Any recent Carnival experiences?
 

Haven't been on a cruise in over a decade but between Covid-induced cabin fever and some tempting offers, I've been looking at cruises. Has anyone been on a Carnival cruise recently, particularly in the Caribbean or Europe? If so, how was it? Were there crazy Covid rules or was it a relaxed experience? Thanks.

Yes, 2 last year 1 this year, so far, eastern and western Caribbean out of Port Canaveral and Galveston.

COVID precautions in place. https://www.carnival.com/legal/covid...uest-protocols

Basically for fully vaccinated a pre-cruise rapid test (not a home test) completed 2 days (changing to 3 days for fully vaccinated) before departure is required. Masks required in cruise terminals and onboard in all enclosed spaces. Masks can be off outside in most cases or while dinning. Crew stationed at elevator landings and main doors to remind those who forgot mask. Getting off ship for ports of call vary but basically masks required but no other COVID protocols in place. If a person developes COVID onboard room quarantine is the minimum expectation. If severe being put off the ship could happen.

Masks rules are changing 1 March, to no mask required except in certain designated areas which haven't been determined just yet. I'm thinking showrooms and elevators and such.

From a more practical perspective wearing a mask is the only difference. Two KN-95's were in the cabin on arrival. Passenger loads are running ~65% currently which is nice.

We have another cruise booked for April and have no concerns about the ship not being a safe environment. I say go and have a good time. Highly recommend the Chipotle Pineapple Martini available in the main dinning room and some bars.

I was on Carnival Panorama last month and felt very comfortable. Due to spikes, they were very strict about masking, but it’s easing up. But even with the mask rules it was a relaxed experience. They took good care of us and we still had a blast.

Thanks for the feedback. Looks like the mask rules are going away on March 1. Not sure if that also applies to cruises originating in Europe (?), but hope so.

Once onboard, what are the additional charges or expenses to plan for? What would be the typical onboard expenditure for a 10-day cruise? Thanks.

Drinks - for alcoholic plan for similar prices to on land, sodas and coffee, bottled water

if you want to do specialty restaurants, plan 20-50 per person depending on the restaurant.

gratuities - $12-15 per day. Can be prepaid.

Excursions - search for independent excursions to save money, will also typically be less crowded

Spa treatments - more expensive than land

Photos - can be nice to get

[deleted]

Other than gratuities, there is no "typical". You can spend as much or as little as you like. We generally spend whatever OBC we have but no more.

Thanks for all replies.

Any free WiFi onboard, perhaps in the casino or the sports bar, or am I looking at the $10/day plan even for a quick daily email check?

I can't speak for Carnival specifically, but there's generally no free WiFi on the lines I have sailed with. If it's not included in your package, you can generally buy a package that lasts for the entire cruise or pay for a specific number of minutes, which may be cheaper than a daily plan. Another option is to wait until you're in port and find a Starbucks or McDonalds.

A lot of questions can be answered here. https://www.carnival.com/shop

No free wifi to my knowledge. We usually wait until reaching ports. Have yet been unable to connect when approaching or in port.

Free beverages are dispensed water, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and juice. Every other beverage has a cost. There's a soda pop plan and a drink plan. You can get free drinks in the casino after a certain level of spend.

Free wifi
 

If you want "free wifi" you need to move to a line like Princess (they boast the fastest internet at sea since their Medallion upgrade) or Celebrity or almost any high end line.

Lemonade is free too.

If you buy internet packages in advance, it saves you 15% or so. We bought the mid level package for $70 something. They won’t let you stream, but you may get around that by using a VPN. Only one user at a time. Some travel agencies may give free internet or drinks with their packages.

AARP sells $100 and $500 gift cards cards for 10% off. You can use these cards to pay for your cruise, or onboard expenses. Limit 5 per month. We even used them through Costcotravel to pay for our cruise.

Though they're not really free. You pay a higher fare to get WiFi and other features included.

Exactly the reason for the quotation marks :)
But you do get packages with free beverage package, prepaid gratuities, and sometimes other things as well. Not saying Carnival cruisers should switch if they are happy. Just saying the "premium" lines (whatever that means) are moving toward the always included concept. What is included varies, but usually includes some level of wifi.