cruisinqt

I loved those live bands, they rocked! There was so much more variety back then too. Now it’s just musicals every night and they all seem similar. I definitely miss the old days.

Exactly. I think the people that attend are new cruisers that have no idea what it’s like and want to check it out. I miss the live bands and unique shows with ventriloquists, illusionists, etc. It was exciting having something different every night. Now it’s the same thing every night, a musical with lots of pre recorded background music with the same people singing and dancing. The only difference is that they change costumes and sing different songs each night. I like singing and dancing just as much as the next person. But watching people sing and dance to pre recorded music every night gets a bit old.

People that never saw the big production shows with live bands have no idea how it used to be so I imagine they’re ok with it because they haven’t been around long enough to compare or know what they’re missing out on. But I know they’d love the shows even more if it was produced the way it used to be. I loved the variety they used to have too like the illusionists, ventriloquists, and other unique shows. Playlist Productions would be ok if it was just on one or two nights on a cruise then some other unique shows on the other nights. But with it being every night it gets repetitive. I used to never miss the main show in the evening. Now I only go if I hear it’s really good.

The Mardi Gras had an amazing illusionist that put on several really good shows throughout the cruise. And the Celebration has a big top circus act with flying acrobats and tents. Neither were cheap productions and are reminiscent of shows they used to put on. I’m hoping that they continue this trend. It was very refreshing.

Oh now that is so sweet of your husband. It inspires me to do something fun for my husband.

Yeah I feel the same way. I loved the magic shows and family feud on Mardi Gras. I’m looking forward to the big top circus in the Celebration in February. Carnival is starting to get better in entertainment. They just need to let go of the playlist productions.

That’s exactly how I felt. When I saw the huge wrap around balcony I knew we that’s what I wanted.

I can’t believe you did that. What a great surprise for your wife. I bet she was really happy.

The thermal suites are co-ed and way better than the free one by the lockers which is cheap, tiny and often not working. Whether the thermal suites are crowded or not depends on what time of day you go. Early mornings before 11 am and evenings after dinner time are best. Midday is the worst. They only sell a limited amount of passes so when I say crowded I mean there are several individuals in the hot bubbly therapy pool or there’s only a couple loungers open. Usually it’s not that bad. It’s adults only so you won’t see kids running around there either. I usually hit the dry saunas, then the steam rooms, then cool off under the waterfall shower before soaking in the hot bubbly therapy pool. Then I relax in a heated marble lounger and have a good nap. It’s my favorite part of the day when cruising. You’ll love it.

He usually wants his own copy of the boarding passes just in case I misplace mine.

Yeah he will just follow my lead for sure.

Oh wow thanks. I’ll keep that in mind. I have a printer and copier. I was thinking of printing it, whiting out the “category: suite” statement, then making a copy of it so there’s no white out to see on the page. But if that doesn’t work I’ll definitely be in contact with you. Because I’m not good with editing stuff like that.

Thanks for the heads up. I’ll be using my white out on that part before I hand my husband his boarding pass then.

The “priority” isn’t an issue since we’re Platinum but the “category: suite” is something he’d probably notice. He’s an engineer so he notices small details in fine print like that. I may just print it then white out that part then make another fresh print out without any white out on it. Ugh the perils of being married to an engineer. They are very meticulous about the fine details on things. Thanks for the heads up.

I never thought of recording his reaction. What a great idea.

Wow that’s so sneaky! What a great idea!

Ours is also deck 4 it’s cabin 4228.I’m so excited! We are Platinum so I’ll just board along with Platinum guests. Our cruise isn’t until August so I won’t be able to see our boarding passes anytime soon either. It’s sounding like most cruisers don’t think it’s on the luggage tags so I’m hopeful that I can pull off the surprise. Thanks for the info.

There are both positives and negatives to cove balconies. So it all depends on your preferences. Positives: 1. You can see wildlife up close (dolphins, sea turtles, etc) 2. It’s shaded so no sunburn 3. It’s close to the main dining room 4. it’s close to the family harbor area Negatives: 1. Rough seas can cause the balcony to be wet very often 2. It’s a long way away from the lido, specialty restaurants, & spa 3. If it’s really rough seas they can close down the balcony (doesn’t happen often) 4. No direct sunlight since you’re right below the lifeboats. 5. Some feel closed in by the balcony instead of having that open airy feel For me personally it’s not my cup of tea. I like the balconies higher up that are closer to the things I prefer like the lido, specialty restaurants, spa, etc. I also prefer being in the direct sunlight, it recharges me. But there are many people that swear by the cove balconies and won’t book anything else. Hope this helps.

It’s so nice to hear a personal experience like that. I’m especially excited about the big wrap around balcony on this Vista Suite. We did a suite once before on a different ship but it was the lowest level of suite so it had a bigger bathroom, a living area, and a slightly larger balcony. It was very nice but didn’t have a lot of the wow factor. But this suite has it all. With several floor to ceiling windows and a huge wrap around balcony I just couldn’t resist it. I’ll probably never do it again because it’s not cheap. But we are celebrating our retirement and our 30th anniversary so I splurged. I can’t imagine booking side by side vista suites with your bff ‘s that must have been amazing.

Oh my that’s too funny. Same thing here. I tell him stuff then later he swears I never told him. It’s like they only halfway listen with an occasion nod not realizing that some of the stuff we are telling them is important. If I did tell him he’d probably forget too.

Good idea.

Oh yeah I didn’t think about that. It was booked under my name so I think it’s ok but I’ll check.

We did a suite many years ago and just like you, I can’t remember what the luggage tags said either. I’m hoping I can hold it in but I’m pretty excited too. This is our first overseas cruise and our first time in London. We are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary and the upgraded cabin is his gift. He’s always wanted one of the fancier suites and there is only one suite bigger than this one so he should be pleasantly surprised (if I can keep it a secret.?

So I’ve never done this before but I’m surprising my husband with a Vista Suite on our Carnival Pride cruise. He thinks we are in a normal balcony cabin as usual. I’ve already devised a way to keep him from seeing the bill or payments so that’s not a problem. And he never goes online and looks up the cruise details either so I'm not worried about that. But will I be able to keep this a surprise right up until we walk into our cabin? Or will there be “suite” or “vista suite” on any of the luggage tags? What about the boarding papers, anything on them? Is it possible to keep him out of the loop right up until we see the room? Anyone else who has done this please let me know. And if there’s something that will give it away does anyone have any ideas on how to break the news to him ahead of time in a fun way?

They call it individually. D1 then D2 then D3 etc. But by the time you all get in and situated they may have already called it. I’d confirm with an employee what they’ve already called out. They are standing around everywhere.