Donh44

In an effort to bring a more positive light to our year, let's list the most positive things that we can say about Carnival (not that I'm brand hyping here, I just want to see some more positive activity on these boards).

 

I'll start us off:

I LOVE the comedy clubs!

A great value for the money.

We're new to cruising and will be on the Legend in May this year. It's an 8 day cruise. We selected your time dining since excursion timing varies each day.

 

When ordering, can you request any changes? Some of the main items sound good, but list side items or garnishes that are not appealing.

 

As an example, I saw a menu with fish-n-chips, coleslaw, and another item. Must it come with the coleslaw?

 

Another example is the simple baked potato as a side. Do you choose the toppings for the potato?

 

Eating out for us is normally somewhere like Applebees or a Texas Roadhouse.

Feel free to order what you want. You can eliminate anything you want and add anything you want. You can order more than one entrée if you want. Very flexible. I am a very picky eater so I know exactly what you are talking about. Have a great cruise.

It is exactly this rationale that has led to the introduction of a staggered check in process. The "me first" attitude of wanting to get on the ship at the soonest opportunity to get maximum benefit of the first day is the crux of the problem. A large number of pushing, shoving, desperate people clogging the terminal as soon as the doors open creates unnecessary chaos, delays and long waits for everyone.

 

Staggered check in solves that problem.

 

However, there will still be those who can't grasp the greater benefit because they can't see past their own selfish perspective.

 

If you want to be one of the first to board, you have several options: have Platinum status, purchase FTTF or select one of the first check in times.

 

The problem is you don't want to be limited in your options and want the freedom to let everyone show up early and shove your way to the front.

 

In the greater scheme of things a couple hours difference in when you board is insignificant, even if you have mobility issues and a desperate need for immediate and multiple martinis.

 

The big picture is there if you choose to see it. I reckon the haze is too great for you to do so.

A big AMEN to you.

Don't understand how one can say that they use their OBC for any particular thing.

It's not like when you make an on board purchase, you have the option of designating where that amount comes from. It's just charged to your account.

If you have an OBC credit, that charge reduces that credit. And on and on until OBC is used up. Then the S&S balance due starts increasing.

Agree 100%. Just glad that it is there.

Moral of the story: yes tsa will check at airport and the ports......possibly trains too but those do not leave or return from outside of the country:rolleyes:

I bought a brand new price of luggage for a cruise back in Sept. The luggage had a combination lock with a special slot for TSA to unlock if necessary without disturbing my combination lock. When I got back home, the combination lock was broken (brand new, mind you). Had to ship the luggage out of town to a luggage repair facility for lock replacement. Don't know whether the lock was broken at the returning port or at the returning airport. At any rate, my Travel Guard travel insurance covered the entire cost of repair including my shipping it to and from the repair facility. Couldn't ask for more than that.

Yes, you are. You still have to pick a time, but you can show up whenever.

 

From Carnival FAQ's:

 

Guests who are part of our Priority Program (Diamond, Platinum and suites), have purchased transfers with Carnival or 'Faster to the Fun' must still select a window online, but are invited to come at their leisure, up to one (1) hour prior to sailing.

 

 

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I am under the impression that the check in times don't affect FTTF. Because with FTTF you can arrive as early as you want and go on thru the lines.

We are considering doing CA/NE next year for our cruise. Previously, we have only cruised Bahamas/Caribbean itineraries. Question ... is it too cold to be out on the Serenity deck in October? Do they have an enclosed "outdoor" area on the Sunshine?

 

I like the idea of the itinerary, but want to be able to enjoy being out on the decks as well.

 

Any input would be appreciated!

I have been on that cruise twice and both times it was in September. I was there this past Sept (see my cruises below). The weather then was fantastic. In fact, it was the hottest day in Boston all summer. Weather should be fine but I would take a jacket, just in case. I would think that Serenity Deck would be fine. That is, of course, unless there is an unexpected cold spell. You will love the cruise. Those two cruises were the best that I have ever taken.

Was this during the muster drill that they wouldn't let you use the stairs? This is really disappointing to hear. I don't blame you for being upset.

The main purpose of a Muster Drill is to tell you what you need to know in case of an emergency. If it were an emergency, NO one can use the elevators as they would be too crowded and too slow getting down. If they let people use the elevators for the MUSTER drill, it defeats the purpose. Also, it would make the MUSTER drill longer than it already is.

I've been checking every week for FTTF to be available on our April sailing on The Conquest out of Fort Lauderdale; it has said SOLD OUT since I booked nearly a year ago... do they usually open up more and if so does anyone know when?

Send an email to FTTF@carnival.com and request to be put on a waiting list. I did that back in August for the Splendor. Was having some back problems and I decided pretty late to try and get FTTF. It was sold out but I was told to send an email and they would waitlist me. They did and a few days later I got an email back confirming my FTTF request and that they already had billed it to my S & S account. I saved the email and carried it with me for insurance. I also reprinted my luggage tags and got the new FTTF tags. Good luck.

So, getting ready to cruise again on Carnival.

 

Last week, when I printed out our receipts and boarding passes, next to the VIFP Membership number it showed the level of each of the members of our party: They ranged from Blue to Platinum, depending on the person.

 

Today, for all members, it no longer shows level, but simply "N."

 

So, where it used to say: XXXXXXXXXX - Color

now it just shows: XXXXXXXXXX - N

It did this for all of us, regardless of level.

 

The only member of our party who would have changed status during the cruise was the Blue (obviously). None of the rest of us would have changed.

 

Any ideas on what "N" means?

Printed my documents out back in October. Shows my VIFP# and Gold. Must be something new. Has anyone contacted Carnival to ask what it means? My cruise is less than a month away.

Been with Carnival for over 20 years and never received calls that I didn't request. I sign on the website almost everyday checking for any specials and they still don't bother me. However one time we cruised NCL and then I happened to go on NCL's website and they started calling me until I told them I would call them when interested.

I have a great PVP. He has never called me unless he had something specific to talk to me about a cruise that I have booked with him or if I have asked him to call. He has always been very respectful and that is why I keep him. Sorry that I can't give his name out for the benefit of others.

I see two ships doing that now.

John Healds facebook us updated

It's being tested on select ships but will, eventually, be on all ships.

Just how does one find out about ALL last minute cruises? Is there a web site that we could check?

I would call Carnival and speak with a PVP. He/she might have an inventory available to them to look at. Who knows, might get lucky. Surly there are cancellations.

True! They took away the Gold folks' invites to this party and gave us a bottle of water instead!

And a free drink on the last day. I, personally don't think it is a bad deal. I had been to several past guest parties in the past and got nothing out of them. Too crowded and, unless you knew a bunch of people to make it worthwhile, I thought it was boring.

No Cloud 9 on the Fascination.

 

Separate men's and women's steams and saunas part of the changing rooms next to the fitness studio, before entering the gym. Spa on Fascination is primarily massages, some programs in the fitness studio and a beauty salon.

Thank you all so much. You have been a big help. Cruise Critic is great for getting first hand information. Thanks again.

I have never been to the Spa on any of my cruises. I have a real dumb question. Is there a charge to use the treadmill or the sauna? Since I have had major back surgery, I have gotten into walking. I know there is a walking track on the ship but I was thinking of utilizing the treadmill and maybe the sauna. But, I have never been up there and have no idea if these are included in the cruise package or if they are charged separately. I know that massages, facials, etc, are charged but what about the exercise equipment?

The Splendor is jinxed. Her twin sister, the Concordia is calling. :eek:

Sailed on the Splendor back in Sept. Of all of the Carnival ships, That is one ship that I did not like. Not that the ship had anything to do with the incident.

Don't want to cruise w/o Guy's.

I can think of a lot better reasons not to cruise besides a hamburger joint. There are so many ships and ports and activities to choose from. I cruise for the cruise atmosphere.

We've used FTTF before and think it's worth the $50 or so. However, I am struggling with it for our upcoming cruise out of San Juan. We are coming in the day before and will spend most of embarkation day at the hotel swimming. The Fascination doesn't leave until 10PM as well. Then I notice that we do not have any tendering at any port during our cruise and our flights leave later in the day when we get back.

 

So, is there a reason that you would still get FTTF for this specific itinerary? Am I missing something?

 

Many thanks!!

I would say, no, to the FTTF on this one if I were you. The biggest advantage to FTTF is that you expedite boarding. But, in my opinion, since the ship doesn't sail until 10 PM, you and the rest of the cruisers have most all day to board. Boarding will probably be sporadic as people are arriving at various times of the day. I, personally, would just save that money and spend it on your cruise. Have a great cruise. I will be sailing the Fascination out of Jacksonville for a 4 nighter on Jan 21.

Legend.

 

If the Carnival FAQs on the introduction of the new plan said that you could only change over before final payment I would have absolutely no problem with them. But that is not what they say.

 

It Is:

 

"Can I change my Fly-Aweigh booking to the new Fly2Fun Air Program?

Absolutely! If you would like to convert a Fly-Aweigh booking to our new Fly2Fun Air Program in order to select your flights, you can call your travel agent or one of our service professionals at 1-800-CARNIVAL who will assist you in selecting the schedule and pricing that meets your needs.

 

Please note that changes within 60 days of cruise departure, you will incur a $200 per person penalty. "

 

Here the 60 days, not final payment is stated.

 

I just got off of a 40 minute call to a "lead hand" that refused numerous times to EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE that the above statement exists. She constantly tried to push me off to my travel agent to read me the original legal agreement.

 

Justme

It is for reasons like this that I NEVER use a travel agent when booking a cruise. I always use a PVP. I have one who is extremely efficient and is very dedicated to his job. He even responds to my inquiries on his days off as he has his calls forwarded to his cell phone. Last August, I tried to call him on a Sunday about a concern and he even called me back and he was in church.

Sailing on Sensation on 11/19. When I printed the cruise documents 3 days ago, I had no OBC. I printed the docs again today and now it shows $20.94 in OBC. Any idea what it might be for? Not that I'm complaining, but I wasn't expecting OBC and have no idea why I would have it. I booked a suite guarantee via super saver (and the price only went up after I booked).

 

I booked through my PVP if that matters.

I cruised on the SPLENDOR back in Sept and got a similar OBC credit. Was told it was due to a port fee change. Happens often.

Here is a question about the muster drill, a little bit off topic.

We sail in January out of San Juan with a 10 PM sailing time. We plan on arriving in SJ around 3 pm and dropping off our stuff on board and then rebounding sometime close to the 10 PM sail time.

When would the muster drill take place?

TIA

Howard

You may have a 10 PM sailing time but you will be REQUIRED to be back on the ship at least one hour before that sailing time. You MUST attend the muster drill. It is mandatory.

How long is it taking these days for the Shareholder Credit to post to your account after faxing the info? I faxed 72 hours ago and it is still not posting. I called customer service and they said it could take up to 14 days !:eek: A previous thread about the credit this past Sept people said it was posted within a day or two but I don't know if this info was current or not.

 

For those folks who faxed it in within the past month… how long has it taken for it to post? Do they really send an email to confirm if you request it?

 

Thanks.

You probably have all of the answers that you need to address your concern, but I wanted to add mine as well. I mailed my request via "snail mail" back on Oct 26 and got my response via email today (11/10) that the OBC had been applied to my reservation. But they said that it won't post until day of embarkation. So, via "snail mail" it took just about 14-15 days. I made a copy of my email to carry with me just in case that I need it. But, I didn't have any problem on my last cruise back in Sept.

You never got "turn down" service twice a day, ever. Got a morning cabin service where the bed(s) were made, towels changed (if on the floor), and light cleaning. And also got an evening service which included "turn down" service and towel replacement if required. On the test ships, you can chose Morning Service, Evening Service, or BOTH. If your selection card has only two check boxes (Morning, Evening), then check them both if you want both.

 

The other two would not be a decision maker for using a cruise line for any reasonable adult.

Turn down service is just a play on words. It is referring to the steward coming in twice/day. Once to make up the beds and the other to turn them down.

What is the point of being loyal, and keep cruising with Carnival? Over the past 10 years I have been on 8 cruises. The latest one being with the Ecstasy just last week. The multiple "small" cut backs have greatly added up compromising the cruise experience that they once had. From turn down service, to lobster and the smallest paying for a deck a cards that were once free at guest services. And now with F2F, you can buy the perks that a loyal customer receives. Why would one not go to a different cruise line and receive the quality vacation with the newest and greatest that carnival once provided? Has anyone else felt the same, and thinking of being done with Carnival?

Carnival is trying some cutbacks on a select number of ships (Ecstasy being one of them). There is no promise that the limited turndowns are going to be a permanent thing. It is a trial. As far as the decks of cards, I was on the Splendor back in Sept and there was no problem getting decks of cards from GS (for free). They even gave out free pens as well.