Mardi Gras / Live / Solo / Nov-27-Dec-04-2021...

[sid_9169]

I wanted to get a bit of a head start on my corona virus testing, so I went ahead and downloaded the Navica app, and set up my account... First thing it asks is to agree to their terms of use, which I'm sure nobody has ever read, and even if they did, probably didn't understand most of the legal gobbledygook... It's one of those situations where you just click "agree" and hope for the best. I really don't like the idea of providing some random company with my sensitive information, much less my home address and phone number, but without a test there's no cruise... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[sid_9169]

I also just now completed my health assessment from Carnival... Just a few basic questions about your potential symptoms and whether you've been in contact with anyone who had symptoms, as well as confirmation of your vaccination status.

 

 

[SNJCruisers]

14 hours ago, darleean said:

100% will back up Liquid IV 

Taken before bed or during the course of the day?

[SNJCruisers]

12 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

A simple byproduct of age.

[Saint Greg]

11 hours ago, Roscoe13 said:

Sometimes false as I have performed the hat trick whilst sitting on the throne, but I will admit it is a rarity and not recommended for rookies.

 

Well I sneezed while peeing once and it was quite painful so I stop one before I start the other.

[sunshower9]

This review is probably exactly what I need right now.  I'm going through an incredibly tough time in my personal life and sometimes it's hard for me to even care about cruising, but I really enjoyed your Scarlet Lady review so I know I'm in for a treat with this one. 

 

Can't wait to see your take on all the food, drinks, activities, and general goings-on.  I'll be on the Mardi Gras in January with free Cheers so I ordered some of that Liquid IV because I saw it mentioned in another review (I think it was Meagan's).  I'm interested to see how it works for you.

[sid_9169]

I went and got my daily walk out of the way, and stopped by the bank to pick up a huge wad of cash... I'm going to need plenty of walking around money for my afternoon / evening in Port Canaveral, as well as my port day private driver's in Cozumel and Roatan... I also picked up a little more than 4,000 pesos for my adventures in Cozumel and Costa Maya... Most of the places I go have menus in pesos, so it avoids having to try and calculate my bill in American dollars... A lot of places give you a poor exchange rate using American money, so it's easier and better for me and them...

[sid_9169]

1 hour ago, SNJCruisers said:

Taken before bed or during the course of the day?

On the package it just says "use as needed", so it's not really specific. I'll probably take it around lunch time or so each day. This is my first time experimenting with it...

[sid_9169]

It looks like they're still offering Chibang, Cucina, and Guys Smokehouse as "included", which gives me a few more dining options without having to come out of pocket...

 

 

[jmklade]

49 minutes ago, sid_9169 said:

On the package it just says "use as needed", so it's not really specific. I'll probably take it around lunch time or so each day. This is my first time experimenting with it...

We usually pound a glass down right after we get up.  It does work wonders.😀

[sid_9169]

It's strange being off work in the middle of the week... I've only missed six days of work this entire year, and four of those were for the Virgin Voyages cruise... I don't even know what to do with myself. I did go out and enjoy a nice hot chicken sandwich at Scoville's Hot Chicken. Picked up my usual sandwich (extra hot) and fries, which are always cooked fresh even though they appear to be just frozen crinkle cut fries... I may end up going out for another long walk just to pass the time...

 

 

 

 

 

[MeganGC1983]

18 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

I'm adding another weapon to my arsenal in the hangover prevention department... Recently used successfully by MeaganGC1983, Liquid IV...

 

 

In addition to that, I'll also be bringing my "usual suspects", Flyby, DHM, and of course the Rebound patches... Pretty soon, it'll probably get to the point where I'm spending more money on hangover prevention than the money I spent to get drunk in the first place...

 

 

Wooo! Now it’s getting serious! 

[sid_9169]

I've been pounding these things daily since before my Scarlet Lady cruise in early October... I'm a bit dubious of their effectiveness, since I ended up coming down with a cold around the middle of October... I still take them, as I assume that they do do something...

 

 

[MeganGC1983]

3 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:

Taken before bed or during the course of the day?

I drink it first thing, the next morning. It rehydrates everything the drinking depletes. 

[sid_9169]

I was bored to tears sitting around here, so I went and took another walk, this time to the notorious Lenox Mall... I needed to pick up something at the Kiehl's store, and I really hate going there, but I was in and out pretty quickly. Even though I'm a manly type man, I still like to use high quality skin care products... A few pics from my walkabout...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On my way back, I stopped and picked up a twelve pack of my favorite home town beer: Sweetwater 420. The brewery is less than three miles from my apartment, so it hasn't traveled far prior to making it into my belly...

 

 

[catgags]

Safe travels! I'll be rushing home every day to catch up with your adventures!

Always love your photos! 

Cheers!

Cat

[sid_9169]

The back story: continued...

 

Rumors had been circulating around online, regarding the possible / probable further delays, and on Tuesday July 11th 2020, all of those rumors proved to be true… I received the official email from Carnival, and my long awaited vacation was no more. They were offering choices of a 100% refund or a FCC of the total price paid, plus $600 in OBC per cabin… Of course, I wanted to sail, and I began the entire process of searching for sailings further out in 2021… Since I already had a back to back on Virgin Voyages set for June 2021, I decided to look at the same week that I normally cruise, this taking me all the way out to November 27th 2021… A whole nother year and a half away. 😞  

 

I put a hold on a cruise, but I wanted to do more research into the rooms available, so I didn’t pull the trigger immediately… About this same time, the owner of my condo decided that they wanted to sell, and this further compounded the depression I was already going through. On Saturday July 15th 2020, I put a call into Carnival, and the waiting game was on. About 10 minutes later, I got through to the customer service rep, and began the process of refunding my original cruise. Next, I gave them the booking number of my courtesy hold, and about a half hour later, I was booked; in theory, anyway…

 

 

[purpleally]

8 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:

Taken before bed or during the course of the day?

I’m probably going to do it first thing in the morning. It will get 16 ozs of liquid in me

[sid_9169]

Checking more items off the packing list: ear plugs, passport, vaccine card, phone charger, sunglasses, Q tips (TM), pens, Handi Wipes (TM), cologne samples, $1 bills, other $ including pesos, sun block SPF 30, water shoes, reading glasses (probably should've been higher on the list, as I'm basically blind without them), and other stuff to follow...

[Roscoe13]

Hey Sid, have you seen this?  Latest on Plat and Diamond boarding.  Specifically the part below about cabins ready when you board?  Please report back when you finally board if this it true.  Inquiring minds want to know! TIA         VIFP PLATINUM AND DIAMOND SUITE GUESTS UPDATE AND ONLINE CHECK-IN INVITATION

Dear Valued Platinum and Diamond Suite Guests, This communication is being sent to our booked Platinum and Diamond Suite guests.  It is independent from any request our guests might have pending for an exemption to vaccine requirements, and the receipt of this communication is not any indication of the status of your request. We want to thank you for the loyalty and support you have shown Carnival, and also make you aware of the new way to redeem your VIFP amenities. These changes were designed in accordance with our new Have Fun. Be Safe. protocols to minimize the number of stateroom deliveries, while making it easier for you to collect some of your benefits.  Moving forward, certain VIFP amenities will be linked to your Sail & Sign folio for electronic redemption, like how we currently handle complimentary laundry.  Simply claim your benefit, using your Sail & Sign card, and a one-time credit for that item will be posted on your folio and be visible on your statement. Complimentary Beverages Brunch Beverage – redeemable in the dining room. 1.5L Bottled Water – redeemable from any bar, restaurant or your stateroom. Chocolate Delight (5 + Day Cruises) A tasty treat will be ready for you to enjoy; just call room service to schedule delivery. Carnival Logo Gift & Ship Pin Please visit our Photo Gallery to claim your Carnival logo gift and your Carnival ship pin.  We encourage you to claim your gifts no later than two days prior to the end of your cruise. We also want you to know that given our focus on meeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) requirements and implementation of new health and safety protocols, we will need to adjust how we deliver some of the VIFP priority benefits, as follows: ONLINE CHECK-IN – All guests will be required to complete Online Check-In, which will open 14 days prior to sailing.  Platinum and Diamond Suite guests will be given 48 hours advance access to select their preferred Arrival Appointment. Please visit My Cruise Manager on Carnival.com starting at 16 days prior to sailing to complete your Online Check-In and select the Arrival Appointment that works best for your plans.  Due to additional embarkation day processes, all guests will have to arrive promptly at their Arrival Appointment.  STATEROOM ACCESS – Staterooms will be ready when you board.  WATER SHUTTLE PRIORITY – Priority water shuttle debark will be provided subject to local guidance at the destinations we visit, which may change without prior notice.  Our team on board will keep you informed of the debarkation plans for each port. CASINO – Although we are currently unable to host casino tournaments on board, you will be given US$25 in Casino FunPlay®, in addition to any other FunPlay® you might be entitled to as part of your booking. DEBARK – You will have the benefit of priority debark.

[sid_9169]

I'm not Platinum or Diamond, but I'll see what I can do...

[sid_9169]

I was "this close" to picking up the brand new Google Pixel 6 Pro, but I decided to try and get a few more miles out of the trusty rusty Pixel 3 XL, with the even trustier and rustier Pixel II XL in a supporting role... I'll hold off on the other one until they come down from the $899 price tag...

 

 

Edited November 25, 2021 by sid_9169

[sid_9169]

[Jamman54]

25 minutes ago, Roscoe13 said:

Hey Sid, have you seen this?  Latest on Plat and Diamond boarding.  Specifically the part below about cabins ready when you board?  Please report back when you finally board if this it true.  Inquiring minds want to know! TIA         VIFP PLATINUM AND DIAMOND SUITE GUESTS UPDATE AND ONLINE CHECK-IN INVITATION

Dear Valued Platinum and Diamond Suite Guests, This communication is being sent to our booked Platinum and Diamond Suite guests.  It is independent from any request our guests might have pending for an exemption to vaccine requirements, and the receipt of this communication is not any indication of the status of your request. We want to thank you for the loyalty and support you have shown Carnival, and also make you aware of the new way to redeem your VIFP amenities. These changes were designed in accordance with our new Have Fun. Be Safe. protocols to minimize the number of stateroom deliveries, while making it easier for you to collect some of your benefits.  Moving forward, certain VIFP amenities will be linked to your Sail & Sign folio for electronic redemption, like how we currently handle complimentary laundry.  Simply claim your benefit, using your Sail & Sign card, and a one-time credit for that item will be posted on your folio and be visible on your statement. Complimentary Beverages Brunch Beverage – redeemable in the dining room. 1.5L Bottled Water – redeemable from any bar, restaurant or your stateroom. Chocolate Delight (5 + Day Cruises) A tasty treat will be ready for you to enjoy; just call room service to schedule delivery. Carnival Logo Gift & Ship Pin Please visit our Photo Gallery to claim your Carnival logo gift and your Carnival ship pin.  We encourage you to claim your gifts no later than two days prior to the end of your cruise. We also want you to know that given our focus on meeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) requirements and implementation of new health and safety protocols, we will need to adjust how we deliver some of the VIFP priority benefits, as follows: ONLINE CHECK-IN – All guests will be required to complete Online Check-In, which will open 14 days prior to sailing.  Platinum and Diamond Suite guests will be given 48 hours advance access to select their preferred Arrival Appointment. Please visit My Cruise Manager on Carnival.com starting at 16 days prior to sailing to complete your Online Check-In and select the Arrival Appointment that works best for your plans.  Due to additional embarkation day processes, all guests will have to arrive promptly at their Arrival Appointment.  STATEROOM ACCESS – Staterooms will be ready when you board.  WATER SHUTTLE PRIORITY – Priority water shuttle debark will be provided subject to local guidance at the destinations we visit, which may change without prior notice.  Our team on board will keep you informed of the debarkation plans for each port. CASINO – Although we are currently unable to host casino tournaments on board, you will be given US$25 in Casino FunPlay®, in addition to any other FunPlay® you might be entitled to as part of your booking. DEBARK – You will have the benefit of priority debark.

 

This has been true since we were on the Horizon in August. Now, this email is for Diamond and Platinum Suite guests, for those not in a suite, we were allowed to drop off our bags in the cabin, but weren't allowed to stay. Also, the Brunch drink we were able to get at any bar. 

[Roscoe13]

12 minutes ago, Jamman54 said:

 

This has been true since we were on the Horizon in August. Now, this email is for Diamond and Platinum Suite guests, for those not in a suite, we were allowed to drop off our bags in the cabin, but weren't allowed to stay. Also, the Brunch drink we were able to get at any bar. 

Right, I will be platinum on my next cruise and it says "rooms ready".  That seems to be a change in the post covid cruising conundrum...