MAGNUM PI

On the Celebration cruise?

Wondering if anyone has experienced the Carnival's Belize Deep Sea Fishing excursion?  If so,would you provide details about how it's set up. One month until I go on it.

Any recommendations for a private guide?

There will be 6 adults and a one year old.

We have not visited here before.

How do I stay sane between cruises???

 

I dont.

 

I just become insanely addicted to cruise critic, and live vicariously though other people's reviews. LOL.

 

I even had a 4 your lapse between cruises once:eek: I hope that does not repeat. trying now to get a way every year or two.

 

Op, your ideas are very good though. I think I will start the toonie thing today. 6 months away from my cruise, but it will buy a few dods and a meal in the steakhouse for sure.

 

lol...just did the math. 6 months of a toonie a day, will by me cheers and a meal at the steakhouse. I start right now!

We have been in experiencing a condition caused- cruise withdrawal! Have not cruised in three long years, due to medical issues. The only known antidote is:

taking another cruise.

We have booked another cruise, but it is over a YEAR away! Like yourself, I am an avid reader of Cruise Critic.

Reading ANYTHING pertaining to cruising, helps fill the void, for the next 390 days.

I have recently started threads about:

Guy's Burgers

Buffet food quality

Why remain loyal to one cruise line?

It generates responses, which is good mental therapy.

I

I have only cruised Carnival. I am happy with their service, and as of yet I have not found a cheaper cruise elsewhere that does the same itinerary at the same time as when I want to/can go. Even if I did, I probably would stick with Carnival. Maybe one day I will try another line if I find a cruise that is significantly lower in cost than Carnival.

I will say that Carnival cruises, seem to be lower in cost.

But I would pay more, for a more appealing itinerary.

I do NOT stay on the ship, at any port of call. I am there to explore. The days at sea, are all I need to enjoy the ship itself.

Maybe people living in close proximity to a given port, results in their devotion to a cruise line? Can drive there.

I depart from San Juan, Miami, Port Everglades, Port Canaveral; variety of cruise lines service these ports.

I live in Michigan, and take flights to departure locations.

I tried a second line second cruise out, and kept sling shotting out. Trying only one line you'll never be able to compare. I do laugh at some that have only cruise one line and proclaim it to be the best.

That is one observation, I have made. Some people with 40 cruises, on one cruise line. How can they possibly compare, and proclaim it's the best? Compared to what?

I am a relatively novice cruiser, with only seven Caribbean cruises experienced.

I will never reach diamond, platinum, or any level....

because I find no compelling reason, to stay loyal to only one cruise line. Granted, there are "perks", for attaining such levels. However, I have the curiosity to at least, "experience", multiple cruise lines-at least once. How can one possibly "know what's out there", if don't have a sense of adventure?

First cruise was on Celebrity; too formal, "stuffy for my liking". Next five cruises on RCCL; which I prefer. And one cruise on Carnival.

Our next cruise is Carnival Magic; family group of 10, some never cruised before.

So, I remain flexible when selecting which cruise line.

*** I am not questioning the mentality, of those devoted, loyal cruisers to one cruise line. I am sure there are some who love Carnival's product, to such an extent, that they have no desire to experience anything else. That is absolutely fine; their choice.

But I am not at that point, to exclusively book one line.

If RCCL offers me a better military discount, for example, it would tilt my selection, in their favor.

I thought it would be interesting, to hear WHY some loyal veteran cruisers, remain that way? I'm not challenging them in any way.

Our first ever cruise was on the Serenade last year. Wish RCCL hadn't pulled out of NOLA. Like you we prefer the layout of the Windjammer, but appreciate the greater options available on the Dream..

And I remember 56, like it was only 6 years ago. [emoji3]

 

 

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Our sentimental favorite ship is the Serenade; two cruises.

But we are not loyal to any one cruise line, like so many people are. First cruise was Celebrity, followed by a few RCCL cruises, and one Carnival cruise. My first consideration, on selecting a cruise, is itinerary.

I adjust to the differences in the cruise lines, if it has the most appealing itinerary.

56 was 9 years ago, for me....but I live my life, like I am that age!

From the OP:

I have taken seven previous cruises, so I have experienced the buffets. But have taken only one Carnival cruise, so am not that familiar with that one.

The deviation off my original inquiry, is expected. It IS a factor in the dining experience.

From all of the responses, I have concluded that the quality of buffet food, has remained pretty consistent, over the past three years. I know what to expect. The Magic will offer more dining options, than most other ships I have been on. I am not hard to please, so not concerned about starving.

I will say that: I prefer the separate food stations, that the Serenade Of The Seas had, over a single cafeteria line. Serenade is a much smaller ship, than the Magic, so one has to take that into consideration.

Bottom line: I love cruising. My Magic cruise is still a year away. But I love gathering as much info, about the ship, from all those more experienced with Carnival.

******* P.S. Jimbo...I barely remember 56.

I wouldn't hesitate to book that cabin; stairs proximity, shouldn't be a problem. On an upcoming Magic cruise, we have two aft cabins, near stairs.

My first cruises were on Celebrity and RCCL. The sailaway set the tone for the cruise. Hope Carnival realizes the importance of this.

Until my wife related her rest room experiences, I had believed the poor hygiene-to be isolated to the male species. The horror stories she has told, are more upsetting than any Halloween movie! Just say'n.

I promise my next thread will NOT be about food. I started the Guy's Burgers thread, and this one about the buffet. I have learned a lot!

I will say that personal hygiene IS a big concern, at any public venue. Or should I say...lack of it.

Being that I am a male, I notice the vast majority of men do NOT bother to wash their hands, after using a rest room, where ever I am it. So a buffet dining experience, you do have to consider this factor, unfortunately.

Niro virus on ships? How do you think it is transmitted?

Exactly.

One area that is vulnerable to poor hygiene habits is a casino. Slot machines require finger contact with buttons on the machines. How many hygiene lacking people, have directly physically touched those same surfaces? Just say'n.

After my two threads, I don't want to dwell on food/dining, thank you. The cruise experience involves so much more.

Thanks to everyone for their sincere imput. I have a good idea what to expect, on my Magic cruise.

I started the thread, inquiring about Guy's Burgers. There was an awesome response, with many offering their opinions, and I greatly appreciate your imput.

I have not cruised with Carnival, in many years. Have a Magic cruise booked.

During my recent thread, some comments were made, that people "avoided" the buffet-due to the quality of food. And seeked other dining options.

Now my question is: Is the buffet on Carnival (Magic),

Going to be that unappealing?

*** I realize that discussion of food is subjective. But I have read very few comments on any thread, praising the buffet offerings.

I have taken seven cruises, on three different cruise lines, and found the buffets adequate. Always a variety of options. I have not cruised in last three years.

***** For the veteran cruisers out there, has the buffet quality declined over the years? Number of options decreased? Or is it because of all the newer dining options, that cause the buffet's appeal to diminish?

From personal experience, I know that Carnival will offer "free" cruises, just for having utilized a casino card. Period.

I have only taken one Carnival cruise, in my life. It had been a few years, since we had taken it. One day, I received a postcard in the mail, with a "free" cruise offer.

I initially thought it was a scam, or there was some "catch" to it. Discovered it was legit.

In fact, it offered two back to back cruises! The postcard indicated we had been selected, because we had once used a casino card. On that one cruise, we spent little money, on slots. We are not high rollers. No way did we earn even 1,000 points. And it was a few years, since that Carnival cruise, too.

So, I know that this was merely random. No magic formula involved.

I started a new recent thread, under the Carnival board, about Guy's Burgers.

Almost 4,000 people have viewed this. Over 100 have expressed comments, about

Their opinions on Guy's Burgers. I booked a Magic cruise, and wondered what people think.

Very passionate responses!

We have taken seven Caribbean cruises, always in February (our anniversary). Most of them have been in southern Caribbean. Some departing from Florida, others from San Juan. We have always had great weather, on days at sea. Of course , you can count on a breeze. Never been too cool, to need a jacket. On one cruise, we experienced dense fog, but overall, great temps and weather.

Reference the present propulsion problems, with Carnival Fantasy.....

And related past Carnival fleet problems.

Fantasy had to change its itinerary; not enough power/speed to make it to Cozumel, from Miami. Going to Bahamas instead.

When booking a cruise, like to know that the itinerary is not a mere suggestion.

What does St Kitts offer? Never been there; taken seven southern Caribbean cruises. That port doesn't seem to be included on very many itineraries.

The responses to my thread, so far, have been mixed. As one might expect when evaluating food. Some are ecstatic about Guy's, that they can' t even find words, to describe their euphoria. While others say they are over rated.

I have experienced Five Guys, though. Love their fries; but don't think their burgers are exceptional.

Maybe Guy's appeal, is the toppings? Carmelized onions is hard to beat, IMO.

Booked a Magic cruise for 2017. Magic currently getting upgraded, to include Guy's Burgers. I have never experienced this burger.

I have sensed people's anticipation, of the addition of this food offering.

What exactly makes Guy's Burgers, in an apparent class by themselves? There must be something that causes

such eager appetites? They seem to be legendary.

Taken seven Caribbean cruises; none during hurricane season. However a friend's very first cruise, was during that time period. A tropical storm created havoc. The ship had to try and out race the storm, back to Miami. The sea was extremely rough, of course.

I prefer the stability of cruising, at other times.

Have read that Port Canaveral, is one of the best ports for embarkation. Booked a Magic cruise from there. With the large number of ship cruisers, does FTTF make more sense, at Port Canaveral?

We were wait listed for early dining, on one of our cruises. As soon as we boarded the ship, we contacted the maitre'd. Explained that it was imperative that I be changed, due to a medical condition. A few hours later, our dining time was changed.