sgttami

The increase in food prices shouldn't be a surprise. Going to the supermarket has turned into sticker shock the last year. Something I never really noticed or paid attention to before. I equate those ice cream machines with self serve soda (Ugh, nasty) so it's something I never used and would never miss if they cut it down to an hour a day. Cruising will continue as a popular travel venue and people will pay the price if it's something they want. All inclusive vacations still nickel and dime for everything in between. Smooth sailing! .

I was on the 2nd sailing of RCL Serenade of the Seas (9/2003) and we got a lot of stuff similar to this including the once sought after computer Aqua Mouse. Must have been leftovers from the inaugural! A fun trip celebrating my 50th birthday and the only time that I sailed a ship that was truly brand new. Everything was immaculate and I can still remember the "new car smell" of the ship/ Good memories!

10% off if you purchase pre-cruise. That's all I've ever seen!

I 'll get a deli sandwich (ham and cheese or tuna) and bring it back to the cabin and keep in fridge for late night munchies after the casino. I always pack Zip loc bags! Other than that, I've never eaten a meal at the buffet on any cruise.

Carry on. Carry off. I travel with one bag that has everything I need for the duration of my trip. Easy for me. The only time I checked luggage and put it out for debarking was my first cruise 30 years ago because I was told that's what you had to do. Lesson learned. Never listen to those that believe they are experts in everything! ( HA HA)

I'll take a can or bottle of soda, beer or wine before I drank anything on tap. Years ago I saw the taps being cleaned when I worked at a bar/restaurant in college. Saying it was nasty is being kind. I'll happily wait at a bar!

My hand pay winnings on slots were always in cash but other winnings went into the Player Bank and then I "cashed out" when I was done. Sometimes it should have been sooner rather than later....HA HA

I always tip in cash with DOU everywhere and tend to tip more when drinking in the casino because that's where I usually am and dealing with the same servers for the whole cruise.

Past, Present and Future Whatever line I sail on, I'm always looking for the smallest class of ships. It's my comfort level.

As others have stated, you really don't know. The earliest I ever got an assignment was about an hour after I booked online. If it was like that all the time, I probably would have booked GTY more often.

You can ask for extra hangers but I've always found them to be too thick and bulky. I now pack/hang everything on skinny travel hangers and fold them into a dry cleaning bag and into the suitcase. Take out of the suitcase and hang up in the closet and arrange by outfit. No wrinkles and no jumble of those bulky wooden hangers. Easier and neater!

No more masks...YAY Going to dinner was like eating in the Operating Room of your local hospital. I get all the safety issues and blah, blah, blah but it was a major turnoff going to dinner and being served by people in masks.

I've contributed generously to the casinos onboard over the years (that resulted in onboard charges )but have never purchased anything in any of the gift/FUN shops. I'm not a recreational shopper!

You can have my lounger. They are the most uncomfortable chairs ever created.

I have pics of my parents and their friends on their first cruise (1970 on the Oceanic from NY) when they dined with the Captain and the ladies were in gowns and furs and men were in tuxes. I was very impressed at the time and WOWED by how luxurious cruising was. But yeah, things change (LOL)

Yes, it was

My sister and I still call it Captain's Dinner or Captain's Night even though we know it's no longer called that. Old habits from the old days of cruising when Elegant Night was truly "Elegant Night."

Snacks don't need to be factory sealed. I've gone with small zip locks of a mix of things and carried them on in my pocketbook. I also take a mini-med kit of the usual stuff I might need. After paying $14 for 8 Tylenol on one cruise, I never left without my own med pack again!

I started getting FREE offers right after I took my first Carnival cruise on Splendor in Feb. 2014. One of the reasons I sailed Splendor 5X that year and made it to Platinum in 4 years.

My cruises were all free casino offers and I became Platinum when I was supposed to, after the correct number of days sailed.

There used to be a big emphasis on the Seaday Brunch with the Bloody Mary bar that was set up near the entrance and a more extensive menu. Your "free" drink was always good at the brunch bar. I haven't seen this in a long time.

I had DOU everywhere through casino on a few cruises and never had a problem. Got my first drink at Atrium or casino bar as soon as I boarded. I've never e-mailed for confirmation.

My last minute bookings were in my earlier years of cruising. A month or so before was normal. The closest I recall was 4 days before on Splendor when she sailed from NY.(2014) I had been on in Feb, March, May and Sept and decided to do the repo to San Juan that Oct. just 4 days before. Easy port to get to for me and I'd never done a repo. My next cruise is for Jan. 2023 that has been booked and paid for since Apr.. 2020 (Covid cancelation rebook). I like the last minute ones better!

Yes, but you go with what you are dealt with. Ship happens. At home and on vacation and anywhere in between. No sense in complaining over something you have no control over. Not worth the stress!

YUP! My first few cruises were like that. Fast forward 30 years....Still wish those fat envelopes came in the mailbox. Fun times!