sjn911

I prefer Carnival overall to NCL, however if you go for balcony or the mini-suite cabins they aren't near as bad as inside cabins. I will never ever do an inside on NCL again. If I can't swing a balcony then I won't book, unless it is just two of us, if you try three people I would only do a balcony. NCL does have some nice perks and differences. I really enjoy the specialty dining aspect so we know to add that expense also. When they also offer the drink packages as a perk, can really make the cruise more affordable than Carnival.

This will help the cabin questioners....it all depends on how many with you...and even as a solo..sometimes I can be cozy and sometimes not. I wonder how I would like the studio..I think the lounge for those people and the signups for events and dinners would be so great. Also I wonder if one could as a solo go with the flow more in those cabins for planning shows and different restaurants once on ship. I think the concepts are different on both these mainstream lines and that makes it fun...ship to ship differences as well as line to line.

My nephew had been on the Miracle growing up and did the Breakaway as a not quite legal young adult. He LOVED it but has also loved service work in Peru the last 2 spring breaks. We are all so different even though we love cruises and this is what makes it so much fun here.

For the question about Ocean view and size...I can find almost anything on Youtube of the mainstream lines to get an idea of size..type the ship and cabin type. Or even look on the ship cabin maps and type one and the or outside blah blah. Also check the cabin picture sites....can Google them as not sure we can mention here.

Would love to live in a Port City for a while..lol..with the time and money,,,,,,I just love checking out different places to stay and travel..Camper Van to Suite...ship to shore.

Where would I find the answer to this? How do I know which terminal to go to? #5 or #6

My guess is cab will know, shuttles will know or you can call the port that Am and it will be marked as you arrive....more who go often form here will chip in or check and ask at your official departure pre cruise board here.

So glad all these reports are good for Liberty...just great.

PS,,never do I regret reading these medical reminders...heaven forbid but as we age a few more issues always and when we travel once and a while we can get a different bite or water accident or I swear somehow having fun sometimes just a rash releases..a virus we all carrey many and something when we let go can kind of cleanse out of us....had a horrible rash on beach once and hotel took me to ER..I was on fire until I got a anti-itch med. Nice to be reminded of getting the primary when traveling type...and not have to wait for the HMO refusal. That they offer this on ships is fantastic..Hotels do not have hotel doctors..it is awesome. I always hear more great stories than bad in terms of helping with fixible on ship issues or stabilization of someone for further serious medical work and an airlift and proper land follow up...always wonderful care of families etc. on ships..good stories far out weigh bad...but do be insured.

The Havana area is open to anyone on the ship after 700 PM each day. Prior to that, you must be staying in one of the Havana cabins that are located primarily on deck five, with 23 balcony/lanai cabins, 14 inside and 4 suites. There are an additional 2 insides up on deck 7 as well as 10 aft and premium balconies on deck 7 and deck 6. So there are 63 cabins in total. Here's a video of the area.

Thanks so much for review on trip...all the cheers info..and pics.and doing it on your time!!!

:)

No, probably not. I'm quite neurotic and I have OCD and travel anxiety. I come to cruise critic to "manage my expectations" so that I am not caught off guard when I get there. I know how annoying I can be, but it's how I cope with my anxieties.

 

Unfortunately I do not understand the concept of "chill out."

:)Working on it ll the time..think most of us are on some level or we would not be planning here...I just found your answer honest and refreshing...

Have a wonderful time...worry and then relax...give yourself more relax than worry and taking breaks breathe in nose and out mouth 5 times slowly to count of 5, say numbers in head...one two three four five on breath in and the same out...it is amazing...just a wonder...drink plenty of water and walk and do a few stretches...my tricks.

I just know Breeze is a favorite and wonderful ship from reading here, can not wait to try her with or without Alchemy...I think she is a favorite and that happens because all is moving in the right direction for most on her...she is newer but not newest and kinks worked out..leaving your group more simple and more complicated Carnival to try later...perfect choice and so is Carnival for not having to worry about perfect little details of a pickier crowd (not that this is bad)..but it is simply a very nice simpler experience with just the right amount of options..not too much...not too little..and happy happy nice crew always. And large cabins and all for a mainstream cruise...so nice that way..and comfy sheets and beds.

The RCCL ship may have smaller cabins. I do not think you can do wrong....I just loved my cruise on the Paradise sister Fantasy Class ship to Elation..love idea of one more day for you....that might make up for 2 people buying the drink package..and maybe they would anyway,...nothing like as long as possible..I swear I will not go less than 7 days next time unless there is some other fancy add on land plan...and even then...I hope not lol.

Both should be fine..equal different strengths and weaknesses on a little older smaller ship and the strength for me is they have gone so behemoth in mass market ships...and they are wonderful I am sure...(largest I have been on is Star Princess)... the food on the smaller ships has a chance to be better..less people etc. adds to that and service...RCCL may be slightly fancier but they both are older mass market...so I would go for outside cabin if possible and 5 day...let them have fun of seeing water...if not expecting major seasick issues..Bon Voyage.

I think it all really depends on how bad you need a vacation, your pocketbook of course and priorities, and how balanced your mood and perspective are..mixed with your fatigue and what you need for each vacation...I have had insides that seemed like hell and heaven. Same for outsides,.My one time mini-suite with friend on a new Grand-Class Princess ship....that or better could never be wrong..lol.

Go with what you can afford and think positive and all is usually at least 85 to 15 in favor of good percentage.. On Carnival after the Fantasy Class....most regular ov's are much larger because the size of the balcony is also part of the room. I always will want to at least see the outside..but if I need to I have learned the coziness of an inside and need to sleep are quite a lovely combo as are included room service coffee and cream and a sandwich or roll for B-fast or lunch..before exploring whatever. I do love to stare at the water and really look forward to a balcony by myself sometime...I think on a high activity and entertainment and multiple restaurant ship like the new big NCL ones, as a solo, I may even be able to handle the tiny cabins for one with the lounge and all the places to go...When money is no object God willing, as a solo or with someone..a balcony is a preference I will take..options for privacy and the sea...I go for the sea...

Never tried but kind of vaguely remembered few years ago someone mentioned about upgrading at embarkation before you board. Just ask the NCL check-in staff before he/she prints up your room cards. Won't hurt to try!

You know I will send good thoughts for it...you never know!!!

This is so wonderful..thanks so for the videos...for some reason I have latched onto wanting to try Conquest for that class....this is great...I like her art Farcus theme...now old fun history,,,lol.

:)

Loving the thread...was so much fun to see how styles come around, some of the seating chair styles in new Vista really matched some of the chairs on the old original 50's Irish Coast that came to be Epirotiki Appollon II in the 80's..Wow...wonder if they were just resurfaced in 80's...old becomes new..round and round....new twists on mid century mod...I HATED that word mid century in my early 40's LOL...accepting it at 57.

I am so looking forward to your review and comparison. My sweet nephew went on the Breakaway his sophomore year which was year before last.....Already having a Saturday night herbal tea and thrill starting to read...you guys are the best with your reviews and helps and adventures. We love you,,,so sorry kids could not come but so great schedules and wonderful friends continue your enjoyment of cruising...thanks again. Was a great plan for first night!!! And catching a last minute play...perfect.

4 hours and caught up lol...looked things up as you brought them up....you are so thorough and I love to relax and dream...you guys are so inspirational and really enjoy so much each ship offers..thanks again so much for sharing,,,

Was wondering where you two have been! Missed you on the CCL boards with your great reviews! Will be interesting to see how you liked NCL. We have "wandered" from Carnival also - now go back and forth between the two lines.

I am so looking forward to your review and comparison. My sweet nephew went on the Breakaway his sophomore year which was year before last.....Already having a Saturday night herbal tea and thrill starting to read...you guys are the best with your reviews and helps and adventures. We love you,,,so sorry kids could not come but so great schedules and wonderful friends continue your enjoyment of cruising...thanks again. Was a great plan for first night!!! And catching a last minute play...perfect.

:D

Glad to see we aren't the only non-drinkers cruising [emoji4]. DH and I don't drink at all and took our first cruise in December. We loved it and I'm already planning to book another.

 

We had early seating for dinner and then we watched shows in the theatre, sat in the piano bar with a soda, went to a comedy show, and/or watched a movie on the deck under the stars.

So glad to see same thing too,,,we have morphed into a group that does not drink often and the older I get..I want calories from food and I do not sleep well with alcohol......Love the Blue Dolphin Ice water name noted..and mixing tea and lemonade and bringing some of your favorite teas or water flavors if you do not drink much soda is great option,,,,can make your own fresh ice tea with a cup and then fill glass with ice and voila, always avbx at Lido,...lots of folks bring their favorite stay hot or cold designer (lol) mugs. Real relaxing without alcohol is the deepest r and r ..I really enjoy a massage or spa treatment,,,save on alcohol so go for it, if you would enjoy, they usually advertise reduced rates of a 3 service things, like head, neck and feet massage etc( just say no kindly about all the extra lotions and potions and say you will tip and most will leave you alone on that......there is not the pressure like there used to be to drink and you will gravitate to those who drink very lightly or not at all and will not be alone...you will perhaps see drunk folks but not tons and tons of them...week or longer are far less booze cruises. Enjoy.

Summer 1980 Epirotiki Appollon II....Greece, Jerusalem, Cairo, Age 20. Oh my..another time another world. Tiny inside cabin but time of my life that Spring studying in France and traveling that Summer. She was only about 5000 tons and originally an Irish Commuter ship. But we had white glove service in dining room and remember my first caviar. She went down in late 80's I think in a typhoon under another name.

 

 

 

Picture's found on internet search just now...above credit to www.dcchamberlainarchietct.com

PS top picture may be Orpheus but similar...slightly larger than Apollon II

I just found a main lounge pic,,,,credit to www.ssmaritime.com....I so remember this room.

Dining room...Thanks to http://www.simplonpc.uk.com

Summer 1980 Epirotiki Appollon II....Greece, Jerusalem, Cairo, Age 20. Oh my..another time another world. Tiny inside cabin but time of my life that Spring studying in France and traveling that Summer. She was only about 5000 tons and originally an Irish Commuter ship. But we had white glove service in dining room and remember my first caviar. She went down in late 80's I think in a typhoon under another name.

Picture's found on internet search just now...above credit to www.dcchamberlainarchietct.com

My nephew went and really loved it, granted a kid, but he has cruises and nice restaurants and nice upper middle class (whatever that is in this day and age) travel under his belt and more travel than his cousins in other families. He had the time of his life and said food and service was good. His group leader was life time friends with one of musicians. This kid can talk to anyone and is putting himself through school as the basketball team manager...I love him and am biased but think if it was bad he would have had legit comments on poor service. He said, "people were there to spend money and have fun." LOL. I recall his joy in several older couples he made friends with throughout the cruise who spoiled him,,,he is simply a great kid.

Very late to this wonderful thread....like a Berlitz/Ward book. Thank you all.

Have a wonderful time!! Thanks for question and accompanied info it brought.

Wish Zihuatanejo would fix their pier. Port was cancelled on the Zjourneys cruise because of this.

Whatever..together or separate we desperately need a break,,,there is a great difference between a want, a need, a need plus and survival...cabin fever reaching survival for both of us,,,lol.

We sailed to Mazatlan shortly before the whole drug thing got out of control. We never felt threatened. I do think the west coast has more potential.

 

 

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Thanks for your welcomed thoughts.

When I completed my passport renewal last September my passport had been expired for a year and several months. All I had to do was fill out the online form and mail it back with new photos and my expired passport. We were advised it would take 4-6 weeks, I received it back in 2 weeks. I did not have to resend my birth certificate. I need to have a passport as I was born on a US Airforce Base overseas and my birth certificate is actually 3 pages it is very confusing to people who are not used to seeing them. I don't want any chance of not getting to board or not being allowed back.

Bottom line I recommend renewing the passport and birth certificate should not be an issue if it is a renewal.

Have a fantastic cruise!

Thrilled to know that it may be renewal only if expired withing your time frame..thank you.

No frother. We are bringing our own.

 

 

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Thanks!!

I just loved your review. I have such fond memories of 2 weeks in southern France at 20 with Nice being a main stay. That Chagall Museum brought me to tears...loved it.,,and the youthful emotions a wonderful memory. Enjoy baby time, so glad you have been able to get in some great travels. Thanks again.

Thanks..glad to hear it is still a good short cruise. What a treat to get the suite. I gut a low night on Carnival's usually great Steakhouse,,,that is a bummer.

? Does this machine have a frother attachment?? Was not sure what one would bring. Are there solo separate ones people suggest...fun learning all the possibilities.

Thank you.