applegam

Thank you everyone for the suggestions.  We will be on the Carnival Celebration, which launches later this year.  PP sounds great! Yes, we will be in Havensight (WICO).

Hello everyone.  We will be doing a snorkel excursion with Fury Charters.  This is our 3rd trip with them, they are the BEST to see sea turtles.   It's a morning snorkel, back around noon.  The boat does not leave until 5:00 PM.  Any close by options to take so we just waste time back on the ship when we are done?  

Hello all.  Just got back from the Magic.  Not going to due a full review as there are already so many out there.  Just pointing out a couple of things to share.

Embarkation.  So, this is our 5th cruise with Carnival, and our first in the last few years.  It's probably noted somewhere on here, but there is a change here.  We got there on time, go through security, and this time they take pics of the kids right at the main security entrance.  After that, they put a check on our boarding pass, and move to the x-rays.  Then, we make our way to the holding area, that we just wait with our assigned boarding number.  Here is where I was a little confused.  We use to have to go through that long line to get to the counter with like 45 agents waiting to check you in, and give you your S&S card.  Nope.  Now days, you just go to your cabin after the doors open at 1:30.  At that point they put your S&S card in your outside mailbox.  Not sure I'm really a fan of that.  What's stopping someone from just taking it and going into your room?  Anyway, just my 2 cents on that. 

The boat.  We have cruised in room 2258 2 times on the Breeze so no real surprises here.  Picked 2258 again on the Magic.  We like the location just down from the main lobby.  We enjoy this class of ship.  It's just right for us.  On a couple of excursions not with Carnival, we noticed several passengers from the other Mega Ships that were in port that were not happy at all.  Apparently you need to make reservations even just for the after dinner shows?  No thank you. 

We turned Gold on our last cruise.  Seemed like every day they were brining us some kind of treat such as a fruit plate, candies, Strawberries and such.  We didn't receive anything like that this time, just the standard things that come with Gold.  I'm not complaining, just pointing that out.  Was not sure that would last or not.  :-)

Food.  Again, not much changed here.  There was one new restaurant we tried, the Sea Food Shack.  I actually had really high hopes for this.  Lobster Rolls are not something you can get in my area.  I'll be honest, they were just OK.  Lots of Mayo to make up for little lobster.  They were OK, but would not order them again.  My daughter got the fish and chips for $8.  Again, OK but nothing to write home about. 

Debarkation.  Holy cow did this take FOREVER.  We had a late flight out of FFL so I figured we would do a day-stay at a FFL hotel.  So, we left our baggage out that night and I took luggage zone 29.  I figured we could make it off the ship around 9 to 10ish?  My mistake there.  We did not get off the boat to 11:15.   I wont make that mistake again. 

CD - MarQ.  I did like him.  Lots of energy, very friendly.  Would be happy to sail with him again. 

Over all - very happy again with Carnival.   We really enjoy the ports more than the boat.  Seriously thinking about taking the carnival fascination next year out of San Juan.  The itinerary for that is really hard to beat. 

Stay in the cove balcony!  Have been in 2258 two times on the Breeze, and in a cove next week on the Magic.  It's so nice being that close to the water. 

We have been in room 2258 2 times on the Breeze and am booked in 2258 on the Magic in 30 days.  Love the cove balcony.  I'd take these over the normal ones any day of the week.  Depending on where you doc - it's fun watching the drunks running to make it back to the ship before it leaves!  :-)

Thanks for sharing! 

6 hours ago, mvaughn11 said:

My advice would be to make your selection based on itinerary. Unless their is one particular ship you just have to go on... 

Could not agree more.  For what it's worth, big fan of the cove balcony's on the Breeze and Magic. Have been on both and love it. 

I love the cove balcony!  Have been in 2258 twice on the Breeze and booked the same room on the Magic in March.  I'd prefer it to a normal balcony any day of the week.  On some ports, depending on what side the ship docs - it's always fun watching the last few drunk people run and try to board on time!

Have been in room 2258 literally 3 times. Would much rather have a cove balcony then a regular balcony. Also don’t have to worry about someone under you smoking.

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Wow, great review! Cant wait till next March to sail.

Following!

Aruba. All we saw was desert. No bathrooms the entire trip. Awful.

You should have done De Palm island on Aruba - one of our best ever.

Also a big fan of SAS, Great communication.

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Great review!

Been looking at different reviews to see if we want to do the Escape next - one of the best reviews I've seen in a while!

Love the Cove balcony - have sailed the Breeze 2 times and loved 2258 so much we picked the same room for the second cruise!

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I recall a few threads back someone mentioning new shops were being put on the Breeze. Any updates on this? For example, what shops are there now? Do they still have the Invicta watch sale (my fav)? Are the better deals/products? Thanks all...

 

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So, was on the Breeze just a few weeks ago. Of course on the second to last day they announce a blow out sale of Invicta watches. I wasn't really in the market but thought I would look. So, found one I really liked. Price tag had $335 and it was "marked down" to $149. Decided to get it. Got home, and went online to see if I really did get a deal or not. The IDENTICAL model number is available on Amazon for $89. Live and learn......

Why is Galveston different than other ports? Have cruised several times out of Miami and our orders have been waiting for us when we boarded the ship.

On the Breeze last week of March. Extremely friendly and working their tails off, but I really feel they are under-staffed. I don't think a single dinner lasted under an hour and a half.

Thanks everyone for the info!

Have been checking the threads out there, but not yet able to find an answer to this. On the dress code from the NCL web site it states:

Since your suitcases are collected the night before we return home, don’t forget an overnight bag for prescriptions and need-to-have items.

On carnival, you have the option to do a self assist with your luggage. Do we have the same option on NCL. Have booked the Getaway for next spring. Ready for a change. Cannot wait!!!!

Was happy to find this thread. After turning Gold on Carnival, we are trying something new next year. Really looking forward to the freestyle dining.

A bottle of Crown each time. :)

I usually stay at the Holiday Inn Port of Miami and pay $69-$89

Was at this hotel 2 weeks ago. My rate for a Friday night was $329 for 1 night. Wow....

So, about 4 or 5 days ago I posted a review of the Robinson Speed bout tour. In a nut-shell due to conditions it was cancelled. It was a 3 or 4 paragraph review that has been removed now. Again, this was a fully positive review for them for their decisions and their re-imbursement policy. Why would Cruise Critic delete?