Kendall James-Vargas Posted July 26 Share Posted July 26 @euroguy I'm in awe of these deals. I'm totally jealous. I only wish to see prices like these! Please tell me you are considering that Singapore cruise. That's an epic itinerary. I need to start playing more int the casino, otherwise I will never get the opportunity to see these deals pop up. I say retire now. Downsize and liquidate some of your assets! This is the true dream retirement! How about that Tahiti and Pacific Islands Transpacific cruise? That has to entice you to retire right there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
euroguy Posted July 27 Author Share Posted July 27 @Kendall James-Vargas you're such a bad influence 🤣 4 more years and I will retire. Hopefully the offers keep coming. If I'm being honest i try not to look at those offers as it's so tempting to pack it in right now. Unfortunately it's really hard for me to get away from work for more than a week or so at a time. That's why I stick to 7-8 day cruises fir now. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kendall James-Vargas Posted July 29 Share Posted July 29 @euroguy That's so sad! I want so badly for you to be able to enjoy those cruises now! I had a look at them, and now I'm dreaming of a deal like that. If I had those deals, I think I would reevaluate my lifestyle completely in order to entertain those options. Maybe that's just me dreaming. I know there is lots of importance to retirement once the timing is right. It's just so tempting when these cruise deals are unbeatable! I hope for your sake theses offers continue on. Speaking of all things Carnival, have you tried this funfetti cheesecake yet? It's supposed to be amazing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tootie Posted July 29 Share Posted July 29 Howdy Kendall, We've enjoyed cruising with you on several occasions and I'm hoping you can find an answer for me. Will your chefs part with the recipe for the Funfetti Cheesecake? I hadn't heard of it until today. Aside from being a chocoholic, I love cheesecake and have about half a dozen great recipes. I heard Carnival's is superb and I hope I get a chance to makeit - it looks great in the photo you posted. We hope to be joining you soon on Jubilee! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kendall James-Vargas Posted July 30 Share Posted July 30 @Tootie I'm glad to hear you enjoy cruising with CCL. When are you planning to book onboard Carnival Jubilee? I will have to see if I can find the recipe. There are some Funfetti cheesecake recipes online, but I'm not finding the exact Carnival one. I did however find Carnival Cruise Line's traditional cheesecake recipe. https://www.californialifehd.com/carnival-cruise-line-gives-us-their-favorite-cheesecake-recipe-to-make-at-home/ Let me know if you end up making it and how it turns out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
euroguy Posted July 31 Author Share Posted July 31 6 hours ago, Kendall James-Vargas said: @Tootie I'm glad to hear you enjoy cruising with CCL. When are you planning to book onboard Carnival Jubilee? I will have to see if I can find the recipe. There are some Funfetti cheesecake recipes online, but I'm not finding the exact Carnival one. I did however find Carnival Cruise Line's traditional cheesecake recipe. https://www.californialifehd.com/carnival-cruise-line-gives-us-their-favorite-cheesecake-recipe-to-make-at-home/ Let me know if you end up making it and how it turns out! @Kendall James-Vargas yeah I hear you and truly I wish I could take those trips now as well. The sad part is on those extended cruises i copied and pasted are just a few. there is actually 31 different different journey/extended cruises on that list...and that's on top of all the other non extended cruises. I literally have hundreds to select from that are 6-8 day. Then top the cake I haven't even mentioned all the Australia cruise offers 😝 its actually a bit much and really tugs at my coat tails. Regardi g the confetti cake nope never had one... how about you make one and fed ex it overnight to me 🤣🥰 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kendall James-Vargas Posted July 31 Share Posted July 31 @euroguy Don't even tell me about the other options! I think it will just make me disappointed you can't enjoy them. The fact that you can't live on a ship at this point juts makes me sad! I'm hopeful at some point you will get lots of rewards for airfare too, making your trips even cheaper! The cost of airfare and shuttling can get pricey, but with those cruise prices it could still be cheaper than paying rent on land! I haven't made it either. I love funfetti and cheesecake so I do plan on trying to replicate it. It isn't that hard based on a recipe I found online. I will wait for a special occasion and replicate it for a friend. I will let you know how it turns out. I was hopeful CCL would leak the recipe at some point too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
euroguy Posted August 1 Author Share Posted August 1 (edited) @Kendall James-Vargas yeah I will spare you the sadness and tears of the Australia cruise offers I receive. the biggest problem with them though is air transportation is pretty expensive. As i mentioned previously when i do retire and start taking all these different cruises for free or near free I would probably book a flight to Florida and take 2, 3 or more cruises from Florida i.e. Miami and port Canaveral then book a return flight home or maybe a short cheap flight to NY and jump.on another ship or two, then another short flight to say Galveston take a couple cruises there. Basically the longest and most expensive flight leg would be to Florida or I could catch a repositioning cruise from either Seattle San Francisco or Long Beach that ends in Florida, the I could booke other cruises from Florida and totally skip the long flight. Basically because I would be doing close short flight from port to port the flights would be pretty cheap. Yeah I've been giving it a lot of though. The craziest part is that I can literally use each free cruise offer up.to 3X each 🤣 Edited August 1 by euroguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kendall James-Vargas Posted August 1 Share Posted August 1 @euroguy I much appreciate that. If you are going out of the country you have to be strategic about the time of year you travel. Sometimes watching the air fare trends is the best way to go about booking your cruise. Trying to catch those off season prices can really save you a ton! Back to back cruising will absolutely work out in your favor. I think once you retire and are able to really cruise whenever you want, saving on airfare by back to back cruising will be really beneficial to you. With lots of strategy, I think you could comfortably use those offers to be on a cruise ship half the year and actually save money! I even consider doing something like this in the future but with the full priced options. I have to get to a point where I get offers like these. Other than casino play, are there any other ways to achieve such offers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ombud Posted August 4 Share Posted August 4 Those extremely low cost cruises are part of the problem. And after seeing that fight video & many others I will never cruise on Carnival again. I have only seen 2 outbursts on Princess. (1) when a guy was drunk in 2019 & (2) when a lady was pissed off that Canada required everyone to complete ArriveCAN after the restart. As to #1 I'm surprised it was only 1 time but he was rapidly put in the brig. As to #2 that was her fault as we were repeatedly email to complete all 4 questions on ArriveCAN before boarding. But then these cruises are a little more than $100 a day. Unfortunately / fortunately I was getting ready to book a Carnival cruise for 3 grandkids & me ..... now I know why there's so many kids on Princess these days. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3Sisters Posted August 5 Share Posted August 5 @ombud That's an interesting perspective. I see what you are saying about those really low cruise fares, but I happen to think these casino players bring in their money's worth by playing during the itinerary. I think you have to spend lots onboard in order to earn such a priced cruise. I personally barley spend onboard so I couldn't get those offers. I do think the class of cruising is associated with price. The fighter type of guest could be found anywhere, but I agree they show up more on the cheap weekend getaways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
american Posted August 26 Share Posted August 26 (edited) Ok I get it....... but what are you really expecting from Carnival cruise lines ? FUN ? - Anybody here have cruised with Carnival and never get rushed-in an elevator, when wanted to get out ? -Anybody here have cruised with Carnival and had quiet evening in the Lido buffet ? -Anybody here have cruised with Carnival and never get someone skip the lines ? -Anybody here have cruised with Carnival and never got rush out of your cabin disembarking days ? -Anybody here have cruised with Carnival and had a peaceful cabin & neighbor ? And so on ........ Yes ! Cruising supposed to be fun but you have to choose wisely your cruise lines ! Carnival is no FUN, no HOLIDAYS ...... Carnival is just very cheap, the cheapest ! What do you expect ? If you want to enjoy vacations with the worst of the worst choose Carnival. Edited August 26 by american 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3Sisters Posted August 26 Share Posted August 26 @american I sense the passion in your post! I think CCL is a fun line despite the facts you listed above. I personally haven't cruised with the line in a while because I prefer a different cruise scene at this point in my life. For special party style occasions, I think the line is lots of fun. I wouldn't cruise with the line on holidays because the crowd is too rowdy, particularly on short weekend cruises. For this stage in my life I'm looking for calm cruising. I have started avoiding Port Miami because of the more wild crowd that port attracts. My husband and I prefer the quieter ports to cruise out of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
euroguy Posted August 27 Author Share Posted August 27 Yes I'm sure several of you here was waiting to see if I would chime in 😆 @american it is apparent you're not a fan of CCL and thats okay, I maybe close to, if not the local CCL expert on this board. I have sailed on 15 out of the 25 ships and some of those multiple times. I will admit I have not sailed on any other mainstream cruiselines, however I also know no cruise line is perfect in every aspect. Unfortunately you do not mention your age category, the number of times you have cruised with CCL nor the length of the cruises. Additionally you grossly failed to mention a cruise line that meets your level of caliber and expectations, perhaps one does not exist. With that said, yes CCL at times has its faults and perhaps short comings. What cruiseline doesnt. No and I repeat NO cruiseline is 100% perfect 100% of the time. That reality. My experiences with CCL has been more than acceptable and I would venture to say as well fir the millions of passengers that travel with them each year. You place 2-10k people in bottle necked areas/spaces and inconsiderate actors will appear, no matter the ship/place/time. Including noisy neighbors it happens even in the finest hotels on land. I personally have not had an issue with elevators and people, yes ive had peaceful lido meals, yes on 1 occasion years ago loud neighbor that was quickly handled. I've never been rushed out of my cabin. Keeping this real and expectations in check, we do not live in a perfect world nor do all people all the time act appropriately, but how we handle those situations defines us as a person. We have two choices be unhappy about everything or simply enjoy having the opportunity to do something (dispite its flaws) many will never get to experience, I select the 2nd choice. Additionally, all of the negatives on your list can easily be experienced on land based locations even in the most effluent locations, unfortunately some things can never be avoided. I wish you the best of luck and safe travels Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
euroguy Posted August 27 Author Share Posted August 27 @american just an FYI, I'm a father, combat vet, and attorney. I've eaten from road side vendors in 3rd world countries, Michilin rated restaurants and everything in-between, no I'm not just some smuck that doesn't know any better. You make life what you want it to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kendall James-Vargas Posted August 27 Share Posted August 27 @euroguy Thanks for chiming in! Your perspective is so valued! I agree that no cruise line is perfect, but CCL certainly has it's perks. One thing I love is predictability and consistency throughout the line. I can expect the same great, fun service no matter the ship. You can find displeasing guests on any line. That's very true. @american Much of what you say could be true, but I do think CCL is still a very reputable line. The price is right when cruising with this line, and the amount of itinerary and ship options is vast. What other cruise line would suit your interests? It seems CCL doesn't meet your ideal cruise experience threshold. Many cruisers remain faithful to CCL despite the comments you shared. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
euroguy Posted August 28 Author Share Posted August 28 @Kendall James-Vargas I tried to restrain myself and not say something but couldnt help it ...lol 10 more days!!! And i get to see my old friend David on the Firenze... like the old mervyns commercial.. open! Open! Open! 🤣 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kendall James-Vargas Posted August 28 Share Posted August 28 @euroguy I can't believe the time has come! I hope to see a selfie with David onboard Firenze. I'm assuming you have already checked in. It's time to start counting down the days until vacation mode. I have a feeling this me a new favorite ship of yours. I'm very excited for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
euroguy Posted August 31 Author Share Posted August 31 @Kendall James-Vargas oh yes count down already began and yes checked in already few days ago. Now time to start picking g out clothes, packing and a run the dry cleaners. Of.course why doing g all the running around in advance when you can rush to do everything last minute lol Can't hardly believe I will be on a cruise ship this time next week. Yes I will get my Pic with David that's a must. I have to admit I'm very excited about this cruise simply because of the ship as it's so different from all the other ccl ships. It will be a really nice change. When do you set off on your next one? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kendall James-Vargas Posted Monday at 05:48 PM Share Posted Monday at 05:48 PM @euroguy How do you keep you clothes pressed for the cruise? I always struggle with that. Do you bring a garment bag onto the ship? If so, you would need to hold it in hand I guess. My husband chooses to get his evening shirts pressed once onboard but it's hard to get it done in a timely fashion. Do you participate in dressing up for the themed nights? I think you may fall in love with the Fun Italian Style ship and not want to go back to the typical CCL ship. It may just knock you socks off! I wish I could say I have one booked for 2025 but I don't. I'm in the process of moving and have a big month long trip in 2025, so I may not get to squeeze one in. I have one out of Port Canaveral on the books for January 2026. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruising Caribbean Posted Tuesday at 07:31 PM Share Posted Tuesday at 07:31 PM @euroguy I'm glad you spoke your mind! Not everyone lines the same line, and that's alright. I know CCL does right by you every time and I hope this next cruise is a blast! I can't wait to read all about it. I have a feeling the food will be scrumptious! I love when you get a countdown going. When do you fly out? I think I remember reading a post about you flying out for this itinerary. I'm hoping for great weather for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
euroguy Posted Thursday at 04:16 AM Author Share Posted Thursday at 04:16 AM At the time of the posting 2 day 22 hours and 57 minutes to sailaway. @Cruising Caribbean im afraid you maybe correct that I will fall in love with the Firenze. I'm flying out of Sacramento to Long Beach short 1.5 hour flight which is nice. I certainly with provide a review like I usually do. as always its a 100% good and bad not lop sided. @Kendall James-Vargas regarding my close I send out my shirts to dry cleaners and have them use heavy starch, much better than teying to do at home. Then i do use a nice garment bag for tux,suite,sport jacket, slacks and shirts. About 25lbs that straps to my roll on that carries everything else which is also about 30lb. This way easy to wheel around and extra space and free weight fir items I buy during trip. Then before trip ends I send a bunch of clothes to ship laundry (free laundry) so I'm bringing back mostly clean clothes to but away when home and minimal laundry to do when home (1 load). I don't really do the theme nights but enjoy watching others. So sad you have to wait so long for your next trip but it sounds like it's going to be a spectacular one. Ugh I hate moving, thus I hire people to do it for me lol. Here is a picture of my future home in couple days 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoadTravelled Posted Thursday at 02:08 PM Share Posted Thursday at 02:08 PM @euroguy I think you are really going to enjoy the Firenze. We had a fabulous time on the Venezia out of NYC. It's such a different ship from the any other in the Carnival brand with a real upgrade feel. I'll look forward to your complete review. Bon voyage! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kendall James-Vargas Posted Thursday at 06:48 PM Share Posted Thursday at 06:48 PM @RoadTravelled Thanks for your perspective. I have been really interested to cruise on Carnival Firenze. It's great to hear you have enjoyed it in the past! I love too hear it feels like an upgraded experience! @euroguy Check out that stateroom! I'm so glad you will be there so soon! I feel the same about the theme nights. I happen to love them, but I don't dress up or the occasion. Moving has been no joke, but I'm excited to be back to omy home state! You have to love that laundry perk! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
euroguy Posted yesterday at 02:44 AM Author Share Posted yesterday at 02:44 AM @RoadTravelled that is my concern... im going to love the upgraded feel so much that i will never be same without...lol Im certainly it will be a nice treat. The great thing is its port is only 1.5 hour flight from me so unless they re position it, I should be able to enjoy it a few times. Omg I'm getting so excited!!!! Almost Friday and I leave sat a.m. woooo hoooo!!!! Never gets old to be excited to be on a cruise, same feeling just like the 1st one. @Kendall James-Vargas yeah the cabin really looks nice, like the different finishes compaired to traditional ccl ship. That was also true for the the Mardi Gras that I was on recently. What the home state? Sounds like your leaving florida... or are you returning to florida 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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