bankofdad

9 minutes ago, bguppies said:

Since they have done away with paper copies for the most part and they are now, in abreviated form in the Hub app, few people come home with them anymore.

Occasionally someone will take screenshots of the pages in the app while cruising, but it seems to be fewer and less frequent, than when board members used to come home with a full paper set in their luggage and publish pictures in their revires.

Good luck to you.

I hope yuou get extremely lucky.

Thanks for the comments!  I kinda thought that may be the case.

Haven't cruised since "the world ended" but looking forward to getting back on board early next month on Dream.  I searched for recent reviews and pics of the dailies with no results.  Can any recent Dream cruisers help or comment?  Thank you!

Thanks everyone for all the replies.  The staffing issue makes sense.  My wife cruised at the end of May with my daughter and they both said staffing issues changed the experience but they both also said they had a great time.

23 hours ago, jerseyjjs said:

I'll take the tacos and burritos from Blue Iguana over Guy's slop patties every day of the week.

I love Guys burgers but I agree with you!

Cruising in a few weeks, haven't sailed since "the world ended".  Really looking forward to cruise #24!  Question - it looks like FTTF is gone.  Anyone know if this is fact?

8 hours ago, janewe said:

You are allowed to purchase two items of alcohol I.e. 2 x 4 beers, one 4 beer and one bottle of alcohol.   Just go to to your Carnival account on line account a few weeks before you sail and add what you want to your cart and of course pay for it.  It should be in your cabin when you board.
 

in previous cruises I didn’t have to pay a delivery charge but now I see that I have to.  So I will be looking to be like a poster on this thread saving a dollar a bottle and because of the delivery almost a dollar there too by buying at the Lido or Red Frog when I board.  I will wait until we get into international waters to avoid the sals tax too.  So potential savings on 8 beers is $16.

If you are sailing out of Texas, just know your pre-ordered alcohol will not arrive on in your cabin on embarkation day.  It will be the next day, quirky TX law

Thank you so much for the info!

Can anybody tell me what dining room(s) for Any Time Diners and Sea Day Brunch?  Thanks in advance for any info!

On 7/24/2022 at 3:28 PM, shellunderwater said:

Cozumel Bar Hop!  8 time hopper here. 

Going to give it shopt (or four) next month for the first time!  Had my kids along on previous cruises so couldn't do it but now it's on!

To date my favorite is Paradise Beach

Thanks Mondello.  I appreciate the info!  The Carnival website didn't clarify, but I suspected as much.  Again, thank you

Maybe I should read on down again, but I didn't see a comment when I did.  Sailing for the first time in a couple years this coming October.  Does Carnival still do FTTF?  Not posted on excursions yet, but it is early.

Cabs are really easy to rent both ways once you get off the tender, you will see them.  RP is a popular place so if yiou do a shared taxi, it won't take long until you are off.

16 hours ago, scpirate said:

Must be going to dump nassau.

I really hope so.  One of my least favorite ports, and I for one have avoided any cruise that stops in either Nassau or Freeport.  But that's just me.

42 minutes ago, schittenden said:

 

He then begin to talk about how I must be rich, and asking if I am rich.  I laughed and walked away.  It was just a weird interaction.

 

 

My wife had something very similar to this happen on our last cruise too.  And my son (17 - well behaved and respectful), didn't want to go to the O2 club after the first night.  Said it was weird with a number of kids not having the best intentions of what they were planning to go around and do.  No big deal for him though, we are close and he really preferred hanging out with us anyways.  Just not sure why it is okay with some parents to just let their kids create chaos.  I know this is the minority of parents, so we just look past it.

Thanks for the review and comments!  We sail on Magic (again) next year, she was our favorite Carnival trip.  On the behavior, I hope that was a one-off.  My apology if I missed it, but what port did you sail in/out of?

We just sailed out of NOLA earlier this month and saw a bit of the behavior you've described, but not much.  We almost always see some of it, especially from un-supervised teens.  But then again we have seen this on almost every cruise we have been on regardless of the cruise line, our worst being our last RC cruise, so again, I hope this was a one-off for all of us!

Thanks again for the review!

We always tip the baggage handlers well, and I always ask them to remember us with kindness when handling our bags after I do and we have received a few perks along the way when we have.

On our cruise out of NOLA earlier this month, we tipped $25 for 3 larger bags.  The porter at first directed us to park on levels 4-6, but after the tip told us to follow him and park on the lower levels reserved for employees.  We did follow him, he removed a barricade for us and we were able get a great spot on level 3 right at the elevator that takes you down to the terminal.  Not sure if you would receive the same treatment if you did the same, but this isn't the first  (or second or third or fourth time, etc) that it worked for us!

Happy sailing!

This is awesome!!!Thank you!  We sail next summer and I am sure ours won't be exact, but this is a great reference point!

5 hours ago, cleanandsober88 said:

bankofdad thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Would you be so kind as to answer a couple questions? I have booked a similar stateroom. Mine is Verandah 8450 [8N]. Did you feel much vibration from the propellers or a lot of movement being so far aft? I will be sailing with DW & have MTD. Are you assigned a table with MTD? We prefer to dine alone? How do I go about arranging this? Thank You!

Yes, we did feel a bit of vibration, but nothing that bothered us qt all.  This was our second time in an aft cabin like this one, so we knew that going in.  The only time I really even noticed it was when I would be sitting out on the balcony later in the evening when the ship was sailing at the top speed it would be sailing at, and even then, no big deal at all.

On the dining room, on the first night when we were seated we simply asked for a table for just us.  We weren't necessarily assigned to a table, but after the first night of being seated at the table we were, we just asked for the same server (Daniel) and they took us to the same table each time and we were by ourselves.  Sometimes I do enjoy the company of others that I am just meeting in a larger table setting, but on this trip, it was all about family time since we are all so busy and rarely have the chance to sit for dinner together at home.  Bottom line, if you ask, they will accommodate you, but for the best seating, I suggest arriving before they open for 5:45PM MTD when possible.

Debarkation

As with embarkation, this was one of the easiest debarkation's we have had.  With FTTF we were given the opportunity for priority debarkation and told to assemble by 8:15am in the Golden dining room mid-deck on the lobby deck.  We arrived on time and found ample seating while we waited.  Groups 1-5 were told to be in that area.

After self-assist passengers from decks 1,2 and 6 were off, groups 1-5 were free to debark.  The process was painless, we were off the ship by 8:35 and in our car by 8:50.  We did not need them, but if you do, there are many porters waiting to help (for a tip).

In Summary

This was a FANTASTIC vacation!  Great onboard experience from all angles, one of the best we have had in recent memory.  On the service, we enjoyed this crew very much with note of my previous notes.  On the food, keep an open mind but don’t always expect five stars.  Three- star is the norm in my opinion, with occasional for and at the steakhouse closest to 5 stars.  We had a fantastic room steward, but I know they aren’t all clones of each other.  I hope future cruisers get we we got because it was great!  On the entertainment, we had fun and did diverse things.  For me, relaxing on my balcony and enjoying the water views were entertaining, but I’m a pretty simple guy.

My bottom line is that if you can’t find fun and satisfaction on this cruise, choose a different vacation means.  But for those that go, have a great time and happy sailings! 

Oh, forgot to mention that Paradise Beach has a taco truck now.  I didn't try it, but others around me that did raved about not only the food quality and taste but the value.  I also forgot to mention the food we purchased from the restaurant here was exceptional and very reasonable in price.  Also, the place was immaculate.  We saw workers all around tending to it like a five star resort.  All facilities, including bathrooms were very well sanitized and stocked.

Port Day #3 – Cozumel

What to say about Cozumel, so much to do or do as little as you want.  So many options, and in my opinion a very safe Mexican port that I have had so much fun in over the year.

For this trip, we opted to go to Paradise Beach.  Paradise Beach is right next to the Mr Sancho’s all-inclusive and in my opinion, the two are becoming more like each other that as different as they used to be.

Paradise Beach was always a great place if you have kids or as an adult an active distemper.  Lots of fun water toys on a great beach, but until recently didn’t offer an all-inclusive package, and now they do.  Mr Sancho’s has always been a great all-inclusive with no (of few water toys), but now the have the water toys too.  As to which is better than the other, I can’t say because it has been a while since at Sancho's, but my first impression is slight advantage to Paradise Beach because of the pool for those that use it.

In any case, a $15 10 minute friendly no nonsense cab ride from the port got us to the club.  Once exiting the ship, making your way through the shop gauntlet that you are forced to go through at the pier and after making your way through more shops in the Carnival village you will make it to the taxi stand.  Fares are posted at that stand and we have NEVER had an issue with any cabbie trying to charge otherwise.  For me, I find the people of Cozumel to be very friendly and helpful!

Upon arrival at the beach, the entry fee is $3pp, or $18pp for those that want to use the water toys.  DS and I opted to use the toys, so we were given a wristband identifying that we paid.  Also, you are expected to spend an average of $10pp in food and/or drinks, though I don’t know if they really enforce this (others can chime in).  For us, that was no problem.  A bucket of 4 tecate’s $18, and two appetizers plus two frozen drinks.  15% gratuity is added to you bill, but just note the server will politely let you know that the whole staff shares that gratuity, so feel free to add on at will (which we did)

Upon leaving, numerous taxis outside the gate, honest service and a quick trip back to the ship.  We did arrive a few hours before departing port so we breezed through the shop gauntlet, but getting closer to departure it does get harry in there so don’t cut your return to ship time short!

Port Day #2 – Crand Caymen

GC – The anti-Jamaica.  What a great port day!

We opted as usual to go out on our own.  The ship arrived early, but we opted to wait until around 9AM to tender out.  We got right on a tender and only had to wit about 10 minutes before heading to shore.  For the day, we were headed up to Calico Jacks further up on 7 mile beach than several other stops.  The cab was clean, the driver fantastic and straight up taking us where we wanted to go.  Most people got off at the Royal Palms resort prior to us, but our taxi ride as only $6 US/pp for the ride, so worth it!

Calico Jacks and this section of the beach have been known to us for years, so we know what we should expect.  There is a public beach area next to Calico Jack’s, but in front of it now is quite a bit of construction.  We did find out that the parking lot construction is related to a further commercial (non-hotel) development that is in progress/planning.  So, if you ever enjoyed Calico Jack’s and that stretch of beach as it is today, go see it soon!

We opted to sit at a table and order food and drinks, but they do have chair and umbrella rentals too.  We enjoyed what we ordered and the bucket (of 5) Caybrews for $20 set the mood.  It was great frolicking in the crystal clear water and the service was very friendly, attentive but non-obtrusive and in no hurry to have us move along.  But when you are ready to move along, honest and attentive cabbies are waiting out front.  This was our favorite stop of the trip!

17 minutes ago, Sophia67 said:

We are also staying at The Hampton Inn, French Quarter!

Great location and not your typical Hampton Inn.  It's has higher floors, and if you get lucky, could have some great views of the city and maybe even the waterfront!

Once at the beach, we enjoyed our time, but not to the extent we thought we might.  We paid entry, rented three loungers and an umbrella for a total charge of $42.  We thought it was worth it, and they placed the chairs where we asked and planted the umbrella for us.  After a tip, the beach attendant was on his way, working hard.  But even though we thought we picked a spot that would not be preferred by others, we found the beach attendant would purposely bring chairs and line them up in a row.  So in the end, we had three inches of space on each end chair with our neighbors.  You could see they didn't expect this nor did we.  So, we were told when we set up we could move our chairs, but not the umbrellas.  We did move our chairs, left the umbrella and gave ourselves and the others some space.  As others have posted, we did have several vendors come around us, most that politely moved on when we politely said no thank you.  Myself and DS where solicited for pot, no problem we politely declined and they politely went away (BTW - I have no problem with anyone lighting one up, it's just not my gig).  The staff, well, mamma said don't say anything at all if you've got nothing good to say so I will leave it at that.

The return trip, more of the same stuff.   There will be taxis waiting for you at the beach club, with the driver's waiting in line to escort you to their ride.  Unfortunately for us, the luck of the draw (Him being the first in line) was a very large burly condescending dis-honest driver.  Another long story short, make sure you agree on the fare before getting in.  And even when they try to say they didn't agree, keep reminding them that you only want one way fare, no stops, no tour and if they create a dispute tell them you would like to take a photo of their cabbie badge and let them know you will take a pic of their license plate after leaving the cab.

For me, I will never step foot on Jamaican soil again.  Sorry if that offends anyone.  I know there are many FANTASTIC Jamaican people, I am just not up for the "Luck of the Draw" during my next trip.

First, I knew that when we were to exist the terminal area I needed to:

• Find the PRIVATE TAXI STAND

• Once finding a taxi, state where we wanted to go and AGREE ON THE COST

• Next MAKE IT CLEAR that we only wanted a ONE WAY NO RETURN fare agreement

• And lastly, we DID NOT WANT A TOUR and that we just wanted to be dropped off where we were going, and would figure 0out our return transportation aside from this transaction.

Well, I did try to execute some of what I learned, but frankly encountered very dis-honest and conniving locals in the process.

Once leaving the port area, there are signs that point to “Taxis”  but once outside of the main gate, I couldn’t se more signs and got a bit confused.  So, I stopped and asked a uniformed person (whom I thought to be government port security) where the private taxis where.  He asked me where we were going, we told him and he pointed to a larger multi-person taxi right out front instead of pointing us to the private taxi area.  I bit (mistake number 1) and went over to the bus, that again, we encountered a uniformed person with chevrons on that uniform that led us to believe this was an official port security official (Mistake #2 – they are not port officials but are hope you will believe they are).  I specifically asked if they were going to (Doctor’s Cave Beach (Answer yes)  and that I would be dropped off at the entrance of the Beach (answer yes) and that I was not interested in a tour, so I asked t please confirm that they were not going to try and sell us on (answer was yes, no tour).

So despite the red flags, despite what I learned from previous reviews, “Stupid is as Stupid Does” as Forrest Gump would say and I lead the family onto the bus, which pulls out with about 25 of us moments later.  Then, as soon as we are on the road, “Port Security Imposter” lady starts to sell her tour package.  Okay, fine, I can not buy it, just drop me off at Doctor’s Cave Beach, but, no.  If we stay on the bus, that beach is a cursory stop and it is last.  First up, shopping an some other stops I never even heard of.  People were getting upset, me included.

Finally, the bus stops, but not at the beach.  At Margaritaville and we were told that if we were not taking the tour, this was our stop to get off.  If we wanted to go to the beach we had to take the tour.  She also stood in front of the door and was nor to happy that we were getting off and that I let others know the beach was only a bit more than a ¼ up the road.  Bottom line – we were lied to.  Thankfully I have been to Jamaica before and knew my way around this area and that we are all healthy and capable of walking.  Otherwise, they count on you being fearful of going on your own.