Donh44

On all our cruises, we've tried to get on deck 6 or 7 because we know that's more or less midship and you won't feel the rocking of the boat too badly.

 

HOWEVER....my mother is going on her first ever cruise in January and she's booked into a porthole room on deck 2. So how bad is the rocking down there?:confused:

 

I've already warned her to make sure she takes seasick meds or one of those patch things with her, just in case.

I just completed sailing on the Fascination last week. The sea was like glass for the whole time except for the last night when we got caught up in the outer bands of Hurricane Cristobal as we were coming back to Jacksonville. My cabin was on Deck 1 (Riviera) and was FWD. Contrary to what I always thought it was not unpleasant at all, in fact, benefitted me in going to sleep faster. But, we did a bit of "thumping". The next morning, quite a few people were complaining of being very uncomfortable. I have been on other ships that "rocked and rolled" much more than this one did. I believe that the people who got on the ship after I got off had it worse the next day.

Me too. :)

Me too. Just sailed on the Fascination alone and I had 2 of them on my pillow every night. Brought them home and still enjoying them.

Hi everyone. We have a place close to port so can arrive to ship anytime. I don't want to wait until the last minute, but want to wait till the rooms are open. I believe it's 1pm, but anyone know for sure? Been on plenty of Carnival cruises but my memory isn't serving me well. Can you help me with this? Thanks!

Going on the Carnival Sunshine this Sunday (August 31)

I recently cruised on the Fascination. I knew that the staterooms would not be available until about 1:30 PM. But when I was checking in at 12:30, the representative that was doing my checking in told me that my room was ready and that I could go directly to the cabin if I wanted, which I did. Total surprise. Ordinarily I wait until they are ready.

Trying to find a photo of Interior cabin 8438 on Carnival Dream. It's sits sideways along the hallway (forward to aft) instead of the typical port to starboard direction.

 

Help? Can't find any photos of this exact room.

Can't help you on that specific room, but, I had one of those rooms on the Victory and I loved it. Being that it was sideways rather than straight thru, I felt that it seemed bigger than the regular rooms.

Sorry for this quick question, am at work and received "free cruise" letter from "Cruise Hotline, sponsored by Carnival" Free 4 night Bahama cruise.

Anyone know anything about these folks? Scam???

Thanks everyone.

Debbi

From personal experience, if I don't receive an offer through the United States mail with a first class stamp, then I toss it. You can guarantee that if it comes via e-mail or junk mail (bulk postage) it is not worth reading. If anything worthwhile is going to be offered you and is a "real deal" you will receive it via first class mail or certified mail or better.

I have been on several Carnival cruises and have been in Inside cabins and outside and balcony cabins. I have never had a problem with the ac and I love it cold when sleeping.

Finally tried it last cruise. Was NOT impressed...and I usually love anything chocolate.

 

What is it about this particular dessert that makes people go ga-ga?:confused: Because I don't get it. It was ok..but nothing to write home about (as my mamaw would say).

I can take it or leave it. It's nothing special.

With some of the bad media Carnival as gotten

would it be safe to do a carnival cruise these days? thinking of one in October? Anyone still recommend Carnival?

I have been on 4 different cruise lines. Carnival is my first choice and my best recommendation. The last 3 cruises were alone and I was very comfortable and am booked on another one in 26 days. Go and relax and enjoy.

I feel safe on a Carnival cruise. I watch my young son carefully, but no more so than I would at a local park.

 

Tapi, you talk about the enhancements to security Carnival has made in recent years. What are they? I can't say that I see them-- far from it.

 

But I probably am wrong here. What has Carnival been doing? Whatever it is, I applaud it (if it is in fact happening).

One thing that I noticed as an improvement. They are starting to put backup generators on the ships to cover power failures such as was on the Triumph. Even if they don't get full power, they would not necessarily be stranded at sea for 5 days.

We are less than a month away from our cruise and my son got a job and and can't go. Is it possible to have the name changed to a friend?

 

What would the charges be?

I was in the same situation a few years ago. Got a new job after cruise was paid for and beyond cancellation refund date. I explained to the employer and it was no problem. I was fully prepared for either answer since it was my decision to take the job.

Final thoughts. As I stated at the beginning, this was the best cruise ever. Not sure if it was solely because of NCL and the Epic, but I really think so. Having been on Carnival and RCCL, we all agreed that NCL was way better than both. It really isn't even close. Food on NCL was significantly better, the entertainment was far superior and there was so much more offered. When we go back in January, we will be able to enjoy the stuff we missed. Hopefully. The service was exceptional. I was concerned about the freestyle dining because I figured the service would be worse since you don't develop a relationship with a set server. Wrong. In fact, I gave more extra tips on this cruise than ever before because I thought our servers really deserved it.

 

I will scan and post the Dailies soon.

 

Thanks for all the comments.

 

Can't wait until our next cruise.

Thanks so much for ALL of your pics and the commentary was phenomenal. I felt as if I was right there with you. I sailed the Epic in her first year as a solo traveler and had the pleasure of one of the studio cabins. It was great and I really enjoyed the cruise. Seriously considering doing the same cruise in Oct or Nov. Have to make that tough decision. Thanks again for the great review and the trip down "memory lane". I, too, am so sorry for the loss of your dog. I have been thru it myself and it is not pleasant. GOD bless you & your family.

That's a bit less than adequate! That's simply the bare minimum.

Anyone who books a cruise during the hurricane season should realize the risks of a storm. Lots of time the cruise line will reroute a cruise so that you still get your cruise in but when it is something this serious, what would you expect? And why should the cruise line be held responsible? These people were treated very well, considering. The Carnival Pride cruise out of Baltimore was cancelled as passengers were arriving to board. The Coast Guard closed Chesapeake Bay to all traffic. The Pride had no choice in the matter.

Your pic were terrific. Thank you so much for taking the time to put them on here. I thoroughly enjoyed looking at them.. I think I will consider a Legend cruise in the future.

Fantastic review and wonderful pictures. I so enjoyed looking at them as I have never been to Europe. Nice and clear and very well photographed. I appreciate them so much.

Don

Thank you for starting this thread. ;) Can't wait for our upcoming Dream Cruise and love all the information!

 

Thank You!

You will be getting off of the Dream on the same day that I am going on the Dream.

How easy is it to meet other gay solo travelers most of the time it is almost all couples who want to get together and where is the best places to meet any solo travelers?

There is a website www.****************** You can check that out and see if it helps. Just have to enter your ship, date, etc. See what happens.

I learned recently, to my surprise, that they have started offering those (GREAT) studio cabins on the Epic for TWO people as well. I read that somewhere here on CC, went and checked our November sailing - and sure enough... you could book TWO people in that 100 sq. ft. cabin!! Though oddly, you could book those same two people in a standard inside for less, and in a balcony for about the same as the studio! ODD

 

Tom

I believe that you always could put 2 people in the single studio cabins, but they would be cramped as there is no place to sit down except on the bed. What some people were doing was to each book a cabin that was connecting and leave the door open. Made for a bit more room. I wouldn't want to be in one of those rooms with 2 people. One person occupying it was perfect.

Carnival should go back to giving us SOLO CRUISERS a discount like they did in the previous years.

 

Management should own up to their booking mistakes. They make many mistakes but they never admit to them. I end up having to forgive them.

 

They should let us be able to do a "name change" on the Early Saver since most of us have had the experience of friends and family members changing their minds about not going on a cruise. For example: I paid for a relative to cruise with me and he can't cruise with me and I can't do a name change to invite another friend to cruise with me. I end up cruising solo.

I agree with solo cruiser discounts. There is a large market for solo travellers. I went on the NCL Epic last fall. They have 128 "single studios" on that ship specifically designed for the solo traveller along with the single studio lounge (called The Living Room) for their exclusive use with a private happy hour every evening with 2 for 1 drinks, etc. It was lots of fun meeting other solo travellers and making new friends. I understand that Royal Caribbean is refurbishing 5 of their older ships to accommodate solo travellers. Hope Carnival gets the memo.

I sailed the Epic back in October and reading your review brought back so many good memories. However, it sounded like there was a lot more going on for your cruise than mine and i sure wish that I was there. I would love to sail the Epic again. Loved the solo cabins and they are unique. The Studio Lounge and the activites were great for those who were travelling solo. Thanks again for a great review.

Ocala, Florida here

Nice to see someone else from Ocala on here.

Hi Ocala!

I find myself up there all the time. Last week had dinner at a place called horse and hound. Wed nights I bowl on a gay bowling league in Ocala...lots of fun. There are a few of us that get together for breakfast periodically...maybe one of these days we can get you to join us.

Tom

I would like that. I appreciate the offer. Looking to book a cruise sometime in 2011. Maybe on the NCL Epic since they have the "single studios".

Don

I see you were from Philly....I left Montgomery County to move to Florida.

So far I have not seen any group gatherings of Cruise Critic members....but think one is in order.

I think I might suggest one for this spring....maybe somewhere in Orlando which would be mid state for everyone concerned.

 

If you do the spring crossing....please write areview as I am on the Eclipse fall crossing and would like to know what to expect.

 

I must say I like being able to drive to the Florida embarkation ports and not have to fly. And no snow!!!!!!!!

Ocala Florida here - nice to see someone nearby for a change.

Don

I am not much of a gambler but I allow myself a roll or two of quarters every night and then quit when they are gone whether I win anything or not. Last cruise on the Carnival Victory I won $340.00 and you would have thought that I hit the jackpot. I immediately quit, took my winnings and left.

you are really unnecessarily nast and you remarks make no sense...thats why no one under stands them.... To attack mitsugirly and colinillinios the way you did is outrageous.....

 

Book a studio....what is your problem? There are thousands available..... Technically two people can fit in a studio....would you be happy if a couple booked one studio and shared it? What business is it of yours who is in the rooms.... Do you think you own ncl???? They fill the rooms so as to not sail empty....get over it!!!!!!

 

I travel almost exclusively solo and the deals i have gotten on celebrity, ncl and carnival over the past few years blow the priced on the studios out of the water.

 

There is an entire board dedicated to solo travelers and a huge thread for solo/single supplement deals....go find one for yourself and leave mitugirly alone!!!!!!!!

amen amen amen