Tom-n-Cheryl

Then I'd venture that you never sailed on the Regal Empress... one day the best the buffet could muster was Little Smokies ! Tom

If this topic was on the Carnival board (it has been, many times) it wouldn't have made it 5 days, let alone 5 years. I'm happy to see that this thread is allowed to continue (and to continue providing useful information) with tempered moderation - CHEERS! Tom

I had a friend who skipped first grade. Let's just say he shouldn't have! Tom

Man, that's a no-brainer. The OBC alone easily covers AARP membership! Tom

A few weeks ago I priced out a cruise over Thanksgiving on the Seashore and it would be a little over $5,000 for 6 nights. To have Wi-Fi, drinks, a private sun deck, lounge and restaurant. Seemed a great value!

Yep. If it came down to MSC vs. Carnival (non suites, both) I'd probably opt for Carnival - with some exceptions/reservations. Tom

Excellent ! Tom

That says a lot. When you do sail with them again - could you see yourself staying in non-YC accommodations ? Tom

There are a couple of drawbacks -- our homeowner's insurance for our current place started at $4k/yr in '18/19. This year it's going up by $10k, to $21k (w/no claims). Darn, perhaps I should have "gouged them" for a new roof after a hailstorm a couple of years ago, as now they're gouging me !!! Tom

Glitch in the matrix perhaps... or, we just got lucky ! Technology can be finicky stuff ... Tom

We're taking the HAL plunge for our 40th next year. I sailed them as a kid in '66 on a transatlantic - so it will be a return to HAL for me after MANY years ! Decided to go all out with a top suite. Should be FUN! Tom

I was really impressed with the priority YC elevators (w/wristband). There are times where you'd have to request it twice (with it saying something like "not available" or such initially), but then you'd have an elevator arrive within a minute or less and take you directly to your destination floor (non-stop, and your "private" elevator most of the time). Tom

Yep - it doesn't really make sense. I was surprised to see that. I found a "workaround" (thanks to another CC'er). We're Elite+ on Celebrity (would have been Gold also using that), but I was able to status match my Elite+ with Azamara to (heck, can't even recall... something like Discoverer Plus?) - and then parlay that to Diamond with MSC. A bit of juggling, but a "fun" process ! Tom

I never really looked at it that way --- if you change to NRD, say, 5 months from departure - would you get the old NRD rate, or the new/current one? Tom

Carnival used to have longer hours for the brunch - now it's over at what... noon? (much earlier and I think the word brunch won't apply). Also, they cut out a few things - one of the only things I went there for was the Gravlax. I intentionally skip the brunch now - going for a late breakfast or early lunch (well, 11:30-12). Tom

Aside from double points, what does going the JS route get you in return (cabin size/perks/etc) over a regular balcony? Tom

Are you comparing Celebrity Concierge Class cabins with Grand Suites on RCL ? Tom

I tried the pizza at the buffet on our sailing - not a lot of toppings choices, and the place felt jammed (well, the whole buffet did). I did a couple of loops through to get the lay of the land - and I didn't return. Tom

Please let us know how that works out (and, what's your projected savings if it does?). Tom

So, what's considered a "one category upgrade"? I mean, could you go from the lowest Concierge cabin to the lowest AQ ... or would you only get to C2 from there (if that's the correct designation presently)? Tom

I've never really explored the upgrade options associated with CC status, since we've booked suites in the past. What's the deal with Elite +? ... and any pointers would be appreciated ! Tom

I was looking at that as well, at least you get Blu !

Plenty of other choices up there now - I feel the Retreat prices are not reasonable, I wish them luck selling those cabins, as the perks get clipped. Other cabins, not a bad deal. Tom

I saw that the 1/4/25 sailing is available to book... just the one date. Not thinking that $12k for a Celebrity Suite does it for me... nor does $14k for refundable... 😞 Tom

I'll call your LOL and raise you - 😉 I've been a 1 star since 1966. After our Rotterdam sailing next Thanksgiving (54 years later) I'll make it to 2-star status. At this rate, I'll make 4-star by, ummm... nevermind ! 😄 Tom