LaFrimaire

We have a June cruise out of Rome so final payment due soon. Hoping the worst of the virus runs its course but my main concern is not being allowed in ports, quarantine, or trouble getting back to US. If we make final payment, not sure if trip insurance will cover a cancellation. Assume we’ll get a full refund if cruise line cancels. Can we move the booking elsewhere, e.g Caribbean, if cancel Italy?


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I've been out of touch past few days but asked question about refunds.  If they deny you due to temp then they need to refund you.  No way they know real reason for high temp.
 
If that is how they are operating you are going to see people bail before final payment.

Like the renderings of the outdoor spaces, though they need more pool, hot tubs, water features. Some of the interior spaces are just ok, but colors are weird like the celadon green of the test kitchen, which looks like sea sickness and unflattering to every skin tone. The night club looks like a set piece from Hotel Transylvania. I’m still at the family travel stage in life so won’t be on their ships anytime soon. However the Edge looks intriguing and can take the family.

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They don’t allow kids but think that one kiddie pool is adequate for all those grown people? Maybe they should have had maybe one of their design teams have cruise experience. Who wants to bake in the sun all day with hardly any water features on board, not even a waterfall, to cool off? Perplexing when so much thought put into the renderings.

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We went in the Miracle for Spring break 2 years ago with our then 4 and 7 year old out of Long Beach. It was too cold to use the pools and the one water slide was closed, and no outdoor movies. They did like the kids club and kids activities, especially the Dr. Seuss parade, breakfast and story time. Also the Mexican riviera itinerary made up for lack of kid amenities on ship. That said, when we did Vista last year the water park and activities was so great and they lived it. Would definitely recommend the bigger ship with more amenities for kids. As an adult, loved the layout of the Miracle, but go with the Magic. I really want to try that ship.

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I'm curious about an Oasis size ship but not sure want to deal with the crowds or the cost. As some others noted, if Carnival did one, hope they update some of their design layouts, like the smoky casinos in middle of ship or how the galley impedes traffic flow in done dress. Liked the size of the Vista and s lot of new features,but some of the spaces were a bit weird. Like the Alchemy bar and main theater. Thought I'd never say this but the new interior design is almost too tasteful and bland, missing some of that old Carnival over-the- top-ness. A bigger ship would be cool but doesn't need to be Oasis size.

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On Vista we had the lobster rolls and crab cake sliders. Both were delicious, especially lobster roll. They give you two of each with fries so it is very generous for what you pay. A nice little splurge.

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Just off the Vista and really enjoyed the MDR food. One night they had sirloin cut instead of flat iron and it was really good (medium rare). Prime rib was available at no upcharge as well. You can get steak at Sea Day brunch but never had it. Overall pleased with food and options on this trip.

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I'd do the 5 night with 2 extra days with space center. Having 2 cabins with full bathrooms is so much better for space and privacy. If it's their 1st cruise 5 days isn't too bad with plenty to do. Could not do 4 in a cabin, especially with older kids.

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Interesting discussion. Some innovations I really don't get, like ice skating rinks or snow rooms on Caribbean cruises. Why would you want cold when cruising for heat. Also, if there are inside promenades but not promenade deck with ocean views, seems a bit redundant for a cruise. Not everyone wants a throw everything in floating resort with 4000+ people. Innovation is more than amusements. Things on other lines that do appeal are the included beverage or dining packages. However, some innovations like constant nickel and diming, reservations for everything, even YTD, or pay-for adult only areas not remotely interested in. Each line has their own unique product and style, which makes travel more interesting.

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It's a real treat and worth the $5/ person. Lot of familiar brunch dishes as well as a few wacky things like green eggs and ham and colorful waffles. Both kids and I had a blast and we loved taking pix with the characters. Really fun and will do it again on next cruise.

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Won't the cruise line match the price if you can show you could get excursion cheaper ? We booked a CCL excursion in Puerto Vallarta and the price was the same for non- cruise guests. FYI I've could only get it through cruise since date and time was specific to itinerary.

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Will they ever get rid of those old Fantasy ships? They look so outdated and too many of them.

Some of the comments to the OP are a bit harsh. Overall think she enjoyed the cruise and relaxed with the vibe after a couple of days. Maybe it's not her usual style but she liked it overall. Would like to try something with no formal nights or set dining, but seems like OP missed the dress up aspect, and the passengers. Thinking of trying NCL ( mostly CCL so far) so good to hear the good and the meh.

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How old are the kids? Mine were 11 and 9 when we first went and they actually preferred Celebrity. They said the kids were more well behaved than on Carnival. Honest to God truth. Their words, not mine. My nieces were even younger.

They're only 5 and 8 so think they still need things like Dr. Seuss and water parks and more of a kid/family focus. They can't wait for their Vista cruise this summer. Good to know that kids can have fun on Celebrity, especially once they get to tween/ teen years.

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Would like to try Msc Seaside, and Celebrity if kids were older.

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I'd like to try Princess for Alaska. Would like to try NCL or MSC Splendida because it looks so different.

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I recommend YTD with kids that way you have flexibility. Most nights we'd feed kids from the buffet, then take them to kids club and have later dinner on our own in MDR. When we ate with them, getting to dining room before 7 worked out or you have bored , tired kids.

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My very first cruise was on Royal years ago and enjoyed bit, but for some reason just not feeling their vibe. The new ships are almost way too big and seems like you need a reservation for everything from shows to open dining. Our next cruise is on the Vista, which will be the biggest ship I'll ever be on. More curious about Princess, MSC or NCL. Not saying never to Royal since hear good things about it but things like price and itinerary need to line up.

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We were in 7108 and 7106. We had to call our PVP to get it and got the last one. The great thing about it is the price of the interior is lower than the balcony so there is a bit of savings. Also so great having the extra storage and bathroom. I liked the fact that there was only one balcony since our kids were only 4 and 7. You will feel the ship motion that far forward but got used to it but take precautions if you get sea sick. Wish more ships had that layout.

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On the Miracle, we had a balcony cabin that connected to an inside cabin, which was perfect for us and 2 kids. These cabins are very far forward on decks 5,6,7 and unique to this class of ship.

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My very 1st cruise and only one on RCI was on the Viking Seranade out of Long Beach years ago. Would like to try Royal again if they went out of LA, since can drive to the port. Just did a sailing on CCL Miracle during spring break from there.

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A port day is a good time to book the spa and get a discount. More space at pools and hot tubs. Side note if you want something close to port in Nassau, check out Cafe Matisse for a really nice lunch. Beautiful garden setting in walking distance but a bit of a splurge. Also The National Art Gallery is another mellow thing to do, and the Rum Cake factory on Bay Street has the best rum cakes. Both are a short can ride away or 15-20 minute walk.

Is this also because of the extra charge seafood shack like on the Vista?

It's interesting how people go on about the table cloths. My last cruise just switched to American table and was worried because of the negative feedback. Surprisingly did not miss the table cloths and the food was better and more varied than expected. I live in a seriously foodie town and none of the high demand top restaurants use table cloths. These are places with Michelin stars that get James Beard awards with 60 day wait lists. Yes there are top notch white table cloth restaurants and that is a unique and excellent experience too, with the price to match ($65 steaks, $160 tasting menus). I think the MDR less formal atmosphere is more relaxed, you can still dress nice and service is still good. A line like CCL has to cater to more varied styles and elegant night is always fun. Although I'm personally not too into the actual elegant night menu offerings. Also don't feel like you're forced to pay for specialty dining based on limited MDR options, and even those are fairly reasonable compared to other lines.