Diggerof4

Bumping my question. I read on another board that effective 8/1 they are going to have new point system. If this is true, wasn't sure if the points already accumulated will transfer to new system. Does anyone know this to be a fact?  Can't find anything on their web site. 

Just bought 3 cards myself.  I know it's only 10% off, but that is 30 I save.  Now, I didn't realize how many points I had, really wasn't in to it. I have question. The points I do have, will that carry over to the version of AARP starting 8/1/2019? Or do I have to start over?  Thanks, having a hard finding what they are going to offer after 8/1

2 hours ago, vwgolf said:

The subject of what to wear for our Alaska cruise next month is doing my head in! As we are flying from the UK we are limited in our luggage - 23kg each - and so need to be smart on what we pack. Layers is definitely the way to go and a selection of t shirts, sweaters, long trousers and a good raincoat will hopefully suffice for daytime wear, along with a few shirts for evening. It's footwear that stumps me. My trusty leather hiking boots would be ideal if it's wet but a total pain if it's sunny. And they will take up a good slice of our luggage allowance. I didn't have this problem when I went to the Caribbean!

This might help.  Wear your boots on the plane. What we may do is mail coats, hat scarfs, possible boots to the first night hotel. Take limited clothes and possibly wash them. Mail heavy stuff. See what the price different would be to either pay for an extra bag vs mailing.  OR just wait until you get here in the US to buy some of the heavy stuff.  Just some suggestions. But, you still have figure how to get them back.  LOL  I had one friend, that bought her stuff at a second hand shop and then after the cruise, re-donated them so she wouldn't have to take them back. Coat, some sweats, shirts, one pair shoes. She packed a duffel bag to put her big stuff in to get on the boat. When done, duffel went flat in suite case. 

16 hours ago, twodaywonder said:

That is correct. Enjoy the free drinks till you get out to sea. I remember the very first time. I had the soda package and was given a 15 cent slip to sign. I looked at it twice and had to ask.

Okay, I am confused. DO you pay tax while in port ?  Or do you pay it when you go out to sea?  What am I missing here?

14 hours ago, coevan said:

Do you think restaurants should include tax, not understanding your logic. Carnival is charged a tax while docked in whatever state they are in. The state charges Carnival the appropriate tax and Carnival pays their tax bill. I find nothing cheap about legally paying sales tax. This really has nothing to do with Cheers, even though you prepaid it. There is no sales tax at sea.

 Awwwe, I do see your point. I think what was meant was, since the drink package initial cost and gratuities were already paid, why not the sales tax. However, after thinking about it, #1 you don't know how many drinks you will have while in port.  #2 The only thing Carnival could do is charge you the max (as in drinks before the 12 MM mile marker), whether you drank that much or not. As well as charge you at any port that has sales tax. SO actually, if you think about it, it is better off for the proprietor of the package to be charge as you go biases.   I know the amount is so very little, but this is a good conversation and it is our money, so matter if it is 6 cents or 6 dollars, we all had to earn it and it's nice to know how and where your money is going.  Great views on both sides!!  ☺️

Dahuffy... You betcha now, that is alot. 

3 hours ago, coevan said:

depending on Alaska tax laws. people are making such a big deal about this. On $20 in drinks at 8% it's $1.60. It's a state law and has nothing to do with Carnival

I don't mind paying tax. You would have to pay tax at any facility that sells drinks (ie: soda, water, alcohol..etc). I just wanted to be prepared what to pay for. I told DH about this forum, and I will leave out what he said about paying tax on prepaid drink package.🙂 😜 He also said 12 miles from shore, no tax area. I appreciate all the information whether it was Alaska or Caribbean.  GI theory...Knowing is Half the Battle !   Or Bazinga !!  

I am assuming Seattle Departure to Alaska, would require taxes while in port in Seattle.  How far does the ship need to go out before the tax is waved?  AND ~ would taxes would need to be paid while in the multiple ports of  Alaska ?

Following! A lot of good info. Thank you everyone.  We are arrive a week early. Doing some hiking in CA, OR and WA, then hitting Seattle about 3 days before to do all the touristy stuff. Have the Market planned first thing in the morning then off to other tourist items.  So, we are renting a car, but planned to return it on Monday or Tues (depending if the hotel charges us for parking, in which I read some do) at the airport. We originally planned a Uber or Lyft from the airport to the pier. Does anyone know how much that cost would be (Uber/Lyft), compared to the Towncar?  Plan two: Drop car off Monday, Uber back to Hotel, If we like the driver-tell him in advance and then call to pick us up from Hotel to Pier.  Thank you in advance for any ideas or suggestions. We have plenty of time to plan. 

I am a newbie at cruising. So to my disclaimer, we have not been on any other ship beside Carnival, so my evaluation is only to my "foodie" side. First, our family prefers hole in the wall restaurants over 5 star. NOT that we don't enjoy 5 stars, we just like the simplicity of the HITW restaurants.

Last cruise, went to MDR for our meals and we were not happy with about 80% of the food. My kids at almost every meal said, Mom I like yours better. I kept encouraging them that are different flavors in the world, but actually who could argue with that statement. My son ordered a steak, it came so salty (and I love salt) that you can barely eat it.It tasted almost like the ocean. Didn't want to order another one, as it took an hour just for that one to come out. The presentation was very nice, the flavor - horrible! DH said next time - buffet. #2 Our good friends who have been cruising for 20 something years with Carnival. I think it is funny how we can talk about the same food and we were on different ships to different locations. Thank you for this forum, it is good to see other people share the same thoughts and concerns. Maybe quality went down because food is costing more and they are trying to keep the fares low, have to cut back somewhere.

I live in Juneau. I can’t speak to the cabin locations, but I will say that May and June are early summer. July and August are best. September is rainy. So is May. Don’t listen to anyone who cruised this summer about weather. Hahaha. It has been a record heat summer and has been amazing. NOT typical. Get good rain gear and bring your sense of adventure!

Depending on which month is the best for whale watching, you may have just changed my mind. Cold doesn't bother me (Yep, I am singing...;p ) I live in Minnesota, About weather, no kidding! There has been a couple of days I wore sweat pants in JULY!! 2 days later I am begging my DH for my own personal AC next to my bed. Any other advice on wild life you can give to us would be spectacular. You know, all the "w" questions. When, where, who.... :)

Book as soon as bookings open! I have also heard September.

can't wait till you post. Is this for next year or 2020?

SOME EXCELLENT ADVICE! Thank you all from pricing,location on the ship (room and site seeing), sharing celebrations, and when to go. Thank you again!!

Future plans, Carnival Spirit, Alaska 2020. Would like to splurge on a Aft cabin or something similar. 1). Any suggestions on how to be the lucky one to score an Aft Cabin? 2). If not Aft, what would be the next one on your list (1,2,3rd..etc).

3) It is rumored (read on CC and FB) that the Alaska itinerary will be out in Sept. Anyone else heard the same thing?

4) We are planning to sail in June (heard that was the best month), hope that is true. Aug would be cheaper-but colder.

Thank you in advance for any advice you can give me. Happy Cruising !

I am going to try this. There are 3 cruises that we didn't know could get credit for (maybe?) Took cruises 1st: 1987 and then 1994 and 1997. Remembered the date and ship name. Being young didn't think it would matter to get credit for those. Now, Our first cruise sold for scrap. So, I am not going to be surprised if I don't get credit. Next question, does hubby need to sign up for his own VIFP #? As well, as our kids?

I know that you are not going on Carnival, but their schedule will be released in Sept (rumored) Just to give you some perspective on dates. I check everyday and also have a TA looking as well. There is a cabin we would like to have and our kids next to us. Also call them directly, maybe they can help as well. Doesn't hurt to ask. Like I tell my kids, "The answer will be no, until you ask. Once asked, then you are sure. Make your plan and move on". Good Luck, I really hope you get your cabin.

This might have been asked before, but what ships will be going to Alaska in 2020? I have read and heard several didn't ships. IE: Legend, Spirit, Magic. Still doing research, just thought I would put this question out there for more of the experienced cruisers.

I know this is an old post, but has this been updated? If a person in your cabin can not drink and has a letter from the MD, can only one package be purchased for that cabin?

I CAN'T thank you all enough for all the advice. I am new to cruising and trying to get what this and that means with the terminology is a challenge. Reg: get a new CS rep: Exactly, I know from working in customer service some reps ore more knowledgeable than others. I fell like given them a survey before continuing the call ..LOL. Some of our group have been cruise quite a while and some have just started. In that case, the group rate should equal or better what they would get on their own. Is there a board or website that has the meaning of titles, example - What is a Casino Promotion or rate, What is the Ultra Cruise, what are conductor points,etc.... Again, I want to thank you for answering my questions, You are very kind.

I just got off the phone with Carnival and asked for a group discount for 16-18 people for 8 to 9 cabin. well, they said they do not do discounts and they can do an Early Saver and each room would get about 4 points each for champagne or choc covered strawberries. First customer service advsd that I would get a discount and then when I talked to booking agent for groups, she said no. Every time I call, CS would tell me, I guess, what we would like to hear and then when you talk to the correct person it is not true. Any suggestions ?

Mexicobob, do you remember whar your room number was? Thanks.

Here is tip and you may want to call them (Carnival) to make sure, but I just talked to Carnival on 6/3/18 and was told by "Stacy" that you can purchase your drink package to the days you want. You do not have to purchase for the entire stay on the ship. I had grilled her over and over with questions like Are you sure? Can I do this after I get on board? Etc..So, my understanding was, you can purchase 3,4,5 days which can be interchangeable at anytime. I am still trying to find out more information. You know that saying if it sound to good to be true......It probably is! I just wanted to let you know so you can start to research yourself, if you would like. Good Luck and have fun!

You have ruled out Carnival....but we were on The Carnival Legend last year in an aft suite and highly recommend the cabin. 5 rooms, double marble sinks in the bathroom, a wrap around balcony that would accommodate half the passengers on the ship. etc. etc.

I know you have posted this some time ago, I am hoping you can answer my questions.

1. What was your room number ?

2. Do you mind me asking how much for the cabin?

There reason for asking would be would two rooms be cheaper than this room.

3. Sound like this would be big enough for 4 people.

Thank you in advance for answering my questions.

Try Insurmytrip.com. They have several policies with different companies. I had to purchase two policies because our son lives in a different state. I was also told, that you had to have your time approved, and then if it was cancelled, you would be able to get a refund. If you are getting the insurance BEFORE you have it approved, it may not be covered. This is what was advised to me. Hope this helps. I used the chat form and made phone calls.

Does the support group meet on the Lido Deck or the Atrium ? LOL