Carnival Talk

Do you use other "cruise" boards/forums?

imdawn — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:36:18 GMT

I just started using www.carnivalconnections.com today

I also use www.cruisecritic.com that one is probably my favorite!!! It's really fast and easy to get the hang of!

I also use www.cruisemates.com once in awhile when cruisecritic is having a slow day.

Have you guys used any other cruise boards??? Which ones are most useful??

FYI: Sea Sick just saw this on MYTHBUSTERS

Tonya J. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:31:48 GMT

I just got done watching Mythbusters and they showed an episode where they were testing out different non-pharmasutical seasick/motion sickness remedies. They did 6 tests on Adam and Grant? who both suffer from sea/motion sickness. They tried the under the tongue spray, the electrical impulse, the magnetic bracelet, gingerroot pills, a placebo for pharmacutical and finally actual pharmacutical.

The point was to be able to find something non-pharmacutical so that there would be no side effects....afterall, you don't want to spend the entire time sleeping or feeling loopy.

Anyway, their findings were the gingerroot pills.

Anybody else tried he ginger pills??? And if so, what has been your experience?

Excursion Payment Question?

Cruisin with Martha — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:12:44 GMT

If I book an excursion for our 2/6/2010 Western Carribbean now through the Carnival website, do I pay for it prior tothe trip or is it charged to my final bill at the end of the cruise? I would like to be able to put whatever excursions I decide to do, on my credit card and then have them paid for beforehand. Any help would be appreciated.

EXTREAMLY PISSED!!!

tb — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:04:16 GMT

My husband and I along with our 2 year old little girl are booked and paid for the july 25th cruise and i am trying to find out if she will be allowed in the pool areas on the ship... I am afraid that she won't be because I just read their rules and regulations it says that they have to be potty trained (they can't even just wear a little swimmer's diaper like at most pools!!!) and if that is the fact then we are pretty much just screwed because that is the main thing we were going to do was hang out by the pool while on the ship....

When can you board the ship?

kris524 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:03:15 GMT

We are going on our first Carnival cruise 11/15/09- 11/21/09. We are leaving from Fort Lauderdale and I was wondering what time can you start boarding the ship? Any recommendations? What time to arrive at Port? Any suggestions on a somewhat quick check in?

Western Caribbean Cuisine OFF Ship

GGBOXERS — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:52:50 GMT

I am sure all of us have heard from time to time "if you go to Mexico, DON'T drink the water or eat anything that has been cleaned or cooked in water".

I follow the rule of thumb that "if I am paying for food on a cruise (which personally I have found to be VERY GOOD) that it just doesn't make sense to eat off-ship, but there are a few excursions that offer lunch or mention that food is available via snackbar, etc.

Since carrying food off-ship is frowned on and/or downright illegal to do so, I am wondering if that old familiar phrase is true?

In other words, does Montezuma still take out "revenge" if I dare sample the cuisine?

Thanks cruisers..........

Might as well do away with Military Rates

SeaUonboard — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 01:18:16 GMT

It used to be military rates were the best going 9 out of 10 times. I was checking rates for a cruise and noticed the rate given for military is the same as the highest rate – the one where you pick your cabin (not ES). I called my CVS (Cruise Vacation Specialist) and asked what’s up. I told him that ever since Early Saver there really hasn’t been any good military deals. Basically he told me they are trying to phase it out because the company is doing great with the ES - not as many cancellations. Well of course not – people don’t want to be penalized. I used to tell all my current and past military service friends how great it was that Carnival extended such a great discount. No more.

He did say they are working on doing something extra for military and past guests (as those discounts are pretty much gone too).

Your thoughts

Why Carnival Encourages Carnival Connections

Jeff and Dawn — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:34:27 GMT

I've seen people's postings from the most ludicrous complaints ranging from why are they discontinuing the past guest pins to why do they not allow 2 year olds in the swimming pool. Then you have the more savvy passengers who actually give you sound advice on how to travel and make the most of your vacation dollars. Some have asked why Carnival will allow people to complain on these threads. My answer is simple...If you read something that looks ridiculous you'll probably side with Carnival. Most of the things they do are for the benefit of the masses. Many of the complaining posts are from people who either are trying to incite a riot, want to see their ridiculous complaints in print, or just get off on making a mockery of a website established to help us communicate with others with similar vacation desires. It's all about demographics and Carnival has done its homework. Allowing us to discuss things in this forum is beneficial to all.

Conquest Itinerary Altered

Cruz Dude — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:16:16 GMT

Just spoke with a one of my crew buddies on the ship and the Conquest will be calling on all their ports but in reverse order. They were at the time sailing due south off of the Texas coast as to avoid as much of the rough weather as possible. They did leave Galveston as scheduled.

He said the ship is " rocking quite a bit more than usual" but not too unbearable. As for the passengers he could not say.

Just thought I'd post this since it's not on Carnival's site in case any of you wanted to know.

Hey Laaaadies!

Millyj — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:58:59 GMT

What are you doing to get into SOME kind of shape for your upcoming cruise...I'm not an avid workout buff like my husband but I've been doing somethings here and there to look cute in a little cocktail dress or a nice bathing suit number....

I know some will gasp but I've been doing Pole Dancing classes! LOL

I used to be a modern jazz dancer a few years back but ever since I've had my baby (Aug 08') I've gained and I've been REAL laxed in working out....I found this to be fun and I tell you one thing, it's the BEST workout I've had in years!!!!!! My muscles haven't been THIS sore since in YEARS! I couldn't even walk up my steps at home! Already toning up after a 4 wks of classes and it's SUPER fun!

Has Anyone Traveled The Destiny?!

Shaneisa — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:31:36 GMT

Hello to All!

I am intersted in knowing if anyone has traveled on The Destiny and had a Balcony room. My Fiance' and I traveled on the Sensation May 10-14 2009 to the Bahamas and had a BLAST! This time we will be traveling to Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman July 2010 and once again I am SOOOO EXCITED! If you have any pointer for me feel free! Cruise Love!

Crimson Beauty

Back to back cruises

Melvine — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:15:18 GMT

We are booked on Miracle for Jan. 7, and 15, 2010. We have a suite for the first cruise and a balcony for the second. Will we have to take our luggage off the ship or will they just move it to our new room?

Mad as Hell, NO MORE PAST GUEST PINS

????? — Wed, 20 May 2009 02:58:19 GMT

What the hell. Just got back from cruise, cabin boy says Carnival not giving out past guest pins? 12 cruises and they cutback on pins. Was really pissed, went to guest services and canceled all tips, guess I will do some cut backs too!!! I feel better now.

Is It Cheaper to Wait for the Exclursions

azuremoonlight — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:21:58 GMT

I was reading on another thread concerning things to do at port and one advised a fellow traveler to wait til they got to the Pirates of Nassau because the rate to book it online through Carnival was $39.00 but you can walk up to the gate there and pay $12.00.

I am not going to that port but the Western Carribeans and wondered if that wasn't a good idea. I understand perhaps some things are "limited" and read that some get there and it is already sold out.

What do you think? What have you found to be a good rule of thumb on this....pay now or wait for a better price.

Happy cruising everyone!

pool ?????

beautifulblueii — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:50:22 GMT

Okay, I really feel like a moron for asking this but I'm gonna ask it anyways! How would one compare the level of salt in the pools? I have swam in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the Caribbean Sea and the level of salt is different in all 3. I have read that the water is filter and they use some sort of salt to chlorine system and was just wondering if the pool water is super salty or if it is really toned down. Does it make a difference in the water you are currently traveling in?

Thanks in advance for any information in this area!

Libby

sea sick?

crash — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:11:14 GMT

I'm booked on my first cruise in March...and I'm so excited... except that I get car sick and am REALLY worried about getting sea sick. Any suggestions?

Spring Break 2010? Hope not

Nancy — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:33:57 GMT

We are planning our 3rd cruise with Carnival on the Glory in May 2010. This time our ship will be leaving right from our own city. No travel...just a taxi ride. I am just hoping that May is not Spring Break time. Anybody have any ideas regarding this? I know it varies from place to place and usually falls around Easter. Not that I wouldnt have a glorious time on the Glory....I have fun wherever I land.

web cam on the Dream

mimi91mi — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:55:22 GMT

Web Cam on the Dream been down for awhile any one know when it will be up and running?, love watching it Leaving in January, for our Dream Cruise

Lido deck rooms on Carnival Freedom

Rich — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:46:25 GMT

I'm booked in room 9277 (balcony) on the Lido Deck for a 8 day Eastern Caribbean. Anyone stayed on that deck? I'm concerned about the noise level from the pool and the buffet and also the deck above has a pool and the big screen. I do like being mid-ship and close to things but would I be better off staying a few decks down?

Cruise Your Way

Patrick — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:59:49 GMT

I would like to start a new thread for those who cannot have it your way. This is your opportunity to explain to everyone why Carnival should have done something that they didn't do and what they should have planned for your convenience (and of course you may be speaking on behalf of those who are afraid to be as brave and forthright as you).

Let me give a few suggestions:

Most of us have maps and can verify that the Caribbean and the Gulf are not so big that alternate ports can't be visited in the event of an emergency (e.g. hurricanes or countries that have the audacity to have epidemics when it is MY cruise). Carnival has big ships and my maps show the Caribbean is no more than six to six and a half inches across.
If the meals are not up to your epicurean/gourmet standards they should introduce flogging of the responsible galley staff on the morning after the Captain's Formal Dinner. On longer cruises this could occur on the last formal night.
Special recreational areas provided for Carnival to supervise your incontinent pets and relatives while you show the Captain the BEST way to navigate.
The passenger talent show starring your Future Superstar child/aunt/cousin/ego should be presented in the dining rooms between the salad and entrée on formal night AND televised throughout the ship so everyone has the pleasure of their entertainment abilities.
Do not neglect to inform us with great detail about why you will never sail with Carnival again and why every other cruise line is superior. Please be sure to remind us that we don't know as much as you, The Experience World Traveler.

I am proud to present this opportunity to you and in the hopes it will free up other forums so that others can provide "that other kind of help" you don't have time for.

Countdown

CindyS — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:34:47 GMT

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Just seeing if the countdown timer works (if I'm doing it correctly!)

Spelling

Patrick — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:01:09 GMT

I have a suggestion to help with spell checking. When you click the "ABC" box, if you don't have IEspell installed, you will get a prompt to download the FREE program that works with Internet Explorer. It will make your postings easier to read and help get your point or question easier to answer.

Has anyone used cruise.com to book their cruise?

sherman — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:20:57 GMT

We're looking for feedback on cruise.com (good, bad or indifferent).

Thank you

Carnival Customer service

tracy — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:06:49 GMT

For the record let me admit that I am a past carnival cruiser-several times. I have cruised with NCL and Celebrity. We have been the most satisfied with Carnival. I appreciate the upgrade to better linens with recent refurbishing. Their childrens programs are better-my grandkids never want to leave and satisfy all the kids-ages 5,10,12. I enjoy the game shows and fondly recall that cruise that I "smoked those know it all 20 somethings" in a musical trivia game netting me a 24k Ship-on-a-Stick and a bottle of rum. Except for a cruise out of New Orleans, I never had a problem with food. I have not had a language problem with them and am way to familiar with this problem and it's importance.

That said,after shopping the web and searching for my next cruise, I discovered a bounty of perks being offered by all...in room credit,free hotel nights,cash back etc. As an educated travel agent I decided to book thru Carnival and save them commission fees otherwise payable to priceline etc.

My mis-informed carnival agent gave me an EARLY SAVER rate. When I inquired about the promo-that Carnival offered too, I was told that I did not qualify for cash back/stateroom credit because I needed to book a 4A and above. I did upgrade to a 4B.

I have made and sent repeated emails and they-carnival skirt tail around this issue and blabbler about the early saver rate and priceline quarantee that does not even pertain to this. I would have gone through another booking agency to get this same perk had I had known that this was going to be of issue. The fine print that I read did not effect my booking.

Carnival reps refuse to budge. I have booked 29 berths on Carnival ships. I also have tht worthless SEAMILES CARD that gets me nowhere. Tried to redeem a gift card and was quoted higher than published carnival website rates,even though the rep told me that I could use this credit towards ANY CARNIVAL CRUISE and not need to book through SEAMILES exclusively in order to use miles.

Recently,upon contacting Carnival by phone to discuss the cash back issue, I was told that the rate for my cabin had gone down and instructed me to contact carnival through its price guarantee. I did. Finally got an email saying that I did not qualify for CASH BACK /CREDIT because they were not offering it at the time and my early saver rate.

What about the price drop guarantee? One carnival email said that it had to be requested in 48 hours-CARNIVAL'S REPRESENTATIVE said that was not the case and pricedrop credits were not time restricted.

I am not a present happpy Carnival Cruiser and very disappointed at getting the run around when clearly no one wants to accept responcilbility for what seems to be an error on carnivals end.

ANYONE, who has cruised before knows that those pretty lil umbrellas at $7.50 each add up. And don't forget those pictures that ALWAYS turn out perfect for around $15 bucks a piece. And the casino.....well I won't even go there...because I have already been there for hours.

This isn't about a lousy $50 pp per cabin. It's now become principles and a lack of customer service issues.

Still waiting to hear AGAIN about the price drop credit.

Excursions in Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel

PTB — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 03:04:25 GMT

We are leaving on the 25th and heading to Cozumel, Costa Maya and Belize. We want to visit Mayan Ruins and do some snorkeling. Which Mayan Ruins would you recommend and where is the best snorkleing? Belize is supposed to have a great reef for snorkeling and all three places have trips to ruins, but which trips are the best?