RoperDK

33 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

I really, REALLY, do not care for the 2x2x2x2x seating (and it's in so many places now). 

Tom

Is Rudi's the same layout?  Hit or miss if your next table is 12 inches apart.  Sometimes it works out and sometimes it's just plain awkward.  We are booked at Rudi's 3 times in October. 

1 hour ago, WhaleTailFlCruiser said:

So on Mardi Gras they got rid of the digital poker table and put in a real one in

Do you mean traditional Texas Holdem with a dealer?  My DH would love that! 

Haven't heard much about it.  Food good?  Any favorites?

38 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

It was in the buffet area:

 

 

 

Tom

Oh my, my husband will be in heaven!  We don't eat them very much at home (trying to be healthier).  I'm the same way about bacon.  Only eat it on a cruise.  Hopefully, that won't disappear entirely by the time we cruise in October.  Was Sea Dogs only open for lunch?

3 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

Well, in days gone by, it is usually done when the ship comes over from Europe (for Carnival anyway).  It typically happened on a open day between sailings.  There is a ceremony with the ships Godmother and a minister and all the Carnival big whigs in attendance.  There is a couple of speeches a ceremonial (real and staged) break of champagne and the is it.  I have not heard anything on the MG event.  In the past, we have attended (in reverse order - I think anyway) Sunrise, Sunshine, Horizon, Vista, Breeze, Magic, Dream and Splendor (missing only the Panorama.  It is nice to be there.

Thanks for the input.  I would love to experience the event.  We usually let the new ship smell die down a bit before we travel.  Have heard too many issues with the first few sailings.  We don't cruise that often, so haven't even attempted an inaugural sailing.  Interested on how this pans out, we will see..... 

35 minutes ago, SonoranDevil said:

To call it a hot tub is a bit of a stretch.  It's basically a jetted, soaking tub.  

 

Did we spend a lot of time out there?  Not as much as we expected we would.  

 

Did it meet our expectations?  Yes, for the most part.  But there was plenty of space, and all of the furniture was luxuriously comfortable.  

 

Now, with all of that said, does it justify the price point for the Aft Excel Suite?  More to come on that, but Carnival has some work to do to catch up with other main cruise lines on catering to suite guests.

Thank you!  That is exactly the information I was looking for.  For us, I think we will save our pennies for other cruise lines that offer more suite benefits and book the rounded balcony ocean suites on Mardi Gras.   

21 hours ago, SonoranDevil said:

 

 

 

 Shani decided to turn the hot tub on the suite’s balcony into her very own plunge pool.  The only drawback was that her cabana boy was sitting at a blackjack table and therefore she had no bar service.  First world problems.  

Please tell me more about the balcony hot tub.  We have been considering an aft excel suite.  I haven't heard much talk about the hot tub or the large balcony.  Did you spend a lot of time out there and did it meet your expectations? 

56 minutes ago, SNJCruisers said:

The link I provided in post #2 is from Steve @ tripinsurancestore.com.  He is an expert and is CC's go to guy.   We will be looking at an annual policy for 249.00 Geo Tracker by BC/BS.

Is that just an annual evac policy or medical, too?  Are pre-existing conditions covered?  I had my go to coverage before Covid-19, but there are so many new coverages and exclusions now.  We are in our sixties, so it just gets pricier each year.  I guess I need to visit the travel insurance section, but there just isn't the volume of posters there.     

Does anyone know a rumored date for the Naming Ceremony?  John Heald mentioned during his coffee with me video this morning that he would be sailing on the Mardi Gras again in connection with the Naming Ceremony.  He said probably in October, but didn't know the date yet.  What happens during the Naming Ceremony?  Since the MG is already sailing, I assume it happens with passengers onboard.  We sail on Oct. 30 and think it would be wonderful to be on the ship when this happens.  

Big football fan.  Much more than my husband.  Grew up in Miami.  Went to the Dolphins first game at the Orange Bowl in the 70s.  Witnessed the perfect season.  I was hooked. Good to hear that the NFL games will be more available.  I have become a big college ball fan.  I wish they had more access to the college games.  College games are more difficult to see since they don't carry the regular networks anymore.  I'll take what I can get and try to stream when I can.  We always plan our fall cruise around Bama's bye week which will be the Mardi Gras for Halloween this year.  Roll Tide!       

I know that sometimes the casino is open in certain ports, Grand Turk for example.  How about western ports?  Just hoping, since we are staying onboard the whole cruise.    

5 minutes ago, LHP said:

Clearly Covid will always be with us in some capacity … but in time hopefully it will be less of an issue.

 

 

Totally agree and hope that cruising will continue without interruption while they work things out. 

2 hours ago, LHP said:

We are currently on the MG.

 

90% seem to be using  common sense with the mask in motion method  indoors …

 

no  mask restrictions, that I know of , outdoors..

 

masks are  required in elevators, gift shops or waiting in lines for dinner or talking with crew like at karaoke requesting a song or guest services  , walking on Lido indoors  or Debarkation / Embarkation in ports … again common sense where ever crowds can not socially distance .

 

sip and cover for Comedy, Piano Bar, Casino , shows where social distancing is limited ….so masks on even when sitting … unless sipping .

 

All other areas while seated is generally no masks as long as there are no crowds ….

 

 

For example , Central  Station during the day in port when no one is around while seated … no mask .

At night when there are crowds for the show … sip and cover .

 

I have found that if you just use common sense  and common consideration….you will be fine .

 

We just had the Diamond luncheon and wore masks while standing in line .. removed mask once seated  to eat .

 

mask in motion and you can not go wrong !!

 

btw we will be back for a B2B Halloween as well .

Thanks! That is exactly the info I was looking for.  Our Mardi Gras Halloween cruise is our first back since right before the shutdown early last year.  How is the mood onboard?  Do you feel safe?  Do the restrictions put a big damper on your enjoyment?  I really want to go, but am getting a bit of family pressure to cancel.  If the cruise is still enjoyable, then I will go! 

Okay, so I was fine with masking in crowded areas such as elevators, lines at restaurant entrances, customer service, etc.  We have a Halloween cruise on Mardi Gras booked and would like clarification on current onboard policies.  We don't cheat, so give me the hard truth.  Outside, no masks at all?  Sitting at a bar such as Brass Magnolia or Fortune Teller? Casino (non-smoker), but enjoy DOU?  Central Atrium during a show, when not close to others? I get the main theater, comedy show, maybe piano bar, but what about listening to a band off to the side, not near others?  I realize that in October things could be much different, but just want to know what is happening now.   

What about moving it back from a 2023 cruise to a cruise a couple of months from now.  Our cruise was canceled early 2021 and we moved deposit $ and OBC to 2023 to be safe.  Now we are booked in late Oct. and want to use it now instead of waiting.  Can we do that?  Any downside if this cruise gets canceled too?

3 minutes ago, c-leg5 said:

Not sure what else you can do with it other than “have it dangling” or  put it in “something”.
 

Nothing is ideal so it is a matter of what is most convenient for you.

 

The set we ordered from Amazon included masks, lanyards and a pouch. The pouch  was convenient when we got to where we were going - beach, pool,  restaurant but for walking around the lanyard was very convenient.
 

It had two clips to attach to mask and a toggle to adjust length so mask didn’t flap about when not worn or could be used as an extender to take pressure off ears. The mask was always available and not left or dropped somewhere inadvertently.

 

In Cozumel masks are required in all public areas and it became second nature to just wear the lanyard so the mask was always available.

 Thanks! Can you post a link?  A couple of different options for different situations is probably the best way to go.  

4 hours ago, popeyesChickenSandwich said:

Gratuity is included.
BUT throwing them a dollar or two definitely goes a long way with the level of service you get.

True, gratuity is already included in what you paid for the Cheers package.  I don't tip extra for every drink, especially for standard service.  I do add extra once I find a bartender who is really attentive and goes the extra mile.  I always add at least $1 or more for every DOU in the casino.  We do search out those special bartenders that have taken care of us throughout the cruise on the last day with a special extra tip.    

Enjoying the review.  Only a couple of months to go for us.  

49 minutes ago, tallnthensome said:

You might want to post in the "ask a cruise question " forum as this really has nothing to do with Carnival Cruise Line. 

43 minutes ago, crisstyd said:

Thank you. I didnt know about thay board.

I disagree.  This definitely has something do to with Carnival Cruise Line.  There is a mask mandate at the current time.  I have been trying to figure out a clean and convenient option myself.  Don't want to just leave it dangling around my neck or tuck it in my pocket or purse to just have to pull it out for a quick ride on an elevator.  Don't want to put it down on public surfaces.  There has to be a good solution and this is the place to get the input for it.        

18 hours ago, Cherries Jubilee said:

Do you happen to remember what videos showed these balconies? I’m booked on one in February and would love an idea of what the view is like.

Here is one.  I think the higher decks would be best.  It seems to be a nice sweeping view.  There aren't many available so booking early is a must.  I didn't know this ahead of time, but the bed and closet area alternate like the balconies.  The sofa is always by the balcony. 

I am seeing the pictures except for the first handful.  

5 minutes ago, SNJCruisers said:

Cucina and Chibang are only closed on port days for the free lunch, they are open everyday for dinner and they also have that day's MDR menu available as well.  Guy's smokehouse is available on sea days for lunch for free and also every night for dinner for free through next April.  Their menu has changes and also includes daily specials like a 7 oz filet on Sunday and a 10 oz NY strip on Monday.  Emeril's is open all the time, for all 3 meals, it's a la carte and never busy.  You can make reservations for dinner at Chibang and Cucina once you get on board and use the HUB app.

Thanks for the update! Are Guy's Smokehouse dinner specials (free) and pay prime rib good?  

Okay, let's see if I have this straight. On port days, Cucina and Chibang are closed.  What about Guys Smokehouse? Emerils?  Trying to figure out specialty dining reservations.  Want to spread out the full meals.  Can't do it everyday.  Don't want to be miserable.  We will probably stay on board for the whole week. 

1 hour ago, HxFx said:

I have the same thing next month. I'm not too worried about the privacy thing but it would be nice to manage expectations going in. You brought up a good point about the improved view (prior post).

I believe the views are going to be a big plus.  I have seen a few videos and while they were when the ship was in port, you could tell they would have an enhanced view.  I'm not too concerned about the privacy.  I just didn't expect them to be that visible.  I am wondering also about the wind effect on the forward facing ones.  I love the layout of the ocean suites and am patiently awaiting some reviews on location issues of the regular ones on deck 9 and 10.    

On 8/7/2021 at 6:05 PM, jimbo5544 said:

These hump balconies have me Intrigued. I might have to knock on a door or two…..

I see you have a bird's eye view of the rounded corner balconies.  What's your thoughts on them?  Would you enjoy them or feel they aren't private enough?  The ones we have booked are ocean suites.  I didn't care for the location of the regular ocean suites, above the promenade/Havana area and also above decks with entertainment venues.  Hoping to get some cabin reviews soon.