Starting to plan the next

[LowDime]

Hey everyone. This will be my 2nd cruise that i am starting to plan now for the winter of 22 or spring of 23. The first one was on Carnival Fascination and it was a good time. We liked the Alchemy bar and drink package they had to offer. It was an older ship so it didnt have a ton of the cool newest features. So we are starting to look for the next journey and looking at other options on companies and boats. We normally go to the Caribbean area for the warmth during the winter cold times. 

[Sixtytwo]

Congrats, LowDime, on your first cruise! Most of us on CC are very familiar with coming off one cruise and immediately beginning to look for/plan our next! It is an addiction, so don't be concerned! 😜

[rkacruiser]

On 10/26/2021 at 3:27 PM, LowDime said:

So we are starting to look for the next journey and looking at other options on companies and boats.

 

Since you enjoyed Carnival Fascination, you might enjoy Carnival's newest:  Mardi Gras.  I have not sailed on her, but, what I have read about her and seen some photos of the interior:  wow!  I can recommend that you check out MSC Meraviglia.  I sailed on her in January, 2020 and really enjoyed my first experience on MSC.  Entertainment, music, activities, service, interior decor of the ship, cuisine:  all met and exceeded my expectations in some areas.  

[sparks1093]

On 10/26/2021 at 3:27 PM, LowDime said:

Hey everyone. This will be my 2nd cruise that i am starting to plan now for the winter of 22 or spring of 23. The first one was on Carnival Fascination and it was a good time. We liked the Alchemy bar and drink package they had to offer. It was an older ship so it didnt have a ton of the cool newest features. So we are starting to look for the next journey and looking at other options on companies and boats. We normally go to the Caribbean area for the warmth during the winter cold times. 

There are a lot of companies and ships out there to choose from. We have tried to experience something different with each cruise, either a new ship, a new company, or a new itinerary (and if we can manage to do all three-- score!). We generally decide when we want to cruise and where we want to cruise from and then do a general search to find a ship with a price point that works for us. Our first cruise saw us driving from just south of the Canadian border to Miami with our 5 boys but now that they are grown we can look at flying to a port, although most of the time we've ended up driving to NY/NJ or Baltimore. You might even consider the more upscale lines since with sales and a good TA you can find a competitive price for what is offered. 

[LowDime]

i was looking as some MSC stuff but they don't have much as far as trips on the sight currently just one at the start of Nov next year. We are looking for around that time but would prefer later in the year til early in the spring.  We really liked the small boat feel other than it didnt have the movie night or some of that kind of stuff. I am always up for a change of boat for sure 

[Essiesmom]

To get a ship the size of Fascination, you need to look at the older ships or the main mass market lines…. NCL, RCI, M class of Celebrity, Coral or Island Princess.  Otherwise, the premium and luxury lines have smaller ships.  But with just one cruise behind you, I would branch out and book by itinerary rather than cruise line.  Sample many lines.  None do things quite the same, though many will say they are more alike than different.  EM

[LowDime]

we are looking into all different lines for sure. Does the other brands have an alchemy style bar that mixes specialty drinks and cocktails based off your flavor preference? 

[rkacruiser]

1 hour ago, LowDime said:

we are looking into all different lines for sure. Does the other brands have an alchemy style bar that mixes specialty drinks and cocktails based off your flavor preference? 

 

There are some ships that have specialty type bars, i.e. Martini Bars, etc., but, any bar on any ship, ought to be able to make whatever drink one wants as long as the ingredients are in stock at that bar.  

 

I detect that this preference is important to you.  If so, your research ought to focus on what the various bars on whatever ships you are considering offering.  (Good luck with that.  With the number of watering holes on the ships, that's not going to be an easy research project.)  

 

5 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

To get a ship the size of Fascination, you need to look at the older ships or the main mass market lines…. NCL, RCI, M class of Celebrity, Coral or Island Princess.  Otherwise, the premium and luxury lines have smaller ships.  But with just one cruise behind you, I would branch out and book by itinerary rather than cruise line.  Sample many lines.  None do things quite the same, though many will say they are more alike than different.  EM

 

 I do agree with Essiesmom's advice.  

[LowDime]

Its not a deal breaker for sure just really enjoyed the atmosphere at that bar, But any good bartender should be able to be creative i would agree with that. 

[LowDime]

having a casino is a must have for 2 of us though.

[Essiesmom]

2 hours ago, LowDime said:

having a casino is a must have for 2 of us though.

Well, that rules out Disney and Viking Ocean.  EM

[rkacruiser]

22 hours ago, LowDime said:

just really enjoyed the atmosphere at that bar,

 

I enjoy the atmosphere sitting at the bar on any ship.  Conversing with fellow guests and the crew:  I really like that!  If there is some musical entertainment or a sports screen, that's an extra added attraction for me.  

 

On Carnival ships, my favorite watering hole is the Atrium Bar.  A large bar with music at times and a frequent turnover of guests; great area for people watching, as well.  Their Casino Bars are usually convivial places to patronize.  

[LowDime]

I love a good people watching session for sure. We decided on another carnival trip on the magic this time. I got veto'd on the trip i wanted as it was almost $500 more per person to go with Holland. Maybe next time. But now the long wait Til Jan 2023 😞 

[sparks1093]

29 minutes ago, LowDime said:

I love a good people watching session for sure. We decided on another carnival trip on the magic this time. I got veto'd on the trip i wanted as it was almost $500 more per person to go with Holland. Maybe next time. But now the long wait Til Jan 2023 😞 

We have a cruise booked for April of 2023 but we've found that the best way to pass the time is to book others in between, so we leave in 14 days for one and in February 2022 for another. 😉 (It does help that we are empty nesters.)

[rkacruiser]

6 hours ago, sparks1093 said:

We have a cruise booked for April of 2023 but we've found that the best way to pass the time is to book others in between, so we leave in 14 days for one and in February 2022 for another. 😉 (It does help that we are empty nesters.)

 

Good for you!  

[LowDime]

We are doing Jan 8th 23 from Orlando to Have moon Cay, Grand Turk and Amber cove so now to find things to do at the stops.