MississippiMom

19 hours ago, IslandHppy said:

MDR dinner was a no. 

 

My apologies, but I did not understand your first sentence.  Why was MDR dinner a no?  Is it because you were assigned to a table for six?  Because you did not want early dining?  Because you were waiting on Anytime Dining to open up?  Or was the MDR menu lacking items of interest?

Thanks for the photos of the casino dance floor.  I would have never wandered in there to look, since I hate the casino cigarette smell. 

4 hours ago, mz-s said:

If you are directly beside the atrium opening, you will hear some noise. But once you get even a cabin or two away the noise is greatly reduced and really not a problem. Now when they're doing atrium parties might be a different story but those usually don't run super late.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.

Those looking at these Atrium balconies are in their twenties and young thirties, and I’m guessing they will be attending the Atrium parties.  Sounds like it will be fine for them.

We are looking at a multi-generational cruise on Valor next year.  Several folks would like a balcony and to save a little money are considering Deck 6.  From reading around the internet, it appears that the cabins above The Fun Shops should be okay from a noise perspective from directly below.  However, is the open Atrium going to be a big noise issue?  I have been on Conquest and on Glory, so I can picture the Atrium, but I cannot picture it at all from Deck 6.  

Help, please.

2 hours ago, ThaNectar said:

I have sailed both before and after as well.

It seems to me, that before.. they would pull up your info, grab a card, take your photo... and you're off.

 

It seemed more secure than sticking your card in a public space... just my thoughts.

 

It makes me no difference either way.. I was just wondering the "why" behind the process.

 

Thanks Yall

We have now gone on two cruises (two different lines) where the cabin card was outside the door and it still seems odd to me.  It hasn't caused any issues for my family, but it does still feel like a "free for all" to me.  I know that it is not, but it does give mischievous cruisers the opportunity to look around other cabins.

Fascinated by the pancake machine.  In our many nights at hotels, we have never come across one.

Our first multi-generational cruise was on Glory in March 2019.  Like you, driving to port is our preference, and we do love New Orleans.  

Looking forward to reading more about your adventure.

For us, the Alchemy Bar staff are the ones we ALWAYS tip extra.  (That is the main bar we use on Carnival.) And, yes, there are favorites.  Those are the bartenders that listen to what you want or offer you an off-menu drink that they think you will really appreciate.  

If we were "regulars" at a different bar on a Carnival ship, we would tip extra there, too.

Related - Can someone enlighten me on "why?" the cruise lines have so many non-refundable deposit fares?  I wish, as a past cruiser, especially, that CCL would give me some discounts with refundable deposits.

On 8/8/2022 at 3:19 PM, bambam said:

This is a link to the fleetwide menu, including sea day brunch. Enjoy!!

 

https://profcruise.com/new-carnival-menus-updated-may-2022/

Wish I could see it. Sadly, my laptop isn't showing me the menu, only your typed words. 

Thanks for posting!  I have the offer.  Sounds like it’s time to buy Cheers packages.

Is "Hell to the no" allowed on the boards?  That reply seems fitting.

1 hour ago, nelblu said:

I'm early riser and the MDR usually opens at 8AM while the WJ opens at 7AM.  Also, on my last 3 voyagers, the MDR is not like it was prior to the pandemic.  No baskets being presented with pastries, donuts, etc., for you to select.  I had had to ask what was available.  Plus, in the WJ I get to see the omelets/eggs made to order rather than wait to be delivered by waiter and sometimes it seems that the omelets/eggs have been standing.

When we were on Mariner last month, they were definitely passing the baskets around at breakfast time in the dining room.  Such delicious items in those baskets that I could have just eaten from there on a couple of mornings.

1 minute ago, fsufancc said:

My daughter says that after serving everyone for years on end, she wants to be served when she is on the ship. MDR for most of the meals. Makes sense to me. RCCL newbie, but I assume that a server will take your order and serve you at a table in the MDR during breakfast. 

 

Eggs benedict or omelet, some hash browns, and a spicy Bloody Mary.  I love cold smoked salmon and on other ships/lines I have been able to get that on the side - I hope that is the case with RCCL.

 

Voyager OTS to NE/Canada - Oct 23, 2022 (Just me and Mrs Fan)

Quantum OTS to Alaska - June 12, 2023 (Our 3 grown kids and spouses)

I am right there with your daughter.  The only time you will see me eating from the buffet on any cruise ship is if I'm desperate.

Yes, cruise ship breakfasts in the main dining room means a menu and servers.  I assume that you could order an alcoholic beverage, just like at dinner in the dining room.

For certain, there were omelets and hash browns.  I believe there was an eggs benedict on the menu, but don't know for certain.  The one day my husband actually had breakfast in the dining room, I recall him ordering bagel & lox.

On our recent cruise, I ate breakfast in the dining room every morning but disembarkation day.  I would have preferred a couple of mornings of room service breakfast on our balcony, but the hubby likes to sleep in on those sea days.  There were eleven of us cruising together, so there were never less than three eating breakfast together.  We found it very delicious and quick.  It was so much better than having to carry our own food around from the buffet to a table.

Now my SIL preferred the buffet.  She could get her six year old fed, easily, there.

3 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

We always use Gerry (or one of his drivers) from ToursPlaza. We probably first toured with him 15 years ago and have done multiple trips over the years both as a couple and multi- generational, including taking my 89- year old mother once, and 18-month old grandson another.

 

He has, or can acquire, vehicles of various sizes but 8 is fairly standard. Emails are usually very efficiently answered by Eduardo, whose English is very good.

https://www.toursplaza.com

 

Tell Eduardo, cleg-5 says “hi”!

Many thanks!

On 6/15/2022 at 10:06 AM, c-leg5 said:

I have read good reviews of snorkeling from Punta Sur but you have to be quite a good swimmer and go out a distance, best with a guide. Punta Sur requires an entrance fee to the park and is best as a prime destination for the day, good beach bar, snorkeling, lagoon ride, lighthouse for views - not much time to add on other activities. It is not easy to get a passing taxi back from the east side or Punta Sur. You need to pay and  keep your driver waiting in that area. 

 

Looks like we are heading to Cozumel (again) on a multigenerational family cruise in July 2023.  We are just now at the booking cabins stage and haven’t even started talking about possible excursions.  In theory, we do not plan on large group excursions, but various subsets.  However, I envision that my husband & I will offer to take our young adult children (and SIL) on an excursion in Cozumel.  During past port stops, we have been to Chankanaab, Isla de Pasion (twice) and Paradise Beach.   Punta Sur looks beautiful and something new for us.  I don’t mind paying for a taxi driver to stick around, if needed, but is their a private car service that you might recommend?  (I did see that Black Hat Tours pops up as a recommendation.). Ideally, one that might have larger vehicles, since their might be 8 of us.

Thanks!

Yes, I know this is old, but was hoping someone from this thread might return to reply.

The Carnival Conquest Class ships appear to have very few Fully Accessible Cabins.  Are the "one-sided" accessible ones still large enough to drive a scooter into?  It's really difficult to tell from the deck plans.

On 2/3/2022 at 10:07 PM, Summerstravel said:

Can you recommend places to eat close by Harrah's? Also is there a drug store close by you can walk to? I will staying there a few nights in April before and after my cruise. 

Plenty of CVS and Walgreens around.  For certain, there is one of each on Canal Street.  A very quick walk from Harrahs.

On 2/8/2022 at 12:34 PM, nattie said:

We normally cruise out of FLL and always get a day stay hotel if our return flight is in the afternoon. Any recommendations for something similar in NOLA? Ideally with airport shuttle and pool.

There is so much to see in New Orleans.  I certainly hope you will be able to spend some time being a tourist and enjoying the city.

On 9/27/2013 at 8:25 AM, Cruise Critic Chris said:

I spent some time in Costa Maya exploring the various beach clubs that cater to cruise line passengers, both all-inclusive and non. Bottom line: It seems like there is a beach club for every type of passenger, and every price range. Almost all of the club owners I met were gregarious and outgoing, and are doing their best to create repeat customers. The shoreline along Mahahual itself has a fair amount of seagrass, but most beach club owners do their best to keep the sand raked and presentable.

 

Note: Prices are valid as of September 2013. The smaller the resort, the more likely you should make an advance reservation.

On 9/27/2013 at 8:25 AM, Cruise Critic Chris said:

 

OP - Is it possible for you to edit the title of this thread to remove 2013 from the title, in hopes that more people read it and participate?

All of us traveling to Costa Maya after the Covid shutdown could really use all the new information that other cruisers might update on here.

I’m going to “piggy back” on here just to see if popping this thread up gets more readers and replies.

To the OP, please return and provide more detail, so people can assist you.

We have a couple of family members who are considering cruising in 2023.  Both do NOT require scooters or walkers on an every day basis, however, due to weight and health issues, they both move in VERY slow motion and struggle with steps.  Just yesterday, I encouraged one family member to read over the accessible cabin options on the Carnival site and to book soon in order to obtain one of those limited cabins.  I really think the other family member should consider taking a foldable scooter with her, but I don’t think she would need an accessible cabin.

Would they have an option to request a dining room table toward the front, so they don’t have to navigate through the entire dining room to a mid or back table?  Would they go through Special Needs prior to sailing or just wait until they are onboard?

We have regularly had “crazy” offers when I log in, but none have been an option for us.  Our oldest daughter was ready for us to leave her dad and her husband behind and the two of us just go on a mom/daughter cruise, but we both work and can’t just randomly take vacation days.

1 hour ago, ProgRockCruiser said:

Fortunately the drink is called "The Deal Closer"!

 

Unless you know of a variation called the "Deal Breaker"?

Dang!  I love that Deal Closer Alchemy Bar drink.

I am fascinated by all the only-balcony cruisers.

At first I thought that I don’t have a deal breaker, but then I remembered how obnoxious I am about my cabin location.  I am a light sleeper, so if the only cabins left were under, above or next to noisy public spaces, that would be a definite deal breaker for me.

On 2/20/2020 at 12:53 PM, CavePearl said:

FYI
We booked a last minute cruise for March, and Maya Chan was full. Since we have been there multiple times, they said they would fit us in to "best available." While we love Maya Chan, we are familiar with the resort and know where the overflow area is, so we were afraid we wouldn't get a great spot.
So, we just booked Almaplena for three people on April 2 for $177 USD.  They responded to my inquiry almost immediately, and are highly rated in reviews. The photos show a quaint resort, so I imagine if you are looking for luxury this might not be your choice. But as for us... We are quite ready for another adventure!
After we get back I'll come on here to give our review. 🙂

I know your post is from 2020 (pre-pandemic shutdown).  Were you able to go to Almaplena and what did you think?

We just booked a 2023 summer cruise that includes Costa Maya, and I am just not certain where to go.  Maya Chan, Almaplena and Malecon21 all look good online.

On 7/11/2022 at 2:39 AM, ray98 said:

Ring an alcoholic beverage for someone under 21....flag pops up that stops the transaction.

Someone boarding the ship that needs a responsible party.....flag pops up.

Minor attempting to exit the ship without a guardian.....flag pops up.

 

There are plenty of examples.

A minor exiting the ship is definitely a HUGE flag.  We just witnessed it.  My nephew stood in the (right) line with me to get off at a port, but his father (my brother) was in the other (left) line.  Luckily, my middle name is my maiden name and matches my nephew's last name, so not a big issue.  Security still stopped my nephew, but since they had seen us all talking they were quick to get the okay from my brother.