ladysail2

13 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

Several years ago when I was still working I drove over the Skyway Bridge going to and from work. I lost count how many times I saw cruise ships going under the bridge (or in the immediate vicinity of the bridge) leaving the Port of Tampa. No matter how many times I saw it, it was always an incredible view. 

Went over it many times while visiting my parents. We were always going somewhere, but never saw a ship.  That was before my cruising days….next week and the week after will be my 3rd & 4th round trip time under the bridge!  

1 hour ago, ZoeyVictoria said:

I have always wanted to be driving over the bridge while a ship was passing underneath, but there is no way to get the timing right to do that. 
 

One time, years ago, the Captain hit the horn and held it for an extended period of time while the ship was passing underneath. Never happened again, and I suspect that is not allowed. Imagine what it was like for the motorists driving above. 

I imagine the sound of the horn scared a few drivers!  
Even if you could be driving on the bridge as a ship passed under, you wouldn’t be able to stop for pictures…☺️

Thank you for the reminder of going under the bridge. I’ll be doing it twice return, once on Carnival and once on Royal.  Also, I’ve travelled on the bridge when my parents had a winter place in Ellenton. It’s a beautiful bridge. 

I just watched a few videos about the ‘aft extended view’ balconies and you’re right. No loungers. Disappointing to say the least. Oh well, at least I won’t be expecting one now. Thanks for the heads-up!

31 minutes ago, mz-s said:

 

The balconies aft balconies are a little deeper than the ones on the sides of the ship. So you have a little more room to maneuver.

As long as it fits me in a lounger with a cool drink on my hand…that’s all that counts! 😁

2 hours ago, mz-s said:

 

Unlike later classes, the balcony cabins are no larger than standard insides or ocean views. Originally the ship had no balconies, they were bolted on later. The balcony itself is a bit larger though.

 

There is plenty to do on Paradise to where you shouldn't get bored. But don't expect to find a "hidden gem" haha.

Wonder why they are called ‘extended’ view? But I think it will be nice to watch the wake and lay back and relax.  No ‘hidden gem’ expected, LOL.

Just now, mz-s said:

 

Paradise is the smallest ship in the fleet (along with her sister Elation), you can do everything on the ship in an afternoon.

Good thing the cruise is only 5 days, LOL.  Will be enjoying my extended balcony…hope it truly is extended and not just flowery words.

Anyone stay in one of the extended balconies on Deck 7 aft?  😊

I’ll be sailing on Paradise next month. She was my very first cruise back in 2002.  
I’ve booked an aft, extended balcony cabin and am looking forward to the relaxing views.

Any suggestions from you experienced folks as to what to see on the ship. Any favourite drinks or venues?

Thanks in advance. Happy Sails to you!

If my travel agent gives me some OBC, it’s refundable. Can I go to Guest Services and ask for it?  Thanks!

40 minutes ago, qat48 said:

Your welcome! That $38 might buy a fancy drink lol! 

Maybe even two drinks!!  💃

11 minutes ago, n6uqqq said:

I booked through a big box TA and cancelled a cruise but never got an email about any FCC after I cancelled an early saver rate.  I had to call the big box and then they helped me move the money left over to another cruise. 

That works if you’re going to book through a travel agent. But I’m not sure if I want to book any more cruises through 3rd parties.  That’s why I’d like all the information so I can choose.  

6 hours ago, qat48 said:

I just had to do this. You will receive an email - the letter will have the details of cancelled cruise and amount you paid for deposit. Save that as you will need it after you have booked another cruise. Then its just a matter of clicking on link in the letter and filling in the details. They processed ours within 24 hours. 

I had also made a couple of payments using Carnival gift cards and had to follow up. If you use gift cards they reissue e-giftcards so watch your email for those. My husbands email was attached to the cancelled booking and deleted that email. I had to email the info to a different department to get that reissued. Amazingly it was done within 24 hours! 

Thank you very much for that information…my travel agent never explained anything like that to me.  She told me that the FCC will be attached to the cancelled booking..well, I’ve booked lots of cruises by myself and never saw anything about trying to pair a cancelled booking to a new booking.  So, I will certainly be watching my email. I also will receive an e-gift card for…wait for it….$38.  Oh well, it all helps.   Thank you again!  😊

On 8/10/2023 at 10:09 AM, Schoifmom said:

You don't get a certificate.  It just sits on your account.  You have 12 months to book, 24 months to sail.

Does one receive a certificate number? If I was to book a cruise myself on-line, how would I use an FCC?   Thanks! 😊

4 hours ago, TiredTrucker said:

I think I remember reading in some fine print on cancellations that the future cruise you want to apply the credit on needs to be booked within the 12 month window, but the actual sail date can be later.  Worth asking Carnival for clarification.

I’ll wait for the FCC certificate, I’m sure it will spell out the official rules.  
Thanks!  😊

It was a mistake. I heard from my agent today and I’m only being charged one $50 cancellation fee. The balance of the deposit will become an FCC.

On my invoice, it states that the FCC has to be used within 24 months of cancellation…yet, the agent told me I only have 12 months from the date of cancellation….oh well, a battle for another day, LOL.  More than likely, I’ll book well before the 12 month deadline anyway.

Thanks for taking the time to respond!  Have a good day! 😊

21 minutes ago, shof515 said:

its due to a early saver booking. early saver has a 50 dollar per person fee. most likely you are being charged double as that is the standard since everything is based on double occupancy

So who’s the second person??  On a solo booking?  I’ve had to cancel before and was only charged $50.  I’ll see what happens. Thanks!

I need to cancel a cruise. It is a solo booking, just me on the cruise.  But, I’ve been told that Carnival charges $50pp cancellation fee…so why am I being charged $100?  I have asked for a review of that cancellation fee. Do you think it’s just an error on the part of the agent?

Thanks..😊

On 8/1/2023 at 6:45 PM, colesc15 said:

Sure wish I had an ugly, hodgepodge quilt. Some people have all the luck. 

There’s always one! Really smells like jealousy to me.  
 

It’s a beautiful quilt meant to be cherished.

13 hours ago, Biker19 said:

Same price on board but even then, don't buy it until you ask the barista how many punches for your drink - the math for some drinks doesn't make sense with the card.

Very good point. I would ask first. The card description says 15 drinks, but it’s really 15 shots of expresso. If you buy the largest size coffee with the two shots of expresso, they will ( or might) punch two  circles, not just one.  Price it out and see what differences it might be.

3 hours ago, S.A.M.J.R. said:

How about you do this... don't pay when your final payment is due.  Say you never got the email.  Go to board, and when they say your cruise was cancelled for lack of payment, tell them you're going to pay them 90 days after the cruise is over.  When they say you can't do that, let them know you fall under the British consumer protection. Let us know how it works out for you.

 

I’d love to know how that works out too. Test the waters, so to speak. 

4 hours ago, S.A.M.J.R. said:

If only wishing made it so.  The problem is, it really doesn't matter what you want.  You agreed to PIF 90 days ahead of time.  Check your contract.  Pretty sure it doesn't say anything about "we'll definitely email you."  

 

It really doesn't matter how Royal pays their vendors.  That's up to the agreement between the two companies.  The agreement between you and Royal says you'll pay 90 days ahead of time. 

 

FWIW, if you didn't know, your utilities at your house will cut you off for non-payment, whether you received an invoice from them or not.  

My Hero! 

5 hours ago, simon.hed said:

I have no real desire to wade into this, but I did receive this 100 or so days out. I am in the '3 different reminders' group on this and had them set closer to final payment date.

 

Glad the OP got it worked out.

 

I can say honestly that I’ve never received a reminder for FP. I wonder how Royal decides who gets them?  Guess I’m not one of the lucky ones, LOL.

6 hours ago, tomahawk246 said:

Lots of things going on, my sister died couple weeks ago. I just bought a new summer home and doing a lot of work on that. I was also planning a 90th birthday party for my aunt. I never received a reminder from Royal Caribbean for my September cruise. I also have a Cruise scheduled for October and I received a reminder for the final payment on my October cruise yesterday. Which ended up being a reminder that I missed the final payment on my September cruise. I guess ***** happens and life goes on. I am happy with the end results.

I’m sorry for the loss of your sister, it’s never easy. Life can get very hectic and one has to prioritize and sometimes due dates get forgotten.  I’m also happy that plans are now back on track. Enjoy your cruise.

3 hours ago, BecciBoo said:

This.   She was mostly ticked because she lost that balcony...whether at her own ineptitude or what.  I kept asking her, you never look at your invoice???  We have cruised with them since 2007!  She insisted that's what she has always done.  I am just ACD about almost everything, I look at my invoice multiple times during the year or so before the cruise.   We book early, pay early, plan early and pack early! LOL  I don't even recall if I ever received a reminder, but I know and retain that payment due date like it was a Birthday.

My final payment is highlighted in pink. Since I never can remember the exact amount of my cruise, I refer to my invoice when looking for a lower price….and there it is…the pink highlighted date. Also, it’s on my electronic calendar that I use for doctor, dentist, manicure , etc appointments.  I’m happy your friend resolved her difficulty….it’s not the worst thing that could have happened…and maybe she’ll learn to remind herself about FP, just in case Royal doesn’t. 

2 hours ago, Merion_Mom said:

 

her own friend (who posted this) interpreted it this way.

….and?