Carnival Cruise Line has quietly removed a popular benefit for its Diamond and Platinum level returning guests, without notice of the discontinuation. The $25 FunPlay credit in the ship’s casino was never intended as a long-term benefit, but nevertheless, it has been a popular perk that guests have enjoyed for several years.

Now, however, the perk has been removed from the list of benefits for the upper tiers of Carnival’s VIFP loyalty program, and Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador has confirmed that the credit is no longer being offered.

“Yes, the casino has decided to remove the $25,” Heald said in response to a guest inquiry. “The $25 FunPlay casino credit was one of our temporary offers to our top tier VIFP guests. With a full suite of casino promotions and activities, we are sunsetting this credit and continue to look for other ways to make sure our loyal guests have a great time while cruising with us.”

The credit was first instituted during the cruise industry restart as a substitution for the loss of casino tournaments. The tournaments were halted in 2021 as a health and safety measure to promote social distancing and minimize the risk of disease transmission. Previously, Platinum and Diamond guests had received free or buy-one-get-one tournament entries.

When social distancing was required and casinos were unable to host blackjack, slot machine, or poker tournaments, however, Platinum and Diamond guests were instead given the casino credit as compensation and encouragement to enjoy time in the casino. The credit was redeemable for slots or table games.

“We want to thank you for the loyalty and support you have shown Carnival, and also make you aware of the new way to redeem your VIFP amenities. These changes were designed in accordance with our new Have Fun. Be Safe. protocols,” emails sent to booked guests explained in the early days after cruises began sailing again.

“Although we are currently unable to host casino tournaments on board, you will be given US$25 in Casino FunPlay.”

Read Also: Carnival Cruise Line Partners for Exclusive Casino Benefits

While guests received that notification of their benefit changes when the FunPlay credit was instituted, there has been no notification that the benefit has been removed. Furthermore, at this time, no further casino benefits have either been substituted as alternatives, nor have the old tournament entry benefits been returned.

Is This a Money Saving Strategy?

Many loyal Carnival cruisers are disappointed at the removal of the benefit, especially with no substitution offered. Speculation is high that this may be due to financial losses associated with the perk.

For example, cruisers with the credit might not spend more than the $25 FunPlay in the casino, and could perhaps even cash out at a higher cost with their winnings – without spending any of their own money.

It should be noted that this decision comes from the casino department and not from Carnival Cruise Line overall. Each department decides whether or not to offer loyalty benefits to travelers, and those benefits are always subject to change. Other benefits related to the Ocean Player’s Club are not impacted.

Heald does note that guests’ comments and feedback are passed along to the casino department. Furthermore, this change has nothing to do with the hints that have been given about an upcoming renovation to the entire VIFP program.

“It has nothing to do with the new program. That’s a completely separate entity,” Heald confirmed. “But this casino change has been made by the casino. I hope that makes sense. But I promise I’ve let everybody know who needs to see the comments and make sure they understand everybody’s thoughts on this.”

Heald notes that the new VIFP program should be ready by the end of 2024, though no information is yet available about tier levels, expected benefits, or how existing loyalty status may be impacted. Stay tuned to Cruise Hive as those new benefits are revealed in the months to come!

Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald regularly addresses questions of dress code and formality in the Main Dining Room. On the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings during World War II – D-Day – Heald has definitively addressed the issue of military uniforms and whether or not they are appropriate.

This comes in response to a guest’s inquiry and a unique perspective on seeing military uniforms while on vacation.

“Why does Carnival allow men to wear military uniforms on a cruise?” the unidentified guest asked. “The last thing I want to see on a cruise vacation is a military uniform while dining.”

The guest, who notes that they were not born in the US but have lived in the country for more than 30 years, explains that while sailing on the newly revamped Carnival Legend, three “retired aged” men were wearing US military blue uniforms in the restaurant.

“Why is this allowed? There might be different memories connected with uniforms from different cultural backgrounds,” the guest attempted to explain. “Regardless of your service…, it is very possible that whilst wearing this uniform in the restaurant, you may be seen as an ambassador to the current US regime and its political decisions and presence.”

“That could easily put you in a position that you don’t necessarily agree with. Why [does] Carnival allow this to happen? We’re on vacation. They should not be allowed to wear their uniform. It brings back to a reality that [guests] are trying to get away from, so I’m not just speaking for myself. What does cruising have to do with war? Let me answer that, John Heald, the answer is nothing.”

The guest then implies that Heald’s response may impact whether or not they choose to cruise with Carnival again.

Before replying, Heald did check with Carnival Cruise Line’s executives to ensure the cruise line’s policy permits wearing military uniforms – it does – and he also made inquiries with staff members on Carnival Legend. The three gentlemen wearing the uniforms are cruising together to celebrate their retirement from their respective careers in US military service.

After gathering that information, Heald shared his official position on the issue.

“My first reaction is DON’T LOOK! JUST DON’T LOOK!” Heald said with great vigor. “Eat your food. If they’re over there in uniform look over there or look over there!”

Heald noted that his response – with appropriate arm-flinging gestures in different directions – is admittedly unprofessional. He acknowledged that the guest’s individual circumstances may have a different perspective on military service, but cruising brings everyone together for great fun, no matter what their backgrounds.

“To all the men and women who have served, if you wish to wear your dress blues, yes,” Heald said, confirming that military uniforms can indeed be worn in the restaurants. “If it does upset you to a certain extent, I understand. Please just look away, don’t let it spoil your cruise.”

Heald later asked commenters on his popular Facebook page to weigh in on whether or not military blue dress uniforms should be permitted. With more than 1,900 comments, the response was overwhelming that yes, such uniforms are perfectly acceptable, just as other travelers should wear what makes them comfortable.

It should be noted that Carnival Cruise Line does have a dress code, though its language could be subject to wide interpretation.

“All guests are expected to ensure their clothing and accessories are respectful to fellow guests. Specifically, items worn during the cruise should not contain any message that may be considered offensive,” the guidelines read. “In addition, clothing and accessories should not promote negative ethnic or racial, commentary, hatred, or violence in any form.”

Unfortunately, the idea of what is considered “respectful” and “offensive” can vary greatly for different individuals, particularly as society becomes more and more sensitive to different issues and perspectives.

Read Also: Carnival Cruise Line Honors Military Women During Miami’s Fleet Week

It is difficult for any cruise line to balance all guests’ preferences, and it may become necessary to more carefully define what is “offensive” in clear and precise terms, as well as to clarify what clothing, such as military dress uniforms, is permitted.

Carnival Cruise Line and Military Service

Carnival Cruise Line is well-known for honoring active-duty military personnel and veterans from all nations and all branches of service. The cruise line is gradually adding the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge to its ships, offers a special Heroes American Pale Ale that raises money for veterans, and gives away a free cruise to a military member every month.

Furthermore, Carnival is a proud supporter of Operation Homefront and all it does to help active-duty military families as well as veterans. For example, the recent auction of custom-made Carnival Jubilee cowboy boots raised $25,000 for the non-profit organization.

In July 2023, Carnival Cruise Line also expanded its Military Appreciation Gathering to a full Military Appreciation Day on all North American sailings, offering more opportunities to thank and acknowledge military members of all ranks and branches.

All veterans, active-duty personnel, and other military members should always feel comfortable wearing their uniforms onboard Carnival cruise ships, if they wish to do so.

Cruise vacations are all about food-food-food for many travelers. But what to do with the dirty plates after so many delicious meals?

The answer is obvious in restaurants and dining rooms, but buffet etiquette can sometimes be confusing. In response to a guest inquiry, Carnival Cruise Line has addressed the issue of what to do with one’s dirty plates in the Lido Marketplace buffet restaurant.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Lido Marketplace is a popular free dining venue on every ship, located on the aft (back) of the Lido deck. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, and features familiar foods as well as more exotic fare, from breads and a salad bar to soups, entrees, carving stations, sides, and desserts.

Guests serve themselves at the Lido Marketplace, choosing how much they want of each dish. The buffet is all-you-can-eat, though guests are asked to use a clean plate or glass with every trip to the serving stations, as is standard even with land-based buffet restaurants.

So, what should guests do with their dirty dishes? This question was recently brought to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador.

“What is the proper etiquette in the buffet area with your plates. Do you leave them at your table and wait for staff to clear it off? Or do you remove your plates? Same goes for when you are at the pool area?” the unidentified guest asked Heald.

The Lido Marketplace is adjacent to the Lido main pools, and many guests will grab a plate of food to enjoy poolside, rather than remaining in the restaurant seating area. This is perfectly acceptable, but again, what to do with the dirty dishes?

“Well, I think it’s safe to say that most people just leave them on the tables or on the Lido or open decks probably on the sun lounges or under them,” Heald answered. “Either way, I don’t think we have a specific request.”

There are hardworking servers in the Lido Marketplace, clearing away used dishes and wiping down tables so they are ready for additional guests to use. At very busy times, however, tables may not be cleared as quickly as possible, and dirty tables can be unsightly and take up space that other guests may need.

Worth Reading: Carnival Asks About Buffet Seating – Food or Table First?

Heald opened the discussion to Carnival fans about what they choose to do with their dirty dishes, with more than 1,150 responses. In general, if guests are in the restaurant seating area, most leave their dishes on the tables, but perhaps stack them up or otherwise make them easier for servers to remove.

“We do leave them on the tables, but we try to organize our dishes so they are easier to pick up, and if there’s some food on the table we’ll get it onto a plate. They’re very busy so we basically try not to make the job more difficult by leaving a big mess. If there was a designated place to leave dirty dishes we would be glad to put the dishes there.”

“We push them to the side if possible so the staff knows we are done with them. There really isn’t much of a central area to place dirty dishes. Occasionally, I have handed the dishes to the staff if they are near me and working, but I realize that handing them the dishes may throw off their routine.”

“If there is a table nearby with dirty plates I try to put them with those if not I will neatly stack ours and put a napkin over them. Usually the wonderful crew are right there to take them anyway.”

What About Dishes by the Pool?

Eating out by the pool can be a great way to relax on a cruise vacation, whether it’s grabbing a dish from the Lido Marketplace, a Guy’s Burger, a Blue Iguana taco, or a slice of pizza.

Tables are even more scarce near the pool, however, and some guests enjoy a snack on one of the coveted poolside loungers rather than wait for a table.

In the pool area, guests often take their dishes to clean up stations that servers use as they clear tables, therefore removing the dirty dishes so others can use the space more easily. Some guests will even take their empty plates back into the restaurant seating area to put on a table or place with other dirty dishes for easier cleanup.

Read Also: How Not to Overeat on a Cruise – And Why It Matters

“In the buffet, I let them clean off the table. If I am outside, where my food bits and napkin are subjected to the prevailing winds, I clean off the table.”

Many guests do note that most of the time, crew members are fast and efficient at clearing away dirty dishes, both in the restaurant as well as by the pool.

What do you do with your dirty buffet dishes? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!