ladysail2

I found my answer. I can use the gift card for the deposit. Thanks!

2 hours ago, Retired-N-Happy said:

There's a possibility that Carnival could have given the agency a 5% or whatever discount on the cruise cash, so the agency makes out and so does Carnival.  If you ever need to spend it onboard, just buy a gift card at Cherry on Top.  They are 100 minimum and it can be any dollar amount.

That’s an excellent idea, I truly believe it. I won’t even call it a theory..it’s too plausible. 
With the Carnival OBC given when booking, can one add funds to it and buy a gift card for the $100?   Can a gift card be used for a deposit?  Thanks in advance for any information!  😊

51 minutes ago, Retired-N-Happy said:

Yes, if OBC comes from the cruise line such as stock holder OBC, it's always non-refundable and you need to use it or lose it.  OBC from your TA is usually refundable but if the TA purchased cruise cash or bar cash for you, it needs to be used up and once again, use it or lose it.  But if your TA bestowed just regular OBC, it is indeed refundable and if not spent can be refunded to you.  Depending upon the cruise line, it could be given as cash on board or cut as a check to eventually be mailed to you.

That’s what happened, the agency purchased cruise cash. A benefit to Carnival.  My agent didn’t purchase it for some reason. Before my next Carnival cruise in 2025, I will start dropping a few hints that I hope the OBC is refundable. Fingers crossed.  😊. Yet, same agency and two days after the Carnival cruise I took a Royal Caribbean cruise and that OBC was totally refundable. That’s why I thought that perhaps Carnival had changed its policy and converted OBC purchases into Cruise Cash.

9 hours ago, kdr69 said:

OBC can be non refundable too, the name its called doesnt determine that.

An OBC from the cruise line offered at booking is always non-refundable as far as I know. I thought an OBC from the cruiser’s travel agency was always refundable since it is usually a ‘gift’.  Cruise cash is more of a ‘gift’ to the cruise line..in this case, Carnival.  Buying a gift card would at least benefit me at some point in time!  

2 hours ago, Cruising_Addict said:

 

They will give you what I think is called an "in-transit" pass and they will tell you what time you need to be back on board.

2 hours ago, Cruising_Addict said:

 

They will give you what I think is called an "in-transit" pass and they will tell you what time you need to be back on board.

I’ll keep checking of course, but it seems that I can count on being back by 2pm.

1 hour ago, Mike45LC said:

The earliest boarding slot for my Venezia cruise was also 10 - 10:30. However, that slot was filled by the priority passengers who got to make their boarding "reservations" two days before the general public.

 

The only time I've thought about the latest boarding time was when I had car trouble driving to the ship and worried that I might miss final call (which turned out to be 2:30 for a 4:00 p.m. sailing time).  I normally want to eat lunch on the ship and start to get into "vacation mode"  so an 11:30 to noon boarding slot is perfect for me.

 

Wow..you must have had a few anxious moments, I’m glad you made it in time. I also like the 11.30 to Noon boarding….I don’t really like dragging around my carry-on bag. I can drop it off in the cabin, but it contains un-loseables and I don’t want the room steward to mistake it for a left behind bag.

49 minutes ago, jsglow said:

I think, but am not certain, that the Final Boarding for our cruise was at 2:30. My guess is you'll be fine at 2pm. Obviously ask.

Definitely will, just trying to gauge number of hours. Thank you!

41 minutes ago, mjkacmom said:

Find out when the all aboard time is.

I certainly will, I just wondered how much I would have to plan visits to a few places. Thanks!

On 5/19/2024 at 5:13 PM, pinklucky61 said:

Just go to casino, transfer it to a slot machine, cash out of machine, go to casino cashier to cash it all out.

I didn’t know that that worked anymore.  I thought one had to use the full amount and only cash out any winnings.  
 

On Royal, I was able to cash out the refundable OBC, but not until the very last sailing day….I guess they hope one uses it up on the ship.

On 5/19/2024 at 12:39 PM, shof515 said:

this is a question for your travel agent

 

If your travel agent purchased it as a gift to you, this is cruise cash. If it was a travel agent booking perk, it should of credited as some kind of onboard credit. some travel agent onboard credit can be non refundable

I did ask my travel agent and she knew nothing about it. She didn’t set up the ‘OBC’.  The notice in the cabin said it was a ‘gift’ from a man’s name. Had no idea who he was. The travel agent said it was the owner of the agency. So who knows what happened?  I know that they didn’t give me the amount stated on the invoice, and when they agreed, they added the missing amount to my Royal Caribbean cruise and it was ‘refundable’. 
It just seems unusual that on Carnival the OBC was non-refundable and on Royal it was refundable.

Does anyone know what the latest time that one can arrive for embarkation?  On turnaround day on a B2B, I’d like to go off the ship and go to a few places. The ship leaves again at 4pm…..would it be prudent to be back at the ship by 2pm?  Thanks so much!

On 5/7/2024 at 3:54 PM, luvflorida said:

We will be arriving late in the evening the day before our cruise. Any tips for a reasonably priced hotel will be appreciated

Try looking at a few different booking sites that offer hotel comparisons with reviews. You would probably want to be fairly close to the port. Montreal offers a wide range of prices, hotel types and areas in which to stay. 
You might want to ask your question on the Canadian board too, they may have better answers.  Good Luck!

Just booked this cruise yesterday. I know it’s early to ask…but who all is going???  Hopefully others will respond and we can get a thread going!  Good week to all!  

My travel agent/agency very nicely gave me an OBC for my last Carnival cruise.  When I went to Guest Services to confirm that I had it, they told me that it was cruise cash, and therefore not refundable.  Is this something new with Carnival, or did the agency do this on purpose? Cruise Cash is more of a benefit for the cruise line than for the cruiser, IMHO.  Just wondering if this is usual on Carnival? Thank you.

On April 20, I tried to bring an empty ‘stubby’ water bottle on Carnival Paradise. The security person threw it right in the garbage. I said it was empty and I wanted to keep it. (It was the right size to fit in my purse). She said ‘ no plastic on Carnival’.  Got to my cabin..and what’s waiting for me…my order of water in 12 plastic bottles. There were no signs saying that one cannot bring an empty plastic bottle on the ship. It was my property, not her’s.  What a jerk! I’ll put it in my checked bag next time. 

13 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

Several years ago when I was still working I drove over the Skyway Bridge going to and from work. I lost count how many times I saw cruise ships going under the bridge (or in the immediate vicinity of the bridge) leaving the Port of Tampa. No matter how many times I saw it, it was always an incredible view. 

Went over it many times while visiting my parents. We were always going somewhere, but never saw a ship.  That was before my cruising days….next week and the week after will be my 3rd & 4th round trip time under the bridge!  

1 hour ago, ZoeyVictoria said:

I have always wanted to be driving over the bridge while a ship was passing underneath, but there is no way to get the timing right to do that. 
 

One time, years ago, the Captain hit the horn and held it for an extended period of time while the ship was passing underneath. Never happened again, and I suspect that is not allowed. Imagine what it was like for the motorists driving above. 

I imagine the sound of the horn scared a few drivers!  
Even if you could be driving on the bridge as a ship passed under, you wouldn’t be able to stop for pictures…☺️

Thank you for the reminder of going under the bridge. I’ll be doing it twice return, once on Carnival and once on Royal.  Also, I’ve travelled on the bridge when my parents had a winter place in Ellenton. It’s a beautiful bridge. 

I just watched a few videos about the ‘aft extended view’ balconies and you’re right. No loungers. Disappointing to say the least. Oh well, at least I won’t be expecting one now. Thanks for the heads-up!

31 minutes ago, mz-s said:

 

The balconies aft balconies are a little deeper than the ones on the sides of the ship. So you have a little more room to maneuver.

As long as it fits me in a lounger with a cool drink on my hand…that’s all that counts! 😁

2 hours ago, mz-s said:

 

Unlike later classes, the balcony cabins are no larger than standard insides or ocean views. Originally the ship had no balconies, they were bolted on later. The balcony itself is a bit larger though.

 

There is plenty to do on Paradise to where you shouldn't get bored. But don't expect to find a "hidden gem" haha.

Wonder why they are called ‘extended’ view? But I think it will be nice to watch the wake and lay back and relax.  No ‘hidden gem’ expected, LOL.

Just now, mz-s said:

 

Paradise is the smallest ship in the fleet (along with her sister Elation), you can do everything on the ship in an afternoon.

Good thing the cruise is only 5 days, LOL.  Will be enjoying my extended balcony…hope it truly is extended and not just flowery words.

Anyone stay in one of the extended balconies on Deck 7 aft?  😊

I’ll be sailing on Paradise next month. She was my very first cruise back in 2002.  
I’ve booked an aft, extended balcony cabin and am looking forward to the relaxing views.

Any suggestions from you experienced folks as to what to see on the ship. Any favourite drinks or venues?

Thanks in advance. Happy Sails to you!

If my travel agent gives me some OBC, it’s refundable. Can I go to Guest Services and ask for it?  Thanks!

40 minutes ago, qat48 said:

Your welcome! That $38 might buy a fancy drink lol! 

Maybe even two drinks!!  💃