Prohibited items on Carnival ships

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

[quote name='Host Mach'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=seagreen]Face to face but one at at time I asked John and Chris Prideaux the reason for the restriction. They both said it was fear of overloading the circuit in the cabin. It made little sense to me. Clothes steamers are permitted but I can't bring a power strip to plug in three battery chargers that take 1/100 of the current? Strange. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57]In the case of ships the size of cruise liners weight isn't nearly as much of a factor as form drag is or even the condition of the hull. I can't see fans drawing enough power to make a lick of difference in the fuel burn.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[/quote]

"Fear of overloading the circuit". You are correct that many items people bring onboard draw a lot less current than a steamer (or hair dryer, or curling/flat iron)! Besides, I thought that it was CIRCUIT BREAKERS were for!

If you add up the draw of my phone, camera, and laptop - I would imagine it's minuscule. Those would be the only items potentially plugged in when not in the cabin... and it's only when we are IN the cabin that we hook up the crock pot, iron, and rotisserie (we can monitor those items)! :D

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

By the way, I posted questions on banned items on both the NCL and Celebrity boards, and apparently it's only CCL which is braving this new frontier. I hope this "experiment" fails to catch on!!

It would be nice if they were a little more trusting and honest enough to give the real reason! Of course, knowing how many power issues they have had on the Dream - perhaps they have reason to be concerned with their circuity!! :eek:

Tom

[frazzledrazzle16]

[quote name='Tom-n-Cheryl']Of course, knowing how many power issues they have had on the Dream - perhaps they have reason to be concerned with their circuit![/quote]

That's been my theory as well... They tried cutting too many costs while adding too many people. The quality of the build has gone down, and passengers on all ships have to suffer the consequences as a result. We've been big fans of Carnival since we first started cruising and this is the first thing that they have changed that has truly bothered me.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

[quote name='Tom-n-Cheryl']By the way, I posted questions on banned items on both the NCL and Celebrity boards, and apparently it's only CCL which is braving this new frontier. I hope this "experiment" fails to catch on!!

It would be nice if they were a little more trusting and honest enough to give the real reason! Of course, knowing how many power issues they have had on the Dream - perhaps they have reason to be concerned with their [B]circuity[/B]!! :eek:

Tom[/quote]

:o make that CIRCUITRY :o

[quote name='frazzledrazzle16']That's been my theory as well... They tried cutting too many costs while adding too many people. [U][B]The quality of the build has gone down,[/B][/U] and passengers on all ships have to suffer the consequences as a result. We've been big fans of Carnival since we first started cruising and this is the first thing that they have changed that has truly bothered me.[/quote]

I know what you mean... and how about that net in the atrium of the Dream (is it still there?) to catch the pieces of colored glass falling from the ceiling and walls! :eek: :rolleyes:

Tom

[Lejardin]

I've posted my sentiments on another thread and will reiterate: I can't believe such a state-of-art ship like the new Carnival ships can't handle some extra 'outlets' for crying out loud, especially since they will mainly be recharging small gadgets like iPods and cameras, etc. Besides, like any home, any extra amps being called for would simply shut down the circuit, thus no fire hazard. :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Personally, it's not going to be a make or break for me, but I do need an extension cord and a fan at night for me to be comfy.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

[quote name='Lejardin']...
Personally, it's not going to be a make or break for me, but I do need an extension cord and a fan at night for me to be comfy.[/quote]

Sadly, it is for us.

No fan and/or noise machine = conditions we simply can't sleep well in. Especially knowing the level of noise coming from people/announcements in the hall, and from adjacent cabins.

If we don't sleep well I don't care how great the staff, food, and entertainment are - it WON'T BE A GOOD CRUISE.

[B]With this strange change at Carnival, they truly risk me becoming a[I] PAST[/I] guest.[/B] Not that they really care - as evidenced with their lack of attention to their past guest program of late...

Tom

[Lisl123]

I don't really need extra outlets, but I do like to blow dry my hair while my curling iron heats up ... come to think of it, if they want to talk about fire risks ... how about curling irons? Wonder why they are allowed if an iron isn't.

Of course, on my last trip on a Carnival ship I was right next to the laundry room ... I repeatedly turned off the iron when I passed the laundry going back to my cabin - it was on a timer, but why in the world would someone leave it on when they could just turn the timer back to off!?!

All that being said, we are going on our next Carnival cruise on May 22nd - I am staying in Miami for a couple days before, and plan to bring a cheap power strip for the hotel (laptop, cameras, cell phone, etc). and will be tossing it in a checked bag to get on the ship. I don't care if they take it from me and don't much care if I get it back ... but I am not going to throw it away just because I am not supposed to be using it on the ship.

On that note - we brought a glade plug-ins nightlight on one trip - the steward unplugged it every time he cleaned the room. On that trip my son was 7 months old, and we did not have a balcony to open to air out the room - trust me, the air freshener was a medical necessity :D:eek:

[winddawn]

[quote name='Tom-n-Cheryl']Sadly, it is for us.

No fan and/or noise machine = conditions we simply can't sleep well in. Especially knowing the level of noise coming from people/announcements in the hall, and from adjacent cabins.

If we don't sleep well I don't care how great the staff, food, and entertainment are - it WON'T BE A GOOD CRUISE.

[B]With this strange change at Carnival, they truly risk me becoming a[I] PAST[/I] guest.[/B] Not that they really care - as evidenced with their lack of attention to their past guest program of late...

Tom[/QUOTE]
It is a make or break for me too Tom-n-Cheryl. I won't cruise without my creature comforts. Just got home yesterday from our latest Carnival cruise (not saying which port or ship because it seems Carnival is gathering information on Cruise Critic and using it against passengers). I expected the worst after reading about this issue on CC, but had no problems with my fan, power strip, or extension cord. They were all in my suitcase and were not confiscated. I've been using all of these for years on my cruises and have never had an issue with overloading a circuit or whatever it is they think it will do.

We are pretty good customers of Carnival cruising 3 or 4 times a year. We typically leave $3 or $4k on the ship when we sail (yes we have lots of fun!). We typically book at least a category 9C. I have already decided that the first time Carnival confiscates my items, it will be my last Carnival cruise.

I think if Carnival wants to reduce safety hazards, they should concentrate on addressing all those lit cigarettes being thrown onto my aft balcony from decks above.

Regarding your statement about Carnival ignoring the past guest program: Did you receive in email the recent survey Carnival sent out about them revamping the program? Based on the questions asked, it sure seems that they are taking a hard look at requirements for qualifying for Platinum status. I also got a separate survey about their casino program. That sounded like they're looking for ways to attract more gamblers. One of those questions asked was about whether I think they ought to make the casino non-smoking. I found that question interesting. Sure sounds like Carnival is considering lots of changes with potential for passenger frustration.

I second your statement (heck-I think it deserves its own new thread):
CARNIVAL: DON'T TOUCH MY FAN, POWER BAR/STRIP, SOUND MACHINE, OR EXTENSION CORD!

[SugarCharlotte]

Wow you guys are still on about this, huh?;)

Since my last post on this thread, I went on my Pride cruise and returned today.
I took a power strip just as I have always done, and did not have an issue. It sat on our desk plugged in the whole week.

PS- We had a great trip!! As usual, the only irritations were from fellow passengers! Staff was incredible as usual.

[gwinel]

[quote name='winddawn']
Regarding your statement about Carnival ignoring the past guest program: Did you receive in email the recent survey Carnival sent out about them revamping the program? Based on the questions asked, it sure seems that they are taking a hard look at requirements for qualifying for Platinum status. I also got a separate survey about their casino program. That sounded like they're looking for ways to attract more gamblers. One of those questions asked was about whether I think they ought to make the casino non-smoking. I found that question interesting. Sure sounds like Carnival is considering lots of changes with potential for passenger frustration.

[/QUOTE]

Past Guest program? What Past Guest anything? But we have only cruised with Carnival 4 times, the 5th coming up on Sat. That may not be enough. I have never heard anything about Past Guests. I'd like to hear something.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

[quote name='winddawn']It is a make or break for me too Tom-n-Cheryl. I won't cruise without my creature comforts. Just got home yesterday from our latest Carnival cruise (not saying which port or ship because it seems Carnival is gathering information on Cruise Critic and using it against passengers). I expected the worst after reading about this issue on CC, but had no problems with my fan, power strip, or extension cord. They were all in my suitcase and were not confiscated. I've been using all of these for years on my cruises and have never had an issue with overloading a circuit or whatever it is they think it will do.

We are pretty good customers of Carnival cruising 3 or 4 times a year. We typically leave $3 or $4k on the ship when we sail (yes we have lots of fun!). We typically book at least a category 9C. I have already decided that the first time Carnival confiscates my items, it will be my last Carnival cruise.

I think if Carnival wants to reduce safety hazards, they should concentrate on addressing all those lit cigarettes being thrown onto my aft balcony from decks above.

Regarding your statement about Carnival ignoring the past guest program: Did you receive in email the recent survey Carnival sent out about them revamping the program? Based on the questions asked, it sure seems that they are taking a hard look at requirements for qualifying for Platinum status. I also got a separate survey about their casino program. That sounded like they're looking for ways to attract more gamblers. One of those questions asked was about whether I think they ought to make the casino non-smoking. I found that question interesting. Sure sounds like Carnival is considering lots of changes with potential for passenger frustration.

I second your statement (heck-I think it deserves its own new thread):
CARNIVAL: DON'T TOUCH MY FAN, POWER BAR/STRIP, SOUND MACHINE, OR EXTENSION CORD![/quote]

It's good to know I'm not alone... :D ...and for all of us willing to state that here, there are no doubt many more.

Carnival - I want to think that the CCL stock which I hold will continue to do well --- so don't go running a lot of people off!;)

No, I did not receive the survey - but I did read about it. I received a survey about specialty dining options several months prior to them changing the supper clubs to steakhouses. All they did there was change the name so as not to "scare off" some of their guests (who might have been intimidated by a "Supper Club")!

Regarding the casino -- I received cash back for my losses (about 10%) though the threshold is $4,000, which will earn ~$400 cash at the cage on the next sailing. Sadly, there have been several opportunities to take them up on it! I fully support a smoke free casino (Celebrity has that one down)!

Carnival can do better with the casino perks. After our first Celebrity cruise (4 nighter), I received an offer for a 10 night Thanksgiving sailing in a Concierge Class stateroom on the Constellation. As a matter of fact, our Solstice sailing later this month: FREE thanks to the Casino... though I do have to pony up port fees and taxes!:D

Tom

[*Mach*]

[quote name='winddawn']It is a make or break for me too Tom-n-Cheryl. I won't cruise without my creature comforts. Just got home yesterday from our latest Carnival cruise [COLOR=red](not saying which port or ship because it seems Carnival is gathering information on Cruise Critic and using it against passengers)[/COLOR]. I expected the worst after reading about this issue on CC, but had no problems with my fan, power strip, or extension cord. They were all in my suitcase and were not confiscated. I've been using all of these for years on my cruises and have never had an issue with overloading a circuit or whatever it is they think it will do.

We are pretty good customers of Carnival cruising 3 or 4 times a year. We typically leave $3 or $4k on the ship when we sail (yes we have lots of fun!). We typically book at least a category 9C. I have already decided that the first time Carnival confiscates my items, it will be my last Carnival cruise.

I think if Carnival wants to reduce safety hazards, they should concentrate on addressing all those lit cigarettes being thrown onto my aft balcony from decks above.

Regarding your statement about Carnival ignoring the past guest program: Did you receive in email the recent survey Carnival sent out about them revamping the program? Based on the questions asked, it sure seems that they are taking a hard look at requirements for qualifying for Platinum status. I also got a separate survey about their casino program. That sounded like they're looking for ways to attract more gamblers. One of those questions asked was about whether I think they ought to make the casino non-smoking. I found that question interesting. Sure sounds like Carnival is considering lots of changes with potential for passenger frustration.

I second your statement (heck-I think it deserves its own new thread):
CARNIVAL: DON'T TOUCH MY FAN, POWER BAR/STRIP, SOUND MACHINE, OR EXTENSION CORD![/quote]


[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=seagreen]This leans toward the conspiracy theory portion of the world. There is NO WAY that Carnival can know who you, or any other member is unless you post your name.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=seagreen][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57]I agree that the decision to not allow power strips is over the top but if you read the whole thread you would see that power strips are available from the Guest Services desk and many folks are opting for battery operated fans.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57]There ARE options... it's up to each individual passenger to decide if the options are viable. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57]Don't be surprised to see these exact same restrictions appear on other lines in the near future...[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57]:)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

[quote name='Host Mach'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=seagreen]... There is NO WAY that Carnival can know who you, or any other member is unless you post your name.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
...
[/quote]

I would say my sail date and cabin number would be sufficient for them. ;)

[quote name='Host Mach']
...
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57]Don't be surprised to see these exact same restrictions appear on other lines in the near future...[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57]:)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]

But to what end? Simply to play follow the "leader" when it's misguided to begin with? :confused:

Tom

[gwinel]

[quote name='Tom-n-Cheryl']I would say my sail date and cabin number would be sufficient for them. ;)
[/QUOTE]

I once wrote John with cabin number and sail date. They knew and phoned. I doubt that there in anonymity anywhere on the net.

You mentioned your CCL stock. How many shares does it take and what kind of discount do you get?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

[quote name='gwinel']I once wrote John with cabin number and sail date. They knew and phoned. I doubt that there in anonymity anywhere on the net.

You mentioned your CCL stock. How many shares does it take and what kind of discount do you get?[/quote]

You need 100 shares. Any more gains no additional credit (OBC wise).

You will receive $50 OBC (per cabin with the shareholder in that cabin) for sailings of 6 nights or less. $100 for sailings of 7+ nights. I believe it's the 14+ night point where you get $250.

Tom

[big_duck]

I keep telling you people not to put ship/cabin number/sailing date on here but do you listen ..... Noooo.

In fact there used to be a sticky not to do that.

[*Mach*]

[quote name='Tom-n-Cheryl'][COLOR=red]I would say my sail date and cabin number would be sufficient for them.[/COLOR] ;)



But to what end? Simply to play follow the "leader" when it's misguided to begin with? :confused:

Tom[/quote]


[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=seagreen]Yeah, it would be but why post your cabin number? Still... with just a sail date and cabin number they'd have to do some significant searching to locate any specific person. If you REALLY think that they would bother to do that perhaps another line that's less snoopy is in order. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57]I'm not saying that to be snip at all but, in all seriousness, we just aren't that important!!! [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57]To what end? Dunno but there is a lot of 'follow the leader' out there in any industry... Remember the fuel surcharge???[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
:rolleyes:
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[gwinel]

[quote name='Tom-n-Cheryl']You need 100 shares. Any more gains no additional credit (OBC wise).
Tom[/QUOTE]

What about RCI. Do they do it too?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

[quote name='big_duck']I keep telling you people not to put ship/cabin number/sailing date on here but do you listen ..... Noooo.

In fact there used to be a sticky not to do that.[/quote]

:)

[quote name='gwinel']What about RCI. Do they do it too?[/quote]

Yes, they do.

Tom

[winddawn]

[quote name='Host Mach'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=seagreen]This leans toward the conspiracy theory portion of the world. There is NO WAY that Carnival can know who you, or any other member is unless you post your name.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=seagreen][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57]I agree that the decision to not allow power strips is over the top but if you read the whole thread you would see that power strips are available from the Guest Services desk and many folks are opting for battery operated fans.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57]There ARE options... it's up to each individual passenger to decide if the options are viable. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57]Don't be surprised to see these exact same restrictions appear on other lines in the near future...[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

I don't remember mentioning that I'm afraid to identify myself. I simply don't want Carnival to know which ports/ships are enforcing this policy and which are not. I don't want to suggest to others how I got my items onboard either because then Carnival staffers would be tipped off. :(

Tom-n-Cheryl mentioned that he's a shareholder and I am too. I have concerns about changes from that perspective as well.

Thanks for the replies.

[gazingm42]

Host Mach: You said there was other option regarding getting a Power strip
from guest services? Did I miss that some how?

I find the comments from John Heald come with no merit.. I say this
because the fact is we all know that the bull of that our computers and
phones on a power strip will never over load a circuit, never. So for
someone to tell you this who has no clue on how electric circuit work
or has this type of back ground. TO John own blog he is not computer
savvy so I would be surprise if has a clue on how a circuits and amps work.

If I felt for one second that power strips were a really safety issue I would listen to
CCL reasons. I could understand concerns on "cheap" imported fans
MAY be a safety issues. But a surge protected power strip, I don't believe it.

The reasons I would like to have a power strip is to charge my netbook,
3 cameras and ipods. Will I be able to do it with out the power strip? Most
likely, but CCL makes it more difficult for me. What is next? No laptops or netbooks?
No more cameras? No more ipods?


This is now just one more reason to my growing list of why I am about ready
to bail ship with carnival. They, CCL, have made it more and more difficult to
do business. My most recent experience with trying to give CCL more
money so I could upgrade and take no less than 15 phone calls and multi
emails and 7 days not knowing if rooms would sell out before they would
let me give them more money. This type of actions, in additition ot many
others make me think who will get my business on my future cruises. When
they, CCL, makes doing business very difficult before we get on the ship.
Then one needs to think who gets our hard earn cash next time?

The sad thing about this is generally speaking I don't have an issue with fleet
staff once I am on the ship. I enjoy every minute that I am on the ship when
I cruise on Carnival. All the issues I have with carnival is starting in Miami
with the beards and their stupid policies, bookings, ES head aches, upgrades,
now making crew enforced scanning for fans and house hold goods.

I wish someone at carnival will really listen to their customer paying carnival
bills would start to listen. The make stupid decision with no real reasons. Just
like they did with the locks on your bags. Only after you had a major
fight did the beards start to listen.

[winddawn]

[quote name='Tom-n-Cheryl']It's good to know I'm not alone... :D ...and for all of us willing to state that here, there are no doubt many more.

Carnival - I want to think that the CCL stock which I hold will continue to do well --- so don't go running a lot of people off!;)

No, I did not receive the survey - but I did read about it. I received a survey about specialty dining options several months prior to them changing the supper clubs to steakhouses. All they did there was change the name so as not to "scare off" some of their guests (who might have been intimidated by a "Supper Club")!

Regarding the casino -- I received cash back for my losses (about 10%) though the threshold is $4,000, which will earn ~$400 cash at the cage on the next sailing. Sadly, there have been several opportunities to take them up on it! I fully support a smoke free casino (Celebrity has that one down)!

Carnival can do better with the casino perks. After our first Celebrity cruise (4 nighter), I received an offer for a 10 night Thanksgiving sailing in a Concierge Class stateroom on the Constellation. As a matter of fact, our Solstice sailing later this month: FREE thanks to the Casino... though I do have to pony up port fees and taxes!:D

Tom[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the tips about Celebrity, Tom. A smoke-free casino and extra perks would be great! We plan to cruise at least twice more this year. I'm holding off booking Carnival until I see what this new policy looks like. A couple of people mentioned in this thread that the Carnival policy would likely be decided within a week or so. I think I'll check out Celebrity in the mean time. I see you're planning on NCL Epic too. That is another one I'm considering. They have the OBC Juicy Rewards offer going on right now. I'd love to check out their villa suites! Just got the Epic brochure I ordered before we sailed Carnival this past week....:D

Good luck on your Solstice cruise!

[*Mach*]

[quote name='gazingm42']Host Mach: You said there was other option regarding getting a Power strip
from guest services? Did I miss that some how?

I find the comments from John Heald come with no merit.. I say this
because the fact is we all know that the bull of that our computers and
phones on a power strip will never over load a circuit, never. So for
someone to tell you this who has no clue on how electric circuit work
or has this type of back ground. TO John own blog he is not computer
savvy so I would be surprise if has a clue on how a circuits and amps work.

If I felt for one second that power strips were a really safety issue I would listen to
CCL reasons. I could understand concerns on "cheap" imported fans
MAY be a safety issues. But a surge protected power strip, I don't believe it.

The reasons I would like to have a power strip is to charge my netbook,
3 cameras and ipods. Will I be able to do it with out the power strip? Most
likely, but CCL makes it more difficult for me. What is next? No laptops or netbooks?
No more cameras? No more ipods?


This is now just one more reason to my growing list of why I am about ready
to bail ship with carnival. They, CCL, have made it more and more difficult to
do business. My most recent experience with trying to give CCL more
money so I could upgrade and take no less than 15 phone calls and multi
emails and 7 days not knowing if rooms would sell out before they would
let me give them more money. This type of actions, in additition ot many
others make me think who will get my business on my future cruises. When
they, CCL, makes doing business very difficult before we get on the ship.
Then one needs to think who gets our hard earn cash next time?

The sad thing about this is generally speaking I don't have an issue with fleet
staff once I am on the ship. I enjoy every minute that I am on the ship when
I cruise on Carnival. All the issues I have with carnival is starting in Miami
with the beards and their stupid policies, bookings, ES head aches, upgrades,
now making crew enforced scanning for fans and house hold goods.

I wish someone at carnival will really listen to their customer paying carnival
bills would start to listen. The make stupid decision with no real reasons. Just
like they did with the locks on your bags. Only after you had a major
fight did the beards start to listen.[/quote]


[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=seagreen]Ya' know... the only thing I can tell you is what I'm told and the same it true for John. If you find that without merit so be it. I don't agree with the decision either as I've said a dozen or so times. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57]John doesn't make these decisions... Chris doesn't make these decision... the folks in Miami make these decisions. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57]To tell you the truth the best place to express your displeasure would be on John's blog. The blog averages about 50 comments per day and only one or two deal with this subject. If half of the comments protested the decision maybe the folks in Miami might take note...[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=#2e8b57][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

[quote name='winddawn']Thanks for the tips about Celebrity, Tom. A smoke-free casino and extra perks would be great! We plan to cruise at least twice more this year. I'm holding off booking Carnival until I see what this new policy looks like. A couple of people mentioned in this thread that the Carnival policy would likely be decided within a week or so. I think I'll check out Celebrity in the mean time. I see you're planning on NCL Epic too. That is another one I'm considering. They have the OBC Juicy Rewards offer going on right now. I'd love to check out their villa suites! Just got the Epic brochure I ordered before we sailed Carnival this past week....:D

Good luck on your Solstice cruise![/quote]

Thanks, I am sure we will have a great time on the Solstice. You may find [URL="http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1166268"]THIS[/URL] thread interesting.

For the Epic, I was able to book using NCL's great military rate. It's a flat 10% off (if booked over 180 days out). I was immediately impressed with their policy, compared to Carnival, who has really diminished the advantage of military rates (they are no longer the best values). Granted they don't have to offer ANY specials - so I don't feel it's a given right. There was a time when their military discount was VERY good - even saving us $800 on a cabin once... those were the days!

Tom

[Quampapetet]

[quote name='winddawn']Just got home yesterday from our latest Carnival cruise (not saying which port or ship because it seems Carnival is gathering information on Cruise Critic and using it against passengers).[/quote]

Except that you have your ship name and route listed in your signature... I hope you enjoyed the Destiny Eastern Caribbean.... ;)