jimbo5544

The Journey cruise experience. It is unique. We had done several others, but only one other 14 day and that was on the Breeze in 2019 that hit most of the Caribbean and was prob the best cruise ever. We knew this would be different, but boy, did we over achieve on that score. Just a totally different vibe even BEFORE we got rerouted. It was pretty surreal. During a mid day update, the captain said we were sailing in the St Lawrence for the fourth time in five days. Just surreal

Staff - I have never, and I mean never seen a staff work harder to please than this bunch once it was clear that we were not going to Greenland. It was impressive. This Captain was one of the most personable we have ever had. The ship for an old lady she looks pretty good, some wear and tear, but not really bad. Where she EXCELLED was performance. Handles the seas like no other (that I have been on in rough seas) and we made 20 + knots on the way home to scoot out of the way of the next monster that was trying to meet us half way.

Not to date

My {leasure, hugs back at you.

Food was good, some new apps were better. On a more general note, I have strong hopes for a big refresh with the tie to Emeril, we will see. The absolute home run was the invite for Dining Al Fresco. This was an invite (not sure of the logic used to be honest) where we dined on Lido. They blocked off an area around the main pool, the weather was not an issue. White glove service (with table cloths) and a really nice meal. Later in the cruise we again talked to Ken about this. Gave him our thoughts and he appreciated the positive feedback. A GREAT addition. If you go on a Journey and can do it DO IT.

As most know, Spirit class utilize upper level for any time dining. Not our thing (maybe a caveat here for Excel class ships….but that is another story) and during our dining time, looked half full from my vantage point. Due to where our room was, when we headed down to Alchemy (quick two flights down) the wait to be seated on 3 (around 6 or so) was significant. Pet peeve, use the app istead of just waiting at the door and the stairs are not seats….

We have sailed Carnival a LOT for a long time, having sailed on every class (they have now anyways) they sail. We love the Spirit class, she is a remarkable class of ships. Every time I sail on one, I get an ache that someday, there will not ba a funnel ship of this class sailing. We also love 4th floor Vista Suites. Def on the top 3 of our fav types of rooms. That said, on this particular cruise there was probably a little more bouncing (due to weather) which made it …… a little more interesting. Dining One dining room has its advantages and disadvantages. One evening as Ken was making his rounds during our late seating dining, we ended up having a good conversation on the dining time change (moving both earlier in times, I think for the two Greenland Journey cruises only). I asked if it was an experiment, and he said no. The reason was totally driven by the VAST majority of cruisers wanting early dining (more on the clientele for this particular Journey later). To be honest, as we have gotten older, we moved our desired time from late to early for a couple of reasons, the primary have to do with digestion.

Wow, by far, one of the most interesting cruises we have EVER been on. For us, and perhaps the vast majority of people on the ship THE reason for the trip was Greenland. The rest was fluff. Days before, we began watching the antics in the Caribbean (hurricane). At the time, while there were 3 brewing and one of concern. Wow was that an understatement 😱. So it was known, and we were concerned, but it is what it is. We ended up rerouting in the beginning and in the end. I am pretty sure the Captain will not forget this cruise for a long time also. I do not think I have ever been on a ship when the Captain came on with announcements the ship went silent. Where to start, where to start…..let’s start with the ship.

Def something to consider

Think you have the “parenting” wrong, but in terms of options, those two brands reign supreme for Alaska with Princess the volume leader but HAL having WAY more options with cruise/land combos. They simply go places where others do not tread.

There were certainly some unhappy people on the cruise once it was announced we were not going to Greenland. Mostly over on FB, there developed splinter groups frustrated with response on timeliness of announcements from the Captain, and MOSTLY in regards to lack of what they thought was minimal offer from Carnival for missing the key portion of the cruise. What they offered was $400/cabin, think most wanted some FCC. Personal thoughts are that it was a very fluid issue, multiple hurricanes that impacted the front and end of our journey. Certainly was a cruise to remember, but wanted it to be so much more.

Next up, thoughts on this Journey cruise

Debark was easy peasy. Uber driver not so much. Easy check in at BWI. When we got to gate they was an Honor flight foe Veta coing in to go to SC. Extremely impressive. Everyone cheering and applauding as they came off plane.

Will def so one LIVE

Your welcome, it is a labor of love.

Been very enjoyable. .

A new one for me at Alchemy (go to are martini’s). Deal closer. Very good.

Last show of suit guy

Captain confirmed at his noon talk we had 12 to 14 foot swells and that he had high tailed to as far west as we could get to atay away from affects of Lee.

Absolutely spectacular afternoon sitting out on the balcony, following seas at what I would estimate at 4 ft and I would say 70 degrees.

Coming up in November. horizon 8 day Southern.

This little lady was waiting for us.

It has been quite a dance with hurricanes. Thanks!