ja_martin

https://www.carnival.com/recipes/melting-chocolate-cake-recipe.aspx

https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/melting-cake/

I use the 2nd recipe

Thank you!

FYI, you can easily make this at home!

Do you have a recipe you can share? Then I could try it with half the sugar.

Half the sugar, that's all I'd change.

Hello, please help me

 

So I am taking my boyfriend on a cruise for his 25th birthday in January. I am not sure which cruise to pick, Carnival Sensation - 4 nights to Key West/Cozumel or Carnival Elation - 4 nights to Freeport/Nassau, both are around the same price. I think Cozumel will be a little warmer than Bahamas, however I like Elation's new upgrades (the newer cabin for example). Please help me decide, any input would be great.

Thanks in advance!!! :)

Key West and Cozumel, hands down. Plus, the CD on Sensation is currently Kevin Donohue, the most fun CD I've ever sailed with.

Freeport kind of sucks.

Enjoy!

My friend and I are in the process of booking a last minute cruise for the end of October and are going back and forth between these two boats so I wanted to get some input from you all! Which would you choose?

 

They're both the same price (within $2 of each other) for an oceanview room.

They both leave the week we need them to (Oct 21 and Oct 22)

The Liberty is a bigger ship but the cruise is only 4 days against the Elation which is 5 days.

 

The Elation goes to HMC and Nassau, Liberty goes to Freeport and Nassau.

 

I've been on the Liberty before and it's a nice pretty ship, but I like the old boats because they have a ton of character. I'm just afraid with 2 days at sea on the Elation we'll get kind of bored, especially with one pool.

 

The drive to Jacksonville is longer for us than the drive to Port Canaveral by about an hour and a half - 2 hours.

 

So, with this, which would you all pick? I've been to Nassau before, she hasn't. Nassau is the only place in the Bahamas I've been to.

For me, Half Moon Cay will beat out Freeport any day of the week. It's heaven on earth.

We just got off the Sensation about 3 hours ago. I’m writing this as we sit in FLL waiting to fly home. This was a trip with just my son and I for his college graduation. Let’s just get this out of the way up front. Surprisingly to me, this was the absolute best cruise I have been on. Taking a hurricane season cruise is always a gamble and this time it paid off. We had calm seas and blue skies for the entire trip. This ship is old. If shiny and new is important to you this may not be for you. We have sailed different lines, different Carnival ships at different times of the year and this cruise blew all of them away. We were offered an up sell 5 days prior to a mid ship balcony from an outside cabin. It was a great deal and I’m glad I opted in. We typically always get a balcony, but didn’t to start because it was just my son and I. We were on Empress deck (deck 7). We were just down from the atrium which made getting from our room to the YTD MDR super easy and convenient. Never a wait to get seated in the MDR. The service in the MDR was terrific. We were always taken care of. Our room steward serviced our room twice a day with no issues.

 

The food was typical cruise food. The late night buffet was a go to. Guy’s, Blue Iguana, the Pizza Pirate were all good. What set this cruise apart from previous was the willingness of the passengers to participate in everything, making the whole vibe fun and electric. This doesn’t happen without a great CD. We have never been overly impressed with any CD we have had in the past until this cruise. Kevin was on point. He was energetic and engaged. He got the party started, but it was never over the top. It was what you would expect on a Carnival ship, but it was done in a way that even if you aren’t the party animal you felt just as at home. I know this because you will not find me on stage wobbling. The vibe he provided this cruise was better than any I’ve ever been on. Kudos to him for that.

 

We experienced none of the horror stories that I had read about prior to sailing. Our room was smaller than most of the others we have been in, but clean and functional. The public areas were clean and the staff friendly.

 

I can only speak to our experiences, not to anyone else’s. Everyone has different opinions and sensibilities, but this cruise was the new benchmark others will be judged by.

 

 

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In 90+ cruises, Kevin Donohue is my all-time favorite. The most fun, most energetic, nicest cruise director - EVER!

One of the best cruises we ever had was back on Miracle when she was brand new and sailing out of Baltimore (yes Baltimore) but we have been hesitant to go back to Carnival following all the reports and videos of bad behavior on the ships.

 

I’d be grateful for an honest assessment from recent cruisers - does Carnival deserve its new reputation ?

OK, here's my honest assessment. I've been on 60+ Carnival cruises and 20+ Norwegian cruises.

I have never seen the type of behavior you're concerned about on Carnival, but part of that may be due to the fact that I'm not hanging out in the bar areas nor am I staying up past midnight. I'm a morning person.

This past Sunday, I just got off of a 7 day NCL cruise on The Escape. To be honest, the drinking package has really ruined NCL for me. There were drunk and obnoxious people everywhere at all times of the day and night. Carnival always seems to get the bad rap for outrageous party behavior, and while it may happen more frequently on the shorter cruises, which I've done many of, I just don't see that behavior that people complain about. I can't ever say that again about NCL. The crew was great. The food was great, but the guests were the worst. Not only the drunks but the chair hogs too.

So, now my next 15 or so booked cruises are coming up on Carnival and I can't wait to be back "home".

I'm ready. As long as we don't sail into danger, I am going to have a fun cruise. I want Bermuda, but will be very happy with every other possible itinerary change. I've done them all and I love them all. The only itinerary I've never done is a cruise-to-nowhere. Since I've never been on The Escape, and it's quite large, that can be a destination in itself.

My famous last words are: A cruise is what you make of it.

Have fun everyone and stay safe.

I did a search and could not find any postings. I am thinking about bringing a computer printed sign to hold our table at the Lido Restaurant. In the past we have had to take turns getting food which is a pain. We have also had our table cleared by the bussers even though we had only gone for dessert. My husband has back issues so he wants to sit as soon as he gets his food. He hates having to look for me or a table. So I would prefer to pick out table before getting our food. We normally eat early to avoid the crowds. I know guests leave books to save a table. I just thought a sign would be better. Any thoughts?

Well, everyone has "issues" or reasons why they should be able to reserve a table, a pool lounger, seats in the theatre, etc, etc, etc.

Other than embarkation day, which is busy for everyone, you always have the option of eating breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner in a sit-down restaurant.

There! Problem solved!

I'm Diamond and I don't get nor want special seating and I wouldn't think very highly of anyone if I saw a home-made reserved sign. The only signs acceptable for tables is cruise provided handicapped seating signs.

I love doing back to backs, but wouldn't be too quick to do a 3/4 vs a 7 day cruise.

DOWNSIDE:

Embarkation/debarkation day is busy. You have to do the muster. You still have to wait around for the ship to clear, then you are walked off of the ship through the process and then brought back on to the ship.

UPSIDE:

Once you're back on the ship, you have it to yourself for an hour or so.

If you stay in the same room, you certainly don't have to pack, and you have immediate access to your room.

You already know the staff. They will remember you and treat you like family.

You are welcomed back with a glass of champagne or a mimosa and they take a group picture of all of the b2b people.

If you had to travel to your home port, you only travel once.

We almost always do b2b because we travel from WNY. Plus, we go for lengthy winter vacations because the cost of a cruise (cheap room) is far cheaper than renting a place and it includes your room, food, coffee, entertainment, and you wake up in a different place every morning.

Whatever you choose, enjoy! It won't be the wrong decision.

For those interested in knowing when their ship will be decorated:

https://cruisefever.net/carnival-cruise-lines-2018-christmas-decoration-schedule-announced/

I have to eat gluten free, so I get a ‘naked burrito’ (no tortilla). For the rest of the cruise, the guys behind the counter call me Naked Burrito Girl:')

What exactly is a naked burrito? I prefer low carb or good carb, so I will not eat a white tortilla and I won't order it, eat the goodies, then throw the shell away. As a result, I never eat anything from the Blue Iguana.

Very curious as to low carb options.

Hello, please help me :loudcry:

 

So I am taking my boyfriend on a cruise for his 25th birthday in January. I am not sure which cruise to pick, Carnival Victory - 4 nights to Key West and Cozumel which leaves from Miami or Carnival Liberty - 4 nights to Nassau and Princess Cays which leaves from Orlando. If you could tell me which one is best, that would be amazingggg :D

Key West & Cozumel! Hands down that would be my choice and I'm far away from 25 years old. Those are both fun, fun, fun ports that you won't want to miss.

Whatever you choose, you'll have great time. Enjoy!

I went to Maho once. I will never, ever, ever go again. Too crowded, especially if there are a few ships in port. Nowhere to put down a towel on the beach. It's very small with absolutely minimal room. This was absolutely not worth the money we paid for the taxi. I gave up our usual beach, which you can walk to from the port, for a complete and utter disappointment. We did watch the planes, but never went in the water because of the crowds. It was crazy there. Not fun!

Guy's burger is an upgrade?? They are the greasiest and worst burgers at sea . Upgrade lol

I would have to agree. Heart attack on a plate. Plus, I don't really believe that people LOVE them. While I will split one with my husband, if you walk around the Guys area and down the hallways, you will see a lot of uneaten leftovers. Burgers with one bite taken out or only half eaten. We once saw a guy with a burger that had either 3 or 4 patties on it. He barely took 2 bites and left the rest.

People think "Ooh, Guys"! The lines are long at Guys but the waste is incredible.

Save your money! This is a private area developed by Carnival. Walk to the beach unless someone in your party is completely immobile. There are paved walkways as well as a hiking path. Yes, you can rent a clamshell, but there are tons of chairs in the shade. You don't have to pay for anything here, unless you choose to. We even bring our own beer off of the ship, but you can buy food and drink right there.

Great beach! Enjoy!

We are going to try the free wine as my husband is the only one with Cheers!

 

 

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I'm pretty sure all adults in the cabin must buy Cheers if one person has it. I was under the impression that just one person couldn't have it unless they were the only adult in that cabin.

This is how cruise director.. guest services manager and hotel directors explained to us... 1 to 5 diamond.. something special and more perso al with captain and officers... 6 to 49 gathering in a lounge or the like for food and drinks.. 50 plus is the lunch in dining room with the menu like a scroll.. free flowing wine and drinks etc

 

We habe experienced all three different types.. and it always fit into this number system

I agree with this as this has mostly been our experience. I'm a bit envious of those who have had dinner in the steakhouse, as I've always wanted that. However, I am very grateful for what they offer and I've never not thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to get to know some of the officers. They are all wonderful.

Yes, Buffalo to Baltimore. Left home about 3am and got there about 10ish.

No problems, but I generally like being in the home port city the night before. It's a bit more relaxing. Dinner out and a nice motel/hotel where we will leave our truck for the duration of the cruise.

My two biggest fears are weather and truck problems. An extra day always gives us time, if needed.

Enjoy your cruise.

Hello. I was wondering if anyone can answer a question about towels at the pool situation. How do you go about getting fresh ones and returning them? Is there a fee attached? I have been hearing conflicting stories. Thanks.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone wishing there were more swingers.

When you get into your cabin, you should find two towels.

When you use them on the ship, you can switch out for clean ones at the towel hut, or you can leave them for your room steward to switch out.

When you use them off the ship, as you are coming back on to the ship, there usually is a towel exchange so you don't have to carry a wet, sandy towel back to your room. Or, you can just exchange them at the Towel Hut on Lido at any time.

If you want or need additional towels, you can either ask your room steward, or you can sign them out, via your Sail and Sign Card, at the Towel Hut.

You are responsible for them, so Carnival has the option of charging you $25 per towel if any come up missing.

Don't leave them at a beach, in a taxi, on a lounge chair all by themselves (someone else could take it to avoid a charge), or anywhere else. Just don't lose them.

Also, you can buy a towel, if you really like them. If your room steward sells a set number of towels per week, he/she earns time off, which they love, because working every day of the week, mornings and evenings, for 6-9 straight months is tough on them. An evening off for your room steward is very much appreciated.

I guess I can’t help myself because today I booked another cruise. I now have 3 to take over the next 11 months and I simply can’t wait. So, how many cruises does everybody have on tap?

 

 

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Quite a few I'd say (22). Can't wait because my next is a Norwegian and I haven't been on one in a couple of years. I'm pretty much married to Carnival, but I do like Norwegian just fine because I get a free steakhouse dinner every cruise. Their Moderno Steakhouse and LeBistro Steakhouse are absolutely wonderful.

Several years ago we went to Mr Sanchos, via taxi, but did not buy the all-inclusive. I think we paid an admission charge, grabbed a free lounger on the beach, and when we were ready, bought a couple of beers and a plate of nachos. I don't think the day there cost us more than $30 total, not including the taxi.

Does anyone know if this option is still available? Or, is it just now all-inclusive or nothing?

If not available here, does anyone have any suggestions as to a nice beach where you don't have to buy an all-inclusive?

I think Cozumel has the most incredibly beautiful waters.

Thanks!

Here's an idea - buy him a beer first, then go to the comedy club. No one will question his age if he's drinking. After all, he *is* 17 now, so what better time to teach him that rules are meant to be broken!

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You couldn't be more correct!

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On our last B2B we got four of the ceramic tumblers, My spouse kept one. The other three were placed next to the trash. Just not a big fan of trinkets,

Wow! Before I ever did that, I would at least set them out somewhere where someone else could help themselves to them. While you may not have appreciated the gesture, others certainly would have. By leaving them near the trash on debarkation day, your room steward may simply not have the time available to try to do something meaningful with them.

A bit of a waste and really not very gracious.

Next time, give them back to Guest Services or advise Guest Services ahead of time that you don't want their "gifts". Someone, other than the trash can, would love the opportunity to have them.

Hey all,

 

On our cruise last week we got the headphones for our gift. Does anyone have the white tumbler (not Tervis) that they would be interested in trading? My wife really wants the tumbler. I would gladly pay for shipping on your end as well.

I don't have any to offer, but good luck in getting one. They are one of the nicest gifts. They keep a hot cup of coffee hot for hours. When traveling, we bring one cup to drink immediately, and one for later. Never disappointed.