RoperDK

6 minutes ago, dreaminofcruisin said:

...and if the OP is looking for something similar to Alaska...

How about Norway?

Yes, that would be a great cruise!  We don't care to fly much anymore, so that is a problem.  We could have driven to the Greenland cruise embarkation port.  

3 hours ago, bobontheblue said:

• Iceland is not Greenland, oh how true. Having done both, Iceland just may be the better choice for our OP. Do some serious  contemplation of both, I found all the ports in Iceland to be really interesting.  There is a thriving art community and cultural aspect as well as a natural beauty to be appreciated in every port. 
•  
• So it might be that your husband thinks you are crazy. Do some research and decide if it right for your style and if you can handle the challenges. You both need to be of one mind for this one. Otherwise he will not get any joy from Greenland as a destination.   

Thank you for the perspective!  I think we have decided to let this cruise go.  If we would have had tons of scenic cruising, with an abundance of wildlife, I would have pressed the matter.  My first choice actually would have been Iceland and I think my husband would jump on that trip, also.    

4 minutes ago, tallnthensome said:

Have you looked in the ports of call forum? 

Yes, no info about Greenland.  Only disappointment about covid-19 cancelled cruises there.  It was the first place I looked.

Anyone been?  What did you enjoy about it?  I have always wanted to go to Iceland, too.  There's not much info out there on these infrequent cruises.  I wonder if they are worth the expense and travel difficulties?

Thanks for the quick replies!  I am glad it's not touristy, that would be a plus for me.  I was interested in what you do see while cruising.  Ice flows? Whales?  I didn't see any "scenic cruising" days in the itinerary. I can do some walking, but heavy duty hiking is not for me anymore.  Are beautiful landscapes visible close to shore?  

Looking at a cruise to Greenland!  It is a 16 day round trip from New York.  Along with the stops in Greenland, it also visits Halifax, Sydney, and St. John's Canada.  How will this compare to Alaska views, glaciers, and wildlife?  That was our favorite part of Alaska cruising.  What are the best things to do in those ports?   I did look at the ports of call forums and didn't find any info. Thanks! 

Well, after a freak reaction to a medication I took a couple of years ago, I share your issues and can help a bit.

There shouldn't be any issues with a standard folding walker or even a rollator that has a seat. They tuck away in a corner of the cabin just fine.  I highly recommend that you get handicap assist at the cruise terminal to help you get onboard.  It is very easy. Once you get inside, just ask for wheelchair assist.  Save your steps and energy for moving around the ship and doing fun things. I hold my folded walker on my lap while I get wheeled onboard.  Such a help!  I was so upset that I needed a walker, but I was determined to cruise and had a great time!  As far as tendering is concerned, a folding walker isn't any bulkier than a folding stroller or big beach bag.  There is a lot of help for the transfer to and from the tender. For great information try looking in this forum under Special Interest Cruising -> Disabled Cruise Travel.  They can help you with all of your questions.

The MDR food portions are much smaller than they used to be.  You can order the pasta dish as a side/appetizer portion.  I skip a course that doesn't appeal to me, but order what I want.  I usually eat about half of the portion.  Frankly, the only people that seemed to notice are the waitstaff and once I tell them that I can't eat too much at a time, they are fine after that.  In the MDR it is easier for the waitstaff to put in a standard order and not ask for special orders as everything is pre-plated and they have to work harder if you modify the dish.  On several nights, we go to the lido for a slice of pizza, deli sandwich, or small portion off of the buffet.  It is helpful if you have someone to share items with.  Most importantly, enjoy your cruise!!!          

7 hours ago, ALWAYS CRUZIN said:

Go to covidclinic.org and see if they have a testing site near you. 2 hours or less notification of the results. Rapid testing. $129.00 My insurance Humana, does refund that to me.

Unfortunately, my state (Alabama) doesn't have any testing availability according to that site.  I recently returned from a family visit and had symptoms (vague sinus/headache, flushing) and I tried to get a covid-19 test and the earliest I could find (with symptoms) was 3 days out and only a PCR test was available.  My husband, a couple of weeks ago, was notified that he was in close contact with a breakthrough case.  He was able to get a same day rapid test and had a negative result within 2 hours.  So, testing availability is a fluid situation.  BTW....a local Urgent Care suggested I get an over the counter rapid test for my situation.  I had to try a couple of places to find one (a double test) and it was easy and I was negative.              

Hopefully, we will see an improvement in Covid-19 numbers soon.  Crossing my fingers.... 

As a Veteran, I wouldn't rely on their ability to produce a 2 day turnaround.  Sorry, but they are overwhelmed and not reliable.  At this point, I would have a solid Plan A and Plan B to meet the requirements.

We've cruised on Carnival for 22 years.  Obviously, a lot has changed.  Back in the day, we dressed and ate in the MDR every night.  As time went on, we would try the buffet for dinner a time or two.  We loved the flexibility and the options were great.  Wonderful salad and dessert bar.  Many fresh options at the different stations.  Over time, those options faded and what was left was a mediocre at best option.  I assume Carnival did the math and found the least expensive route for the buffet.  We love the deli and pizza options and carving station for dinner at the buffet, but miss the old days.  Know that the Mardi Gras will fill the void and will cruise on her for now.      

1st drink at embarkation - Funship

go to before dinner drink - Carnival Cosmo

yummiest after dinner drink - Tiramisu Martini

53 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

True - the Excel suites fell short (no coffee makers to name one of the most trivial, but useful, things they COULD have done... actually they planned on it, but pulled that little perk at the last minute!). But, they do include a nice set of binoculars for your use!  😄

 

NCL has a leg up on Royal's suite perks though, IMO.

 

 

Lol, about the binoculars.  A nice touch, but so many other amenities could have been added without a lot of extra cost for Carnival.  The coffeepot is one of them.  Offering MDR room service would be another.  There aren't that many excel suites, so the personnel impact wouldn't be great.  I still haven't experienced The Haven on Norwegian, but it is on my wish list.  

 

23 hours ago, WhaleTailFlCruiser said:

I don't see the appeal of an Oasis class, After you have done it once why bother doing it again? Sure they are gigantic but Royals other ships ext all have some of the same bells and whistles. I digress though. 

Oasis Class ships have one thing that most other Royal ships don't and none of Carnival ships have.  That is Royal Suite Class with a private restaurant and lounge along with other extended suite amenities.  When Carnival added the Excel Suites, they didn't add enough perks to match the price they charge.  A mistake IMHO and a reason to pick Royal over Carnival for suites.   

On 9/5/2021 at 2:14 PM, crewsweeper said:

I don't ever remember loungers being allowed on balconies, so good luck if you get one!

We've had them either already on the balcony or delivered by the cabin steward.  We always tip, but it wasn't really expected.  These were extended balconies or suite balconies.  So nice to take a nap on! 

On 8/24/2021 at 4:01 PM, firefly333 said:

We have been saying this but sometimes they need more proof lol.

 

One blogger said he was 45 and felt like one of the youngest on the ship. Many have complained carnival is turning into HAL with it's much older clientele. 

 

And now that no unvaccinated 12 and older can board, it's going to be even more so skewed to a higher age. I've said I've seen 5 posts after cruising how much older the pax were than expected. 

It's seems logical that this would be true.  Lots of casino offers.  Diamond and Platinum cruisers wanting to cruise again.  Vaccination requirements.  Hassles to get exemptions for kids and unvaxxed.  Now that school has started, families back off from cruising.  I fall into that older group, but enjoy the Carnival vibe. I feel this will settle back to a more normal demographic when covid-19 settles down.  For now, the "old folks" that are cruising may just be saving the cruise industry from financial disaster.  The more cruises that sail without a major outbreak and people having a great time, the more others will have the confidence to take the plunge.      

7 hours ago, Sailin_Pirate said:

As posted and highlighted above

 

The rate was tied to the offer so wife doesn't show the offer goes byebye.

 

Technically they should/could charge you current rates , but as suggested call carnival or the casino department.

This. With the current cruising environment the casino department might let it go.  I would call and not possibly face a surprise cost at the port. Enjoy!

43 minutes ago, DGNewton said:

On 8/22/2021 at 12:06 PM, SC2020 said:

I really like the Horizon, but a cruise out of Miami would require a flight and I'm already on a budget. Or I could drive to Port Canaveral and cruise on the Magic. Two very similar itineraries, so that part is kind of a wash.

 

For those who have cruised both, is the Horizon worth the extra cost/time of having to fly? I would be new to Carnival, but not new to cruising.

 

45 minutes ago, DGNewton said:

Wow...why is this even posted.....figure out what you want to spend or go on for ports....DUh....just saying, this is a no brainer due to such low cost offers......are you just trying to post something?  Getting sick of the carnival postings sorry......

 

The OP was asking a valid question.  I have cruised on Carnival many times and have wondered the same thing, comparing Miami and PC along with newer and older ships.  The OP stated that the ports were similar.  They also said they were new to Carnival. I doubt they were "just trying to post something".  I enjoy the Carnival forum because it is so welcoming and helpful.

47 minutes ago, wkucrprez said:

 

Do you still get the special sign and sail card?  Our 25th is coming up in 2 months.  Not going to use the OBC special on this one.  Going to wait for a pricier cruise. 

11 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:

I believe the 7 oz filet is the Saturday special.  The Sunday special is a 10 oz NY Strip and they both are available for dinner only, starting at 530 via walk up.

Are they good?  How about the pay prime rib? Thanks.

Really enjoying your review.  Thanks for taking us along with you.

I grew up in Miami and would love to try the Horizon, but just can't commit to booking.  We drive to Florida ports and the experience out of Port Canaveral and Tampa is much better than Miami and even Ft. Lauderdale.  We do venture down to Ft. Lauderdale for a special ship or itinerary.  Even stone crab season can't tempt me to drive through that craziness anymore.  Would you consider adding an extra day to your return trip?  Add a night in Daytona or St. Augustine depending on your interests.  I personally wouldn't want to fly right now.  It's not just the expense, but the stress, delays, and crowds that would bother me.  I haven't been on the Magic, but have been on Dream and Breeze.  We really enjoyed both of them.  If they only had JiJis.....   

I am pleased with the new protocol and doubly pleased that ALL cruises, regardless of destination, will have to comply.  When I first heard about the Bahamas rule, I thought it might drive more unvaccinated adults to choose a Western itinerary.  With school back in session, there would be more room for unvaccinated adults and I was concerned about that.  

I'm really enjoying your pictorial review.  Such a great perspective!  Two more months for my turn on MG.