Hoosierpop

Having your Breeze cruise moved to the Splendor is a change you are fine with? At least those getting moved from the Valor to the Magic are getting a fair shake.

 

 

I'm not on that cruise, so I don't care about that switch.

You're not missing anything - it was a simple post. Hoping perhaps people could have more inside knowledge as to why they're making all these senseless changes and decisions and why they are clearly not "stepping up to the plate" and competing with what others are offering. When Burger King offers "buy a Whopper, get one free," McDonald's follows suit with their Big Macs!

 

 

I like the changes. Don't affect things I like, and hopefully brings Carnival profits. I'd like some other changes like no smoking in the casino, and enforcing rules on chair hogging. But overall, the changes are fine.

While Carnival Corporation is looking towards building eco-friendly ships in the future (kudos to the company for this), more steps need to be taken to make the current fleet more eco-friendly. On my Carnival Elation cruise, the ship constantly released thick dark black smoke from the funnel on sea days. I have never observed this much thick smoke before (I understand smoke is normal).

 

 

 

Here is a YouTube video of the ship releasing smoke pollution:

 

 

 

 

I just wish Carnival Corporation would take more steps to decrease the smoke pollution. During the muster station drill, they claim to be the environmental leader, but when you see smoke coming from the funnel all day long you can start to question the validity of their statement.

 

 

 

Any thoughts?

 

 

So, the smoke is bad....how bad exactly? Do you know how much the average emissions from a Carnival cruise ship affects the environment?

 

Unless there's some measurable effect, I'd rather keep cruise costs down.

Although I'm 7 or 8 cruises short of becoming Diamond on CCL, I am not completely loyal to one particular line. I love to cruise, period and whoever gets me on a ship with the best deal possible, gets my money. Having said that, and probably opening a can of worms on a CCL forum, I'm not really getting Carnival's lack of promotions or competition with the other main lines. They are changing policies left and right, some good, some benefit the cruisers, most benefit the cruise line and I get they are a business and need to make profits like any other business. So they're making it tougher for people to smuggle booze, and I get that, while you can book a Concierge Class Balcony on a Celebrity ship and get drink package, free tips and OBC, or a regular OV or Balcony cabin and pick one of those, and NCL gets you free drinks, free dining, internet and OBC for a suite, or one of those for a regular balcony. Why would I bother sailing with CCL where I have to pay the $50 pp/pd for the drink package, while those other, just as good, or sometimes better cruise lines are giving them to me for free. The cabin rates are all fairly equal in cost, so it's not that I am paying higher rates for cabins in those other lines than I would on CCL. Don't get it. They are switching ships here and there which really make no sense at all. Moving the Breeze from Miami to make way for the Vista, but then they're bringing the Sensation to Miami, essentially having two older ships (Ecstasy and Sensation) in one of the most important ports in the country. Not getting this new management or marketing techniques.... at all. I really want to get to my Diamond status, but I just don't see why they deserve my hard earned money when I am getting so much more offered by other lines.

 

 

If you can get more value with another cruise line, why would you go on Carnival? Seems pretty simple. Maybe I'm missing something.

Just out of sheer curiosity why do you spend time on the Carnival forum if you dislike them (evident by your "ABC" reference and your avatar stating "Unfun ships."? Again, just curious.

 

 

Trolls gotta troll. But, some people need to feel the rage, so it works.

 

People get all worked over posts like this. Heck, it went from listed by activity to raging over getting rid of paper copies.

 

Well, played, OP.

It's all coming back to me... The stuffed mushrooms in the old escargot tins, they are just awful. The baked Alaska, thin slices of Neapolitan ice cream on pound cake covered with a gelatinous fluff, definitely NOT meringue, definitely NOT coming from an oven of any kind, and with a brown strip on the top to fake as though they had been baked. I mean, I don't think anyone thinks they're baked any more but it's the farthest thing from actual baked Alaska- why not just take it off the menu? And it's served with a little mash of watermelon (?).

 

 

 

I really think I need to move on from Carnival.

 

 

I agree you need to move on. Not good to get so worked up over this.

Last year, had a crew member get burned and had to be helicoptered to PR by the coast guard. Was impressed by how quickly they got it done.

Good thought and thank you for that...but no it was their personal care physician. and part of my problem with circumventing his opinion is my brother who is the POA for my folks. This Doctor is also my brothers Dr and he thinks he( the Dr) hung the moon. My brother is the type of person who errors on the side of caution as they say and he is sickly himself. In fact come to think of it I better tell my Bro to check with this dr before he makes any crazy plans like a trip to the local grocery store as that may be out of the question for him as well...sorry, a bit of sarcasm there, woke up teary eyed again today, I'm still not over it. Going to church only the Lord can get my mind and heart straight. thanks again.

 

 

I really do understand your frustration and sadness in this situation. As someone who has said Carnival is not the bad guy here, I hope they make things better in terms of the finances for you since it sounds like the trip is off.

 

But finances aside, there are your folks. I think it's a great idea to do something with them. Have you spoken with their doctor about what type of vacation they would be able to do? if it's not a cruise, maybe something else like a trip to the beach or something like that.

A good corporation will work with you, however, Carnival will not. Sounds like you are a cheerleader, and I am just the opposite. Post like this need to be heard, so that others can make educated decisions on which cruise line to go on. The more negative Carnival gets, the better it is. Eventually, either Carnival will wise up, or others will flock to other cruise lines.

 

What needs to be heard? That people need to understand refund policies and check with doctors before booking cruises?

 

If the OP wanted to warn people, I think the better lesson would have been something like, "Hey everyone...I made a huge mistake and booked a cruise without understanding the refund policy and not checking with my elderly parent's doctor about going. Please make sure you check on these things before booking your cruise"

...No kidding, I almost wrote Flame away at the end because I know there are cheerleaders out there...And believe me, until this incident I had nothing bad to say about Carnival. Been on two Carnival cruises and had enjoyed them both...I just hate the corporate greed and the non bending policy...it's just wrong.

 

 

 

Ah, the old "corporate greed"....

 

Just so I understand, at no point before booking this did you ask if it's refundable given that your parents are older and not in the best health? Or, checking with their doctors ahead of time?

 

But it's Carnival's fault. Got it.

I can't answer about the high chair because I do not know. Best tips I can give you are these:

 

 

 

When eating on Lido (guys, Blue Iguana, etc.) After getting your food head aft to the Havana Bar area. There are always plenty of seats and tables to be had there. In the mornings, there are omlette stations there too which most folks never find because they don't walk all the way back. Havana Bar is almost never crowded either and is a great place to go for a drink when other bars are busier.

 

 

 

Arrive at comedy shows at least 45 minutes early or you will not get a seat where you can see the stage. The comedy club on the Sunshine has a terrible layout and is my one HUGE complaint about a ship I otherwise love.

 

 

 

Same goes for early arrival for stage shows in the main lounge. While it doesn't have the blocked view problem, it is small and fills up quick.

 

 

 

The first few days of the cruise, the Alchemy Bar on Deck 5 mid ship is always a lot less crowded. It becomes more and more popular as the cruise goes on.

 

 

 

On sea days, be prepared to go to Lido and/or Serenity early if you want to lay claim to chairs. (But please make use of them when you claim them and don't just leave your stuff and come back later.) These areas fill up fast and Carnival does a lousy job policing the 45 minute rule.

 

 

 

If you need to put cash on your Sail and Sign account, the Kioskis on decks 5 (by the shops) and deck 3 (by guests services) are a lot quicker to use on embarkation day than waiting in line at guest services. If you need to use guest services, I recommend waiting until the next morning to do so as the line is always INSANE on embarkation day

 

 

 

I had cell great cell service in San Juan, but I have ATT. It all depends on your plan whether Puerto Rico is covered and I'd call your carrier today to find out.

 

 

 

Have a great cruise. I think the Sunshine gets an undeserved bad rep on here and she is personally my favorite ship. I am sailing on her for the 3rd time in August and cannot wait!

 

 

This was great advice. I like the Sunshine, and if you follow the advice above, you'll avoid a lot of the complaints people have.

If you're the type of person who would like the Gem, then you made the right choice.

Cozumel? I'm guessing some folks had a little too much fun imbibing.

We were on the Sunshine this past March and missed Aruba because of the wind. Disappointing, but not a big deal to me. If it would crush your trip, then just go to Aruba for vacation?

I've never been on the valor. Been on sunshine twice and had a great time both times. But I like the southern Caribbean a lot, so that's the way to go.

 

As far as the complaints about the sunshine, there are a lot of reviews about it. For me, none of those issues bothered me at all. But if they sound like things that would bug you, then consider that. I'm going on the sunshine for the third time this July.

As an employer I love the pro work attitude. Lol. Im sure no boss wants to ruin a vacation. The reason must be significant and hopefully the boss will be considerate to the plight. There is always two sides. It's clear why the Chinese are kicking are butts!

 

 

Yep, no getting around the old minimum wage, Mortimer. Who knows what the deal is. But if it was a planned vacation, and it's serious enough that the employer has to have it canceled, then the employee should be made whole.

 

But as it pertains to the situation at hand, I certainly would call Carnival for options. Hope it works out for the OP.

I would find another employer. Or ask him or her to pay the cancellation fee. Would insurance even pay for this if you had it? I would definitely call Carnival before doing the boat to the next port thing.

I've never been on either ship, but I like the Southern ports more, so that would be the way I'd go. But a great problem to have. My guess is you'll have a blast on either one.

It all depends on a few things to me.

 

1) do you drink alcohol? I guess the max per day would be the Cheers program (unless you plan on more than 15 per day).

 

2) do you like to eat at the specialty restaurants?

 

3) do you gamble at the casino?

 

4) do you plan on going on an excursion in each port? When we go on an excursion, my wife and I usually budget $200 each excursion. But we usually don't go one one at each port.

 

5) do you like to shop either on the ship or at the ports?

 

I know that may not help you with a dollar amount, but if you go through those categories and think how you'll spend in each, seems like that will give you a good estimate. But maybe I missed a category of spending.

Been on the Sunshine twice and it's fine. Going again in the Southern itinerary in July.

 

I've never been on either of the other ships. I've read people say that Bermuda is their favorite port. So if this might be the only chance to go there, might want to take it.

 

But I love the southern ports, too, so it's a good problem to have.

Same itinerary?

Hi everyone! My husband and I are looking to take our kids on our first cruise in November/December (still figuring out work schedules). We are set on the Breeze, so now it's just a matter of finding a time that works.

 

 

 

Anyway! What would be your biggest piece of advice for first time cruisers? I am a notorious over-planner and I've been researching for months (will continue to do so until the day we leave I'm sure :)) I feel like I've learned so much already about the ship and ports, but what would be some general cruising tips I may need to know? I'm not too familiar with the lingo yet. What should I expect as a first timer?

 

 

I'm sure people will give you some great advice like what to make sure to pack, etc. so I'll give some general advice.

 

1) Don't over plan activities on the ship. At least for me, one of the best things about the ship is people can do what they want and have a good time. Micromanaging every hour of the day is for work, not cruising.

 

2) Don't let one thing be so important that if it doesn't meet your expectations, it ruins the trip. For example, if weather is bad and you don't make a port, there are plenty of ways to have fun.

 

3) Try out new things to do, eat and see. For example, order multiple appetizers, entrees and deserts in the main dining room. Go see a show that you may not see at home.

 

4) wear sunscreen.

 

5) Don't expect other passengers to be like you. They won't be. No matter how you are. But to me, that's one of the reasons I like cruising. But if someone is loud or obnoxious, lots of places to go on a ship.

 

6) get to know the staff, especially your room steward and wait staff. Ask them about where they are from. I've learned a lot about places I'll likely never go. And the staff is almost always genuinely nice.

 

7) if something is not to your standard, just ask the staff to fix it. I'm surprised when I hear about people who just let things go.

 

8) explore this ship. All of it. It's fun.

 

I'm sure there are a billion other, more important things. I've only been on 5 cruises, so it's not like I'm an expert. But I've loved every one of them.

I've been on the Sunshine twice and am going back this July. Mostly because it's out of Canaveral and we love the Southern itinerary. It's hard to say how you will like it because everyone is different in what they like about cruising. Here are my thoughts in some of the negatives I have read about.

 

Crowded: I've never found it too crowded, or any more crowded than other ships (I've only been on 3 other ships, so there's that). When we eat, we tend to eat in the Havana bar area. My wife did mention that there are too many towels holding seats with no bodies. But I've heard that's an issue on lots of ships, not just Sunshine.

 

Entertainment: The main theater is small, but we always find a seat on the side up a few rows. We've never had to get there too early. Hard to comment on the quality of singing and dancing because I expect cruise ship shows to be a little cheesy. The comedy club is too small. No doubt. Get there early. Don't be put off by the long line waiting to get in. It can go back to the specialty restaurants but you'll get in. Also, they repeat performances, so if you miss one, you can make the same show later. And they name the shows so it's easy to know if you've seen one.

 

Ship layout: yes, it's true you can't go through the entire whip on one level, at least as far as I can tell. But once I got used to where the MDR and Oceans Plaza was, I was fine. So yes, you might have to go up the stairs, walk around and then go down stairs to get where you want to go. But once I was used to that, it was no big deal to me.

 

As for the reasons why I cruise, Sunshine is fine. My cabins have been nice, I like the food, the staff has been great, I like the 2.0 changes (especially Guys, Blue Iguana, and the pizza) and I have always had a great time on my cruises on the Sunshine. But that may be because I don't care about things that others may care about. And I'm not judging people. It really is amazing what different people think is important on a ship.

[quote name='A2Mich']Why is it that people here think I'm disappointed by the cutbacks and changes here and there?. I never said I was disappointed with the changes. What does disappoint me is how easily many people roll over to simply have their money taken away from them. Of course the cruise line is out to make money. I know that just as well as anyone else. The cruise lines, like a company like Disney, will push and push and push until they find consumers' breaking points. The sad part is how easily many people just freely give away all of their hard earned money, knowing they are being taken advantage of, yet can STILL turn around and defend the co one doing it. If you were robbed at gunpoint would you go to court and defend the defendant? I already know the arguments coming to that comparison so everyone can not waste their time by saying that "well, you chose to sail on Carnival, it's up to you to decide if the price is worth it, you didn't willingly go meet the mugger, etc". I get all of that. What I don't get is why so many people willingly and blindly defend corporate Americas actions. Must be some great Kool Aid[/QUOTE]


Since you quoted me, I'll keep trying.

1) I never said you were disappointed in anything.
2) I don't view going on a cruise, any cruise, as giving away my money. I'm paying for a vacation. It's up to me to decide if a cruise is worth my money. There are a lot of ways I can spend my vacation. If I ever decide Carnival is not worth my money, I'll choose elsewhere.
3) As for why people continue to go on Carnival after "cut backs", it's because they still see the value for their money. It's that's simple. If people find the cut backs too much, they can go on a different line.

Question for you: even if it's true people are blindly giving their money to a greedy corporation, why do you care? It's not your money.

[quote name='A2Mich']I do have to say that I have enjoyed some of the replies here - especially the ones along the lines of "well I don't mind the changes......as long as they don't affect me." Well, duh? But they do in fact affect SOMEONE. )[/QUOTE]


Yes, they may affect someone. But not everyone and some people may like the changes, even if they are "cut backs". Carnival is a business. They make changes to their product and services. Customers decide if they want to continue using those products and services. It's that simple.

If people look at the changes Carnival is making to things, and decide that another cruise line is better for them, that's the marketplace.

I understand that changes are going to disappoint people and message boards allow for the expression of that disappointment. What is interesting to me is that people seem surprised that a business is changing things.