Peddler

I see where Carnival is going to implement anytime dinning fleet wide. This is from...Carnival News. Com Carnival Cruise Lines will begin testing a new flexible dining option with the Carnival Legend’s June 29, 2008, departure that will enable guests to choose an open seating option for dinner. Guests who opt for flexible dining can dine at whatever time they wish between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. nightly in the ship’s main restaurant. The new flexible dining pilot program aboard Carnival Legend will in no way replace Carnival’s popular classic dining system which provides a choice of either main or late seating. Under classic dining, guests dine at the same table with service from the same wait staff throughout the full voyage. Guests will be asked to designate either flexible/open seating or classic, assigned seating prior to departure and their choice will be in effect for the full cruise. The new open seating dining initiative is the latest addition to Carnival’s Total Choice Dining and designed to provide guests with additional flexibility in their dinnertime options. Carnival will begin contacting guests sailing on the Carnival Legend’s June 29 departure and beyond to advise of the new dining initiative beginning later this month. Carnival Legend sails year-round seven-day western Caribbean cruises from Tampa.

I guess for me (simple as it sounds) is Sunrise and Sunset at sea. To me there is nothing more beautiful. Jim

Joey; I guess it all depends on what you actually want or your perception of what you want. I for one am not hard to please. We have sailed RCL and Carnival (as seen by my sig) and my last cruise on the Conquest was the best we have had. I'm a little redneck and a little laid back, don't care to dress up, happy with chili dogs and cold beer, so you can see how easy it would be to please me. I require; A; a clean and decent size room B; a good bed C; good food (not opulant) D; good service We don't do a lot of excursions, dance till the wee hours or gamble. We just like the relaxation of being waited on and the cruise itself. So I guess it all goes back as to what you want...As Gregswife said..."If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Good luck with your decision. (I'll stick with Carnival for now)

I'm glad this has happened...too much of our past (useable past) is being scraped due to some meager or irresponsible laws.

We sailed on her last April. Here are some pics. http://community.webshots.com/user/peddler356 Not to many pics posted but it was really nice. Jim

Full size (standard) van Mini Van I hope this helps.

A Letter I recieved from Carnival January 15,2009 Mr. James Hammack RE: CARNIVAL CONQUEST, 12/14/08, 1054, 5Z9N86, 011484024A Dear Mr. Hammack: Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding your cruise vacation aboard the CARNIVAL CONQUEST. Knowing our success depends on guest satisfaction, we appreciate the opportunity to respond to your kind words. It is such a pleasure to hear from guests who enjoyed their cruise vacation so thoroughly. Carnival strives to provide each of our guests with an excellent product and superior service. We appreciate you taking the time to tell us we accomplished our goals. We value our team and are happy their efforts exceeded your expectations. The staff members mentioned in your letter will receive proper recognition on your behalf and copies of your letter have been shared with their immediate supervisors. Thank you again for taking the time to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you back aboard soon. Sincerely, Jaclyn Worsdale Special Advisor, Office of the President 1-800-929-6400

Doesn't seem like it covers U.S. ports very well or for that fact U.S Cruise ships.

We normally only use room service for coffee in the morning. If a fee is added we can cut out the useage. Later Jim

I shot one off yesterday (to Carnival). We'll see what happens. Later Jim

I feel you will see several ships begin to sail "not full" due to the economy...airlines fly not full...trains slide over the rails not full. I think it is a sign of the times.

Well I know it'll be a bit late but I've been trying to get all my eggs in a basket, then lost the basket . I'll be writing Carnival about our last cruise on the Conquest (12/14/08). It was probibilly one of, if not the most relaxing cruise we have had (we really haven't had that many compared to some). We didn't do excursions and mainly shopped in the ports and back on the ship. Weather was good, staff was excellent, food was prepared and served very well in the dinning room. Overall a good cruise. Later Jim

Shaw Park Gardens is really beautiful. Dig thru some of my Rhapsody Pics on webshots. Click link below.

Well I was going to post a link but the post police have blocked it out ...Oh well. Later Jim

Like most, I take an Ipod and some books. We also like to do the ship wandering and people watching thing. Kathy is a shopper and we can hit the shopping area several times during a cruise.

From Carnival's website; Galveston/Houston Update OCTOBER 22, 2008 – 10:00 AM We are pleased to announce that the Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Conquest will return to Galveston effective with the November 1 and November 2, 2008 departures respectively. All future departures will also operate roundtrip from Galveston. Please note the following cruises will operate roundtrip from Houston’s Bayport Cruise Terminal: Carnival Ecstasy - October 23 and October 27, 2008 Carnival Conquest – October 26, 2008 We want to recognize the tremendous efforts of the Port of Galveston and all of the local authorities in making our return to Galveston a reality. We appreciate their significant commitment to our guests and travel agent partners in enabling our return to Galveston so quickly.

We were in Chitzen Itza last April thru Progreso and it was 100+ degrees. It was not uncommon I'm told. My home town is in the 90s and 100s during the summer, so 90s don't sound half bad. Not dissing, just splaining...LOL Jim

Very Good... TTT

Our Dec cruise is paid for...As for next year, I'm retireing and Soc Sec doesn't pay an overly large amount and our 401k has taken a sizeable hit ...It'll be questionable for a cruise for 2009, maybe 2010 though. I voted with Joey.

My take is that we are a blue collar working class family. I appreciate what the attendants and servers do for Kathy and I. We prepay normally and add to as the trip progresses. I know what it's like to get stiffed and I'll darn sure not do it to someone else. We pay particular attention the the dinning room wait staff, including the asst waiters and Matre' D. I guess, in my books, there is nothing worse than a passenger that is so CHEAP that they will forgo a tip to a person that works off of tips. Maybe they should be in the other persons shoes for a cruise and see how they like it. Sorry for the soapbox. Later Jim

One for each formal night matched to the shirt. It's the only time all year I wear a tie.

The first cruise was with my mother and sister...I really didn't have a choice. The first cruise of the modern day era, I won in a sales contest. Been hooked ever since.

Always, With my Mom's age (86) and my health issues ( Heart pacer, and C.O.P.D.) it just makes good sense.

Maybe expert is a strong word.... No one line, no one ship We have sailed on four shine with two lines. We're always like a kid in a candy store on each sailing. Expert, I think not,,,, Experienced, possible,,, Awed., always. Thanks Jim

With the destruction in Galveston due to IKE , Nola may be an alternative port for a while.