from our buffet and our menu.
  
• All you want to drink from our pool bar of frozen drinks, margaritas, piñas coladas, daiquiris, non-alcoholic drinks and domestic beer (Sol and XX Lager).
  
• Two pool bars and a beach section exclusively for All Inclusive guests.
  
• Beach lounges.
  
• Use of ocean kayak.
  
• Hammock area.
  
• Beach umbrella on your table.
  
• Locker.
  
• Restrooms.
  
• Free WiFi.
  

The dress codes are rarely if ever enforced. Wear what you want and have a good time !

Just be aware that they are not "officially" allowed on elegant nights.

A few years ago on the Conquest, this guy kept wearing this obnoxious T-Shirt in the MDR EVERY night. It said in big letters:

" I have the biggest d.... in the band " !

The dress-code topic is a very heated discussion for some people, as you can probably see here. The moral of the story is, though described as a "policy" the dress code on elegant nights is treated as more of a suggestion. You can easily look up the policy, or read what some folks have quoted here, but at the end of the day, it breaks down to this...

 

1) It's YOUR vacation, so wear what YOU want to wear...

2) ... but be tasteful :)

 

For the record, I usually wear nice jeans and a polo.

Exactly my point. The people adhering to point 1, wearing flip-flops and baseball caps and the like on elegant night, know that they are breaking the rules. They are giving everyone an obvious "up yours".

So Carnival, enforce the rules or get rid of them !

Well it sure looks like the flip-flops and ball caps wearing crowd is making the cruise elegant night into a dress up optional night . Maybe on ships with two dining rooms one could have separate dress codes ?

Gesendet von iPhone mit Forums

Yet here you are! And you and the rest of us know that Cruise Elegant on Carnival means wear pants. The rest is just details.

Seriously, vacations are expensive. If what is the norm for attire on Carnival doesn't work for your style then why not book vacations on Princess and be happier?

 

 

.

Carnival once and for all needs to decide if they are unilaterally going to enforce the dress code or not. That is the real problem here. These discussions about proper dress on cruise elegant nights have been going on and on.

On one side you have the " I will wear what I want, it's my vacation " crowd. They come in flip-flops and baseball caps and tell the ones pointing to the rules that they should cruise on Princess.

On the other side you have the people who like to dress up on the elegant nights, as there are not a lot of chances to dress up on the cruise. Carnival relaxed the dress code a few years ago and renamed the "formal" night to an "elegant" night. So now we have a reasonable dress code in place and everybody who does not adhere can eat at the buffet.

My take is that Carnival wants to satisfy both sides and just refuses to enforce the rules.

Enforce the rules or get rid of them altogether !!

Cruising With Carnival Information & Tips ...And A Few Secrets

Before Cruising

• Identification required to cruise on Carnival:
  
  • Minimum for US citizens:
    
    • An original or certified copy of your birth certificate (not hospital issued) for all passengers & a state issued picture ID for passengers 16 years of age and older. This is for all US citizens embarking on a cruise that both originates & terminates at the same US port.
      
    • If a cruise begins and ends in different US ports (such as Carnival's Alaskan and Hawaiian cruises), or begins and ends in a foreign port a valid US Passport is required for all US citizens.
      

    [*]Recommended for US citizens:

    • State issued picture ID and US Passport
      
    • US Passport Information: For US Passport information including current processing times.
      

    [*]All non US citizens:

    • A passport is required for all non US citizens on all Carnival cruises.
      
    • United States Green Card Holders: You are required to have a valid green card in your possession at all times. For ships sailing from US Ports, Green Card holders not in possession of their Green Card may be denied boarding or reentry into the United States.
      

  [*]Minor Travel Consent Forms: Minors (under the age of 18) cruising without both birth parents SHOULD have a travel consent form signed and notarized. You will find three different consent forms here with instructions. These forms will cover most circumstances of travel with minors.

  [*]Cabin Details & Selection: Detailed cabin information and important factors and tips to think about when selecting a cabin. Includes information on the cabin types & categories, cabin sizes, balcony sizes, bed options, etc.

  [*]Deck Plans: View and/or download the deck plans for your cruise ship. Becoming familiar with the ship's layout before you cruise can make your time onboard more enjoyable. It's always nice to be able to find what you want, when you want it!

  [*]Casual attire on the ship is the typical wear. Suggested clothing: Ladies - shorts, sundresses, tank tops, etc.; Men - shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts, etc. Depending on where you cruise and the time of year you cruise you will need to take into account there could be some cooler weather especially at night, be prepared. Also suggest you wear rubber-soled, low heeled or flat shoes for extra traction while onboard. The use of any footwear with wheels, including but not limited to Heelys® shoes, is prohibited onboard Carnival ships. In the Main Dining Room for dinner there is a dress code. The dress code is not strictly enforced.

  [*]Make sure that your bank and credit card companies are aware that you will be going out of the country. They will ask you what days and will note it on your account so it won't be flagged for fraudulent activity.

  [*]Travel Insurance: Buying travel insurance is always recommended. It is typically based off of the total price of your cruise, the destination(s), and the age of the traveler(s). Carnival does offer travel insurance (it's actually through AON / Berkely Travel), but it is usually more expensive with less coverage than many third party insurance companies. We recommend you price out travel insurance at www.insuremytrip.com. You will find many options for insurance companies there with reviews. Carnival's insurance coverage and pricing can be found here. Carnival's insurance option may be a good choice for elderly cruisers because they do not currently base any criteria off of your age.

  [*]The Chef's Table: Make your reservations for The Chef's Table as soon as possible. This venue will typically fill up so signing up before cruising is a good idea.

  [*]Private Party Price List: A list of options and prices for holding a private party onboard. To hold a Private Party onboard you must have a minimum of 20 guests, or be willing to pay for 20 guests if attendance is less.

  [*]Carnival Pre-Cruise Checklist: A checklist to help you in preparing and organizing for your cruise.

  [*]Faster To The Fun (FTTF): Enroll in the Faster to The Fun program and receive priority embarking & debarking along with other services.

Sail & Sign Card / Account

• You will receive your Sail & Sign Card when you first check-in at your embarkation port.
  
• "Sail & Sign" is Carnival's onboard cashless credit program, which allows you to charge all your services, gratuities and purchases during your cruise to your cabin.
  
• Your Sail & Sign Card is also your cabin key and boarding card. This card identifies you as a Carnival guest and must be carried with you along with a picture ID when you go ashore. Because the ship is closed to the public while docked at the various ports-of-call, you'll have to show your Sail & Sign Card along with the picture ID to the officer on duty in order to reboard the ship.
  
• All locations on board will accept your Sail & Sign Card for payment. You have the option to use cash in the casino, the arcade, and for bingo.
  
• A credit card or a cash deposit is needed to establish your Sail & Sign account. The initial credit card hold is: $75 (for cruises 5 days or less) or $100 (for cruises 6 days or more). Then, throughout the voyage incremental holds will be obtained as needed. For cash deposits they recommend, but do not require, $100 for a 2-4 day cruise, $200 for a 5-8 day cruise, and $350 for a 9 day or longer cruise.
  
• You have 24 hours to place cash on your account once you are checked in. You can still use your Sail & Sign Card for purchases during those first 24 hours, up to a total of $50.
  
• You can put your cash deposit down while checking in before embarking, at the Guest Services Desk once onboard, or at an onboard kiosk (one is typically located near the Guest Services Desk) which will help you avoid any lines at Guest Services. The line at the Guest Services Desk can be quite long immediately after boarding. We recommend putting your cash down while checking in or waiting till later in the day, since you can still use your card for up to 24 hours.
  
• The Guest Services Desk is open 24 hours a day. You can set spending limits and check the status of your account at any time at the Guest Services Desk.
  
• Keep in mind automatic gratuities, for the entire length of the cruise, will automatically be charged to your Sail & Sign account on the second day of the cruise, unless you set something up differently prior to that.
  
• Keep track of your spending, mistakes can be made. On some ships there is also "Interactive TV" in the cabins. The "Interactive TV" will allow you to personally review the charges and status of your Sail & Sign Account from the comfort on your own cabin. Be advised some charges do not always show up immediately.
  
• At the end of the cruise, all charges will be automatically billed. Very early in the morning of the final day of the cruise a statement detailing all purchases made with your Sail & Sign card will be delivered under the door of your stateroom. If you made a cash deposit and there is an overpayment on your account, you will receive the overpayment in the form of a check attached to the detailed statement you receive.
  

Tipping / Automatic Gratuities

• Tipping is NOT included in the base cruise fare or in the normal fees applied prior to cruising.
  
• Carnival recommends you use their automatic gratuity service. This service automatically applies daily tips, currently $11.50/day for everyone 2 years of age and older, to your Sail & Sign Account. The total tipping charge usually appears on your account the second cruise day.
  
• The $11.50/day tips are split this way:
  
  • $5.80/day to Dining Room Services (Head Waiter, Waiter, Assistant Waiter)
    
  • $3.70/day to Cabin Services (Room Steward, Assistant Steward)
    
  • $2.00/day for Alternative Services (Kitchen, Entertainment, Guest Services & Hotel Staff)
    

  [*]You can choose to remove the automatic gratuities, adjust them down or adjust how they are distributed. You can do this by personally visiting the Guest Services Desk.

  [*]You can also choose to tip over-and-above the automatic gratuities. You can do this by either going to Guest Services and adjusting your automatic gratuities up or you can tip individuals in person throughout the cruise.

  [*]If you do remove automatic gratuities the staff will know. Staff members have been known to be questioned by their superiors as to why you would be removing the tips.

  [*]Also remember if you do remove automatic gratuities with plans on doing all your tipping in person you will most likely be leaving out many people who would normally be getting part of your automatic gratuities. You will not have personal interaction with many of the staff who salaries have been adjusted down to reflect your expected automatic gratuities.

  [*]If you like to keep your Sail & Sign Account to a minimum you can call Carnival at (800)764-7419 (or your Travel Agent if you booked through one) and prepay your automatic gratuities before cruising. It will show as a credit to your account until the automatic gratuities charge hits your Sail & Sign Account once onboard. As mentioned above, typically the total amount for the automatic gratuities posts to your account on the second cruise day. At this time there is not a way to pay automatic gratuities online prior to cruising, you must call.

  [*]Bartenders automatically receive an added 15% gratuity when paying for your drinks with your Sail & Sign Card.

  [*]A tip is expected for Room Service.

  [*]Many cruisers will also tip these people: Bartenders (in addition to the 15% automatic gratuity), Waiters (in addition to automatic gratuities), Room Steward (in addition to automatic gratuities), Porters (for carrying your bags), Spa Service, Salon Service, Camp Counselors, and Shore Tour Guides.

  [*]How you tip is a personal choice you need to make. These are just the facts to help you make a more informed decision.

Embarking

• Faster To The Fun (FTTF): Enroll in the Faster to The Fun program and receive priority embarking & debarking along with other services.
  
• If you have early embarkation (priority) to the ship proceed directly to the lido deck for a buffet lunch (depending on how early you board your room may not be ready yet). The buffet will be really busy during later boardings.
  
• On embarkation day, each guest may bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (water, soda, juice, etc.) onboard in their carry-on luggage only. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 bottles and/or cans, 20 ounces each or less.
  
• On embarkation day, guests 21 years of age and older, may also bring on board one bottle (max of 750ml) of wine or champagne, per person, in their carry-on luggage only. The one 750ml bottle can also be substituted for a typical 4 pack of small wine bottles which are 187ml each (total of 748ml).
  
• On embarkation day, you may bring snacks on board with you. There is no specified limit as to how much you can bring, but keep in mind it is not hard to find food at any time of the day while onboard the ship. At a minimum there is always the 24-hr Pizzeria, the 24-hr Ice Cream Station and 24-hr Room Service, all of which are FREE (already included in your base cruise fare).
  
• Bring your bathing suit and a change of clothes in your carry on. Sometimes it takes a while for you to get the rest of your luggage. Some people just wear their bathing suit under their clothes so they can enjoy the pool and hot tubs as soon as they get on the ship.
  
• Make sure your cellular phone and/or mobile devices are in "Airplane Mode" or off as soon as you set sail. You definitely don't want at sea roaming charges. Just receiving junk mail on your phone or device over the length of the cruise can end up costing you hundreds of dollars in data roaming charges, be careful! Check with your specific cellular carrier for their at sea roaming rates.
  

Once Onboard

• In the casino they will give you a lanyard as well as punch a hole in your Sign & Sail card for you. Some people like to carry their Sign & Sail card around their neck on this lanyard.
  
• As soon as you get on board make all your Spa appointments. You should also make your hair appointments for formal night because they tend to book up fast. You can either call from your room or just go up and make your appointments in person.
  
• Make your reservations for any alternative dining room onboard ASAP. These venues have limited space and reservations tend to go fast.
  
• Go to the main dining room as soon as you get on board and check out your table. If you are not happy with your table or dining time speak to the Maître d'. If it is possible he will help you change to get you what you want.
  
• The Carnival Fun Times (daily schedule of ship's activities left in your room every night for the next day) is a wealth of information for activities and times throughout the ship and miscellaneous good to know information.
  
• Future Carnival Vacation Program: Carnival has a loyalty program available onboard where you can purchase future cruise credit(s) and receive free onboard credit. Also referred to as a Future Cruise Credit (FCC).
  
• Carnival HUB App: Carnival has releasesd an application for iOS and Android devices that allows users to communicate with other guests onboard, see daily schedules, view deck plans, view real-time Sail & Sign account balances and more!.
  

Cabin

• You can ask your room steward for a foam egg crate pad for the bed.
  
• Free shampoo, body wash and bars of soap in the shower. It is not the best quality but if you forget yours, or aren't picky about brands it'll definitely work.
  
• The amenity baskets in the bathrooms also have sample sized packs of razors, toothpaste, dental floss, lotion, and Advil - again it's all free. If you need more just ask the cabin steward, they appreciate a tip.
  
• There is a hairdryer in most every cabin. It typically can be found in either the bathroom or in the desk/vanity drawer.
  
  • These ships have hair dryers in every cabin: DE TI VI SP PR LE MI CQ GL VA LI FD SL DR MC BR
    
  • These ships have hair dryers in only the GS/ES cabins: EC FA FS IM IS
    

  [*]There is a safe in every room that is free to use. It is located in either the closet or a cabinet. Some safes require a key that you can get from the room steward, others just require a card with a magnetic strip like a credit/debit card. In either case they are free to use.

  [*]You can ask your room steward for the book that is in your cabin that is about the ship. You can usually have it for free, they appreciate a tip.

  [*]You can see the menu for the dining room on your TV so you can see if you like that day's selections.

  [*]On some ships there is "Interactive TV" in the cabins. This system allows you to order shore tours and room service. Additionally, you can review the status of your Sail & Sign Account.

  [*]Room Service: Room Service is free but you should always tip the person who delivers the food to your cabin.

  [*]You can set automated wake-up calls for yourself on your cabin phone.

  [*]Cabin phone: Room-to-Room calls are free. All Domestic and International Calls are $1.99/minute. This rate is almost always cheaper than using your personal cell phone while onboard.

  [*]The couch in many cabins has drawers built in underneath.

  [*]There is lots of room under the bed to store all your suitcases so you don't have to have them out taking up room.

  [*]If you have a fridge in your cabin you can ask your room steward to remove the mini bar stuff that is in it and use it for your own stuff. Or just let him know that you are going to do it yourself so you do not get charged by accident for the items you are just temporarily moving.

  [*]Bring a bungee cord so you can keep your balcony door open, or you can use a supplied door stop wedge in the door frame. Some balcony doors will also stay open on there own.

  [*]On some ships the balcony door frame has a magnetic contact on the door frame. The ships with this feature will shut off the air conditioner when you leave your balcony door open. Simply put a small refrigerator magnet over the contact and your air conditioner will continue to run while the door is open.

On Deck

• Don't be a chair hog on deck! Don't try to save chairs for your friends that are "on the way" or are "coming right back" when they truly aren't and/or you really don't know when they may be coming.
  
• Put down a towel on your balcony chair if you're wearing white. There may be a light layer of soot and it shows on white clothing.
  
• "Secret Decks": Are observation balconies at the front of the ship that not everyone knows about. They are free to access by any cruiser and can be found on many ships in Carnival's fleet.
  

Dining

• Main Dining Room: You can order as many appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts as you want, they are FREE (already included in your base cruise fare).
  
• In the main dining room when they bring out the dessert menu ask to see a children's menu. They have great things like banana splits, hot fudge sundaes, etc.
  
• Carnival Dress Code: Most evenings they have a Cruise Casual dining dress code, but there are those Cruise Elegant evenings (one or two nights throughout your cruise) where you will have the opportunity to showcase your more elegant attire. For those who want to wear strictly casual attire for dinner time, the Lido Restaurant is open nightly and has a more relaxed atmosphere. However, shirts and shoes/footwear (minimum of flip-flops) must be worn at all times inside the Lido Restaurant.
  
• Be aware Carnival Dress Code is very seldom enforced.
  
• On formal nights get your pictures taken at all of the "settings". You do not have to buy any of them, but you will at least have multiple choices to pick from if you decide to.
  
• Cappuccino and Espresso are free in the main dining room. (This is slowly disappearing fleetwide - currently no longer free on the Carnival Breeze, Carnival Liberty & Carnival Miracle.)
  
• Any main entrée pasta dish can also be had as a side dish in the Main Dining Room.
  
• When the lights start to dim in the main dining room this means entertainment is coming. Have your camera ready.
  
• Bring a sweater, the main dining room is cool, especially compared to where you've probably been all day.
  
• The Steakhouse: Carnival offers an alternative evening dining venue called The Steakhouse on some of it's ships.
  
• The Chef's Table: Don't forget The Chef's Table, the finest dining experience onboard!
  

Food / Beverage

• You can buy buckets of beer (4 in a bucket). Beer can be mixed. It is discounted $2.00/bucket (.50 cents/beer).
  
• Pizzeria is open 24 hours. You can order a whole pizza or calzone with whatever toppings you want. It takes about 10 minutes for both. They also make a great caesar salad.
  
• Soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt available 24 hours. It is self serve. Make sure you check your Carnival Fun Times to find out what days there are sundae toppings available.
  
• Coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate, unsweetened iced tea, lemonade, orange juice, milk and water (fountain, not bottled) are free throughout the cruise.
  
• Coke Products: Carnival sells Coke products. If you want another brand you will need to bring your own.
  
• If you have the souvenir glass you can order any frozen drink as a refill not just the drink of the day. They do charge you the price of the other frozen drink you ordered but you get it in the bigger glass.
  
• The Taste Bar & Sushi Bar are free. If they are available on your ship they will be open daily from 5:00PM to about 8:00PM. A Signature Drink is available for purchase at the Taste Bar for $5. Saki is available for purchase at the Sushi Bar.
  
• RedFrog Pub / RedFrog Rum Bar: Offers a laid-back Caribbean vibe with island-inspired snacks and drinks, including ThirstyFrog Red draught beer.
  
• "Cheers" Beverage Program: Offers flat-rate daily pricing for alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic frozen drinks, wine by the glass and soda. See link for complete program details and current list of ships offering the program.
  

Ports / Excursions

• You do not have to book shore excursions through the cruise line. Do a little homework before you go and you can book your excursions directly. Booking directly typically will save you 20%+.
  
• First time cruisers may want to book through Carnival to avoid the chance of picking a disreputable company.
  
• Weather, medical emergencies, mechanical issues, etc. can cause ports to be missed. If you miss a port and you booked the excursion through Carnival you will get your money back. However, if you are booking an excursion independently (not through Carnival) make sure to ask whether or not you get your deposit back if the ship misses that port. Almost all reputable companies will give you a full refund of any money you prepaid.
  
• When the ship is in port you can always come back on the ship to drop off packages, get changed, etc. and leave the ship again. Just remember to be back a half hour before the ship is scheduled to leave port. Missing the ship is a good way to ruin your vacation and put a dent in your savings account.
  
• Look for specials in the Spa on port days.
  
• There is also happy hour at the bars onboard on port days.
  
• Need more non-alcoholic beverages? Pick them up on shore. Carnival doesn't track what you brought on the ship initially and they haven't been known to question you about bringing on more non-alcoholic beverages on port days.
  

Casino

• Due to different itineraries, the casino hours may vary among the fleet:
  
  • Sea Days: Slot Machines open at 9:00am; select tables open at 10:00am; full casino opens 12:00pm-3:00am.
    
  • Port Days: The casino is closed while in port; the casino opens after the ship sails. For ships that overnight in Nassau, the casino is open during night time hours. For ships visiting Half Moon Cay, the casino may be open while in port - this is at the discretion of ship management.
    

  [*]U.S currency is accepted at all tables and slot machines.

  [*]The Sail & Sign Card can be used to purchase chips at the tables and credit for the slot machines from the Cashier's Window; a 3% charge will apply. If the Sail & Sign Card is used in the slot machine, no fee will apply.

  [*]Travelers Checks can be used to purchase chips at the tables and credit for the slot machines.

  [*]Casino Details & Locations: For further information on casino sizes, limits, offerings and locations onboard each ship.

Wi-Fi / Internet Access

• All ships now have wireless internet (Wi-Fi) onboard accessible from bow to stern. It is expensive and typically very slow.
  
• Carnival is attempting to implement flat-rate priced unlimited internet use across the fleet. Unfortunately, at this time due to high demand and bandwidth issues it is a slow work in progress. Most ships at this time are still using the pay by the minute plans, with speeds similar to old school dial-up.
  
• Plan your use wisely with the pay by the minute plans for Wi-Fi. The best speeds will typically be late at night, early in the morning and during the day on port days when there are less passengers onboard to share the connection with.
  
• You have three options for internet access:
  
  • Onshore - Save your money and wait till you get to a port where you can pick up free or much cheaper Wi-Fi access onshore.
    
  • Onboard Wi-Fi - Go to the Internet Café onboard or use your own wireless device (laptop, iPhone, smart phone, etc.) for Wi-Fi access.
    
    • Carnival has recently made available flat-rate priced unlimited internet use on some some ships in the fleet.
      
    • Availability & Pricing - for complete details, availabilty and pricing for internet use across the entire Carnival fleet.
      

    [*]Onboard Cellular - Use your own device over the Cellular At Sea onboard cellular network. You will be charged by your carrier for International Data Rates. These onboard cellular rates can cost even more than the Wi-Fi rates above. For example, onboard all Carnival ships AT&T currently (January 2013) charges an International Data Rate of $.0195/kb - that comes to almost $20/MB. Sending that one nice picture to Grandma could cost you $100! Use onboard cellular at your own monetary risk!

  [*]All Wi-Fi internet access charges will be billed directly to your onboard "Sail & Sign" account.

  [*]All cellular access charges will be billed by your own cellular carrier.

  [*]Internet Café and Wireless Internet Services: For additional details on the available internet services onboard.

Freebies Onboard

• If you need postcards go to the Guest Services Desk. They have ones with the picture of the ship on them for free.
  
• You can get a free deck of cards with the Carnival logo on them at the Guest Services Desk.
  
• There are steam rooms, saunas and hot tubs in the Spa and they are free to use by all guests.
  
• Free champagne at the Art Auction, no art purchase necessary.
  
• If you go to the port talks that are given, don't sit in the balcony. They usually have free giveaways. Sit close to the front as they usually throw items off from the stage and it rarely makes it past the first 15 rows of the main area.
  
• Free drinks and hors d'oeuvres at the Past Guest Party and Farewell Party. If you don't like what drinks are on the server's trays, order whatever you want and it is free. The Farewell Party is not usually advertised well so be looking for it in the Fun Times on the last day of the cruise. A small tip will keep good service coming back to you.
  
• There is usually free liquor tasting in the shops (typically multiple nights, check the Fun Times).
  
• Free "Afternoon Tea" on Sea Days, serving an assortment of teas, smoked salmon, strawberries and cream, & cakes.
  
• Travelers checks can be cashed free of charge (there is a fee for personal checks).
  

Debarking

• You can carry off your own bags (self-assist debarking) to save time and prevent potential loss of luggage.
  
• Self-assist debarking usually starts before the posted time. Being ready early can save a ton of time. It is typically called by Deck starting with Deck 1. After Self Assist Debarking has completed General Debarking by Zone begins.
  
• How long can you stay on the ship the last day? Not very long, debarking begins early and typically everyone is off the ship about 3 hours after it docks. There will be no sleeping in the last day!
  
• If you don't do self-assist debarking, as soon as you get off the ship go over to where your luggage will be and send someone else in your party over to the porter line to grab a porter. The porter will come over and get all your luggage and take you to the front of the Custom's line. Be sure to pay him $1-$2 a bag for his assistance. The price is nothing compared to what could be a 3 hour wait in the line depending on the port/day. You could very well be out of there within 30 minutes depending on the number of people who know this tip on your cruise.
  
• Have a passport, lines for passenger's with birth certificates at Customs can be quite long. Some ports are worse than others.
  
• Faster To The Fun (FTTF) - Enroll in the Faster to The Fun program and receive priority embarking & debarking along with other services.
  

Just got off dream. Saw tshirts and shorts most nights in dining room. Jeans. I'd estimate 5% were dressed up for elegant night. Saw no tuxes or suits! Saw 2 women each in a long gown.

 

Was this 5 % observed on both elegant nights ?