oyme

Where we live in Southern Utah we were probably one of the first places to start re-opening up and resuming a semi-normal life. I don't think we were ever hit too hard here. Even considering we had a lot of people coming here to visit or even relocate from California and Nevada. I knew of some severe cases but most were in the high risk categories with either age or pre-existing conditions or both. When people were allowed to choose not masking most would not choose to wear one. Honestly, we sometimes did depending on what was coming up. Like if Christmas was around the corner or a trip then we'd mask up. We sail soon but I've been crappy this time at remembering to mask up when in public indoor spaces like sya Costco. I'd planned on it, tbh. It's just harder for me to remember since pretty much nobody here around me is wearing them now.

What's funny is I ordered the Tide sink packs but then cancelled my order as I was Googling since I read I could use shampoo. I might just plan to use shampoo and give it a try, I was curious if anyone had tried it but if I'm the first I can report back. 🙂 I'm thinking the less I have to pack the better because we have so much luggage already. It's a problem. I should add, I am taking dish soap, though, to wash our water bottles. That's a huge priority so I can just make sure it's the proper kind of dish soap for clothes washing.

I'm more Okay with Carnival cutting things than one of the more expensive lines, for sure.

That's good to know, I eat like a bird but I'm also indecisive so 2 smaller portions would be better than 1 large.

Interesting, I asked on a cruise once and was told No but that might have been on princess.

Thanks to those who were actually adding helpful information to this discussion rather than those who were inserting their ever so hilarious jokes into the thread. I truly appreciate the helpful feedback. We are planning to try the HUB messaging and hopefully those who found it unreliable truly were suffering from operator error.

We have a teen, an absent-minded one at that, so we need a way to check in with him. We do plan to set times to meet up and check in but I can imagine him spacing that off entirely, to be honest. So if that happens we need a way to message him.

We won't be in sight, that's why I'm asking. But yes, I agree with you and then radios are a moot point, lol.

It seems like some say the HUB app works good but others disagree. As of right now we're planning to just try using the HUB messaging. As for like the social wifi plan, that really is a bit spendy for us. We just can't justify that amount of money for it, the HUB messaging cost is fine, though.

Just curious if anyone's ever used Carnival's bodywash/shampoo to handwash clothes in the sink? We're bringing a toddler who is messy... I might need to wash a clothing item in the sink. I'd rather not pack liquid laundry detergent (besides pods, we're bringing laundry pods in case we need to do a full load but I'm thinking if we have 1 item that needs a quick wash in the sink) Thanks! For reference I was doing some Googling and I read that in a pinch shampoo and soap work okay to handwash items in sink but to never ever use dish soap. So I was wondering specifically about the provided shampoo/body wash Carnival has.

Best walkie talkies (brand / screenshot / full Amazon description please) to use on a cruise? I've read Carnival Hub app messaging at $5 p/p is unreliable so am considering walkie talkies to communicate with members of our party. Thanks!

Well they changed things, almost like I predicted the future (I'm OP). 2 entrees now then 3rd+ are $5.00. Only 2 lobster tails for you (or anyone) unless you want to pay. $5 isn't too bad for lobster I suppose. Bummer but 2 entrees will do if I'm indecisive. There's always other food options after MDR like Buffet or pizza.

Great, thank you! We'll be on Panorama but I'd imaging the change (if made) would be fleet-wide. 🙂 Thanks again 🙂

With all the recent cutbacks is Carnival still allowing you to order 2 appetizers at once or 2 entrees at once or 2 desserts at once, etc. in the MDR? This never used to be an issue but with all their penny pinching lately just curious if this has changed too. Thanks!

Prior to COVID, I have been reading the same things lately. Sad, the program had been so good.

If you plan to buy travel insurance, then why not buy it early? I second using insuremytrip, have had a positive experience, I even had to make a claim on one of my plans. Mind you I had picked the BEST plan I could afford every time, the most comprehensive plan I could afford, but they reimbursed very very well. My cruise was delayed embarkation and then the cruise continued to have issues with Norovirus. We submitted a claim and were very happy with how it paid out, it was more then fair! I don't have exact numbers or the name of the insurer (insuremytrip has a lot of plans from different carriers...) but it's great you get to really shop for what you want in your budget. We always pick one where we can cancel for any reason including our bosses changing their minds last-minute. So far that's never happened, but just in case!

Absolutely agree... there's options for those wanting an adults only experience. My family, kids and all, shouldn't have to suffer. Retirees, while I feel you and someday I too will want an adults-only experience, there should be options for everyone. Stuffing all the many kids into one pool just isn't cool. Especially since there ARE options out there for everyone. You might not like your options, but I also don't always love mine either, it's called compromise. As previously mentioned Princess, Celebrity, or even Virgin would be CL to consider or booking a Havana cabin or Spirit-class ship with the Serenity area. I don't have a ton of sympathy as I am paying more to have a family harbor cabin and I did see when I booked my cabin that sometimes the Havana cabins are reasonably priced, IMO.

You have kids? I mean the BEST parents have no children, as they say, lol. Some kids like the kids clubs more than bonding with their families. Mind your bizz.

I've definitely read people saying that their room change requests were denied. It probably is a judgement call on Carnival staff's end or something. Maybe if they feel the issue is tolerable? IDK. I know if I have an issue I will be the biggest thorn in the bum and will do everything in my power to get us moved if we have an issue. I'm very persuasive, some might call me a Karen haha.

ME: **taking notes** lol.

Unfortunately, people like this truly don't care about anyone but themselves and likely won't change. Sorry you had to go through this. I'm always worried something like this will happen to us.

Wow, I've definitely had CCL make drinks to order in the past but not necessarily at the Alchemy bar. They must have a limited selection of alcohol/mixers available there, possibly? I remember asking once if they could make Princess' BBC or at least try for me and they did, it turned out pretty good. The bartender had not heard of it I just told him it was Bailey's, Banana, and Colada and it turned out pretty close! But this was quite some time ago on Spirit, I believe. Also, whenever I've asked for regular favorites like Amaretto Sour or White Russians up until now they've never said no. So maybe this is a relatively new thing? IDK.

I've found a few articles, it truly is just a vent on most ships (as you described). The reason CCL might keep them as decorative going forward is that they patented their design. CCL considers their whale tail to be a brand identifier since it can be spotted from far away and passengers know from a distance that the ship is a CCL ship based on their patented whale tail design. I read: https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=3002 as well as some articles I found off of Google. I ran a search "how does the cruise ship's funnel work."

Naps are huge! I know naptime would be a prime time for her to want to go out for a bit. At least for me naptime would be... usually when we're on a cruise if I don't have a sitter we stay in with our kiddo on our tablet and play games or watch movies while they nap but it'd be great if my inlaws were willing to do that. With that said, my current kiddo probably wouldn't sleep if she knew grandma/grandpa were there so I'd have to smuggle them in once she was completely out haha.

I think you should ask her. I'm a stay at home Mom and would love a lot of time apart but I'm also realistic. We'll be sailing with my inlaws and they've offered to help watch my 2 year old, their grandaughter a bit. But I know they are party people, especially my MIL so I will just be glad for what I can get. I know we'll have to compare notes ahead of time as to what we want to do and what they want to do. I'm really excited to go to that adults only deck for maybe an hour on a couple of days since I have 2 kids lol. I definitely want to see some comedy or go to trivia BUT my MIL loves those 2 things as well... I also love Karaoke which I think she can pass on that. She enjoys watching but she's not as into it as me. We have cruised together 2x already so I do have an idea what to expect. Definitely talk it out. If it helps, I'd say $5 an hour would be a fair compensation for some babysitting. You could ask for $10. I'd say maybe not have her pay for your whole cabin or if she does maybe be prepared to give some back if you don't babysit much. She shouldn't own you by any means but I'd think if she paid your way she'd be expecting a lot of babysitting. Definitely set some boundaries before going! She might be better off paying for a nanny and their room.