PortSideCruzan

5 hours ago, ObstructedView2 said:

 

 

 

 

WOW, you located the date as to when the printed Funtimes made their comeback. I'm glad the Cruise Critic member posted about John Healds FB announcement back in February! Great find!

 

🌴

On 10/13/2023 at 12:40 PM, 1stresponder2086 said:

On Dec 9, I’ll be sailing on the Panorama.  For me, it. Is only a 50 minute flight.  Any tips for this ship?  Thank you

 

Here's a Video Tour that will show you EVERY 'Observation Deck' on board Carnival Panorama. Some cruisers refer to them as 'Secret Decks', but they are really called 'Observation Decks'.

 

Happy sailing!

 

 

 

Just now, Pellaz said:

If so, that must be a new thing.  I've never seen a paid-service tram at HMC.   

 

I have, for many, many years. Love Half Moon Cay. The Trams that charge a fee say Calypso on them. I forget what the free trams say on them, but as the member said above, those trams just go back & forth from the Food Pavillion picnic area to the Welcome Center.

 

 

6 hours ago, ObstructedView2 said:

I wish it were simply limited to just balcony doors. Slamming cabin doors, bathroom doors, cabinets, drawers, loud voices, thin walls & so on... I've lived in an apartment for many decades (I get it). Many people do not understand. They're unaware or oblivious.

 

⬇️Here's some interesting reading below⬇️

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

🍹

 

57 minutes ago, ObstructedView2 said:

Please take a peek at (Reply #6 in This Thread) & the links that I provided. In fact, you can find a lot of door slamming threads on every cruise line message board right here on Cruise Critic, going back years & years. Many people think this is an issue. 

 

Wow, that is so true in regards to your example of apartment living. Being surrounded by neighbors & the various noises, certainly can make you aware. I agree, it's not just balcony doors. People do indeed slam or bang many things that you listed. Drawers, cabinet doors, stateroom doors, bathroom doors, loud talking, THIN WALLS. Aware or unaware, it does occur. I've noticed it since I began cruising in the 1980's.

 

Also, yes you're 101% correct about door slamming posts on every cruise line board here on Cruise Critic. I typed into Google:

 

Cruise Critic (Princess) Door Slamming 

Cruise Critic (Royal Caribbean) Door Slamming 

Cruise Critic (Carnival) Door Slamming 

Cruise Critic (Celebrity) Door Slamming 

Cruise Critic (MSC) Door Slamming 

Cruise Critic (Norwegian) Door Slamming 

 

Then I stopped. I found multiple posts going back years. As you stated, people are either innocently unaware, or aware & oblivious.  Its clearly not a single cruise line issue, its a cruising issue. 

 

🌴

 

22 hours ago, MeganGC1983 said:

 

 

 

30 minutes ago, ObstructedView2 said:

Hi @MeganGC1983🙂

 

I just wanted to pass along a tip regarding the ottoman in your cabin. Most people simply lift the lid & look at the storage inside. Lift the ottoman lid and flip it over. It turns into a table.

 

Enjoy your sailing! Terrific review!

 

🍹

 

 

Great tip @ObstructedView2

Thank you

 

 

 

 

🌴

On 7/22/2023 at 1:26 PM, MistyRo76 said:

Our next cruise will include our daughter, who will be 9 at the time of sailing. I was thinking this would be a fun thing for us to do together!

 

It's a terrific thing to do together! Wonderful memories will be created.

 

Happy cruising, Enjoy your sailing!

 

 

🌴

18 hours ago, May1cruiser said:

So when is the last date to use OBC from cancelled cruises from pandemic?

 

 

This...

4 hours ago, ObstructedView2 said:

 

 

 

 

And this...

5 hours ago, dbrucern said:

March 31, 2022 was the deadline for booking cruises with OBC from the cancelled cruises.

 

 

17 hours ago, Eli_6 said:

If you have an Amex, you can get 25,000 points for spending $1k on Carnival until October 10th.  This is a good deal if you already have a cruise you need to pay off or excursions you need to buy, etc. 

 

@Eli_6

 

Amex Platinum here. Just checked my account. I have it. 

 

WOW! Very nice

 

🌴

2 hours ago, ObstructedView2 said:

Hi 🙂

 

When sailing any cruise ship, any cruise line, or staying at a Hotel, etc... It is wise to always request a (Plastic Liner) for an ice bucket. They are of course washed, however ice buckets are commonly used for MANY other things. (One Example) When one is ill/vomit and cannot make it to the bathroom in time. 

 

#SomethingToThinkAbout

#Germs

#ProperlyWashed

 

 

 

🍹

 

Thank you @ObstructedView2. I've been requesting ice bucket liners for decades. Very sound & serious advice that often gets forgotten. 

 

 

🌴

On 6/3/2023 at 11:09 PM, vwrestler171 said:

Should be Sunday and Friday.

 

40 minutes ago, ObstructedView2 said:

1st elegant evening Sunday June 25th

(First sea day is Sunday June 25th)

2nd elegant evening Friday June 30th

 

@mscruisedoc 

The two answers above are 100% correct for your June 24th sailing & itinerary.

 

Have a wonderful voyage!

 

🌴

Does Anybody Have Experience Cruising With A Service Dog?

 

On 5/10/2023 at 1:14 PM, Rick&Jeannie said:

Will be cruising soon with a granddaughter who has a service dog.  (I'm not going to get into the reason...let's just accept that for now, please.)  Supposedly she has contacted Carnival as well as the airline in question and everything is arranged.  I'm just curious as to whether anybody has ever been on a cruise with a service animal and were there any issues?

 

@Rick&Jeannie

 

Yes, my family & I have decades of experience. Our daughter was born disabled. We introduced her to the world of Labrador Retriever 'Guide Dogs' at a very young age.

 

She loves to travel and so far has sailed on Carnival, Royal & Princess. We took her on her very first cruise when she was 18, along with her Guide Dog. Soon we will be celebrating her 30th birthday on a cruise. 

 

For a host of many disability/handicapped reasons & guide dog size, we require to always book a handicapped accessible cabin for our daughter. 

 

I believe I can provide you with the input, insight, advice, tips & understanding, in which you are seeking, that will go beyond documentation, certificates & vaccines; and will focus on the cruise experience itself. 

 

Please feel free to share my reply with your granddaughter.

 

You stated that your granddaughter already contacted Carnival & the airlines. I'm sure between herself & her veteneraian that all documentation information has been thoroughly discussed & obtained. So I won't get into any of that. 

 

But have her research the ports you'll be visiting for the current rules & regulations to disembark (if possible) and wanted. 

 

I'd like to begin with what should be considered the 1st thing your granddaughter must do once on-board the ship, other than the muster drill. There are 2 main things that need to be done right away. It does not matter which one she does first, as both are equally important & essential. 

 

They are: (you can be/go with her)

1) To check in with Guest Services & provide them with any information they might request. And for Guest Services or a dedicated officer within Guest Services, to provide your granddaughter with ship information, rules & their way of doing things on that specific ship. (Ask questions)

 

2) 'Relief Box' - To check in with her Stateroom Steward. The steward will immediately take your granddaughter to the area where the Guide/Service Dog 'Relief Box' is located. The steward will also provide her with all information needed. (Ask questions)

 

For example:

Ask if there are any other Guide/Service Dogs on the ship. If so, how many, and how many will be (sharing) the 'Relief Box' on that particular deck.

 

Most 'Relief Boxes' will not & cannot be moved, depending on the ship, cruise line or crew. But the question can certainly be asked if a 'Relief Box' can be placed at a closer location on the outside deck concerning less walking, if needed. 

 

Your granddaughter will also be provided information & location of the (inside) 'Relief Box' during high winds or bad weather conditions. (Ask questions)

 

Only the Relief Box can be used. Any other areas on the ship cannot be used. You'll be subjected to a cleaning fee. 

 

Other than your granddaughter's Guide/Service Dog, her stateroom steward will be the (most important) during the voyage. Her steward & actually other stewards on the same deck will be extremely helpful & will provide any assistance when needed or when requested. 

 

Ok, now that those 2 extremely essential tasks (Guest Services & Cabin Steward) are out of the way. (Other than muster drill) I can continue...

 

My comments are not in any particular order.

 

Since this thread is located on the Carnival message boards, I'll keep my comments Carnival related. However most cruise lines are similar, with minor differences.

 

Carnival does not provide water or food bowls. Very important is to be sure your granddaughter brings the water/food dish her Guide/Service Dog is familiar with & accustomed to. 

 

Pack all food, water/food dish, documents, license, etc.. in a carry-on. Do not check that luggage. Carry on all Guide/Service Dog essentials.

 

Bring a few days of extra food. Just as a passenger would do with their medications, bring extra in case of a delay or emergency. Bringing extra food is vital & extremely warranted. 

 

Zip lock bags or containers are very helpful. Food/ Treats, etc..

 

Carnival does not provide bedding for the dog as well. Pack any necessary bedding the animal may require. This can be placed in your checked luggage if needed. However you can certainly carry that on with no issue.

 

Your granddaughters dog must be on a leash or harness at all times. And can only be removed when in the cabin. 

 

Elevators:

Personally, the most difficult situation my daughter & her guide dog find themselves in are ELEVATORS. To put it simply; many, many, many, many, many, passengers don't think to allow people to exit an elevator before they enter. People rush & shove themselves inside quickly, never noticing someone was trying to exit.

 

This problem exists almost everywhere & cruise ships are indeed far worse. One doesn't have to be disabled to experience this situation. 

 

Elevators are something to most definitely take into consideration. And how to personally deal with them. I stand in front, hold out my arms, not allowing anyone to enter & I verbally say, "We need to exit before you get on".

 

Permitted to go:

Your daughter & her Guide/Service Dog will be permitted to go (almost) everywhere on the ship in which passengers can go. With the exception of (certain areas) of the (Pool Deck and the Spa area).

 

All (health/safety reasons) will be explained at Guest Services & by the Cabin Steward. (Ask questions) All ships, crew & captains, can & will vary slightly. 

 

in short, Guide/Service Dogs on most cruise lines are to be kept away from (certain areas) of a particular deck (not the entire deck) in which there is water; a pool or hot tub. And the Spa area is off limits. Other than that, your granddaughters dog will be permitted everywhere else. (Ask questions)

 

If you or other Cruise Critic members have seen service dogs in the past near water, a pool or hot tub, on a ship, I assure you, this is not permitted.

 

If anyone says, "I've seen service dogs by the pool", or "I brought my service dog to the pool area", that was them & their situation they encountered. It certainly doesn't make it permitted just because they saw it occur.

 

Passengers: (Things to think about)

Our daughters Guide Dog is 'Working' and wears a harness along with a vest that says (Working/Do Not Pet). Since all Guide/Service Dogs are tailored to fit individual needs, your granddaughter will decide for herself how to handle people & how much people/crowds her animal can tolerate, or has been trained for.

 

Most people will (ask) first if they can pet. However with literally thousands of people on board a cruise ship, there exists a chance that someone will decide to pet the dog without asking. Children are (innocently) the worst culprits. 

 

I don't know what type of working dog your granddaughter requires, but I do suggest a 'Do Not Pet' vest. This will make everything much easier to control.

 

When eating at ANY public venue, or attending a show on the ship, it's wise to sit out of the way of a high traffic area, away from an isle, away from a passenger or crew member that can accidentally bump into or step on the dog. 

 

For example: In the main theater of most cruise ships, there are wheelchair seating areas. I suggest using those areas.

 

The dog must never be placed on the lap of your granddaughter or anyone else. The dog must never be fed ANYTHING at any public venue. Even if its your own food. (Only Treats) and only if the situation calls for it.

 

Food is for the cabin only. 

 

You must always remember that the dog is in unfamiliar territory.  But of course, trained extremely well to deal with most situations that might occur. Always be alert concerning the welfare of the dog so that the animal is not ever placed in a precarious situation.  

 

Barking/Growling:

Most Guide/Service Dogs are EXTREMELY well trained in this aspect. However this is something to be aware of. Barking or growling is a big 'no-no' on a ship. If heard by a properly trained crew member, they will (visually or verbally) seek out the reason for the bark or growl they just heard.

 

Be aware of this during (downtime & playtime). 

 

Cabin:

As I mentioned above, we always obtain an accessible stateroom. For handicapped reasons & size of dog reasons. The dog cannot be left in the room unattended, at all, EVER. If a situation arises, a family member or person traveling with your granddaughter must be with the dog at all times in the cabin.

 

Downtime & playtime as your granddaughter is most likely aware, is extremely important for the dog. I suggest that ALL downtime & playtime be conducted in the cabin only. 

 

When the dog leaves the cabin, the dog is 'Working' so that your granddaughter can be on vacation. Even during downtime, or when sleeping, a Guide/Service Dog is technically still working. 

 

Noise / Crowds / Flashing Lights / Music:

If your granddaughters dog has been trained to deal with such things, then there's really nothing to concern yourself about. But crowds, music, loud noises, flashing lights are something that must be considered. Only your granddaughter can answer questions in that regard as to what the dog has been trained for.

 

Use The Crew: 

Crew members want to help. They want to accommodate & assist when needed or asked. Crew members all over the ship will be extremely helpful. Guest Services, Cabin Steward, Dining Staff at all food venues. Staff at all entertainment venues. Even staff walking around cleaning. Even security & other officers. All crew will be extremely helpful & will give assistance if needed or answer questions, if asked.

 

I apologize for such a long winded reply. I hope I was able to help.

 

Have a fantastic voyage!

 

 

 

 

🌴

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 minutes ago, cheermom2four said:

Thank you all who replied!. So glad we can each bring a bottle of wine AND 6 cans of soda 

 

 

12 cans of soda per person. 1 bottle of wine per person.

 

 

 

 

🌴

3 hours ago, ObstructedView2 said:

You're in a decent location in regards to what is below.

However, cabin 9326 is a 'connecting cabin'. There will be a door inside your stateroom that will connect to cabin 9322.

 

 

This is an extremely valid concern. Of course some passengers experience no issues & some have experienced terrible issues. It depends on your neighbors.

 

If you have loud, noisy neighbors, it'll certainly be noisy.

 

Loud, noisy neighbors will sound as if they are in the same cabin with you. 

 

Personally, we will NEVER book an adjoining/connecting cabin ever again. Once was enough.

 

We avoid them at all costs.

 

 

 

.

25 minutes ago, Jamman54 said:

My money is on pier 90, but it's really the same place. 😎

 

Hi Jeff @Jamman54🙂

 

My money is on 90 as well.

 

 

 

 

🌴

46 minutes ago, ObstructedView2 said:

It's not just a sailing that just so happens to be taking place during a Super Bowl; it's a 'Valentines' voyage as well.

 

💘 💕 💞 💝🍾 🥂💘 💕💞 💝

 

We love Valentine sailings! A terrific time of year to cruise! Kids are back to school, the Caribbean weather is perfect, love is in the air. Anniversaries & weddings.

 

We've spent many Valentine's Day anniversaries over the decades at sea. My wife & I will be married 38 years this Valentine's Day💕

 

🥂

Hi 🙂

 

Unless a very special itinerary (not ship) comes our way; we will only sail the last 2 weeks of January, all of February, and the first 3 weeks of May. 

 

 

 

🌴

1 hour ago, Jamman54 said:

Same thing happened to us with the Mardi Gras. Did they offer you any FCC? They gave us 25%. 😎

 

Hi @Jamman54🙂

 

My wife & I are still feeling the burning sting from the Mardi Gras.

 

Heavy sigh......😔

 

 

 

🌴

Hi @BarbieGee🍷

 

I have found the 'Drink Package Calulator' to be extremely helpful & accurate. Member opinions are very nice & may be somewhat helpful to a point, however everyone's drinking habits & reasoning for obtaining Cheers differ.

 

It's like food comparisons; very subjective. In the end, the only drinking habits & reasoning to obtain the Cheers package to take into consideration are yours & your traveling companion, unless you're solo.

 

(Question):

Have you put all of your information into the calculator yet? What were your results?

 

'Drink Package Calulator'

https://cruisespotlight.com/drink-package-calculator/

 

 

 

🌴

54 minutes ago, angela12345 said:

 

HOW did you find the other link from 2012 ??  When I searched on this board, only 9 threads were about showers 

 

 

Hi @angela12345🙂

 

I didn't search from Cruise Critic directly. I searched on Google.

 

At first I typed into Google:

Carnival Cruise Standard Shower Size

 

Then I typed into Google:

Cruise Critic: Carnival Cruise Standard Shower Size

 

After exhausting a regular search for links to pages, you then can click on images or videos within your Google search. Search possibilities & switching wording around, are endless.

 

🌴

Hi 🙂

 

Standard stateroom showers are (approximately) 30" x 30"

 

Some say approximately 3 feet x 3 feet

 

Some are square, some are not.

 

Also - Most standard size (bathrooms) on a cruise ship are 4 feet by 6 feet total.

 

Have you (Looked/Google Searched/YouTube) videos or photos of Standard Size Showers on Carnival Cruise ships?? Stateroom video tours? There are many. 

 

⬇️Here is a Cruise Critic post about the same topic⬇️

 

 

 

⬇️Another Cruise Critic post located @:⬇️

https://boards.cruisecritic.com.au/topic/2420435-shower-size/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

🚿🚿🚿🚿🚿🚿🚿

1 hour ago, mondello said:

Was that pre-Covid? I didn’t think they were doing the galley tour post-Covid. I think it would be neat to get a glimpse behind the scenes.

 

Hi @mondello🙂

 

It was pre-Covid. But wanted to give the OP as much typical info as possible. Especially the actual location for the Chef's Table meal. 

 

We never miss a Chef's Table on any cruise line, ship or sailing. Love, Love, Love the Chef's Table & the many differences between cruise lines. 

 

 

To the OP:  @Shamrock73

There is a chance Carnival may not have re-instated the galley tour as of yet. However your Chef's Table onboard Sunshine will still take place in the Library. You will still receive notice to confirm, discuss allergies & find out where everyone will meet. Usually in the Atrium for a champagne toast.

 

Enjoy & bon appetit!

 

 

 

🌴

Hi 🙂

 

On Carnival Sunshine the Chef's Table is located in the Library. Mezzanine Deck 4, midship.

 

You'll receive notice where to meet, confirm & discuss allergies (if any). In regards to Sunshine specifically; we met in the Atrium for a champagne toast. Then the galley tour. Then the Chef's Table dinner.

 

 

 

 

🌴

10 hours ago, dandeck said:

Hello!

Anyone know for certain if the TV's in the rooms have active HDMI port(s) or not?  Want to be able to watch movies from my own source. 

Thanks! 

 

2 hours ago, ObstructedView2 said:

 

 

Hi @dandeck🙂

 

HDMI ports on cruise ship televisions ARE NOT locked at all. It is simply the Input Button/Source Button on cruise ship Remote Controls that are deactivated.

 

Nothing is deactivated on the televisions themselves.

 

Thousands of passengers across many cruise lines have been doing this for years. Its not against ANY cruise line rules whatsoever. Hundreds & hundreds of families do this for their children aboard cruise ships. 

 

⬇️It doesn't get any easier than this⬇️

 

1) It's all about the remote control. Bring your own. Change the input.

 

2) Hdmi cable from your cd player or cd player on your laptop hooked up to the television. 

 

TIP --- In regards to Carnival, I've noticed a regular $8.99 Samsung Remote will change the Source/Input.

 

 

✌

 

 

^ 101% this comment above ^ from ObstructedView2

 

We've been using a universal remote control to change the input on stateroom televisions on Carnival, Royal & Princess for a very long time now because the input or source button is deactivated on the remote itself, not the television. I have yet to encounter a cabin tv with a locked or inactive hdmi port. 

 

Enjoy your in-cabin movies!

 

🍿🎬 💿 📽 📺 🎬 📽 💿🍿

19 minutes ago, TxTeach79 said:

 

 

The 1396 for Emeril's Bistro stands for the 'Yard Number' at the Meyer Turku Shipyard where the Mardi Gras was built.

 

You can see all ships & yard numbers for the shipyard at this link below. Scroll down until you see Mardi Gras in the list. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meyer_Turku

 

 

🌴

Hi @pirate4me2🙂

 

Be sure to try a 'Mocha Chocolate Getaway' on deck 6 mid-ship at the bar in the 3-deck high space of 'Grand Central', called 'Center Stage Bar'.

 

The ingredients are: Irish cream; Dark rum; Butterscotch Schnapps; Kahlua; Ice cream & Chocolate syrup. YUM!

 

(Special Note & Tip)

Center Stage Bar also features specialty cocktails inspired by the theme of that particular evenings entertainment🎶🎸

 

 

 

 

🍹🍷🥂🍾🍻🍹🍷🍸🍺🍾🍷🥂🍸🍹