katibug

Make sure the name on your test results matches your ID! My roomie booked my test under my nickname (Katie) not my legal name. I got a new test day of sailing just in case, and confirmed at check-in that they would NOT have accepted the other.

We just got off (this morning, sigh) - was a wonderful trip. Less than 3000 people, plenty of space and we both felt perfectly safe. Booked last minute, so we had NOTHING planned.

In Nassau, we got off the ship and just wandered for about an hour. It was too hot for much more than that. At Half Moon Cay, we waited until after 11am, then hopped the water shuttle and spent about 2 hours on the beach.

Had lunch at Cucina del Capitano - they offered a "create your own pasta" (complimentary) which was lovely. I enjoyed the MDR in the evening, though by night 4, I didn't particualy want any of the main entrees. 

We don't drink much, but tried a "rum flight" at Red Frog Pub, and the shots each evening in the MDR (to collect the glasses).

Have fun!!

On 10/16/2018 at 11:04 AM, sid_9169 said:

It seems that all of the pictures of my entire review have disappeared... You fine folks have most likely just witnessed my last review here. 

Facebook? Blog? Twitter? OPTIONS, SID, WE NEED OPTIONS!

(no pressure)

On 10/16/2018 at 11:53 AM, Earthworm Jim said:

I can't convince myself to try the Sunshine, and I feel the same about these other ships undergoing the process. On the surface it seems like Carnival is trying to pull a fast one one on the less knowledgeable cruising public. Taking an old ship, greatly reducing the size of the theater to add more cabins, and giving it a new name so people will be tricking into thinking it's a new ship. When in reality it's arguably worse, since more pax and less public space. Though they certainly must add considerable new amenities in the conversion.

That said, the reviews are generally pretty positive, so I'm probably wrong. But I can't make myself book it. I'd feel like a sucker falling for Carnival's sleight of hand.

I was concerned about the theater change...until I went to a show in the current Rio Lounge on Triumph. Less than half full, EVERY show. So to me it makes sense to have a smaller space.

Welcome home - wishing you a productive, happy week. Thank you for sharing your adventures and your heart.

Thanks, katibug... Sid is my middle name, and what I go by... They call me James on the ship because that's what's on my ship card...

 

Sent from my Space Phone 9169.1

Katie (Catherine) is my middle name, and what I go by. They call me Mary on the ship and I never answer... :) More hugs!

Sid (James?) - just sending you a little random love. I hope, when you get home, that you can find joy in your everyday, i or at least tell those that piss you off to go eff themselves. Your spirit shines through. Hugs!

Who has sailed with Simon Lindon? Does he do a good job?

Totally loved him! So much energy, and very sweet.

We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise on Triumph last week - brand new room on deck 7, directly in the "open" space near the aft elevators, room 7386.

The starboard side of 7 was completely blocked off, but I didn't hear ANY construction noise (and I take naps mid-afternoon, so theoretically should have!). Our "let's practice rapping at 3 am!" neighbors were far more of a challenge. From what I could tell, the only other impacted area was the Oxford Bar - which didn't bother us.

The staff was super friendly (except for the Alchemy Bar), and the music and shows were great.

I'd say - go, have fun! If you board with a great attitude, you'll have a great time. :)

We are in Progress today. The triumph has about 2700 cruisers, not crowed at all. We are seeing no effects of the work going on. Still have the great production shows. This is a very enjoyable cruise.

We were on the same cruise! And I agree, low crowds, much fun.

Also, can someone post pics or video of the new renovated rooms on the Triumph. Do the rooms have usb ports? Did they change the decor? I'm interested in seeing the few updates they have done.

I don't have pics handy - but our room 7386 had new USB ports between the beds, and a set on the vanity (in addition to 2 regular outlets and a EURO outlet). We were the first in the room after its update, and were pleasantly surprised. The only "downside" was that I kept finding miscellaneous screws everywhere....

We ordered 2 packs - about 10 bucks total, and they were waiting in our room upon arrival. For me, the convenience of grabbing a cold water in the morning or late at night without leaving the room was TOTALLY worth it.

Yes, it's a counter top with the tickets sandwiched under glass... I have a whole box of old stubs going back to the '80s

Mine don't go back that far - but I do have an album to hold 'em.

Just got home from our Triumph cruise late Saturday - and soooooo needed to see a Sid review! Thanks for easing me out of PCD, looking forward to reading the rest!

We leave on Triumph Monday, on Deck 7. Now I'm nervous...

If you sign up for the turtle excursion you are trapped on the tour for the day.

 

I thought I booked the "specific to Mexico" excursion via Carnival but could be wrong. If this link doesn't work, just Google "Flavors of Mexico Tour at Discover Mexico" https://www.cozumel-tours.com/chocolate-factory.htm

The tour included history of Mexico, including which products were made in each region, chocolate making, tequila tasting, a yummy margarita, and a taco buffet. They take you through a small museum of amazing art pieces, and I thought that the items in the gift shop were more unique than those at the ship dock mall.

More thanks! This looks like a lovely option!

Another suggestion - Target sells physical Carnival gift cards. If you have Target's RED card, you get 5% off - not as great as the AARP or Allstate option, but local and in your hands immediately.

If you ever make it out to another Phoenix show, please drop us a message on here! We would love to meet up and say hello!

Definitely! My best friend lives in Phoenix (well, Gilbert), so we'll be there whenever the next show happens. :) I'm also in several matchbox groups on FB (Katie Hartmann, I am hard to miss...LOL). Thanks for the great review!

you can use multiple gift cards to purchase everything online at carnival.com ... Many have done this, and i verified with the fun shops. :)

thank you!

Yes.

 

And you can purchase a $500 GC for $450 and 5,000 points. We paid our entire cruise with four $500s and a few $100s. Saved hundreds.

Question from a new person. :) Can you pay for excursions with multiple gift cards? Or do you need to have ONE gift card with more than the excursion cost available? We need "about" $270 to cover our desired excursion and gratuities, so we'd prefer not to buy $500. Has anyone else dealt with this?

So glad you enjoyed your trip - following along was a blast! See you on the next matchbox tour. :)

Can the "buy 6" be shared?

I would seriously love to see this. It be worth the money, just for the threads it would generate. Do you think people would smuggle chairs aboard?

I saw someone do this at a concert!! We looked over and there was an extra seat (not matching) at the end of our row. She was escorted out, LOL.

We absolutely loved this excursion!! There were 6 of us travelling together. We boarded the bus to go to the excursion and it was very nice--great air conditioner! We made a stop before arriving at the beach to go to the primitive restroom (very clean) and take some pictures. There were some roadside stands with things for sale. No pressure to buy.

We arrived at the beach and were broken up into small groups about 8-10 people per group. Our group had 8 people in it.

We received instructions on how to dig the hole and what to do when we found a turtle. Our group found 11 sea turtles! It was amazing. We also collected any unhatched eggs and hatched egg shells. Every group found turtles. Then we gathered on the beach to release them. It was a once in a lifetime experience! There were several that didn't want to dig so they took photos and watched. You were then given an opportunity to purchase a t-shirt if you wanted. They were $15 and $20 dollars.

After the activities with the sea turtles were over we all boarded the bus and had another stop at a Mayan village (replica) it was interesting--and a tequila tasting there. The tequila tasting was completely optional. There was no pressure to buy anything. After this we went back to the port and spent some time shopping and back on the ship.

We all really like this excursion! It was interactive and the guides were super friendly and informative about the area. My husband really liked it too. I don't know if we just lucked out by finding so many turtles but I'm glad we went and had this experience!

You have TOTALLY made my day - thank you! We'll be booking this. :)

We have this excursion booked. We leave on Saturday. I'll tell you how it went when we return. My daughter really wanted to do it so I hope it's a good one!

KyBB - how was it??