Changes since 2017

[mohawk1129]

We haven't cruised Carnival since 2017

Are booked on the Magic in 2024

What changes should we expect  ? especially since the Pandemic?

TY

Can't wait to go again!

 

[heath7767]

Our timeline of past cruising is the same, and we're also cruising on the Magic in 2024, so I'm interested to see the responses!

 

[TravelGirlinDallas]

No tablecloths (can't remember when that started)

Once-a-day cabin service

No free room service other than continental breakfast

You request MDR tables via the Hub app instead of standing in line

New menus for both MDR dinner (currently being rolled out) and Seaday Brunch

Lobster is only served on cruises 7 days or longer (on 2nd formal night)

$5 charge for more than two entrees (still unlimited apps & desserts)

Loyalty gifts are no longer in your cabin when you arrive, you have to go pick them up from various locations (pin & gift from the photo center, water from a bar)

 

I'm sure there are more, but that's all I can think of now.

[mohawk1129]

thank you for the input

Will you still be seated if you don't use the hub? We have your time dining

We have a 6 day cruise Does that mean no formal night?

[TravelGirlinDallas]

1 hour ago, mohawk1129 said:

thank you for the input

Will you still be seated if you don't use the hub? We have your time dining

We have a 6 day cruise Does that mean no formal night?

You might be able to request a table in person, but I bet it would be a longer wait since everything is designed to run through the app now.

You should have one formal night on a 6-night cruise, but no lobster. 

[MisterOJ2]

2 minutes ago, TravelGirlinDallas said:

You should have one formal night on a 6-night cruise, but no lobster. 

 Has this changed really recently? I thought five-night cruises had one formal night and six-nights or more had two?

[S&LMom]

No more 24 hour pizza or ice cream. I think pizza closes at 4am and ice cream midnight. Formal night is now elegant night and not enforced.  You will see anything from shorts to formal wear. No more hairy chest contest or mixology contest. 

[TravelGirlinDallas]

2 minutes ago, MisterOJ2 said:

 Has this changed really recently? I thought five-night cruises had one formal night and six-nights or more had two?

The last six-night I was on in 2021 only had one, but it could have changed since then since that was right after the re-opening.

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

https://www.carnival.com/help?topicid=1093

 

On certain special nights, our main dining rooms celebrate our Cruise Elegant festivities and we invite guests to enjoy a special night out in a sharp and chic way.

 

• 5 days or shorter cruises will have one Cruise Elegant evening
• 6 days or longer cruises will have two Cruise Elegant evenings

[firefly333]

Unless its changed does bacon still take a vacation every other morning in the buffet. That's one I miss. 

[Colorado Beach Bum]

33 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

Unless its changed does bacon still take a vacation every other morning in the buffet. That's one I miss. 

Yes.  At least that’s what I’ve been noticing. 

[Colorado Beach Bum]

Post pandemic, muster drill is now self muster.  You visit your muster station once on board and check-in and watch a short demo on putting on life jacket.  

[GalaxyJane]

2 hours ago, firefly333 said:

Unless its changed does bacon still take a vacation every other morning in the buffet. That's one I miss. 

Yes, but it's available every morning in the MDR for either breakfast or brunch.

[bettysuetraveler]

are we allowed to choose if we get morning or evening cleaning service?

[cxr133]

oh and no more noon time hairy chest/ belly flop contests 

[happy cruzer]

The smoking policy changed.  No smoking in any cabins or balcony.

 

more included food options like guys and blue iguana.  Sea day brunch.

[Stick93]

6 hours ago, PrincessArlena'sDad said:

https://www.carnival.com/help?topicid=1093

 

On certain special nights, our main dining rooms celebrate our Cruise Elegant festivities and we invite guests to enjoy a special night out in a sharp and chic way.

 

• 5 days or shorter cruises will have one Cruise Elegant evening
• 6 days or longer cruises will have two Cruise Elegant evenings

Elegant night is over rated. Can come in your birthday suit at this point but at least you get a table cloth to cover the table. 

[ray98]

It is really too many to list.

[jimbo5544]

9 hours ago, bettysuetraveler said:

are we allowed to choose if we get morning or evening cleaning service?

Most RS will subtly push for morning.

Edited August 1, 2023 by jimbo5544

[jimbo5544]

To my friends point, there are changes, but most are minimal in nature.  Cruising has always been evolving, but covid hell escalating some things, it happens when you are forced to suspend for 19 months and rack up 25+ bill in debt.  To the ops question,  things have changed, but changes are small in nature and we can cruise.  So OP, go enjoy your cruise.

[AllgoodOnTheRoad]

People have made a very good list above, the biggest change is the food, it is just not the quality or quantity it used to be, but you can still have an amazing cruise. I really miss the twice a day room service also, but I just tell my steward I need at least three towels per person per day and when he leaves them does not matter to me. I hang towels at home, but they just do not dry in a cabin. 

[Joebucks]

More than half of the stuff listed here hasn't really changed since 2017 or you probably wouldn't have noticed otherwise. 

[mohawk1129]

Thank you all!

I would not have known about using the HUB for reservations, the new muster drill or the no lobster on 6 day cruise 😔 until  I boarded 

You've all been great!

[ninjacat123]

24 minutes ago, mohawk1129 said:

Thank you all!

I would not have known about using the HUB for reservations, the new muster drill or the no lobster on 6 day cruise 😔 until  I boarded 

You've all been great!

You can order select "Steakhouse" entrees at MDR dinners for an upcharge, like $20 I believe.  I haven't done this yet so I don't know if it's worth it.  Have a great cruise!!

[MisterOJ2]

29 minutes ago, mohawk1129 said:

Thank you all!

I would not have known about using the HUB for reservations, the new muster drill or the no lobster on 6 day cruise 😔 until  I boarded 

You've all been great!

 

I'm pretty sure there will be lobster. Since there's two elegant nights on six-day cruises, lobster should be served on the first one.

Edited August 1, 2023 by MisterOJ2