happy cruzer

So what does every one think of the Martini Bar on this class of ship?  It seemed to be really crowded and loud.  Very hard to find seats and that was our experience during the early opening up after the Covid shutdown.

2 hours ago, Organized Chaos said:

@happy cruzer I was a little thrown off when you mentioned other lines requiring photos. That's why I wasn't sure if you were talking about online check-in. Do other lines require uploading a photo ID during their online check-in?

yes, they do.  I think NCL is one and some others.  RCl did at one time.  But our pictures always had to be retaken so I just do not like that step.

Celebrity might be a good match.  They have the "always included" pricing that you may want.  Their buffet is organized with serving stations that don't tend to have long lines.  Not as many children as the other lines that have things like water slides, etc.

Anyone have any updates on sharing being "enforced"?  It came to mind recently when we went to a very nice french restaurant where it was no issue to share.  We shared one appetizer, then had an entree and another appetizer, and shared a dessert.  We took home food.

Just checking for updates of onboard experiences.  Thanks.

If you checkin date is Aug 27, you can checkin at midnight on Aug 26 eastern time?

What info do you have to have at checkin time?  Some lines require photos?  What does Carnival want?

Thanks.

3 hours ago, gumshoe958 said:

You can use it at any restaurant that’s open. Problem is on port days, you’ll struggle to find one that opens for lunch. 

 

Maybe Johnny Rockets and Sabor after 2 or 3PM, but unlikely to be earlier.

 

Thanks for the info.  Helps when determining the value of the UDP, especially if you stay on the ship in port and knowing the number of sea days.

Is Vintages an option on Harmony?

Thanks.

Can you use the UDP everyday for lunch?  I noticed wording that mentions seadays??

In the past we definitely used it for lunch everyday, in Specialty restaurants that are open on sea days, Sabor, and Johnny Rocketts.

We will be on Harmony, any advice on lunch for the port days when staying on the ship.

Thanks.

In general, Americans like their bacon and their eggs overcooked compared to other countries. 

Can't please all the people all the time 🙂

Anyone use a tervis tumbler to get coffee?  I think that you can get one in Java Blue - what is the offer?  Can it be used in the Havana bar for cuban coffee?

There seems to be another tumbler offered in Blue Iguana but that one may be for alcoholic drinks only?  Alcoholic coffee drinks?

Thanks.

Thanks for the updates.  It is interesting that when Royal dropped the always available items, people were very vocal that they wanted the plain food back.  Now Celebrity seems to have swung to too much plain food.  Also I never get excited looking at a menu on an app, guess I am too old and like the more flowery descriptions on old school menus.

These reports help set expectations.

Did I miss if the apps were good?  The soup and/or the salad?  I would be happy with a good app and just the protein of the main.  Many times the carb served has been not to my liking - mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, boiled potatoes...

Thanks.

#1 - like the ports and the ship looks fun.

Compared to booking a suite on Celebrity, I would definitely go with Seabourn instead.  Smaller ship with great service.  And you do not hear No for anything remotely reasonable.

Booking balcony or less, just go with the line that offers the itinerary you prefer and tailor your trip to what you like.  Those big ships on major lines usually offer a huge variety of options, you don't have to do all of it like I often see people complain that they don't need a rock climbing wall, etc. - Don't go there.  Like good dining then pay for the specialty restaurant; still much more affordable than suites.  It may not be perfect but you can get a very enjoyable cruise on most lines.

And leave the door open for Celebrity, we are booked on one of their Asia cruises.  Love the itinerary and the overnight visits.

Love hearing everyone's take on the changes happening to travel.

Seems like alot of moaning about an event that many did not go to anyway.  Lots of old timers were already saying too crowded, too rude, etc.  Not like the old days....

Carnival has decided to cut back to what appears to be a perk on two ships??  If every one goes to the event on the other ships and leaves good feedback then perhaps that will shape the future.  Otherwise you need to just roll with the changes.  They seem to be testing the waters on their newer ships in many areas.

Anyone take pictures of the new dishes??  Looking at the menus is fun but pictures would be nice.

For those who have the FAS, what do you do for water, non alcoholic drinks, and coffee?  Any advice like club soda for water?  A specialty coffee with no alcohol?  Mocktails?

Love wine but probably will lean toward non-alcoholic drinks the rest of the time.

Thanks.

Yes before retirement lounging was an activity we enjoyed.  Now we like a bit of socialisation and activity.  The sports court sounds fun.

What activities are available for port days on the ship?  Ping pong , shuffleboard, mini golf, pools, hot tubs, exercise classes?  Other things?  What food for lunch?

really looking forward to Bimini but other ports not do much.

thanks

Some cruisers love princes air (lets you price lots of options) and Princess travel protection ( good pricing not dependent on age, covers the entire cruise package, and platinum has cfar).  So the answer imho is it depends.

20 hours ago, happy cruzer said:

The smoking policy changed.  No smoking in any cabins or balcony.

 

more included food options like guys and blue iguana.  Sea day brunch.

Seems like many did not comment on these changes.  But it f the smoking policy had not changed we would it book on Ccl.

The smoking policy changed.  No smoking in any cabins or balcony.

more included food options like guys and blue iguana.  Sea day brunch.

Lamb, pork, pasta,Cornish game hen are not seafood.  Those are there unless you are limiting your choices.

10 minutes ago, staceyglow said:

I have 100+ sea days, and I have never ordered a second entrée, much less a third. If you happen to see me sitting near you in the MDR, let me know - you can have my free second entrée. 😊

That could be a good wok around - having the extra entrees officially going to some one else.  I bet the wait staff could make that happen so they have happy cruisers I. E. tips and good reviews.

38 minutes ago, carib1 said:

I am not a fan of the new menus, there seems to be a lot of fish and seafood. I am allergic, so this really limits my choices.  

Curious about the limitations on the new menus?  What is missing from the old menus?  Asking for a friend likes red wine food 😉

Love the D4 menu with the coffee glazed duck, etc.  Was hoping to see that menu in the 7 day rotation.

Thanks