Beagle Goes North To New Brunswick!

[Beagleluv6107]

Hello CC Family!

 

Beagle is back and within the year!!! I cannot wait to bring you a play-by-play of our adventures on the Venezia.  This is a quickie… Just a 4-day cruise up to St. John, NB. We booked this trip 1 year to the day of departure on 8/19/22. We had just returned home from a short 4-day trip to Bermuda. We were still basking in the afterglow or maybe still tipsy from the Funships. I’m not sure how I talked DH into it, but when I said “north” he was all in.

 

Since this is just a quick trip, I’ll make my intro quick too. I’m Beagle, I’m a cruise-aholic. I was 35 when I went on my first cruise and have been on 10 total. I LOVE to cruise with all my peeps including my infamous MIL. One day … if I ever go solo, I’m doing a live trip report. Live reviews are insanely fun. I feel like I’m on the ship with these folks.

 

So, on this trip I’ve got my wild and crazy MIL, my beautiful niece, our Best Man and Maid of Honor that stood up with us when we married on St. Thomas in 2008, 2 members of the Squad (the Squad is our 4 favorite cruising buddies) and of course DH. DH must be included cause he’s paying half and has to drive us to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. He is vital to the success of this mission.

 

I searched relentlessly to find a fun excursion in St. John that would please this diverse group. I didn’t want my 82-year-old MIL to have too much walking so the only tour of interest was the Bay of Fundy but I thought I read it was a 2 hour bus ride. This is a very short cruise, and I just don’t have 4 hours to kill on a bus with no booze. It’s just not happening.  I found some reputable tour companies with good pricing to tour us around St. John, but every van only had room for 7 and we had 9. I struck out. I felt like I failed as cruise director. I guess we are just going to wing it. Sometimes that is just as fun though, right???

 

 

I was able to check in a few days early since the hubby is Platinum. I got an 11am spot. There was no option to reserve a parking space at the terminal. I tried about 20 days out. I don’t know if I had tried about 30-40 days out if I would have gotten a spot. We had no problem parking when we went on the Magic in 2022 so I was hoping for the same outcome. That traffic is treacherous as you get into the city, so I hope we don’t get turned away and sent down the road. That could cost another hour of “Lido Time”. I waited up until midnight to get the MIL a good check in time close to ours and it worked out. 

 

 

Weeks leading up to departure day, I was reading everything on CC about the Venezia and boy, was it terrifying. I cringed at reading “I’m a carnival lover and did 20 cruises and despised this vacation”. Yikes 😮 Those words were haunting me.  Some of the biggest complaints are the long lines for everything, the jam-packed Lido, the tiny pools, and it’s hot everywhere you go inside the ship.  Before ever setting foot on the ship, I had a few alternatives that might help me bypass this drama…

 

1.      I’ll avoid the buffet at all costs. (I normally do every cruise)

2.      I won’t try to get in the pool (I only did once on the Freedom)

3.      I’ll find another bar besides the Lido… either at Serenity or indoors.

4.      I freeze to death so if it’s warm, I might survive in shorts and a tank.

 

So, I thought I had all the complaints covered. I can’t wait to update you all on that.

 

I always make a list of things I want to do and mostly… they never get accomplished. For example, I always want that free Milkshake that comes with Cheers. I’m finally ready to be honest with myself…. I’m never gonna get one. I’m too busy with the Bloody Mary’s in the morning, beers in the afternoon, and I’m too stuffed after dinner. That’s just not even going on my list this round. 

 

I’ll make a more realistic list.

1.      I’m gonna try a Peach Patron Margarita (someone posted that and now I absolutely have to have one!!!)

2.      I’m gonna try a dirty martini.

3.      I’ve got to get to a comedy show. I think it’s been two cruises since comedy and 3 cruises since I’ve even seen a regular show!

 

So, you can see this is not an overly ambitious list. If this is my only criteria for having a good time, I think we will knock it out of the park. Hahaha

 

As far as food goes, I’m looking forward to getting a Crab Cake in the MDR. That’s my favorite. In the days leading up departure I got crab cakes at my 2 local favorite restaurants. I wanted to see how they compare to the MDR.

 

 

 

 

 

Did I mention I am a balcony snob? My first and only time in an Interior was on the Magic and it wasn’t much fun. I felt a little claustrophobic and DH spent all his morning coffee time on the Lido because he couldn’t stand to be cooped up. I’ll do anything to be on a ship, so we booked an interior for this trip. We had a year to discuss it and decided that if an upgrade should become available for a decent price, we would jump on it.

 

Well, I declare August 8, 2023, a holy day. It’s the day the Cruise Gods smiled upon the old Beagle!!  I got a text with a number to call to speak to an upgrade specialist. Wow, do I feel Special. I called immediately. A human being answered the phone, and she had the voice of an Angel.

 

 

She said she could put me in a Terrazza balcony Deck 7 for an additional $180.00.

 

 

I’ve been studying the ship but glazed over all things Terrazza. I mean, why bother, we lower class interior folk could not get in there. So, she tells me… private bar, some hot tubs, yada yada, wait …. back up Lady… did you say PRIVATE BAR? I’M ALL IN! She said "would you like me to put that $180 on the CC on file?" Yes, please, and thank you so much!

 

 

After the call I had to decide if I would tell DH on the way to NY or send a text with this amazing news while we were both at work. Hmmm I pondered. Then my phone went off with a text from Dear MIL. She got the same upgrade alert. I told her to go for it. She called and got a voice mail. I said call back again!! She got voice mail again. At this point I didn’t know if there were 3 cabins or 23 cabins that were opening up. About 1 hour later she got the call and got an even better balcony on the 9^th deck. My other two friends also got an upgrade.

 

 

About 4 days before embarkation, I read online about how horrible the process is in New York. Also, how the Venezia has a broken gangway, and the prior cruise couldn’t debark a few thousand people until after 12pm. I thought oh no, no, no please don’t let that happen to us.

 

Our plan was to leave the house at 8am. We should arrive at the parking area of the port at 10:15-10:30. The best-case scenario is that they still have spaces available, and we walk in and they allow the MIL to come check in with us. She may be a Rock Star but she’s still 82 and cannot hear anything unless screamed at so we cannot leave her. I did promise the Hubby that she would not be allowed in the car unless she had in her hearing aids. She’ll fight ya like a 4-year-old not to wear them, but I have the upper hand since she wants on that ship!! Teehee I was very worried about parking. I guess nowadays you can make a reservation if you book well in advance. I didn’t. Then I found out there was another ship in town. That scared me!

 

So enough blabbing, it’s time for me to get to the point and start this review!

 

[Beagleluv6107]

Saturday – August 19^th – Embarkation Day

 

We got up and finished packing early. I bought an Apple Air Tag from Amazon. I pulled it out and it beeped once, and I could name it Beagle’s Luggage Tag and then it died. 😤 What a waste of money! We left our house at 7:50am to fetch the MIL and my niece. A quick goodbye to my FIL and we were on the road. Our ETA was 10:15. While we were cruising up the NJ Turnpike it was backed up for miles on the southbound lane. I felt bad for all those poor folks.

 

Any Jersey Shore watchers? I snapped this pic and sent it to one of my pals telling her I was gonna look for Ron. IYKYK

 

 

Then I snapped this picture of the city before things went south.

 

 

We had no issues going in the Lincoln tunnel, it was coming outta there. We were completely stuck and not moving. It was about 25 mins of just creeping along a few inches at a time when we saw over 50 buses going through the area. It was so weird.

 

At last, I finally saw this lovely, massive, Lady. Hello Gorgeous.

 

 

It was 10:40 and it turns out all my worrying about parking was for nothing. The other ship docked at 7am so all those folks had plenty of time to disembark and make room for me and my 5000 new best friends.

 

 

We pulled right in and our friends parked right behind us. Parking is now $5 more a day then last year in August when we went to Bermuda. $180 Total.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We did have a short walk with our luggage until we could drop it off and head downstairs on the escalator. Then what I saw... was a miracle… barely a line. 😱 We walked right up to security. The Rock Star breezed right through security with a half a bottle of water in her hands. I asked her to toss it in the recycle container but, I should have known, she couldn’t hear me. I called her back and the guy said go ahead Ma’am. Wow, is that new? Since when can we walk in with drinks in hand? Maybe the guy thought the poor old gal looked thirsty.

 

We went over and did our check-in with passport and boarding passes. That was easy. They reminded us over and over that we had to fill out paperwork to get off in St. John, New Brunswick. It would be left in the cabins, and it was our responsibility to get it to guest services by noon the next day.

 

 

We were directed to sit in the priority boarding area, but our friends were sitting right on the edge, so we joined them. I snapped this pic of a very brave husband!!!

 

[princess76021]

Thanks for doing this!!

hugs from Texas

[Beagleluv6107]

After about 20 more minutes they started calling for Priority Boarding. I took my first step onboard at 11:42!

 

 

Wow, all that stress and worry. It was a piece of cake. Even faster than last year.

 

We had the same Muster as “The Girls” (MIL and Niece) so the 4 of us went straight there. We passed the Hero’s Tribute Bar. I’m glad I snapped this picture because I never made it back there.

 

 

For our Muster drill, the crew member used a young boy in the crowd as a volunteer and had us all laughing. He did an excellent job! Lately it’s been them asking if you know how to put on your life jacket and off ya go. Not that I’m complaining, but this guy put on a full 10-minute presentation. I appreciated his enthusiasm!

 

After that, we took the elevator to the Lido and POOF a BAR.

 

I overheard my MIL tell my niece that we are like homing pigeons. I laughed like I knew exactly where I was going but the truth is we just lucked into that! It was the Burano Bar.

 

 

Time for funships!

 

 

 

 

After we ordered the drinks, took pictures of the drinks, took selfies, took selfies with the drinks, we realized it was windy and chilly. Which was very odd because the forecast was 85 and sunny. I think it was just the way the wind was blowing at that time. We decided to go explore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Beagleluv6107]

We didn’t get far. We walked straight down Deck 10 past the buffet lines and right to the Rococo Bar.

 

 

 

 

Sorry bad pic and this one isn't any better. 

 

 

They had the roof enclosed so it was quite warm and no wind.

 

 

We took some pics at the fountain, got some drinks, and then everyone got a bite to eat. I snapped 2 pictures of the new Italian burger with the mozzarella on top.

 

 

 

 

They said it was amazing. DH opted to get a burger no bun and asked if I wanted a few bites. Yes, I was too busy having a good time to bother going and getting food. That is important for the story later. 

 

 

A few more random pics from this area. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[starstruck05]

Was the $180 for 1 car or both cars for the 4 days? I thought NOLA parking has gotten expensive at $175 for 7 days ($25 a day).  I should stop complaining!

[shof515]

6 hours ago, starstruck05 said:

Was the $180 for 1 car or both cars for the 4 days? I thought NOLA parking has gotten expensive at $175 for 7 days ($25 a day).  I should stop complaining!

Parking at the Manhattan cruise terminal where the venezia docks is 45 dollars per night. this on the terminal website: https://nycruise.com/manhattan-terminal/parking/

[pe4all]

Loving your review!  Looking forward to reading the rest.  Venezia is definitely on my radar for a cruise in the future.

[Riles34]

You got on when I got off. Did you enjoy a ton of doors that had the room key covers ripped off?! A bunch of teenagers were causing some trouble on board and ripping them off when I was on board. Stupid. Looking forward to the rest of your review!

[shof515]

i sailed on the venezia twice in different cabins and from what i noticed those covers is attached very loose causing them to just fall off. closing the door is all that is needed for it to fall off. i lost count the number of times that thing pop off when i entered and exited my cabin. There is plastic tabs that is suppose to keep it attached, either the tab on the cover is broken or the tab in the sensor is broken. it needs a better design 

[Jamman54]

Enjoying your review. We are currently on the Venezia for 21 days so we can relate. 😎

[Beagleluv6107]

23 hours ago, princess76021 said:

Thanks for doing this!!

hugs from Texas

 

Hello Princess76021,

Thank you so much for following along!! 😁

[Beagleluv6107]

19 hours ago, starstruck05 said:

Was the $180 for 1 car or both cars for the 4 days? I thought NOLA parking has gotten expensive at $175 for 7 days ($25 a day).  I should stop complaining!

Hi Starstruck05,

Oh $25 a day is way better than here in the North. We went on a 4-day in Aug 22 and it was $160. So it's only $5 more a day. I'm surprised it's not higher the way things are going. ☹️

[Beagleluv6107]

12 hours ago, pe4all said:

Loving your review!  Looking forward to reading the rest.  Venezia is definitely on my radar for a cruise in the future.

 

Hey Pe4all, 

It's nice to hear from you. Thanks for reading along. I can't wait to tell you the rest of our shenanigans! 😎

[Beagleluv6107]

10 hours ago, Riles34 said:

You got on when I got off. Did you enjoy a ton of doors that had the room key covers ripped off?! A bunch of teenagers were causing some trouble on board and ripping them off when I was on board. Stupid. Looking forward to the rest of your review!

Hello Riles34,

 

Oh no that's terrible. I didn't notice when coming and going from my cabin on deck 7 and my MIL's on 9. 

 

I hope you guys had a good time! 

[Beagleluv6107]

8 hours ago, Jamman54 said:

Enjoying your review. We are currently on the Venezia for 21 days so we can relate. 😎

Hey Jamman!

 

I hope you and Patti are having a great time and good weather. It's been quite messy here. I think we might see the sun next week. I look forward to your review when you get back. I'm sure to relive some wonderful memories! 

[mamiamjo]

Following along! That Italian Burger looks pretty good. I wish they'd offer that on other ships as well!

[Beagleluv6107]

Ok, back to the review. Where was I?? Oh that's right. We or should I say everyone else but me had a nice burger for lunch.  

 

Sometime after 1:30, we all headed to see our Terrazza balcony cabins. So exciting. We decided we’d better take the MIL to her cabin on Deck 9 and boy am I glad we did. You had to walk through a door that may or may not stay closed all the time. The girls didn’t think we were allowed in there. I laughed cause there was no other way to get to the Aft section. When we arrived, their key cards were not in the mailbox yet, but it only took a few minutes.

 

DH and I headed down to our Aft Balcony on Deck 7 and the views were stunning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Beagleluv6107]

BUT… I was stunned at how tiny the cabin was. I was certainly glad I didn’t pay full price for this room. It was very nice but no storage like I am used to on other Carnival ships.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also took a picture of this demon wall that attacked me almost every night.

 

 

Can you see how much space I have to shimmy down the side just to get into bed at night? I banged my knees at least 6 times over the course of 4 days. Eventually, I started just crawling in and that didn’t end well on the last night. 😱

[Beagleluv6107]

Then it was time for the customary selfies of us with NYC in the background. Then we had our noses in our phones sending to all our poor friends 😀

 

 

 

 

 

I text “the girls” and told them to go out on their balcony to see if they could see us. I didn’t get a reply. After a nice chat with my neighbor next to me on her balcony, I decided to take a walk. I had ordered a 12 pack of water and was gonna take a few up the girls. I knocked on their door but of course they were out on their balcony. So, I text them to come answer their door. The MIL swings open the door and says we can’t be two places at once, what do you want from us. Well after 2 hours at the bar that might have been the funniest thing I heard her say that day. You just had to be there and see her flustered frustration with me.

 

After that, it was selfie time on their balcony for a while and then I snapped a picture of their room.

 

 

 

The inside of their cabin did seem a tad bigger and now I see why when I look at this map.

 

[Beagleluv6107]

I went back to my cabin and hung out with DH for a while.

 

 

Here’s some of the good to know info. 

 

 

 

 

Also here is our belove Room Steward Ro.

 

 

 

He was great the entire trip. Check this out… binoculars. I’ve never seen that before. A nice touch!!

 

 

I took this picture of the step down from the bathroom.

 

 

I took a bad step out of there and thought I took the skin off my heel but thank goodness I was ok. I received a phone call while in my cabin from the Steakhouse saying we could make a reservation for free Brunch tomorrow at Noon. I said “I have other cabins that want to join us, but they are not in their room. Can I just give you their cabin number”. The guy said absolutely not but he will call them. So, I told the gang and one of them tried calling the Steakhouse and got no answer. She went there and was able to provide the other cabin number and make our reservation. Noon was the only time available, so we took it. None of us had ever eaten the Steakhouse so this will be a real treat for us.

 

We saw the invite for a special sail away party in the Terrazza area (Deck 5) and thought that sounded as good as anywhere to be.

 

 

[Beagleluv6107]

We made our way down to the Carnevale Bar. This has a revolving door so you can sit outside or inside. We stayed inside for a while still thinking it was windy and chilly out. This area was perfect for me. There was a secret staircase right there so I could go 2 flights up and be at my cabin.

 

At some point the MIL had ordered a Dos Equis beer and it came damaged. We told the bartender expecting him to replace the can. Take a look at this pic… Hmmm OK.

 

 

She was at least given a glass to drink it. We had a ton of laughs over that but I think we were all just happy to be there. Turns out our Maid of Honor and Best man had not cruised with us since 2010. It was nice to be together again.

 

We went outside for sail away and pretty much had the entire area to ourselves. It was unbelievable. Where did the rest of the ship go for Sail Away? I was busy taking pictures of the buildings and Lady Liberty, but I should have been showing you guys my private deck. Incredible! I felt like the luckiest girl alive!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Beagleluv6107]

More Sail Away Pics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There she is! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[pe4all]

Sail-away from NY is one of the best imho!

[Beagleluv6107]

On 9/28/2023 at 7:43 PM, mamiamjo said:

Following along! That Italian Burger looks pretty good. I wish they'd offer that on other ships as well!

Hi Mamiamjo,

Everyone said it was great! I agree with you, they should offer that on every ship! 😋