seguincruiser

We live in Minnesota and always took a cruise in the winter (Jan-March) to get a break from the winter. Also we love to go to Miami and hear them complain about the cold front, 45*F in the morning (when it -22 back home)!:D Starting this summer we will have to get use to the higher costs and more kids on board if want to continue taking an annual cruise, two kids in high school and one in college can't take those week long vacations away from school. I want to just wait four years until youngest is at college before taking an other cruise but DH would rather spend more $ to get this time with our kids. We already talk about how when we are grandparents we will be taking our grandkids and their parents on cruise vacations.:p

I have a question concerning the balcony. In June I have two balcony rooms next to each other, can the divider be pulled back between the two rooms?

Leo and Vince Please tell me what you think called your illness. If you think it was something you ate I really want to avoid it. I suffer from panic attacks and having a stomach virus always sets one off. Luckily I have really learned how to handle my anxiety issues but an upset stomach is still one beyond my control.:(

Leo I hope its not a gallbladder please come back and let us know how your doing.

Also have to tell you how nice you and your Mom look. That dress you wore on embarkation day looked great.

Your killing me! When are we going to see some Sunshine?:D

Sorry to hear this, but when we visited last year I felt very safe. It is a beautiful island and hate to think people might miss a chance to experience it due to fear.

I got to live in the Sinai for a year and got to go to Israel a lot.:) We were told to cover our legs and arms mainly for Muslim culture. If you are even a little mobile go with a smaller private tour group. King David's excavations was so cool and that was 18yrs ago. The streets in the old city are very narrow and there are many thieves. Keep your valuables close and don't use a backpack as they are easy to open when the crowds get real close. It always cracked me up that almost every "Christian" gift shop was run by "Mohammed".;) I totally agree with the poster about Massada, I only got to go once, but what an experience. I know nothing about Celebrity's tours but if you have a chance Mr.Sinai is a neat day trip from Southern Israel or Egypt. Have fun.:)

Thanks for the review. Looking to try Celebrity but not until October 2015, gives me lots of time to plan.:p

Yes!!!!

Thanks Mike for a wonderful review. I booked Mr.Sanchos and Boden tours thanks to you. Didn't get Tex but will have Rick, I'm sure he will be fine.

Thanks

Looking at this ship for 2015 (have never done anything but Carnival), just want to understand your room selection. Did you book an AquaClass with Veranda+ (Balcony) or an Aqua Class Suite+ (Suite) ? Thanks for your review.

I really appreciate your replies. As of now I'm waiting for more choice to come out for October 2015. I can't believe Celebrity prices, we can get a pretty good deal that includes beverages (we don't drink except on cruise ships) also on one of the cruises a suite is only $30 more than a balcony. The only other thing I'm looking at is new ports of call or visiting New Orleans (never been) and then cruising posts I've seen many times but know what I like to do there. I'm a huge planner so I start pretty early looking at different options.

We have always cruised with Carnival but am thinking of trying something new. Looking at a Feb or March 2015 cruise either from Florida or New Orleans. We live in MN so have to fly either way.:mad: The lines I am looking at our Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity or Royal Caribbean. One of the things I like about Carnival is the feeling that I get treated the same if I'm a suite guest or interior room guest. We normally book balconies or suites on Carnival. Would really like to get opinions on who to take a chance with. We only get to cruise once a year or year and half, so don't want to be too disappointed. Thanks in advance to any who reply.

I'll be on the Sunshine this summer and looking forward to it. Except the post above (first time poster:rolleyes:) the stuff I have read here recently has been favorable. I'm thinking of trying the Epic (NCL) but its weird how the posts are 50/50 on the food. I'm sure I wont starve because any meal I didn't have to cook and do the dishes for already puts me in a good mood. I'm also thinking of trying the Princess line. We can only cruise once every year or year and half and when Carnival keeps being thousand of dollars less it keeps me loyal to them. I think if we didn't have to spend so much money on airfare we would be more willing to spend more for a different line.

I am in the minority because I do not like Guy's Burgers. Too much grease for me. Had a hard time last month on the Conquest sitting on the lido deck or even passing through because of the smell. The smell of the grease from the burgers cooking was overwhelming and nauseating.

I too thought they were too greasy. We're going on the Sunshine this summer and will try them again. Some reviewers have mentioned their not as greasy any more. I think since I rarely eat fast food or greasy food that I'm just too sensitive.:confused: Its a shame because I really want to enjoy these burgers like everyone else.

I can not thank you enough for you videos and information. I was thinking of leaving Carnival to try something new but now I can stay with Carnival and do something totally new for DH and I. I can't believe booking a SPA 9 Balcony out of New Orleans (which I have never seen) is thousands to dollars cheaper than the other cruise lines I was looking at. Thanks, Thanks, Thanks.

Congrads on your new job! I'm beginning to think of a cruise for March 2015 with DH and I, or a family cruise Oct 2015. I'm thinking I want to try a new line and so far really like NCL for a Haven suite or maybe a Princess cruise. Once you get settled I'll email you with my info and maybe we can do some business. I won't be able to book until June after getting whole family together to discuss options. Good luck on your new job!

Trying to be patient and wait for the rest of your review. Love your pictures and your Dad looks like a great guy.

We drive in the morning of our cruise. We live about 2.5 hours from Galveston and it's just not economical for us to drive down a day early and spend the night. This is only our second time doing so and the Texas coastal areas normally don't have any weather, even in winter when we typically cruise. Obviously, we'll check the weather and determine if we need to arrive the night before, but usually it's the opposite. We have to wait and see if the ship comes in on time due to fog!

You've been lucky. An accident on 45 or worse the causeway can really screw up your day. I lived in Galveston years ago and once in awhile things happen to cause major delays.

Bob,

I'm taking 5 teens on the Sunshine this June and would love to hear from the teens in your group. Ask them where they think the best place to hang is and what they like best. I plan on being in the adult area as much as my youngest (14) will allow be to be.;)

I don't mind family style with my family and friends but would be kind of weird with total strangers.

That's why I'm going to try them again because maybe the cook got a little too much oil on the grill the day I had mine. I love In-n-Out and have no problems with their burgers. I really want to enjoy one because for the most part Guy's burgers gets rave reviews.

There is something wrong with me :( because I had them once and really didn't like it. I really don't like greasy food and only eat fast food (except Subway) maybe once a month or every other month. Going on the Sunshine in June and will try again. They look good but after the first bite my stomach cramps up.:confused:

I'm sorry that this happened but I bet someone was video taping it for you tube, because our young people think that everyone in the world wants to see them being dumbasses.:mad: I would kill my kids if they did this.