so are these recent changes the truth?

[marshhawk]

Carnival is known for constant change-the last time we cruised they had taken away decent tea and served Lipton, not Bigalow or Twinings. Even at tea time. I read last month that if you want a decent tea, at tea, you actually have to pay for it. So of course I will bring my own box of tea.

 

But then last week I read a review that said you only get service from your steward once a day, and you have to tell him when you want it. So if I want fresh towels I guess I will have to figure out if I want to shower at night, or in the morning?

 

Is this true, or a comment from one of those bogus Carnival haters?

 

I cruised in January and will cruise in September-what else has changed in the last few months?

[Micahs Grandad]

According to JH you can still get service morning and night.

 

However on the Dream one of the ships they are trying this out on, people have been discouraged from checking off both.

 

We will be on the Dream next month and will definitely request twice daily and interested what will happen.

 

They did eliminate smoked salmon from breakfast room service menu some months ago.

[mondello]

I haven't cruised in a couple of years but have booked Alaska for July and have been reading up for a few weeks. While we are still allowed to bring 1 750ml bottle of wine/champagne per adult they have banned bringing other bottles aboard, including water.

 

Only canned products, 12 per PAX, 12oz permitted. They do offer 12 packs of bottled water for pre-order through the Fun Shops for $3.99.

 

I believe there were complaints of carpal tunnel from shaking bottled water in their search for liquor smugglers.

[marshhawk]

I haven't cruised in a couple of years but have booked Alaska for July and have been reading up for a few weeks. While we are still allowed to bring 1 750ml bottle of wine/champagne per adult they have banned bringing other bottles aboard, including water.

 

Only canned products, 12 per PAX, 12oz permitted. They do offer 12 packs of bottled water for pre-order through the Fun Shops for $3.99.

 

I believe there were complaints of carpal tunnel from shaking bottled water in their search for liquor smugglers.

 

Actually there is a manufacturer who created a smuggling water bottle (fake top) so hence no plastic containers, and it isn't just about booze, it's the days we live in.

[mondello]

Forgot to mention...I've read they now offer multiple selections from Room Service for a surcharge. That one doesn't bother me as I never use Room Service.

 

I see we can order some Steakhouse entrees in the MDR for $20, that sounds like a new one to me. Wife might want to spring for lobster if that is more appealing than anything on the menu.

[reerun25]

Forgot to mention...I've read they now offer multiple selections from Room Service for a surcharge. That one doesn't bother me as I never use Room Service.

 

Just to clarify, they still have the same room service menu that has been and still is free, minus a few items, but have added more offerings for an up-charge, like french fries, chicken strips, wings, shrimp, quesadillas, etc..

[satbeachbill]

I really wish Carnival would just raise the prices .

 

I think you got your wish. If you've looked at prices lately. They forgot about the part of keeping the services the same. :(

[RuthlessBoss]

I just simply cannot cruise again unless they bring back those teabags. Too much of a cutback:D Please increase myfare $25 to get my tea. It's way too much effort to bring my own.:eek:

[beachbum53]

There are a few changes that I don't like, and a few that don't really bother me. I wasn't happy when the steel drum bands were taken away from the Lido deck and replaced with a DJ playing hip-hop music at a deafening volume. And I wasn't happy when the band/orchestra was taken away from the theater for stage shows and replaced with those horrible "Legends" shows and the equally awful Playlist Productions. On the other hand, I'm not a tea drinker, so that had no effect on me. And I wasn't bothered when the little chocolates were no longer left on the pillows in the cabin. They weren't very good anyway. I wouldn't pay an increase in the fare just to have the teabags come back, but I would for good live entertainment. So I guess it's all a matter of what's more important to someone.

[Karnyval]

Constant change? People used to complain because Carnival never changed and now they are complaining because Carnival occasionally makes a change? Smh.

 

If a tea bag or lack of one is the biggest complaint someone has? Smh.

 

Of course you can get cabin service twice a day and there was a steel drum player on my last Carnival cruise.

[marshhawk]

ummm, where did I go wrong here? I was asking about changes, not complaining about them, and all of a sudden you think I want to pay more for a tea bag?? there is a reason why I don't stay on the carnival portion of this site anymore.

 

what are the new changes since January is all I wanted to know.

[dctravel]

On the Dream last week, we were presented with the card for service by our Steward. We asked for twice a day and she was happy to oblige. They also had a steel drum duo (one steel drum, one guitar) in Lido. They were quite good.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[fourkittys]

ummm, where did I go wrong here? I was asking about changes, not complaining about them, and all of a sudden you think I want to pay more for a tea bag?? there is a reason why I don't stay on the carnival portion of this site anymore.

 

what are the new changes since January is all I wanted to know.

 

You did nothing wrong here. I happens all the time. After the first few posts, one comment leads to another and soon they are off subject. Some times you will get an answer that has nothing to do with what you ask. Some people just want to "talk" and don't "listen" before they "speak". Nuts, I know. But most of the time you get very good information you can't find anywhere else. Just shake your head in disbelief and keep asking your questions. EVENTUALLY someone will answer. (Hopefully, lol!)

[AmberTeka]

I think you got your wish. If you've looked at prices lately. They forgot about the part of keeping the services the same. :(

 

So True! I was looking at a cruise for March, 2017........and granted, it is Spring Break for Florida Public schools that week, and we are TIED to it because our daughter is a teacher.........but Prices.............WOW!

 

We wound up putting a deposit down on a HAL cruise . We had a casino offer, which was far from being a free cruise but was still a much appreciated discount..........Now I am waiting to see if fares for an OV go down some before I put a deposit down for their cabin.

 

We liked the itinerary on Carnival better..................but still very happy with the cruise on the Eurodam. New ship for us........first time on HAL for our daughter and family. All in the same Carnival Pie anyway.

Edited April 10, 2016 by AmberTeka

[nsullivan]

We got off the Liberty yesterday. We weren't asked if we wanted morning or night service. He came every morning and every night.

[jimbo5544]

On the Dream last week, we were presented with the card for service by our Steward. We asked for twice a day and she was happy to oblige. They also had a steel drum duo (one steel drum, one guitar) in Lido. They were quite good.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

 

That is good news, it had appeared that the Dream was the last of the trial ships where there appeared to be some miscommunication with the staff. JH had said it was corrected and it now appears that is the case, much to the dismay of a few here. Thanks for adding your experience.

[bingo3]

ummm, where did I go wrong here? I was asking about changes, not complaining about them, and all of a sudden you think I want to pay more for a tea bag?? there is a reason why I don't stay on the carnival portion of this site anymore.

 

what are the new changes since January is all I wanted to know.

 

I guess some people are just ugly and nasty by nature and get their kicks being so here, where they can remain pretty anonymous. I frequently see snarky answers that have absolutely nothing to do with the question that was asked. I just ignore such people, not worth wasting my time or energy on them and thankfully, I don't have to interact with them in person! :eek:

 

Most people with any sense recognize them for what they are; no help at all, and ignore them. They do give the message boards a bad reputation/name though......:(

deb

[Trumpster]

Nothing has changed since January.

 

Something might change by September.

[pcvtmom]

We were never asked about having our room serviced. Our steward did morning and evening AND kept the ice bucket filled. (Sunshine, March 26)

[Micahs Grandad]

That is good news, it had appeared that the Dream was the last of the trial ships where there appeared to be some miscommunication with the staff. JH had said it was corrected and it now appears that is the case, much to the dismay of a few here. Thanks for adding your experience.

 

We will be on the Dream in a few weeks and will want twice daily service so hopefully this has really been corrected.

[jimbo5544]

Nothing has changed since January.

 

 

 

Something might change by September.

 

 

I have no idea what that means.......

[jimbo5544]

We will be on the Dream in a few weeks and will want twice daily service so hopefully this has really been corrected.

 

 

First and foremost, enjoy your cruise. Second, let us know what your experience in this area is, lastly if you get a chance to take a pic of the 'NEW" card with options and post it here, for all to see.

[TC Cruiser]

We heard the same rumor about once per day service but that turned out not to be the case on the Sunshine. We could still shower in the afternoon and the room and towels were straightened up by early evening.

 

Regarding tea, my wife is not a coffee drinker and could not believe that they only had lipton. First time ever she couldn't get a good tea on a cruise. So, all tea drinkers who want something like an English breakfast tea will need to pack their own for the week.

[Thorncroft]

I have no idea what that means.......

 

Really? Seemed pretty straight forward to me.

[sfaaa]

Ah yes, the something for nothing mentality. I am only willing to pay 3 star cruise price but I demand 4 star service and treatment in return.