BlerkOne

I was on the Venezia transatlantic and there was absolutely no issue that made me regret choosing that sailing.

Are you sure? How much is Carnival willing to pay? You can get all the bacon you want every other day at the buffet or everyday at the Deli or MDR.Or double up every other day at the buffet.

The OBC amount depends on the length of the cruise and could be from $50 to $250. You can do it. No need to go through your TA.

Yes.

Not yet, but to listen to some, the food couldn't get any worse. I just missed the transition to the new menus on Carnival Miracle. I do know that on my last cruise, bacon was available everyday from two or more venues. The deli and MDR were two of them. Room service charges are now the rule on cruise lines. Cost management is key to cruise line survival.

One cutback is the rollout of new menus with new, even better, tasty food. New ships. New itineraries. A new port in the Bahamas. A return to profitability even though still many billions in debt. The usual stuff.

Doesn't sound like you were talking with Princess

Smokers are a dying breed and their numbers continue to diminish. They are not getting more real estate. With the exception of the casino, smoking has been eliminated indoors. The lounge has had other uses in the past including live entertainment and yes, even smoking, and is underutilized. The proximity to fine dining eliminates using for smoking. Other Conquest class ships utilize the lounge better, sometimes offering comedy. Perhaps when Liberty replaces Glory there will be other offerings. Or maybe Freedom will provide a clue.

As you mention, it is a waiting area for diners, most of whom don't want to reek of smoke or inhale any waiting for tasty food. But it is also used for a few other activities.

Charge extra starting with the 3rd entree like Carnival does. Problem somewhat mitigated.

Since the new menus were announced, there have been several changes. I'm still waiting for the return of the promised flat iron. Maybe by now it has made it? Anyway, much of the menu should remain the same, but I would expect some changes. How significant the changes are depend on if one of your favorites is impacted or makes a return.

I've enjoyed several of them. It doesn't mean they aren't sweet. Often a sugar substitute is used.

I don't think there are dedicated karaoke bars - they are multipurpose venues. It is impossible to eradicate the smell of smoke in a short period of time for a cigar venue to be used for anything else.

The cigar lounges on Carnival were underutilized and a complete waste of space.

Cove balconies

MSC top level gets a whopping 15% off.

try princess

Sometimes it just feels good to come home without wondering who moved the cheese

I dunno, but for the Sept 10 Miracle Alaska cruise it was all messed up.

If you are going to be parking a car, last month there was no parking available at the terminal for our cruise. They were handing people a map to somewhere and to take a shuttle back, although you could drop luggage off. Other than Queen Mary, not sure how close anything else would be for food.

and an ice rated hull. Even expedition ships can get stuck. There was one that ran aground in Greenland recently.

Layers are your friend. and windproof. a waterproof shell. Gloves. Forget cotton - when wet it provides no insulation. Wool and synthetics are preferred. A ski mask/balaclava is useful. You can get electronic, rechargeable hand warmers to keep in pockets for use. I didn't have special shoes, but did have heavy wool socks.

One way is to book Sail Away cabins which don't offer FAS.

All cruise lines sell illusions. But to belabor a little more - the FAS is "optional", but it is still built into the price many pay. You can get a better price.