Breeze Oct 19-25, medical emergencies, missed port, & cloudy weather...

[sid_9169]

I just returned from the Breeze sailing which included not one, but two medical emergencies. A nearly complete change of itinerary. And on top of that, cloudy rainy weather, with intermittent hints of sunshine only here and there...

So, what's a solo cruiser do in this situation? Make the best of it, & have darn near the time of my life!...

I had an early flight from Atlanta, took a cab and arrived at the port at about 11:30. I had already checked in at the Carnival desk at MIA, so, with FTTF I was through security within minutes, before boarding had even started. After a couple of wedding parties boarded, they turned loose Diamond, Platinum, & FTTF, pretty much at the same time. I was among the first 75 or so people on the ship, and had purchased the Cheers Program within the first twenty minutes on board. (Apparently the last sailing under the tiered pricing structure-$42.50 per day.) With drink in hand, I headed down to check out my first cove balcony (2309) It was AWESOME!!!... So close to the water, and the room itself was pretty nice as well. I went ahead and unpacked and headed up to Cucina del Capitano for some lunch. After that went exploring, as this was my first time aboard the beautiful Carnival Breeze.

After muster drill in the Sapphire restaurant, I continued exploring, and before I knew it we were sailing away.

I went to early dinner at the Blush dining room and turned in soon afterward, as it had been a really long day including taxis, subways, airplanes, and now a shiny big ship... Next up, Key West ( our only really good weather day.)

[Sauer-kraut]

Actually 3 medical situations (the second being the late departure from Cozumel due to some differences of opinion late that night).:rolleyes:

[kleibo]

Great attitude!!! We were on the Breeze in the summer and loved it. Glad you made the best of the situation.

[bbrooks]

I was on this sailing as well. Our Honeymoon and first Carnival cruise! Things definitely did not go as planned but we still had a blast! We were not so lucky with our FTTF as you though. There was a lot of confusion and we never even heard them announce that we could board. The fact that we could get right to our room was probably the only advantage of having the FTTF, since we never tendered. Can't wait to hear what else you have to say!!

[sid_9169]

At Key West my only real plans were to find a beach and go to Garbo's Grill, a food truck / taco stand that I read about on tripadvisor. I had no map but knew the general direction of Fort Zachary Taylor, so I headed out on foot and made my way there. Not really much of a beach, but more than we have here in Atlanta. After that I made my way over to Garbo's Grill and waited for them to open as I have heard that they have really long lines at lunch. They had THE BEST cayo fish tacos as well as Korean short rib tacos EVER. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. After that I just walked around and checked out some of the eclectic shops along Duval St.

Back on the ship, tonight was the first elegant night, aka Lobster night. I had also heard good things about the ribs so it was ribs AND lobster ( X 2 servings each.) After that I made my way down the Promenade to the stairs that lead to the Lobby for one of my favorite pastimes, Photobombing! Sidling up to families of complete strangers and having awkward moments with them and the photographers. Big fun was had by all... A few more drinks and it was time for bed. Next up, our first medical emergency, itinerary change, and some of the GREATEST Carnival customer service that I have ever experienced...

[LWiening]

What a wonderful attitude. I wish more cruisers under the situation would find a positive note as you had. I two was once on a ship with 2 medical emergencies. All I have to say to others that may complain if it was YOU would you think of others on the ship. Love the photo bomb idea. I was going to mention to my grown son who I am cruising with in December but I figured this is one thing I shall keep quiet. Knowing him he would do that to.

[EMc&DrS]

Did they give you any sort of onboard credit or refund of port charges because of all the changes to your itinerary?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[EMc&DrS]

Did they give you any sort of onboard credit or refund of port charges because of all the changes to your itinerary?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

 

Never mind! I just saw the other thread about the angry crowds onboard.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Eeyore_Lover]

Sid, you sound like me! I have been in 2309 on the Breeze, and I also like to have embarkation day lunch at CDC!

[MrBanana1240]

Can't wait to read more into this review and hear about some of the things that happened onboard.

 

I am so glad you still e njoyed yourself! How could you not, you're on a huge resort ship in the middle of the Caribbean :D

 

Thanks for writing!

[retiring soon]

HI all!

 

Must be popular things to do buy FTTF, have a cove & go to CDC. I did that too on my May Breeze cruise, solo.

I love the Breeze & especially the coves!

 

Looking forward to more of your review.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

[WiscoGirl32]

Interesting. Was on the sailing before yours and we also had 2 medical emergencies and itinerary change!!

[sid_9169]

Tuesday was supposed to be our first sea day on route to Grand Cayman. Around mid-morning the Captain made the announcement of a passenger medical emergency requiring debarkation at the nearest port possible, which turned out to be Cozumel. We proceeded at "warp factor 9.2" or, however fast a cruise ship can actually travel... we would arrive at Cozumel at around 2:00 pm.

I had a private cab tour arranged with Cresencio with Black Hat, however the appointment was for Thursday. The only contact info I had for him was through Facebook. I also had another private excursion with Fat Fish Adventures in Grand Cayman for Wednesday that I needed to try to move to Thursday now...

This is where the FTTF paid off big time for me. I walked right up to the platinum counter at guest services and was met by my excursion savior, Olga. She was kind enough to let me use the computer behind the desk, as well as the ship phone to try to reach my private excursions. She said the company computer was unable to go to Facebook, so she offered me a free 45 min internet package ($29.00) I was able to reach Cresencio on FB and luckily he was available. I also was able to contact Fat Fish by phone and change dates for my jet ski tour. BIG props to Olga at guest services!

Cresencio met me just outside the port at Marti sports & we were off to the East Side (Wild Side) of Cozumel. The only other time I was in Cozumel I went to Nachi Cocum, which was OK, but not very exciting. I read about the beach bars and big waves on the Cozumel section of Cruise Critic. We stopped for beers at several places including Playa Bonita, Chen Rio, Coconuts (Awesome guacamole and view) Rastas, and more that I cant remember. He said the only safe place to swim was at Chen Rio, but I had other ideas. I'm the adventurous type, so I had him just stop along the way at a place that looked inviting. I immediately proceeded into the water for a swim on the wild side. He must have thought "what is this crazy gringo doing, he's going to get himself killed." Big waves and seaweed be damned, I came too far NOT to do this. Eventually we made our way back around the island to the port and I was back on board around 6:45 (the ship actually stayed till 11:00 pm) I missed early dinner at the MDR so I grabbed a bite at the buffet and ordered a couple of Ultimate Margaritas from the lovely Natalia at the Ocean Plaza bar. It started to rain again but the hot tub out on the Lanai was empty, so I said "what the heck" I still had my swimsuit on from Cozumel. With drink in hand I sat there and thought about the crummy weather and how my vacation had been pretty much been turned upside down. Then I thought about the cab ride to the East side & swimming in the giant waves. I had a fairly good buzz going and I thought "Life is pretty darn awesome right about now." Next up- Sea day, Chefs Table, and the second medical emergency...

[BenjiRodney]

I lady a work with was on this trip and she made the best of the situations. Took some amazing pictures of the storms frm her balcony.

[Canadian_J]

Great attitude, truly someone I would be pleased to have on board! Enjoying the review :cool:

[sid_9169]

I was up early and wanted to try out some of the breakfast items at the Blue Iguana. I concocted a makeshift burrito bowl of Mexican eggs, onions, and those tasty potato crisps. Then tried to catch a bit of the rare sunshine that was very elusive on this sailing. A guys burger for lunch before the hairy chest contest hosted by Wee Jimmy. This was his first week on the Breeze & joked that he was still trying to find his way around. He was definitely a jolly 'ol guy, and pretty funny too. A few more hours of exploring and drinking and it was time for the Chef's Table. We met at the lobby bar and with champagne in hand headed off into the gigantic, sparkling clean galley of the Breeze. First stopping at a large stainless steel table for some small appetizers. That's when the Captain came on the intercom announcing yet another ( this time a crew member ) medical emergency. This also would require another "maximum warp" situation, arriving at Grand Cayman around 1:00 am. The Captain even said that we may feel a bit of the rough seas mixed with our increased speed. We proceeded to another large, finely appointed table to continue with the main courses of dinner. Red & white wine was served along with course after course of very intricately detailed dishes of very good food. They also took us over and showed us how to make the warm chocolate melting cake. Also, a demonstration of how the orders are received on the computer and processed for pick up by the line of servers. The whole thing lasted about 3 hours and I was feeling the approximately 9 glasses of wine.

I had to be up early to catch the first tender for my rescheduled jet ski adventure to stingray city, so I called it a night. With thoughts of the spectacular time I was going to have, I drifted off into dreamland... Next up- cancelled port, bedlam at guest services, and hot-tub with hot girls. also, Steakhouse.

[cmecruise1962]

Can't wait for more!! :D

[javamom]

WOW I had no idea Wee Jimmy was on Breeze. That's way cool, and I see Brent is coming back next month. Yay for both!

[mississauga]

WOW I had no idea Wee Jimmy was on Breeze. That's way cool, and I see Brent is coming back next month. Yay for both!

 

 

It is Matt Mitcham who will be returning from his vacation at the end of November. He is the Breeze CD. Brent is now the Entertainment Director. He goes on vacation at the end of November and returns mid January.

[sid_9169]

I just spent the past hour typing the next portion of my story. when I went to preview post it asked me to refresh page. when I did, the whole thing disappeared... I will try again later...

[Davey Wavey]

I tell you like I tell everyone...type long stuff in notepad and cut-paste it in so you don't lose it. So many sites have timeouts or problems that make you lose your work.

[Smurphy]

Subscribing . . .

[sid_9169]

I was up and ready early for my much anticipated jet ski excursion to stingray city with Fat Fish Adventures. We were anchored off the coast of Grand Cayman and I could see another Carnival ship close by. I was waiting in the FTTF/Platinum area to try to catch the first tender, as my excursion was for 8:00 am Central time. The tenders were lining up in the bay when the announcement was made that we would not be calling on Grand Cayman today, but would instead slowly start making our way back to Miami. Again, Olga at guest services allowed me to come behind the counter to try to contact my private excursion to let them know I would not make it. While I was back there a considerable sized crowd began to develop. People were chanting "we want our money back" ( and they also wondered why I was being allowed behind the desk. * Maybe because I was acting civilized and being cooperative. ) A pretty good size crowd continued to become more rowdy until the point that security was called. It was clear that my long awaited for vacation was being chiseled away from the edges. I decided "what the hey, I'm still on vacation" and proceeded over to the Lobby Bar. This is the exact point that the missed port day went from "just okay" to "even better by the minute!" A very attractive young lady was sitting next to me at the bar and we were discussing the crummy weather and missing Grand Cayman. Her friend was in line over at guest services trying to get a refund for their snorkeling excursion. I explained that if it was through Carnival it would be automatically credited. We went over and retrieved said friend (who was even more stunningly beautiful ) and made our way to the Serenity hot tub. As we sat drinking and laughing in the pouring down rain. I was about as happy as I could be. In fact, its safe to say that you couldn't have washed the s#!t eating grin off my face with Ajax and a pressure washer.

I had reservations for the Steakhouse that evening at 6:00 and they at Cucina del Capitano at 8:30. They said that if I made it out in time I should join them there. I showed up at the Steakhouse at 6 sharp eager to get my grub on and make it out in time to meet the girls. I went with the lobster bisque and crab cakes to start. Followed by the lamb chops and finally the chocolate sampler. Everything was spectacular including the service.

I made it out in time to run up to C.D.C. We ordered some wine and calamari, followed by their entrees. I had pulled the waiter aside on the way in to let him know that I would be covering all the drinks for their table. Later when the bill came they had charged it all to my Cheers program. Bonus! We then made our way down to the Lido deck for more drinks at the Red Frog, and lay out looking up at the stars and chatting. This whole missing the port thing had pretty well been the catalyst to propelling my vacation experience to whole new heights. In fact, it was becoming pretty darn "wicked awesome" (the girls were from Boston ) I escorted the two lovely ladies back to their cabin and bid them farewell for the evening. Would I ever see them again? Find out in the next episode of the Love Boat...*Next up- the last sea day, more cloudy weather and goodbye to the beautiful Carnival Breeze...

[pbxtech]

Subscribing:)

[Cruisin' Again 86]

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