MSarahM

Awesome review!! I cancelled a Royal Caribbean cruise I had booked so we could go on MG this August instead. Beyond excited! Really appreciate your insight and looking forward to reading more!

I'm about to go on a couple cruises and am debating this as well. Do I wear my stuff?? I have a slightly different perspective because I am a jeweler. We are privy to behind the scenes crime info across the US as it pertains to jewelry. Not to scare anyone, but it's getting ridiculous. I probably will NOT wear my things in major US cities as crime rings are specifically targeting people with "blingy" jewelry -they don't know if it's fake or not, so why subject yourself to a potential violent robbery for cubic zirconia?? They are also looking for Rolexes on wrists. Again, I see tons of counterfeits, and they don't know the difference.  I don't know how things are in the islands, but if it's this bad in the US, I imagine it's similar there. This is not to scare people, just to share what I've been reading in Jewelers Security Alliance reports. Please be aware and make your own decision.

As far as wearing jewelry on the ship, I imagine that's fine. However, PLEASE do NOT leave your pieces out in your cabin though! My mother who assumed nothing bad ever really happens had an entire roll of jewelry- mix of real and "fun" stolen. She brought 4 (!), and thought she must have left one at home. Didn't tell my Dad a thing. He assumed she put it away and didn't say anything when they returned to their cabin after dinner.  When she got home and realized she didn't leave roll #4 at home, she told my Dad what happened. Sure enough, it seems the cabin steward couldn't resist temptation. This was on a Crystal cruise by the way about 4 years ago. 

Thank you everyone for your advice!  I decided to get the package because we are curious about ALL the restaurants on the Mariner!  

Is the cost at $136pp considered good? Any chance on it dropping?

This will be our 1st cruise on RC, so I'm trying to figure out what's "worth it". Is the UDP for a 5 day cruise for hubby and I at $136/pp a good deal?  Our cruise is in August. Should I wait for a sale? Are the restaurants vs. Dining room that much better? Thanks!

We are sailing on the Magic this Saturday, and it's her 1st sailing. Anyone know if cabins will be ready as soon as we board since there was no previous cruise right before ours?

Anyone know if the package is available on other ships, specifically the Magic?

Soo, is this something that's offered on the Magic?  Will be sailing in a couple weeks, and I think I'd love to take advantage of this.  Can we get it from the HUB app?

We are sailing on the Magic Aug 7, and ALL of the excursions are gone!  I booked the cruise when it was the Elation back in May, and there were lots offered.  As soon as it switched over to the Magic, they all went *poof*, even for their private island.  Bummed about the FTTF going away too, but still excited to get on a cruise!

I don't think so. I leave Saturday and noticed that the HUB ap doesn't bring up my documents any more. I think I read somewhere that you have to have the paper boarding pass. Someone else will chime in I'm sure.

2 minutes ago, jbethel11 said:

Lobster in the MDR is only available on 6 night or longer cruises, so yes, you would have to pay $20 for a lobster in the MDR.

Rats! Thanks so much for letting me know!

Is there a "lobster night" on a quickie cruise too? I leave Saturday and come back Thursday morning on the Ecstasy out of Jacksonville.  I was planning on doing the $20 upgrade one night for lobster!

I have 2 teenagers that loved Maya Cay so much, we did the same exact cruise the next summer. Belize was another Carnival excursion to Starfish Island I think for snorkeling.  We had a great time!  Never actually went in port so can't speak to that. Maya Cay in Roatan is hands down our favorite excursion.  Fabulous snorkeling and a small zoo with rescued animals.  Even the lunch was good!  Beautiful pool and "ruins".  

We're sailing on the Ecstasy from Jax on the 14th.  We are planning on parking at the terminal too, and hope they don't have an issue with flooding.  We're supposed to go to Nassau as well as Princess Cay.  Does anyone know how Princess Cay did with the hurricane? 

It sounds like quite a few changes you're making!  Maybe your wife could throw you a bone (or pork chop 😆)! I still think about how delicious a certain pasta dish was at Cucina on the Magic 2 years ago, so I probably would have drawn the line there! It's pretty hard to NOT have a great time on a cruise though. Let us know how it works out and have a great time!

Thanks so much for posting! We are cruising on her 3 weeks from right now, and we can't wait! We've been a little worried due to the mostly negative reviews of the Ecstasy, but you've allayed our fears. Have a great time on your B2B!

I have cruise cash and an OBC when booked. Since I bought the cruise cash, will ALL of that just be a credit in MY folio? What a pain! I assumed it would be for my husband, myself and a tiny bit for our 2 kids . Will I have to be the one to buy everything so as to not have them run up a bill?

Schazzy, we can order TWO starters?? I thought we could only get one. Would 2 starters= 1 starter and the entree? That would be awesome! I'd always rather order another appetizer instead of dessert.

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I'll be sure to not solely rely on the app!

Does anyone have a pic of the new menu?[/quote

 

Sorry, I tried to upload the screenshots of the new menu and couldn't do it. John Heald just posted on his Facebook page yesterday! Check his photos.

It's amazing to me how many people try to convince pro-FTTFers that it's a waste of OUR money! Trust me, I, and probably most everyone else that gets FTTF, has thought it through and determined it's benefits are worth the cost. No need to worry and try to convince us otherwise. If it's coming from a place of chastisement (which most of the replies sound like), perhaps start another thread stating that. I will stay off that thread instead of trying to stir things up by dissenting with your opinion. Not only did I buy it for the cruise we are about to go on, but I bought it for next summer's as well! :D

Thank you all for the recommendations! I think I'll avoid the Wagyu, maybe try the oysters and bone marrow. We are excited to try it and I'll report back.

I'm definitely considering the surf and turf, or the Wagyu. I've never had it before and may take advantage of it being offered. Has anyone just had the lobster?

I tried steak tartar in the MDR last year on the Magic. While I could live on raw fish (sushi), I couldn't get 3 bites of the tartar down! More for you ;D

We will be celebrating our son's 17th birthday on the Magic in a few days and have a reservation at the Steakhouse. Actually, we have 2 reservations, but based on some feedback here, we might cancel the 2nd one. I've never eaten in the Steakhouse so I don't know what I'm missing from the old menu. I actually love seafood and a very occasional steak whereas the rest of my family is the opposite. I'd appreciate any menu recommendations from those that have experienced the new menu! I have a talent for choosing poorly!