Time 2 Cruise

 Having a conversation with friends about cruising and the state of the Carnival fan base now that it has been a week since the new Rewards Program was announced brought up some interesting questions. First,  "what is the definition of loyal"?   Does this mean NEVER cruising with another brand, or simply you keep coming back?  Or is it some where in between. Our group came to our own conclusion that its in between, but closer to most of your cruise time and dollars go to one brand.  We are all Platinum (for now) with Carnival, but have also done MSC, Royal, Princess, and even Disney at least once in the last 30 years.  One to two cruise on each of those to 20+ Carnival.  Notice that its not 60 Carnival over 30 years?   Its because while loyal to Carnival for cruising none of us are loyal to cruising as the sole vacation option.  Much of our time in the last 10 years has been spent on land based vacations.  I cant say what cause...

 Carnival is now stating that the reason they released it now is so that they can get feedback before it goes live in June of 2026.  No one believes that.  If it were true, they would have said something to that with the announcement.  Or better yet, put it out not as coming soon but as a poll asking for feedback.  If Carnival would have just asked for input before, they would have realized MANY of their mistakes before they became the "hold my beer" to Southwest now charging for bags. Will they backtrack.  I think yes and no.  They will make tweaks, but this made to far up the food chain in the corporation for them to admit full defeat.  Look for something "honoring loyalty" as an olive branch, but I do not see them doing much more than that unless they realize the Carnival customer base is not that of the Cunard line or even Princess.   The definition of "discretionary spending" is the non essential wants for a household, not the needs...

 Carnival's new reward program doesn't even start until June 1st of 2026 and it has been received so badly that people are canceling upcoming cruises. Socials are filled with angry "loyal" customers looking for answers. But John Herald even admitted on his Facebook page that the kinks aren't worked out. Some angry people have stooped to name calling and threats. That only makes things worse and never helps any situation. But, would other cruise lines follow this new strategy? Yes and no, and not yet.  Trust me, they are all watching closely and it's going to take at least a year (until when this plan starts) or even 2 to see if people really leave Carnival or accept it. What could happen? Carnival ignores the haters and plows forward like they found the next best thing to sliced bread, OR they cave a little and tweak the plan to feel more like it actually cares for the title "loyalty". I am guessing the latter.  Carnival should (needs to) find that s...

 Carnival released the details of the new Rewards Program on June 18th 2025. It will replace the current VFIP starting June 1st 2026. I have seen many people say it's bait and switch, scam or a money grab(this one has some merit). Personally, I think it's just poorly thought out and rolled out.  Where Carnival got it right. Well, other than half heartedly trying to be transparent, nowhere. They haven't even been able to answer questions. The FAQ page is full of "captain obvious" questions and answers.  Carnival was "somewhat" transparent on why they are doing it. There are so many Platinum and Diamond level members now that the perks aren't "special" anymore. But we all know if this new program works, it will be a huge money maker for them assuming people chase the status.  Beating a dead horse. It will now be Point based(called stars) and time limited. I am not opposed to this, and trust me other Cruise lines are watching carefully to see ...

 Two days ago Carnival made a huge announcement on their new Rewards Program.  The reactions are pretty much what I was expecting.  What Carnival does with this is anyone's guess at this point.  Sounds like they did not think through that people can do math.  In fact, John Heald, had to answer over 500 questions on his Facebook page yesterday alone, and that's not going to end anytime soon for him I believe. One question John answered, which I even mentioned in my last post was on how points get split if one person in the cabin is paying for everything (which I would assume is the norm most of the time) for a couple.  He said that the total will be split between those in the cabin.  I am going to assume that's true if more that 2 people are in the room. Now remember to obtain and maintain Platinum (just double everything for Diamond basically) you have to reach 50,000 stars before the 2 year window to do so is up.  From the time you reach that thr...

 First I need to say that I understand and agree that with how many Platinum level cruisers are on board, that some perks have been lost recently, but not to the point I would complain. That being said, the new system seems expensive to maintain (from the cruisers side) if I understand it correctly.  A VERY basic breakdown on the new Rewards Program Platinum status from reading through everything. I chose platinum because my wife and I have been this status since the inception of the VFIP in 2012. First: It's very like airline points and Carnival admits that. The big difference is it's 2 years of acrural and a minimum of 2 years (more time if you meet level early) to use the perks of that level. I am fine with this breakdown and length altho with my occupation, 3 years would be more preferable  Second: Perks change slightly and I'm fine with this too. 2 free drinks instead of a party is going to upset some people, but I'm okay.  Now my confusion and not so happy part...

Ahoy, tech lovers and cruise enthusiasts! Let’s talk about two things we adore: relaxing vacations and cutting-edge tech. The cruise industry, the OG master of floating hotels, is undergoing a glow-up. Forget just palm trees and buffets—this is about smart cabins, AI concierges, and a dash of augmented reality magic. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or a wannabe sailor, buckle up (or life-jacket up!) as we embark on this tech-fueled journey through the exciting advancements shaping the future of cruising.  Are these things you can see happening or do they sound to far fetched? 1. Biometric Boarding: Boarding in a Blink Remember those long lines at cruise terminals where everyone clutches their boarding pass like it's a golden ticket? Yeah, say goodbye to that. With facial recognition and fingerprint scanners, biometric check-ins are taking the hassle out of hopping aboard. No more fumbling with passports while dragging a suitcase that weighs as much as a small child—just smile...

When choosing a cruise, does the ship or the destination hold more weight in your decision? For my wife and me, it’s undoubtedly the ship that takes precedence. While we love cruising, we’re not big beachgoers, and most cruise destinations only allow for daytime visits, which means we rarely get to experience the local nightlife. As a result, the ship itself becomes the focal point of our vacation. Over the past 25 years, we’ve witnessed remarkable changes in the size and sophistication of cruise ships. Our first cruise was aboard the now-retired from Carnival, the Carnival Holiday. At 728 feet long and accommodating 1,450 passengers, it’s a modest vessel compared to the colossal ships of today. Modern ships often exceed 1,000 feet in length and carry more than 4,000 passengers, offering an array of amenities and activities that were unimaginable back then. Looking ahead to 2025, cruise enthusiasts have much to anticipate with the launch of several groundbreaking ships: MSC - World Am...

It seems like there are so many different food allergies or intolerances today.  While I do not have what I consider any allergies, I do classify as being intolerant to a few different food items.  Eating them isnt going to put me in the hospital but can cause discomfort. This is why I took an interest in the latest from Carnival Cruise Line’s recent initiatives to enhance passenger dining experiences are a significant leap forward in promoting safety, inclusivity, and customer satisfaction. The introduction of Menu Mate software could become a groundbreaking development in food allergy management aboard cruise ships. By integrating touchscreen tablets across food venues, Carnival empowers guests with the ability to make informed dining decisions effortlessly. The technology works by identifying allergens in menu items and ensuring that meals align with passengers' specific dietary requirements. This innovation significantly mitigates the risks of allergic reactions, offe...

 We just booked our 14th Carnival Cruise.  This time on the Firenze.  It has been a while.  But when we were on the Disney Wish, it was a last minute thing that we did while traveling already to add it to our month long road trip, so we did not have our "cruise essentials".    The one thing I try not to forget to pack is 1 or 2 large binder clips.  We use these on the balcony curtains.  This is something I need to start brining to some hotels too but for the ship it has been a must have item. Why, some may ask.  Well, one cruise long ago, we had a lot of sea movement.  That beam of light when taking a nap or sleeping in is bad enough but when its moving and becoming a lighthouse beacon of light flashing in your eyes every 10 seconds, its nap over. So what is your must have that people may not think about?  Not the standard things, or anything that you have to sneak on, just some random item people may not think to have, but helps wi...

 As the 2024 Hurricane season is going out with a bang, many people are not thinking about their next cruise right now, or wondering what other cruising options are available next year that are not in hurricane alley.   This is a great time to start planning an Alaska Cruise.  These cruises only operate from May until September due to weather.  By no means is an Alaskan Cruise going to be a fun in the sun wear your bathing suit everywhere cruise, but it is something every avid cruise fan should have on their bucket list. May and September will be the coldest, but can come with bigger discounts along with better availability being these are still during school season..   The more popular dates are around the Summer Solstice.  The week leading into and from the longest day of the year gives the best opportunity to enjoy the "midnight sun". There are plenty of tours to do, however, the closer you are to the start or end of the season can limit some o...

 There are a lot of pros to decreasing the carbon footprint of even just 1 cruise ship, but when you think about the fact that there are now over 320+(and growing) ships currently in service, the impact is exponential.  But as cruise lines work to meet standards, either set by governments, or even themselves, they have to be careful to not step on expectations of the guests on board.  This is where some cons come in. The  (current) lifespan of an ocean Cruise Ship is between 17 and 30 years.  Once they are no longer in service, they usually go to a cruise ship graveyard to be dismantled.  The process is dirty and not environmentally friendly, but getting better.  There is a really cool article here that you can read about it.  Before that happens, a ship will go through a few dry dock refurbishments to improve guest experience and updates to remove the dated feel along with working on decreasing the carbon footprint of the ship.   Howev...

Whether you're a fan of themed cruises or not, they are definitely growing in popularity. I’ve personally experienced both sides of the coin. First, I sailed on Shiprocked, a music-themed cruise where my wife and I got to enjoy some of our favorite bands. Then, I unexpectedly found myself on a Carnival cruise where over half the ship was dedicated to a Country Music theme week, which we hadn’t planned for. There are generally two types of themed cruises. I’m focusing on those where passengers pay extra to join a theme—whether it’s Comicon, music genres, LGBTQ+, TV shows (yes, those exist!), and more. These differ from onboard seasonal events, like Halloween themes organized by the cruise line, where everyone can join the fun. I’ve done those too, and they’re a blast! Themed cruises offer a lot of benefits if you're into the theme. You can meet celebrities, connect with like-minded people, and fully immerse yourself in your passion. However, participating in these events usually...

 You may have seen that Royal Caribbean has recently added "outlet extenders" to their list of prohibited items.  This is any device that splits an outlet, including surge protectors.  But what other things should you leave at home beyond the obvious, like fireworks, irons, and electric kettles? To much cash:  When you re enter the U.S. you have to declare cash in excess of $10,000 regardless of where you started with it.   Drones: While this should be easily understandable, they don't want you getting any ideas about flying your toy off the deck of the ship, and many ports of call prohibit bringing them ashore, so it makes sense to just prohibit them in the first place. Straws and Plastic Bags:  This one was not something I thought about before but with cruise lines focusing on the environment, banning single use bags and straws makes sense.  We did notice that on our most recent cruise it was paper straws and only on request. Mini Star Link Sate...

Being a big Star Wars fan, I got to cross off a bucket list item I didn't think I would. Get to visit the Hyperspace Lounge.  But this post is not about that even though it was part of why we (I) decided to cruise Disney.  We had to be in Florida and we're looking for something to do on the weekend whe the Disney Wish popped up in our search. Being we don't have children, we were hesitant, but the price was right (we'll for Disney). Cost for 4 day, 3 night on the Disney Wish with all taxes and gratuities was just under $2000.  Being close to Halloween, it was a Halloween cruise, with trick it treating and encouraged costume wearing for all, not just kids, which probably added to the cost. This is about double what a comparable cabin on Carnival would have cost but we took the plug anyway. I'm going to start with our con list first.  No casino if you like to gamble Theater seats not very comfortable  Yep that was it.  Now the pro list. This isn't necessarily...

 My wife and I have been on themed cruises before, both as guests sailing with the theme part of the cruise and also as normal cruiser that was not aware there was a themed cruise until we were already onboard.  Taking a themed cruise can be great!  We did Shiprocked a while ago and if you are into Rock would highly recommend it!   However, we went on a cruise we booked months in advance to find out it had a Country Music theme going on.  What this meant for us and the others not part of the theme was many venues were off limits and standard shows were canceled.  If we had known before we booked, it may have changed the date we chose or even the ship/destination. Now, with less than a month before the inaugural Comicon Cruise, there are still rooms available.  As someone who does Comicon, had this been at a better time, we may have tried to make it work for us, but not this year.  But with rooms available, would you book this cruise, or any c...

 This blog has been dormant for a while, but the cruising industry, and our passion for cruising has not.  Then 2020 happened.  Covid-19 has caused cruising to drop anchor!  Ships are not moving, money lost, stocks are down, but there is light on the horizon.  With the increase in people getting vaccinated, this will speed up the ability to get moving again! Many of the cruise operators are looking at getting going faster by requiring proof of vaccination for all members or your party before you can board the ship.  This along with decreased capacity, and increased cleaning regimen will make for a safer cruise for everyone.  While we are not sure how the decreased capacity will have any affect on the pricing in the near future, it will help with checking out those venues that you may have skipped in the past due to the long waits and overcrowding.

If you didnt see it all over the news, Carnival's ship Carnival Triumph had a fire in the engine room and lost power.  As of this posting, it has been without engines for 2 days and is currently being towed to land by 2 tug boats with a third on the way.  Passengers are still on board because it was deemed safer than trying to transfer them at sea.  Once docked, Carnival is expecting the ship to be out of commission for at least a month and has started cancelling and refunding the future bookings While this is sad for current passengers and those booked over the next month, it is not a common occurrence and it looks like Carnival is doing everything it can to compensate those on board.  Life happens! It will not detour me from booking with Carnival in the future.

While we have decreased our cruise vacation allowance to gear towards more land based vacations things have happened that I missed recently Like Carnival doing a serious decrease of Western Mexican Riviera ports of call.  Gone are Acapulco, Mazatlan, Manzanillo, and Ixtapa.  The cruise we did a few years ago no longer exists at all while another has been drastically changed.  Carnival has good reasons for the drops. Mainly problems that lead to safety issues for the tourists and are doing the best thing they can to keep their passengers safe.  Now, our decrease in cruises has nothing to do with safety of this type of vacation, but more a chance to pull a few items off our bucket list (Ireland in a few months for example).  However, we still check back for deals and to see if new ports get added, just not as often as we should I guess.  Finding that the ports are now gone is a little both dis heartening and a good feeling knowing that it was done in the na...

If you are a member of the Ocean Players Club (Carnival's casino) you may have recently received a little gift in the mail.  They have recently sent members cards (mine was for $25) that are redeemable for play on board.  While I am not sure if the amount goes up or down depending on how much you played in the past while on board, it is a nice gesture on their part to say please come back and gives us more of your money!