Our Carnival Ecstasy Cruise, January 5, 2013

Hi, Hope everyone is doing well here on CC and having a wonderful weekend.

We just returned from our Ecstasy cruise this past week and I thought I would try and write a review, or if anyone had any questions that I might be able to help with.

We were so happy to sail this little ship as we had not been on The Ecstasy before and I wanted to sail her, before she goes to Miami later this year.

We went over a day early as we don't like to drive over the day of the cruise. We did that once, missed our turn off and in the process of getting to the ship, (before GPS) reached to the back seat to get a map, and broke two ribs!:( So after that, we always travel to port the day before the cruise leaves.

Usually if there is space available we stay at Patrick Air Force Base, however this time they were having reserve maneuvers that weekend and there was nothing available. We made reservations at the Comfort Inn on North Atlantic. We were given a suite on the fifth floor, room 502. Very nice room and very quiet.

I was a little concerned when we first arrived....turns out there were a lot of young people staying there from some rowing teams, however they were all very polite and well behaved.

We didn't want to go out that night to eat, so we ordered pizza to be delivered from a local place called Papa Vito's Pizza. Quick delivery and it was very good..we were set for the evening. The hotel offers breakfast with your "typical hotel breakfast food" but it was hot and plentiful, so after a quick bite of muffins, coffee and juice, we were off to the port.

As I have said before, Port Canaveral is the best port as far as embarkation and debarkation. Went through and paid our parking, it was $90.00 for the five night cruise...some might think it is a little expensive, but we like the convenience and the security. Next we dropped our luggage off with the porters....we had three large suitcases, one garment bag and two carry ons....We never travel light! LOL

Right through the VIP line and had our sail and sign cards within about five minutes,...a lady then escorted us right to the ship and we were in our cabin about ten minutes later. Our luggage was there and waiting when we got to our room.

We met our stewards, Rery (a real sweetheart) and her assistant Wayan. First thing she took my evening gowns to be pressed, provided extra blankets and hangers since I had forgot to pack some. Next it was time for some lunch and a nap.

We usually spend a lot of time on our balcony reading and very little time actually out about the ship. We never use the pools or hot tubs. The pool was closed the first day...looked like they were doing some maintenance. But it was filled and ready to go the next day for those that wanted to enjoy.

We had requested a table for two with late seating and traditional dining. The Maitre'd Victor was so kind and made sure that our request was granted. We had table 371 in the Wind Song dining room...very nice except with all the ten top tables surrounding, it was very tight and cramped with waiters and servers trying to get around the ten tops.

The Wind Song dining room is for Traditional assigned dining and the Wind Star is for YTD. It did seem like there were some long lines for YTD each night, but I can't say how fast they went through as we have never done the YTD.

We had ordered a couple of bottles of wine for Drew to have at dinner during the cruise, and one night Victor sent another bottle to our table...very kind of him. We had them send it to our cabin later that evening. Of course they also sent the plate of those wonderful chocolate covered strawberries!:)

I was really happy to find out that the food was very good this cruise. It seemed that the last cruise, the food was just OK. I actually had something other than "chicken" this cruise....I even had the comfort foods twice during the cruise and I must say I was impressed. I had the Beef Brisket, flat iron steak, Chateaubriand and the meat loaf (not as good as my own) but it was still pretty good.;) Drew prefers the seafood dishes and was well pleased each evening.

We went to the two production shows, Motor City and The Brits. Both were pretty good, but they were a little loud. Still cannot compare to the live show band and productions in years past. We would love to see Carnival go back to the live music and the show bands of yesteryear. This cruise we never went to any of the lounges as the DJay is just not for us. The Show band did play some slow songs so we could dance one evening, but that is out in the promenade area and I felt a little conspicuous dancing there.:o

For those wondering about the Platinum gifts, we did receive the Tervis Tumblers and they are very nice. Drew loves his coffee, and as most people know, the coffee on the ships is not very good. I really think it has to do with the water they use. So we brought on bottled water and coffee singles. I would go down to the bar in the atrium and they would heat the water there for us. They didn't mind at all. I gave them a dollar tip each time and Drew had good coffee throughout the cruise, so he was happy about that!

Ports on this cruise were Freeport, Nassau and Key West...we got off at each port for about an hour, just too walk around and pick up a couple of t-shirts for the grandchildren.. we had talked about taking another trip to Key West, but after an hour or so, we decided something more quiet and sedate is for us. We are getting OLD!

We went to the Past Guest party but didn't stay long as we needed to get ready for dinner. Never went to the new games shows...so I can't give anyone any information on those

The service was great, the waitstaff and stewards were always so nice and did a wonderful job as usual. The food was good, and we had a lot of quiet time to spend together. All in all it was a very nice pleasant cruise and we had a wonderful time. If anyone has any questions that I can answer, I will be glad to help if I can.

I do have some photos that I will try to share..but after three months I'm still trying to figure out this new laptop..:confused:

We were on this sailing as well and had an amazing time, I'm currently writing a review. I also thought the food and service was very good. I was on the Paradise this past March and the Ecstasy was much more enjoyable in all aspects.

Glad to know you had a good time as well and a safe journey home!:)

I did forget to mention that there was also a meeting in the Neon Lounge (piano bar) for Veterans that we attended. Carnival had set up a table of juices for them to drink. There were several in the meeting with their spouses. Very nice, they all seemed to enjoy talking with one another as they have a common bond of service to the Country.

Many people came up to Drew during the cruise to "Thank Him". Of course I was so proud of him.:)

Thanks for the nice review of your cruise, glad you had a good time. Thank your DH for his service to our country.

We were on the Ecstasy last month (December 3-8). I'm surprised you didn't have Joseph as your Maitre' D

We were on the Ecstasy last month (December 3-8). I'm surprised you didn't have Joseph as your Maitre' D

Thought the same thing when I read it

Thanks for the nice review of your cruise, glad you had a good time. Thank your DH for his service to our country.

Thank you, I certainly will.:)

Victor was the only Maitre'd that we were aware of, except for the assisant Percival. Very nice, polite and personable.

We will be Ecstasy in a couple of weeks. Can you tell us which day of a 5 day sailing the Gold / Platinum party was held?

Thanks so much in Advance, & Tell Drew Thanks for all his years of service to our country.

Nice review.

I did forget to mention that there was also a meeting in the Neon Lounge (piano bar) for Veterans that we attended. Carnival had set up a table of juices for them to drink. There were several in the meeting with their spouses. Very nice' date=' they all seemed to enjoy talking with one another as they have a common bond of service to the Country. [/b']

 

Many people came up to Drew during the cruise to "Thank Him". Of course I was so proud of him.:)

 

 

We were on this same sailing. We had planned to attend the Veterans Get Together, but we had the grandkids with us and their needs kind of took over, I'm sure you can relate.

I see you're sailing on the Legend in October. The Legend is our favorite ship, and we are still looking for a cruise for the fall, so maybe we'll see you then.

Thanks for sharing.

http://luv2cruise.blogspot.com

We will be Ecstasy in a couple of weeks. Can you tell us which day of a 5 day sailing the Gold / Platinum party was held?

 

Thanks so much in Advance, & Tell Drew Thanks for all his years of service to our country.

I honestly can't remember:confused:....I have the Fun Times from each day except the last night. I don't see it listed anywhere, but I really didn't think it was the last night. I do know that it was at an odd time....before the early dinner seating. They had lots of appetizers and of course the drinks....they were very nice, since I don't drink....they went and got me a wonderful alcohol free "pina colada"....mmmm.....so good!:)

Thank you....I'll be sure and tell Drew....if there is anything else that I actuallly "Can" answer, I will try.:D I'll look some more and if I see it, I will post it here.

We were on this same sailing. We had planned to attend the Veterans Get Together, but we had the grandkids with us and their needs kind of took over, I'm sure you can relate.

 

I see you're sailing on the Legend in October. The Legend is our favorite ship, and we are still looking for a cruise for the fall, so maybe we'll see you then.

Sorry you didn't get to make the Veteran's get together, but I certainly understand where Grandchildren are concerned....Mine are the joy of my life.

We have wanted to go on the Legend for a long time...just didn't want to do a seven day....it's just too long for us....we had first booked the four day and then it was cancelled...I think someone chartered the ship....so this five day became available....we were able to get the same cabin and less expensive than the four day, so it was perfect! Can hardly wait to sail The Legend.

Thank you for your review! My hubby is getting ready to retire from the Air Force and I am getting ready to book this 5 day cruise for us! So glad I found your review!

I also wanted to ask if there were any midnight buffets on this cruise???

Thank you for your review! My hubby is getting ready to retire from the Air Force and I am getting ready to book this 5 day cruise for us! So glad I found your review!

They had a Mexican Buffet at 11PM on Monday night. We never go to these as we always have late dining, and we just prefer to order a wonderful midnight snack from room service.:)

The Grand Midnight buffets that they used to have are a thing of the past...they were incredible sights but it was just such a waste of food that it was discontinued several years ago.

Congratulations to your husband upon his retirement, and many "thanks" for his service.

I believe you will enjoy this ship....considering all the changes since we started cruising (we are old school) it was very enjoyable and one of our best cruises to date.

They had a Mexican Buffet at 11PM on Monday night. We never go to these as we always have late dining' date=' and we just prefer to order a wonderful midnight snack from room service.:)[/b']

 

The Grand Midnight buffets that they used to have are a thing of the past...they were incredible sights but it was just such a waste of food that it was discontinued several years ago.

 

Congratulations to your husband upon his retirement, and many "thanks" for his service.

 

I believe you will enjoy this ship....considering all the changes since we started cruising (we are old school) it was very enjoyable and one of our best cruises to date.

Glad you had a good time, my family and I will be on this ship for Spring Break, March 30 sailing. Just wondering how far the Comfort Suites was from the port and if they have a shuttle. Also, if you know, do they allow you to leave your vehicle there and take the shuttle back? Thanks and thanks to your husband for his service!

Glad you had a good time, my family and I will be on this ship for Spring Break, March 30 sailing. Just wondering how far the Comfort Suites was from the port and if they have a shuttle. Also, if you know, do they allow you to leave your vehicle there and take the shuttle back? Thanks and thanks to your husband for his service!

I'm sorry, I just now saw your question. The hotel is probably five minutes from the cruise terminal and I do believe they have a "Park and Cruise" package. I don't know any of the details or prices as we always just park at the port. Hope this helps....it was a nice hotel and we would stay there again if the Space A were unavialable at Patrick AFB.

Glad you had a good time, my family and I will be on this ship for Spring Break, March 30 sailing. Just wondering how far the Comfort Suites was from the port and if they have a shuttle. Also, if you know, do they allow you to leave your vehicle there and take the shuttle back? Thanks and thanks to your husband for his service!

The lovely Mrs. Jones and I have done "Ecstasy" twice in the last three months,,,soooo,,,as you can guess, we LOVE the ship, personnel, and cruise. I've been parking at "Park-N-Cruise" and they have done an excellent job for us, at less than half the price. Real close, convenient, and safe for your vehicle. Just Google it, and you'll probably have no problem finding it. Also, ask for the "Military Discount" and you'll save another 10%.

Joseph, the SUPERCHARGED Maitre'd was on vacation when we did out most recent cruise, so that's probably why you didn't see, or hear from him. (Had he been aboard,,,,you'd have known it!) :eek:

Have a GREAT cruise.

"SKY"

The lovely Mrs. Jones and I have done "Ecstasy" twice in the last three months,,,soooo,,,as you can guess, we LOVE the ship, personnel, and cruise. I've been parking at "Park-N-Cruise" and they have done an excellent job for us, at less than half the price. Real close, convenient, and safe for your vehicle. Just Google it, and you'll probably have no problem finding it. Also, ask for the "Military Discount" and you'll save another 10%.

Joseph, the SUPERCHARGED Maitre'd was on vacation when we did out most recent cruise, so that's probably why you didn't see, or hear from him. (Had he been aboard,,,,you'd have known it!) :eek:

Have a GREAT cruise.

 

"SKY"

Ah, that explains why Joseph wasn't on our cruise. He was the Maitre'd on our Fascination cruise, and we were looking forward to having him again.