kalmich

Best one so far was Deon on the Radiance. He had great energy and I really enjoyed him. Hopefully he'll be back on the Radiance again.

It's hard to predict with all the crazy weather we've been having all year. I think it will be nice and warm in Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan; not sure about Cabo. The sea day returning is usually the coolest day.

Yes, I have been bitching about this myself! I saw the new Royal menus and they look way better. It doesn't have to be a total revamp, but please give us some new selections!

I've participated in a few of those. Popular gifts were Tervis cups and coffee mugs, beach towels.

I just got off the 4-day Radiance cruise to Catalina and Ensenada. Unfortunately we had terrible weather; it was cold and windy the first two days. Because of this the itinerary was changed to Long Beach-Sea Day-Catalina-Ensenada-Long Beach. The first day was the most fun - we had decent weather for the Sailaway deck party with music and dancing. Alex is the cruise director these days - he was okay but not as good as Deon. At least he wasn't on the loudspeaker constantly like some of them. The excitement level went way down after that due to the cold weather. I didn't do any excursions this trip. I've done this same cruise a few times before and there's nothing new at either port that interested me. I was hoping to have a relaxing time onboard while most of the passengers got off at the ports. Seems like a lot of people had the same idea and things got a bit crowded indoors. The Lido buffet was its usual pathetic selection of mystery casserole-type dishes. Except for the dinners I ate at the Deli and Guy's burgers. Both were really good. I am getting a little tired of Carnival's main dining room menu. Same old thing year after year. I think I've tried everything on the menu at one time or another (except the Indian vegetarian) and it's just passable. Hint: avoid the Penne Mariscos. I was up all night dealing with that. Once we got to Ensenada we finally had some sunshine. Even though it was like 60 degrees there were plenty of people in bathing suits and shorts at the pool. One new thing: Carnival now has drug-sniffing dogs at the Long Beach port. I do like the ship (and the crew is fantastic) but I don't think I'll be taking this particular cruise again soon. At least not during February!

I just got off a cruise; paid $48 for a carton of Benson & Hedges. I heard other people talking about the Newports they sell onboard. The consensus was that these were not the same as what they are at home.

$120 in California too

Do the room stewards, dining room waiters, etc. know if you've prepaid your gratuities? I always do it that way, and tip a little extra in cash on the last day. I would to hate to think that they're feeling shortchanged.

I like a Seabreeze - vodka cranberry with a splash of grapefruit.

My recent experience was you are supposed to only get one carton per person but no one checks. (I'm also a rule follower so I only bought one.) They give them to you upon purchase. I paid $48 for a carton of Benson & Hedges; I'm sure Newports are the same or less. I wasn't in the Caribbean so I don't know if the shops on shore carry them. My trip was to Mexico and they didn't even have us do the customs forms.

The Cucumber Sunrise at Alchemy

Ship: Carnival Radiance Deck 7 Cat: Balcony (8B) Cabin: 7388 (not connecting) This room was cramped for 2 people. The beds were about 6 inches apart, no nightstands. I was surprised that this cabin was so much smaller than a balcony cabin on the Panorama. Even though it is close to an elevator it was quiet.

Does anyone know if Carnival makes an exception for Ensure? My friend has a medical condition and needs to drink this every day. It's a special formula under a prescription. I believe it comes in plastic bottles.

Was Cucina del Capitano open for dinner?

I personally wouldn't take it. That money would be better spent on a shore excursion or two.