Valentine's Day Ecstasy Cruise -- Fog Bound and All -- Review

[capndinghy]

Welcome to my review of our Valentine Day Voyage on board the Carnival Ecstasy. My wife Pat and I are retired and discovered the joys of Cruise Ship life about 10 years ago.

This Cruise came about as a result of me looking at 4 inches of Frozen Ice and a Thermometer that has set a new record headed downward. I picked up the phone, called Lyndon our Faithful PVP. Two weeks later we are headed to a warmer clime.

 

Before I continue, I do need to inform you readers that this missive is being compiled real time while underway. So I do apologise for anychanges from present, to past, to future tenses. I have been out of School for many years and did not do all that well in English Composition even then, so please bear with me. We are now on Sea Day 1. I am eating a chocolate chip cookie and sipping a Caffe Late on the Prominade while watching the calm (lucky for us) waters of the Gulf of Mexico flow past the ship’s window. I also appolgise for any typographical errors that may be caused by the 4 (or was it 5) Gin and Tonics happily consumed by the Author while soaking the warm sun beams on the Lido Deck and listening to a very good Calypso/Ragae/Country Western group entertaining a festive audience recovering from the Hairy Chest Drunk’in Bubba Contest.

 

Our trip begins in San Antonio where we visited our Daughter and her family on our way to Galveston. Hence 'killing two birds with one stone"; a family visit and a voyage.

We left San Antonio for Galveston bright and early Monday morning on our drive to meet our Ship. A quick review of the trusty Droid Smart Phone GPS showed our trip to be 4 hours and 6 minutes door to ship. So away we went trusty GPS chirping away. All was well until we found Houston (which is about the hardest city to drive in except for maybe Tokyo). Right smack drab in the middle of traffic all buzzing along at Mach 1, your intrepid driver lost, and with 5 different options suddenly presenting themselves as to which way to take, my Trusty Electronic Copilot and GPS Navigator Nastily announced with a Mornful moan that it QUIT. So as I naturally chose the Wrong exit and we sped toward oblivion, I tossed my dear wife a folded up Map and yelled for help! She promptly rapped me up the side my head with folded map, and announced a 2 word command, that while rather fun to do is also impossible to do. Finally. after a some what heated discussion regarding both my driving and navigational skills, my wife plotted a course out of oblivion and back towards Galveston and our awaiting ship.

 

We pulled into the EZ Cruise Parking Lot at 1214 PM after a 4 hour and 26 minute drive (of which 20 of those driving minutes were spent completely lost in traffic!) There awaited the Ecstasy in all her Glory. After a quick and painless ride in the EZ Park Shuttle Bus we arrived at the Cruise Ship Terminal. A $10 gratuity to the Baggage Porter was tendered in hopes that we would one day see our suitcases again. perhaps even in our Cabin.

This is our 12th (I think) cruise and we are exhulted Platinum VIP Status Guests.

 

One of the nifty perks of being Platinum is one by passes the Huddled Masses as they wait forever in long, never ending, winding lines to board. With noses in air we headed towards Bright Red Signs beckoning (Snobby) VIPs. We were escorted to the head of the Security line and Xray machines. A with nary a Buzz, Siren, or Body Search we convinced the Guards we were indeed just innocent cruisers and we exited security relatively unharmed.

 

.IMG_3898 by capndinghy, on Flickr[/img]

 

Another Bright Red VIP Sign Beckoned us to an office where we were processed. Within 1 minute our name was called, our passports examined, and most importantly our Credit Card Scanned. We were then issued our Sign and Sail Cards, and told to board and have a great cruise. So once again as the great multitude of our fellow passengers wound their way through the never ending meandering lines, we happily sped past them and headed toward the Photographer and Gang Plank. I must say the Embarkation Process seemed to go well for everyone as folks moved along at a steady pace through the Boarding Process. We were on board the ship within 15 minutes of our arrival at the Cruise Ship Terminal[/size][/font]

[TSUmom]

Enjoying your review so far - we were there with you, infact one of our friends was in the Hairy Chest drunkin bubba contest....looking forward to reading more from you, love your sense of humor...:)

[capndinghy]

As we stepped off the Gang Plank and into the Atrium big smiles appeared on our faces. Let the good times Roll!

Jackson Visit and Carnival Cruise 10-Valentines Day 244 by capndinghy, on Flickr[/img]

Jackson Visit and Carnival Cruise 10-Valentines Day 253 by capndinghy, on Flickr[/img]

I really had fun watching the "Ships Stores" being loaded. It was a sight to see that was dear to my (and fellow sailors) hearts.

[capndinghy]

Enjoying your review so far - we were there with you, infact one of our friends was in the Hairy Chest drunkin bubba contest....looking forward to reading more from you, love your sense of humor...:)

 

Hi...I am glad you are enjoying my massive missive so far. It is a work in progress. More to follow as I attempt to upload.

Thanks,

Chuck

[douglinc@msn.com]

Enjoying your review, we will take our 1st. cruise on the Ecstasy on 3-28-11. We have heard really good things about her.

 

Doug

[capndinghy]

Enjoying your review, we will take our 1st. cruise on the Ecstasy on 3-28-11. We have heard really good things about her.

 

Doug

 

I am sure you will really enjoy it Doug! I hope this missive gives you a little preview of what to expect. Enjoy. PS: I hope you become a regular cruiser because I bought Carnival Stock! LOL :D

[douglinc@msn.com]

We seem to cruise pretty regular...LOL

 

Doug

[capndinghy]

We found our state room Ocean View U160. Opening the door we greeted our new home for next several days. Carnival, in all of its Marketing Genius, had left us each a Welcome back Platinum Cruiser Letter signed by non other than the CEO Himself. These letters addressed to both Pat and I, listed the various perks we would receive as VIP Guests. I kind of thought it was a very nice gesture. There was also a very nice plate of Chocolate Covered Straw Berries for us to snack on. Pat had a special letter addressed especailly to her which I am not so sure is a good thing. You see this letter was from the Casino Operators, Players International, welcoming her back as a Very Important Player (Not good for me or my Wallet) with a gift and an invitation to cocktails in the casino before it opened to the commoners and more conservative gamblers. Again, a very nice gesture. Then not to be out done, there was a knock on the door and another letter from Carnival Management arrived, informing us we had been awarded a $50 credit to our on board account since we are Stock Holders in the Corporation. Next, Pat was very happy to receive (I thought) a very nice Bouqet of Flowers delivered by Bon Voyage. These Lovely Flowers had been ordered from Her Very Generous and Handsome Husband as a Valentine Present to her. (Fortunately she did not see all of the Red Roses that were on the way to other Lucky Wives/Girlfriends/Mistresses that had been ordered as Valentine Gifts from shall we say more generous spouses/boyfriends/customers who “sprang” for real Roses rather than Common Flowers.

Jackson Visit and Carnival Cruise 10-Valentines Day 259 by capndinghy, on Flickr[/img]

 

So off we went. Being the safety conscious type we are (you never know if you are on the next Titanic) we eagerly awaited the call to muster station. The only thing I can say is The Muster Drill/Safety Briefing can only be describe for us as “Quite Civilized”. Our Station was located on the Lido Deck. We sat down with a libation (obtained just before the Bars Closed for this all important event) and were happily surprised to see chairs being arranged. Yes, we all sat comfortably as the drill began and the “in case we sink” instructions were given. Everyone paid “rapt attention” in comfort, while happily sitting down.

Jackson Visit and Carnival Cruise 10-Valentines Day 264 by capndinghy, on Flickr[/img]

And Yes, before we knew it that wonderful Sound we all were awaiting Blasted our ears; the Ships Horn Announcing we were Underway! As the Ship slowly made her way down the Galveston Channel, Pat and I rapidly made our way to the nearest Bar for a post departure Libation.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5057/5471711953_81c7a344f3.jpg' alt='5471711953_81c7a344f3.jpg'> Jackson Visit and Carnival Cruise 10-Valentines Day 296 by capndinghy, on Flickr[/img][/size][/font]

[Meyer2]

Enjoying your review so far!

[Gecko7]

I noticed the name Charles Carmichael on the card in the picture. If you watch TV on Monday night, thats the name of the alter ego of Chuck on NBC's show of the same name. Great show btw. Love the review so far. THANKS!:)

[capndinghy]

I noticed the name Charles Carmichael on the card in the picture. If you watch TV on Monday night, thats the name of the alter ego of Chuck on NBC's show of the same name. Great show btw. Love the review so far. THANKS!:)

 

Ooopps....

Would you believe me if I said they were doing some filming for the next episode? I thought not.....

I forgot I was famous.:cool:

[NDalfrey]

loving it so far...keep it coming!! :)

[capndinghy]

We seem to cruise pretty regular...LOL

 

Doug

 

Oooops...So I see Doug. I seemed to have missed that small fact! :D

[capndinghy]

We returned to our Stateroom and were happy to find that our luggage had arrived. My Ten Dollar Investment had Paid off. Our two suitcases were in our stateroom and not on their way to Bombay! I happily retrieved my 6 mini bottles of Crown Royal that had not been confinscated by the Whiskey Police and was quite relieved that I would not have to make the walk of shame to the Naughty Room where whisky smugglers are paraded in front of their fellow “law abiding” passengers.

Our State Room Steward Tomas introduced himself and asked us to please let him know if we needed anything at all. As is my usual custom, I slipped Tomas an extra (pre departure) gratuity which has always insured impeccable service from our State room stewards. Tomas seemed to be quite happy with his ”Windfall”.

Jackson Visit and Carnival Cruise 10-Valentines Day 289 - Copy by capndinghy, on Flickr[/img]

We had late dining and headed to our 8:15 seating with visions of fine food. My poor wife Pat is Celiac Intolerant (meaning she is allergic to Wheat). Carnival does an excellent job of catering to guests with Food Allergies. The hostess went over the evening menu with Pat and the picked out her dinner. She then went over the following evening’s menu and took Pat’s Special Order. Once again we are quite pleased with the manner in which this was handled. We enjoyed our first dinner on board and are anticipating the dinners to follow

After dinner Pat headed to the Casino and Slot Machines. I head to bed. I enjoy sleeping while the ship is underway and as usual was out like a light. Sometime during the night my eyes opened and I realized our cabin door was wide open. I have no idea how long it had been open. The door had not been properly closed. I was shocked! I consider myself very lucky that a group of cheerleaders did not sneak in and take advantage of me while i slept!

 

[beach410]

LMAO!! Very funny, and the flowers were quite lovely, I have to keep reminding the dh that I prefer other flowers to roses! Great review!

[ATL2LAS]

Too cool...Really enjoying your review

[capndinghy]

LMAO!! Very funny, and the flowers were quite lovely, I have to keep reminding the dh that I prefer other flowers to roses! Great review!

 

Hi Beach 410

Thank you for the kind words. A quick call to the Bon Voyage Department and you hubby can surprise you with a flower arrangement just like that one. :D

[ticka1]

Most excellent review. Enjoy your play by play account of your trip! Looking forward to the rest of it

[Luluwa]

Enjoying your review.... more pics please and keep em coming. :)

[douglinc@msn.com]

Since we haven't been on the Ecstasy, I hope you post a lot of ship pictures.

 

Doug

[LSEA]

These Lovely Flowers had been ordered from Her Very Generous and Handsome Husband as a Valentine Present to her. (Fortunately she did not see all of the Red Roses that were on the way to other Lucky Wives/Girlfriends/Mistresses that had been ordered as Valentine Gifts from shall we say more generous spouses/boyfriends/customers who “sprang” for real Roses rather than Common Flowers.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5095/5472298044_2d6cb7c251_b.jpg' alt='5472298044_2d6cb7c251_b.jpg'> Jackson Visit and Carnival Cruise 10-Valentines Day 267 by capndinghy, on Flickr[/img]

 

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Pretty flowers. Very thoughtful. As others have stated, I too would prefer the daisies to roses anytime.

I'm curious, was your wife able to take the flowers with her at disembarkation? I ask because I was on the Fascination last Mother's Day and all mothers received a carnation in the dining room. The next morning at disembarkation many of us were going home with the flower and Carnival staff collected them at the gangway. I assumed it was a USDA prohibited item. I assume this applied to Bon Voyage gifts too?

[halos]

. As others have stated, I too would prefer the daisies to roses anytime.

Add me to that list...daisies are my favorite :)

This is a great review...I am loving it :)

[Cruisin Christi]

I wanna read more! Gonna be on Ecstasy in a little over 200 days :)

[capndinghy]

I am sorry folks. I have made 6 attempts to post photos and for some reason they will not post.

I will return in a while and try again.

[capndinghy]

Pretty flowers. Very thoughtful. As others have stated, I too would prefer the daisies to roses anytime.

I'm curious, was your wife able to take the flowers with her at disembarkation? I ask because I was on the Fascination last Mother's Day and all mothers received a carnation in the dining room. The next morning at disembarkation many of us were going home with the flower and Carnival staff collected them at the gangway. I assumed it was a USDA prohibited item. I assume this applied to Bon Voyage gifts too?

 

We left the flowers on board. I have traveled extensively and USDA is quite strict on anything coming in. Although the flowers were boarded in the USA I assumed that since we had landed in a foreign country the flowers could not be landed back into the USA. We considered sneaking them off, but decided it was not worth the hassle.