EllaDuChien

I have sucessfully VPN'd into my office using our VPN client while on Carnival.  In addition, I can see the video feed from my office cameras with no issue (usually).  The caveat is that it is harder on sea days, when everyone is using the Wi-Fi.  I have not tried TeamViewer or VNC specifically.  We use the SonicWall VPN client.

On 1/20/2020 at 11:13 AM, HakunaMatada said:

do they still offer the mac n cheese with bacon? I don't see it on that menu

Just off the Panorama on Saturday.  They will do the mac & cheese with bacon.  Its on the kids menu but I ordered it and it is exactly the same as the old version.  

Also had the Steak & Eggs another time (can you tell I don't like breakfast food?? 😄)  The filet was fine, but I miss the Bearnaise sauce that used to come with it!  My mom had the 12 hour French Toast and was not impressed. 

On 1/14/2020 at 7:22 PM, Organized Chaos said:

 

I bought one last month and didn't have a problem. I haven't seen anymore talk about issues since they came back to AARP.

 

I used mine to pay on our balance. You've probably seen me say this in other threads, but I've seen a few users say they weren't allowed to use the e-cards onboard to fund their S&S. Guest Services told them Carnival no longer accepted the e-cards onboard the ships. I don't know if this was isolated incidences or actual policy. I've only seen those 2 or 3 mentions of it. I don't think I want to take the risk. Any e-cards we buy, we'll use online.

Just as a quick update to this...I just got off the Panorama on Saturday and I was able to use the e-card onboard.  I added it to my apple wallet, then just handed my phone to Guest Services.  No problem at all and the funds were available immediately. 

I usually prefer the hard cards, but this one was a gift while I was onboard so no hard card option available.  Thankfully it worked fine for me!

3 hours ago, JP82 said:

I would deffo consider a solo Yacht Club cruise. What have you booked? Ship/Cabin/Itinerary?

I am booked on the Divina for March 23 out of Miami, going to Nassau and Ocean Cay.  I am in a Yacht Club Balcony on 15.  Really looking forward to it!

19 hours ago, wrp96 said:

 

The ship was late leaving Cozumel but did leave that night to head back to New Orleans.  It was supposed to sail from New Orleans last night, but didn't sail until this morning.  They moved their Cozumel stop from Tuesday to Friday.  That is the only change in the itinerary.  The aft dining room was completely shut down last night while it was worked on, so everyone was directed to the mid-ship dining room or the buffet for dinner.  Hopes are they will be able to reopen the aft dining room during the cruise.

People on board have reported that only the first night dinner was affected.  All dining rooms will be open for the rest of the cruise.

14 hours ago, cruiser82 said:

Thank you for your post. I won't be on the Divina in the YC until March 2021 but like most Cruise Critic members I'm starting my research early. The YC seems great as it is so I'm excited for the changes after dry dock.

I am also sailing YC in March 2021.  Very excited to try this out.  It is my annual solo escape cruise so I am really looking forward to enjoying the YC level.

11 minutes ago, OC SeaPA said:

Does this have to be done before sailing? 

It does.  Otherwise they will make both over 21 adults buy the package.  However, once you board, you can get additional keys made for all the rooms and move everyone back to where you want them.  Small inconvenience to carry two keys around, but better than having to pay for a package for someone that can't drink.

4 minutes ago, cheermomof2girls said:

I saw online that it says to follow the dress code of the day, but do you have to wear closed toe shoes?  

None of my dressy shoes are closed toe.  Trying to figure out what to wear.  Thanks!

The most important thing is that they be non-slip.  Chef's Table includes a galley tour and sometimes the floors are slippery.  

6 hours ago, dave_k58 said:

 

That is happening to us- is there an extra charge for changing passengers from room to room so one person could get a drink package?

No, not as long as everyone from the original cabins is still sailing.  They only charge for name changes when one person is totally switched for a new person.

I am sailing the Radiance from Singapore to Brisbane in November for my first Asia sailing!!  I know our ships are totally different, but I would love to hear any tips on Singapore when you get back!  Are you flying over early at all?   

3 minutes ago, itchintocruise said:

Well this could get interesting...delay #2.

 

 

UGH!  Hope there's a decent bar near the gate!

34 minutes ago, fabby50 said:

Thanks Ella about the Havana area info - I can only hope.  Love Cuban music, so I've got my fingers crossed!  If you do get a chance, I'd love to hear what you observe on your cruise.

 

Itchin - Good to hear about the snacks, etc.  Sorry you are delayed - hopefully, anticipation will make it all the better. 

I am hoping to write a thorough (possibly live) review...We have reservations at all specialty restaurants as well as Chef's Table.  Its a casino premier sailing, my birthday midway through, and my first ever time sailing from the left!  

Wow...based on this, Sid your sailing will be one of the first! 

MIAMI, Dec. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Cruise Line has been informed by officials at the Meyer Turku shipyard that delivery of Mardi Gras will be delayed and is advising booked guests and travel advisors that the first revenue sailing of the ship will be Nov. 14, 2020.

With this new schedule, Carnival will now take delivery of the ship in late October and its first revenue sailing will depart from Port Canaveral on Nov. 14, 2020.  Consequently, the first eight sailings that were scheduled starting Aug. 31 have been cancelled, including European, transatlantic and New York-based itineraries and four Port Canaveral itineraries.

Carnival said that the guest notification process began promptly after the notice by Meyer Turku so that impacted guests could begin to make alternative vacation plans.  As a gesture of goodwill, Carnival is offering these guests a 25 percent future cruise credit (FCC), in addition to the full refund of their cruise fare (and applicable fees and taxes and other pre-purchased cruise components), as well as assistance with non-refundable airline and hotel reservations already booked. In addition, if guests rebook their cruise vacation using their 25 percent FCC by Feb. 18, 2020, they will be credited with an additional $100 per person onboard credit for that cruise.  Carnival has also communicated guidelines to travel advisors regarding commission protection. 

"We have been working closely with Meyer Turku executives to keep the Mardi Gras delivery on schedule, and while we deeply regret disappointing our guests, this change in the delivery date is required to make sure all of the ship's systems, features and technology will be fully operational, so that we can give our guests the vacation they expect. Our commitment is to deliver a great and innovative ship, and Mardi Gras will definitely be that when it arrives in North America," said Ben Clement, Carnival Cruise Line's senior vice president of newbuild.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carnival-cruise-line-revises-delivery-date-for-mardi-gras-300978128.html

16 hours ago, fabby50 said:

Hey Itchin!  I saw you were up for questions :)  I started thinking about booking the Panorama when I read about the Havana area.  My understanding is it would be a Cuban themed area with Cuban drinks, Cuban music at night and Cuban snacks/food available.  I'm wondering if they are doing that - I haven't read anyone say they are on reviews of other ships with a Havana area.  I did book a long time ago and was curious if they've abandoned the concept and it's just another bar area with a decorative theme, but not much else Cuban.

 

Thanks in advance and have a great cruise - we'll be on her Valentine's week.

Fabby - On the Sunshine, it was as you described...Awesome Cuban food set out, Cuban drinks on the menu.  Don't know about Cuban music because we were never there in the evenings but I thought the food was great and it was our go-to place for snacks! 

The Sunshine does not have the full Cuban area, but hopefully since they are still doing it there, the new Havana areas will be as well.

I sail the Panorama  on January 11 and looking forward to checking it out!

54 minutes ago, jimcara2003 said:

My cruise is on 12-29 and I am leaving to get to the port on 12-28.  I finally have enough points to get some gift cards from Allstate.  Does anyone know who long it will take for the gift cards to arrive?  If I order these today will they arrive before I leave?  It is cutting it close but don't want to lose out on the 10% savings since it will be going towards the drink package.  TIA

I ordered $1000 on 12/17 and received notice from UPS that they will be delivered tomorrow - 12/20.  YMMV with the holidays and whether or not you order enough to need a signature.

I have done both classes and while it probably varies by ship, we just told the Alchemy bartender on the first night that we wanted to do the martini class and she put us on the list.  But you could not just show up at class time, as it filled up before then.

SEASONSGREETINGS19 for 1000

Haven't tried any other combos.

9 hours ago, athlonnx said:

Here's the menu from the Carnival Panorama from 12/13/19.

 

According to the Panorama chef, this menu is going to other ships as well.

 

Thank you for this!  I am reserved for Chef's Table on the Panorama in January, happy to see a new menu!

1 hour ago, TexasRealtor said:

We sail on 12/20/2019 out of Ft Lauderdale (we are in Dallas TX). It is my wife and two sons. One son we have birth certificate, and wife and I have passports. Oldest son is at college and we cannot find his birth certificate. He was born in New York and is located at Austin Texas right now. His passport was issued prior to turning 16 and we cannot find it either. It expired over 4 years ago anyway. 

 

Does anyone know of a service or used a service to overnight a new copy of a birth certificate out of state from New York?

 

Carnival recommended vital chek, but I am not sure it will be here in time. 

 

Any information would be appreciated. 

I've used Vital Check before, you can pay to have it FedEx'd.  I had my son's in three days.

25 minutes ago, cmptrwiz said:

It looks like we may have bought too many Carnival Gift Cards $700.  I just paid the cruise off, gratuities, and travel insurance.  We have a on board credit for owning stock and we usually purchase excursions NOT from Carnival.  My question is has anybody put extra cards on your sail and sign account and then cashed out in the casino?  If that doesn’t work we might just have to take another cruise SOON.

Thanks, Wiz

Yep, I have.  Works just fine.  I usually spin once or twice in a slot machine (actually I spin a bunch more than that, but that's just me!).  I usually do it so I don't have to take cash with me for extra tips at the end.

2 hours ago, OC SeaPA said:

I originally asked the question, but have cancelled our reservation for the first night.  this is a family cruise, and I'd rather spend the $ on a few nice bottles of wine or the premium package, than the steakhouse with children that aren't good eaters, and a DH that is on a very limited diet.  i thought with the bottle savings we could do both, but i guess not. 

 

My comment- although alot have taken advantage of this "promo" in the past, is it likely the Steakhouse on the Panorama won't honor it?  It seems likely, so rather than spend $200 for a meal 1/2 won't enjoy....  Several others on our cruise have also cancelled their first night reservation, although they have done multiple bottles on past cruises. 

 

Come December, when the Panorama starts sailing, if anyone can answer this question I'd appreciate it.  Our cruise is Jan 4th. 

I'm afraid that I cannot answer you as we board on January 11, but I will say, for me, the Steakhouse is something that our family enjoys as a special dinner.  The wine promo is a bonus, not the reason for dining.  

I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the Panorama...since we board right after you!  🙂

2 hours ago, Elaine5715 said:

Use the back door americanexpress.com/wlcl 

Wow!!! Amazing! Thank you for this...It worked like a charm!

On 11/14/2019 at 11:56 AM, OC SeaPA said:

I just received confirmation for our Farenheit 555 1st night dinner rreservation- 4 adults & 2 children.  It had a note on the bottom of the reservation

P.S. We are having a promotion in the Steakhouse on Embarkation and the first Cruise Elegant nights of the cruise! Guests booking a reservation on either night will receive a complimentary bottle of house wine or 50% off any bottle from our wine list!

It sounded like only 1 bottle for 4 of us, so I asked.  here is the response- Our wine promo is per table , either  your selection is our house wine or you choose to purchase wine on our 50% off discount.  The purpose of our wine promo is for our guest who dine with us to enjoy a nice bottle of wine while having dinner and wine is to be consumed in the Steakhouse.

 

I have reread all the other threads, and this was not the case.  Is it only the new manager for the Panorama Steakhouse changing policy, or Carnival changing policy?  Doubt if I'll do the reservation now.  Anyone have any ideas- we love our wine, and the wine package selection didn't thrill me like the steakhouse selection.  

Just as an FYI - that is the exact same P.S. note that is on all three of my current Steakhouse reservations on three different ships, and on my past reservations as well.  However, we have not had a problem ordering a second or third bottle at the promotional price when we dine there.  We don't try to order multiples to take to the room, usually one extra for that they hold for our next dinner, where ever it is.

6 minutes ago, island lady said:

 

Not sure about upper tier heavy on your cruise...assuming others will chime in.  

 

As far as the DL on Radiance, it is identical to her three sisters (Serenade, Brilliance, Jewel).   Not sure what you meant by others?...other series of ships?...or Radiance series only?   

 

The DL on Radiance is on the VCL deck and is ahead and to the left of the elevator doors as you step off.  The CL is just to the right of the elevators.  The DL is not large by any means, and is common to open the connecting door to the VCL lounge on upper tier heavy cruises.  Though this is now in debate as to whether RCI will continue with the overflow areas.  

 

The CL is really more unique as it has the half circle bar (my favorite) and an outdoor area with tables and chairs.  

Not sure what I meant exactly either...I saw this on RCL's site and wondered what made the DL on Radiance different:

"For Diamond members sailing on Freedom and Oasis class ships as well as Radiance of the Seas, the Diamond lounge will continue to be open during regular hours with the Diamond lounge concierge at your service. If there are any changes to the time or location, the Loyalty Ambassador will announce these changes in the Welcome letter to be placed in your stateroom on the first day of the cruise."

1 minute ago, Biker19 said:

Maybe less likely, though the D and up numbers in the Aussie market is probably growing. The sailings before and after may also affect the numbers as sometimes the D and up crowd like to link B2Bs with repos.

Well, that's true, although there is no sailing before.  She arrives in Hong Kong in September and her next cruise is the Repo in November. As far as I know there haven't been any announcements as to what is happening over those six weeks but if anybody has any insight I would love to know! :-) 

I just did this November 1.  My daughter didn't want to miss Halloween so we flew to FLL from Charlotte nonstop on the 7:30am flight.  We landed at 9:25am, we only had carry-ons so no waiting for luggage.  Our Lyft picked us up at 9:54am and we were at the Terminal in Miami by 10:35.  

That being said!!!  I was stressed the whole time and it is something I will avoid doing if at all possible.  I can't even imagine trying to make it if my flight didn't get in until 2pm.