virginiab

we like to take small bags of pretzels. The stick version (versus the knot shape) packs small.

I entered my wife's birthday wrong when I booked the cruise on Carnival.com. No issue at checkin but when we got our room keys, mine was platinum and hers was not. Then she was unable to log in on the onboard app. Once she tried the most obvious date transposition, she was able to log in using the mistaken date I had used. That was the first time we realized the error that had been made. we went to guest services and explained that it was our error. The man there corrected it in the computer and issued a new sail and sign card in platinum.

we've had cabins right in front of elevator lobby with few problems. Your mileage may vary.

I always use any remaining balance on gift cards to pay down my cruise balance. It's a good way to use them up. I rhink you will find a difference between paying your fare with gift cards (probably still allowed) and using visa gift cards for onboard expenses (apparently not currently allowed).

We used just under $400 on an 8-night cruise. Tips, some sushi, one steakhouse entree in the main dining room, some soft drinks and a few small purchases in the gift shop. No excursions, no steakhouse this time, no alcohol. We were happy to pay the tips at the current $14.50 per person per day, so that was our biggest expense.

Once again, I need to say thanks to Cruise critic members for sharing information. Over the years, I must have saved thousands of dollars due to thing I learned here. This time, I am grateful for those of you who said we could use non-refundable credits to buy Carnival gift cards at Cherry on Top. We had $600 pandemic credit plus $100 shareholder credit and I bought a $300 gift card that we will use on our next cruise so we can spread out the credit. As we were doing a very low-activity cruise, we really did not need $700 to spend on the December cruise. I'm sorry that I don't remember who talked about the gift card possibility, but you have my gratitude!

Thank you so much! I'm looking forward to enjoying the sauna. I had forgotten the hot tub in the spa; it will be nice to try that out again.

We're sailing soon on the Spirit. I think I remember enjoying a sauna on the Spirit years ago. At that time there was no fee to use the sauna. Can someone tell me if there is still a sauna and if there is now a fee for it? Thanks for any up-to-date info you can provide! Virginia

Last week on the Pride we got a call to our room a few days before our chef's table event. The caller wanted to confirm our attendance and ask about any allergies or food sensitivities. I think they asked again when we checked in for the dinner.

on the Pride sailing out of Tampa April 17, there did not seem to be a capacity crowd. Capacity is 2600-ish. The last night at dinner the maitre 'd said his crew had served 1200 dinners a night in the dining room. I don't know how to factor folks who ate dinner elsewhere, but 'd guess we were around 50%.