Csoderlund

I too am super relieved! We’re cruising to Bermuda this Sept for our 30th anniversary. Last time we sailed on the Magic out of Norfolk, it was our first cruise and our friends were trying to reassure us that this was NOT the norm because it was a Sh-show. Sailed on the Elation out of Jacksonville this past Jan and the process was smoother than Rob Thomas and Santana (song reference, some will get it 😂). Apparently that was the correct way to embark/debark. I was just remarking to my husband that I love not having to drive all that way but I was dreading doing the port again. Happy I stumbled onto this post! 

We all wanna know what happened!
 

I’m pretty sure that’s just a deal with the Cheers package included; looks like a great deal. We used an RU code on our most recent booking and still had to pay the same rate for both of us in the cabin. 

On 1/21/2023 at 7:23 AM, justafem said:

I bought a fishbowl on my first cruise. I bring it back every time.  Where else can I get a drink the size of my head filled for $20.  Was worth the initial investment!

Ohhhhh we may have to try that next time 😂 

I too am very interested in getting anything above a mediocre cup of coffee on a cruise. It doesn’t even have to be great. Good would do, and in the grand scheme of things, I’m still on a cruise so whatever. What really irritated me on the Elation this past Jan, however, was when I ordered an Americano at Java Blue, they basically gave me a cup of the usual Carnival coffee with half and half in it. I asked for heavy cream and the barista proudly brandished the half and half. If I hadn’t had the Cheers package and had to pay $6 for what’s free in the dining room, I woulda been irked. My first time on the Magic I didn’t have the Cheers package, so I didn’t try Java Blue. This time,,watch out, baby!

Well, I brought both our Ted Frog Tervis Tumblers that I apparently paid too much for off ship. My husband said he liked having his for soda and tea he made on his own. I got a few drinks in mine and I guess got more of a pour (or more ice) on those, but overall it wasn’t worth having to keep track of the cup, wash it, etc. we’ll keep them but I probably won’t bother to bring them again, unless there were perks to having them that I didn’t know about. 😁

On 1/16/2023 at 1:26 PM, crazyboys said:

Is this an additional charge kiosk, or is it included?

On 1/16/2023 at 1:43 PM, pe4all said:

It was an uncharge - but incredibly reasonable imho.  DD had California roll there a few times.  Was $6 I think on our last cruise.

No it’s extra, but it was very good and not the worst prices for sushi I’ve seen. 

Just got off the Elation today and I swear, if I could bring my Kureg I would. Even the specialty coffee was weak. Lukewarm as well in the Lido buffet area. 

It’s not an actual restaurant, just kind of a kiosk with seating nearby. 

I’m pretty sure it’s just an attestation that you don’t have symptoms and haven’t tested positive for Covid in the last so many days. We cruised last May and in addition to the testing and VeriFLY nonsense, we had to do the health assessment as well. I think it was available 48-72 hrs beforehand. But if it stays grey, they may not be using it anymore. 

Thank you! Do you happen to recall the cost?

We cruised out of Norfolk on the Magic last year and I swear I saw the Tervis cups from the bars mentioned above for sale on the ship. I wanted a few for several reasons as we are cruising on the Elation next month, so I thought I’d grab a bargain by buying them on eBay or another such site prior to the trip. I couldn’t believe what folks are selling them for (often $15-$20 apiece used) and I’d rather buy them onboard with a drink in them if I’m gonna pay that much. But some folks say they’re no longer available to purchase on the ships. I’m not sure if that’s accurate or not; relying on my memory from last May, I can’t recall whether I just saw folks with them (who may have brought them with) or actually saw them set up for sale. I have done several searches on this board and the most recent thread on this topic seems to be from 2018. Thanks in advance!