DaisyGirl55

I'm glad that I'm Platinum also. Hopefully, changes won't affect Platinum cruisers.

My DH and I are Platinum. On our Breeze cruise last month, our boarding times on my documents said 1:30 to 3:30. Perhaps because we live in Florida and drove to the port? I don't know....

I was not waiting until then to board. I wanted to get on, go to my room, get settled and grab a light lunch before muster. We got to the ship around 12ish and were onboard around 12:45.

I for one hope that if they do assigned times, at least give the Platinum cruisers prime boarding times! No, I am not being a Platinum snob - but after being loyal enough to achieve this status, and after sailing with Carnival 23 times I believe that allowing me to board with the first group is not too much to ask.

Going on the Sensation on Thursday for my birthday weekend. We have been on this ship quite a few times, and it is our favorite for a weekend of just kicking back.

Yes, it is older and a bit on the small side - but we are just so comfortable on this ship! The crew is great, and they do not seem as overwhelmed as on some of the bigger ships. Food is good, music is good, and never an issue for a chair.

If you are looking for some R&R out on the sea, this is the ship to go on!

For me, the best part of the Platinum perk is being able to go to my cabin right away and the early luggage delivery. I am usually unpacked before muster!

Also, I really enjoyed the smaller Past Guest party a few weeks ago on the Breeze. Better food and drinks and definitely not as crowded. Actually had fun!

This seems to be in direct contrast to this quote from John Heald:

 

News just in from JH

My thanks to the beards for listening to what you said here a couple of weeks ago about bringing cans of soda on in port.

As of today :

" small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, juice, and milk) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought on oard as well as Carnival branded bottled water previously purchased onboard. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person."

cheers

Be that as it may, perhaps they are changing it back to bringing on soda at the port. I can only report what I saw and what we were told as we re-entered the ship at each port. ALL DRINKS were confiscated.

Can you tell me how much it cost for the Leeward Islands Charters, please?

 

I looked on the website and there is no pricing info.

 

Thank you!!

The price was 90.00 per person, held by credit card. 50% was charged a few days before the charter with the rest paid the day of the excursion. It was well worth it! One of the best CAT excursions I have been on. I don't think you will be disappointed.

We sailed on The Breeze last week: 10/10 to 10/19. 8 glorious days on a fantastic ship. We went to St Martin, St Kitts, San Juan and Grand Turk. We also had 3 awesome days on the ship - which really made this one of the best cruises I have been on in all of my 36 cruises....so WOW!

I will give a brief review as I know inquiring minds want to know! I will not be posting any pictures for two reasons: I have not figured out how to properly post the pix, and there are so many awesome reviews of this ship with pictures already available on Cruise Critic. My review may be a bit jumbled and out of sequence, but I hope you still enjoy reading it.

My immediate group totaled 20, but we also interacted with others on the CC Roll Call, and FB. My group started out the cruise by having dinner in the Steakhouse, and ended our last night of the cruise by having dinner at the Cucina Italian restaurant. In-between we enjoyed the MDR, Bonsai Sushi, Fat Jimmy's C-Side BBQ, pub grub in the Red Frog Cantina, Guys Burgers and even the Hot Dog Cart up by the ropes course. Seems like a lot of food, I know - but it was all so good!

We had assigned boarding times (1-3pm), but since both my DH and I are Platinum and staying in a Suite, we got to the port around 11:30. By noon we were on the ship and I was unpacked before Muster at 4:00. Our cabin was 7355, mid-ship and absolutely perfect! I would book this room again anytime.

We went to Maho Beach in St Martin, and had a great time. We had lunch and a few drinks at the Sunset Bar, and then some of the group stayed to enjoy the beach and some went shopping. If you have never gone to watch the planes land right over your head you should go sometime. What a unique experience!

St Kitts was a full day with Leeward Islands Charters. Our group booked a catamaran excursion, with snorkeling at Nevis Island and a full lunch on the beach. Lots of fun with music, rum punch, dancing, and sunshine as we flew across the water.

We stayed on the ship in San Juan as I have been there a few times, and it is just too hot for me to walk around. We did jump off to stop at the CVS as I needed some more allergy meds. So off the ship, and then right back on. Some in my group went to the forts, some walked around and shopped, some others stayed on the ship and enjoyed some down time.

We went to Margaritaville in Grand Turk, and pretty much just relaxed in the pool. Considering The Sunshine was also in port, the pool and the beach area were not overly crowded.

One thing to keep in mind regarding bringing drinks on the ship. The new rule, or the newly enforced rule is embarkation only. Let me say that again. If you want to bring anything on the ship to drink: water, wine, soda, anything at all - it can only be brought on at embarkation. It will be confiscated at all other ports. Lots of unhappy people who bought cans of soda only to have them taken away as they went through security while in port.

The changes in the MDR have been discussed here on these boards, and I have to say that I loved the new menus! Tablecloths only on the cruise elegant nights, otherwise no tablecloths. No matter as the tables are very pretty, and I kind of like having the bread and the water on the table. Our wait group of Dusan and Sonja were great! Attentive, had lots of suggestions, and looked like they were having fun singing and dancing. We were lucky to be sitting on the main floor, right in the middle of the action, and we loved it.

We attended the past guest party, and enjoyed some music, some dancing, as well as Matt's dialogue complete with his form of humor. The officers were introduced, and several mingled around talking to the guests. Drinks flowed and if you wanted something in particular all we had to do was ask and it was brought right away. The snacks were fresh and yummy too.

Regarding disembarkation, as we were Priority and had Zone 1 for our luggage, we met in the theatre and were escorted off the ship by 7:50. Back in the car by 8:05 and walked in the front door home at 12:30. Not bad at all.

I am sure there is more I can write about, but at this moment my thoughts are still a bit jumbled. I can say that this ship really has it all together. Matt was great, the music was great, and we were entertained all week. We sailed on the Dream when she first started sailing, and it was always crowded and always had lines no matter what you wanted to do. No so on the Breeze. Lines were manageable, and it was easy to navigate where we wanted to go.

My only complaint is with the casino. On the Dream, one half of the casino was non-smoking. On the Breeze, there were non-smoking machines but they were placed right near the smoking machines. Little hard to breathe at times, made all the worse by smokers who were no gambling - just standing around smoking. Other than that, the casino was fun, with lots of different machines and lots of table games available.

That's it, I guess. If anyone has any questions, let me know and I will be happy to answer them! Happy Sailing!

Seriously OVERPACKING!

Like bringing 6 pairs of shoes once!

Reading this made me do a count...I am also bringing 6 pairs of shoes on Saturday for my cruise on the Breeze! hahaha....the cost of looking pretty! Also, while I commend those who can go on a 5 to 7 day cruise with only a carry-on...my toiletries alone take up a small cosmetics base. Like I said...the cost of looking pretty! LOL

Cruised behind and around a few hurricanes. Makes for an interesting cruise. One you will talk about and remember for a long time!

Yes, it is a bit more rocking and rolling - but heck, it is still better than being at home!

Curious as to what they will do. Not sure you will be able to go to Cozumel for the weekend - not enough time. Hope you have a great cruise, even if it is just sailing around in a circle!

Fantastic review! Between the pictures and the commentary, this is by far one of the best and detailed reviews I have seen. I feel like I was right there with you.

I am sailing on this ship for 8 days on 10/10....next weekend! I was excited before - but now? I am about giddy with anticipation and excitement. I was pretty useless at work leading up to this date, but your review has pushed me over the work edge. I am done mentally - and in cruise mode! Woo-Hoo!

Thank you - and thanks to Patty too!

Garlic bread…..

 

 

For our starters, Patti had the Caprese salad (tomatoes and mozzarella), and I had Nonna’s meatballs. For our mains, we both had the chicken parm…..

 

 

To be continued…..

Is this the chicken parm ?? It looks amazing!

Great review so far...I am sailing on the Breeze next month, and I am reading every review I can! If I ever figure out how to post my pictures I may try a review of my own!

Have a wonderful cruise and don't forget to come back and let us know how everything went!

Well I'm only going to book 6 days or longer now so there good luck trying to fill the 5 or less day cruises suckeres! ;)

Taking this as I am sure you meant it...as a light-hearted quip....then this made me giggle.

Also, I guess I am one of those suckers as we take a couple of weekend length cruises each year to hold me in-between my longer cruises.

Love the new choices! Do not think I will miss the lobster, but for those who look forward to this specialty I wonder if it will be available as an extra cost item?

Since he is "alive" I think Carnival should send him a bill for the cost of the rescue as well as a $25 per passenger credit for wasting everyone's time.

 

On another note Carnival just lowered their number of drinks from 15 to 12 on the Cheers Program, one per hour, in an effort to avoid future drunken jumpers.

Do we know for sure that this passenger was drunk and intoxicated? Perhaps he was just stupid, or was dared to, or perhaps he is mentally depressed. Many more reasons that the Cheers Program that may have led to this act.

Sailing this ship and this itinerary on 10/10...next month! Definitely subscribing! Thanks for taking the time to do this review. Loving it so far!

I am sailing on my 21st Carnival cruise next month. About two weeks ago I received an email offering to upgrade me from my mid-ship balcony to a mid-ship ocean suite for an additional $400 total. It was the first time we have ever received an email, and never a phone call.

As we booked this cruise while sailing last year on the Splendor, our rates were much lower than the going rates - and as I have never stayed in a suite before...I jumped at the offer!

I'm so excited...and I just can't hide it! :p

Got an email offering an upgrade for my cruise on the Breeze in October. Went from a midship balcony on deck 8 to a midship suite on deck 7 for 400 total. Heck yeah I took it!

Lisa - what a great review! I love your style of writing, love the chapter headers, and the honest way you wrote about what you liked and did not like.

I am sailing on the Breeze in October and I am anxiously counting down!

Your pictures are great, and just enough. Thanks for taking the time to come back and do a report!

1....Standing out on deck, or on my balcony....feeling the breeze, hearing the wind over the water, breathing in that tangy air. As I take a deep breath and then exhale I know that I am on vacation and my stress level goes way down.

2....Watching either the sun come up to wash the deck slowly with light and color, or watching the sun set as it changes the color of the clouds and the water and then slowly sink into the horizon.

One more please: kanupp76@yahoo.com

thanks!

We ate in the Steakhouse on the first night, the dress was casual.

Thank you!

coevan: I know that there are no seating for The Steakhouse.

We have a reservation. Was just wondering if the first night's dress code is a bit more relaxed without getting seriously dressed (dresses for the ladies and coats for the guys). Usually the first night in the MDR is a bit more relaxed and did not know if this carried to the specialty restaurants as well.

We love the Sensation! In fact, we have sailed on this ship 7 times and are scheduled to sail on the Sensation again in November.

Yes, it is convenient for us as we are only about 45 minutes from the port, but we love this ship for so much more. It is small enough to be comfortable, yet has what we look for in a 3 or 4 day cruise to Nassau.

Food is good, crew is awesome, and the entertainment is fun. I have stayed in an inside, and oceanview, a regular balcony and the penthouse suite - which was huge! Usually though our room of choice is an oceanview on the Empress deck.

You will see groups of 20-somethings either celebrating a last fling before a wedding, to college students off for the weekend. You will see family groups with kids, and family group celebrating a reunion or a special birthday. You will see retirees enjoying the warm sun, and lots and lots of blue S&S cards!

Somehow all of these groups just come together and it all works! To the OP, I look forward to your review and I am glad you had a good cruise!

I am cruising in 9 weeks (yes, single digit weeks!) and my group of 16 is planning on starting our cruise in The Steakhouse and ending the last night of the cruise in Cucina del Capitano.

My questions for those who have booked the Steakhouse the first night is this: usually due to luggage delivery and such not always completed by the first seating, is the dress code a little more relaxed the first night in the Steakhouse too? None in the party are planning on wearing shorts, but we were not planning on getting too dressed up the first night (dresses and suits). Is smart casual okay to wear? Or should we plan on getting a bit more dressy like we do when we usually eat in the Steakhouse mid-week.

We just don't want to be "that group" that people will talk about! :p