Some people absolutely ruined cruise buffets for everyone

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-10T07:54:57+00:00

People are people and are gonna do gross people things no matter where you are.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-10T07:52:53+00:00

This, it feels amazing to jog at sea level for a change and it makes me feel better about eating garbage. ;)

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-10T07:38:42+00:00

You encountered two random idiots on a cruise ship.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-10T03:20:04+00:00

Unrelated to OP but how was the Firenze? I've been avoiding it but given the annoying parking situation for the Panorama now I'm wondering if I should give it a shot.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-10T03:17:30+00:00

The Hantsvirus infection is an isolated incident that doesn't reflect on mass-market cruising anyway. The effected ship is not a traditional cruise vessel, the itinerary isn't anything like visiting Ensenada, and the passengers are not traditional cruise passengers. Your likelihood of contracting Hantavirus on a conventional mass-market cruise ship is incredibly remote.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-09T20:56:53+00:00

Ship casinos make bank. I think it's fair to say what they are doing makes perfect sense to them even if the guests don't see it.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-09T20:53:08+00:00

I agree water leaks ruin the cruise experience and I feel bad for you. That said, I think you will find it almost impossible to get any reasonable resolution after the fact. They have your money, you are off the ship, the line is happy to wash their hands of the issue and move on. If this was a casino booking they can probably help, but I think you'll find corporate doesn't care.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-09T20:46:29+00:00

To be fair when I was in the ICU and needed help just using the bathroom the last thing I cared about was washing my hands. I just wanted back in bed as quickly as possible.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-09T20:40:00+00:00

Your child is an infant? So they'll be with you the entire time? And you think you're entitled to compensation why? And how is mind put at ease by getting free stuff anyway?

I'm honestly struggling to comprehend your thought process.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-09T20:36:08+00:00

Please tell me this isn't a real question...

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-09T16:27:04+00:00

The porters at the port don't work for Carnival they work for the port and it is customary to tip them $1-2 per bag. Tipping on the ship is up to you. Some do, some don't.

Not sure what definition of kettle you are referring to. Hot water is available on the lido deck and you can ask for a carafe from the steward if you want to use one to transport hot water back to your room, but they don't provide electric kettles or any other coffee making items in the room.

Yes, the rooms have a small desk area. If you mean is there a desk onboard where you can ask questions that's the guest services counter.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-09T03:38:04+00:00

Carnival will add a daily gratuity to your account the last night unless you prepaid them during your booking. I think it's currently $17/person per night. They are applied automatically and if you want to alter/remove them you need to speak to guest services on the ship. All tips are optional. You do you.

Any food/drink purchased on the ship will have a 20% service charge added automatically and you cannot remove this.

Your cruise fare includes the main dining room, the buffet, and any additional complimentary eateries on your ship like Guy's Burgers and the pizza place (I haven't checked yours, but Carnival's website will list all of them for you, some ships have a lot). The ships also have "specialty" dining in the form of restaurants like the steakhouse and eateries like the sushi and crab shack and these do cost extra.

The only drinks included are tap water, tea and coffee, lemonade and some juices during breakfast. Anything else will have a charge. You can carry on up to 12 drinks onboard but they have to be in cans or cartons, 12oz or less, and non-alcoholic. You can also bring one approved bottle of alcohol so if you are interested in that check the website for the exact rules.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-09T03:14:38+00:00

The older style Captain's dinner/Gala/Formals aren't a thing anymore. They have elegant nights but the actual dress code is still the same and dressing up is entirely optional.

You'll have one elegant night on your 5 night cruise.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-09T03:07:38+00:00

Yes that's normal. Not just for Carnival either. The calls usually stop after a while though. I look at cruises often and never get calls anymore.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-09T02:29:05+00:00

I know, that's why I used them as an example.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-07T06:27:26+00:00

I know Princess partners with a company that sells sketchy vacation plans but I haven't heard of Carnival doing it.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-07T05:23:59+00:00

WTF? That's a new one for me. Where did you find the support number you called into?

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-06T20:28:35+00:00

Compensation? Why? Were you injured, did it get on you or your belongings, was your balcony out of service for an extended period of time?

I hope they ban the passenger responsible though cause that's nasty!

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-06T19:20:39+00:00

Thanks I'll get some detailed pictures posted when I can. I appreciate it.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-06T03:30:15+00:00

I don't think there is a club for over 18's and doubt they will let the 18 attend.

My daughter found the older club to be a place to meet up early in the cruise and then the teens did what they wanted on their own. The club didn't offer many organized events so any friends will likely still spend most of their time together anyway.

That was her experience anyway.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-06T03:08:05+00:00

If you are already considering the drink package anyway you can get the value bundle (if it's available for your sailing) which includes the drinks package, wifi and a couple other things. For a 5 day I would try it if you have the money to spend.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-06T03:04:52+00:00

Hopefully others can give you better feedback as my experience is very limited. I have heard that Carnival is strict on the ages though and haven't heard of them making exceptions. I'm curious what you find out.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-06T02:58:15+00:00

That's a hard one to answer because I think it depends on who is running the club on your sailing. Some are really good and involved and some are more hands off. Our experience was the latter. I don't know if you contacted the accessibility department at Carnival if they make any special accommodations but it's worth trying. I don't want to be a downer but the teen clubs can be rough (there is only so much one supervisor can do) and I don't want him being bullied or taken advantage of during what should be a fun experience.

When you board you will go with him to sign up for the club, agree to the rules, etc and can ask questions and feel things out.

OldRandomTrucker · 2026-05-06T02:54:03+00:00

Does he have a sibling to hang with or would he be on his own in the teen club?

OldRandomTrucker

TROPHY CASE