EL Capitan Z
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Posts posted by EL Capitan Z
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Thank you for sharing your experience.
I'm going on the 4 night in December.
Not doing the cheers package, figured even with ilus drinking we would be way under price of package.
I'll report back on the drinks.
But like you, for me it will be mostly beers so I know what I'm getting.
What kind of drinks did you order?
That’s the key!! Beers are the way to go. I was ordering rum/cokes and vodka/club soda.
Look at cheers for beers. It might be worth it. Cheers also includes unlimited non alcoholic drinks. I really enjoy Carnivals Lavazza coffee at the coffee house and the Vitamin waters.
Enjoy!!
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True story as a friend of ours was one of the cabin crew on that flight. Talk about ending a career. I’m glad they were caught.
If it was a US carrier, the boys probably got their jobs back after a hand slap and some persuasion from the Union. Other than that, the Dukes is a great place to smoke a cigar and have a Bond Martini!!
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I'd be especially pleased to find a good Starwood or Marriott hotel — would like to use points. Does anyone know anything good or bad about those hotel brands in those two cities? We like relaxing hotels, though I know a lot depends on what's going on at the time. I'd always avoid "W" hotels, for instance; my sense is that they're too "happening" for people who relish peace and quiet.
Many thanks for suggestions.
I have used SPG points to stay at the Barcelona Four points. Very nice area. Plenty of restaurants and shops. Close to the ocean. 7000 points. Hotel was clean, modern, and quiet. Great area. Not too loud or crowded.
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Been on several cruises where Alchemy runs out of stuff. Did you ask another night for the olives? Takes a day to get supplies to the right place, they’re loaded on the first day of the three day itin, Thursday or Friday.
Really like the short cruises. It’s our getaway. Some people have a boat on the river. We have a ship on the sea.
I love these short voyages. Alchemy did not have the "stuff" the first night, which is odd. I really do like their pours. Added bonus is the nuts they serve. To tell you the truth, I never made it back after the first night.
I still highly rec this cruise.
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"This time, almost all my drinks were watered down. Very cheap and dishonorable of the bartenders and Carnival to do this."
This is not rue, the staff has no stake in the liquor costs, i doubt if they have any idea of what their costs are. cheap bartenders?
Well unfortunately it was true for me. Watered down drinks were a fact on this voyage. I love Carnival and if you look at all my reviews, they are all favorable. There was something off on this particular trip. Many people also were complaining about the watered down drinks. Whatever the reason, it is not right.
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Funny story but had a bad ending in Dukes. Two airline pilots staying at the Kensington Hilton got locked up accidentally in Dukes as they hid and could not get out and the flight ended up being cancelled and all were fired and they were to operate a 747 back to JFK. They had no cell phones with them and spent the night in Dukes when they opened. These guys did not think of using the phone and probably too wasted
Dukes is a nice place to go for a beer and visit with locals.
Omg!!!
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I’ve never done a 3 day (always 7 day). Do you feel like you get a nice break or does it feel very short and rushed ?
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It’s nice. Quick and easy. Included 1 sea day. Good little weekend getaway.
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The Party atmosphere tends to be more on the 3 day cruises. The laid back feel tends to increase as the cruise days increase.
You can always find a great deal on cruises. They need to fill the rooms. Just subscribe to websites and keep your finger on the pulse.
Believe it or not, I took my family on a 7 day Spendor for 800 bucks. Balcony 3 people.
Have fun.
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Just got off. I have always loved the value of Carnival cruises and the service/food on board. In my opinion, there is no other better quick vacation than this particular itinerary. I just did this exact cruise in MAY and I did give a great review. This time, the cruise was average at best. I am a little disappointed and hope this is a fluke. Again, I still recommend this cruise for a quick and cheap get away.
-I stayed in the Forward portion of the (U)pper deck. Room was large, cool and comfortable. The bed although very comfortable, had the crack in the middle (two twins pushed together) and during the night they came apart. Also, on the first morning, Carnival thought it was ok to start DRILLING incessantly from 730-930 AM. Not a good time to start performing maintenance.
-I bought the Cheers package. In May, I had bought it and it was AWESOME. This time, almost all my drinks were watered down. Very cheap and dishonorable of the bartenders and Carnival to do this. Cheers includes the tip when you buy it. I have a feeling some guests tip the bartenders extra for a strong pour and the other guests who do not tip extra get a weak pour. This way inventory is balanced for the bar keep. Next time, I am doing beers. This way I am guaranteed what I pay for.
-Alchemy bar still was great. Drinks were strong. On the first night I had asked for blue cheese stuffed olives and nuts. The Bartender told me he was out of them, lol, and did not give me. This is the first night!!! I am thinking, this dude was burnt out, so I let it at that. Regardless, I was a bit disappointed but I did "feel for him".
-Entertainment was good. Casino (Didn't pay out this time :(), Karaoke and Dancing were top notch.
-The ship was nice as always. Her age is showing but she still looks good.
-Food was ok this time. Temperatures were a little cool when we received the food. However the SERVICE WAS TOP NOTCH and The DESSERTS were to DIE FOR!!!! The Coffee bar has the best coffee in the world, with awesome service!!!
I have taken this route a few times. I like that it is fun, affordable and quick. All the past cruises were an 8! This one was not firing on all cylinders so I have to give it a 6. Regardless, I will try her out again in a couple months.
ENSENADA!!! Visit ELOYI at "Los Amigos Barras and Beers". I have known him for a couple decades. He will take care of you.
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London - The Dukes. Barcelona - The Palace. Both quiet. But both pricey.
I second The Dukes (Bond, James Bond)! Lovely place. Friendly, Quaint and close to many places.
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Just got off. I bought Cheers. Most of the drinks were watered down. Very disappointed.
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Didn't know Inspiration was going into drydock.......shucks, we will be on her in about a month, right before drydock......wonder what kind of condition she will be in??? It is our first cruise on the smaller/older CCL Fantasy class ships!! Anyone been on Inspiration lately, curious about what to expect??
I was on her in May and i will go on her tomorrow!! She is a fun ship. Good value for the money.
They might be remodeling it. The colors are outdated. However , the service, food and fun are Fantastic!!!
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We are planning a trip on the Voyager. The suite we are considering (834) is located directly opposite the staircase in midship (not by either elevator landing). Should we have any concern about noise? Thanks for your input.
No noise except the 1000am PAs!!! The suites are quiet. Mid ship is smooth too.
Aft suites will gave vibrations when the skipper selects Full Ahead power.
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I had never done the Cheers package until my last Carnival cruise in May. It was so worth it because it included unlimited non alcoholic drinks (Specialty coffee, water, shakes, Vitamin water).
Mainly, I had a few beers during the day and Tons of hydration water and Vitamin water. At night, I would enjoy Top Shelf Martinis in the Alchemy bar!
A forum regular has a great Cheers calculator. I used it and it helped me out in deciding whether to purchase cheers or not.
http://www.love2cruise.org/drink-packages/
I will be doing Cheers on this upcoming cruise in a couple days!
Enjoy
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Mouth Watering.....🤤
Do you happen to know if the Compass Ross has dishes from Pacific Rim (like Explorer) does, even though we don’t have Pacific Rim as a restaurant on Voyager?
Im sorry! I did not pay attention. However, food wise, you will not be disappointed. La Veranda turns into an Italian Restaurant, at night, that is really FANTASTIC. Great Italian menu and a buffet to graze on while waiting for the fresh pasta dishes.
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Thanks Bob! I’m not sure if we’re going to the last two places (maybe I’m mixing up itineraries). But, I’ve heard so many good things about Monaco. It sounds like it would be worth coming in earlier for that. Thanks again and thanks for the tips!
We might have touched on this.
Make sure you book your Chartreuse and Prime 7 reservations when the window opens. Well worth the trouble. All the restaurants are excellent but the speciality restaurants are something to experience. The Frois Gras is to die for (Hot and Cold). The Alaskan King Crab de shelled is 2lbs of buttery sweet fantastic meat. The New York Strip and Tar Tar are beautiful. Caviar is served until 1000am in La Veranda and 0930am Compass Rose (only Sundays, yet you have some caviar dishes in Chartreuse).
Have Fun!
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Travelcat- I like the way you think- yes, we want to spend as much time as we can on the ship too.
El Capitan- you know I was worried about how there are absolutely no sea days as each day has a port of call. How did you handle that? Did you flat out skip going off the ship, esp when on anchor?
Snuggarelli
Wife to DH
Mama to DD (21 yrs), DD (10 yo), DS (5 yo).
Upcoming:
1). Regent - June 25 on Voyager, Riveria/Med., as a couple only this time
Prior:
1). May 5 2012 - DCL Fantasy, Eastern Caribbean, 7 day
2). May 23, 2009 - DCL Magic, Eastern Caribbean 7 day
3). May 2007 - NCL Dawn, Bahamas 7 day
4). June 2006 - PCL Caribbean Princess, Eastern Caribbean 7 day
We stepped off for a couple hours in each port. I love to eat and have wine, but being so full daily, we just walked and enjoyed the scenery.
Rome was our only excursion. Monte Carlo and Barcelona were places we stayed and toured a bit. The trick is not to worry or think you are missing out.
In Barcelona, with the group of people we met on board, we had a beautiful dinner at a beautiful place. Restaurant 2254.
You will have a blast!!
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This is really, really helpful information because these are the two things we were just looking at! :D
My worry on the Hop on and off is that I don't think I have the stamina to stay out in Rome for 10 hours. I'd like to finish my excursions by noon or so. We'd like to spend some time on the ship.
On the wine tasting excursions, my husband said last night maybe that's what we should do instead. With your input, you totally make sense - we don't normally feel like drinking until later in the day.
My husband did say just a day or two ago that he would be happy just sitting on the ship through the whole trip. I think we should spend some time on land, seeing the culture, and such. And the cheap side of me says I need to go on 1/2 day excursions because it's free, lol!
We either do half day excursions or, if the town is close, we'll spend a few hours wandering around the city. We love just being on the ship.I love being on the ship. I do make an effort to step outside and wander a bit, just to say "I put my foot in the soil". Cruises are a recon activity for me. For instance, I really loved Minorca so in the future I will take a holiday in Minorca.
I think this particular cruise is extremely heavy in activities. One can become overwhelmed. Reality is no one can really see Rome in 10 hours. So make peace with your decision and know that you are on vacation. Don't get sucked into "FOMO"--> Fear of Missing Out. Enjoy the down time, Ship, new friends, entertainment and food/drink!!!
Enjoy your Cruise!!!
I
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Just got back from a Regent cruise in the MED. Jonesing to let loose on my upcoming (10 days) Inspiration cruise!!!!
CANT WAIT!!
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We’re taking the same exact cruise (Voyager, 7 day, Monte Carlo to Barcelona next June 2019). So, I appreciate your honest report about how things went. Could you share about the one excursion you did go on? I would like to learn more about people’s experiences on these before I book them when the time comes up. Many thanks!
Snuggarelli
Wife to DH
Mama to DD (21 yrs), DD (10 yo), DS (5 yo).
Upcoming:
1). Regent - June 25 on Voyager, Riveria/Med., as a couple only this time
Prior:
1). May 5 2012 - DCL Fantasy, Eastern Caribbean, 7 day
2). May 23, 2009 - DCL Magic, Eastern Caribbean 7 day
3). May 2007 - NCL Dawn, Bahamas 7 day
4). June 2006 - PCL Caribbean Princess, Eastern Caribbean 7 day
We booked many excursions (My Mother (72) and me). The only one we took was the Rome Hop on Hop off tour. Nice tour, however you need a plan of attack, for the time allocated can be less than needed.
I booked many wine tasting excursions that I cancelled. Prior to the cruise I was very excited about these excursions. But during the cruise I decided that I do not need to taste any wine at 1000am. Hahahah. There is plenty of food and drink on board.
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Just got off! I will share some main points.
First off, we made some real nice friends and the cruise was fantastic!
-The staff was excellent. Almost everyone was accommodating, fresh, happy and glad to be there.
-The food was good. We really enjoyed the Caviar, Frois Gras (Hot and Cold) and the bountiful selection of healthy foods.
-If you want excursions, Regent has you covered. We were only able to do one because we stayed up all night dancing and socializing thus unable to wake up early. If you have excursions planned, make sure REST and SLEEP are a priority the night before. The schedules are hectic if one decides to do something daily.
-Entertainment was very good! One needs to prioritize between a night out or sleep! We loved the shows, casino and the dancing. The Cigar club was a great place to unwind and meet new people (great prices for cigars).
-Because we stayed on the ship during the day, the pool was an essential HUB for social or relaxing activities. Wonderful pool, great layout.
-The pool bar was my favorite place on the ship. The service was excellent.
-Chartreuse and Prime 7 are very good. Food was fantastic. Get a reservation as soon as you are able. Actually, the food was very good all over. Sette Marre and Compass Rose were up to par as well.
-Our room was spacious but needed a little refreshing. Carpet looked tired and balcony was stained in parts that looked like goopy tar. Also I like my room cold. This room never really cooled down to my desire.
-We were mid ship but I explored the aft and I would like to say there are vibrations in the aft. At a certain, higher speed, vibrations are apparent. My suggestion is for you not to book aft suites if vibrations will not agree with you. Im ok with vibrations, actually put me to sleep.
-WIFI is spotty at best. But this is a great excuse to put work behind and relax.
-Pool area needs a little touch up. I loved this area however my eye caught many issues like rusty steps and faded teak and just lack of attention to detail. When a cruise price point is this high, the "line" needs to have a higher level of attention to detail.
-Because I like to sleep, I disliked the early (1000am) Public announcements that were piped into the room. Also they shut hot water one day for a few hours.
-I would have liked more caviar offerings and sea days.
I can't wait to book my next cruise on Regent. We made so many beautiful friends and our experience was excellent.
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As someone who has not smoked in years, I might be tempted to spoil myself with a nice cigar after an especially nice evening. I am sure there is major variance in pricing, but does anyone recall what the Regent provided cigars price ranges are on Voyager specifically?
!Very good prices!! Nice selection too!!! Unless you don’t like their selection, then u should bring your own.
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In a couple weeks I will be cruising Regent Seven Seas to the Med.
Feeling like I’m cheating on Carnival, I immediately booked an Inspiration cruise after. I LOVE CARNIVAL, especially Elation, Inspiration and Imagination. The value is tremendous. Service is great and the cruise is fun and convenient!!!!
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pleasant, quiet Barcelona and London hotels?
in Regent Seven Seas Cruises
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Agree, cruising discussions are much more fun!! But just for the record Capt Lyle did get his job back at NWA after his jail sentence.. don’t ask me how I know [emoji16]
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