Prohibited items on Carnival ships

[*Mach*]

I've been in touch with John several times today and I wanted y'all to see what he just posted on his blog...

That’s all for today. I do want to talk a little about the ongoing subject of items that are not allowed on board. It is ongoing and that is our fault as we have yet to finalize the list and make it public. I know this is a hot topic over on the Cruise Critic boards and my mate Host Mach has informed me that some are accusing me of ignoring the issue or refusing to post comments about it. That is absolutely not true. Unless the post is a personal attack on someone (apart from myself which you are all free to do) the Stephanies will post every comment. I say this because “Cruisinmomma” sent me an e mail marked “urgent” with a link to this thread thingy today and I wanted to address it.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1191273&page=10

 

In this regard, I wanted to talk directly to Tom and Cheryl from cruise critic who are valuable past guest cruisers. Please, if you have a concern about this, send me a comment and I promise it will be posted. I know that you do not agree with the policies regarding the power strips and I think maybe I should explain again as obviously before I made a hash of it.

You see, it’s not just the power that these strips take……….nope…….the major concern is the condition some of these power strips and cords are in. While yours are in an excellent state, I am sure many are not. I know this because I have seen the reports and photos of some that are definitely not in a good state and a bad power strip could cause a spark and a spark can cause a fire and………well…….the rest is obvious. We make no apologies for thinking of the safety of the ship and all on board.

 

Tom and Cheryl………you have cruised with us many times and I would hate to think that you would consider not doing so again because of a power cord. Please write to me if you wish to discuss this further as your loyalty means a lot to Carnival and to me.

 

The final list is not ready yet. There is a final meeting on Thursday and then soon after I will publish the list here. Until then I remind you that chargers for Eye Pods and other electrical items are fine and if anyone has a medical reason to have more, than please add a note in your baggage stating this.

 

I promise we will get this resolved once and for all and that a clear and present clarification is posted for all.

 

http://johnhealdsblog.com/2010/05/11/double-trouble/#more-14216

 

 

Like I said yesterday, John knows what he's told as do I. The accuracy of the information is a funtion of the information provided.

Please watch this thread for additional news in this regard. We'll get it here as soon as it's available...

[big_duck]

Is it just me or is T&Cs problem with them taking his fan away? :confused:

[jonesbk]

I just posted a comment on John's blog, figured I would share it here as well. You may like my idea, or you may not. Either way, I don't care. I would definitely be willing to fork over $5 for a power strip AND fan to gain that space in my luggage back......

 

Brian, on May 11, 2010 at 6:54 pm Said: Your comment is awaiting moderation. John, (Please read, not necessary to reply)

No need really to reply, just an idea/ suggestion though. I am a reader and occasional poster on the Cruise Critic site, and from what I have read, it seems the majority of the uproar is about the power strips with some additional static about fans.

 

If the issue is really safety, then make sure each ship is stocked with APPROVED multi-plug, surge protected, power strips at the GSD for passengers to check out. Require a small deposit of somewhere around $5 on your S&S card, which is refunded when you return the power strip. Or even for a small rental fee, $1-2 a cruise. The ship’s personnel inspect them periodically for cracked wires/ safety issues and all is back to normal. Problem solved.

 

Also, about personal fans not being allowed onboard, maybe true or not true, i don’t know. Do the same thing with fans. Some folks, myself included, always sleep with a fan on just to circulate the air in the room constantly, it helps me sleep (think ceiling fans). To avoid someone bringing a possibly unsafe fan onboard that is a fire hazard, have the GSD stock them and rent them for a small fee for the duration of the cruise. Small fans (the size that fits in your luggage) cost between $5-20. If Carnival ships were to keep them onboard and rent them each cruise for a small fee, $2-5, in a few cruises, they would pay for themselves.

 

Voila, problems solved. I expect a job offer from Carnival soon, heh, yeah I’m joking. I do understand space is somewhat limited on a ship, but power strips (in some quantity) are already onboard as are fans, for when the AC in a room is not sufficient/ broken.

 

As long as both are stocked in sufficient quantity, then the wife and I (and lots of other passengers) can save some room in our already crammed luggage, not to mention raise a lot less eyebrows at airport security (if you do indeed fly to your cruise), and all for less than the cost of a Drink of the Day!

 

Thanks for listening to my ideas, whether or not they are practical, I don’t know, I will leave that up to the cruising experts (meaning the beards of course) to decide.

Thanks!

Brian and Katie

Reply

[*Mach*]

Is it just me or is T&Cs problem with them taking his fan away? :confused:

 

 

Dunno, Don... They didn't take his fan away... it was a friend of mine on the Ecstasy just about ten days ago.

As I've said, I don't find it critical but some do. My concern was those folks who had a medical need for such things and we have that resolved.

As soon as John know the rest of the story we will and I'll post it here...

[gazingm42]

I just find it interesting that the info has now changed from a the power

circuit over loading to now a fire hazard. John did post on his blog that

he has seen reports that they (carnival) had seen power strips is poor

condition that could caused a spark and a fire.

 

So if we are now worried about Fire issues, which is a big concerns, then

why is the beards not address smoking in cabins? I am personally concern

of smoking as a hazard vs power strips.

[*Mach*]

I just find it interesting that the info has now changed from a the power

circuit over loading to now a fire hazard. John did post on his blog that

he has seen reports that they (carnival) had seen power strips is poor

condition that could caused a spark and a fire.

 

So if we are now worried about Fire issues, which is a big concerns, then

why is the beards not address smoking in cabins? I am personally concern

of smoking as a hazard vs power strips.

 

 

I can't answer that. I'd suggest you pose the question on John's blog and begin it with 'John, please reply'. He'll answer in about three weeks...

[rossross99]

Mach,

 

John only answers posts which meets his blog needs????

 

I know we have all read other comments today on this topic... But

I find it odd we see other post with the same concern...

 

http://www.carnival.com/Funville/forums/t/96786.aspx

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Is it just me or is T&Cs problem with them taking his fan away? :confused:

 

That, and the cord which connects it --- basically our creature comforts. I hope our two favorite pillows we bring from home (pretty much everywhere we travel) are still OK! ;)

 

It shows promise that John, and likely others, are concerned with the current state. I put together a rough draft earlier today to send to Carnival, which I still need to revise (that can be a long process), as I want to come across properly... you know, in a Goldilocks fashion: not too hot, not too cold, but just right. :)

 

Tom

[tamirpr]

There is a whole lot that needs to be addressed.

 

Is it the power a fan takes that bans it or the fire hazard? What about a noise machine?

 

If they expect us to use the one plug without an extension cord, are they going to go through the rooms and turn the outlets upside down so the things we have to plug in will fit? Or fix them so that if they are installed upside down that the box plug item doesn't keep falling out?

 

It's a mess.

 

Bottom line, no white noise machine, no flat iron, no me.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

So if we are now worried about Fire issues, which is a big concerns, then

why is the beards not address smoking in cabins? I am personally concern

of smoking as a hazard vs power strips.

 

That is one of the points I am addressing as well. The fact of the matter, I fear, is that they have to step very carefully (SLOWLY) into that morass as they receive A LOT of revenue from said group... and talk about a VOCAL bunch. They don't mind voting with their wallets! :eek:

 

We all know the ship would be not only smell better, be "safer", but burns in bedspreads carpets, (etc) must add up! I will say the reduced smoking in the Dream casino was an improvement. Not quite yet to the point of Celebrity's smoke free casinos (which have been fairly crowded anyway), but it's a start. It will take time.

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I just posted a comment on John's blog, figured I would share it here as well. You may like my idea, or you may not. Either way, I don't care. I would definitely be willing to fork over $5 for a power strip AND fan to gain that space in my luggage back......

 

Brian, on May 11, 2010 at 6:54 pm Said: Your comment is awaiting moderation. John, (Please read, not necessary to reply)

No need really to reply, just an idea/ suggestion though. I am a reader and occasional poster on the Cruise Critic site, and from what I have read, it seems the majority of the uproar is about the power strips with some additional static about fans.

 

If the issue is really safety, then make sure each ship is stocked with APPROVED multi-plug, surge protected, power strips at the GSD for passengers to check out. Require a small deposit of somewhere around $5 on your S&S card, which is refunded when you return the power strip. Or even for a small rental fee, $1-2 a cruise. The ship’s personnel inspect them periodically for cracked wires/ safety issues and all is back to normal. Problem solved.

 

Also, about personal fans not being allowed onboard, maybe true or not true, i don’t know. Do the same thing with fans. Some folks, myself included, always sleep with a fan on just to circulate the air in the room constantly, it helps me sleep (think ceiling fans). To avoid someone bringing a possibly unsafe fan onboard that is a fire hazard, have the GSD stock them and rent them for a small fee for the duration of the cruise. Small fans (the size that fits in your luggage) cost between $5-20. If Carnival ships were to keep them onboard and rent them each cruise for a small fee, $2-5, in a few cruises, they would pay for themselves.

 

Voila, problems solved. I expect a job offer from Carnival soon, heh, yeah I’m joking. I do understand space is somewhat limited on a ship, but power strips (in some quantity) are already onboard as are fans, for when the AC in a room is not sufficient/ broken.

 

As long as both are stocked in sufficient quantity, then the wife and I (and lots of other passengers) can save some room in our already crammed luggage, not to mention raise a lot less eyebrows at airport security (if you do indeed fly to your cruise), and all for less than the cost of a Drink of the Day!

 

Thanks for listening to my ideas, whether or not they are practical, I don’t know, I will leave that up to the cruising experts (meaning the beards of course) to decide.

Thanks!

Brian and Katie

Reply

 

I would go for that, as long as they have enough not to run out. Then again, as they get low (inventory) they could start a bidding "war"! Better yet, people would "rent" them who don't really intend to use them - only to then "sell" to the highest bidder... Call security, pronto! :eek:

 

Tom

[SG81]

my girl wants to know if she can bring her hair straightner? so far we're getting conflicting answers

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

my girl wants to know if she can bring her hair straightner? so far we're getting conflicting answers

 

I would say it's not fully clear at this point. Hopefully that will be IRONED (:D) out soon!

 

Tom

[SG81]

I would say it's not fully clear at this point. Hopefully that will be IRONED (:D) out soon!

 

Tom

thanks. hopefully this is straightened :) out soon. i don't want her having crazy hair all week :eek:

[Cuizer2]

That, and the cord which connects it --- basically our creature comforts. I hope our two favorite pillows we bring from home (pretty much everywhere we travel) are still OK! ;)

 

Tom

 

As long as you don't try to plug both pillows in at the same time you should be alright.

[jandjfun]

I have managed to complete something like 15 cruises without a power strip. I don't bring a computer, I am on vacation, I don't use a cell phone onboard so the charge is still 100% when I get on shore at my airport, and by the way I resent those that do use them:rolleyes:. There is a hair dryer in the room and if you use a large enough brush you can make your hair flat with them. If you need air at night, book a balcony and leave the door open.

Ok, so all you need to do now is recharge your batteries for the camera you will be using. And you could even do away with that if you bring enough batteries with you.

Of course those with medical needs, you are still allowed to bring your power strips so you are good to go!:D

A vacation is suppose to be a time away from home. Why do you need to bring it all with you? Enjoy your family and friends instead!

[debkjw]

If carnival is really worried about frayed cords what would be worse than curling irons. Cords can be frayed on about anything including those recharging devices. This ban on fans is beyond dumb. They allow curling irons and straighteners, hair dryers and electric razors and dont check their cords but dont allow fans??? Someone needs to use their brains for sure.

 

debkjw

[sailaway4]

Debkjw you are behind, there are now reports of curling irons and flat irons being confiscated.

And no hair dryer and large brush is going to do the job of a flat iron on my hair.

[TFunkified]

Thanks Mach for all your work contacting John (and hopefully the Carnival big wigs) and getting our feelings to him concerning this. I understand if this is a fire issue with questionable power strips. When it is all said and done, it is their cruise ships and they have to make tough decisions. I just wish that they would listen to their customers who use their services. I have heard many great ideas come out of just this forum that they need to hear.

• Offer Carnival power strips installed by the room stewards for a rental fee of $5 for the week. The stewards would monitor them for fraying or other problems... PROBLEM SOLVED.
  
• Offer converters for the other 220W outlet in the room that would give every main room at least two outlets. This convertor could even have an extension cord of some length out of it for devices that have large "plugs".
  
• Most people now bring at least a digital camera and/or video camera on a cruise. Some people enjoy having their iPod/mp3 player and also a computer or cell phone along. All these things need to be charged and most of the time this happens at night. This doesn't even include children's devices like PSPs, Nintendo DS, and other handheld devices that most kids wish to enjoy at times. They might investigate the charging pads that act universally with many devices. Again, they could charge a nominal fee to do this in a room and they would be in control.
  

I would appreciate if you would pass the thoughts you feel best along to John and others. I was another person that was cut by the moderator on John's blog. It was about this subject, but I also had some heartfelt words for John about missing him on the Splendor on our cruise coming up. I would have loved to introduce my little daughter to him.

 

Thanks for all your work on this and keeping our friends at Carnival in the loop. It was nice to see that John linked this thread on his page so others can see what we, the cruising public, is thinking.

 

Keep up the good work! Thanks also for your recommendations on Splendor. I can't wait. I will pass along your greetings to Goose.

 

Ted

[PaulMedik]

That is one of the points I am addressing as well. The fact of the matter, I fear, is that they have to step very carefully (SLOWLY) into that morass as they receive A LOT of revenue from said group... and talk about a VOCAL bunch. They don't mind voting with their wallets! :eek:

 

................

 

Tom

 

 

Tom,

 

I will be bringing my power strip in my laptop bag on our next cruise and will show up at the pier undaunted by any rules against power stips. If they do not allow me to board with the power strip, then they will have a vacant aft wrap (8455) and a balcony down the hall for their fly on acts to occupy during the April 16 sailing because my family and I will be enjoying the week in Miami; unless there's an open berth on another ship in port in which case we'll be switching ships to Liberty of the Seas or Celebrity Century. Norwegian Epic will be there too and as a last resort I'd sail her too; it would have to be better to watch her sail away from on board than from South Beach. :D

 

Granted they will already have my money and I won't be due a refund, but they won't have the opportunity to sell us pictures, drinks, spa activites, gifts from the shops or the chance to recoup their BlackJack losses from our last cruise. ;) All things considered, they'd be loosing as much as I would be that week and tens of thousands more over the next few years.

 

I would definately submit my power strip for inspection by their safety compliance officer and allow them to test the current drain when all of my devices are plugged in and charging, but what I won't do is sail without it. :cool: If Liberty's Electrical Engineer sailed previously on Carnival Dream I will even provide him with instruction on proper use of his metering equipment and explain it to him in detail. ;)

[Quampapetet]

Why don't they just install power strips (of a number of plugs they determine, but no less than three especially for the cabins that sleep more than two ppl) into each cabin and then they won't have to worry about safety? I'd say they could inspect each cord, but that'd take an awfully long time and slow down embarkation....

[Quampapetet]

I have managed to complete something like 15 cruises without a power strip. I don't bring a computer, I am on vacation, I don't use a cell phone onboard so the charge is still 100% when I get on shore at my airport, and by the way I resent those that do use them:rolleyes:. There is a hair dryer in the room and if you use a large enough brush you can make your hair flat with them. If you need air at night, book a balcony and leave the door open.

Ok, so all you need to do now is recharge your batteries for the camera you will be using. And you could even do away with that if you bring enough batteries with you.

Of course those with medical needs, you are still allowed to bring your power strips so you are good to go!:D

A vacation is suppose to be a time away from home. Why do you need to bring it all with you? Enjoy your family and friends instead!

 

Good for you, but you're not everybody.

 

Not everybody is on vacation on a cruise.

 

Not everybody can leave work behind even if they are on vacation on a cruise.

 

Even ppl who are completely on vacation like to take computers to upload their photos to their hard drive(s), use the Internet for fun and/or to keep in touch with friends/family back home, listen to music, watch movies on the plane, etc.

 

That's too bad that you resent somebody who might have the use of a cell phone while on a cruise just because you don't want to use yours. They might have a business to run, a sick close friend or family member, children left behind, a beloved pet left behind, etc. They might not even use it for calls, but for an alarm clock, the Internet, listening to music, and other apps.

 

Not everybody can afford to book a balcony. Also, Carnival asks ppl not to leave the balcony doors open.

 

Not all cameras take AA/AAA-type batteries. Most (especially DSLRs) take semi-expensive ($50+) rechargeables. I bring three cameras with me that all take rechargeables. (I don't know if any of the chargers fit the one cabin wall plug, as I've had a power strip on both my cruises. I have four batteries to charge.) That's nice that your little pocket P&S takes disposable batteries, but not everybody uses one of those even if they're just on vacation.

 

Again, not everybody is on vacation or a full vacation on a cruise. That's great if you are/can be! And many of the above things can be used on a full vacation (who doesn't want to take photos of their trip even just for fun?!). Who said just because you have a camera, laptop, etc. that you're not enjoying your friends and family?

[*Mach*]

I just find it interesting that the info has now changed from a the power

circuit over loading to now a fire hazard. John did post on his blog that

he has seen reports that they (carnival) had seen power strips is poor

condition that could caused a spark and a fire.

 

So if we are now worried about Fire issues, which is a big concerns, then

why is the beards not address smoking in cabins? I am personally concern

of smoking as a hazard vs power strips.

 

 

It's really one in the same... Overloading ANY circuit can result in a fire in the presence of a failed circuit breaker...

:)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Tom,

 

I will be bringing my power strip in my laptop bag on our next cruise and will show up at the pier undaunted by any rules against power stips. If they do not allow me to board with the power strip, then they will have a vacant aft wrap (8455) and a balcony down the hall for their fly on acts to occupy during the April 16 sailing because my family and I will be enjoying the week in Miami; unless there's an open berth on another ship in port in which case we'll be switching ships to Liberty of the Seas or Celebrity Century. Norwegian Epic will be there too and as a last resort I'd sail her too; it would have to be better to watch her sail away from on board than from South Beach. :D

 

Granted they will already have my money and I won't be due a refund, but they won't have the opportunity to sell us pictures, drinks, spa activites, gifts from the shops or the chance to recoup their BlackJack losses from our last cruise. ;) All things considered, they'd be loosing as much as I would be that week and tens of thousands more over the next few years.

 

I would definately submit my power strip for inspection by their safety compliance officer and allow them to test the current drain when all of my devices are plugged in and charging, but what I won't do is sail without it. :cool: If Liberty's Electrical Engineer sailed previously on Carnival Dream I will even provide him with instruction on proper use of his metering equipment and explain it to him in detail. ;)

 

It's reactions such as yours, and some others on here, to this policy that hopefully will cause a careful reanalysis on the ban (even though it's not yet truly "policy"). I have to give you credit for being willing to not board based on that... I would like to have assurances ahead of time so that my open week (vacation time) is well utilized, but it sounds like you would make do with multiple options! I have never utilized Carnival's "Vacation Guarantee" - but having something taken from my suitcase would steer me in that direction.

 

Tom

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

It's really one in the same... Overloading ANY circuit can result in a fire in the presence of a failed circuit breaker...

 

:)

 

Are these Italian circuit breakers we are talking about here? :eek:

 

;)

 

Tom