ober134

Just wondering what is considered "cheap"? We have Celebration booked for 2nd week Jan 2023. Basic inside cabin and we paid $504 pp +fees/tax. Only $50 OBC for this one. My definition of "cheap" is the $90pp we paid this past April - yes it was on Elation, but it was cheap but we had a great time. I've been watching for price changes in Jan but nothing so far!

Just be aware there is a cut off time; usually 60-90 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. So if sail away is 4:00, and you arrive at 3:01 and the door is closed.... You won't be cruising. 

Is it a supply chain issue? Maybe staffing issue taking and fulfilling orders?

My experience with carnival shuttle is it takes longer. You have to wait until they unload all the luggage before you are allowed off; at least that's how it was in April. I would cancel shuttle  and either take taxi or ride share. if you can handle luggage, I would self assist. 12:26 is very doable.

We recently stayed at Yotel Boston. It was way smaller and more expensive. But it was clean and had no complaints. Will sail Horizon Nov 12. We sailed this ship a year ago at 50% capacity. Looking forward to your recent experience.

Not counting adult beverages.... A $10 bag. Lol not a shopper on land or at sea.

We saw a guy chogging 4 on Serenity. his butt was in one, each foot in others and the 4th chair held the belongings. His party arrived about 2 hours later; they stayed about 15 minutes before they all left. Turds

20 minutes ago, Jamman54 said:

I meant for the New England/Canada itinerary. 😎

Right... definitely will consider next time. We love visiting Boston. That's why we picked it so we could spend a couple days there

2 hours ago, Jamman54 said:

Thanks so much for reading!  Why not give Carnival a try? 

We are plat on Carnival...

Great review as usual. We did a similar itinerary Oct 2-9 on Voyage OTS sailing out Boston. Your pics are better, and it is interesting to see the different options at the ports. I would do it again but not on RC. 

For anyone that travels frequently, an annual policy may make sense. Recently retired with several trips planned (cruise and domestic land). The plan was fairly reasonable and comprehensive. I can't comment on customer service tho and hopefully will never have to file a claim. Fingers crossed.

We were also on this sailing. Chosen for the itinerary, which we really enjoyed each port. A week afterward, important to note that many passengers are reporting as Covid positive. Including my DH.

Thanks for the comments. Very helpful.... Specifically wanted to hear if anyone had any items damaged or recommend what to send or not send out. 

Newly Plat - finally. Next cruise is 8 days plus flying 2 days ahead. We try to pack carry on only when possible. I've seen random comments here about this comped service. Any tips or personal experience? TIA

On 9/23/2022 at 4:49 PM, Zaffaris said:

First time cruising Carnival.  We will be on the Horizion on November 11th.  What are our options for lunch on embarkation day?

Nov 12? Me too!

we depart on Sunday (Oct 2). Have had no contact from RCCL as of now. Hopefully we will hear in the next day or 2 on both testing and changes to Canadian itinerary. 

1 minute ago, Gypsywych said:

I'm sorry. I wasn't clear in what I was asking.  Why would you use egift cards to purchase cruise cash?

Cruise cash can only be used onboard and is non-refundable.  Physical and E cards can be used for everything Carnival, and if you put too many on your onboard account and don't settle up, they'll send you a new gift card for your balance. 

 

See my amended comment. I never add more cruise cash than I expect to spend

47 minutes ago, Gypsywych said:

Why?  

 

I buy them at 10% discount using Allstate rewards. Saves 10% on those cruise purchases and OBC. And I hate wasting time at guest services and those kiosks are a PIA

I buy cruise cash with egift cards, which can be used for drinks, casino, grats, specialty dining and any other on board purchases.

3 hours ago, havanadaydreaming said:

i always order the water from CCL - $6 for a 12 pack, i think, delivered to room embarkation day.  

 

This. Best deal on ship and don't have to lug it onboard

We are in our early 60's. Sailed first week of April this spring from PC on Elation. Its a smaller ship and maybe off the radar for a lot of spring breakers. We did meet a couple of great college kids and greatly enjoyed talking to them about travel, religion and mutual interests. Yes they were drinking and having fun but that didn't bother us one bit. Perhaps we got lucky to have respectful young passengers, but there's always quiet spaces to be had if needed. Go and have fun, keep an open mind and you never know who you may meet.

Sailed Elation in April. Easy peasy.

53 minutes ago, coaster said:

Bought an AARP Royal gift card today to use towards a b2b second leg on Grandeur that I just booked after purchase. Royal agent could not apply it over the phone. Department that helps out is closed on weekends. Hope I didn't blow $450. Redemption process should not be so difficult.

 

AARP details state you can't use it for OBC,  just for new bookings towards the price of your cruise. I was just trying to use it for that. Just another call to Royal next week I guess to redeem the gift card that Royal partners with AARP.

using those gift cards can save passengers 10%, and this should not be so difficult. I can use them on CCL to pay for the cruise, excursions, cash on board, drink pkg, etc. The CS rep I spoke to simply did not understand gift card vs. certificate. She quickly grew frustrated and told me to use it once on board. I won't purchase any unless I KNOW for sure I can use them. I'll call back and see if I get a more knowledgeable person.

I'm sure many are aware of discount gift cards from Allstate and AARP. How can I use these and apply to my on board account? I've called CS at RCL and she was clueless. I submitted an on line question and have not received any reply. As a frequent CCL, this process is extremely easy. Is there an ATM like kiosk on board, or can customer service desk on board help? TIA

Following. We do same itinerary Oct 2.