Wheels87

I have 9 years experience with this and have cahsed in hundreds of thousands of points over the years. 

If you have over around 20,000 points, you can frequently get 1.5 times cahs back. Meaning that if you cash in 20,000 points, you can get $300 cash back. The trick is to select a more recent charge to your card...one that is expiring the latest. 

I have done this numerous times. Just experiment with which charge you are going to pay off. 

Good luck! 

My most frustrating cruises were when I was right next to the elevators due to loud passengers. The closer you are, the more foot traffic that goes by. I was awoken many times by loud passengers returning to their room after midnight. 

My solution was to start booking rooms as far away as possible with my preferred being an aft balcony. I have never regretted that decision. 

I have stayed on this room several times in recent years and have not had any noise at all and have never seen any water. Yes, if you walk out of the room to the left, then right, there is a door that opens up right next to the door to the deck above the pool. I used to stay there specifically for the convenient location, access to the door and the silence. 

Cheers! 

They nailed it...10 for 10.

I've also seen Science trivia. 

I have found over the years that checking very early in the morning is your best bet. I have seen FTTF open up as late as two weeks prior to sailing. 

Good luck! 

The Platinum, Diamond and Suite guest waiting area is typically seperate fro the FTTF area. Those with FTTF will board just a few short minutes later. 

Yes, check your luggage tags. If they don't say "Priority" then call Carnival. 

Congratulations! 

They know that the only reason they would not get the basic gratuity is if you intentionally had them removed at guest services. Most folks do not do that. 

I always carry a wad of $1 bills to tip bartenders, drink servers, etc. The crew members really appreciate that and my family and I really enjoy rewarding people who work so hard. 

Cheers! 

I have emailed the Maitre'd for 25 of my 28 cruises and have always gotten what I asked for. I wait until the second day of the cruise right before mine...that way they have time to clear up any issues and can focus on my request. 

Works every time. I have only gotten a response about 20% of the time. 

All medications and anything else that you couldn't live without if it were lost. It rarely happens, but, occasionally, bags are completely lost. 

Good luck! 

You always have to register for a check in time.  Whether or not the folks at the port honor it is another story. Also, if you have the words "Priority" or "Faster to the Fun" on your boarding pass, you can ignore your assigned check in time and show up as early as you want. 

I think it is one extra hour. It's actually nice to have that in Cozumel. 

I actually just text my PVP and she will either text me back or call, if I request it. She is truly the best! 

1 minute ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

 

I find it hard to believe you have been on 20 Carnival cruises and don’t know this. I have seen half price drink specials multiple times at the casino bar and Red Frog Pub. 

Well then, thanks for the information. Now I know where to go! 

5 minutes ago, Pugs&Kisses said:

I am emailing a PVP I found, he seems to have good reviews. Wish me luck.

Good luck! 

Remember...if this one doesn't provide you the best service, you can always request a different one for your next trip. 

Enjoy! 

Wow, I love your enthusiasm! After 28 cruises, I still feel that way and I wish at least one other person in my family did as well. They are always happy to go, but it seems as if they could take it or leave it. That being said, I couldn't even tell you when the online check in opens up anymore. 

Have a great cruise! 

Brad

I have been on several cruises with big family groups which I arranged for everyone through my PVP.  Having the PVP put the rooms on hold and then contact whomever will be staying in them is a fantastic idea. I have done it both ways and finally learned my lesson. It was just too stressful to keep track of everything. 

Interestingly enough, my last family cruise, we ended up with a single table for 15 on the Dream.  I emailed the Maitre'd about our group and when we went to dinner, they had put several four top tables adjacent to each other so we could all sit together. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. 

Cheers! 

14 hours ago, phoneman69 said:

Embarkation lunch will start with BBQ on deck 5 of the Magic. Then i am told Red Frog does 1/2 price drinks between 12pm and 2pm.

Wow, 1/2 price drinks? I find that really difficult to believe. I've been on 20 Carnival cruises and have never heard of anything like that. 

Anyone else have an opinion? 

I have found it available by looking as many times per day as possible, including around 5am central time. Don't give up. When it does show available, you will be surprised after seeing it sold out hundreds of times. 

Good luck! 

Wow, this review really surprises me. I have sailed on the Dream eight times, including three times last year and have never had this bad of an experience. 

In theory, I believe the bags are supposed to arrive quicker. It does read "Priority" on the luggage tags. It does seem like our bags arrive fairly quickly, although they aren't always there by 1:30.

Cheers!

I have had the very best PVP (AF) for many years now. I have booked at least 15 cruises with multiple staterooms with her and referred her a lot of other customers. No matter what the circumstance, she always comes through for me, including last minute changes/additions, etc. She has managed to get change fees waived on occasion as well.

I can text her anytime and she will call me day or night. It's not that I expect her to answer answer at night, but she will often call immediately, even when I tell her it's no big deal. 

The best part...she is one of the nicest customer service rep I have ever dealt with.

Cheers!

Brad

Just to be clear...calling the 800 number does not necessarily get you a PVP. I picked up a PVP about four years ago who is the absolute best. I have booked about a dozen cruises with her and have never been disappointed. I will typically text her with an idea of what I want, then she will call me when I ask and will have everything priced out for me. 

I typically find the cruise I want on line and then have her book it. Many times she has helpful suggestions and can quickly compare categories, etc. 

Good luck! 

Good day! 

Suites are ready at 1:30 with the rest of the rooms. I found that out the hard way a few years ago. I guess I just assumed that they would be ready upon boarding, but alas, I was mistaken. 

Cheers!