No More Cheap Cruises

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@KeithG  That's so disappointing! I was very excited for you. I guess this is more of an incentive for you to book another cruise with Carnival Cruise Line and go all out. What are you thinking for you next cruise?

[KeithG]

I have Faster To The Fun on the upcoming back to back so thats nearly as good as Platinum for my purposes. We have another one booked but it's over a year away, Spring Break 2024. Wanted to make sure we got the ship and cabin we wanted. 

We'll go on some before then, just don't have them booked. 

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@KeithG That a great choice! Which cabins do you prefer?

I always feel lost when I'm looking at deck plans trying to find the perfect stateroom. Do you have any tips to choosing the optimal stateroom? 

[KeithG]

I have probably an oddly specific location I like regardless of the ship if we aren't staying in a special cabin like the Havana.

I like a balcony cabin, port side, forward on the Lido deck whichever deck number that is on a particular ship. Forward of the main elevators so not as much foot traffic. 

This way I can just walk out of my cabin and down the hall to be out on the Lido. 

Cruises coming up this Feb/Mar are in the Havana Cabana's but next year is Deck 16 Forward on the Jubilee.

Edited January 28, 2023 by KeithG
Spelling

[FJB]

We prefer the middle deck of cabins - if there is 5 decks of cabins, we want deck 3. If 7 decks of cabins, deck 4 etc.  That splits the doing the stairs in half up to the pool/buffet or down to the Theater/restaurants/shops.   Then we choose midship a couple doors down from the elevators/stairs. Port or starboard doesn’t matter. 

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@KeithGThese are some great recommendations! I always wonder which decks rock the least on sea days. I think mid ship is likely the best location to experience the least amount of movement while cruising. Carnival Cruise Line's Havana rooms look amazing! I'm assuming these specialty rooms are well worth the price.

https://www.carnival.com/staterooms

I also found these helpful tips to use while booking a CCL stateroom!

https://www.cruisehive.com/which-staterooms-book-carnival-cruise/16525

Edited January 31, 2023 by Kendall James-Vargas

[KeithG]

If you are someone sensitive to motion then my favorite cabin is definitely not for you, high up and forward definitely amplifies the motion. You'd want to stay in the lower decks further aft to avoid the motion.

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@KeithG I personally am not likely to be affected by motion; however, I would say it's nice when you can't feel it before going to bed.

Do you mainly prefer the upper decks due to the proximity to dining and entertainment options? 

Which drug do you think is best for motion sickness, Bonine or Dramamine? 

https://www.cruisehive.com/bonine-vs-dramamine-which-is-better-for-motion-sickness/57162

[RoadTravelled]

19 hours ago, Kendall James-Vargas said:

@KeithG I personally am not likely to be affected by motion; however, I would say it's nice when you can't feel it before going to bed.

Do you mainly prefer the upper decks due to the proximity to dining and entertainment options? 

Which drug do you think is best for motion sickness, Bonine or Dramamine? 

https://www.cruisehive.com/bonine-vs-dramamine-which-is-better-for-motion-sickness/57162

@Kendall James-Vargas, we have used ginger root tablets to counter seasickness for years.  I'm highly susceptible to motion sickness and this really does help in all but the extreme cases.  And, the beauty if is that since it is a natural ingredient, there are none of the drowsiness and other side-effects that bonine and dramamine pose.  Take 2 as you board the ship, then once each morning and you are good to go.  In all of our cruises, it's only not worked twice when we had really bad storms and high seas — and virtually everyone, including crew were sick.

[RoadTravelled]

On 1/30/2023 at 9:58 PM, Kendall James-Vargas said:

@KeithGThese are some great recommendations! I always wonder which decks rock the least on sea days. I think mid ship is likely the best location to experience the least amount of movement while cruising. Carnival Cruise Line's Havana rooms look amazing! I'm assuming these specialty rooms are well worth the price.

https://www.carnival.com/staterooms

I also found these helpful tips to use while booking a CCL stateroom!

https://www.cruisehive.com/which-staterooms-book-carnival-cruise/16525

@Kendall James-Vargas, I think in the end, choosing a cabin, is more subjective and personal than terribly formulaic.  Everyone has different expectations, needs, and preferences.  It's really not a one-size-fits-all decision.  Having said that, there are some definite criteria you should at least think about when selecting I would propose.  These are some of the considerations we make when choosing

• what is on the deck below and above you that might cause noise issues?
• how close are you to elevators, stairs, and other high-traffic areas like laundry rooms?  Being at the aft or forward areas for example limit traffic and are generally more quiet
• check the deck plans and determine if the cabin is a "connecting" cabin — meaning it has a door that can open to the adjacent cabin for families or large groups to go back-and-forth.  This door creates a poorer sound barrier than a solid wall.
• what view, if any do you want to have?  will you actually use a balcony or do you spend most of your time out of the cabin?  do you mind "obstructed views" if it means a cheaper price?
• how close do you want to be to the MDR or to the Lido deck or to the entertainment areas or to the spa, etc?
• how close do you want to be to the areas that are used to disembark the ships at port (generally deck 0 or so) to get a quick start in the mornings?
• are you subject to motion sickness?  Lower decks, mid-ship are best to help with that.
• and of course the big one, what is your cruise budget and how do you want to spend it?  Do you want to allocate a large part to the cabin or spend it doing other things like excursions, casino, drinks, specialty dining, etc?

Just a few random thoughts that we use to pick.  Hope that helps.

[KeithG]

I do like the Lido deck because of the proximity to some of the fun on deck, easier to carry some food or drinks back to the cabin , dive-in movies at night and I get up before dawn to have coffee on deck and read the news, catch up on email, those kinds of things. I rarely feel the motion but I know some do. 

We always go for a cabin with outdoor space. Personal preference. The Havana Cabanas have a little patio with lounge chairs and a swing chair. I like to read and I go on the balcony or patio space to do it most of the time. 

I am interested in trying one of the Cove Balcony cabins at some point, they are closest to the water. 

The connecting cabin sound issue is for real, had a man who was hard of hearing on the other side of that door one time. Nice guy, didn't care for his taste in music. 🤣

[3Sisters]

@KeithG The Carnival Cruise Line Platinum status will provide you with the option to attend a Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) party. The VIPF party was not active from some time due to staffing shortages but it returned in the Summer of 2022. Have you ever attended such an event before? It is currently available for Diamond-level and Platinum-level guests.

https://www.cruisehive.com/carnival-cruise-line-brings-back-popular-loyalty-event/74981

I'm just so glad that the industry is returning to a state of predictability again. Many cruise loyalty programs were able to extend several of their loyalty program perks and usage dates, allowing cruisers to keep their status, freezing their points accrued. I was personally appreciative of this perk.

Edited February 2, 2023 by 3Sisters

[KeithG]

@3Sisters No, we have never attended any of the get togethers. They usually have a veterans get together but I've never attended. No other reason than, for me, I don't like to be the center of attention. Who knows in the future when we hit Platinum, we may wander on down. 

[RoadTravelled]

13 hours ago, 3Sisters said:

@KeithG The Carnival Cruise Line Platinum status will provide you with the option to attend a Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) party. The VIPF party was not active from some time due to staffing shortages but it returned in the Summer of 2022. Have you ever attended such an event before? It is currently available for Diamond-level and Platinum-level guests.

https://www.cruisehive.com/carnival-cruise-line-brings-back-popular-loyalty-event/74981

I'm just so glad that the industry is returning to a state of predictability again. Many cruise loyalty programs were able to extend several of their loyalty program perks and usage dates, allowing cruisers to keep their status, freezing their points accrued. I was personally appreciative of this perk.

We attended the P/D party on the Celebration TA cruise last November.  It was held in one of the theaters as it was a very large group of people (part of the underlying issue with the current loyalty program makeup).  It was great fun with a fun squad sketch that was quite amusing.  They served everyone a glass of wine (red or white) and had a bunch of the officers present to thank us for our loyalty.  Overall, not a big over-the-top event but nevertheless it was appreciated that we were recognized.  As I recall it was held late afternoon, just before dinner service began in the MDR.

[3Sisters]

@KeithG I would say the VIFP party is certainly worth exploring! I understand not wanting to be in the spotlight, but it is well deserved! With all of your continued loyalty, Carnival Cruise line should treat you like special guests. Usually the VIFP events offer free appetizers and drinks as well. That's another reason to check it out! 

@RoadTravelled Thanks for sharing your specialty experience. You bring up a great point. I think the idea of treating Diamond and Platinum guests with this type of event is wonderful, but it would be nicer if it was more intimate. Carnival Cruise Line may benefit from creating additional tier levels and strategizing a way to not overcrowd loyalty events. It's quite nice that the officers were present amongst the crowd though! I also appreciate the strategic time of such an event. It's really cool you can attend the event and grab a drink right before dinner. I don't like to miss one evening in the main dining room. It's one of my favorite aspects to cruising! 

 

[RoadTravelled]

@3Sisters, rumor has it (via John Heald) that they are in the process of "refreshing" the Loyalty program.  It's supposed to roll-out sometime this year but that's anyone's guess.  But, I imagine it will try to attempt to somehow re-tier the program in such a way as to make your status be a bit more meaningful for these type of events.  I think he said the other day that they now have over 1.5 million + P/D members, and continuing to grow.  That's just not sustainable in terms of making it "special" in many ways.  We shall see what they come up with but I agree with you, more intimate events would be nicer.  But, to be quite honest, I just love having the free laundry service now as Platinum!  LOL

[3Sisters]

@RoadTravelled I'm glad to hear that Carnival Cruise Line's loyalty program may be changing its framework. This may mean loyalty members could receive even more specialty perks for cruising with the line! Do you have any idea what changes may be made?

It takes serious dedication to make it to the top status. I would think those who are in the top tier category could potentially be eligible for other intimate events for their guest loyalty. I can't believe that there are over 1.5 million Platinum and Diamond guests. I know that Carnival Cruise Line is definitely one of the more popular cruise lines, but that's an intense amount!

Free laundry service sounds amazing! It is very expensive to do your laundry onboard. Do you get unlimited laundry service as a Platinum member? I would totally take advantage of that if so. I'm not a fan of brining home salty bathing suits and sweaty workout clothes. I often time hand wash those items with a small detergent so that they stay fresh. 

[RoadTravelled]

8 minutes ago, 3Sisters said:

@RoadTravelled I'm glad to hear that Carnival Cruise Line's loyalty program may be changing its framework. This may mean loyalty members could receive even more specialty perks for cruising with the line! Do you have any idea what changes may be made?

It takes serious dedication to make it to the top status. I would think those who are in the top tier category could potentially be eligible for other intimate events for their guest loyalty. I can't believe that there are over 1.5 million Platinum and Diamond guests. I know that Carnival Cruise Line is definitely one of the more popular cruise lines, but that's an intense amount!

Free laundry service sounds amazing! It is very expensive to do your laundry onboard. Do you get unlimited laundry service as a Platinum member? I would totally take advantage of that if so. I'm not a fan of brining home salty bathing suits and sweaty workout clothes. I often time hand wash those items with a small detergent so that they stay fresh. 

@3Sisters, John hasn't given out any hints on how the new program will work.  So, it's a waiting game at this point.

Only Diamond guests get unlimited laundry.  Platinum get a certain amount of bags depending on the length of the cruise.  Click here for more details.  On our recent 14-day TA cruise, we each got 5 bags (10 total) which was more than enough.  The new XL class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee) don't have self-service laundry facilities onboard.  So, this perk really comes in handy.

[3Sisters]

@RoadTravelled It sounds like I'd better get to cruising with Carnival Cruise Line if I want to reach Diamond status any time soon and enjoy the unlimited laundry perk. Thanks for sharing those details. Do you have any tips on cruising to earn more points faster to start climbing the status ladder at a quicker pace? Are there certain times of year the where Carnival Cruise Line offers double points when you book? 

I would say five bags each is a great amount. Also, a 14-day cruise sounds so amazing. The longest cruise I have been on is a seven day. With a 14-day experience you certainly will need to do at least one load of laundry. That is a great amount of days to pack for! It's essentially half a month. Some cruise lines offer the self-service laundry but not all of them. Like you said, on the newer ships the onboard public laundry facilities are few and far between. Do you usually prefer to cruise on the newer mega ships?