Island Dog

I'd dispute the charge directly with your credit card. They will give you a conditional credit for the amount while they investigate the matter with Carnival directly. In my experience, once the CC contacts the cruise line directly, miraculously they process the refund immediately. Go figure.

Maybe try finding a dive shop on GC or Cozumel that runs snorkel trips for cruise ship passengers. The group will be smaller, so you are more likely to get some quality instruction in a smaller group from a dive professional. In my experiences a quick Google search followed by seeking some reviews will help narrow down a reliable choice.

While I agree cruising definitely has a long way to go to "clean up their act" environmentally, it was Carnival themselves, not cruisers, that decided to eliminate plastic straws and opt for costlier sugar straws. I assume they did this because plastic straws are the most likely item to blow overboard that's not biodegradable. I don't think repeat cruisers who bring their straw of choice onboard with them are the irresponsible ones letting their trash blow into the sea. (Don't get me started on smokers who throw butts overboard, though). While eliminating straws will definitely not "save the world", it was an easy way of keeping the most likeliest of plastic trash from the finding its way into the ocean. The industry has a terrible record in regards to the environment, but this is a small step in the right direction (like LNG powered vessels) IMHO. I hope everyone enjoys their adult beverages on their next voyage no matter what you may choose to sip from, while taking in the beautiful vistas of the sea.

Forgive me, but this seems to be an odd way of looking at things. Especially from a doctor that treats eating disorders. Examples of gluttony: Eating outside of a prescribed time (mindless eating) Anticipating eating with preoccupied longing. Consuming costly foods (eating lavishly simply for the purpose of conspicuous consumption) Not being content with “common” foods; always seeking delicacies (or, perhaps, Supersizing) I don't know about you, but I think just about every cruiser is "guilty of gluttony" somewhere in the above examples. I think not only Carnival, but the entire industry, has glorified the expectation of gluttony onboard. IMHO gluttony is still being tolerated, but now you are going to have to pay for SOME of it. Entrées make the most sense as most people go to the MDR for dinner (while skipping it for other meals) and you are already in a venue where other upcharge transactions happen (wine, cocktails, better steak, etc) so it's easier to take payment for extra entrées (the most costly items on the menu). These people are free to be "gluttons" with apps, on the buffet or at any other complimentary dining venue. I'm not looking to challenge your clinical opinions, I'm just having a hard time seeing your point of view. Just my opinion, as usual, take it or leave it.

I think he is implying it's not cooked enough, not too thin. But I could be wrong. I don't agree with the "changes" strategy, but if you must have bacon cooked to your liking just go to the dining room for breakfast. They will accommodate your requests and serve you bacon everyday.

Nah. I've had some great cruising opportunities during covid and was able to make some voyages I wouldn't have been able to afford during normal times, all on near empty ships. But yeah, would love to forget a lot. Lol.

Really? Pretty sure they were serving this in September on the Liberty. I guess the changes are coming swiftly.

Water taxi stands are just to the left when you walk off the pier. If you want to snorkel, they will drop you up the beach from where the taxi normally drops off. The current will gently carry you back to that beach. Super easy and coral is very healthy. Just remember there are no facilities on Klein, just some shade huts. That and the wall at GT are the best snorkeling opportunities on this trip imo.

Might save you a lot of trouble. Or wait to request it when your onboard.

Yeah he did. Lol. Great idea, as we like to get as far down the beach from the crowds as well. Looks like I'll be grabbing a bucket from the somewhat closer Capt. Morgan Bar and stuffing them in a cooler bag with ice from the Lido. If you haven't been to Bonaire before, maybe check out Klein Bonaire Island by water taxi. The water is just as beautiful as HMC, if not more so. Snorkeling is amazing too.

I'm confused. I thought this "searching" was just in regards to people sneaking off unopened beers onto HMC.

Can't wait! Love HMC.....no matter how I "get my drink on" when I'm there!

Not to mention, as a previous poster stated, searching everyone's bags leaving the ship while in line to board the tenders. Thus creating long lines in what would have to be stairways. Isn't tendering enough of a PITA? Good grief.

One common gripe about MSC is how difficult communication can sometimes be with them. On the MSC board cruisers even state that if you have no major issues with your booking then don't call them as they are more likely to screw things up than fix them.

IMHO I can see both of your points. I would assume candy straws cost more than plastic, so bravo to Carnival for taking a hit to clean up plastic waste. However, they haven't made the change to paper box water bottles that some other lines have switched to, and the plastic bottles are a way worse problem to me. As long as your disposing your plastic straws in the properly marked receptacles and not letting them blow overboard I see them as a non-issue. It is, however, heartbreaking to see marinelife suffering from inhaling/ingesting plastic straws. Personal responsibility goes a long way in helping with this. Do your part in your own way. Just my opinion...

Hard to describe in a few words. Watch this. It's pretty cool.

Wait, there's the Captain Morgan On The Rocks Bar at Half Moon Cay but Carnival is currently not serving the Captain at sea? They've "marooned" Captain Morgan!

This is why I love reading Cruise Critic just before cruising. DW bought me a stainless reusable straw recently replete with a pipe cleaner/chimney sweep thingy to clean it. I just packed it after reading this. Thanks!

It doesn't even say "cold water" lobster which might mean they could serve you Caribbean lobster. While I'm ok with either, I know a lot of people who don't like the warm water lobster. However, when I'm in the steakhouse I'm ordering beef, it's a much less shaky option. 😄

Wow. That must create quite a backup searching everyone's bag. They do this while people are boarding the tenders?

Brioche bread pudding with dark chocolate ganache and creamy vanilla sauce. Damn, now I want one!

Have you seen any crew doing this? I have never seen any screening for any passengers leaving the ship. Only through customs or the adorable food sniffing mutts on the pier in Cozumel.

This was hypothetical. I am booked on Carnival real soon and will consider Carnival for the immediate future for certain cruises moving forward. While I am disappointed in what their business model is trending towards, I am not in the "Never sailing Carnival again!" crowd. They still offer the best deal in cruising and I wish them all the success and hope my hypothetical is wrong. But I strongly feel they just need to raise prices some, keep the experience the same and try to appeal to a better customer base. I have sailed many years on Carnival. While not the "classiest" line, they are hands down the "funnest" line at sea and we have loved the experiences. I am far from a hater, but sometimes you need some tough love. Just my opinion. Take it or leave it. One thing is for certain, while some experiences are better than others, I am never miserable when I'm on vacation. Most of the best days of my life. Cheers! 😁

I just wish my old brain would let me forget 2020.

I considered buying 100 shares for the obc, but when I discovered market prognosticators give Carnival an over 50% chance of bankruptcy, I changed my mind.