sparks1093

I'm heading down to grab rum in a bit so I'll double check it.

I am not a bourbon person but have seen Blanton's mentioned several times here on CC, so when I saw it in our local liquor store I had to look at the price (around $65 I believe). Might try some next week on Mardi Gras if I can find it in any of the bars.

True, but I know that I would still be doing my own research.

Our experiences have been varied because of the port. Sometimes there is a separate line, sometimes there isn't. Sometimes they are using facial recognition, sometimes not. There was one debarkation (Legend/Baltimore) where the CBP Officers stood outside of their cubicles and watched everyone walk past with no checking of documents. We've traveled with people with different documents than us who have had to go in a different line and we all exited on the other side within minutes of each other.

All of the passengers are vetted during the cruise, so there is no need for any checks to be done at debark. We've never had a CBP Officer give our documents more than a passing glance (as opposed to returning across the border and having everything gone over with a fine toothed comb).

The cruise ship website is often the first (and only stop) for many US citizens, but since the majority of US citizens sail solely from the US and predominantly on closed loop cruises this limited research serves them adequately (especially since most of them only cruise once every year or two). I do make sure when we are traveling to research the type of travel we are doing and where we are going (including what countries we may be passing through). As has been stated, though, many government websites overlook cruise passengers and don't include information for them on their website for visitors, which is when sites like Cruise Critic come in handy. Our first cruise was a cruise to nowhere and I searched for information on what documentation was required. The information was not on any government site, nor was it on the cruise line's site. I finally got the answer (just a valid photo ID) from a cruise forum that I used to belong to (I had found CC and signed up, but was intimidated by how "busy" the site is. Now I am used to it.)

Thank you (and everyone else) for the well wishes. This week will drag by. I will check into this for you. 🙂

Human nature suggests that would not be the case. Unfortunately.

As I recall (I don't have time to go back and look) virtually all of the initial responses included something to the effect of "check with the cruise line". And no, it's not legal advice because it's not coming from a lawyer nor does it involve a court of law. And yet once more, with feeling, the contract is NOT the place to refer anyone to because it doesn't discuss the topic at all.

I'm sure that every cruise line wants all of the passengers boarded as long as they meet the minimum requirements. And while they may make an exception to the rule for one passenger it doesn't necessarily follow that they will for the next. Personally I wouldn't want to chance it, even if there was firm evidence that it's allowed in every instance.

Yes, her information is very helpful.

Only 5 days to go so if anyone has any questions for me to research while onboard now is the time to ask them! 😀

Yes, they absolutely do but that doesn't mean that the savings are easy to pass on to each consumer. I'm sure that a ten cent reduction (made up number for discussion purposes only) might induce a passenger to order the item in the case of the bread bowl but I have my doubts about that.

Yes, and no. The website does contain a lot of marketing, but no cruise line is going to put on their website something that will keep a passenger from boarding. They want you onboard and will do everything they can to make that happen (and even with Royal's language regarding 6 months validity they might waive that on a case by case basis anyway since it is only their requirement and not the legal requirement. I personally wouldn't want to count on that, but it's still a consideration.). First source of info- government websites related to the issue; second source of info- the carrier's requirements as outlined in their documentation (usually the website FAQ); third source of info- the experiences of others.

Nope, because that isn't where the answer is. Read what they say on their website, that's where the specifics are.

It costs them less but it's not really a cost savings that can be easily passed on to the consumer (think pennies per serving, not dollars). They are eliminating one thing (material to make the bread, the staff hours necessary to make the bread) and replacing it with something else (the staff hours needed to wash the extra dishes, the cost to replace any broken dishes). I'm sure that their bean counters have this all enumerated on the appropriate spreadsheet.

Some of us have actually read the Royal information on the OP's question and have provided him an answer based on that reading, while also suggesting that they read if for themselves. There is nothing wrong with seeking input/information from those who have "been there/done that". Yes, there may be misinformation given, but that is usually winnowed out fairly easily by the number of correct answers given. So to sum up- none of the ports on OP's itinerary require six months of validity remaining. Fact, not opinion. The cruise line may impose a stricter standard than that required by law, rule or regulations. Fact, not opinion. Royal's language is strongly indicative of the fact that they do require 6 months validity. Fact, not opinion. Therefore my opinion is that if I were in OP's shoes I would make sure that our passports had 6 months validity. (And having read Royal's FAQ I have to agree with @Charles4515 that they are being intentionally vague, probably hoping that guests will just get a passport. If I were a new cruiser though it would only serve to push me into the arms of a cruise line whose guidance is clearer.) The only bone of contention, I think, is that you would call the cruise line for info and my opinion is that is an exercise in futility for all of the reasons previously stated in this thread.

Then it's a darn good thing that I like corn flakes, bologna sandwiches, and hot dog spaghetti. 🤪

And conversely no one can point out that what you are discussing hasn't been mentioned in the current thread? 🤣You may be right regarding Carnival's motives for eliminating these items but you are putting words in their mouth and ascribing a motive that isn't evident in this particular case. Frankly I think it is a good thing that they are trying to save money where they can. Helps keep the cruise fare low.

I don't worry about what other people choose to use for documentation, it's their choice so why should I care?

I don't recall anyone saying anything about how Carnival was framing this in any particular way, either.

Not sure anyone mentioned "green consciousness" at all. They stopped serving the items because people weren't eating them. Of course it saves money not providing something that won't be consumed.

I'm not sure where the disconnect is, but given the language on Royals site it reads like they require 6 months validity remaining on a passport so that is what I would do because I wouldn't want to be left behind. I only quoted Carnival's contract because you brought it up.

Here's what Carnival's contract says about travel documents: Proper travel documentation and eligibility to travel is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise. In addition to immigration and customs requirements, the U.S. government and others place restrictions on the carriage of Guests whose names appear on government watch lists or who are deemed legally ineligible to travel. It is the Guest’s sole responsibility to ensure his/her legal eligibility to travel and to bring and have available at all times all required travel documents. Guests are advised to check with their travel agent and with the appropriate government authorities to determine the necessary documents and travel eligibility requirements for their particular cruise destinations, including the port of embarkation. Carnival assumes no responsibility for advising Guest of what travel documents are required for the requested itinerary and it is recommended that Guest travel with a valid government issued passport at all times. Carnival may cancel the booking of any Guest who is or becomes ineligible to travel for any reason, or who is traveling without proper documentation. In short, passenger's responsibility. Their FAQ does give details about the documentation required for different itineraries.