earthdog

I have cruised primarily Carnival for the last 30 years and just got off the Mardi Gras for the second time tour 29th CCL Cruise. My wife and I are 60 and we enjoy being reminded to be young. We love the comedians, casino and bars and of course sun. I think it's time to look for what CCL used to provide. 

We miss twice a day room steward. Morning room service that woke us up with coffee on the balcony, white table cloth in the MDR, real upper class service in the steakhouse, bacon (not every other day), chair service in the sun for drinks, full menu in the MDR not the trim backed menus of today. 

Cruising used to be premium service and you were wowed it was a deal for what you paid. Now it's all gone. The premium dinning sites are just different food with no premium service to go with it. 

We love Carnival reminding us we are younger than our ages. We do the Cheers package and like to drink, laugh and meet other people. But we like our quiet time but we want the premium service. 

So where can or should we go next? We have done Princess too low key older ships, RCCL we just hate the Mall Type aspect (we want to always see the ocean). We primarily cruise the Caribbean. We enjoy the newer ships with so many choices.   

Help us pick a new home really want some suggestions from those that understand what was...

Well Hell, I have "ben" asleep at the wheel. After looking at the list I saw Ben Gentry is performing on Carnival again. Now I have to book another cruise. Ben Gentry is the best of all time. So off to find a date on the Jubilee for October. If you have never had Ben look him up on FB never seen Piano Bars filled like Ben fills them.

Both are great and the programs are great. I would suggest not doing the Extended Balcony with kids, Its really a smaller room on both. There are narrower rooms. If you want to experience an extended balcony your are better on with Destiny Class ships. Those are normal width rooms so they are better. Either way with kids in the room they aren't great. If I really was forced I would say Mardi Gras. We are on her next month for the second time.

We are considering our first Princess Cruise in years this May. One of the things we have enjoyed on other brand cruise ships is the internet speeds. Starlink has made all the difference for me. I must be connected for work occasionally during the day. In the past this meant we couldn't cruise so I suffered at the beach. Starlink has been a game changer. I understand Enchantment has or is getting Starlink internet access. Does anyone know for sure and can they speak to the speed? And yes I did a search but have had no luck. Thanks in advance. 

We are scheduled to cruise on the MG on 10/16. There are no couples passes available for purchase in advance. Do they still offer the couples access with the Spa Tours on departure date? TIA 

I’ve heard that ship movement seems more noticeable on the Breeze. What do you guys think?

I have never noticed any, its rock solid to me but we have cruised quite a bit.

I don't really have any tips though I have been on the Breeze 3 times. It is by far my favorite ship in every way. I have cruised on the Vista all the way down and the Breeze is simply the best of the large ships Carnival has. I will say if you are looking for a get away from the crowd the outside seating at the Red Frog Pub is nice. One other thing if you do like great food and just an awesome experience don't miss the Chefs Table. Make reservations before you go. If not do it first thing. Have a GREAT CRUISE!

i am on a cruise right now.y iPhone 6 screen was broken and I need it replaced. I am hoping for somewhere near the cruise port tomorrow. Does anyone have a suggestion?

TIA

Truth is Carnival's internet is far behind the curve and its competitors. I am an avid CCL fan but man Internet and Cell programs stink in price and performance. IMHO

So we are already booked on a cruise in October now we may be able to take a week before or after the primary cruise we could do a back to back (FYI we don't want to do the same ship but the same departure port of Miami). Is there a website that eases finding out what cruises for Carnival meet our date criteria or should I just call Carnival?

Some of the best we have ever seen and we have been all over the carb. They took us further away than the other vessels and it was GREAT!. 3 Turtles, Barracuda and so much more. The water was crystal clear, the clearest we have ever seen.

Most of the negative I have seen are from 6 years ago post several storms. We think it was great but the Woodwind crew was exceptional and they are teachers of their passion.

I have read reports that have said the snorkeling isn't all that great...what is your snorkeling experience? Was is good or great....thanks, I'll be on the Woodwind in Dec. can't wait for my turn!!!!

No issue at all. The central area is outside the Port and access to operators etc... We saw two police officers and they were in line a a local food tent.

That is awesome!! Sadly Woodwind is all booked up on the day we will be there in February :(

 

I do have a question about Bonaire in general though...I've seen posts where people had a hard time getting out of the port on an independent tour due to security?? Did you have or see any issues?

 

Thanks!!

 

Oh! And I would love to see any pics!!

I am torn I really want to write and awesome review with lots of pictures. At the same time I really don't want to ruin this for others. So I will keep it less informative and answer questions.

It was simply the best snorkeling and boat excursion in my 30 cruises! Its hard to find the words.

IMHO my highest compliment: My wife and I would fly to Bonaire and stay there just to spend a few days with this Team. On the ocean snorkeling and diving if they would do it.

I am open for questions and have plenty of pictures just hate to ruin it for others.

I need to book a treatment for departure day that is not list on the pre-purchase items. Does anyone know the email address of the Spa on the Valor so I can book directly. I have done this for other ships in the past.

TIA

I sail Sunday on the Breeze and must admit this is a little disappointing.

We cruise right after you. Can you please update us once onboard.

I read somewhere that the Carnival Breezes shops are currently closed for a vendor change. Any chance someone can confirm if this is accurate? If this is true anyone know a timeline to reopen?

Can someone recommend a reasonably priced Towncar Service in Miami?

If you have an experience what was your price? I see things from all over the place to up to $150.00 each way.

We just want a Towncar to pick us up from MIA to the hotel in downtown then to the Port the next day and pickup from the port to MIA the following week.

TIA

Thank you for the response unfortunately it doesn't appear to be so simple. The Floating Bed does not seem to be listed as a feature of any specific service.

My hopes is someone has an email for the Spa on the Breeze.

So I am cruising on the Breeze soon and I need some help. I want to surprise my DW with a Spa Treatment one she has had before but I can't remember the name. I am hoping my description makes sense and someone can point me to the right one.

It was a wrap of some kind.

Included a massage.

Most importantly she was on a bed that lowered her into a heated bath of some type. Kind of like she was on a waterbed.

Any help would be AWESOME! Again its for the Breeze and they have the Cloud Spa. If not can someone suggest who to call or email. The main Carnival number couldn't help.

TIA

Wow having read your review/story I am sad for mine to end and we haven't even booked ours yet. We are headed out on the same cruise in 6 weeks. Thank you very much...

Thats interesting I never have thought about Bermuda. How is the temperature like cruising there and back? We love the outside and tan time.

It's not the Caribbean, but I suggest Bermuda. Celebrity Summit from Cape Liberty, NJ would be a nice change. You're not escaping the Atlanta summer by going to the Caribbean. EM

Thats interesting I never have thought about Bermuda. How is the temperature like cruising there and back? We love the outside and tan time.

It's not the Caribbean, but I suggest Bermuda. Celebrity Summit from Cape Liberty, NJ would be a nice change. You're not escaping the Atlanta summer by going to the Caribbean. EM

Having been on my share of Carnival Ship and in dire need of another cruise now. I will say the Breeze is by far the best ship. The layout is much improved over the older ships. IMHO

So my Fiancee and I 46/51 are in desperate need of a cruise in July or August. She has been a bit spoiled with the VIP and benefits of being on the boat at 11:00 that Carnival offers. So I need some idea's. We generally don't like to cruise with lots of kids so we have typically avoided the summer and we love the big ships with quiet spots for adults with a pool and adult activities on the boat. We also live in GA so the Caribbean is another preference. Also we love the days at sea. We love the premium restaurants etc...

I'm sure I left something out but the primary other than cost is more adults and less strollers and teenagers.

Of course if I had may main wish AWESOME Internet access but I guess I'll never get that...

I need suggestions opinions and I know there are plenty of those around here. :D

TIA Jeff