Rottweiler Puppy

Thanks for writing! The one NCL cruise we have been on had such terrible food in the MDR and at the buffet that I said I'd never sail with them again! I am wondering if they have improved their offerings or if your taste buds and mine are just different? I suppose we'll never know unless I try NCL again one day. Will consider it.

I dont know about the OP but I normally HATE buffets of any type, especially Carnivals but the buffet on the Getaway was done pretty well.

Sorry I asked this question. I was just wondering. Some of you are just plain vicious while assuming things about me that are not true. Not all but some.

 

I have never requested the gratuities to be refunded, and never plan to even if there is something wrong. And I take a dim view of those who do. The folks on the ships work plenty hard and I always make sure I thank them not only with words but with cash as well.

 

As a matter of fact, I always give my room stewards a nice tip as well as the staff in the MDR. When I see a staff member doing a great job in the buffet area I will often approach them and give them $5.00 or $10.00 and say thanks for your good work and making things so nice for us.

 

I also tip the folks that are sweeping the floors, cleaning the railings and those who I see on the decks cleaning the pool areas. I always take along a lot of extra 10s and 5s to thank those who most would not tip.

 

Frankly I wish all would pass along a little more thanks and money to those who are not in direct contact with us like those doing the sweeping, cleaning, mopping and those making sure the pool area is nice for the next day at 2AM. Tip those people as I do.

Sorry some got mean, its normal around here but honestly, I don't think anyone was that mean but if you feel their comments were hurtful or off topic, report them.

As far as tipping the extra folks, I believe they are included in the daily tip pool as well. Still cool you give extra.

It actually is an interesting question. I've often wondered if carnival has to pay based on how many people are on the ship or how many people get off it. In other words, do they incur an expense when we get off but get to keep that money if we don't?

I am pretty sure the line pays the fees to the ports based on occupancy whether one gets off the ship or not.

The port fees and taxes are for you being in port. You are in port so you get charged.

I would guess it only covers the individual on the excursion.

.... ship's water is tasty (bring along a water bottle and fill er up).

.....

That depends on the ship from my experience. Sometimes it fine, sometimes it kind of gross.

I need your opinions regarding Carnival Breeze, especially after sailing exceptional ships like Oasis, Allure and Regal Princess.

My last CC was in 2009 and I thought no more carnival after that. Now the breeze has a beautiful itinerary, perfect dates, and seems to be the best of carnival. So, would you recommend it as a said, especially after all those cruises? Or would I be dissapointed? I am afraid of the ship feeling crowded, too many kids, etc. please no flaming, just your honest opinions .

I think if you compare prices at the times of sailings, set your expectations accordingly. If the price is within a few hundred, go Oasis/Allure or Regal.

If the price is much lies, say 40% or more then definitely consider it. I have sailed on Oasis and Ruby Princess and they were great cruises but I went on them when the prices were more competitive and off season. Were they worth 2x as much as the Breeze for the same cabin? IMHO, no.

I finally sailed the Breeze and it was great cruise as well. It did not feel crowded overall but there were some bottlenecks in some places. The service was excellent and considering I paid only $489 for my inside vs the $775 I paid for my inside on the Oasis, it was great. The ships are absolutely incomparable though so I won't even try. The only thing I can compare is service and food and both were equally as good, with Carnival getting the nod for slightly friendlier overall.

Looks can be deceiving. The difference in the quality of beef is very noticeable.

Did you take those two pictures? Do you have pics of them cut open?

I found the food in the Getaway MDRs to be fine. Same level as Princess, Carnival, and RCCL IMHO

Ok so just getting off my 9th cruise and here's the big question I generated on this one:

Does anyone really buy the Park West art?

 

They put out so many flyers on it and frankly it is the one thing on a cruise that I have absolute 0 interest in and can't fathom anyone being excited to buy the art on a cruise.

 

Anyone?

I have a coworker who almost cruises for them lol. He always buys the crappy art. Not the good stuff but the headache inducing bad acid trip flashback stuff.

Found a hidden cam from the baggage handlers at the port.

[YOUTUBE]

Wait, they charge $20 for that? lol

I guess I wil still give it a try but that isnt a very motivating picture. Where is Zydie/Sarge at these days anyhow?

I think its an awesome idea. Its a $20 steak at best anyway.

I plan on having a few on my Splendor cruise if they offer it.

Hi Everyone!

 

I just got on board the Carnival Liberty and found my luggage in front of the door. Except the wheel has been busted off somewhere between me handing it over to a porter and being delivered to my room. I went down to guest services and they told me to empty my luggage and take it to them so they can inspect it. Has this ever happened to anyone? In 10 cruises this has never happened to me! Just want to see what they do in this type of situation as it is no longer rollable.

 

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Happened to me on my last NCL cruise. My suitcase was an old piece of crap so I just laughed and was amazed it made it that long.

Cheap Wal Mart luggage for the win.

Do you tip nightly if you have anytime dining?

Your daily tips cover the Anytime staff the same as the Assigned dining staff.

When we get a server that we like in YTD we request them every night and they really seem to appreciate it. I end up tipping extra at the end of the cruise because each time they go above and beyond.

Seriously, the best dining servers I ever had were always on Carnivals YTD.

It simply isn't Carnival's policy to provide free refreshments at such events and doesn't play favorites. You can certainly pay for drinks and snacks, if desired. Carnival will provide space and usually some door prizes. As it is, I think Carnival sucks up to CC more than they should.

Really? Thier main mouthpiece sure doesn't like CC. Where do you get that Carnival sucks up to CC? I see the opposite.

Anyone else attend another cruise line's cruise critic meet & greet and have the same experience?

I went on one on theRuby Princess. It was small but nice and some officers came and answered questions.

I went on the NCL Getaway and Kevin Sheehan came to the meet. He retired shortly after that cruise.

Both seemed to like CC and were happy to give the time and space for it.

Does anyone know how far off the coast Carnival sails from Jax to the Bahamas? We sail Saturday on the Fascination, and I'm looking for the weather and wave heights. I'm having a heck of a time trying to google it!

 

Thanks!

 

Kim

I think it might depend on where the Gulf Stream is running. Running against it can be expensive in the long run, especially when you get further south where it runs around 5mph

If you have a northerly wind blowing against it, its going to be a bumpy ride.

I have only done two meet and greets. Princess and NCL and most folks never showed up.

I don't do Carnival ones but I am betting its the same.

I've never heard of Carnival offering free cabins over the phone. All of mine have either come in snail mail or under my cabin door onboard. Or you can see them on Carnival's website. Did the person say what department they are from or why you were given this offer?

I dont know about the OP bur PVP called my parents and offered them a free cruise on the Conquest. 100% free other than port fees, taxes and tips. No casino requirements. It was about a week before the sailing so they were probably trying to fill the ship at any costs.

I would be perfectly happy if they would all do away with their "loyalty" programs and use the money to improve the on board experience for everyone.

I would like that as well but its really not fair to others like who, like PLatinums and Diamonds earned them.

.

Its easier to see it your way when you have had all those cruises with the Gold benefits many are upset over losing. You will be Platinum now. Its much easier to see it your way when you have had the opportunity to experience the lame parties and such.

Have some empathy man. Some people simply wanted to experience what you have had for years. Just even once. You absolutely cannot blame them. You tasted something they will not but since you did, you expect them to not care.

This is coming from someone who said coupons would be fine but I certainly empathise with those who will never get to have what you and others had. You guys can go on an on about how sucky the parties were and so forth but fact is, you tasted what was taken away from others who were on the same path or journey as you. Some of you smack of "I got or had mine, too bad so sad for you" Its not intentional but it comes across as that in a way.

We are happy for you that you got to enjoy, or not enjoy the Gold benefits and that you are going to continue with those benefits. I really am. BUT. Its pretty unfair of you and others to look down on folks who just wanted to experience what you did, as lame as it may be in reality, thats all some wanted. To experience what you did and some did for years. Is it really so hard for some of you to empathise with them?

I notice its mostly you guys who have had the perk for years who are looking down on those who just wanted what you had at the same level. There are some who are not that level, like me and don't all that much personally care, but just because I don't care that much, is no reason for me to tell the others tough crap and condescend to them.

To me its a thread for you and others to feel superior. You had what they almost had, so its easier to see it your way.

I thought it was ok for people to complain about a cruise line's policies here. Is it ok for members to crap on the members that criticize a company policy? (not you King, but many others) Evidently, yes.

FOLKS... Yes, the VIFP program changed... can we move on and stop creating new threads about how angry everyone is that they are missing 3 free drinks????

It would be best to read the OPs post before your response. That is not what the OP started the thread for. It was created to find a resolution to their problem.

I will be taking my 9th Carnival cruise next month and am at the Gold Level. (I have those pins and past S&S cards to prove it) Joined VIFP as soon as it was available. My last cruise in June 2014 showed everything being there. Now when I look it shows me as a VIFP member with a number but it says I haven't taken any cruises and have no points. Has anyone else had this same problem and how did you resolve it?

I had that problem. I called a bunch, e-mailed a bunch, got nowhere. Many months later after I gave up and booked and sailed other lines while waiting, it finally got updated and then I booked the Breeze.

OP, FYI you get a greater response generally when you create a private poll where the member names are not revealed.

Its better this way. That ways you can see if the respondents are truthful or not. We already have one Plat admitting to skewing the poll.

Just checked, there are a few Plats voting for the Golds. Isn't gtalum Platinum as well?

While I am fine with the no party, I would have liked to at least experience it.

A coworker who I talked into going on the Getaway just got an e-mail saying the Illusionarium will be closed for repairs next week on their cruise.

Bummer. I hyped it up and they were really looking forward to it.

Hopefully they get it repaired during the cruise and they get to experience it.