We just finished a cruise on the Mardi Gras and I have some questions. It had been a few years since I had cruised Carnival and there were some changes or issues that I am wondering if it is just this boat or the cruise line. Being a Gold, almost Platinum, VIFP I typically am used to things. We used to get a complimentary cocktail near the end of the cruise, a carnival pin and a free 1.5 liter bottle of water. I got none of that. We spoke to many Platinum and Diamond level people and one Ultra casino person and everyone of them was angry about not getting their perks. Has Carnival abandoned the perk program? If so why would you stay loyal? I was also celebrating my 50th birthday and my partners is in 13 months. I wanted to book a cruise for her while on board and was curtly told “we don’t do that anymore” and to go on the internet. I went where they directed me and the offers there were not even as good as I can do on Travelocity. We did not get any night time turn down service. Finding glasses in the Lido for the self service beer taps was a near impossible task. The spa was constantly out of towels or glasses for water. The tables were not cleaned regularly. Snubbed for help in the jewelry store. It seemed like the whole boat was woefully under staffed. Is that the new normal? I could go on but I would love some feedback from recent carnival cruisers