RoperDK

5 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

Try taking it to a shoe repair place.  Sometimes they can repair odd things.  EM

This!  I once took a horse bridle to a shoe repair place where a piece of leather had snapped in two and they fixed it right up.  They were very curious about what had happened and I told them that it had been a wild ride for sure! 🤣

10 hours ago, jimbo5544 said:

Hopefully we have not reached the point where those of us who cruise or vacation more often than some others (or the average), do not have to apologize for the ability to do so.  

Some of "us" are retired.  We have the time but must decide what fits within our budget.  I am a retired enlisted military member.  I raised my children, sent them to college, saved money where I could and lived a nice, but frugal lifestyle.  I cruise often and will continue to do so until my health doesn't allow me to anymore.  I don't judge others and I would hope that others don't judge me.      

10 hours ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

I wonder if such a thing could be considered board (cruise line) specific?

 

Tom

I do think it may be somewhat cruise line specific.  I closely follow another cruise line forum and don't find the same judgement of others that cruise often or sail in upper cabin categories.  This is my opinion. I will not respond to flames.  

9 hours ago, aborgman said:

 

I don't think there is any need to apologize for it - but there is a need, just like with wealth, to understand it is not the norm.

 

For example - Talking about how you can only afford two yachts while 90% of your audience can't afford a boat isn't elitist - but it's kind of socially tone deaf.

 

 

This is an open forum for people to exchange their ideas and experiences.  I have yet to see anyone bragging about their multiple cruises or upper end accommodations.  They are just passing along information. If someone is upset about this, then that is not the poster's problem or issue.

Perhaps we should get back on topic.  Apparently, it is less controversial.  😉 

4 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

Casino comps are considered gambling winnings or sometimes it doesn't matter. If not for gambling, the comps wouldn't be offered.

 

Flights on miles or hotel rooms on points are considered rebates or discounts and there is no real guidance on them, so the IRS won't accuse you of understating your income.

Casino comps are not considered gambling winnings.  They are no more than a promotional offer.   

18 hours ago, BlerkOne said:

I wonder how many people declared the $25 casino comp (or the free cruise comps) as income? It's all taxable, isn't it?

The $25 casino comp is no different than the VIFP gift, Diamond lunch, or free drinks at the Platinum/Diamond party.  They are small token gifts that the IRS has no interest in.  A free casino comp is considered a promotional benefit due to your prior status, level of play, or just because they want to offer it to you. It is no different than a free flight due to frequent flyer miles or a free hotel room due to points earned by staying at that hotel chain.   

19 hours ago, jimbo5544 said:

If you think the value is somewhere else, then follow that path, regardless of the reason. Their demand and occupancy is at record levels, but if you see better elsewhere then go for it.

I have been, but I still cruise on Carnival sometimes.  All cruise lines are sailing full with higher prices and fewer extras. How long that will last is anyone's guess. We all make our choices based on how we feel when cruising on that particular cruise line.  What is a perfect fit for someone can be a great disappointment for others.        

I've been sailing on Carnival for over twenty years.  I've been Platinum for a long time and 3 more 7-day cruises will make me Diamond. I've heard rumblings of changes to the loyalty program for at least 10 years.  In reality, the benefits I receive aren't spectacular by any means.  I choose to cruise on Carnival for price (which isn't nearly as enticing anymore) or ship/itinerary.  I don't cruise because of the benefits, because they aren't that great.  I have ventured to other lines because I prefer their product.  What does keep me coming back is the fun ship atmosphere and the casual free dining options.  The bottom line for me is if Carnival delivers a value product regardless of the extras. So far, the value is disappearing.        

5 hours ago, ATG said:

We have a cruise booked out of Tampa next year and I have been researching. I have a few questions about the valet parking.

 

Do you need to reserve in advance?  Pay in advance?

 

Was it quick and convenient when you got off?

I do believe you will have to reserve in advance.  We cruised out of Tampa in late April and when I looked at parking, valet was already sold out. We paid for regular parking for the trip instead.   

14 hours ago, cgags47 said:

Very interested in taking a sailing out of Tampa.  How have the older ships held up?  Still in good shape?

We were very happy with Grandeur's condition.  It was just 2 sailings post dry dock. Internet was great.  I have never cruised on an older ship before, so don't know if the others are in the same condition. 

We did a B2B on Grandeur late Apr and enjoyed it.  We especially liked the price tag.  We were in a GS.  Next fall there are 3 Vision class ships in Tampa.  They are Grandeur, Rhapsody, and Enchantment.  We will probably do a GS again.  We usually sail on the larger ships.  Any advice on which ships to go with or which ones to Avoid? Thanks!

Sad to hear this. Disappointing for those onboard for sure.

5 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

Yep, a leopard doesn't change its spots! It looks like a lot of those Diamond Plus benefits are also predicated based on a minimum number of points earned, which doesn't really translate to apples to apples.

We think the extra daily drink (5), free bag of laundry, and the BOGO specialty dining offer are the stars of the Diamond+ benefits.  The 340 point level is sometimes referred to as Diamond++ or Junior Pinnacle. People have wondered why Royal hasn't added this as another official level, but they haven't.  Sounds like those that have wondered why Carnival hasn't added a level between Platinum and Diamond or added a Diamond Plus level.    

3 hours ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

I'll have to look into this a little closer now. I thought it was just adding in Silversea (so I didn't pay attention to the email from them yesterday). I enjoyed "instant" Diamond status on Royal years ago (first or second cruise?) owing to our Elite status with Celebrity. Now that we're Elite+, I'll have to check and see what Diamond+ earns from Royal (over the plus-less Diamond)  🙂

 

Tom

Here is a list of benefits:

Crown and Anchor Member Benefits (royalcaribbean.com) 

This might also temp me to give Celebrity a try. I do wish Carnival would offer some reciprocal benefits with their other lines. I don't think it will happen, though. 

12 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

Royal and Celebrity have been matching for years.  What’s new is they added Silversea.  EM

They actually did a true status match along with adding Silversea.  Instead of everyone being capped at either Diamond or Elite, they are matching all tiers now.  For instance, as Diamond + on Royal, I will now be Elite + and Pinnacles will now be Zenith.  

Do I think that Carnival will status match with their other brands?  No.  That's not what Carnival is about. 

Carnival doesn't combine offers like Royal does.  On Royal, if my DH and I both have a free OV cabin, we will combine to get a free balcony cabin. On Carnival, you get the one person's best cabin offer only.  The extras (funplay, drinks, etc.) apply to each according to the terms of the offers.    

We booked the Star and upgraded to an Infinite Balcony. Can you lower the shade in increments or is it all or nothing? Thought it would be nice to partially lower the shade to block some sun, but still get some water view.  There really isn't much detailed info out there. thanks!  

37 minutes ago, KmomChicago said:

Next topic: Royal Caribbean as a cruise provider

 

I am going to get flamed for this, but honestly RCI and Carnival are so similar for me as to be borderline interchangeable. So I will tell you what, for me, each one does a little bit better than the other, and what I think is practically identical. 

 

What Carnival does better: 

1. Fun Ship vibe. 

2. Rock bottom price (usually). 

3. The most embarkation port options.  

4. Same deals booking direct or via a travel agency.

5. Uniqueness of Joe Farcus ships. 

6. Guy's Burger Joint, Blue Iguana, other included fast food options.

7. Ship on a Stick trivia prizes.

 

What Royal does better.

1. Cosmetic maintenance of the ships.

2. Slightly (noticeable but just barely) higher tier clientele.

3. The absolute, bar none, best new ships in the industry.

4. Live evening entertainment quality and variety.

5. More accurate and challenging trivia and similar game activities.

6. Better stateroom size and design on the newest ships.

7. Lower passenger count per ton of ship, theoretically less crowded.

 

What they both do about equally well.

1. Incredible international crew, staff, officers providing the same service.

2. Private island / private beach destinations.

3. Buffets and MDR.

4. Good variety of stuff to do onboard.

5. Standard selection of domestic itineraries.

6. Overall crowd control. I don't usually feel more crowded on Carnival despite the stats that suggest I should.

7. Mix of all-inclusive and upcharge pricing - in both cases once you pay for the cruise and gratuities, you never really need to spend another dime onboard, but there are plenty of very similar ways to do so if you want and the pricing models for all that jazz also look pretty similar to me.

 

I want to note here - I am not including comments on beverage packages.  I know the booze limit at Carnival is a factor for some cruisers. If I were a travel agent selling cruises, it is something I would possibly discuss with potential passengers for both lines.  However, it is not relevant to my own experience either way.

 

None of the items I note above is either a slam dunk or a deal killer for me so really I have no particular reason to prefer Carnival or Royal as cruise lines overall. 

 

I agree with your comparisons. I have settled into mainly Royal, with a dash of Carnival.  They each have positives.  Even though I am in my mid-sixties, I don't care for Princess (too stuffy and old fashioned) and I really doubt that Celebrity would be exciting enough for us.  Each has a good casino program, so that is where we are comfortable right now. 

8 hours ago, KmomChicago said:

At the rescue where I volunteer, I and other volunteers have tamed several former ferals. It’s amazing the first time they choose to push their forehead up into your hand for one of those scritches you’ve been pushing on them. 😻

 

My orange cat at home comes when I call him (meowing “coming mom” as he trots through the house). He’s surprisingly doglike except he sure doesn’t like the leash!

I've been surrounded by animals my entire life. I had horses before I got too old to safely ride.  I trained and showed dogs.  I've always had cats, too.  My most satisfying memories have been when a feral cat has finally decided to trust me.  

11 minutes ago, leafsnation said:

NCL Latitudes Rewards | Cruise Loyalty Program

8 minutes ago, shof515 said:

i like that NCL offers discounts based on your level. various % off of purchasing photos, shore excursions, spa,etc. its a small discount but it is something

Thanks for the input.  I still feel that my RCCL perks are better, especially when combined with the casino program, but to each their own. I may venture back to NCL one day.   

2 hours ago, leafsnation said:

HAL counts cruise days and an extra point for every $300 spent on board.

NCL counts a point a day. NCL move up fast and have the best perks of any cruiseline I have seen.

bob

Other cruise lines do extra points for suites or singles.  What perks does NCL offer that makes you think that they have the best perks.  

8 hours ago, island lady said:

I kind of like here in Titusville myself...thanks!  🙂 

If I were to move back to Florida, Titusville would probably be my first choice.  I grew up in South Florida and there are very few places left that have that "old Florida" charm.  We always eat a meal at Dixie Crossroads. It brings back so many memories of the way things were when I was growing up.  I absolutely LOVE the Wildlife Refuge and all things space.  We have started staying an extra hotel night before our Port Canaveral cruises and spend most of our free day in the Titusville area.  

@colesc15 I have an odd question, if you don't mind.  We have an OV cabin on deck 4 and my husband wants to know if the escalator is accessible from the cabin corridor?  It would be a great location if we could access the casino and escalator to deck 5 from that cabin location.  I doubt that is the case, but it would be nice to know ahead of time.

Thanks!   

5 hours ago, Mum2Mercury said:

That's certainly a valid opinion.  We've done it, and it's worked out well.  

 

But these days we've fallen into a different pattern, and we prefer it for the savings:  We drive, and we stop in Titusville, which is a 26 minute drive from the port.  We always stay at Days Inn (again, Titusville), which is nothing fancy but is clean, literally in view of the interstate and provides a very basic breakfast. I just checked prices for our next cruise, and we're paying $74 for that single night.  I compared the same night at Hampton Inn near the port; they're $229.  Yes, a Hampton Inn is a nicer hotel and provides a better breakfast, but since we arrive late and leave early, we've been completely happy with the savings.  I mean, that'll pay for an excursion.  

 

The next morning our drive is less than 30 minutes.  We're always in the first boarding group, so we're up and out early (always so excited!) and we've never experienced traffic delays, but IF we ever do, we'll have hours to make that short drive.  

I totally agree about staying in Titusville!  I consider that close to the port.  I have stayed in the Orlando area or Jacksonville area before.  It does make our drive shorter than going all the way down.  However, all you need is an accident on 528 (Orlando) or I-95 (Jacksonville) to ruin your day.  We are Hilton Diamond members and have enough points to pay for Canaveral hotels, but I wouldn't hesitate to stay in Titusville.  It's actually a hidden gem.  Shhhh...don't tell anyone. 😉  

7 hours ago, la_croisiere_s'amuse said:

@cruisegirl1, @RoperDK, I hope you enjoyed your cruises. 🙂 Any thoughts to share with us on the ship's condition after dry dock?

 

 

We enjoyed our B2B cruises very much.  We usually cruise on the larger ships and we were pleasantly surprised with Grandeur.  I thought the common areas looked quite nice.  I didn't notice anything in disrepair.  We were in a Grand Suite and the cabin condition inside was great.  Carpet and fabric coverings looked brand new.  Bed was very comfy.  Even though the cabinetry and bath fixtures were older, they looked and worked just fine.  Balcony furniture was a little beat up.  Our AC stopped working at some point, but it was fixed quickly.  I did hear that people in lower deck cabins didn't feel they were in as good a shape as ours. 

The internet worked very well.  There was good connectivity in all areas.  The crew were amazing.  I guess that is a big plus on the smaller ships.  We really enjoyed the Centrum entertainment.  We didn't go to any of the theater shows.  We felt that the food was good.  Food was great in the specialty restaurants, very good in the MDR, and the Windjammer was just fine.  I'm not sure that kids would have enough to do on this size ship.  We will definitely book Grandeur again!

Let me know if you have any other questions.   

I love staying close to the port overnight.  The drive from Orlando can back up if there is an accident with no exit to make an escape.  I like being stress free morning of embarkation.  

Enjoy your cruise! Can't wait to hear more.