We chose the dark side - Carnival VS Disney

[Ofinn]

We are Gold on DCL. It would make it MUCH easier for me to switch/check out another cruise line if they offered a deal where they would "transfer" my DCL status (give me credit for my DCL cruises) to the new cruise line's loyaty program so I didn't feel like I was starting from scratch. Don't get me wrong...I understand why they wouldn't do that (not fair to their other loyalty members, etc.) but I'm just saying that would make it much easier. Seems silly, but there you have it.

It's nice to be platinum, but you don't get much for it. You don't have to stand in line at check in, you get a box of chocolates, and free Palo. That's what you get for all the thousands you spend. They have the worst loyalty program of any cruise line. I don't think DCL is that interested in their loyal cruisers. I think they like those new cruisers, that pay full price, buy the excursions, photo packages etc etc. Outside of what I spend on a cruise (which I always book with a discount) DCL makes very little money off my family.

 

[kaseyC]

We are Gold on DCL. It would make it MUCH easier for me to switch/check out another cruise line if they offered a deal where they would "transfer" my DCL status (give me credit for my DCL cruises) to the new cruise line's loyaty program so I didn't feel like I was starting from scratch. Don't get me wrong...I understand why they wouldn't do that (not fair to their other loyalty members, etc.) but I'm just saying that would make it much easier. Seems silly, but there you have it.

MSC cruise line does offer a status match.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

We are Gold on DCL. It would make it MUCH easier for me to switch/check out another cruise line if they offered a deal where they would "transfer" my DCL status (give me credit for my DCL cruises) to the new cruise line's loyaty program so I didn't feel like I was starting from scratch. Don't get me wrong...I understand why they wouldn't do that (not fair to their other loyalty members, etc.) but I'm just saying that would make it much easier. Seems silly, but there you have it.

I see what you're saying but.....for the price of a veranda on DCL you can book a suite on other lines so you'll get priority embarkation etc. Also, as soon as you pay in full you can book excursions, spa treatments, etc so you don't need the extra days in advance of everyone else like in DCL. Third, you don't need to wait with baited breath to book your cruise on gold and platinum opening day because all the other lines release their itineraries so much earlier there isn't a feeding frenzy on opening day. However, you won't get a free backpack or beach bag.

It only had one sea day which my 3 DDs were not thrilled about. We now have two sea days since they dropped Izmir. I'm so looking forward to reading reviews from the inaugural. The ship looks amazing. The itineraries and prices can't be beat.

Are you doing some pre-cruise days in Barcelona?

Just a day before and a day after. Are you in a Havana Cabana cabin? We're just in 2 standard insides on deck 8.

 

[ahain]

I see what you're saying but.....for the price of a veranda on DCL you can book a suite on other lines so you'll get priority embarkation etc. Also, as soon as you pay in full you can book excursions, spa treatments, etc so you don't need the extra days in advance of everyone else like in DCL. Third, you don't need to wait with baited breath to book your cruise on gold and platinum opening day because all the other lines release their itineraries so much earlier there isn't a feeding frenzy on opening day. However, you won't get a free backpack or beach bag.
.

Good Points....

 

[ahain]

MSC cruise line does offer a status match.

Interesting

 

[Ofinn]

FYI Carnival is running another reduced deposit sale. Read the fine print. There are some penalties if you want to cancel.

 

[kaseyC]

Just a day before and a day after. Are you in a Havana Cabana cabin? We're just in 2 standard insides on deck 8.

We are in two adjoining verandah cabins. We started with one Verandah and the girls in an inside across the hall but prices dropped quite a bit and the cabin right next door opened up so we grabbed it.

I'm kind of torn about the Havana Cabanas. They seem really neat looking and I love the exclusive day time access to the Havana pool but I hate the idea of having an open patio and no direct sight lines to the sea. Watching the sea is one of my reasons for booking a cabin with a verandah.

 

[trvlgirlmq]

We are in two adjoining verandah cabins. We started with one Verandah and the girls in an inside across the hall but prices dropped quite a bit and the cabin right next door opened up so we grabbed it.

I'm kind of torn about the Havana Cabanas. They seem really neat looking and I love the exclusive day time access to the Havana pool but I hate the idea of having an open patio and no direct sight lines to the sea. Watching the sea is one of my reasons for booking a cabin with a verandah.

Are you on the June 11 cruise? If so, we are also! Are you on the other social media page (not sure if we are allowed to talk about it here as you can't on cruise critic)? We have a very active group with some activities planned.

 

[RedSox68]

Okay, gotta put this out there -- to all of you who posted food pictures, you are all truly mean and sadistic people! [I have the most awful burger craving now -- I wonder why!?!]

 

[kaseyC]

Are you on the June 11 cruise? If so, we are also! Are you on the other social media page (not sure if we are allowed to talk about it here as you can't on cruise critic)? We have a very active group with some activities planned.

Yes, we are. I'm on the other page and CC. I believe we may be on the same private horseback riding tour in Crete. ( if your screen name is the same on CC)

 

[trvlgirlmq]

Yes, we are. I'm on the other page and CC. I believe we may be on the same private horseback riding tour in Crete. ( if your screen name is the same on CC)

Yes, that is me! What a small world (now that will be stuck in my head all day)!

 

[Love2Cruz]

I see what you're saying but.....for the price of a veranda on DCL you can book a suite on other lines so you'll get priority embarkation etc. Also, as soon as you pay in full you can book excursions, spa treatments, etc so you don't need the extra days in advance of everyone else like in DCL. Third, you don't need to wait with baited breath to book your cruise on gold and platinum opening day because all the other lines release their itineraries so much earlier there isn't a feeding frenzy on opening day. However, you won't get a free backpack or beach bag.



Just a day before and a day after. Are you in a Havana Cabana cabin? We're just in 2 standard insides on deck 8.

Actually on CCL, they are now giving beach bags or totes to diamond/platinum members.

I'll be Platinum in December of 2017 with my NYE cruise on Magic ....will get free laundry, priority embarkation, chocolates or strawberries delivered to your stateroom, some sort of CCL gift and a captain's "tea", which is all you can drink cocktail party with ship's officers, captain, and finger foods....not too shabby every time you cruise..plus free water in cabin and a pin(gold members get this already)


I'm all for the priority embarkation...that's the biggest perk for me.

 

[Love2Cruz]

FYI Carnival is running another reduced deposit sale. Read the fine print. There are some penalties if you want to cancel.

Carnival has stiff penalties for cancellations, especially if you book with their "early saver rate"....BUT the way around that, if you absolutely have to cancel, is to go for a reschedule instead. Still $50 pp, but better than $500 pp...plus you have up to 2 years from cancellation date to reschedule.

 

[Love2Cruz]

Yes, we are. I'm on the other page and CC. I believe we may be on the same private horseback riding tour in Crete. ( if your screen name is the same on CC)

This is funny, I booked that cruise (but cancelled it and changed it to my current December cruise on the Vista). I decided to go with MSC instead as they had a kids sail free promo, but mainly because Santorini was on the itin,which is on my bucket list.

 

[mevelandry]

Carnival has stiff penalties for cancellations, especially if you book with their "early saver rate"....BUT the way around that, if you absolutely have to cancel, is to go for a reschedule instead. Still $50 pp, but better than $500 pp...plus you have up to 2 years from cancellation date to reschedule.

Exactly what happened to us. They refund everything except for the 500$ deposit ... that we used to reschedule. We had a 50$/pp fee to process the "refund" on our new balance.

 

[Ofinn]

Carnival has stiff penalties for cancellations, especially if you book with their "early saver rate"....BUT the way around that, if you absolutely have to cancel, is to go for a reschedule instead. Still $50 pp, but better than $500 pp...plus you have up to 2 years from cancellation date to reschedule.

If you book with the reduced deposit, and you have to cancel after the PIF date, but your in the phase where you only lose your deposit. Do you only lose the 50.00 pp deposit that you originally booked with or does it convert to the full penalty which for a family of four would be 1,000. A couple of years ago I had to cancel a DCL cruise after the PIF date, but it was booked with a reduced 10% deposit so I only lost 275.00 dollar deposit instead of the normal 550.00 deposit amount. I was wondering if Carnival is the same.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Actually on CCL, they are now giving beach bags or totes to diamond/platinum members.

I'll be Platinum in December of 2017 with my NYE cruise on Magic ....will get free laundry, priority embarkation, chocolates or strawberries delivered to your stateroom, some sort of CCL gift and a captain's "tea", which is all you can drink cocktail party with ship's officers, captain, and finger foods....not too shabby every time you cruise..plus free water in cabin and a pin(gold members get this already)


I'm all for the priority embarkation...that's the biggest perk for me.

I would love the free laundry, that would be fantastic, now that's a perk.

 

[Love2Cruz]

If you book with the reduced deposit, and you have to cancel after the PIF date, but your in the phase where you only lose your deposit. Do you only lose the 50.00 pp deposit that you originally booked with or does it convert to the full penalty which for a family of four would be 1,000. A couple of years ago I had to cancel a DCL cruise after the PIF date, but it was booked with a reduced 10% deposit so I only lost 275.00 dollar deposit instead of the normal 550.00 deposit amount. I was wondering if Carnival is the same.

After the PIF date, they charge depending on how many days out....I've never done that so not sure how stiff the penalties are.

Here are the cancellation rules under their website:


Days Prior to
Departure Date Cancellation Charge (Per Guest)


2,3,4 & 5 day cruises Up to 61 days
None (except Pack & Go, Early Saver* and Super Saver fares**)

60 to 46 days
Deposit

45 to 30 days
Deposit or 50% of Total Fare, whichever is greater

29 to 15 days
Deposit or 75% of Total Fare, whichever is greater

14 days or less
100% of Total Fare


6-9 day cruises (excluding: Alaska, Europe, Transatlantic and
Panama Canal cruises) Up to 76 days
None (except Pack & Go, Early Saver* and Super Saver fares**)
75 to 56 days
Deposit
55 to 30 days
Deposit or 50% of Total Fare, whichever is greater
29 to 15 days Deposit or 75% of Total Fare, whichever is greater
14 days or less
100% of Total Fare

10 day or longer cruises, as well as all Alaska, Europe, Transatlantic and Panama Canal cruises Up to 91 days None (except Pack & Go, Early Saver* and Super Saver fares**)
90 to 56 days Deposit
55 to 30 days Deposit or 50% of Total Fare, whichever is greater
29 to 15 days
Deposit or 75% of Total Fare, whichever is greater
14 days or less 100% of Total Fare



All cruises purchased under the Pack & Go fare Any time after booking 100% of Total Fare

 

[PrincessTrisha]

You may not have Guy's burger on your ship but if you've got a seaday, you'll have the Sea Day Brunch and that is one of the best menus at Sea (of the 4 cruise lines I've sailed).

it features some wonderful meals like:

Mac n cheese with jerk bacon (this is not the orange stuff that DCL serves - its made with a béchamel sauce and fresh cheese)



Filet Mignon and Eggs (sorry, I like my eggs over hard so they don't look appealing to most people but I love em)



Hen all Divoili (spicy split chicken)



The Hey Porkchop



And of course popover rolls (these are served later - earlier in the morning you get a basket of Danish, croissants, and sweet bread stuff)

 

[mevelandry]

You may not have Guy's burger on your ship but if you've got a seaday, you'll have the Sea Day Brunch and that is one of the best menus at Sea (of the 4 cruise lines I've sailed).

it features some wonderful meals like:

Mac n cheese with jerk bacon (this is not the orange stuff that DCL serves - its made with a béchamel sauce and fresh cheese)



Filet Mignon and Eggs (sorry, I like my eggs over hard so they don't look appealing to most people but I love em)



Hen all Divoili (spicy split chicken)



The Hey Porkchop



And of course popover rolls (these are served later - earlier in the morning you get a basket of Danish, croissants, and sweet bread stuff)

Oh wow... Those dishes look AMAZING!!!! (And I am absolutely ordering Mimosas with it)