sjn911

This thread is too much fun. If you live solo and cook solo...or you live with a family and cook for a family; the variety and quality is astounding on a value cruise. There are going to be taste bud changes and goofs....but seriously...it is just amazing how many of us have options we love and dream about new things each time!

On a recent cruise on NCL, I received Bvlgari soap, shampoo, and lotion... Saw the same stuff at Bloomindales, and the shampoo alone was $48.00

LOL....oh my..love your print whisper.:)

I love that story Muumuu.

On my second cruise, probably around 10 years after my first. Twas the Costa Riviera and old then and fantastic food and a good time but sad tired boat. The Fantasy class now is still new in comparison. I was skinny and a good thing. The shower and bathroom was almost like the all in one style of the tiny campers.

So the then new white and wonderful Princess and Red white and blue Carnival ships looked better in every port.

I meet a couple just finished with their cruise on Princess at the airport going home. The poor husband is carrying bags of shoes? Way before 9/11. "How much is checked?" I ponder and I am not great at this still but far better. She says to her hubby, "you are a man and you just don't understand." Probably about 1992.

LOL.....Alpenglow..I really do not want to see it for a few months.

I am praying that I get outside, on the water, Montana water, in September with my crazy dad and really get the lowdown on his new mule at 82.

The cruise water even in a little boat may be this summer if the boat is in. I am calling the man today who may or may not stay there for me to help get the boat stored. We were the camp to get a cabin family. Not the cruise family. So of course we all grow and find something else we love.

Thank you friends, and I should work on my writing style but the more complicated the more interesting right?? I would love to get dad on a cruise because he likes to dance and I think he would be a hit and have a different kind of fun with me..without mom sadly... and have a kosher way to go. We all watch a movie and he leans over to me and says..."now is when I would like to go dancing." Age 81.

I hope OP has her vacation solved and a wonderful time.

The best was a beef dish that had half of it as a well cooked brisket roast and another half a finer cut, perfectly cut and matched, with a nice small scalloped potatoe dish and nice vegetables.

All cold fruit soups....

Perfect fresh sliced fruit plates in dining and room service....

And room service BLT's...LOL.

This beef dish was better tasting than their prime rib and I know my good meat. Prime was thin cut and ok however.

Worst: undercooked crab cake, stale perfect looking apple and caramel drizzled tart dessert, and stale bread and butter on one cruise...seriously. Even steak house sides were off..salad and mushrooms. Do not go on a cruise that is right before a longer transition cruise and then a major change for that ship. It was like they were using the old stuff up and service was off.

Carnival can do an amazing job with good banquet style options in main and a great steakhouse. Really looking forward to trying Chef's table next time. Also the fresh carving sandwiches, Mongolian wok, and an Indian special order as previously mentioned are on my radar. The food is amazing at the price point....and many more options than you would have per meal at most restaurants at same food quality level...the value of bulk purchasing.

I like last minute guarantees. You see what is avbx with a practice booking..if you see quite a few you could take in your category...have to pinch your pennies and have to go...it is worth it. I had a very nice inside 2 times with this method. A 1a on Fantasy class on Empress deck which is delightfully quiet, nobody across from you, and a straight shot out to the atrium, over cabins and under carpeted seating area in dining.

Another time a deck 7 between cabin floors not to far to elevator/STAIRS AND LIDO.

I also agree if a guarantee at a suite level is offered on a ship where they are well placed for noise...go for it..if in your budget.

It is always better to pay for and get exactly what you want. You have to check things to improve odds..lol...and be ok with the worst cabin with earplugs and a sound machine.

Hope you feel better soon! You are one of the nicest people on CC, and I look forward to reading your posts, ...s and all :)

You really made my weekend...

And several others yesterday and Friday...too much to post to all and say thanks..but thanks...you all know who you are...little back pats very appreciated...by so many past couple of days.:)

If they will let you combine the 50 dollar certificate with the 3 services spa special they give...if they still do..that would be a good deal...but not your question. that is around 129 and offered by midweek. Maybe these certificates were offered to change having to offer that to fill in.

I know not quite your question but that is a nice service...typically like a feet, scalp, back massage etc..20 minutes each.

To your direct need...I would say a blowout or product to keep as close to 50 as you can. I know more expensive than land...but less expensive than more upscale lines etc. I think the spa is a great way to add to your cruise..they are kept nice,,,the lockers are usually avbx for steam or sauna without extra payment and I adored the one on Fantasy class with this huge window ledge seat on a window looking out to sea..

If you want a massage that certificate would be lovely to reduce the cost to a land price. I regretted not doing that on my second Carnival cruise..it changes everything...for me in terms of deeply relaxing and really starting a spoil me vacation.

When invited on an inaugural 3 night with my TA friend along with some time at her condo in San Diego...I packed as if I was driving (not) and more in two suitcases than I ever had before or ever will again...I took up 3/4 of the walk in area of the closet in a mini-suite on another line...it was ridiculous. But it was fun to feel like queen for a week. Only problem; I was also the footman.

Thanks to all on different posts and threads for the buttering up...it is so sweet and needed it today...ok..facing my dear dad call now and it can go many ways; so glad he is here but what a retired but not really guy. I am so happy I can get a visit with him at family cabin and finally get a cruise in..I will learn the ropes for a review..on this one or another. (Dare I say I am also thinking of a Pacific coastal on Princess and if I won the lottery would stay on that ship for a few more cruises. ) It is the Star Princess that I had the innaugual cruise with my good friend and I could look her up in North county San Diego...but this would be only 7 days and only one new place..but places I ADORE and will never be done with.

Seven appx cruises since 1980 is NOT enough. I love it here..warts and all..and all of us...thanks again everybody.

I loved the razor and mouthwash and toothpaste products. I remember the razor could have additional blades purchased for it and used it quite a while..and it had the next number of blades..lol went to the triple..wow...

I have saved money just using all the soap and shampoo I have saved over the years...and had a longer stay in Oregon in 2014 to add to my supply...

I like remembering the trips and scents of each stay...one of those sweet things.

My grandfather used to joke about the travels they were so fortunate to have...especially in Europe for them..and your arm falling off with the weight of the extra shampoo, lotion and all that "stupid" stationery...lol.

Another angle and good thought Mr. and Mrs. Happy. Good luck and thoughts to all.

LOL...thanks everyone...hooray on old school dining..I love that...lol. And compared to service on Spirit..my dining room experience on Paradise was so wonderful...and happy and spoiling. I like the table cloth ambiance...but could take other with different extras..do not get me wrong.

It is mostly all places have never been. Love idea of HMC 2 times and Cozumel 2 times and Charleston discovery on both ends. Plus back to back cruises at a really good price as a solo...like a good deal 7 day, for 10. All that darn air from here either coast and this is something that works 2 weeks...I NEED 2 WEEKS desperately....it has been forever since my last long exit. 2014 to Oregon..lol.

But a few other things are in the running,,,thanks all!!!!

Howdy! :)

 

I believe it's a perk at the level of Royal Suite and higher (Penthouse). Booking those categories also included premium beverage package for all in the cabin, pre-paid tips, $150pp OBC, unlimited high speed (well a couple meg/s anyway) internet, and unlimited specialty dining.

 

In reality, people staying in those cabins are paying for those perks - but it's nice to have a feel of an all-inclusive trip.

 

Back in Orlando in under an hour... and BACK to reality !

 

Tom

Yes that is true when one pays that they have paid for it and nice that they honor it. Thank you for reply.

Just love that specific Vodka...rarely have a drink with this phase of things but oh..when I do; that is heaven.

When my luxury cruising sales friend was earning her way up I got to go on Star Princess with her..the inaugural. Her business partner and best friend had just passed and I had his place:(. It helped having someone not in the business and boy was I lucky. Premium booze for all..back from a massage and she had already ordered a Goose Bloody Mary; lol; you get to point you have to have at least 3 a day to keep going..lol..those travel agent spoil them things.

You are so great to take your employees. I had a great doctor that did that..it was wonderful. What a place. Welcome home..soon you will be off again!!

Congrats!!! Can not answer the beer question with pure figures..but my guess is you did the right thing.

2) Sarah (sjn911), you are wearing out your ...... key again. (though I agree, it was very heartfelt) .. by HawkIvette

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WoW!!! This is one of the most Heartfelt and best post I have seen in my almost 2 years on CC. This post actually reminded me that there are still decent people on CC.

Michael..

...............

Sometimes I am too sensitive , too much , too many words...but thanks and mean well...never have I lasted out a place like this..this long..good for the skin thickening...one does end up with a way to say one's opinion..short, long, divisive or otherwise...and I have "done my time here".

And we do give each other a head's up...needed or not...short or long..nature of the place..thank you and thank you. LOL, I just got it the "..." along with the long winded. Guilty; bad pain day here and should have tightened it up.

Just found a new thread...so search again before you post, but still no food info......a new returnee kind enough for an "ask away thread"..so asked there and will post findings here.

They say current music and shows of Motown and Brits and piano player all were great as well as current CD...got dancing going in atrium etc. Also steel drums back..I would love to go and see Charleston.

Was it American Table or the older way...did they serve regular breakfast and lunch in dining room on port days?? Brunch on sea days.??? Great news on Piano bar and Motown show!! And that folks danced!!

Do they have the new American Table and Playlist or are they old school? I tried to research...thank you.

Well that is nice...Wine on Carnival and fine Vodka on Celebrity!! Thanks for coming back to keep us posted..nice to see you...

Was Vodka an earned perk or package for a certain cabin??

It is hard to be "giving" and change after one thing is decided..that creates a change...then with her kids coming boom another change...they kept piling up...I see the added worry...good on you to talk daughters into 2 nights and changing activities to kid friendly....I think in this case it is more a pow wow with your self and daughters and blowing off steam here which is good..to get support back from understanding ones and then devil's advocate stuff can remind you of angles possible at their worst. I take it you go..a lot and your daughters will get to go fairly often. I think this one...make it about the people you added on. Your daughters can see your giving heart...you can see what you already know in action...just what surprises come your way doing for others...give her breaks when the camp does not work out and I think it will work out as much or more as it would have anyway. Sometimes our hearts give more than our egos want..then bingo..it is what it was supposed to be anyway...altered..but a happier bigger different thing..you are giving her a chance to balance out so much with her kids..kind of mini prepare them..and probably prove to them she will be happy and fun and strong as possible through this...by not crying around but trying something new at your suggestion...anyway pardon me because I am "supposing" too but hopefully in a supportive way. I cant tell you as a solo unit how much i have done the same..because oddly with family near and all with kids and grandkids, it is all about them i am spoiled and like to go alone even though i live alone..when I don't want the "giving" surprises...but my happiest memories...at least half of them..are the Massive PANDIMONIUM and as my grandma put it..lol.."bedlam"..with the whole family cramed somewhere due to some event..and all the cars getting there...lol..sometimes the best were the sub-zero games and i hate sports..but not with my nephews playing ..Surprise!!! So anyway...this trip may not be what initially dreamed about showing your friend...and have a different pace...but could have the best love/sharing/good feeling lessons around. This is how I see Carnival at it's best...oriented to people who have families whether with them or not...and who also have budgets so easier to negotiate extras with your xtra pennies together. Don't shoot me..long winded Montanan here...make this trip about her...and your daughters and you will have the best time..and can be grateful for the many more you will have...praying for her...your heart made the exact right decision...to ask her..IMHO. Love, Sarah.... (writing before last posts came in..sorry) My mom passed 4 years ago..kind of early since her mom lived to 97; (76) so I am colored by that too in full disclosure.

So excited for you....loving to travel alone is not anti-social...especially with your enthusiasm...it is just me time when you want it and new people to meet when you want it...and your own deal..sounds fabulous!!

Where serenity would be was a reasonably quiet area with lounge chairs and shade. If one side is in the sun the other should be shady.

 

Also go outside deck 3 was also pretty quiet place

Thank you.

FWIW a friend of mine was bitten by a brown recluse last year. She lost both legs and one hand due to the poison. She is coming home from the hospital this week after several months in ICU, coma, hospital recovery and a rehabilitation center. I think Carnival needs to take this VERY seriously, and the OP has every right to be upset, and Carnival should be making sure they are VERY OK. My friend just had a bite mark and sore in the bite area for a week after the bite before anybody realized the infection had spread throughout her body, it almost killed her.

Thank you for your sharing and good thoughts to your friend..such a hard story....Just kudos to folks who watch things and follow up, people in pairs are so much better..and so hard when it does not have a happiest ending whatever the issues "that one time"...thanks for your post...not to be taken lightly any swelling or reaction.

My little nephew's forehead swelled up huge on a little regular non-zika mosquito bite at one this summer...and pronto to the emergency clinic they went and benadryl (sp) for all ages if possible should be carried I think...but not THE ANSWER...just a step to the pros in tough situations.

I have only been offered a percentage off once. It was 25 percent off next cruise once...in my whopping 6 or 7 cruises since 1980. It was off a next Costa Cruise and 7 day as I had been on a 7 day. It was 1992/1993 or so.... That time it was off the brochure rate....not sure if they even have that rate as a base price now to the masses, but it was not off whatever the real cost of the cruise was at booking and no deal.....ever.