wikoffclan

In my experience lately, service is Slow (fewer bar waiters?)... but as stated - Tip a few waiters well and they'll remember you. I've been served while just standing watching the craps table and also gotten drinks for my DH though the DOU was for me only.

5 hours ago, Cruisegoer said:

What are your thoughts?

Lately I've found that several cruise lines will have "no availability" when I try to book Solo. But when I put in 2 passengers, suddenly there are cabins available.

On 8/15/2023 at 7:58 AM, pirate4me2 said:

So instead of wearing shorts, flip flops and a T-shirt to dinner (yes, I am that person!) I had to pack 4 outfits just for dinner.  AND I realized that all my “dressy” shoes are technically just fancy flip flops. Argh. Guess I need to go buy a nice, neutral pair of dress shoes.  I am feeling a bit fonder of dear old Carnival again, where my flip flops are basically the only pair of shoes I pack!  

 

Probably too late for your packing ritual, but just remember --- flip flops by any other name are "sandals". That's one I wouldn't stress on. Besides - dress shoes can be painful after the freedom of flip flops/sandals.

3 hours ago, PrincessArlena'sDad said:

 

 

Another oddity is that the forward elevators only go up to deck 11.  Serenity, and Camp Ocean, is on Deck 12.  There is no way to get to these two locations without walking up a flight of stairs.  What would they do if they had a kid in a wheel chair? 

There's an itty bitty elevator (separate from the main elevators) by the spa entrance that only goes from Deck 11 to Deck 12. Hard to see but useful in a pinch

MAJOR changes since we started cruising (in 2010). Not sure how many disappeared before 2017 but:

Past guest "reunion" is now limited to Platinum + (no longer for 2nd cruise and beyond (with cheers when "our ships" (Holiday, Fantasy. Ecstasy) showed on the screen!)

No Last night "glad you were here for the cruise" cocktail hour and dancing.

No basket of "extra" amenities in the cabin - just the basics --- a bar of soap and dispensers in the shower.

As stated - once a day room service --- unless otherwise requested (reluctantly delivered).

No pre-filled fridge with sodas, beers and liquors.

No liquor pre-orders for the cabin - I just saw this --- haven't confirmed.

No unlimited champagne at the Art auction.

No chocolates and evening turn down service.

Pickup Plat + perks at Pixels - no longer in cabin delivery.

Printed "Fun Times" only if requested.

I think Priority Platinum + embarkation is back. Will know for sure in October.

Bacon in the buffet is occasionally available and always served.

SO disappointed if I'm limited to 1 lobster tail as is rumored.

Prices are back up (way Up) since "Covid fares" have disappeared... but happy to be sailing again...

On 12/6/2022 at 2:43 PM, Jim_Iain said:

 

.... and one of the biggest Yachts I've ever seen.

I have a little USB Christmas Tree and Christmas lights that have never been confiscated.

On 11/25/2022 at 9:57 AM, linaka625 said:

Is it possible to make any changes to the entrees in the Main Dining room?  For example, the Seafood Linguini Alfredo has scallops, shrimp and mussels.  Can it be ordered with just shrimp?

 

TIA.

My sister is Horribly allergic to mussels. I don't think she'd trust them even if they said they could make the change. Just sayin...

1 hour ago, keels81 said:

Fulton will be a slight upgrade over the Julia Street lot, but not by a whole lot.

Good to know. Thanks!

5 hours ago, RSBCruising said:

Can anyone tell me where or

if you parked?  If so, what is the recommended time to arrive at the parking garage to avoid the crowds?

We always park at the port - Erato St. garage. IMHO this is one of the best, easiest, most convenient port parking garages. It may be a bit more expensive, but the convenience outweighs any cost differential. Have never had any long wait time to get in.

BTW - the Julia St. parking (lot) is the pits. Disorganized, open lot, across the railroad tracks, long walk to the ship. I think it's only used for Royal and possibly NCL? I may use Fulton St garage when we cruise Radiance OTS in December..

Your cruise "companion" will share the same perks for embarkation - able to board when you do. Had my son with me for the Past Guest Party and he was warmly welcomed - no questions asked, free flowing cocktails. No free cocktail for him at the Seaday brunch. No extra water bottles in the cabin. Not sure of any other perks he may  have missed. (Same with DH... he's a bit behind in points but still gets most of my perks).

In my experience, the Carnival Shore Excursion includes transport to the beach. If I book independently, I pay for the cab to the same beach. In order to be not confined by the shore excursion schedule, I book independently. When it all shakes out, I may pay more (or less) for the same product but I'm on my schedule not theirs.

My BCC offer today included Edge sailings in a "Complimentary Veranda". At the bottom of the response page was a check box with this question:  Are you interested in upgrading for a small fee?

For our Solstice sailing Dec. 3rd with the BCC offer that we took advantage of back in August, we also were offered a "free" Veranda and the opportunity to upgrade to Aqua Class for $10 per person (not per day).

I'd Love to take the 10 night sailing on Edge April 7th (in a free Veranda --- h**l yeah), but unfortunately tax season doesn't end until the 15th 🙃

27 minutes ago, Missusdubbya said:

Not enough time for Florence and Tuscany IMO. 

 

If you flew in to Rome and out of Florence you would save a lot of travel time. 

 

I would switch it up to 3 nights Rome before cruise, travel to Tuscany by train on disembarkation day from Civi for 5 nights, fly home. 
 

 

Agree. Love Rome but Definitely need to plan more time for Florence and Tuscany

On 11/19/2022 at 11:48 AM, mslaabs said:

Are you still able to get a bottle of water inside the Diamond lounge (without using a voucher) or do you have to now get it from a bar?

Sailed solo as Emerald Nov. 3 on Radiance OTS and was given 3 (free) bottles of water in the cabin. Sailing Dec. 17th as Diamond (!!) and hope to get the same perk. 

5 hours ago, end753 said:

We are on Wonder of the Seas in Feb, does anyone know if thy stay on Port Canaveral time, or if it changes?  Trying to decided what dinner time works best for us.  TIA!

I've cruised Royal, Carnival and MSC out of several Florida ports plus NOLA and Galveston. Been on Eastern, Western and Southern (ABC islands) Caribbean cruises and the Captain has Never changed ship time to match local time. Always heard the warning to check your watch not your cell phone for the ship's time when ashore.

The only times I experienced ship time changes to match local time was on Med cruises and a TA.

I understand I might experience a change of ship's time on my upcoming "Mexican Riviera" cruise out of San Pedro. We shall see.

41 minutes ago, kathynorth said:

I'm Elite+ and have cruised in the same cabin with family members who were classic in Captain's Club. If you are invited to an event (Elite Breakfast, Heli-pad Sail Aways, Wine Tasting Event, Backstage/Bridge tours, Welcome Back Cocktail Events, etc.) then your cabin mate will also be able to attend with you. Your cabin mate will not receive any free CC happy hour drinks, laundry, match plays, etc.  

Thank you for this confirmation I'll be cruising with my sister in December. I'll be Elite but she will not. So now I know which events she can accompany me to and which perks she will not be entitled to. Thank You for the clarification.

Roll your clothes - saves on space. Realize No One notices what you're wearing from day to day. Be comfortable. Relax. Set out the clothes you plan to need... pack half of what you laid out... and you'll have one carry on and one backpack each. 23 cruises in and I pack less and less each time. (make a note of what you Didn't end up wearing on the previous cruise and you'll realize how much you've over packed)

(I just came back from a land vacation to the Northeast with 1 carry-on and a backpack - 6 days  - and realized that I'd packed 4 more shirts and 1 more sweater than I needed. I packed 3 pairs of pants, 8 shirts, 3 sweaters, undies, nightgown, leisure wear, 2 pairs of shoes and socks... and a down jacket. All fit in a carry-on and a backpack and I had over packed!) It's a challenge --- have Fun!

Thanks So much for your review. Brings back Great memories. In January and March of 2022 the Red Frog Pub had 1/2 price drinks at certain times and was Very busy. Met some nice people.

The Crew on Valor (1/22, 3/22 and 9/22) were outstanding - Friendly, courteous, eager to be helpful... and Great towel animals (where do they find the time?). Agree the shows and comedians were hit or miss but more on the positive side than not.

I felt that the food and entertainment were somewhat better than Royal (was on Radiance OTS 11/3/22 out of NOLA), but those topics are too subjective. There's a bit younger, more "party' intensive sailor on Carnival, but any day on a cruise beats a day at work!

Nachi Cocum is  Fun day. Good food, good beach, good people, never-ending drinks. Highly recommend. New Orleans is one of the Best ports to arrive early to see and explore. Thanks again for your review... happy sailing!

On 10/29/2022 at 8:42 AM, Cruising Princess said:

Okay do folks remember growing up when your mother served you string beans that were previously frozen. They were olive green colored and mushy and tasted nasty.

Those nasty, olive green, mushy string beans your Mom served you were canned. The same ones she used in the "Green Bean Casserole" recipe she served for Thanksgiving dinner.

If the beans were nasty and mushy, they probably defrosted and refroze a time or 2 before they got to your plate. Bad kitchen management.

I'll take frozen veggies over canned any day. They go from field to packer in less than 24 hours. Any "fresh" veggies that you get in the grocery store are several days, and can be weeks, old. We grow and freeze (within hours of picking) more than 100 pounds of vegetables every summer. I'll take my frozen veggies over "fresh" from the grocery store any day. 

Funny story - My boys are now both in their 30's. Grew up eating the produce (fresh and frozen) from Dad's garden. I decided to serve corn for Sunday dinner a few years ago, but all I had was canned. They both looked at me and said what's this?!!? I suddenly realized that neither of them had Ever had canned corn before. They thought it was pretty disgusting. 🤣

I'm looking forward to your review. We cruised Valor in September with a Casino rate that was Excellent. (Was also on her in January and April. Great ship, GREAT crew!) I have an offer for an "Ultra" cruise but, like you, I've had a hard time finding information on the perks. What I've seen doesn't look to be worth the extra $$. Thank you for taking the time to post.

1 hour ago, Sailin_Pirate said:

I have read a few other posts saying happy hour deals(specifically the fish bowls) have been removed.  I have no definitive information though.

 

Was on Carnival Valor in April and the Happy Hour was in full force and the Red Frog Pub was Busy. Sailed on Valor for the 9/10 sailing and was told by the bartender that the Happy Hour had been discontinued. The Red Frog Pub was empty.

49 minutes ago, OrcaGirl said:

Our tour was billed as ‘Beachfront Santa Monica, Malibu & Beverly Hills with Airport Drop-off’.

 

Thank you for this wonderful review of your cruise. My sister and I are scheduled for the 12/3 sailing on Solstice and have booked this "excursion" post cruise. I appreciate your comments and will hope we get to see the whole tour! (BTW - I Love "the Fox's" shoulder tattoo. If I ever got the nerve to get a tattoo, that's the one I want!! 🙂

3 hours ago, Merion_Mom said:

Royal Caribbean hasn't cruised out of NOLA in a few years. The first "return to NOLA" cruise embarks next Friday.

 

hoosier sailor is the best offer of information.  🙂  

We were on Valor in September and the casino was open by dinner time. (Long before the ship is out of the river)

I'll be on Radiance OTS on the first sailing - Nov. 3 (Thursday). I'll check it out and report back.

35 minutes ago, LinnieRed said:

Do you know what the name of the resort was?

The Shore Excursion page lists it as:

Marival Emotions Resort & Spa, a location in front of a beautiful beach in Nuevo Vallarta.