Quick Ecstasy review April 28th - May 2nd Key West & Cozumel

[BarJen]

First and foremost I should thank my daughter, because if it weren’t for her this cruise would not have happened. She was one of the lucky recipients of one of those free cruise vouchers. When she first got the letter we weren’t sure if we were going to be able to pull it off or not, even though it was a great offer, the window of opportunity was fairly small. And there were only a select number of cabins available for the sailing that were offered. We originally had our eye on a 7 day cruise on the Breeze, but hesitated too long and POOF they were gone. Not wanting to miss out we finally settled on a 4 day Ecstasy sailing leaving Miami and stopping in Key West and Cozumel.

Our group consisted of my daughter, son, wife and myself. We booked an interior (our first interior since our very first cruise) and we all shared the same cabin. Why you ask? Simple, it was very inexpensive that way. The cruise voucher was good for 2 people, so all we paid were the tax and port fees for the first 2, and the 3rd & 4th passenger were at the discounted rate. All we really needed the cabin for was to sleep, shower & change clothes. It worked out pretty well.

We live in southwest Michigan and the morning we were leaving to fly down to Miami it was chilly, breezy, and rain was heading our way. We couldn’t wait to get to warmer weather since it had been such a long cold winter. The picture below was taken just before we left for the airport. It was cold, windy and overcast.

 

And we were heading to this!

 

[BarJen]

We flew with American Airlines, the first time in a long time with an airline that charges for checked bags. Not wanting to hassle with lugging suitcases through the airport and fight for overhead space I paid the baggage fee for a total of an extra $100 for the trip. It was worth it.

We arrived in Miami and after retrieving our bags we immediately headed outside to catch the shuttle to the Embassy Suites near the airport. It felt so good to be outside without a jacket.

We normally stay at a Homewood Suites (also in the Hilton family) but the price was a little less for Embassy and it included cruise port transfers. The lobby of the hotel looked really nice, similar to an atrium of a cruise ship. And they have cooked to order breakfast in the morning. The one thing I didn’t like about Embassy compared to Homewood is the amount of noise you can hear from fellow guests walking in the hallway. The doors to the rooms all faced inward toward the atrium, the rooms at Homewood are more spread out. We got up the next morning, had breakfast and headed out to catch the shuttle. It was time to take a cruise!

We arrived at the Port of Miami at 11 a.m. dropped our bags with the porter, whisked through security and made way to the captains lounge. Check in was fast and smooth and our wait was less than 30 minutes before they came to escort us to the ship. We were onboard; carryons were dropped off in our cabin and eating lunch by noon!

 

 

Not too many people..yet

 

 

 

 

our home away from home for the next 4 nights

 

this is the only picture I took of the cabin, I kept wanting to take a look out that fake window to see where we were!

[KPfromCT]

Thanks for the review!!!! Great start!:D:D

I just have to say...I don't know how comfortable I would be sleeping under that upper:eek::eek:

I haven't seen this set-up yet.

I'd be freaking out that it would give out. LOL

 

Yup. I am a worry wart.:o

[BarJen]

Thanks for the review!!!! Great start!:D:D

I just have to say...I don't know how comfortable I would be sleeping under that upper:eek::eek:

I haven't seen this set-up yet.

I'd be freaking out that it would give out. LOL

 

Yup. I am a worry wart.:o

 

 

I have to be honest, the thought crossed my mind once or twice too while I was laying under it :eek: but luckily it help up!

 

Barry

[cruisingbajan]

Thanks for taking the time to post the review Barry. Its pretty awesome so far.:)

 

Looking forward to the rest of it.:D

[BarJen]

Thanks for taking the time to post the review Barry. Its pretty awesome so far.:)

 

Looking forward to the rest of it.:D

 

 

No problemo Kieth, look below for some more!

 

 

Barry

[BarJen]

After lunch we took some time to wander and explore the ship, we have been on a Fantasy class before so we knew the layout, but the decor was different.

Navigation is pretty easy, the buffet, pizza, sandwich shop are all located on deck 10 Lido along with the pool area.

 

 

Can't see it from the picture, but the grill area is located on the other side of the stage area under the overhang. There you can get breakfast both buffet and cooked to order. Lunchtime there were burgers and hot dogs (veggie burgers are still available by request) they also had a Mongolian wok station set up I noticed 2 of the days, very good if you happen to catch it!

 

inside the Panorama bar & grill you can find the pizza pirate and the sandwich shop all the way aft

 

as well as 2 buffet station, the 2 sided salad bar, 2 dessert stations and soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt

 

 

[BarJen]

hall on the port side if your walking from the pool area back to the buffet.

the hall on the other side had tables and chairs also.

 

a little oopsie we saw looking down at the crews loading supplies before sail away, they cleaned it up pretty quickly

 

most of the entertainment can be found on deck 9 promenade along with the Rolls Royce coffee shop

 

some of the goodies offered there

 

the "Rolls"

 

a Harley!

[BarJen]

looking down the hall, as you can see there are signs above doorways to help you navigate your way around. The Society bar was behind me

 

entrance to Stripes disco

 

inside:

 

 

 

 

we never did go in when it was open, but I did notice it was never busy when we were walking by

[BarJen]

the entrance to the China Town club, never went in for a function here either

 

 

 

[reerun25]

Enjoying the review so far!

[BarJen]

the Society bar, which also led into the Starlight aft lounge

 

 

inside the Starlight, we did catch a hilarious comedy show here one night and watched some karaoke. When watching the karaoke we thought we were in a Saturday night live skit, the host kept coming out on stage while passengers were having their turn and he would start singing over them! It was kind of weird.

 

 

little know fact, you can access the Serenity area through the back of the Starlight lounge or by going down the stairs at the rear of the Panorama bar & grill

Edited May 10, 2014 by BarJen

[BarJen]

Enjoying the review so far!

 

 

Thank you :)

 

Barry

[BarJen]

the Metropolis bar which is located near the casino

 

 

 

candy shop

 

video arcade

[BarJen]

before sail away

 

 

 

the Victory!

 

[cruisingbajan]

Awesome review and awesome pics so far Barry. Keep it coming.:)

 

What type of camera are you using?

[JohnSpo]

I was on Ecstasy in November. I had a great time. The ship is a good size, clean and not too crowded and it still had most of the ammenities as the larger ships. I look forward to your review and photos and see some familiar sights. Thanks for posting.:cool:

[JerseyHorseLover]

I was on the Ecstasy a week before you. We left in the morning on May 2nd. I LOVED it !!

[BarJen]

Awesome review and awesome pics so far Barry. Keep it coming.:)

 

What type of camera are you using?

 

 

Thanks Kieth, glad you like it.

The pictures were takes with an iPhone 4s

 

Barry

[BarJen]

I was on Ecstasy in November. I had a great time. The ship is a good size, clean and not too crowded and it still had most of the ammenities as the larger ships. I look forward to your review and photos and see some familiar sights. Thanks for posting.:cool:

 

 

I was on the Ecstasy a week before you. We left in the morning on May 2nd. I LOVED it !!

 

 

thanks for taking the time to read the review, we thought that the ship was in great shape also given the age and we never felt like it was too crowded.

 

Barry

Edited May 11, 2014 by BarJen

[BarJen]

The muster drill was a little different on this sailing, instead of going right to the lifeboat area we first met in the stripes lounge for the safety briefing then we were escorted to the lifeboat area. Oh well, even though non of us like taking time out for it, we all know that it is very important and put up with it.

 

here are the latest beer options and prices:

 

and wine:

 

A little pricey yes, but not really much more than most restaurants on mainland.

Be aware that when the ship is docked in the states (Miami or Key West) sales tax will also be added to your purchases.

[BarJen]

I've always found Carnivals decor to be interesting, especially with the older ships. Joe Farcus must have had alot of fun putting his ideas into reality.

 

We really got a kick out of this painting, its kind of hidden but not. For those of you going on the Ecstasy, see if you can find it ;)

 

one of the elevator banks near it:

 

and one of the most beautiful views while on a cruise ship, out to sea!

[lovermonkey]

Awesome Review!

 

We are going in Nov. This review helps a lot.

 

Couple of questions, if you don't mind. Did you do anything in Miami before the trip..If so what? And 2nd question, you talked about the captains lounge. Is that for the Faster to the fun/

[BarJen]

Awesome Review!

 

We are going in Nov. This review helps a lot.

 

Couple of questions, if you don't mind. Did you do anything in Miami before the trip..If so what? And 2nd question, you talked about the captains lounge. Is that for the Faster to the fun/

 

We arrived in Miami the day before but stayed around the hotel, not much to do within walking distance. There are alot better options with downtown hotels if you are interested in things to do. We simply chose Embassy suites based on price.

The captains lounge is for VIP/priority check in. Platinum, Diamond & Faster to the fun.

 

Barry

[BarJen]

We docked at the military base, so we had to take the shuttle into town. It's about a 10 minute ride, but if you have a friendly driver he or she will talk about the area as you pass by..just think of it as a free tour :)

We didn't have an excursion booked, and for Key West you really don't need to have one booked in my opinion there is plenty to see/do all within walking distance. We visited a few art studios and just enjoyed being able to be outside on a walk without freezing our butts off!

There is a Starbucks down Duval street for those that might be interested, and a Harley gift shop, which I like to visit.

The only drawback about stopping in Key West is the time constraint, it goes very fast.

I didn't take any pictures while in Key West, except this one:

 

we found this in our cabin when we got back to the ship:

 

and this was the platinum gift we received the next day:

Edited May 12, 2014 by BarJen