jeblack1

1 hour ago, BossyKat said:

That sounds amazing!  What port is this?

 

Thanks!

Maybe Roatan?  I see Honduran lunch.   Sounds like a really nice excursion to do when visiting there next.

21 hours ago, jimbo5544 said:

In that experience when you asked and it did not happen, did you ask again?  Of course if you ask (and it can be done and it does not happen) you should expect to get what you ask for.  This has happened releatedly?

Problem about asking is if I never know they are going to bring it to start with.  I just find it odd they bring everything else, but not the coffee.  I know these employees work very hard and apparently the coffee is some type of inconvenience, so no, I don't bother with it.  As I said, I just go up to lido for second dessert and coffee.  Yes, this has happened on the same cruises and on multiple nights at various times. 

We have only done set time a couple of times and from what I remember the server gets to know you more for the set time and knows what you want and is more prepared.  After the first night, they always had water for us and coffee before the dessert is served.

As has been mentioned, there are bigger problems than this in the world and cruising in general, but somehow we got here from menus. 😉  We all have our opinions, experiences and expectations and would like all of them met 100% of the time, but the reality is we just have to go with the flow.  This will not stop me from cruising Carnival as the price is right and I have had an overall positive experience across all ships.  The menus and coffee are an annoyance to me, but it is what it is and hinders the value of the vacation in a minor way.  I threw my opinion in on this one because it hits home, not to be told I am wrong, it isn't happening, I have more experience than you, this is how you fix it, etc.  I just wanted to let the original poster know that I agreed 

9 minutes ago, mfs2k said:

 

If you read this thread, this issue is happening a lot across different ships.  That's a process problem. 

I know they enter it into their system as they appear to be hitting buttons, but not sure who brings the coffee.  Definitely an issue with the process.  

1 hour ago, Drazil65 said:

I get it as it may appear to be a little rushed/hurried than it has in the past but we have mitigated that issue by checking the menus at some point earlier each day.  If you do not want to check your phone for the menu of the day you can also stop by the venue of choice and take a look at the offerings beforehand. They post the menus outside the restaurants early on.  

 

We did have an issue requesting paper menu on the Horizon a couple of times they never presented one / could find one.  My wife used my phone to look at the menu.  I do look at the menus, but could care less about the food and sometimes even after looking I have no idea what I want (except dessert & coffee (not picky about coffee)).  The server has always given us time to decide, but sometimes you can sense a bit of irritation. I'm sure they are expected to get people in and out as quickly as possible.
 

1 hour ago, jimbo5544 said:

While we are not talking 1st world problems here, having the ability to choose food options electronically has nothing to do with ordering, food timing, telling your wait staff your preferences for dessert of beverages.  Nothing has changed, at least in my view…

Just from my personal experience then, post covid, I no longer regularly receive coffee with my dessert despite requesting it at the same time I order everything else.  Even when I am finished with dessert I have sat there after they cleared the plates thinking there may be a delay and it doesn't arrive.
Whether it is timing or not, pre covid, had no issue, post covid, have issues.  Both 8 day cruises (so multiple times to experience the issue).   I really hate even to say it is an issue as not that big of a deal, but I like coffee with dessert.  I of course remedy this by going to lido and having second dessert with coffee.

My view, something has changed.  I take one long vacation a year and on that vacation, I do have some expectations.  I also get I can try another line and set time dining may remedy this issue, but when it is something that is an option and I take that option, I expect to receive.  It's not like I didn't ask, but once dessert is finished, I'm ready to move on with the evening and not sit around and wait on coffee that may or may not arrive.

On the Celebration this June and it worked...sort of.   Some in our group would get the message and some wouldn't.   Never could figure out why it would work sometimes and not others.  Tested it in random parts of the ship when we were all together some would get it, some wouldn't.  

If they didn't respond in a certain amount of time, we would try individually which seemed to work more frequently.

I would still use this again as it works more than not.

On 9/17/2024 at 6:34 PM, mfs2k said:

 

I’m 65 and am quite comfortable using a phone for doing everything. I’ve exceeded screen time guidelines since I was 5 watching tv more than I was supposed to. I know how to use my phone but I don’t like being expected to use my phone to review a menu. 
I remember the thrill of looking at the menus my parents brought home from their cruises in the 60’s. I appreciate the elegant service of being handed a fancy menu in a leather (or vinyl) menu holder and perusing my options before ordering. That feeling is gone now when I’m asked to look at my phone for the evening selections. Ugh. Just thinking about it now irritates me. I know this became necessary when Covid was raging but it’s been 4 1/2 years and this continued practice needs to become a memory in my opinion. 
I get it that 1. I can probably get a menu if I ask for it and 2. many people prefer this method. 
 

I get this....I'm 42 and my wife and I both would prefer a paper menu.  Like you mentioned, I know you can request one, but it is something I have expected as a permanent change.  It also seems the expectation is that you know what you want as soon as you sit down as the server seems immediately ready to take your order. 

I always want coffee with my dessert (prefer it immediately after finished with my meal), however it seems to arrive ½way through dessert or not at all.  I sort of blame this issue on having no menus and ordering everything up front.  Almost like they have to go get the coffee or serve the desserts that are just sitting there.

On 8/28/2024 at 9:34 AM, ohioNCLcruiser said:

 

 

The awful:

 

Carnival feels like they have two brands within one based on the sailing. This cruise the kids and crowds were completely out of control. The worst I have ever experienced, including my five years working onboard ships. They completely took over areas, would block entire stairwells and not allow people to pass, screaming and yelling knocking on people’s cabin doors at 2, 3 and 4 am. Security had zero control of the situation and didn’t even bother enforcing curfew.

 

The other issue was we had multiple, and I mean multiple, fights happen onboard. The last night of the cruise a guest attacked another with a knife and they had to do a “Code Charlie” where even the staff said they have never seen the Staff Captain running so fast through the deck 5 promenade with security like that before. I left the Magic on Saturday and boarded the Horizon on Sunday and night 1 there was already a passenger with his face completely covered in dripping blood from being beat up.

 

I honestly don’t know what Carnival has to do to take control of these situations, but it is getting out of hand. At the Diamond gathering and debark area so many were saying they are just about done with Carnival. If it wasn’t for a few fantastic crew members I love cruising with, I would probably move on. No cheap deal is worth dealing with that. I almost feel like Carnival needs to rebrand their summer and booze cruise division to a different name lol.

 

 

I have never seen a fight onboard the ships, but I also don't hang out at the bars, serenity deck and up for gym and breakfast at 6:30, then bed by 10.   I get annoyed when the 21-25 year old's come up to serenity and act like it is their apartment pool area with their own music.  I hear the serenity music at just the right volume, their music and then the midship pool / party music.  So annoying. Feel like an old man (42).   We also cruise in the summer usually on an 8 day cruise and have found none of this to be an issue.   I do see the groups of teens running around the ship, but I also see them in similar fashion around any popular vacation areas.  I know the fights happen, just disappointed I never get to see them.  Fights on the subway in NYC however are never disappointing.  Maybe I should try HAL.

Do I need to stay awake to see all of this action?  (Sarcasm there).

21 hours ago, cruisingnana said:

On a different subject.  How many points must you have to use as a statement credit? 

I can't remember tbh, but I think whatever I last redeemed was $750 on my cruise, but I had saved up for 5 years of points.  so takes a while and other cards are better, but for some reason I just stick with this one for cruising.🤔

As others have said not really many discounts these days....Considering that, I would book as early as possible and consider I get to choose my room type / location as the bonus rather than just having to find what is available.

I use a desktop as well and have never had any issues....maybe it is the Barclay's App that is causing the issue.

Yes.  I think my most recent complaints revolves around marijuana on balconies.  So easy to smell and permeates the hallways and whoever is smokings clothing.  Should be no smoking at all on balcony but somehow still happens and makes it on the ships. 

On 8/9/2024 at 1:11 PM, jimbo5544 said:

Appreciate you coming along, Blaire is different, but that is good thing.  Enjoy your cruise, ask away of any questions.

I really enjoyed our time in Bonaire back in June, however, I don't really see the point of being there past 6 as lots of things near the port are closed and the area didn't feel like it was well lit.  I feel like Carnival should swap the late time with Curacao and leave closer to 6 in Bonaire.  Lots to do close to the port there and it seems to stay open late.  Curacao also seems to be more welcome to tourism.

34 minutes ago, PORT ROYAL said:

Sorry, never seen, or even heard of this request at COCO.  
There are many clothing optional venues at the far South end of the bay.  Coco is very North.

Consider a missive direct to COCO, before booking one’s day/lunch.

 

Not looking for one, rather, just want to make sure I don't show up at one.  lol   Never been to SM, and know they have some clothing optional beaches there, just not sure if they are everywhere or isolated.

about Coco Beach - is it clothing optional?  

On 8/8/2024 at 4:18 PM, DutchCruiseFan said:

Shouldn't we expect 2026-2027 sailings to be released starting this month? Might give us a clue. I can't really see Sunshine go before Elation and Paradise and I do think Jacksonville will be one of the first ports to be cut, unfortunately for them Port Canaveral is just relatively close.

Of course all just speculation.

I think cutting Jacksonville wouldn't be desirable as they are already losing Charleston at the end of the year.  My drive to a cruise port goes from 30 minutes to 4 hours to 6 hours.   If I am driving 6, I will just drive a few more and leave from Miami or take a flight.   I am hopeful that Charleston may return as a embarkation port one day as several ships can fit under the Ravenel bridge and the port just purchased last in North Charleston along with plans for a taller bridge (same height at Ravenel) are being discussed....why not just throw a parking garage and a dock.   

15 minutes ago, hapytobehr said:

None of the mains come with pasta-but you can order some.

We did figure that out, but i don't think it was mentioned on the menu when we ordered, which is why it was a surprise.  The menu also didn't say it included pasta, I just assumed it did.

On 7/27/2024 at 7:12 PM, staceyglow said:

And I can promise you that unless you have an extraordinary appetite, you will not leave hungry. 

Not a big eater here, but I wanted more.   Was still a nice dinner, but would have like a bit more....especially the dessert.

**edit**  Also seems like I ordered Eggplant Parm, but it didn't come with noodles.  Seems like another person at my table ordered something and no noodles either.  Sort of strange.

I have had mine for several years....I'm sure it isn't the best, but when they give me a $1000 toward my cruise when I use points, I can't really complain....pay off each month and don't pay interest (or any cc fees).

Like others said only if you book a spa room or buy a pass. 
the Madrid grad class of ships had a really busy spa area.  Almost too busy as you couldn’t find a spot down there.

If you have a place cooks Japanese in front of you close by, I would skip it.  Really no difference.  Didn’t try rudis so no opinion there. I would do the steakhouse.  

No real advantage to booking before cruise other than the ability to pick the specific date you are wanting.  I do like to do the steakhouse on the first night and get the free cheap bottle of wine.  It also starts the cruise off with a great meal.  Bonsai is usually booked up quickly, so do book that if you are interested.

Haven't been to this island in a few years, so it will be interesting to see the changes when we go next year.  All I am looking for is a nice and relaxing beach day!

No problem with that in my opinion.   

If my wife were to leave for more than a few minutes and another woman come and sit in that seat which is just a couple of inches from me, then I would need to find another seat as that would be uncomfortable for me, nor would my wife be very happy with the situation.  The issue lies in taking up multiple seats during an excessive amount of time without anyone ever showing.

13 hours ago, Earthworm Jim said:

 

I assume jeblack1 was referring to the more southern of the Leeward Islands. Such as St. Lucia and Barbados. Do cruise ships ever call at Tobago? I don't recall seeing that as a destination for a big ship cruise line..

that is correct....I think Carnival used to have an itinerary that left from San Juan, and spent a day in each island and if my memory serves correctly, you would then start another cruise in reverse.