alreadypacked

Greetings all.

 

Ship is very quiet this first night. Does not seem or feel crowded, although I understand we are sold out. Some nice music venues with live music. I hope the shows, now being Playlist vs live band will be entertaining. Piano bar a complete bust. No one in there. No one in the Alchemy bar. Very smokie around the casino. Very. Music from the Casino Bar makes cabins on deck 6 anything but peaceful. Plumbing issues with toilets overflowing. Rooms are way too hot. Not cool and not comfortable. New standards for Carnival-keep rooms at 80 degrees. No air circulating out of vents. Told this meets guidelines. Top of guidllines, but meet them. Oh well.....

 

Will be posting here throughout the week. If anyone has questions I will try and find out the desired information.

 

Cheers All.

Are you saying that the room temperature thermostats cannot be adjusted to lower than 80 degrees?

New standards for Carnival. Is this fleet wide?

Please say it isn't so.

We'll be on Conquest in a few weeks.

I live in South Florida and we routinely keep our A/C on 74 degrees, except in Winter. I am always hot--especially while sleeping. Even 74 degrees is a little warm for me at bedtime, but other household members protest if I lower it to 73 or 72.

Would like to know as well.

I've read conflicting info and the hotel's own website doesn't even mention day passes for cruisers (I guess they wouldn't).

Excellent information on this thread! Thanks to all posters.

Queston:

Does anyone have a price list for the chairs and umbrellas?

I went to Carambola's website, but there were no lounge chair/umbrella prices (that I could find, at least).

Others have posted the food menu (thanks!), but as I am researching "beachy" things to do for our group of three, the other two gals would want specific prices so they can make an informed choice.

Thanks!

I spent a year living in St. Kitts and enjoyed some wonderful days at Reggae Beach Bar. The view of Nevis is spectacular. I tend to prefer the Caribbean side vs. the Atlantic side.

 

It is much further away from the port, so I am not sure about transport there as I had my own car.

 

If you decide to visit the Frigate Bay Strip/ Timothy Beach area, then I highly suggest you either get Cathy's bbq chicken and ribs with a side of rice and peas for lunch or grilled lobster or chicken roti from Shiggidy Shack. My mouth waters thinking of eating any of that stuff... memories!

 

Enjoy!

Thanks first to OP for posting this thread!

And to CocoCandy for their valuable info!

CocoCandy, since you lived there, I wanted to ask you a few questions:

Have been to Frigate Bay Beach in 2008, but this was prior to developing a shellfish allergy to shrimp, crab, and lobster. Do you know if island restaurants such as Cathy's are experienced with preparing food for people with food allergies (such as avoiding cross-contamination during preparation)?

Also, we had been considering Cockleshell Beach as well, but I read reviews citing the presence of free-roaming animals such as a goat, a boar, monkeys who will steal your drinks, and many feral cats. My traveling companions would be adverse to this--especially if the animals are doing their "business" all over. Any firsthand knowledge/advice regarding Cockleshell?

Thanks!

Maybe these guys prefer elegant night as defined by Sweet Dutch Girl.

 

I assume you're joking?

I'm guessing these guys simply photobombed your portrait on their way from the pool or spa...

Given the topic of this thread, are you actually suggesting they were going to the MDR in this attire?

I've enjoyed every cruise I've been on. My favorite is Carnival, although Royal Caribbean has some things that I like better. The ideal line for me would be a blend of the two!

The ideal line for me would also be a blend. I wish I could blend into one line:

• The nightlife of Carnival
  
• The food of Princess and Celebrity
  
• The entertainment of Royal (especially the ice skating show)
  

I took this picture once we were back on the ship. I have circled the duty free store in red to give you an idea of the distance. Again, we were there in 2012--things may have changed since.

Decent sized duty free store right by the ship. I bought some liquor. Not sure if they had cigars or cigarettes. This was in 2012. Haven't been there since, but we got off the ship, walked to the duty free store and got back on the ship.

Beware just because you don't put the lobster or the shrimp on the plate, if they were cooked with the other food, you will still react the same as if you ate them.

Very good point! My allergist has sternly cautioned me about cross-contamination. Even here at home when DH ordered a crabcake sandwich, the server brought my food out separately and DH immediately went to the restroom and washed his hands thoroughly after eating it. Just touching a crustacean will cause an allergic reaction for me.:(

Yes, you can set up your final pay to be automatic. Our PVP always does this for us.

Auto-pay can be a good tool, but realize it could fail for a number of reasons:

You no longer have the credit account the auto-pay was set up on.

Your credit card number was compromised between the time you booked and the final payment due date, resulting in issuance of a new account number by the card company.

The cruise agent or travel agent failed/forgot to set your booking up for auto-pay.

Computer glitch.

Etc.

Wow that stinks, but I'm glad you at least got your booking back!:):) After I make final payment (or any booking payment or changes), I go over the emailed booking confirmation with a fine-toothed comb to ensure all info is correct including any applied payments. We just made final payment on our cruise and I verified that the payment was actually applied by checking the emailed confirmation and by logging into our booking on Carnival's website.

People are human and make mistakes; computer glitches happen. I've learned the hard way to triple-check everything.

Time for lunch, included in our package, served whenever we want! :)

 

DELICIOUS lunch! Lobster, shrimp, beef, beets, yucca chips, etc. SO GOOD!

 

Can't say enough, I'm really enjoying the review! Great job!:)

That lunch looks really tasty!

Unfortunately, after 40 years of eating shrimp, crab, and lobster, I have suddenly become allergic.

Question: Does the lunch plate automatically come with shellfish or did you specifically order the various items off a menu?

Great Review!!!:)

Can't wait to read the rest!

Happy Anniversary too!:)

As others have already stated, ships usually return to the home port on time or early. But...

Consider your port of embarkation, itinerary and time of year with regard to weather. For instance, if sailing a Caribbean itinerary during hurricane season, be careful because you just never know. In 2004, we were all set to embark the Caribbean Princess on Saturday September 25. But thanks to Hurricane Jean, the ship was stuck out at sea for two additional days. We boarded on Monday, the 27th instead.

Passengers on the cruise before us were stuck on the ship for two extra days.

Not a typical situation, I know. But something to be aware of.

Everyone was getting hungry as it was now around 1pm-ish. I had tried to find a Groupon but the boys were all hungry, thirsty, and hot. So we stopped at the next place we saw with food that looked pretty good. (BIG MISTAKE, look for a coupon/groupon etc prior... just saying)

 

Hubby saw a huge Beer-garita go by and said lets get one to share.. ok. He's not a big drinker (I am) so when he said get a drink for him I dont 2nd guess it.

 

My 12yr old J, wanted a strawberry margarita (virgin of course)

 

One quesadilla, and 3 burgers later we were stuffed.

 

Food was good, drinks hit the spot. Then the bill came and we about died. $204.... $30 service charge, what's that you ask... thats just for dinning on Ocean Drive. No joke we asked about it. We can cross that off our list of things to do once and never do again LOL.

 

Continued on Next Post... almost done.

Loving your review! Thanks!

I used to love South Beach but these outrageous prices are exactly why we no longer go.

We live in South Florida (Broward County) and are accustomed to touristy prices but South Beach prices are now outright ridiculous for less-than-quality food and beverages. I mean, $19 for a virgin smoothie and $18 for a quesadilla with barely any cheese by the look of it!

Great to experience once, I suppose, but otherwise there are better places for less $$$.

Looking forward to the rest of your review!

Before I get to responding to all the comments later when I have more time, I feel the need to address this. I'm absolutely insulted at this remark. I might be a lot of things, but one thing I am NOT is a racist. I have friends that are black, white, Asian, Latino, gay, straight, lesbian, Christian, Jehovah's Witness, atheist, Muslim, etc. I'm one of the most accepting, tolerant, open minded individuals you will ever meet. If you're going to insult me at a simple joke then yes, please stop reading. If anyone did take offense, I apologize as it was never my intention to do that. I could have said the same thing to someone from any other country in the world where I met a guy I liked. This was not directed at him specifically because of where he was from. As far as why travel there and leave, perhaps you missed the part of the review where I said I AM considering a temporary 1-2 year move to Central America. And before any more comments go way into left field, causing my thread to be locked, keep them to yourself. I have put in way too much work to have my review go *poof* on the account of a few.

 

Carry on folks. Nothing more to see here. :rolleyes:

Touche, GAPearl!!!

Very much enjoying your review, as always! Carry on!!!

Thanks again KruzPrincess and all posters for the excellent info you have provided in response to my question!!:):):)

This is very helpful info--thanks so much for the prompt response!!:):)

San Francisco is generally far cooler than the Calabasas area. A polar fleece jacket should be okay, if it is a fairly heavy one, or if you layer a thinner one with other clothes. They sell LOTS of sweatshirts to tourists in S.F. who arrive thinking the weather will be like L.A. It isn't.

LOL! I can imagine.

Thanks for the info!:)

Just got off this cruise yesterday. Here are some of my tips:

A release jacket is perfect for San Francisco. If you are a strong walker, walk to pier 8, then up Broadway to Chinatown. Have some dim sum there.

In the Adiago bar try a tiramisu Martini. They only make it there. Plus ask for complementary olives there. For a great bargin in Ensenada, take the $2 shuttle into town. Then look for Fernando who will give you a great tour to La Bufadora and a huge farmers market for $15PP. He was great and very reliable. You will find it right where the shuttle drops you off. He has a ticket booth there. BTW Princess charges $39PP for the same tour. In San Diego buy trolley tickets on line before your cruise. It is a hop on, hop off trolley with many stops including to the Coronado hotel. Also cheaper then what Princess offers.

This was a fun little cruise that was great for families. Well worth it.

Thanks for the tips!

Question: How long did it take you to walk to Chinatown?

Thanks for the review partybarbie!:)

We'll be doing a Pacific Coastal on the Crown this coming weekend out of LA. Though I've been on almost 30 cruises, they've all been Carribean itineraries as we live in Fort Lauderdale. What was the weather like during your at-sea days? Was it cold? I'm trying to figure out what type of daytime clothing to bring... Capris, long pants, shorts? Should I even bother to bring a swimsuit?

Thanks!

Sorry, One more question. Did you wear more capri pants or jeans during the day at the ports of call.

Thanks so much

Would like to know this as well.

Also, trying to decide what to bring for at-sea days. I've only done Caribbean itineraries and am always in swimwear or shorts and a top on sea days.

Thanks!:)

It did warm up some and was a nice day in San Diego. Honestly, every day was sunny and nice, but much cooler than expected. It was very windy and brisk in San Francisco. Today, we're in Ensenada and it's even coolish here, but I'm sure it will warm this afternoon. For me, I'd rather have it cool than blazing hot. It's nice for me, but I just wish I'd brought a warmer jacket.

Thanks KruzPrincess for your insight thus far!

We will be on the April 18th Sailing!

I am now trying to decide what types of jackets to bring. I live in South Florida and don't have a lot of heavy coats.

When you say "warmer jacket", would something like a polar fleece jacket be warm enough (especially for San Fran which I know can be really cold)?

Just a week and a half ago, I was in the Calabasas, CA area and the daytime temperatures were around 80 degrees, but 80 in California felt a lot cooler than a South Florida 80. And 60 in the evening felt downright cold to us.

As for artificial sweetener, I would lean towards it being Splenda (Sucralose) as well. Most people will not cook or bake with aspartame or saccharin as they tend to give off a bitter/metallic taste when heated to baking temps. I would also double check with the head chef as well.

 

Do you have a food sensitivity or full blown allergy? Just asking in case you are not able to contact head chef, I wouldn't you to be in a life threatening situation in case you were given incorrect information.

Ugh! This is my dilemma!

After an apparent reaction to shrimp this last year, an allergist confirmed shellfish (crustacean) allergy.

Ever since, I carry liquid Benadryl and 2 prescription Epi-pens.

I don't really doubt my allergist, but it seems almost ridiculous that I could be allergic to shellfish after 40 years of eating! Allergist says crustacean allergy is extremely serious and could be deadly.

Would like to test-eat a shrimp again to be sure it wasn't some fluke but am afraid.

Allergist also says that tests revealed a mild reaction to mollusks (clams, mussels, scallops etc.) but not enough to indicate actual allergy--and I've been eating clam sauce with no problem since diagnosis.

Food sensitivity or possibly life-threatening allergy? Can I ever be sure?

Those with similar experience...

Interested in hearing your response.

Just last week, a California restaurant refused to serve me any seafood at all when I revealed my shellfish allergy. I guess they were playing it safe. Can't blame them really, but my allergist (and personal experience) says that fin fish and mollusks (clams, scallops, oysters etc.) are safe.

I don't know what brand she was wearing, but I have to wear orthotic sandals and the brand I love is Vionic. You have to get used to wearing them and start with only a few hours a day, but once you get used to them you wouldn't consider anything else.

They start at about $69.00 for the rubber ones. I just paid $89.00 each for 2 pair of leather, dressier thongs. You can find them at QVC, Zappos and Amazon.

Yes I have several Vionic sandals! Very good arch support. Other brands add metatarsal support which I love even more, but Vionic (Formerly Orthaheel) is still very good.

My flexible-flat-feet are so bad that I'm always on the lookout for good supportive shoes--orthotics are great but limit the styles you can wear.

My foot problems are very painful, and at one time I felt extremely negative about them...

Then I read an article about an amputee...

Changed my outlook.

Anyway, good arch and metatarsal support shoe recommendations are always welcomed!