livemylifeinsc

Would love to hear about your experience in the Grand Suite Extended Balcony. Sailing in that type room NYE. Family4Cruisin!

Went on a 5 day cruise on the Ecstasy out if Charleston. Here are some thoughts.

 

Port: we didn't park there given some other reviews about parking so just took an Uber from the Hampton Inn. $15 each way so it was a good deal since we just left the car at the hotel. Probably because it's a smaller port and I'm Platinum but it was the quickest I have ever gotten onto a ship. We were at the port at 11:00, stood in line for about 10 minutes, and were at our room at 11:30. So the port gets a huge thumbs up.

 

Room: we had on ocean view room on deck 7. Similar to most rooms. Temperature was fine for me but I could see how some may have wanted it cooler. And it was cooler at night for sure. My only complaint is, the bathrooms don't have the shelves to put toiletries like other ships. Just one shelf basically. Not a huge deal. No fridge, but we don't use ours when we have one.

 

Ship: it's a different layout than the larger ships but easy to get used to once you realize deck 9 is basically deck 5 (casino, comedy, etc.). I've read where some folks like the smaller ships because they don't feel as crowded, and I can see why. Not one time in the 5 days did I feel like any wait for something was long when compared to ships like the Breeze, Glory, etc. The staff was excellent. We had YTD and sometimes the timing is a little off in getting each course but not this time. It flowed very well.

 

Food: the food was typical Carnival. I mean that in a good way. Typical menus, etc. Pizza may have been a little better than some ships because it wasn't as limp. The bacon was hit and miss. Sometimes Carnival bacon is too soft. This bacon was like jerky too often. Still ate it though. Lido deck had a good layout, and never had a problem with lines or seats.

 

Entertainment: I gamble a good bit, and the casino staff was solid. Not a ton of crap players but had a good time with those who were there. Wasn't as crowded as some other casinos. Drink servers were plentiful and it didn't take forever to get a drink. Not too smoky but again, it wasn't that crowded. There were two comedians who were both good. Fewer shows per night than on other ships I've been on. Maybe that is because it was the same two the whole cruise. We didn't didn't do a main theater show but the band that played in the casino bar was great.

 

Bottom line: I wouldn't hesitate to sale in the Ecstasy again. I know it's more a port for people who can drive there but it was a great cruise.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Thanks for the review, living in Charleston I have always wanted to go out of here. We are on the NYE this Dec and cannot wait! I have also been on the larger ships and I am actually looking forward to 7 days of no big crowds. Happy Cruising!:p

Can't wait for January 25th!! We got the upgrade to the Presidential Penthouse Suite!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

How was the Presidential Suite? was the upgrade cost high?

Thanks for the NYE review. Going this NYE on the 7 day cruise, cannot wait! We are all very excited. I live in Charleston, so will just get dropped off. I am in a suite so I am hoping to get on and get settled fairly quickly. I love to unpack as soon as I get somewhere then not worry the rest of the trip. We have been on the Breeze, but love the convenience of not having to drive 8 hours to start our vacay! Looking forward to not being on a ship with 5000 other people.

Thanks!

I am sailing to Caribbean for New Years with my two adult children. We are staying in the Grand Suite with the extended balcony. I loved seeing the pictures from this site , just wondering what anyones REAL experience was with this type cabin. We are in U102. Thanks for any feedback.

We live in Charleston and I didn't want to drive x hours.

Thanks!

I usually only cruise via Casino Comp. Inside cabin $0, Window $100, Balcony $2-300 or Suite Up to $600 pp. I am going in December for 7 nights and decided to upgrade to one of the suites with Extended Balcony since it will be myself with 2 of my adult children.

I would agree that Carnival has the best Casino perks out there. Please be sure you always use your card so just like land Casinos they can track your play.

Have fun!

Thanks for the reply. I cannot wait to go and post a review for hopefully someone else inquiring. All three of us love foods that are a bit different so I think this was a good choice.

Thanks for your reply

Good morning

My daughter (24), son (17 ) and I are going on the Ecstasy Dec 30th and have requested a reservation for the Chefs Table. I have done Chefs tables on land, but not at sea. Does anyone have any experience with this on the Ecstasy and if so, what was your experience. At $75/pp I don't want "just ok".

Thanks!