CARNIVAL VS DCL: The discussion and comparison thread!

[ImprovGal]

I've never tried the separate accounts on a cruise. I don't even think you can do that on Disney unless you have two rooms. It's nice you can do that on Carnival.

On Disney each passenger's account may be linked to it's own distinct payment option. It may be set up during online checkin or at the port.

 

[mevelandry]

A few months ago there was a debate on the community board about married couples having separate checking accounts. The number one thing couples fight about is money and finances..... I'm all for it. My DH and I decided to that about 15 years ago and I think it really saved our marriage. We'll be married 25 years in December. I think you have to do whatever works...no right or wrong answer there. Since I like to travel more then he does and he likes to play golf and buy toys. I'm usually taking at least one trip a year without him.
I've never tried the separate accounts on a cruise. I don't even think you can do that on Disney unless you have two rooms. It's nice you can do that on Carnival.

Don't say that to Dave Ramsey's (if you don't know Ramsay, he is a christian finance guru --I mention his religion because he talks about God a lot in the book I read--) and Ramsay's devoted fans. According to Ramsay and his followers, if you have separate accounts, it's not a real marriage. LOL

I'm the one who organizes and book everything. My DH is extremely nervous regarding finances and being wrong about the USD conversion rate --which would not appear right away on the bank account-- has got me in troubles in the past.

I chose my battles. When it's possible to do things separately, I do it.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Don't say that to Dave Ramsay's (if you don't know Ramsay, he is a christian finance guru --I mention his religion because he talks about God a lot in the book I read--) and Ramsay's devoted fans. According to Ramsay and his followers, if you have separate accounts, it's not a real marriage. LOL

I'm the one who organizes and book everything. My DH is extremely nervous regarding finances and being wrong about the USD conversion rate --which would not appear right away on the bank account-- has got me in troubles in the past.

I chose my battles. When it's possible to do things separately, I do it.

I love Dave Ramsay but that is the one thing I totally disagree with. My wife and I have had separate accounts since we moved in together in 1995, before we got married. It’s been great, I don’t know how much she spends on clothes, shoes, makeup, personal trainer, etc. and she doesn’t know how much I spend on bikes and cycling related stuff.

 

[cruiser21]

Don't say that to Dave Ramsay's (if you don't know Ramsay, he is a christian finance guru --I mention his religion because he talks about God a lot in the book I read--) and Ramsay's devoted fans. According to Ramsay and his followers, if you have separate accounts, it's not a real marriage. LOL

I'm the one who organizes and book everything. My DH is extremely nervous regarding finances and being wrong about the USD conversion rate --which would not appear right away on the bank account-- has got me in troubles in the past.

I chose my battles. When it's possible to do things separately, I do it.

Yes I know who he is. I'm a christian, but I'm not a big fan of his. I think God gave me a brain..I can figure out what's best for me and my family. Anyway not to get off topic.

I use my Capital one venture card it coverts currency and posts it to dollars on my i phone within seconds. I've had it over a year and I'm up to about 850 dollars in rewards already.

 

[mevelandry]

I love Dave Ramsay but that is the one thing I totally disagree with. My wife and I have had separate accounts since we moved in together in 1995, before we got married. It’s been great, I don’t know how much she spends on clothes, shoes, makeup, personal trainer, etc. and she doesn’t know how much I spend on bikes and cycling related stuff.

I like DR too. I disagree with some of his teachings but his tough love had an extremely positive impact on my finances.

 

[mevelandry]

Yes I know who he is. I'm a christian, but I'm not a big fan of his. I think God gave me a brain..I can figure out what's best for me and my family. Anyway not to get off topic.

I use my Capital one venture card it coverts currency and posts it to dollars on my i phone within seconds. I've had it over a year and I'm up to about 850 dollars in rewards already.

I've just started using a USD Visa card for my travel expenses (which gives me points to buy plane tickets). Can't believe I haven't done this before. I lost so much money over the years in fees conversion fees and every time I made changes or cancelled reservations in the past, I could have paid a whole Carnival cruise to the Bahamas for 2 with the money I lost.

 

[mevelandry]

BREAKING NEWS: The Carnival Triumph going under major dry dock and will be given a new name!

There will be a major dry dock in March 2019 and the infamous Carnival Triumph (everybody knows the story) during which important changes are going to be made and the ship will now be re-baptised the "Carnival Sunrise".

Here is the communiqué shared by John Heald on FB...


CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES MAJOR DRY DOCK MAKEOVER FOR
CARNIVAL TRIUMPH, LEADING TO RENAMING AS CARNIVAL SUNRISE

Totally Transformed Ship to Feature Stateroom Enhancements and All of Carnival’s
Popular Branded Food, Beverage and Entertainment Innovations

MIAMI, July 31, 2018 – Carnival Cruise Line today revealed plans for a nearly $200 million bow-to-stern makeover for Carnival Triumph in the spring of 2019 that will include renaming the ship to reflect its significant transformation. The ship will join Carnival’s Sunshine Class and will be named Carnival Sunrise after a two-month-long refurbishment that will take place in Cadiz, Spain, starting March 1. The dry dock makeover will add all of Carnival’s wildly popular branded food, beverage and entertainment innovations, as well as update all staterooms in a broad spectrum of new accommodations providing guests fresh and exciting seagoing vacation choices.
Following a renaming ceremony, Carnival Sunrise will re-enter service with a series of five- to seven-day voyages from Norfolk, Va., beginning April 29, 2019, a summer schedule of four- to 14-day departures from New York commencing May 23, 2019, then move to Fort Lauderdale in October.
“The introduction of Carnival Sunrise will provide our guests with an array of exciting dining, bar and entertainment choices. The new Carnival Sunrise is part of our multi-billion-dollar ship enhancement program that is transforming our fleet on an unprecedented scale,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival Sunrise enhancements include the redesign of two luxurious Captain’s Suites adjacent to the navigational bridge offering floor-to-ceiling windows and extended balcony grand suites. All of the ship’s staterooms will be updated to offer island-inspired interiors with bright colors and soothing pastels inspired by the line’s Caribbean itineraries. Other new features will include:

Food Glorious Food!
• Cucina del Capitano: offering delicious Italian favorites and new Carnival classics served family-style in an engaging atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy Italian home.

• JavaBlue Café: this expanded version of the line’s popular coffee bars will offer lattes, cappuccinos and other caffeinated favorites, as well as “spiked” coffees made with liqueurs, and decadent confections.

• Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse: a classic American steakhouse offering mouth-watering steaks, gourmet appetizers, entrees and desserts, with impeccable service and understated ambiance.

• Bonsai Express: the success of the full-service Bonsai Sushi restaurants has spawned this casual spot, featuring a mouth-watering array of sushi, sashimi, rolls and more.

• The Chef’s Table: a new multi-course dining experience hosted in a special glass-enclosed venue in the forward dining room.

• Cherry on Top: The “sweetest spot on board,” an expanded Cherry on Top features bulk candy, fanciful gifts, custom apparel and a Carnival Adventures shop.

• Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse: a casual open-air eatery featuring “real deal” BBQ favorites created by Food Network star Guy Fieri.

• Lido Marketplace: A casual poolside eatery boasting favorites like Seafood Shack offering lobster rolls and other New England-inspired fare; The Deli with sandwiches and paninis; Pizzeria del Capitano serving hand-tossed artisanal-style pies free of charge 24/7, and an expanded Swirls venue with complimentary ice cream and frozen yogurt.

Raising the Bar
• RedFrog Pub: Featuring the Caribbean’s best rums and beers – including Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red – enjoyed in a distinct British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West atmosphere.

• Piano Bar 88: A new twist on Carnival’s popular piano bar concept that amps up the excitement with themed nights, engaging new décor and spontaneous sing-along fun.

• Limelight Lounge: Home to the Punchliner Comedy Club featuring a hilarious line-up of comics which later transforms into a sizzling night club where guests can dance the night away.

• New Multi-Purpose Liquid Lounge: an expansive theater that’s home to captivating daytime and nighttime entertainment, including the line’s high-tech Playlist Productions revues and audience participation favorite Hasbro, The Game Show.

Open-Air Fun and Relaxation
• SportSquare: A suspended ropes course offering heart-racing views to the sea 150 feet below, basketball court, jogging track, ping pong, foosball, pool tables, and a nine-hole miniature golf course highlight this open-area recreation complex.

• WaterWorks: Featuring a 203-foot-long AquaTunnel slide and Carnival’s signature 212-foot-long Twister slide along with a 75-gallon PowerDrencher tipping bucket and kiddie area.

• Serenity Adult Only Retreat: An adult only oasis offering plush chaise lounges, whirlpools and oversized umbrellas, enhanced by dramatic sea views.

Expanded Cloud 9 Spa and More
• Cloud 9 Spa: Designed as the ultimate refuge for rest and relaxation, the health and wellness center offers an elaborate thermal suite, private treatment rooms, and the latest cardio and weight-training equipment.

• Modern, Spacious Facilities for Kids and Teens: including a new Camp Ocean, a colorful marine-inspired play area designed for kids ages 2-11, along with new spaces for Circle “C” aimed at 12- to 14-year olds and Club O2 geared to those 15-17.

• The Warehouse: promising fun for all ages with a variety of the latest video and arcade games.

• Expanded Retail Spaces: a mall-style shopping area lined with retail outlets offering fine jewelry, watches, fragrances, and more along with the line’s own branded spaces like Hip Fish and The Carnival Store.

“These new dining spaces and features complement many of Carnival’s signature food and beverage outlets that were added during previous renovations, including Guy’s Burger Joint developed in tandem with Guy Fieri,” said Gus Antorcha, Carnival’s chief operating officer, who has led the reimagination of Carnival Sunrise and many other ships in the fleet. “Carnival’s investments are part of an overall plan that is raising the bar on ship amenities and features, itineraries and offshore excursions that our guests are loving.”
`
Carnival Sunrise’s Inaugural Season from Norfolk, New York and Fort Lauderdale

Carnival Sunrise’s inaugural schedule from Norfolk kicks off with a seven-day cruise departing the Half Moone Cruise Center visiting Grand Turk, the private island of Half Moon Cay and Freeport departing April 29, 2019. A pair of five-day voyages departs May 12 and 17, 2019 calling at Nassau and Freeport and three six-day cruises departing May 6, and Oct. 14 and 20, 2019, visiting Half Moon Cay, Nassau and Freeport.

The ship will then reposition to New York for a series of four- to 14-day voyages beginning May 23, 2019. The program includes four- to eight-day Bermuda cruises, including long weekend sailings to the island departing Thursdays and returning Mondays, along with seven-day fall foliage cruises to New England and the Canadian Maritimes, and two different eight-day Caribbean itineraries with stops at the region’s top
destinations. Several longer voyages will also be offered, including a 10-day exotic eastern Caribbean itinerary and a 14-day Carnival Journeys Panama Canal cruise highlighted by local dining and entertainment experiences and unique shipboard enrichment activities.

Carnival Sunrise will then reposition to Fort Lauderdale for four- and five-day cruises beginning Oct. 28, 2019. Four-day long weekend cruises will call at tropical ports like Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays, Grand Turk and Nassau, while five-day cruises will visit Cuba, as well as seaside destinations in The Bahamas, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Grand Turk.

 

[belle032]

I saw that news this morning! Sounds like a great change to me, especially with all the problems the Triumph was having.

I sailed on the Destiny before it became the Sunshine and this sounds like the same type of refurb. I just hope they aren’t trying to cram too many things in a smaller ship. The one negative thing I’ve heard about the Sunshine is the lack of space.

 

[mevelandry]

I saw that news this morning! Sounds like a great change to me, especially with all the problems the Triumph was having.

I sailed on the Destiny before it became the Sunshine and this sounds like the same type of refurb. I just hope they aren’t trying to cram too many things in a smaller ship. The one negative thing I’ve heard about the Sunshine is the lack of space.

I heard that too about the Sunshine but I guess I'll see for myself next spring.

 

[belle032]

I heard that too about the Sunshine but I guess I'll see for myself next spring.

Everyone will have a different opinion. You’re still on a cruise ship so it’ll be fun no matter what!

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I saw that news this morning! Sounds like a great change to me, especially with all the problems the Triumph was having.

I sailed on the Destiny before it became the Sunshine and this sounds like the same type of refurb. I just hope they aren’t trying to cram too many things in a smaller ship. The one negative thing I’ve heard about the Sunshine is the lack of space.

Having sailed on the Sunshine - it's actually one of the things I loved - so much packed into a smaller sized ship. It has so many of the new bells and whistles - yes, it comes with a couple of bottlenecks (next to Guy's burgers - surprise, surprise ) but overall, it's great that there's so much on that ship.

 

[mevelandry]

Having sailed on the Sunshine - it's actually one of the things I loved - so much packed into a smaller sized ship. It has so many of the new bells and whistles - yes, it comes with a couple of bottlenecks (next to Guy's burgers - surprise, surprise ) but overall, it's great that there's so much on that ship.

Are the elevators bigger than the Disney Wonder's?

I tend to arrive too early for events and not attend parties so I am not sure I'll feel that much crowded. Except for Guy's burger maybe. That's why they need to add Pig & Anchor.

 

[Monykalyn]

Just ordered Carnival Gift cards to pay off cruise! Allstate rewards = 10% off means $1500 worth of GC for $1350.
Nothing like getting 10% off a cruise (Don't have to be an Allstate member to sign up for Drivewise and rewards). 71 days to sailing.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

Are the elevators bigger than the Disney Wonder's?

I tend to arrive too early for events and not attend parties so I am not sure I'll feel that much crowded. Except for Guy's burger maybe. That's why they need to add Pig & Anchor.

Not been on the Wonder but have been on the Disney Magic several times - yes, the elevators on the sunshine are much larger.

 

[mevelandry]

Just ordered Carnival Gift cards to pay off cruise! Allstate rewards = 10% off means $1500 worth of GC for $1350.
Nothing like getting 10% off a cruise (Don't have to be an Allstate member to sign up for Drivewise and rewards). 71 days to sailing.

That's nice!

P.s. 73 days to sailing for us!

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

I saw John Heald posted a poll on his Pacehook page asking what we cruisers would rather have open 24 hours/day, pizza or Guy’s Burgers. I believe over 70% voted for Guy’s, (including me), I really hope that means they may start longer hours for Guy’s. Those burgers are so dang good.

 

[mevelandry]

I saw John Heald posted a poll on his Pacehook page asking what we cruisers would rather have open 24 hours/day, pizza or Guy’s Burgers. I believe over 70% voted for Guy’s, (including me), I really hope that means they may start longer hours for Guy’s. Those burgers are so dang good.

John Heald's page must save Carnival thousands $$$$ in market studies. I believe the results of his surveys have an impact.

I love Guy's Burgers (The only thing they are missing is guacamole in the condiments.) and the demand is strong. Much stronger than Blue Iguana which is good but somehow less popular. Pig & Anchor is also very popular, they really should think of putting one on each ship.

I have a feeling they will soon do like RCCL and change Elegant night. Not necessarily get rid of it but reduce the number of EN per sailing and/or tone it down.

 

[hdrolfe]

John Heald's page must save Carnival thousands $$$$ in market studies. I believe the results of his surveys have an impact.

I love Guy's Burgers (The only thing they are missing is guacamole in the condiments.) and the demand is strong. Much stronger than Blue Iguana which is good but somehow less popular. Pig & Anchor is also very popular, they really should think of putting one on each ship.

I have a feeling they will soon do like RCCL and change Elegant night. Not necessarily get rid of it but reduce the number of EN per sailing and/or tone it down.

I'm also a fan of Guy's. Sometimes I use the toppings from the Blue Iguana on my burger. I can't remember for sure but I think they have guacamole there.

As for elegant night, I think Royal and Carnival are similar, they both had two on my last cruises with them. But both are not as "dressy" as other cruise lines perhaps. They both have similar menus though flipped, Carnival has the lobster first formal night and Royal has it the second formal night. We like to dress up, a bit. Nothing over the top. But I have seen people in very casual clothes on both cruise lines.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

John Heald's page must save Carnival thousands $$$$ in market studies. I believe the results of his surveys have an impact.

I love Guy's Burgers (The only thing they are missing is guacamole in the condiments.) and the demand is strong. Much stronger than Blue Iguana which is good but somehow less popular. Pig & Anchor is also very popular, they really should think of putting one on each ship.

I have a feeling they will soon do like RCCL and change Elegant night. Not necessarily get rid of it but reduce the number of EN per sailing and/or tone it down.

I think BI is way underrated. That is my favorite breakfast on the ship and I love the shrimp and chicken tacos at lunch.

 

[mevelandry]

I'm also a fan of Guy's. Sometimes I use the toppings from the Blue Iguana on my burger. I can't remember for sure but I think they have guacamole there. (...)

I checked on the Blue Iguana side for guacamole on the last two cruises but never found any.