mfs2k

I used to carry down a lounger from the pool deck to my regular balcony cabin on the first morning of the cruise and I'd keep it there all week. I got a few strange looks, but no one took it away or locked me up in a naughty room.

Personally, I think my work and home life would be a nightmare without electricity, internet access, winter heat, cell service, gas for my car, or fresh water supply for more than 3 days. Would I survive? Sure. Would I be unhappy? Yep. I do believe internet in 2024 belongs with the other utilities. It's not a luxury for me anymore. It's necessary for me. If you want your cruise to be a camping experience, enjoy.

Agree. I made Platinum in 2013 and only now returning to Carnival for a September 2024 cruise. The status and perks didn't get me to rebook sooner. In the past 11 years we've done all inclusive land-based vacations, and cruises on Celebrity and Virgin. What brought me back to Carnival this year was the price and European itinerary.

I love how people complain about free benefits. Loyalty programs are designed to keep passengers loyal to the brand at an affordable cost. It’s all about cost/benefit. When the ratio is broken they make adjustments. It’s a risky move to take away benefits from those who already have them. I don’t think we’ll see much of that. But I do see a change where there’s a renewal requirement to hold on to benefits.

Is electricity free to them? NO Is water free to them? NO Is the internet an essential utility in 2024 to most people ? YES Can most people live without internet for a week? YES. And most can live without electricity for a week too. What’s your point? Mine is that internet access is an essential utility in 2024 and no longer a luxury.

I'll be on a Med cruise on Legend in September with the Cheers package. I usually drink Bourbon on the rocks. Hopefully there will be Bulleit, Woodford, Basil Hayden or Blanton. I'll drink BT or Makers if nothing else is available..Not a fan of Jim Beam. I used to be happy with Jack D. PS: I just learned in 2021 Basil Hayden changed their brand name from Basil Hayden's. I thought I noticed the change on labels but never checked online until now..

It seems there's an easy solution that poker players figured out a long time ago.. Sell poker chips privately, play with those on the Lido deck, then cash out the winner's poker chips privately. No visible money.

if you still have a gift card balance, it wasn't saved in the Carnival app and you should do it again.

The answer is simple. And the answer pertains to cruise lines as well as other businesses in the hospitality industry. Cruise lines want to "catch" buyers by offering low advertised rates for the cabin, then want to build revenue and profit by upselling and adding on additional charges for internet, beverages, gratuities, port fees, premium restaurants; art sales; etc.. As long as guests pay for these services, the cruise lines will continue to charge for them. In my opinion, these charges will go away when more cruise lines start treating internet like other utilities such as water and electricity, and offer it for free. Imagine if Royal Caribbean; Celebrity, or Princess started advertising and promoting Free high speed Internet to all, to attract more passengers. If the trend caught on, Carnival would have to eventually include internet in the basic cabin cost. But personally i dont think there's enough competitive pressure for this to happen. This is, by the way, what happened in American hotels 10-15 years ago. Many hotels started advertising free internet, and the ones which charged $9.95 to $14.95 per day eventally caved to social media and TripAdvisor pressure and switched to free internet. The complaints were too much. Now you see it with "Resort" or "Facility" fees. This too will go away eventually and hotels and resorts will be forced to raise their advertised rates to keep the revenue growing.

It's no more criminal that 3% credit card surcharges; $50 checked bag fees; carry on baggage fees; resort fees; facility fees; 18% mandated service charge plus 5% administrative fees; $59.95 per person per day beverage packages; or a $500 upgrade fee for 5 more inches of legroom so someone 6 feet tall can sit on a plane comfortably.

well played! I wish I had that kind of time flexibility.

New York.

I wish I had the flexibility to book last minute cruises. The deals are pretty amazing.

Yes, I just got, a day or two ago, a casino offer for a 14 night Greenland cruise on Pride, I think, for $299 inside, $399 Oceanview and $499 Balcony. The beverage package would cost more than the accomodations, meals, entertainment, and amenities. Crazy.

No. I made a payment towards my Sept cruise balance