TerReuv

On 6/9/2022 at 2:33 PM, cruisinqt said:

Yes they are available online. Just go into your planner and click on specialty dining. You should be able to book classes from there. 

It may not be offered on the Horizon or, somehow, I am missing it.  When I click on the Specialty Dining, all it shows are the 6 options of pay restaurants.  No kitchen classes.  I was looking forward to seeing what they had.  

On 6/5/2022 at 8:14 PM, acsfl said:

I just got off the Horizon this morning. I am quite certain I gained no weight on this ship despite eating like a pig because I'm certain I  sweat it all off. 

 

I have never, ever been so hot on a ship. Every area was miserable. The casino was the worst and was positively miserable(specifically the tables along the back wall). Alchemy was also ridiculously hot(and considering it's out in the open, this doesn't really make sense). I found myself spending more time in my room that I would normally because, thank you Jesus, the cabin was cool.

 

I spoke to guest services and got nothing but multiple possible reasons and certainly no genuine concern. 

 

I talked to a lot of people on the ship and there was definitely a consensus that everyone was overwhelmed by the heat.

Just goes to show how subjective temperature is.  The OP stated they were comfortable the entire time.  And, not to be snarky, but please don't say you talked to a lot of people, because it isn't every single person on the ship and a consensus could be the 15 or so you talked to (or however many).  There have been just as many that say the temp is fine as there are that say it is hot.  Depends on each individual.  I live in GA and I am always freezing in A/C.  Just very subjective.

On 5/25/2022 at 5:15 PM, Mike Dante said:

Day 3  Ocho Rios 

relaxing breakfast up on Lido then made our way ashore. Just walked around to he compound a bit and headed to Margarittaville for a few appetizers and drinks and a quick dip into the water on their little beach.nothing much to report on otherwise

Dinner at steakhouse was at 8pm. Food was delicious and service was great. I so wanted to try wagyu beef but it is not on the menu any longer citing supply chain issues. The filet mignon with lobster tail sufficed for sure . The lobster bisque as a starter was real good. Since dinner was late we didn’t have time to get out and about but did call ch the 11:15 adult comedy and did enjoy Cisco’s show. He was not holding back. 
 

heres the steakhouse menu:

 

 

My husband was wondering, how big is the filet that you get with the lobster tail in the steakhouse?  We have it booked for our first night and he was wondering how big each was.

Thanks!

Are you able to see and book these classes before the cruise?  If so, where do you find them?  We are on the Horizon in October and would love to do this!

8 hours ago, CruisingFromLA said:

Already asked and answered. You need their booking number and last name to actually link their booking to yours.

Exactly what I was going to say.  I did that with my BIL & SIL's room.  I was able to book the steakhouse and also book a massage for myself & my SIL.

23 hours ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

Good luck!

 

We've been on a lot of Carnival sailings and on every one I'd say the public areas were either OK or towards the chilly side. A few times we've been in a cabin which was too warm, but they've always been able to rectify the situation (save one...).

 

I always bring along a thermometer - so that I can properly assess the situation. Across all ships, and understandably so, the humidity is often a big part of any discomfort which may be felt.

 

 

Tom

I, too, being a thermometer and it has always been in the lower range.  I am one who is always cold and bring a jacket.  I have never been on a hot ship.

My hubby lost his in Jamaica.  When we got back to port, since we all had ours with us and he had his DL, the walked us back to the ship and the ship confirmed.  Then on to Guest Services to get a replacement.

Needless to say, he now wears his on a lanyard around his neck all the time.  LOL

2 hours ago, bassmk said:

I'm going to need someone to report back with what that "Doughnut Sandwich" is, please and thank you. 🤣

I want to know the answer to that too! 

We're cruising Horizon in October, so I have been reading a lot of reviews.  From what I have ready of reviews from this year, there has been a late night snack at one of the buffet areas from 11:30 pm to 1am.  They even posted screenshots of the menu.  So, it sounds like there is a late night food on the Horizon.

We were originally booked to sail in October of 2020 in a balcony on the Lido deck of the Breeze) and that one got cancelled (we were paid in full).  So, we re-booked for October 2022 on the Horizon.  At that time, here were a bunch of promos for the drink package included.  We ended up with a balcony on the Lido on the Horizon for a Halloween cruise with Cheers for both of us. End price was $759/pp - $1518.  This was $600 less than our original booking on the Breeze. Due to already being paid in full, we now have OBC of $1279. Happily, they started allowing you to use OBC to make reservations before the cruise so I have already booked us the Steakhouse and a massage for myself using the credit.  I think this is the pricing we paid for our first cruise in 2011 on the Fascination.  Doubt we will ever get a deal like that again.

22 hours ago, byrdbrain55 said:

I have always been able to order my sandwich or wrap "my way".  To be fair, I usually ask them to omit ingredients, not add anything.  I like my food very simple, like a toddler.  LOL

 

I ate at the deli several times on my last cruise on the Panorama on 4/2-4/9 sailing.

Same here.  Never had an issue.  Never saw the Deli have pre-made sandwiches either.  I am one of those who also removes things.  LOL

19 hours ago, mz-s said:

I have seasonal allergies. I get a stuffy nose and a cough sometimes as a result. I know my body and I know these are not symptoms of COVID, they're just seasonal allergies. So I have no problem saying "no" when it asks me if I have shown those symptoms. Because with my negative test, my general lifestyle as a pensive recluse, and my history of seasonal allergies I know I do not have COVID.

I not only have season allergies, I also have chronic sinus issues.  Technically I would have to answer yes about any type of runny or clogged nose for every cruise I have been on.  

3 hours ago, SRQbeachgirl said:

 

This has been true for us as well. We always get FTTF and I am hoping they reinstate it before our June 25th Mardi Gras cruise. So many people think it's just about embarkation and debarkation, but to us those are the least of the perks. We like being able to drop our bags off in the cabin before noon so we don't have to lug them around with us (we drive and carry our bags on with us - usually just two rolling carry-on size bags). We also like the priority tender service if we don't have excursions booked at tender ports. And the priority line at Guest Services is priceless, IMO. I know a lot of people say they never have to go to GS, but sadly that has not been our experience. Not a single cruise for us has been without inaccurate charges or other problems that needed to be corrected. Our Magic cruise was the worst, as I think I had to go to GS at least once every day, and the regular line was horrible the entire time - even snaking through the atrium on multiple occasions to the point I took a photo just to prove it happened! The Priority line saved us a TON of time.

 

As for those who say FTTF dilutes the P/D benefit because - gasp - they might have to stand in the GS line for an extra minute behind a non-P/D person, no, it really doesn't. It's still a service that you get for free, while others have to pay for it. If P/D got a free spa pass, would it be any less of a perk due to others being able to buy a pass for the same services? After all, non-P/D people might be occupying all of the heated loungers at the exact time you want to use one. 

Absolutely agree with you.  We have had FTTF on all our cruises but the first.  It was always worth it.  We used to travel with my parents and it was helpful to be able to drop off our luggage then eat.  We also drive and love being able to get off the boat first thing and on the road after debark.  

We don't cruise until October so I am also crossing fingers that it comes back.  Those that complain should also remember that they limit the # of FTTF depending on the number of P & D. 

On 4/9/2022 at 5:23 PM, CChamp said:

Hi all, I know that it used to be that you could take soda (Coke) onboard in checked luggage. Being as things seem to change daily, I was wondering if it is still that way? I just want to take a couple of 6 pack cans onboard. Thanks

It's never been OK to put it in checked luggage.  It always has to be carry on.  And, yes, each person can take 1 12 pack of cans.

On 4/3/2022 at 6:18 PM, jetsfan58 said:

Similar issues on my recent cruise. We can always go back to our old walkie talkies!!!! 

We have been considering walkie talkies as I had heard the same thing about chat.  Can you tell me what kind you have and were there any places on the ship that you notice they wouldn't work?

Thanks.

On 4/1/2022 at 12:35 PM, pcvtmom said:

I wish they offered Zumba, but I haven't seen it on a Carnival ship.😟

We had one when we sailed the Magic before the pandemic.  But, it was just one of the dancers that was just doing it for anyone who was interested.  We just met in the atrium and did it there a few mornings during the cruise.  We had so much fun.  I was hoping they had added them, but I guess not.

2 minutes ago, Jelly_Toast said:

 

The fact is, the room stewards and housekeeping staff do work hard. They do earn less than the job would pay in the United States. They sometimes do take a lot of abuse from people who expect too much. You want to separate the “steward” from the “hotel maid” which is extremely elitist. There is nothing wrong with the job of a hotel maid and while I can’t speak for anyone else I do tip them extra. 
 

I’m also going to go out on a limb and say yes, things with Carnival (and every other company) have evolved over 40 years, not just in the last three. You’re the one who brought up the 70s and 80s as a time to look back on. 

 

Your use of the term “virtue signaling” says a lot about you none of which is surprising based on your entitled attitude. 

It's entitled to want to have the same service we had just 2 -3 years ago?  And, yes, a steward is totally different than a hotel maid.  I never had a maid greet my by name and check on how everything was. Never had a maid make sure I had ice each evening or bring my towel animal.  Plus the average salary of a hotel maid is around $14-15/hr (per Indeed).  That is about double what the average steward makes a month (also Indeed).  

The point is that some people prefer the twice a day service for their own reasons and they shouldn't have to defend their preference any more than someone who is happy with just once a day.  Talking down to someone because they prefer twice a day is ridiculous. 

Oh yeah, we almost forgot..... TABLECLOTHS!!!  😮😮

22 hours ago, hurricane0226 said:

Miss the old chair hog post. Lol.

Ahhh, the good old days.  When all we worried about was how early we had to get on deck to get a lounger, how can we smuggle our alcohol, can we wear our baseball caps in the MDR, and how everyone else was handling tips.  Simpler times.

38 minutes ago, Noxequifans said:

We don't focus on the free breakfast. Important to us is the availability of a varied and quality meal. That said, the total cost of the stay plus breakfast is a consideration. 

I get it.  I look at the total cost too, but we prefer to have a good free breakfast without having to go anywhere but to the port on the embark day. To each their own!

3 hours ago, scottca075 said:

 

Do not be tempted by a lower rate to book a room you can't change or cancel. Book a fully cancellable rate. At a national chain that usually means you can cancel without penalty up to 24 hours before. Then keep checking rates as the day gets nearer. They may drop between now and then.

That is what I usually do. It gives me the option, but the changes from just 4 months ago is pretty big.  Also, if I look for more than one room on some sites there isn't availability.  Was looking to see about getting a group rate for our FB page.  One lady told me that there was some convention there in October.

Thanks all!  All your answers were a big help.  I have noticed that the prices are getting higher the longer we wait to book (we're cruising in October), so I figured we needed to book to not have to pay higher. 

We are cruising in October out of Miami - first time cruising from there.  We are driving in the day before and have narrowed it down to three.  I can get most answers from the websites, but we like to have a good free breakfast before we leave to board the ship.  Can anyone tell me about the free breakfast at the Homewood Suites Miami Brickell Downtown, Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Brickell Downtown & Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Wynwood Design District?  I figure the two Hamptons will be the same, but never know.  Also, any thoughts on the surrounding areas for each?

Thanks!

I love my straws and usually use a straw for whatever I am drinking.  That being said, I wanted to do my part so I bought a set of the SS straws with silicone tips.  Half are bent and the other half isn't. I also have larger "milkshake" straws I bought that are silicone. Those are for my frozen drinks.  Plus the silicone ones fit in my Red Frog tervis cup.  Using that cup, I get the entire blender full of my drink which is about 3-4 oz more than the cups. 

We will be cruising in October on the Carnival Horizon. Our ports are Aruba, Curacao, La Romana & Amber Cove. We are going with my BIL & SIL (first cruise) and my BIL will have a scooter.  He can walk some w/a cane, just not long distances. I am wondering if it wouldn't be smart to also take a collapsible wheelchair.  We want to do some tours of the islands as they are all new for us, but am concerned that with the scooter we would be limited. Was looking at several bus/jeep/UTV tours, but they don't look very scooter compatible, but could be wheelchair compatible.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be great and much appreciated.