TerReuv

I had some menus downloaded, but they were before May.  However, I don't see a lot of difference.  We are on an 8 day cruise and wonder if the 8th day has changed.  I checked the menus I had and the 8th day is not the same as the 1st or any other night.  We have specialty dining booked that we used the menus I have to decide and I want to make sure we aren't missing something we like in the MDR.  

Thanks!

It's my understanding that it has to do with ceramic ones.  Search for ceramic curling irons and I think you'll find the answer.  I was going to just buy a cheap one to take.

On 7/20/2022 at 12:07 PM, mz-s said:

 

The problem these days is you can't just go up to the desk and check in and ask for the same table. You have to do it on the app. But yes, if you ask they will do their best to seat you with the same staff (if not the same table) although you might have to wait depending on how busy things are.

You can check in at the desk instead of using the app.  Many people don't carry their phones around or use the app, yet they are able to go to YTD and check in and make a request for specific staff.  Not sure why you were told you had to use the app as I know many who don't use their phones on a cruise, so don't use the app.

On 7/12/2022 at 1:50 PM, csm5986142 said:

 

I was just thinking the exact same thing - I had no idea! 

I actually like both balcony and inside rooms for different reasons (depending on ship).  The common areas of the Dream class ships can be so brutally packed on sea days, so I prefer my own quiet balcony on those ships, otherwise, I love the quiet darkness of inside cabins (I sleep so well) on the ships where I know I can find a quiet secluded public area when I want to.

This!  I did an interior with my adult daughter and it was just fine.  I love having a balcony when my hubby and I cruise.  I wake up a lot earlier than he does and I love to sit outside and watch the ocean and the sunrise or read.  

18 hours ago, 2wheelin said:

Maybe they should be prohibited since because they don’t provide them, they are not expecting them in the trash. Then when yours show up, they get missed, adding to the problem. They have a very good reason for not providing them but self important people bring their own—or do you take them home with you to dispose.

Agree!  If you don't like the edible ones, then bring stainless or silicone.  If you bring your own plastic ones, then you shouldn't be throwing them in the trash with everything else because that is the real issue.

On 7/19/2022 at 10:30 PM, Lane Hog said:

Or beer.  Nobody drinks beer thru a straw...

I actually used to work with someone who always drank their beer thru a straw.  Strangest thing I had ever seen, but she always did it.

1 hour ago, Elaine5715 said:

Guest laundry is put into tagged bags and all those bags are put into massive machines, not single load machines.

That makes much more sense.  I am guessing like the lingerie bags.  Thanks!

On 7/16/2022 at 9:24 PM, Elaine5715 said:

 

 

No, all laundry is washed in hot water.  Your clothes is washed in vats with other people's underwear and cold water would not sanitize.  Yes, your steward will nod and agree but they have no ability to override protocols.   

While I agree that they are all being washing in hot water, they are NOT in vats with other people's clothing.  How would anyone in the crew be able to sort out which undies go to which guest if they washed everything together.  Separate, but only in hot water.

On 7/14/2022 at 7:34 AM, Ferry_Watcher said:

I have seen folk carry electric fans into the cruise terminal building, but honestly don't know if security allowed them on to the ship.  (Ironically for an Alaska cruise)

Fans smaller than 12" are allowed.

On 7/14/2022 at 4:17 AM, bguppies said:

Probably not on the list because 99.99% of people wouldn't even think of taking a blender on a cruise.

(kind of like how Carnival had to add hair dryers and curling irons to the list years ago, because of people bringing those onboard. I'm sure after they confiscate enough blenders, they will get added tp the list.)

I guess as long as you are willing to have it confiscated or lose it, give it a try.

Those must be some great smoothies. Good luck.

No - hair dryers & curling irons aren't listed on the prohibited list.  You can absolutely take them.  Just be careful as I have heard many of the ceramic curling irons don't work.

On 7/13/2022 at 11:22 PM, vicky3vicky said:

I would like to bring a blender so I can make my smoothies in the morning. I couldn't find it on the prohibited list so should I bring it?

 

Don't take it.  Someone just posted on John Heald's FB page that they took a blender because it wasn't SPECIFICALLY mentioned on the prohibited list.  It got confiscated.  As John said, they can't list everything.  Do not try and take any household kitchen appliance!

They can add it to your account when you check in at the port too.  One time I had several of those gift cards (all sorts of discounts & such) and they added all of them when we check in at the port.  Then there was no need to go to GS.  Just like adding cash to your S&S account before you board.

7 minutes ago, ProgRockCruiser said:

How was the OBC allocated?  If it was allocated to all of you equally (e.g. $200 OBC per cabin, and you had two cabins), their cancellation nukes their portion of the OBC.

 

If the OBC was purely from your source (say, a previously COVID-canceled cruise that had OBC as "reward" for re-booking), then it should go to the pax associated with that original (canceled) booking - I would assume that is you.

 

I would call if you want to get it resolved and it has been a while.  How long has it been?

The OBC was all ours.  It was to be their first cruise, so we wanted to pay for a couple of things as we had $1200 of OBC (yep, Covid cancelled cruise). 

They just cancelled yesterday.  I did send an email to my PVP to ask, but probably won't hear back from her until later today or tomorrow.  I wasn't sure how long it might take to process back to us.  

But, you did give me hope that it should all process back to us.  I wasn't sure how long it would take.  Cruise isn't until end of October, but it isn't something I want to forget about!

I will admit I am a big straw person.  So, I bought myself the stainless straws with the silicone tips.  I bought ones that were straight and bent (because everyone needs a bendy straw).  I also bought myself silicone milkshake straws.  I make frozen dinks at home and they work great and I can toss them in the dishwasher.  I plan to take all my straws with me.  Not an issue and better for the environment.

So, our cruising companions have decided to back out.  We had already prepaid for the steakhouse & Cucina using both some of our OBC & a CC.  Since they cancelled before telling us, I couldn't cancel the bookings myself. However, I see that both eateries have changed to reservations for 2 and her massage has dropped off.  Anyone have any experience with this?  Any idea how long until I see the OBC come back to us or is it gone?  I figure even if they cancelled, then the CC should get credited.  I am hoping someone can answer my questions.

Thanks!

On 7/14/2022 at 10:55 AM, carefree20 said:

We are on that same cruise! WooHoo!!

Fun!  Our first Halloween cruise!  We have a FB page if you aren't already a member.

6 hours ago, lennythenose said:

Also if you pour your glass of wine I. Your cabin you will not be charged the corkage fee. If you take the bottle to the MDR you are supposed to be charged but I’ve heard they sometimes skip it. $25 (I think).  I know some lines charge the fee just to carry it on. 

If you are going to pour you wine in your room, don't forget to bring the corkscrew!

17 hours ago, Cruise, J.D. said:

We had a 10am arrival time (earliest time) and got there about 9:30 am and were allowed in to start the check in process.

Thanks!  That helps.  I am hoping to get the earliest.  I have missed cruising and want to get on as soon as we can.  LOL

On 7/3/2022 at 2:34 AM, WKUTopperFan said:

 

I don't do tantrums... I just call a spade a spade.

 

SO...Another month of no Cucina.  I assume the same for Chef's Table. The Visa issue has been remedied... yet they play the same stale card again.

 

Stock is plummeting and cash on hand is king... Cut costs wherever possible...Own it!  It's not illegal, it's good business.  Just don't insult my intelligence (or con the weak minded) by trying to spin the issue. Gotta stay afloat... trim the fat.

Reading responses would have kept you from making the comment about the Chef's Table.  The Visa issue has gotten better, but still not where it was before.  I guess you have some inside information to make your comment, or you just make your statement like it is an absolute fact.

Not sure how still serving the FREE lunch, but not the PAY dinner is cutting costs.  Doesn't even make sense.  The only person insulting on this thread is you acting like anyone who doesn't agree (or believe) your statements is weak minded.  

On 7/1/2022 at 6:42 AM, WKUTopperFan said:

Has Cucina and Chef's Table resumed service as the June pause should be expired? I have reservations for 2 nights in Cucina and Chef's Table booked on my August 15 sailing on the Magic.  I've already made 3 reservations in the steakhouse but can't eat there every Night.

 

Or is the "pause" still in effect... which in my opinion is nothing other than a cost savings tool by Carnival. Spare me the Visa argument... I don't have time for scapegoat excuses.

It's not a cutback.  The visa issues are real.  Considering they make money from those places, calling it a cutback doesn't even make sense.  The staff are slowly going back up.  Chef's Table is back, but Cucina is still on hold until end of July.  The Diamond/Platinum party is starting again too since more staff are coming aboard.

We are sailing on the Horizon in October and this is our first time out of Miami.  It looks like we will be at terminal D.  We sail on Saturday & return Sunday, will we be charged for Sunday (9 days)?  Are taxes charged on parking?  We prefer to pay cash, so want to make sure we have enough.  

For anyone who has gone out of this terminal, I've looked and it looks like we come in and go around our parking garage to drop off luggage and then circle into the lot & get a ticket.  Does that sound about right?  We haven't sailed since Covid and we always had FTTF so we would get to the terminal pretty early (10:30).  Anyone know what the first check in times are now?  We will have my BIL & SIL with us and he will have a wheelchair/scooter.  What time would you suggest we get to port?  

Thanks in advance for any answers.  I am a big planner and like to know as much as I can before we leave.  

On 6/19/2022 at 8:58 PM, SG65CB said:

 

Or maybe it's as simple as they have a separate cart for luggage from passengers who don't tip. A cart full of luggage that takes a "special" journey on it's way to your cabin... Do you want to risk it??

There is no separate cart.  There is one cart until it is full, then another. Joseph was right.  They have are just one cog in the wheel of several.  All the porters do is get the bags in the big bins then they are loaded onto the ship.  From there it is the ship crew that sort & deliver the luggage.

I feel like I should know this, but we have reservations the first night in the steakhouse on the Horizon and my BIL will be using either a scooter or wheelchair.  Will they already know that in the steakhouse if he is in an accessible room or do we need to notify them?  Thinking ahead in case he has to stay in the chair/scooter.

Thanks.

14 hours ago, tweak89 said:

 

This is essentially what I was told by two different CSR's when I called about my September reservation.  We have used FTTF on all our prior Carnival cruises and was looking forward to using it again.  When we didn't see it available, I asked about when calling for another reason.  I had to call again for something else and asked again (sometimes you get inconsistent info) and the explanation what the same.  

 

Both CSR's made it sound unlikely it would be back this year.

I saw a post last week or so from John Heald, he was giving the news about the Platinum & Diamond party coming back.  He said that the visa process is starting to get better and more crew will be getting to the ships.  He mentioned that others (including FTTF) wouldn't be far behind.  We sail at the end of October.  Keeping fingers crossed it's back for our cruise.  For us, putting carry on in the room was the best perk.  We're sailing with my BIL who will be in a scooter so not having to mess with anything extra would be great.

On 6/20/2022 at 3:42 AM, cruisinqt said:

Hmm…maybe you’re right. Because when I click on Specialty dining the classes all pop up for my cruise that’s about 6 weeks away. Of course there were tons more classes and now there’s only 2 or 3 left because they were all filled up. Either your ship doesn’t offer it, or they offered a few classes and they sold out online, or if your cruise is way out like next year then maybe they haven’t offered any of the classes yet. I know when I first booked my cruise the classes weren’t there. They showed up about 3 months before the cruise. 

I did some more research and it isn't on the Horizon.  Bummed for sure.  I would have loved to go to some of those classes.  Thanks!