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Jamocall

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Posts posted by Jamocall

    Whos Cruising and When ?

    in Australia & New Zealand Cruisers

    Posted

    Oh that's too bad Jamocall, now I'm on there all by myself :(

     

     

    Makawe, we have been touring the States now for ten and a half months. We return home to Australia on 6/3/17. We have spoiled ourselves with multiple cruises whilst here and still have an Eastern Caribbean cruise to look forward to in February. We are cancelling this cruise because it falls on the same day as our granddaughter's 17th birthday. We were absent for her 16th and we feel we should put this experience off to a later time. I'm sure you will enjoy the cruise. We love the spirit, in fact sailed on her in 2012 from Honolulu on her maiden voyage into Sydney. Enjoy your cruise, enjoy the ship, enjoy the total experience!!

     

     

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    Vista VAT on Services

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    There maybe a glimmer of hope for 1st and 11th October sailings with the withdrawal of the cheers program. Instead they will be offering the drinks individually at cheers prices[emoji3]

    Not sure how this will work or what the end price will be I'm hoping I can order 15 drinks for 49.95 + grats

    They did not mention about soft drinks though and I'm holding my breath until I get the email from them confirming this.

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

     

     

    His is what I received from my PVP in response to query as we did not receive email from Carnival:

     

    "What is the Value Added Tax (VAT)?

    The Value Added Tax, also known as VAT, is an indirect tax that applies on cruises sailing within the European Union (EU) only. All intra-European Union voyages will be subject to VAT on most shipboard purchases. We are required by law to charge VAT.

     

    Who is required to pay the VAT?

    All guests will be charged the appropriate VAT at the point of sale or when a taxable service is provided. However, guests who are Non-EU citizens (like U.S. citizens and other countries) can reclaim a portion of the VAT paid on purchases where a VAT has been assessed on approved VAT purchases.

     

    How much is the Value Added Tax (VAT)?

     

    9/23/16 sailing from Barcelona

     

    · A 10% VAT is charged on Bar & Food purchases. During the entire cruise.

    · VAT on CHEERS! /Bottomless Bubbles will be taxed on the package price.

    · A 21% VAT is charged on purchases at FunShops, Spa, Pixels (products, clothing, jewelry, etc.) during the entire cruise.

    10/01/16 sailing from Barcelona

     

    · A 10% VAT is charged on Bar & Food purchases. Once we reach Crete, the VAT increases to 24% for the remainder of the cruise.

    · A 21% VAT is charged on purchases at FunShops, Spa, Pixels, (products, clothing, jewelry, etc.) for the entire cruise.

    · CHEERS! /Bottomless Bubbles are not available on this voyage.

    10/11/16 sailing from Athens

     

    · A 24% VAT is charged on food and drinks at bars and restaurants, and on purchases at FunShops, Spa, Pixels, (products, clothing, jewelry, etc.) for the entire cruise.

    · CHEERS! /Bottomless Bubbles are not available on these voyages.

    10/21/16 Transatlantic sailing from Barcelona

     

    · A 10% VAT is charged on Bar & Food purchases while in Spanish waters.

    · VAT on CHEERS! /Bottomless Bubbles will only be charged during the 6 hours the ship is in Spanish waters.

    · No tax on Gift Shop, Spa, Photo "

     

     

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    I just got lucky...on the Carnival website

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    In April 2016, I booked an Aft balcony on Vista for the January 28, 2017 sailing. Of course, like most other people, I wanted a Hanava Cabana, but alas, none were available.

     

    The lovely wife and I have been on 15 cruises, and I love to find out everything I can about the ship we are cruising on, so that once we board, I know exactly what to do, and where to go. Cruise Critic is invaluable in my quest. I copy and paste information to my Word document.

     

    We don't mind spending extra for the speciality dining, so I made reservations at the Chef's Table, Cucina del Capitano, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, and Ji Ji Asian Kitchen. My wife is 5'4", and get this...she doesn't like being in large crowds...but she loves to cruise! She feels 'crushed' fighting for food in the Lido, so we don't mind paying extra for a less stressful dinner in the speciality restaurants.

     

    So, here is what made my day. I signed in to the Carnival website to book shore excursions, and just for giggles, I decided to see how many rooms were still unsold for our cruise.

     

    Jumping Jehosaphat!...there was one Havana Cabana, 5231, available. My heart was pounding, which quite honestly is not the best thing for me, as I take Xarelto and other medication for my A-Fib heart condition. My cat like reflexes allowed me to find my cell phone, and call Carnival to upgrade my room. Imagine my disappointment when the charming young lady on the other end of the phone said, "I don't show Stateroom 5231 available." Luckily, she asked me "Are you on your computer?" I was, and that had placed a few minute hold on the room. I exited from the Carnival site, and let her do her magic. Long story short, upgrade was $550.00.

     

    To those wanting a Havana Cabana, keep looking, they might pop up!

     

    I don't plan on informing my wife of the upgrade, she will find out when we go to the room. I doubt she will notice at check-in, unless the counter person tells her. I was lucky enough on 5-31-2015 to purchase FTTF, so we can go straight to the room.

     

    Who knows, I might get lucky again!

     

     

    What a wonderful surprise for your wife. She's a lucky lady!! J

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

    Vista just did a whoopsie

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted · Edited by Jamocall

    Looks like there will be, or is, an opening for a new pilot in Messina. Have to wonder if the old guy might have been related to that infamous Captain of Costa fame. Nah.:rolleyes:

     

     

    Wish I had the training necessary, Ralph, would love to live in Sicily!! JaM x

     

     

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    Sail&Sign question please!!!

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    We have purchased cruise cash to use as our cash deposit for sail and sign card. We are travelling in Italy & Greece before boarding Vista in October and didn't want to carry US $$ that long with us. We don't like to use credit card as ours is non-US card so hold can be up to 30 days. If you don't use all cruise cash before end of cruise you can transfer it to casino account and cash it out that way.

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

    Vista just did a whoopsie

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    looks like carnival may never go back to that port. and now the port will try to block any big ships from coming back (like what usually happens when something similar happens)

     

     

    Word from passengers on board is that local pilot was in control. Fingers crossed that is the case and Vista can visit on final Med cruises.

     

     

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    Italy hit by 6.4 Earthquake

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    :eek: All I can say is WOW, I had no idea there was so much hostility out there.

     

     

     

    The post that said ...snip... "and had worrying family and friends asking after us as they didn't understand fully where it was."

     

     

     

    THAT post prompted me to explain that here, in the US, the media made it sound like ALL of Italy was affected. It was not an attack on anyone. I was not trying to instigate a back & forth banter insulting people.

     

     

     

    I am at a complete loss how insensitive some people really are. Hope you all have a blessed day and send prayers to all who need it....wherever they are.

     

     

    Understood you perfectly, Betty Boop, could not believe the responses.

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

    Italy hit by 6.4 Earthquake

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    Understood. But what I was trying to convey to you when you said your family & friends trying to reach you & not knowing the distance....HERE in the USA the media was making it sound like ALL of Italy was affected.

     

    That is why they were worried....because the USA media.

     

     

    I think, unfortunately, that the media worldwide has a lot to answer for in many more things than this earthquake. Cheers, J

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

    Italy hit by 6.4 Earthquake

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    That was the purpose of posting ... To relay it's closeish but will not affect anyone's plans in Rome.... Along with conveying condolences.

     

     

    Thanks, Les, that's what I was trying to say as well, that Rome had just felt "shocks", not the full force. Cheers, J

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

    Italy hit by 6.4 Earthquake

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted · Edited by Jamocall

    Sorry, I assumed you were on a ship now because this is a cruise website.

     

    I DO know & understand how far the quake was from Rome's coast. What I was trying to relay is why families are panicking....media here in the US is showing a HUGE area affected....including Rome.

     

     

    Yes, I'm keeping an eye on cruise critic because I will be cruising shortly. I wasn't having a go at anyone, I was just trying to portray that there was no need to worry about Rome as it was on very edge of where the earthquake was felt. It was just shocks there.

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

    Italy hit by 6.4 Earthquake

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    Just woke up to the terrible news of an Earthquake in Central Italy not far from Rome where the effects were felt and buildings shook. Reports have said that at least 6 have died near the epicentre but more are buried beneath

     

     

     

    http://Http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/37171953?

     

     

     

    Visits to Rome from Vista will be unaffected, but just posting to clarify and give condolences to those affected by this tragedy.

     

     

    It is 100ks from Rome. We are in Sicily atm and had worrying family and friends asking after us as they didn't understand fully where it was. Death toll now stands at 37. Too too sad for these beautiful people. J

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

    help with elegant night attire on vista

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted · Edited by Jamocall

    This is the mentality I don't like..... People wear tshirts and shorts because "that's what makes them happy."

     

     

     

    Wear a suit like a gentleman OR Wear a dress/suit like a lady.

     

     

    I don't think that's what the poster meant in this case. "what makes you happy" in a formal sense. Many cruisers would never wear a tux or ball gown, it would be a waste of money to buy one. However....what makes them happy in a formal sense, I would think, is what they would wear to a formal gathering. I may be wrong but I think a suit or even smart trousers and shirt with or without a tie, in these days, should pass for formal for a man and smart dress, whether long or short, or smart trousers and should be fine for a lady. We have been touring the States from Australia by motorcycle for the last five and a half months, and we just arrived in Sicily yesterday for a couple of weeks before moving on to Matera, then Greece, before last Med and TA. We are travelling light, no room for Tuxes or ball gowns. I think people need to be a bit more thoughtful to the different budgets that people have. After all, Carnival is one of the more affordable lines - before they make comments about why people are wearing what they are.

     

     

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