Lipz

6 hours ago, Princessstx said:

Hello, 

Can I get this tempalate please? shey-89@hotmail.com

Wow! This post still exists.

The template I created is very plain compared to what people do now, ours wedding was in 2011.
I've attached the document.

Welcome_Letter_July2011.doc

Thank you so much for taking us all on your journey with you, giving us tips and especially for sharing your photos.

16 hours ago, Djacksonterp said:

 

Hey the "My Time Dining" option isn't that bad. I was just on Mardi Gras in April. They actually have you check-in for dinner for any restaurant using the app and it will tell you when your take is ready. You do not have to go down to the restaurant and wait in line and instead you can lounge around in your room, bar, or wherever and then head down when it says your table is ready. It's an amazing system that they use on Carnival for My Time Dining and very user friendly.  

Now that sounds good, not having to wait around in a line. Since this ship seems to have so many food options to try 'my time dining' might be the better option since we probably wouldn't be in the MDR consistently any way. 

2 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:

Since you are early set time dining people, need to give you a head's up.  Chibang and Cucina del Capitano are park of the MDR as an extension on the Mardi Gras.  If you have any time dining, you can go to either of those venues whenever you want.  But, if you have set dining, you can't go there until 745, which of course is much later than you wish to eat.  

Well that's sucky. Thanks for the heads up. We would probably just eat lighter in the MDR on the days we want to try those, or have a late lunch & skip the MDR all together. Since it's vacation we don't mind eating later from time to time. 

20 hours ago, BennyBrun said:

It’s really not that far if you take the stairs by the water slide.  You go up and come right down and you are there.  It’s a smaller beach area has that Bora Bora feel to it.  Much less crowded after 12PM.  I think the Cabanas here goes really fast!

Oh that's good to know. Maybe we will set up shop in Columbus and just walk over to Adrenaline for a bit. No worries. We can't afford to live that cabana life lol.

20 hours ago, BennyBrun said:

Food was amazing … service was mixed.  Brunch was the worst and Cucina food was good but service was rough.  I recommend doing set time dinning for dinner and mix it up with Chinese / Mexican place and Cucina.  Any time dinning was very bad with service!  They sweet overwhelmed 

Love these tips. Thank you so much. Since we don't sail her until August 2023, hopefully all those kinds of kinks will be worked out. We're old school and love the set time dining. We tried late dining once but didn't like it, so it's always the early dining for us. We also enjoy trying the new specialty dining and if the ship has a steak house we go at least once.

4 hours ago, BennyBrun said:

I can’t decide if I like Nellies’ beach better or Columbus Beach

I was just about to ask......

We've only been to Columbus and since we like it, I am on the fence about trying Nellies even though I do want to see how it is.  

On 5/17/2022 at 8:56 PM, BennyBrun said:

You will like the Mardi Gras … it’s so different and the self service food options are amazing!  You should have tried the Celebration… sister to Mardi Gras coming out in November!  I can’t wait for my holiday Celebration cruise!

We actually haven't cruised with Carnival since 2017, and that was on the updated Sunshine. Prior to that we did sail both Carnival Breeze when it was fairly new, and Vista the year it came out. We love trying the mega ships so I have high hopes for the Mardi Gras although it seems like there are mixed reviews. The new food choices look AMAZING though! 😋

9 hours ago, BennyBrun said:

I will always have a special place in my heart for Mardi Gras

We are booked on Mardi Gras for August 2023! I am so excited.

We actually were booked for this August but decided to rebook for next year, and book Adventure instead. Since we just flew to cruise last month we didn't want to fly again so soon, plus even on an older ship 9 days of vacation is just yummier lol.

6 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

Marigot is a really nice area.   And a nice scenic ride to get there too!     

https://www.st-maarten.com/index.php/island/dual-nation-sint-maarten/marigot-st-martin

There is usually an open market right near the water that offers some nice souvenirs.     I bought wood carved place mats there 5 or 6 years ago and bring them out every summer to enjoy.   

I, too, highly recommend checking out this area.    

Thank you for the link. It had me at 'quaint', and I love me some waterfront dining! My other half also loves to shop, so that part may be a draw for her.

21 hours ago, BennyBrun said:

It’s a nice town on the French side.  Lots of market to browse through, tasty pastries very scenic.  I would google it to see if that’s your cup of tea.  I really enjoy it.  I have already done all the snorkeling/ seeing the iguanas/ all the beach areas so now it’s just mostly strolling around different parts of town and occasionally going to Maho beach to visit.

We took a tour years ago in St. Maarten and now I'm wondering if I've been there before, even if for a bit. I believe we've been to two beaches in the 3x we've gone there, and we also did the iguanas. The water was so much fun at Maho when we went, the whole airplane thing was strange to me but I had a good time. Still not sure what to do this time, but thanks for the insight. An emptier ship also may be an option on this day....

3 hours ago, BennyBrun said:

if you want to Margot (highly recommended) taxi ride is about $15-$20 for two people

Please shed a little light on 'Margot' (highly recommended)...

8 hours ago, BennyBrun said:

Day 5 Pool Deck … so empty!

We've been to St. Maarten 3x already. Finally getting a lounger by the pool, might be a good option this upcoming 4th visit!

12 hours ago, BennyBrun said:

Drinks are not included but you can use your coupon / voucher.  Pre dinner snack is served from 5PM to 8PM and they use the Blue Moon as an overflow area.  It is a nice area to sit and chat with people and it is across from the suite lounge.  Only one set of elevator in the back of the ship takes you all the way up to 14 otherwise you have to walk across from 12 to the back and then take the elevator up!

We actually sailed AOS back in 2021 when cruises started back up in the Bahamas, so I can kind of picture where the Diamond Lounge might be. We went up to the Blue Moon twice as I think that's where they had the silent disco. Not sure how much I'd enjoy eating snacks at 5pm because we have the early dining time, but I am willing to try! lol

21 hours ago, VernRDH said:

Diamond lounge opens for happy hour at 4:30/5pm daily. They serve appetizers/little bites and there are a few waiters coming around to get you drinks. No reserving a spot, just drop in. They count any drinks you order towards your 4 daily vouchers. We like to go and meet new people. This August when we go unfortunately we are going to have to skip DL as we are traveling with DD and FIL who are emerald and gold, so in the interest of family harmony we will not abandon them. I might try to slip in once or twice for certain noshies, plus chocolate covered strawberries never go amiss 😁

That sounds pretty good, especially for a first time experience. I'm not sure if we would utilize it every day but I am looking forward to checking it out this upcoming August. I will certainly be looking for those chocolate covered strawberries! 🍫🍓 🍫🍓

4 hours ago, BennyBrun said:

Day 4

 

Diamond Lounge Offerings 

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us, loving the read and photos. We will be sailing her this August and as a first time Diamond cruiser. How do these 'offerings' work? Is this pre dinner & daily? Do you have to reserve a spot? Are drinks included? Would love a little intel lol. 

5 hours ago, Veroboo said:

would it be alright if I had a copy too please? walonika22@gmail.com thank you!!

 

Check your email. 

5 hours ago, thjeepster said:

Thank you so much!!

 

I love the layout!

 

Did you get married on the ship or was it elsewhere?

 

Your welcome, and thank you. I don't even remember how I came across that particular idea to lay it out that way, but the guest said it was easy to read & comprehend. Remember though, this was back in 2011 before the days of reading most things on a cell phone screen so now in 2019 it may be a bit to wordy lol. 

As for the wedding we were married on the Norwegian Jewel in our home port of New York City on boarding day. We did it that way so that our families could attend because we knew that most would not sail. We had about 55 guest and I believe 12 people did sail and party with us that entire week. I actually did a wedding review here on Cruise Critic when we got back. Here's the link if you want to check it out.

2 hours ago, thjeepster said:

For the template my email address is: naples164@yahoo.com

 

tjank you so much!!!!!

Sent. Check your email. 

21 hours ago, thjeepster said:

How do you get the templates for these?

What is your email address?

I can send you the one I made.

On 6/10/2019 at 11:36 AM, k.schriv said:

I love all of these and would like the template also. K.schriv@gmail.com

Check your email.

16 hours ago, wilsont108 said:

I'd also love a copy please...

 

Thomasewilson@hotmail.co.uk

 

Thanks! 😀

Check your email...

On 11/20/2018 at 8:53 AM, dst said:

LIPZ - Would you mind sending the template - our daughter is getting married on the Panorama - debimthomas@msn.com

THANKS

Sure thing.

You've got mail!

9 hours ago, jdaley90 said:

 

If you're still sharing the template, I'd also love a copy... getting married at sea aborard of the liberty of the seas on 2/18/19! jennifer.t.daley@gmail.com

No problem. Check your email!

I am a mature bride (55yr) but I would love a template of the welcome letter too. dollivers@hotmail.com and any other help that anyone can give me. I am like a fish out of water.

You've got it!