DPTexas

I love the cold soups as an appetizer - and sometimes also for a dessert. I had never tried them before cruising, but they are the first items I search for on the MDR menu. The next item would be the roasted root vegetable pie. I like to eat vegetarian 1-2 times a week and this was such a delicious entree. In fact, on our last cruise, I was specifically looking for it because I had enjoyed it so much on the prior cruise. To my disappointment, I was going to miss it because we were eating at the Chef's Table when it was scheduled to be served. I innocently mentioned this at dinner the night before and the Maitre d' ordered it so I could enjoy it the following evening. I was very pleased and touched by that gesture. Now, don't get me started on describing the homemade granola on the sea-day brunch menu. It is the best (and I can have almond milk with it, too). I think the food overall is very good and I look forward to eating a variety of foods, including some I would not have had the opportunity to try if not for cruising.

During my first few cruises when I had DOU or anywhere on the ship, I had a sticker placed on my S&S card, but that is no longer necessary. Now, when playing in the casino, the server simply looks at my folio account (pushing a button on the slot machine) and brings me my drink. Funny thing is that I don't drink alcoholic beverages, so my drinks are either a virgin frozen drink or bottled water. However, I never have to wait too long for a server to ask if I would like something else b/c I always tip $2 cash for each drink as I have been told that the cash tip goes directly to the server. Anywhere else on ship, they simply take down my folio number to find out that I have free drinks. Once, while playing in the smoke-free casino on the Dream, we were comped a dinner at the Cucina Del Capitano by the casino boss/host - which was very nice. I don't play slots to get comps, but it is nice to know I can have a drink (or drinks) while spending my time (and $$$) in one of the casinos.

Just ask for the gluten-free tortillas, but they are taco size.

We recently used it on the Breeze out of Galveston in May. Easy to upload docs and it was a "breeze" (sorry, couldn't help myself - LOL!) going through the check-in process. I was getting out the hard copies and the person at the check-in desk said to not bother because she already had me checked it. Easy-peasy. Looking forward to using it on upcoming cruises. Hopefully everyone else has had as great an experience using it.

Bruin Steve, thank you for your comments and suggestions. This is our first west coast cruise having left from SC and TX for our previous cruises. We are cruising on the Carnival Panorama and planning to Uber or taxi from the CP to the Carnival side of the harbor because we especially like to "park and cruise" for longer cruises. I was having trouble finding same/similar in LB, so thought it best to get a hotel and transport to the ship. I tried booking the Hotel Maya, but they had no availability for our dates. I might keep looking since my numerous hotel memberships give me free cancellation options. However, feeling so "out of the water" departing from LA/LB, by hearing from you that this is do-able is a relief and great news. So, "thank you", again. Take care and happy cruising.

I recently cruised in May on the Breeze with a friend/co-worker who eats gluten-free. We noted this when we booked the cruise, but then as soon as we got on-board, we asked how to ensure a GF dining experience for her and were directed to the "Menu Mate" kiosk in the middle of the buffet (near the Wok station if I remember correctly). Ask and someone will direct you. There, they took down her name and helped with GF selections for dinner in the MDR that night. Then, before leaving the table after each evening meal, one of the servers helped with GF selections for breakfast & dinner for the next day. What was impressive, was each evening the servers would automatically bring her a plate of GF bread without needed to ask. She said it was quite good. There are lots of selections, even for breakfast - like GF pancakes, waffles, etc. There was even GF bread at the deli and at the pizza stations but needed to be requested. She assumed the french fries in the deli were GF, but when asked for them, the server said they weren't but offered her the GF potato salad. (Impressive, again, that they were watching out.) We were told there is always at least one GF dessert in the dessert buffet, but I don't remember if she ever tried a dessert, generally opting for frozen yogurt. (The chocolate melting cake in the MDR is GF and she had that most nights - like everyone else. LOL!) Definitely lots of GF options which made cruising easier and more enjoyable for her. because this was a huge concern of hers as a first-time cruiser. Hope this helps.

I know it has been a while since anyone commented on this thread, but I really enjoyed reading it and others about hotels in Long Beach. We are cruising in early 2023 and I was getting concerned about being on higher capacity cruises lately, so I thought we better book a hotel "sooner than later". So, I just booked the Crowne Plaza with a park & cruise package - mainly based on the recommendations here. When compared with the $23/day parking at the terminal, it was a better deal for us - including, knowing that our car should be safer parked in the CP parking garage. So, thanks to everyone who has commented on hotels & parking out of Long Beach - we really appreciated the info, especially being from Texas and usually sailing out of Galveston. Take care and happy cruising - from any port!

So glad to hear they enjoyed the Breeze. We sail on both the Breeze and Dream because of the ease of getting to Galveston. We drive down the night before because living in Texas means we don't need to worry about flight schedules. The service is always excellent, and the layout of these ships is easy to remember. We always enjoy the food and usually enjoy some special dining venues. We also look forward to using the Thalassotherapy pool and loungers on both of these ships. During the most-recent cruise in May on the Breeze, we really enjoyed the Breeze band, Ebano strings (violins) and Scott Lucille (solo guitarist). I especially needed the May cruise to be a relaxing one which may be why we sat and enjoyed the music groups in the Ocean Plaza area a little more than usual. The layout of the smoke-free casino on the Breeze is a little different than on the Dream and I seem to prefer the Dream's best. Overall, we enjoy the Dream class of ships and have not tired of cruising on either the Breeze or the Dream. We are branching out in early 2023 by sailing out of another port, but I believe the Breeze, Dream and Port of Galveston will be our "go-to" options. Thanks for letting me "chime in" on this thread about the Breeze.

Last month on the Breeze, a friend needed gluten-free menu options so she was thrilled to find out about the Menu Mate. The two ladies standing at the kiosk were very helpful with her first night menu selection for dinner in the MDR. Then, each night before leaving the dinner table, the team lead server helped her select GF menu items for breakfast and dinner for the following day. We did not eat in the buffet, so she was very pleased that for lunch both the deli and pizza stations offered GF bread/crust options and even cautioned her that the french fries in the deli were not GF, but the potato salad was. As this was her first cruise, it helped my friend feel at-ease about her overall eating experience during the cruise, which was positive, delicious and plentiful.

Thank you for your review and posts of your time on the Elation which I have enjoyed reading very much. It was the first cruise ship I sailed so I have very fond memories about her. I have thought of sailing on her one last time, so I guess I better get planning before she docks for good. While the Elation is a small ship without all the 'bells and whistles", it was a perfect 1st ship/cruise for me. Thanks, again.

You don't even need to leave the bathroom door ajar. Simply leave the bathroom light on and close the door b/c there is a small space at the bottom of the door that allows enough light to come through to act as a night light. Hope this helps.

Recently got off the Breeze and we were sad that the CT was not offered and the Cucina del Capitano was closed. The MDR offered 2 selections from the CdelC menu which helped. We have always scheduled the CT whenever we cruise and have always enjoyed it. There have been a few occasions when a guest complained about "not eating fish or beef" or being a "picky eater", but for the most-part, our experiences have been very positive. Again, sad that they are not having them b/c of staffing issues but hope to be able to schedule the CT later in the year.