Ecstasy Obstructed View -Short Review with Pictures

[cruisevers]

Just back from the Ecstasy and stayed in V38. CJW you were right, V34 would have been less obstructed than V38 but it was not a problem for us. We could still see plenty and enjoyed the fresh air. I think the balcony itself was smaller than any we have had on other ships but the room was about the same as a regular balcony cabin on the newer ships. Since this was a free upgrade I have no complaints. The people next to us V42 (more obstructed) had booked a suite guarantee and I don't think they were too pleased. They said they would pick a cabin next time. I think the people in V34 were a free upgrade too as it was their 1st cruise, retired military and it was their 30th anniversary. I had watched the bookings on this cruise closely and V34 and V42 were the last 2 cabins left.

 

Priority check in and boarding was a great perk as the lines were fairly long. Being the first color called after self debarking was great too. We were off and to our car in 30 minutes.

 

The ship itself was in great shape after the refurb and looked all shiney and clean. Our cabin steward seemed to be a notch above some we have had in the past. I assume this was because of being in a suite. Not sure who ordered it but our cabin was decorated with streamers and a centerpiece when we boarded and had a fruit basket too. It was very festive! Both cards only said from "Carnival". I am thinking it might have been the Casino as I emailed them before our cruise with some questions.

 

I thought the suites would have a bar complete with a bunch of bar glasses but our cabin did not have the glasses but did have a refridgerator . Also it did not have a VCR. Maybe when they did the refurb and installed the plasma TV, they took out those other items as there was not cabinet around the tv anymore.

 

By the way I saw the casino host giving away gift bags to a few people at the slots on the last day and the lady nearest me that got one also got a free cruise in the bag. She had been playing max coins on nickels machines every time I saw her. He did come over to me and offered me a free drink for my playing. Not a free cruise but I wasn't playing anything close to the amount she was, I just used my card every time I palyed.

 

All in all it was a good cruise and the cabin was just fine. I took pictures and am including a link showing just how obstructed the view was. Thanks for all the advice.

 

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2079965410098053299hRQrfL

[Rena921]

Thanks for the review and Pix. I am sailing on the Ecstasy 10/16. How was the dining staff? My other cruises, they were always the best part of the whole experience. Any special crew members that we should make a point of saying hi to? Other than the CD and Captain of course;)

[airmanship]

Nice review. We sail her in two weeks. Our second time on the Ecstasy.

 

Did your cruise have any propulsion problems?

[daisy1165]

I want to make sure everyone is aware of the ongoing problems as I think it is very unfair of them to keep running the ship knowing the problems it has and not warning people. The crew told us the knew we would not be going to Cozumel 6-7 days before we left and Carnival did nothing to let us know. They did call of 5 times the week before to sell us our next trip but could not let us know we would not be going to our destiation.

[mr.p]

Versley, thanks for taking the time to post your review and pictures. Sounds like you had an enjoyable time. DW and I are sailing on the 16th and it was good to hear the ship was in good condition. I, too would like to know if you had any propulsion problems.

 

Daisy, when did you sail?

 

Thanks,

phil

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Just back from the Ecstasy and stayed in V38. CJW you were right, V34 would have been less obstructed than V38 but it was not a problem for us. We could still see plenty and enjoyed the fresh air. I think the balcony itself was smaller than any we have had on other ships but the room was about the same as a regular balcony cabin on the newer ships. Since this was a free upgrade I have no complaints. The people next to us V42 (more obstructed) had booked a suite guarantee and I don't think they were too pleased. They said they would pick a cabin next time. I think the people in V34 were a free upgrade too as it was their 1st cruise, retired military and it was their 30th anniversary. I had watched the bookings on this cruise closely and V34 and V42 were the last 2 cabins left.

Priority check in and boarding was a great perk as the lines were fairly long. Being the first color called after self debarking was great too. We were off and to our car in 30 minutes.

The ship itself was in great shape after the refurb and looked all shiney and clean. Our cabin steward seemed to be a notch above some we have had in the past. I assume this was because of being in a suite. Not sure who ordered it but our cabin was decorated with streamers and a centerpiece when we boarded and had a fruit basket too. It was very festive! Both cards only said from "Carnival". I am thinking it might have been the Casino as I emailed them before our cruise with some questions.

I thought the suites would have a bar complete with a bunch of bar glasses but our cabin did not have the glasses but did have a refridgerator . Also it did not have a VCR. Maybe when they did the refurb and installed the plasma TV, they took out those other items as there was not cabinet around the tv anymore.

All in all it was a good cruise and the cabin was just fine. I took pictures and am including a link showing just how obstructed the view was. Thanks for all the advice.

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2079965410098053299hRQrfL

 

Please, please, please (and thank you in advance)!

Can you please do a review and post your pictures or links on this thread so that other future cruisers can get it and see it?!?!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=298868

We'd love to have all of your reviews and info of your specific ship, cabin, and cruise, but more importantly, (yes and thank you, I was correct in telling you before), but we have NO pictures of the obstructed views for Fantasy Class Cabins V38(Port) and V25(Starboard); and your pictures are THE BEST!

So, I'm going to wait about a week or so, but if you don't give the full review and link your great pictures, then (please forgive me), I'm going to cut and paste your info on that thread, as I think it's going to help so many CCers in the future...

Thanks again in advance, as I think your pictures are the best I've seen so far of these cabins (and then maybe next time you'll listen to me and have booked V34 instead of V38 - just kidding;) )

CJW

[sammy b]

THANKS Versley!

 

We sail on the Ecstacy in Jan and appreciate the review and photos!:)

 

[cruisevers]

Sorry I have not been on the board since posting this review. To answer some questions......

 

No we had no propulsion problems. Also we felt no more vibration than any other cruise we have been on and we had some weather the first night out.

 

The dining room staff was great but the dining room seemed a lttle clausterphobic to me compared to the newer ships because it had lower ceilings and was only one story. Food was good and the menu has some of the newer recipes on it. Had the best filet migon I have ever had one night!

 

CJW I will post on the other thread too. Thanks for the compliment on the pictures. A couple of them look foggy, I think it was the humidity and moisture on the lens. I tried to get as many angles as possible to give everyone a good idea of how it actually looks. Standing at either end of the balcony you had good views, it was just the very center that was blocked. One of the pictures (with the bon voyage decoration in it) was taken from inside sitting on the bed, looking out the window.

 

As far as V38 versus V34. Yes I would take V34 if given the choice again but it really was not a big deal and we did not regret our decision at all. It was just fine, in fact it did feel a little more private given that the Lido deck is just below. BTW it amazes me how many people book balconies and never use them. I did see more people use the balconies this time than ever, however I never saw the people next to us on their balcony except for 2 minutes after arriving. Why some spend the extra money I'll never know! If I'm paying for it, I sure am going to use it!

[Curt Jerome Wild]

And thank you, thank you, thank you!

Again, you took the best pictures of these cabin's views that I've yet to see.

You're going to help so many CruiseCritics in the future!

CJW

[cruisevers]

CJW, just paying back all the help I have gotten through the years! I am surprised there were no better pictures of obstructed view cabins before this. Not like these ships are brand new or anything. Anyway hope this helps!