amcankid

My last cruise on Carnival I was repeatedly going to guest services to have my gift cards applied to my account. By about the third day they said they have to check with corporate because I was over my limit with the gift cards. But then another guy behind the desk told me to just use the kiosk by the casino and I’ll have no problems applying them. He even walked me over to show me how to use it.

Not all Carnival ships are salt water (which I prefer). The Excel class are fresh water

As some Old Fart once said, it doesn’t matter which day you turn Platinum. Once you board you’re already platinum and your sign and sail card will reflect that. In fact, if you’re turning platinum on that cruise you’re able to check in for your boarding assignment two days before the 14 day window that gold red and blue have.

There’s a morning Zumba class that’s free everyday a 9 in Club Fushion. So nice to see so many in there starting there day with some good relaxing exercise.

So basically the reservations are to help expedite your wait when you go. On Carnival you can check in on your app and then it will tell you how long the wait will be and then notifies you when your table is ready. Very efficient!

We’re sailing on the Crown in a few weeks. Our first time on Princess. when I go to my app and check dining choices it shows the three main dining rooms that of course are included in the cruise. But at first a couple of days ago it showed some reservation time slots available and now when I click on any of them it says no time slots available. I am confused as to what this is because we have dine anytime so why would I reserve a time slot for each day 3 weeks before I even get on the ship? Can someone please explain how this works? Are we gonna be stuck eating at the buffet each night?

We’re sailing on the Crown in a few weeks. Our first time on Princess. when I go to my app and check dining choices it shows the three main dining rooms that of course are included in the cruise. But at first a couple of days ago it showed some reservation time slots available and now when I click on any of them it says no time slots available. I am confused as to what this is because we have dine anytime so why would I reserve a time slot for each day 3 weeks before I even get on the ship? Can someone please explain how this works? Are we gonna be stuck eating at the buffet each night?

You already got a hotel room. It’s on your ship! lol

Thanks. We just got off the Miracle and we ended up deciding to just purchase the cheers package because even though we do spend a lot of time (and money lol) in the casino I didn’t want to rely on sitting at a slot waiting for a server to walk by. And the Miracle doesn’t have a bar in the casino. But definitely if we book a cruise on a ship that does have a casino bar I will try your approach. I find most bartenders on Carnival to be fun, outgoing and willing to work with you as you flirt with getting around the technicalities. And a couple of bucks each drink helps to encourage them to be part of the game. Lol

Only the new ships have freshwater. Personally speaking I prefer the salt water pools. Better for the skin and much easier to float on your back without your legs sinking down. Lol

You simply have to order a drink while in the casino. They don’t know when you order but when they come back with your drink you’ll sign the receipt and it’ll show it as zero for the charge. Unfortunately you can’t buy it yourself directly from the casino bar ( if the ship you’re on has one). The free offer only applies when you order from one of the servers walking the floor. If you tip a dollar or two you’ll find they tend to come looking for you more often.

I can certainly understand your thinking if you’re one’s to not really use a balcony. That’s the dilemma I have because we truly do utilize our balconies with not a day or night passing without being on it. We’ve even sat out there while it’s raining as long as it wasn’t getting blown into us. That’s why I’m asking others who normally prefer balconies but who have sailed a transatlantic in an ocean view if they did miss the extra freedom to go outside whenever they felt like it. But reading your experiences with the wind and the cold kinda reassures me that maybe an ocean view (all things considered such as price) maybe might actually be the better option. Thanks

Thanks. And out of curiosity, why would you pick the OV over a balcony

Thanks. And this voyage is in March so that probably adds to the cold. So far the score is one for the freebie. Lol

We’ve always been balcony people whether a 3 day or a 10 day voyage. Nothing like the extra space and the fresh ocean smell and sounds. We have a casino offer for the Spirit on a transAtlantic in 2025. But the offer is for an ocean view. Basically free except for port charges, taxes and gratuities. We could do a balcony on a his voyage but it would be around $1,800. Still a good price for a 14 day trip but still, 1,800 more than free. So my question is an obvious one. Those who have done a transatlantic either in an ocean view or a balcony, after your experience, would you pay $1,800? Or would you be happy with the ocean view (deck one if that makes a difference). If it was a short cruise I wouldn’t even have this question, but 14 days,9 of which are sea days makes me wonder.