CatieM80

Hooray!!! 🎉🍾🛳️ I’ll be on this cruise as well, but with my husband and 2 young kids, so I’m excited to live vicariously through all your relaxation and delicious adult beverages that I won’t be having! 🤣 Still going to be a blast though!! We were on Celebration back in September and we loved her! Very excited to be back aboard and ring in 2024 on her! Hope you guys have an amazing time!! T-minus 3 days… 

23 minutes ago, ObstructedView2 said:

 

Hi @CatieM80🙂

 

Would you recognize the singer if you saw a photo of her?

I'll drop a picture below. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

💃

Yes that’s her! Thank you so much! I’m so glad I can give her a shoutout by name now in my survey! 

8 hours ago, Pellaz said:

If nothing else, you could contact John Heald and ask.  Not only would he be able to get the answer, but it's also likely that more good vibes would flow her way.  🙂  

Thanks! That idea didn’t even cross my mind. I’ll give it a shot. Is the best way via his Facebook?

14 minutes ago, wardwhitty said:

We were on the 9/17 Celebration cruise and I completely agree.  She was by far the best female entertainer I have seen on any cruise ship. She is amazing.  I don't know her name but did mention her in my Carnival Survey.  Hopefully it gets back to her.

I plan to mention her in my survey too! I feel like she has some amazing opportunities in her future with that voice! 

Does anyone know the name of the lead female singer for the shows in Center Stage? Just got off Celebration, and while this was overall among the most talented group of performers I have seen on Carnival, she was a total stand out. When she sang, Never Enough from Greatest Showman…y’all…I had tears in my eyes!! This does not typically happen to me during a cruise ship show lol! I feel like they said her name is Alaina? Or something close to that. But I wasn’t able to find any kind of public profile for her. I was just curious if she had one, because I would love to hear more of her singing if she has any out there!! We will be back on Celebration for the New Year cruise, and I’m really hoping most of this cast is still there because they were just outstanding in every way!! 

21 minutes ago, LatinaInTexas said:

This was the kicker it was a spa cabin on Deck 5 forward, a short walk to the spa. When I called to book I brought up I liked quiet, not connecting rooms and not near elevators and the rep was gushing about how these cabins are almost guaranteed to be the calmest and quietest cabins lol.

Wow!! I’m sorry you had that experience when you specifically requested a more quiet area. I guess even generally quiet areas aren’t quiet when your neighbors are rowdy. 😒

On 9/13/2023 at 7:40 PM, LatinaInTexas said:

I was also on this sailing. It had been a year and a half since I had cruised Carnival, had tried MSC and NCL.

I was really curious if I would still love Carnival because I loved my cruises on the other lines.

This would be the second biggest ship I have been on and from past experience I already knew I like big and new ships so I was excited.

I only have one complaint about this sailing but it's not any of the issues you experienced.

We had no issues with boarding, getting off, elevators, rowdy or rude people, wait times or bad service at food venues,  boring shows or limited comedy or getting back on ship at ports.

Pretty much loved everything about this cruise. I loved Chibang, had dinner there 3 times so I could try most of the menu. This sailing was an improvement over other Carnival sailings where I observed and experienced minor issues.

I just filled out my survey and honestly almost every question got either a 9 or 10.

Now the one issue I did have was a big one to me. My cabin/location was the noisiest EVER! I'm talking a whole hallway full of door slammers with the worse being out neighbors on both sides 24/7. It never stopped. I'm going to guess we heard at least 12-15 door slams per day and we aren't even in our cabin a lot.

Sometimes a door would slam so hard it felt like the room shook. Add to that so much bumping, knocking, thumping noises, running around sounds from above. At night while laying in bed I could hear the toilet flush from both sides lol.

Never, ever have I experienced anything like this, it was insane. Especially since on MSC and NCL I could count on one hand the number of door slams I heard. And our MSC cruise was 9 nights.

 

That is insane about all the noise in your room! I’m glad your overall experience was good though. What was your cabin number (or general location) if you don’t mind sharing that? 

10 minutes ago, hard_eight said:

Also available on the Excel Class, it's basically brunch in a glass. 

Nice! I love over the top bloody Mary’s! It cracks me up when the go way way over the top like a whole roast chicken lol! 

11 hours ago, Lee Cruiser said:

We just got off Celebration and to be honest, a lot of the shows weren't that great.  We had high expectations after watching the Center Stage shows on Mardi Gras.  After waiting over an hour for good seats at the Most Magnificent Circus show, we were about put to sleep for the first 20 minutes of the show. It got a little better, but not a whole lot.  I guess the first 20 minutes just tainted it.  They could have left the first part off and it would have been a better show.

Oh that’s disappointing to hear. That’s the one I am most excited about on our upcoming Celebration cruise. I didn’t really love any of the production shows in Center Stage on Mardi Gras, just because we didn’t get there early enough and got crummy seats.

Another vote for Cucumber Sunrise. It’s just sweet enough, but not too sweet. Light and refreshing. And it’s a pretty light pink color lol. Also really enjoyed the 40 Is The New 20 from Alchemy. It was a little sweeter, but also nicely tart and a bit stronger too to balance the sweetness. I’ll be on Celebration in 2 weeks and I’m excited to try some of the signature cocktails at the new venues! 

1 hour ago, marci4tony said:

Thank you.  We are on her in November, trying to decide which night to do teppanyaki.  Ours is only a 7 night though.  

Let us know what you think when you get back!  🙂

Will do! Ours is a 7 night as well. I think this menu applies to 7 and 8 nighters, with the only difference being the 2nd elegant night is shifted to night 7. The one I’m the least excited about is Night 2 (the first elegant night). But my daughter is obsessed with the strawberry soup…and that’s when it’s served. Either way, I’m sure I won’t starve that night. 🤣

Woo-hoo! Just time for my Celebration cruise next month! I see the final versions have been released as well.

https://profcruise.com/carnivals-new-dinner-menus/

I too find this very curious! Also you’d think they would have announced the next round of ships for it to go live on by now.

27 minutes ago, LaRue1975 said:

6279 is a premium balcony, it will be more expensive but is a much bigger cabin and perfect for a family. It is about the size of an Ocean Suite but has a standard bathroom so can’t classified as a suite. It does have a large extended balcony. We have 7301, a premium balcony on the 14 day Miracle to Alaska from along Beach in a couple of weeks, really looking forward to it! 6279 is the same layout but I am not sure if it has the top bunk that drops out of the ceiling. The Miracle is a sister ship to Spirit so the cabins are the same. 
 

 

Very nice!! I am kind of torn on the premium or super extended balcony. Now my husband has thrown another wrench into it. When I excitedly told him we could put a deposit on Alaska for summer 2025, he said, “I thought we wanted to do Europe in summer 2025.” 🤦🏻‍♀️ I think he’s trying to delay me booking any more cruises because he knows Europe won’t be released for a while! Haha!
 

Have a fantastic time on Miracle!! We will be on her for a New Year Panama Canal December 2024! 

2 hours ago, n6uqqq said:

If you are booking this far out try to snag room 6232 on the Spirit. You won't regret it! Triple length extended balcony and close to elevators(but you won't hear them). 

Ohhh that looks awesome! I have one cruise on a courtesy hold right now that is room 6279. I’m wondering if it’s the same category? Off to do some investigating! 

1 hour ago, csm5986142 said:

 

We have been on both Spirit and Luminosa and I like both ships equally (well maybe Spirit slightly better but that's probably just personal memories/perspectives).

 

I recently posted some info during our Luminosa to Alaska earlier this month (link below):

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2955346-carnival-luminosa-out-of-seattle-aug-3rd/#comment-65858332

 

Thanks! Will check out your post for sure. I’m leaving toward Spirit too, since we were on it for our honeymoon but haven’t been back since. It would be 16 years later at that point!! 😳

4 hours ago, Buffalobills said:

I was on the Spirit in late June for a 7 day cruise. I personally liked the ship  food and service. We had an inside room which was fine we were there to sleep. I was on top deck all week with my binoculars admiring the beautiful scenery. 
I didn’t think it would be that cold in late June and it was. My son who loves cooler weather was cold. 
I’m planning another trip to Alaska but it will be in August and not on Carnival. I loved the ports but not enough time in each port . I would go to another cruise line for basically the same itinerary but at least 8 or more hours in each port. I wanted to see so much but time was so limited. 


 

Yeah I’m seeing some pretty short times in port. 😓 Which would actually be idea for my kids now, but two years older I’m thinking they will be able to handle a little more time in port. 

5 hours ago, dan4182 said:

We took a Princess Cruise Tour in Late June, early July in 2022. The weather was ideal, rain only one night.

 

The cruise into Glacier Bay was one of the highlights of the trip. A Park Ranger came on board and offered a full day narration of what we were seeing and the history of the area.

 

 

That sounds (and looks) amazing!!

5 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

Alaska is a great cruise, especially for kids and nature lovers. 

There is an excursion in Ketchikan (usually the wettest port) that is a lot of fun if your kids like a little adventure. It's an ATV trip on abandoned logging trails with a short walk to a waterfall at the turnaround point. You drive the ATV caravan style, so you have a guide but you are driving. Since this is more fun the muddier the trails, if it's raining 🌧 the day you're there, no problem!

They provide mud gear and helmets, you just bring gloves. There's a very sweet dog that hangs out at base camp and rides with one of the drivers, so you may have him on your trip.

We do this every year and it has not disappointed. Your kids can't drive, but they'll have great views. There are a few 4 person ATVs so y'all can stay together or you can get 2 2-person ATVs - just let them know  when you get to the site which you prefer.

If your itinerary includes Sitka, I highly recommend the Fortress of the Bears.

Juneau has a tram (Mt Roberts Tramway) to the top of the mountain that is worth the ride. The views are awesome, there are trails up top you can hike, and your ticket is unlimited rides, so you can go before and after other excursions. 

As for cabin location, we prefer true aft with wake views as we've seen incredible wildlife sightings from our deck.

If you find room for a stow away, I'm available!! Safe travels  - enjoy your cruise!

Thank you!! This is great info. We’ve done the more popular excursions before, so these sound really cool. I would love to snag one of those true aft wake view cabins but man do they go fast!! 

Hi! I was super excited to see Carnival already has their Alaska cruises open for 2025! I am looking at booking an Alaska cruise in summer 2025 for myself, my husband, and our 2 kids (will be 7 and 12 at that time). I’m open to any time in June or July, and the first half of August (before school starts). I was hoping for some guidance on the following:

- Any recs on Spirit vs. Luminosa? My husband and I were on Spirit in 2009 for our honeymoon. It was my first cruise - a 9 day Hawaiian! 
- Any recs on what month is best? I’ve been to Alaska twice, but both times were at the very end of the season in late September. We are pretty open to any kind of excursions, and have no mobility issues (as of now, hopefully will be able to say the same in 2 years)! 
- I for sure want to get a balcony cabin, but any recs on location? We have been lucky to not experience sea sickness (knocking on wood!), so I’m not really too worried about motion, more so thinking about views and general comfort. Would closer to aft have better views? Any decks that are better or worse than others? All of these cruises are round-trip from Seattle, so I’m thinking the side of the ship would not matter? But please let me know if that is not correct. 
- I am seeing some Premium Balcony options on some sailings, but they are right by the elevators, so I’m a bit concerned about noise. Has anyone ever been in one of those, and if so, what did you think?

- Finally, of course we cannot predict price changes. But based on experience and expertise, would you recommend booking as early as possible, or wait until Black Friday or Wave Season deals start rolling in? 

I know that is a lot of questions!! Any and all thoughts or tips are appreciated! 

39 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

Just so I understand  - are you saying the cabin steward didn't clean the cabin well enough before you got on (the smell was left from the previous passenger, right) or is was coming through from the cabin next door so current neighbor was smoking?

We assumed it was from the previous passengers. It seemed very concentrated in the closet. But also, there were people smoking weed the whole cruise, so the smell was pretty constant. 

6 hours ago, Falling_down said:

I haven't cruised with Carnival in over 11 years until this past weekend. I was excited to go though. I took my son (who was turning 22), my daughter (14) and hubby. I figured the Carnival I remember would be more fun for my son than RC (who we normally cruise with). I can honestly say, it was the WORST cruise I have ever been on in terms of rudeness and rampant drug use. No matter where I went on the ship (inside and out) all I could smell was weed. We were waiting for a venue to open in the main atrium and I could see puffs of smoke coming up from the decks below and the so-called security just standing around watching. It was like Woodstock 2023 lol. The attitude of some of the passengers was just as bad. Between the arguing, yelling, and people literally knocking others out of the way to get to things (like elevators, tables, or chairs) it felt like nonstop chaos.

 

We have been on 15+ short cruises with other lines out of both Tampa and Port Canaveral and never encountered what we did this weekend. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to say this seems like a Carnival issue that they really need to get under control. The dogs and extra security are clearly not working which is sad because Carnival was the first cruise line I've ever sailed with and they do get a lot of other things right (comedy shows, food, room layouts, etc).

My husband and I did our first (and last) 4-day cruise on the Freedom last month. It was so chaotic and such a different vibe than any of our previous 5 cruises on Freedom (all 7 days). And yeah the weed smoking was constant. Our room reeked. We had a balcony cabin, but I am pretty sure someone literally hot boxed the closet because that’s where the smell was the strongest. It was nuts! Just so glad we didn’t have the kids with us. 

3 hours ago, taglovestocruise said:

Something no one has mentioned.  The first few weeks/months of sailings will be filled with youtubers, tic tockers, Vlogers, and a swarm of kids. Add to that a new ship with a crew that has not worked together as a team, and a ship with highest guest capacity ever. Read a blog a few weeks ago stating Icon will be the first ship to sail at 135% capacity. First few months sounds like a s... show, but have fun.

This is such an excellent point. As much as I enjoy their content, I think a ship full of all of those content creators would feel very…extra. Another vote to take the Oasis deal and rebook Icon down the line! 

24 minutes ago, MD_Dan said:

OK, I need to ask a followup question.  It looks like the standard oceanview balcony has a chair.  Do other rooms come with a lounger on the balcony?  If I had a lounger, I wouldn't be considering a hammock!

I think some do, depending on the category and/or layout. There’s a video of 11162 on Allure, which is an Ultra Spacious Oceanview with Large Balcony. It appears to have a lounger. If you know your cabin number, check to see if there are any videos or pictures of it posted online. With a little digging, I bet you will get the info you’re looking for! Either way - enjoy your balcony and your cruise on Allure!!

On 7/30/2023 at 8:14 PM, akcruz said:

Not what the OP asked originally but I will agree with the others we use our balcony a lot.  Mornings for early breakfast and getting ready for the day, during the afternoon with a cocktail and book, evenings while getting ready for dinner, and late night to watch the stars.  The more obnoxious people get around the pool and other areas the more I appreciate a quiet area where I can go.  

I’m with you! When I find myself starting to feel overwhelmed by the crowds of a full sailing on sea days, it’s so nice to have a place to go where you know you can be alone for a bit but still enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and sea views.