Tom-n-Cheryl

ahhh--- they've built a structure there (in the last 15 years or so)! Tom

Anyone else not receiving email notifications of new posts (threads you're subscribed to)? I just noticed this glitch an hour or two ago. Tom

Or, do as I've done several times... order room service, and use that tray as needed during the cruise. Just don't leave it out/about in the room, or it will go *poof* ! If Cheryl "sends me" on a breakfast buffet mission, it definitely comes in handy. Plus, it's interesting to see the looks one gets sporting around a tray (the "where do I get one of those?" expression). Tom

I'm checking daily (have been for months) - waiting to see if the Presidential Suite opens up on the Celebration to take advantage of the best perk Carnival has going (loyalty wise), and that's the 75th Milestone sailing. It's better than that which is offered on the 100th IMO (free ocean suite I think). As it stands now, we're in a corner excel suite, so we're still looking at $5,580 in OBC between the two of us for the Milestone AND $2,000 more OBC for the casino promo... that's just crazy !! 🙂 Tom

We enjoyed that excursion perhaps three times many years ago. I didn't know that Carnival was offering it again - after cancelling them all following a death there (boat propeller vs. snorkeler). Tom

Common to those willing to adjust for the circumstances. Seems many folks still either blindly use basic strategy (well, on Carnival at least!) or use their trusted "I feel lucky" approach. 😄 Tom

I'm doing much better getting the $50 cash (between the two of us) as opposed to getting the free BJ tournament entry. I can't recall, back when they were having tournaments, had the perk been diluted to a BOGO offer? It's been too long 🙂 Tom

Thanks. Tournament play is the only time that I'll deviate (far) from basic strategy ... occasionally splitting tens. I even doubled a 20 one time (I was at 3rd base, last hand, and I could not win without it), that didn't work out !!! Tom

I've never played in the tournament on Celebrity. It would appear that the price has increased. From $27.99 / per package $34.99 onboard (20% OFF )PRE-CRUISE SAVINGS What... do they start you off with $500 in "play" chips? On Carnival, the winner gets $500, everyone else gets nothing (well, the final table of players get a shirt, lol). I've won that perhaps 3 times. I typically take those chips straight to the $25 table, and see what that "free money" can turn into... often nothing ! Any special rules modifications? Tom

Agreed - similar to lessor hotel accommodations. I don't care for that type of "open" concept. When we remodeled our home I had to add doors going into the closet/bathroom area. Tom

I believe that it is, though we've never asked. Can I assume that dry cleaning is available as well? I just don't want to chance too much to their "regular" laundry, at least knowing how it's turned out on some other ships: white socks come back grey, things shrink (wait, perhaps that was us swelling, lol...) Tom

I've heard of this, but never witnessed it. I looked it up to see if it was an actual thing. Apparently so ! Green Flash Tom

Ours too - and I went there only once perhaps 20+ years ago. Tom

Why, oh why, didn't I have the balz to pick up 5,000 shares at $6 !!! (I know why, because of that voice in the back of my head telling me I might as well burn the cash!) Tom

😄 I opted for this on our last sailing and, in suites at least, I didn't notice a bit of difference in the service to the room. It was the easiest 12 points we've ever scored !! Looking forward to our extra 24 later this month! Tom

I'm bringing horseradish 🙂 Tom

(Quiet.... it's like chicken wings, they used to be super cheap, almost throw away parts. Now they're more than legs, drumsticks and, many times, chicken breasts!) Tom

You can purchase chips at the table with your card. It's either 3 or 5%. On Carnival, if you're on a casino booking (Ultra, Elite, etc,) I believe they waive the charge. Not sure about other casino bookings. I can't recall my experience on Royal, but I know on Celebrity if you're staying in an upper tier suite there's no charge. Tom

That's why I pick up those $200+ bottles during our first two nights in the Steakhouse (they're half price!!).

I was on one of the first sailings (Allure) after Royal introduced their Royal Genies. It was not even on par with the average Celebrity Butler. I wrote it up to being a new program, but they promoted it as if it was really something. The last straw was my order of buffalo wings - which I had requested pre-cruise. I touched upon it again after boarding and asked if we could get that on our second sea day (as I recall). It didn't show... finally, on the last day of the cruise, I was contacted in the morning and was informed that it would show up at noon. Well, noon came and passed - by a good hour. I called our "Genie" and learned that room service had delivered the wings to another suite (someone got a nice treat)! Yep, that was icing on the cake. The room, however was amazing, as were other aspects of the ship. We had a great time overall. Tom

You'd think that they could do better than that! Tom

I'm there with you - I wince at the price of CHEERS, and often go back/forth on it. I lucked out over the last couple of weeks and was able to book a new promo and upgrade another booking and will be getting CHEERS (Drinks on us Everywhere) included. I didn't hesitate on that !! Tom

In days gone by I'd take ziplocs of crushed oreo's and butterfinger's along with krackel/shell chocolate topping. Then I'd seek out the ice cream machine and have a decadent time! Tom

We've ordered a bottle at least 10-15 times on Carnival and on several other cruises (NCL, Celebrity) our cabin came with two bottles of liquor. Actually, for our upcoming B2B on the Reflection, we'll receive 4 liters of alcohol. That's waaaay more than we'll consume, given that the booking also includes a premium beverage package. But, yes, at nearly $100/bottle - I'm not picturing a lot of people willing to foot that bill, even though they'll probably end up paying more ordering at bars (again, if they don't have CHEERS). Tom

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