Pami1968

On my last cruise, I had the Beef Wellington, and I think that is my new favorite, if it is cooked as well as it was that time.

Hi all!  Sailed this ship in January and loved it, so when I got right price, I jumped on this one!  See you all in 198 days!!

Back in 2007, I had an accident in port and was essentially bedridden (stuck on the couch) in my cabin for 5 days. Karl with a K came and checked on me personally. I thought that was above and beyond, since my accident had nothing to do with Carnival. 

If anyone is interested, there is a meet & greet at 3pm on Sunday 1/14 at Rococos Bar. Wear Mardi Gras beads if you have them. (Courtesy of another group I’m in on another site.)

It is entirely possible that excursions to Blue Lagoon will go off without a hitch - I just thought it was good to get all information out there. 

30 days...

In other news, I think there is a real chance that any excursions to Blue Lagoon in Nassau will be cancelled.  For those unaware, a cruise passenger died a few weeks ago when the boat shuttle to Blue Lagoon capsized.  I am 95% sure at this point that they are closed for business, and I know that Royal Caribbean cancelled any Blue Lagoon excursions through January, and Carnival has cancelled them through December.  I had originally booked the Sea Lion Encounter to Blue Lagoon, but I went ahead and cancelled it today.  I'm hoping by doing so I can still get in on an excursion I'd like to take - not sure what that IS, but its fun looking.

Just thought I'd share that for anyone else, because I know there have been really disappointed cruisers out there because they weren't told until they sailed.

7 ish weeks to go!  😄

They do lunch. But I think only on sea days. 

Why not book it for lunch?

I noticed there are a few more shore excursions posted on Carnival’s site, including a few more for Miami. 
 

150 days to go!

In other news, there are some Miami shore excursions posted to Carnival’s site. Three. I hope there are more, because I have already done them all. They are all decent, but I am picking to go to the Everglades again. Last time I got to hold a baby alligator - hoping I get to do that again. 

On 7/24/2023 at 4:08 PM, Optifire said:

I am not sure, but I think we have cruised before together. 

 I can’t see your signature with all your cruises, but I feel like we have definitely crossed paths before!  It is so fun when you run across people who you have met while cruising previously. That’s when you realize it is a pretty small cross-section of people. 😎

If anyone is wondering, I asked about why there are no shore excursions listed for Miami. I was told they should be posted in the next couple of weeks. They are delayed because Miami is a new stop for Carnival - usually it is just an embarkation/debarkation port. 

The same thing happens on NCL.

They still haven't posted any excursions for Miami.  Not a huge deal, but I was maybe hoping for something appealing.  I did notice they added some more for Nassau, and I signed up for the sea lion encounter at the Blue Lagoon.  I did the dolphin encounter there about 10 years ago, and it was fun.  I like to get up close and personal with various marine animals  when I can.  The best one I had was in Roatan when I got to do snorkeling with dolphins.  BY FAR the best interaction I ever had with marine life - there were a couple of dolphins who were pretty much playing fetch with me like a dog would do.  I'll never forget that!  I know the sea lion thing won't be that exciting, but it still should be fun.

John Heald has been posting videos of the ship, and it is beautiful!  If interested, you should check them out. 

On 5/23/2023 at 8:29 PM, PattyADifer said:

If traveling to Manhattan cruise terminal from SE PA, we have found the easiest, least stress for us is Transbridge Bus Line. That go from Lehigh Valley Airport (ABE -- Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton). They do a round trip for Seniors to the cruise terminal on Embarkation day , then back to ABE on disembark day. You can include parking at airport for $5 per day; 1st 3 days are free. You give them you luggage when you get on bus and you see it again when delivered to your cabin. ( I still take a picture of luggage before we hand it over, just in case!)

This is a great tip that I will take advantage of!! Thank you. 

On 5/23/2023 at 7:46 PM, PattyADifer said:

Perkasie! We are from New Hanover Township. Near Gilbertsville.

Howdy neighbor!!

Hi!  I’m Pam, just booked this as a solo cruiser. Since solo cruising is crazy expensive on Carnival, I have to be vigilant to get a reasonable fare. Luckily they hit my sweet spot!  I’m really excited to check out this new ship. 👍

2 hours ago, Sunshine3601 said:

If I remember correctly you walk down the pier, make a left, go over the bridge and you should see several hammocks in this general area (the straw market would be on your right) and a little further is Chill Island beach loungers etc.     

thank you!!

Any advice on finding a hammock on Coco Cay?  I'd prefer to have at least an idea of which direction to wander in where I might find one.  

As a solo cruiser, I agree with most of the challenges already mentioned here, so I won't pile on.

I do, however, have a tip for sailing solo (and it is a tip I use mostly when I am eating alone - I even do the specialty dining alone).  I do bring my kindle with me, in case I am bored.  I do like people watching, so that's usually fun.  Being seated with other solos is usually enjoyable.

But sometimes, you are just by yourself and it is easy to think others are staring at you wondering what is wrong that you are alone.

When I feel that happens (and I'm feeling a little humorous), I slip into acting mode.  No one knows who I am, so I adopt the "I'm someone famous, and dining alone is a wonderful break from the paparazzi" persona.  I'm cheerful and outgoing with the wait staff, laughing and chatting with them.  That way I feel people end up looking at me thinking "Wow, she must be a regular cruiser here - look at how the staff spends extra time and lavishes her with attention.  Who IS she?!"

One cruise I ended up having the steakhouse staff rotate out as my dining companions, sitting in the other seat from time to time.  It was a really fun time!

I almost always sail solo (around 30 cruises so far) and I tend to book last minute as I find better deals at that point.  However, there are lots of times that I book 6 months or so in advance.  I usually have a price I am willing to spend in mind and aim for that. When I find it, I pull the trigger.

Factors I consider are: 

Price (and is there a single supplement or a reduced supplement)

Itinerary (if I REALLY want an itinerary I book in advance)

Cabin (I love the solo balcony cabins on Royal Caribbean, but there are very few and book fast)

If I have to fly to the port, what's airfare price looking like (hard to do last minute and fly)

My need for a vacation (I have a very flexible work schedule, so I can usually go last minute if I'm super-stressed out)

Ship (honestly, this is my least important factor, but I have sailed inaugural cruises on some new ships because I wanted to see what they were all about right away, but they are more pricey)

Good Luck with retirement!!

Sailing solo on Enchantment of the Seas on 11/11/22.  If anyone else is going, say hi!  I always sail solo and while I am perfectly happy on my own, I’m such good company that I also enjoy making new friends. 😎