Mardi Gras

[kimma11]

I feel lost like a newbie again since it has been so long since my last cruise. We (a group of11) are sailing on the Mardi Gras in February, and I have a bunch of questions for those that have sailed this year since the new covid world. 

 

1) Do the ships offer the behind the scene tours?

2) Other than needing a covid test prior to boarding, is everything else the same? Any changes with the new protocols?

3) What restaurants are a must on the Mardi Gras?

4) Do we need tennis shoes for any of the activities on board?

5) Are the spas doing any really good deals on board?

6) What are the posts on Facebook about cheap alcohol at the fun shop?

7) What activities are a must do and not to be missed?

 

I know a lot of questions. I typically plan and plan and then plan some more, but this time I am really behind because of Christmas. I haven't even created our master itinerary or done my packing list. Any information would be greatly appreciated. 🙂

[1025cruise]

As of right now, the Behind the Fun tour is not being offered due to Covid protocols.

[BennyBrun]

The Covid protocols is evolving so I would keep an wye out and review the “current” protocol often in case they make a last minute change so you are not caught off guard.

[keels81]

1) Do the ships offer the behind the scene tours?

They didn't offer them on our Oct. 2, nor did the Chef's Table feature a galley tour. Obviously, things change, but better to plan for them to be excluded and be surprised if they return!

 

2) Other than needing a covid test prior to boarding, is everything else the same? Any changes with the new protocols?

Obviously masking and they'll be very specific about when it's required (elevators, theatre shows, Punchliner, etc.)

 

3) What restaurants are a must on the Mardi Gras?

I did not try the MDR or Emeril's (I live in New Orleans, so I go to his OG restaurant all the time). LOVED: Chef's Table, Steakhouse, Big Chicken, Salad on Serenity Deck, Panini Press, grab-and-go at Java Blue. CONSISTENT: Blue Iguana, Guy's Burgers, Shawarma on the buffet, Pizza, Pig & Anchor.WORTH THE SPLURGE: Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki SKIP: Chibang, Rudi's Seagrill (I couldn't eat anything there and my dining companions didn't think it was worth the expense).

 

4) Do we need tennis shoes for any of the activities on board?

You MUST wear closed-toe shoes AND shorts for Bolt. If you're in a dress/skort, they will make you show that you have shorts under your dress or skort. I hate that it isn't listed in the massive series of restrictions so it was a little embarrassing for both us and the Fun Squad member that asked us to show shorts under our skorts.

 

5) Are the spas doing any really good deals on board?

I didn't really see any. I had the Thermal Spa pass and ended up springing for a pedicure after I won pretty big in the casino on the first night. The pedi was really great, not much more than what I pay on land ... I just hate the upsell of products and I always end up buying something because I know that's how the spa workers truly make money. I want to say my pedicure (non gel) with tip and the soak I bought ended up being like $120.

 

6) What are the posts on Facebook about cheap alcohol at the fun shop?

N/A

 

7) What activities are a must do and not to be missed?

* I really loved mornings on sea days in Grand Central to watch "The Wave" talk show. Also, "Deal or No Deal" is fun -- even if you don't buy cards! My favorite show was "Celestial Strings" but I also REALLY enjoyed "Broadway Beats" as it includes very many modern Broadway numbers. The band at night in Grand Central was always freaking amazing.

 

* For bars, Brass Magnolia >>>>>>>> Alchemy Bar. Fortune Teller is also better than Alchemy, but is smaller and very crowded. 

 

* Trivia is held mostly in the Limelight Lounge (which also has karaoke) and the trivia staff do such a great job. There was one trivia game where the host just read the lyrics to a song and you had to name the song ... sounds easy, but SO MUCH HARDER THAN YOU THINK! Definitely worth a check in.

 

* With a group of 11, I feel like y'all HAVE to go try out for "Family Feud". We would've done it, but there were only three of us and the tryouts start so early in the cruise we didn't have time to bond with a pair to fill out our squad.

 

* We also really enjoyed doing pictures every night at all the different photo setups. We're glad we did because one of us ended up winning a Pixels package in "Deal or No Deal" as an audience member, so we got to get digitals of all of our silly pictures! And the photographers were SO GREAT. After the second night, they all knew our personalities and it felt really special to have them photograph us -- and the photos conveyed that!

 

* I don't usually do Bingo, but I won a Bingo package in "Deal or No Deal" ... and I will do it on the Excel-class ships from now on. It's held in Grand Central so all the windows are all "open" for you to see the ocean and sky -- it's just so awesome how bright and sun-shiney that area gets and I love it so much. Jackpot Jake is really great -- I imagine he'll be a CD soon like Andy (he was the Punchliner Host that is taking over as interim CD on the Magic at the end of the year). 

 

* If anyone in your group likes/loves karaoke ... plan to go to sessions at the Limelight Lounge versus the Havana Club. The acoustics are WAY better and the crowd is smaller, more committed to watching performances versus coming and going to the bar.

 

* The early-riser of my traveling party took part in the Michael's "craft time" event every morning it was offered. It was free and she was excited to do a little project each morning that resulted in a fun take-home souvenir from the trip (this was her first-ever Carnival cruise).

 

* I'm back on the Mardi Gras (this time with my husband) in July for an Eastern route, and I'm definitely planning to add a session or two in the Carnival Kitchen. OK, probably two -- either cake or cupcake decorating and pasta or sushi making. We got to see the space they host the cooking classes in during our Chef's Table experience and the set-up is so cool. Plus, I've got OBC.

[Ronaldo807]

Do you have to make reservations for the shows, comedy, etc on Mardi Gras? Or is it first come first serve? We typically sail on Royal which currently requires a reservation for all of the shows so I wasn't sure how Carnival worked. 

[mondello]

34 minutes ago, Ronaldo807 said:

Do you have to make reservations for the shows, comedy, etc on Mardi Gras? Or is it first come first serve? We typically sail on Royal which currently requires a reservation for all of the shows so I wasn't sure how Carnival worked. 

No reservations. Comedy shows are popular and draw crowds.

[crewsweeper]

38 minutes ago, Ronaldo807 said:

Do you have to make reservations for the shows, comedy, etc on Mardi Gras? Or is it first come first serve? We typically sail on Royal which currently requires a reservation for all of the shows so I wasn't sure how Carnival worked. 

First come first serve at shows and comedy.  Comedy is in 2 places, Punchliners and smaller LimeLight.   Main theater has best seating on any Carnival ship.  Nothing blocking views.Times are announced on Hub in advance.  

Agree with other poster on Chibang, but if you love seafood, do go the Rudi's.  Emeril's for breakfast!

Pig and Anchor BBQ is just OK IMO.  But do YTD not early seated dining as that limits your options outside the MDR for Cucina, Chibang and other none paying places that require seating.  

Spa is ok. Thalasso pool small but 3 steam rooms.

Edited December 15, 2021 by crewsweeper

[mondello]

@kimma11 6) The FunShops sell duty-free alcohol and cigarettes. Prices are often a bargain compared to states that have high tax rates.

[Schoifmom]

RE:  Cheap alcohol in the Fun Shops

 

This is the duty-free alcohol available for sale on the ship.  They will hold the bottles until the final evening, when they will arrive to your stateroom packed and ready for you to take off the ship in the morning.  These are not bottles for consumption on the ship.

[soulsistah007]

20 hours ago, keels81 said:

1) Do the ships offer the behind the scene tours?

They didn't offer them on our Oct. 2, nor did the Chef's Table feature a galley tour. Obviously, things change, but better to plan for them to be excluded and be surprised if they return!

 

2) Other than needing a covid test prior to boarding, is everything else the same? Any changes with the new protocols?

Obviously masking and they'll be very specific about when it's required (elevators, theatre shows, Punchliner, etc.)

 

3) What restaurants are a must on the Mardi Gras?

I did not try the MDR or Emeril's (I live in New Orleans, so I go to his OG restaurant all the time). LOVED: Chef's Table, Steakhouse, Big Chicken, Salad on Serenity Deck, Panini Press, grab-and-go at Java Blue. CONSISTENT: Blue Iguana, Guy's Burgers, Shawarma on the buffet, Pizza, Pig & Anchor.WORTH THE SPLURGE: Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki SKIP: Chibang, Rudi's Seagrill (I couldn't eat anything there and my dining companions didn't think it was worth the expense).

 

4) Do we need tennis shoes for any of the activities on board?

You MUST wear closed-toe shoes AND shorts for Bolt. If you're in a dress/skort, they will make you show that you have shorts under your dress or skort. I hate that it isn't listed in the massive series of restrictions so it was a little embarrassing for both us and the Fun Squad member that asked us to show shorts under our skorts.

 

5) Are the spas doing any really good deals on board?

I didn't really see any. I had the Thermal Spa pass and ended up springing for a pedicure after I won pretty big in the casino on the first night. The pedi was really great, not much more than what I pay on land ... I just hate the upsell of products and I always end up buying something because I know that's how the spa workers truly make money. I want to say my pedicure (non gel) with tip and the soak I bought ended up being like $120.

 

6) What are the posts on Facebook about cheap alcohol at the fun shop?

N/A

 

7) What activities are a must do and not to be missed?

* I really loved mornings on sea days in Grand Central to watch "The Wave" talk show. Also, "Deal or No Deal" is fun -- even if you don't buy cards! My favorite show was "Celestial Strings" but I also REALLY enjoyed "Broadway Beats" as it includes very many modern Broadway numbers. The band at night in Grand Central was always freaking amazing.

 

* For bars, Brass Magnolia >>>>>>>> Alchemy Bar. Fortune Teller is also better than Alchemy, but is smaller and very crowded. 

 

* Trivia is held mostly in the Limelight Lounge (which also has karaoke) and the trivia staff do such a great job. There was one trivia game where the host just read the lyrics to a song and you had to name the song ... sounds easy, but SO MUCH HARDER THAN YOU THINK! Definitely worth a check in.

 

* With a group of 11, I feel like y'all HAVE to go try out for "Family Feud". We would've done it, but there were only three of us and the tryouts start so early in the cruise we didn't have time to bond with a pair to fill out our squad.

 

* We also really enjoyed doing pictures every night at all the different photo setups. We're glad we did because one of us ended up winning a Pixels package in "Deal or No Deal" as an audience member, so we got to get digitals of all of our silly pictures! And the photographers were SO GREAT. After the second night, they all knew our personalities and it felt really special to have them photograph us -- and the photos conveyed that!

 

* I don't usually do Bingo, but I won a Bingo package in "Deal or No Deal" ... and I will do it on the Excel-class ships from now on. It's held in Grand Central so all the windows are all "open" for you to see the ocean and sky -- it's just so awesome how bright and sun-shiney that area gets and I love it so much. Jackpot Jake is really great -- I imagine he'll be a CD soon like Andy (he was the Punchliner Host that is taking over as interim CD on the Magic at the end of the year). 

 

* If anyone in your group likes/loves karaoke ... plan to go to sessions at the Limelight Lounge versus the Havana Club. The acoustics are WAY better and the crowd is smaller, more committed to watching performances versus coming and going to the bar.

 

* The early-riser of my traveling party took part in the Michael's "craft time" event every morning it was offered. It was free and she was excited to do a little project each morning that resulted in a fun take-home souvenir from the trip (this was her first-ever Carnival cruise).

 

* I'm back on the Mardi Gras (this time with my husband) in July for an Eastern route, and I'm definitely planning to add a session or two in the Carnival Kitchen. OK, probably two -- either cake or cupcake decorating and pasta or sushi making. We got to see the space they host the cooking classes in during our Chef's Table experience and the set-up is so cool. Plus, I've got OBC.

 

Thanks for providing great insight! Yours is the first I've read about Tappanyaki being worth the splurge. Can you share more about your experience with this? We're the portion sizes reasonable? Also, the Michael's session....what kind of crafts did they offer?

[kimma11]

Thank you so much everyone for the great tips!!! I am getting really excited as our last cruise was 2019. I am desperately in need of some ocean therapy. 

[BennyBrun]

Enjoy your cruise!!!

[SNJCruisers]

8 hours ago, soulsistah007 said:

 

Thanks for providing great insight! Yours is the first I've read about Tappanyaki being worth the splurge. Can you share more about your experience with this? We're the portion sizes reasonable? Also, the Michael's session....what kind of crafts did they offer?

Teppanyaki is 32.00 pp, about the same as my local establishment, so I personally see no value to it.  But many live in areas of the country where they don't have access, so it will appeal to them.

The steakhouse or Rudi's, both at 38 are a much better value, IMHO since you can't get a quality meal like that at the price point they charge at home.

[soulsistah007]

6 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:

Teppanyaki is 32.00 pp, about the same as my local establishment, so I personally see no value to it.  But many live in areas of the country where they don't have access, so it will appeal to them.

The steakhouse or Rudi's, both at 38 are a much better value, IMHO since you can't get a quality meal like that at the price point they charge at home.

That makes sense. We've always enjoyed the steakhouse so we'll look to do that when we're on board. 

[JaniceB]

Does this ship offer the package deal for the pay for restaurants?

[sunshower9]

7 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:

Teppanyaki is 32.00 pp, about the same as my local establishment, so I personally see no value to it.  But many live in areas of the country where they don't have access, so it will appeal to them.

The steakhouse or Rudi's, both at 38 are a much better value, IMHO since you can't get a quality meal like that at the price point they charge at home.

This is why I decided against booking Teppanyaki for an upcoming cruise.  There are several hibachi/teppanyaki restaurants in my area that charge less, especially since Carnival adds automatic gratuities when you book.  It's not a good value for me personally, but I can see how others may feel it's worth it.  I also agree about the steakhouse and I plan to try Rudi's next month.

[SNJCruisers]

4 hours ago, JaniceB said:

Does this ship offer the package deal for the pay for restaurants?

No, that is only on the 3 Vista Class ships.  Cucina is already included as an extension of the MDR.  Jiji's is not on the MG, it's been replaced with Chibang, which is also included as an extension of the MDR.  Pig and Anchor for dinner, which is an a la carte pay option on the other ships where it's located is also a third included MDR alternative on the MG.

[JaniceB]

Do you think the venues will continue to be free inyo 2022?

[thatoneguyyouknow]

I think at least 1 or 2 of the current 3 free ones will have to continue...  the MDR is to small to accommodate everyone.  I predict BBQ and Chibang will stay free, Italian will go back to a fee at some point 

[Brkintx]

28 minutes ago, thatoneguyyouknow said:

I think at least 1 or 2 of the current 3 free ones will have to continue...  the MDR is to small to accommodate everyone.  I predict BBQ and Chibang will stay free, Italian will go back to a fee at some point 

I agree this is the most likely scenario, but my experience in CdeC was a  disappointment (October 16 sailing).  Service wasn't the issue, it was the food.

My favorite place for lunch / quick bites was Big Chicken. It was impressive every time I went. BBQ was also good, better than on the Breeze. I didn't do the MDR on my sailing. The steakhouse was good as typical.

The biggest thing I took note of on my sailing related to food was this...  After 11 p.m., your food options are limited to pizza (where the line gets... um... significant) and room service. There was no late buffet and the deli closed at 11. Especially with a larger group, if you plan to go to any of the later shows, late comedy, etc., be prepared for pizza as your only after option.

 

A lot of good activity info above, but I'll add that some of the more popular comedy shows during my sailing (two of the nights for the late night show), the comedy club was in the main theater with a digital Punchliner logo displayed - so be sure to check on the location of your desired event (on the Hub app) and not just the type (where it would be easy to assume it's always in the same place). 

 

Overall, I enjoyed my sailing very much but I'm wary about sailing on MG once they move to full capacity. There were lines that weren't horrible (with the pizza exception I mentioned above), but no feeling of "waiting" for the most part. But we were half-ish full and no kiddos to speak of, so... my impression is that when it gets filled up, it'll be a much less enjoyable experience.

[kdr69]

21 hours ago, soulsistah007 said:

 

Thanks for providing great insight! Yours is the first I've read about Tappanyaki being worth the splurge. Can you share more about your experience with this? We're the portion sizes reasonable? Also, the Michael's session....what kind of crafts did they offer?

Teppanyaki is a great dinner and show rolled into one.  Plenty to eat and a great time IMO 

[SNJCruisers]

4 hours ago, JaniceB said:

Do you think the venues will continue to be free inyo 2022?

I am assuming that all will remain to be free since the MDR will be overwhelmed once 100% capacity kicks in.  Cucina looks good, but the portions are smaller and the menu has changed, such as the elimination of the Tomahawk Pork Chop.

[Pellaz]

On 12/14/2021 at 6:45 PM, kimma11 said:

I feel lost like a newbie again since it has been so long since my last cruise. We (a group of11) are sailing on the Mardi Gras in February, and I have a bunch of questions for those that have sailed this year since the new covid world. 

 

1) Do the ships offer the behind the scene tours?

Not yet.  I was reallly hoping for this on our Mardi Gras cruise, too.   When they are again offered, they're called "Behind the Fun" tours and can only be booked after boarding.  

 

On 12/14/2021 at 6:45 PM, kimma11 said:

2) Other than needing a covid test prior to boarding, is everything else the same? Any changes with the new protocols?

As others have said, there are mask requirements in some indoor establishments, but not on outside decks.  Some ports WILL have masking requirements, including Nassau and San Juan, which have fines for not masking, even outdoors.  

 

On 12/14/2021 at 6:45 PM, kimma11 said:

3) What restaurants are a must on the Mardi Gras?

We had YTD, and this is a significant decision on Mardi Gras since YTD folks enjoy free and easy reservations to the Cucina and Chibang! as a routine part of dinner (as well as your assigned MDR, which varies).

Set-time diners CAN also eat free at those venues but cannot make reservations there before 7:30 pm (I think).   If your group does not all have YTD, go ahead and request a change now.  You'll thank us later.  🙂  

 

I was pleased with: 

• the Cucina for lunch (pasta bar) and dinner, 2x
• the MDR for dinner 4x and sea-day brunch (yum) 2x
• Chibang! for their stir-fry lunch (barely made it the last sea-day)
• Guy's Burger Joint (always reliable but amazingly I only ate there once)
• Big Chicken for breakfast and lunch 3x
• Fresh Creations (in Serenity) 2x but beware the winds and flying lettuce 😄
• Guy's Smokehouse for their outside lunch buffet 2x
• Blue Iguana Cantina 1x
• Piazza Panini 1x
• Pizzeria del Capitano (still better pizza than Sorrento's on Royal 🙂 ) 2x
• Street Eats (I tried what I thought I might like and discovered some nifty new things, like bulgogi beef) 4x
• ...and in the slightly COVD-reduced Lido Buffet I liked what they had "normally", but I discovered what "shawarma" is (yum!) and I also liked SeaDogs...  my first time since I could actually find it on the Mardi Gras  🙂  

 

Our group of seven didn't try any of the for-pay options, in part because none of us really loved seafood, and we generally don't pay extra for dining on cruises.  On the Mardi Gras, there's really no need.   I also never got to sample the free items at JavaBlue but my friends said they liked what they got there (free sandwiches, etc.)

 

We were disappointed with Guy's Smokehouse for dinner, as we had several mis-plated items and my friend's food was so charred the maitre'd took a photo of it so he could shame the chef.  😮    It's also VERY loud, with bands performing on the stage.  We were once-and-done on that.    But the Smokehouse lunch buffet outside is as good as on other ships so equipped.

 

As others have noted, after 10 pm your only dining options are free pizza, for-fee sushi until 11pm, and for-fee room service.   Quite an embarrassment for a ship that is otherwise magical in terms of dining options. 😮  

 

Also, unlike other ships, Chibang! and the Cucina are NOT open on embark day.  😞  

 

On 12/14/2021 at 6:45 PM, kimma11 said:

4) Do we need tennis shoes for any of the activities on board?

For the Bolt coaster and the ropes course, yes.  

On 12/14/2021 at 6:45 PM, kimma11 said:

7) What activities are a must do and not to be missed?

I enjoyed the Bolt coaster, and my friends dragged me to my first comedy show at sea and I loved it.  

They have reportedly added some nifty performances (think aerial acrobatics) to the Grand Central Stage, which is a cool venue in its own right. 

I never got into the main Lido pool, but I did get into the aft pool on Lido Deck as well as the Summer Landing pool outside Guy's Smokehouse and the hot tubs alongside.

 

Overall we were very pleased with the ship, just with some really odd annoyances like the lack of food options after 10 pm and things like the push-button doors.  And if you need to use a public restroom, be sure to wave your hand past the sensor and lock the door after it automatically closes.  🙂  

[JaniceB]

12 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:

I am assuming that all will remain to be free since the MDR will be overwhelmed once 100% capacity kicks in.  Cucina looks good, but the portions are smaller and the menu has changed, such as the elimination of the Tomahawk Pork Chop.

No pork chop interesting.

[crewsweeper]

15 hours ago, kdr69 said:

Teppanyaki is a great dinner and show rolled into one.  Plenty to eat and a great time IMO 

We watched through the window while eating at Bonshi.  Local non-chain place has a much better "show" than the chain or Teppanyaki, IMO.  And as you are seated around the grills with people you don't know, if you have concerns on COVID transmission, you may want to skip.  

 

Cucina on MG always seemed to have empty seating during prime dinner times. Chibang, in a smaller place does fill up.  We weren't impressed by the food and hope they return to just a JiJis.  Service was good though. Rudi's and Steakhouse would be our favorites.  We ate at most of the venues (Teppanyaki and Emeril Dinner the exceptions).  Emeril's was great for breakfast, but like others have said, not the atmosphere or seating you'd want for dinner.

P&G has limited menu and Q was just so-so.  Banana Bourbon pie looked like a frozen Mrs. Smith's. Sea Day brunch version was much much better.