Liverpoollovely

On 2/19/2024 at 7:59 PM, PirateAt45 said:

We are cruising on Carnival Panorama in July 2024. Six adults (3 couples: 2 sisters, 1 brother & spouses).

 

One couple prefers set time dining, one prefers your time dining, and one sees pros/cons of each. What is your experience with YTD on Carnival ships. I've only been on one carnival cruise so far and heard people complain about wait times for tables, but looking on other questions on this topic, it sounds like the wait is minimal, but service is inconsistent. What is your experience with dining and pros/cons of each type of dining. I'm a set dining/late dining person.  Used to be an early dining person when we had a younger kid.   

YTD is probably the best option for you, we have been on 26 Carnival cruises and never done anything but YTD, we like the flexibility, we have great service and often if we like a particular waiter we will request that wait team for the rest of the cruise, we are prepared to wait. 

you may have issues with ensuring all your party are ready because you do need this when you check in on the hub app all parties need to be present. 

On Elegant nights it can be busier but that is always expected, YTD runs from 5:30pm - 9:00pm so you will all need to agree on a time.

I would try it ... first I would need to know what was in it 

I like Terriyaki and BBQ so its all about the toppings aside from the obvious steak and chicken 

19 hours ago, bahacca said:

We haven't sailed since 2018. Do we still need lanyards for our sign and sail cards? I have heard menus are now digital, so you need your phone. If you find you need your phone on you at all times, do you use a phone lanyard, small purse?(Guys, be quiet. Not all of our clothing has pockets like yours!😉)

I like to wear my lanyard for my SS Card and menus are digital, I carry my phone everywhere, but when on island i like to take my lanyard off so I use a small black hobo bag by Miss Lulu its waterproof and can store a lot in it and I carry this around the ship as sometimes I have a bottle of water in it along with my phone and sun lotion.

I have never used a phone lanyard although that would also work - my sister does not use her phone she gets her paper menus and her paper fun times, I do all the checking in for YTD 

14 hours ago, ProfSnap said:

I cruised solo last year in Alaska.  It was nice.

 

We will probably just stay on ship most of the time. Hard for my mom to get around and we like just relaxing.  

 

I'd definitely use the ships excursions if I was alone, too.  Gotta be safe.

 

Crusin Karen -  I'm Karin.  LOL  You can hang out with us!

I have never cruised solo, or travelled solo before so i think both you and Karen are so cool! 

we have an excursion planned for Amber Cove and for the other ports we will walk around or head to a beach, this vacation is purely relaxation time. 

Karen and Karin's unite to make a formidable gaming team! 

On 2/7/2024 at 3:41 AM, ProfSnap said:

My mom (71) and I (49) will be on this cruise.  We've never been on a cruise on a holiday before.  I usually look for those where schools are not on break.  

 

I'll be packing a few card and printable board games.  I know some of them are small children's games but I thought they would help pass the time and could be fun.  We have been to most of the ports before

 

Snakes and Ladders 

Dots and Boxes

Battleship

Wahoo

Monopoly Deal

Red Light, Green Light, 1 2 3

Uno

Several decks of cards for Gin, Rummy, Go Fish, Old Maid, Crazy 8's, etc.

Dice  for casual Bunco, Beetle, Shut the Box, Left Center Right, Pig.  Tenzi could be fun if enough people brought their own dice (10 for each player).

 

This list sounds like a lot but it really isn't if you print out the board.  If you see two ladies (one on a scooter) playing cards, dice, or board games on laminated paper, ask for ProfSnap (no, I'm not a professor, but I love Harry Potter and I couldn't afford the real Professor Snape) and say Hi.  We'd be happy for you to play a few rounds with us.

 

I also Crochet and will probably have yarn near.  I'll be looking for an un hosted fiber arts group on the ship.

My family and I, have never been on a cruise for Easter so this will be different for us too. 

wow you have a lot of fun sounding games - a lot I have no idea on how to play sadly but I am sure you will find capable gamers on board there are some lovely areas on this ship that can accomodate group card games. 

I am hoping there are some sort of craft classes for everyone too, not sure if they will be running the create your own mask activity like they have in the past! 

On 1/15/2024 at 10:32 PM, Buffettfan 225 said:

Family wants to know if the soft serve ice cream machines are available. Also any Italian gelato or sorbet? How were television channels ( asking as had to rely on tv one day in Ensenada when storms prevented getting off ship on Carnival Radiance.) Thank you. 
 

Ice cream machines are available, inside java blue on lido there is gelato for purchase.  Sorbet available in the dining room.. pineapple, orange, lime. 

Tv - there are some free to watch movies, but in terms of channels I remember a music channel, a cruise tips TV channel... 

17 hours ago, geovet said:

There are a couple of Catholic Churches in San Juan walking distance from port if your looking for a mass on Sunday.

 

 

I am sure that my dad will want to go to a special service in San Juan. 

13 hours ago, dlphn501 said:

 

Horizon!  We've been looking forward to this for almost 400 days!!

Have an amazing cruise, never been on the Horizon before but you are sure to have an amazing time. 

9 hours ago, VentureMan_2000 said:

I'm bringing a newspaper that I can wad up and shake at the kids...   🤣

🤣🤣 Easter bunny won't be giving you no coconut cake 

9 hours ago, Crusin Karen said:

There are always a few “bad apples” no matter what age! I think for kids and teens it’s kind of the excitement of being on this beautiful ship, having freedom to do what they want, eat what they want, etc. they don’t mean to be troublesome. Two of the lessons I’d like to tell kids is: when the elevator door opens, wait until people get off before you barge on. And DON’T RUN! How many times I’ve carried a plate of food, a cup of coffee or a drink I paid $16 for and don’t want a drop spilled and wasted  lol and have had to move to the side of the walkway so as not to be tackled! Be the kid or teen someone recalls being courteous or kind when they talk about their cruise.  Then we’ll both have a good memory of a small passing moment. 

Yes I do believe that to be true, excitement and having some independence from their parents can sometimes result in over excited children. It is so exciting to go on a cruise as an adult I cannot imagine what my younger self would do if I was taken on a cruise by my parents! Yes to the no running in case they slip or fall onto someone. 

20 hours ago, Crusin Karen said:

Our very first cruise was the celebrity horizon in 1992. It was a PBA chartered cruise with our town and neighboring town PBA. Our next cruise was during SPRING  BREAK 1998 with our 2 young sons. Oh yes, I remember kids and college students with their beer funnels! 🙄🫣 As you can see from my signature we survived  that first spring break cruise and it was the beginning of a love affair with cruising. I may not have picked this week if I knew ahead of time, but there is no doubt in my mind it will be another wonderful and memorable cruise. Our sons are now grown with families of their own and sadly my husband is no longer with us so I’ve cruised solo my past 3 cruises. But I am as excited about this cruise as I was for my first! Looking forward to coconut Easter bunny cakes! My Easter bonnet is already packed! 👏🌷🐇 

No doubt in my mind me and my family will have fun regardless! Sorry for your loss of your husband, my sister and I have brought my dad on board with us since 2012 since our mum passed away, my dad is 84 years old and loves cruising. I have never had a coconut Easter bunny cake so I am all about trying that 🙂 

20 hours ago, Crusin Karen said:

I googled. Jaky Tang is CD that week. Marq will be on vacation 😣 I’m sure he/she (?lol) will be great! 

Ohh looking forward to Jaky, I have never sailed with him, I love MarQ remember sailing with him when he was a cruise director and when he was fun squad he is a cool person. 

16 hours ago, dlphn501 said:

I will be cruising over Easter with my hellacious kids 🤣

Haha, just kidding; I raised them right 🙂  

I thought there might be a ton of other spring breakers at that time, but when you have kids, you tend to notice the other ones a lot less.  We can ONLY cruise when school is out and the ships are loaded with kids, so we don't know any differently.  And totally agree with the no responsibility (to a point) - no cooking, cleaning, etc, for a week!

perfect, will you be on the Venezia or another ship? I hope you have an amazing Easter cruise, I don't think children = chaos ... sometimes adults can just be as chaotic 😄 and cruising with a large amount of children is a bad thing, I like Carnival for its family friendly 🙂 

2 minutes ago, Davechipp74 said:

A Carnival cruise with Spring Breakers + all the extra small children because of Easter recess 😯

I wouldn't take that cruise if someone else paid for it.   

haha thank you for sharing your opinion, I am sure it will be a different cruise 🙂 I am still looking forward to the possible chaos 😄 

I have been on both ships. 

Love both of the ships, the Dream class is my particular favourite - bigger ships but seem to be able to accommodate the number of passengers to crew ratio. 

The Sunrise is a gorgeous ship, comparing the two ships they seem offer almost identical amenities / activities and ship offerings, so I would base my choice on the itinerary. One thing to note the coffee shop java blue location on the Sunrise is on deck four - I enjoyed this location as I could get an iced coffee and go to see one of the playlist shows. 

HMC is my ultimate favourite port of call, I would go for the Magic - for the ports, for the extra days and the Magic is a gorgeous ship. also the itinerary gives beach/ pool vibes whereas Sunrise you could do varied activities in Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios - Dunns River Falls. 

Regardless I hope you have an amazing cruise whichever one you select. 

14 hours ago, ChuckF said:

Wife and I were on the Magic on Easter 2023.  Without kids, so all of those kids activities had no appeal to us, but were excited to see that they offered a non-denominational Easter service. Unfortunately, it was led by one of the Fun Squad members who apparently had never heard the Easter story. She was reading scripture from Matthew and could not pronounce any of the names or places that those of us who have heard that story over and over.  It was very sad. On the bright side, one of the Playlist performers sang a beautiful hymn, and a little girl from the audience said an amazing prayer. It's just sad that they assigned this activity just like any other Fun Squad activity rather than assigning it to someone who knew and cherished the story. 

we don't have children on board with us for this Easter cruise, it might be nice to attend a non denominational service for Easter. I think it was kind that the fun squad member offered to be apart of a special Easter non denominational service, I would be very supportive of anyone who put themselves forward like that, not everyone shares the same beliefs. I must say though I am very excited thank you for sharing your experience. 

15 hours ago, Crusin Karen said:

Liverpool lovey, we will be on the same cruise! This will be my 3rd time on Venezia. If you need any info let me know! 

woohoo that is fantastic! oh wow so you must really like the ship, this will be my second time I do enjoy her layout. Do you know who will be the cruise director? last time I was on it was Joey Boyes.

19 hours ago, ninjacat123 said:

I would expect more kids because Easter can be the start or end of a school's spring break. I have cruised over Thanksgiving eight times (I think) and even though it's heavy on the kids, I have had a good time.  The adults this last Thanksgiving cruise, not so much.  Fortunately we cruised over Martin Luther King Day which is the third Monday of January (a Federal Holiday that Americans get off of work usually) and the adults were much better behaved.  I hope you have a wonderful cruise!

Thank you, I am looking forward to it, ten days of not cooking, cleaning, being on a beautiful ship with my family. I am sure I will have a good time regardless. 

19 hours ago, WhiteOptima said:

This👆🏻.  We cruised on Celebration last year and Easter was embarkation day.  We ate at Rudi’s that night so not sure about menu in MDR but they did do the Easter egg hunts.  And yes to a lot of kids!  The bulk were of course teenagers left on their own playing on the elevators, running down the halls and taking ridiculous amounts of food in the buffet and leaving piles of it on the tables.

Perfect thank you, I have Steakhouse booked for Easter Sunday. I will be aware of a busy ship for this sailing 🙂 

5 hours ago, Crusin Karen said:

I am too (Venezia) had no

idea it was over Easter when I booked so kind of bummed. We’ll be in San Juan Easter Sunday and was worried they would not have any excursions but they do and  I booked one. I bet they’ll have at least an Easter dessert theme! Coconut bunny cakes?!? 

Hi Karen, I have not booked anything for San Juan, But excited to see if there is anything on offer or open when we get into San Juan. Coconut anything sounds delicious! 

2 hours ago, kwokpot said:

Easter is a terrible time to cruise if you're looking to avoid crowds and families with kids. It's probably the worst time to cruise during the Spring months in the US, even worse than the dreaded College/University Spring Break weeks. There will be kids everywhere on the ship, everywhere. 

thank you 🙂 I am sure my family and I will have a great time regardless of crowds. 

1 hour ago, Crusin Karen said:

Yep-I’m sure. Wish I had checked calendar before I booked. Didn’t think Easter would be so early this year. Oh well-I believe

in “fate” so you never know-might be my best cruise yet! I have 8 young grands (whom I’m goung to miss seeing on Easter 😣) so I’m pretty much bullet proof!!! 🫣🤞

Yes Karen I believe in Fate, I am sure you will have an amazing cruise, and I intend on doing so with my family too 😄 

18 hours ago, shof515 said:

Easter
When:  March 31, 2024 | April 20, 2025
Activities for guests of all ages and some specific for children and their families will take place on Easter Sunday.

    Family Easter Hop N’ Stop Hunt
    Family Hidden Egg Hunt
    Easter Egg-stravaganza Bingo
    Easter Traditions Trivia
    Themed Youth Activities
    Non-denominational Easter Service (excluding those ships in their home port on Sunday)

 

Thank you, looks like a lot of family fun to be had 🙂

I have sailed Carnival during many holidays/ celebrations like:  Halloween, Thanksgiving, St Patricks Day, Cinco De Mayo, Dia de los muertos, and even Earth Day.

But we have never sailed during Easter ...

• Do Carnival do anything to celebrate or acknowledge this holiday?
• If you have sailed during Easter what was this like? 

I look forward to your responses and if you have any reviews to share I would love to read these also 🙂 

cannot wait for more of this review 🙂 I am a Jeff and Patti addict your photos are so detailed as are your reviews. This is great.

Also never been to a Buc-ees before!! never been on the Celebration so cannot wait to see the review

45 minutes ago, Jamman54 said:

Cool! Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed the cruise as much as we did. Did you see yourself in any of our pictures? 

I did not see my family or I on any photos however you were opposite from where I was sitting at the Boatyard. 

We loved the Venezia so much we are going on her again soon.

Oh wow I loved reading this entire review, I was actually on your 15 day sailing on the Venezia, embarkation day rained so heavily and then when it come to getting off the and it was raining again I remember thinking not again! haha but it was not so bad on debarkation day. 

 Thank you for sharing I cannot wait to read more cruise reviews from you and your talented wife, amazing photos! 

Hi,

My family and I will be sailing again on this beautiful ship, I have looked for this post on this message board but could not find it. 

it is our first ever Easter cruise, has anyone done that before? what was it like? 

2 minutes ago, SunsetCruizen said:

If you are unfamiliar with the table games in the casino or just want to learn a game you haven't played before check with the casino when you get onboard.  They usually have a time (early in the cruise) when they will teach you the basics of how to play most of the popular table games. You start out with "fake" chips (different colors than real chips) to learn the game. Of course you don't actually win real money when learning.  Some cruises I've been on they will then offer you the ability to purchase "real" chips near the end of the learning session if you want to play for real at lower than normal table stakes (i.e. you can play blackjack for $1/hand if you were there during the learning session). The lower table stakes usually last for about 15 -20 minutes and then after that it's regular table stakes for the rest of the cruise.

 

Happy gambling!

thank you for the information this is great, Cannot wait to learn 🙂 

17 minutes ago, ninjacat123 said:

I hope you have better luck than me or my DDs with slot machines.  Five minutes of play for $25 was frustrating.  I have found that I can get 20-30 minutes at least of play on the roulette table for $25.  I bet in the corners where you are betting on four numbers.  The return is 8 to 1 which isn't going to make me rich but I can play for a while and if I'm up, I'll throw a chip on one number for 35 to 1.  I've hit that a couple times.  Either way, I look at it as entertainment.☺️

as a complete novice any additional money is a huge success for me 🙂

yay this is great news 🙂

On 10/26/2022 at 12:00 AM, ninjacat123 said:

I place money on the gaming table (roulette is my favorite) and my sign and sail card.  The dealer (don't know the correct term) takes money and card, runs card through so I get credit for gambling, and passes chips in a certain color so you can be identified on the table.  Let the dealer know you are new to gambling so you can get some instruction.  It helps to watch for a bit before playing so you can get the hang of it.  

Have fun and have a great cruise!

Thank you I think I will have a look at how the tables are played, there does not look to be many on the Spirit from the ship tour I have seen online but I am looking forward to this 🙂

On 10/26/2022 at 1:03 AM, sgttami said:

My hand pay winnings on slots were always in cash but other winnings went into the Player Bank and then I "cashed out" when I was done.  

 

Sometimes it should have been sooner rather than later....HA HA

Thank you - there seems to be more slot machines on the Casino on the Spirit. I will keep this in mind 🙂 would love a win rather than a donation though haha

On 10/25/2022 at 11:48 PM, Super27 said:

You take the chips to the casino cashier and they give you cash. 

perfect thank you 🙂 

On 10/25/2022 at 11:54 PM, EngIceDave said:

What do you plan to play? What's your budget?

I was thinking of the tables but I have seen a video tour and actually there seems to be more slot machines. 

Budget - $300 - $400 

Hi,

I have never gambled before, but this upcoming cruise I have some money on my account and I want to try new experience onboard ... I wanted to know when you go to the casino if you get chips for the tables and win (fingers crossed this happens) do you get this in cash or is it credited to your On board account?