Carnival Spirit booked! January 14, 2009!

[JMKreno]

Woohoo! We finally made the decision to book the Carnival Spirit 8-day Riviera cruise in January 2010. Going with In-Laws (good thing) and taking our then 35 month old daughter.

We booked an inside 4B, cabin 5287. My wife's parents booked the 8B balcony across from us in cabin 5277. We can enjoy their balcony just about whenever we want.

Just a few questions. Anyone have any photos of these rooms? Also, I have only been on the Elation and smaller. I thought the Elation was wonderful. Will I enjoy the Spirit?

How is the Riviera at this time? I have looked and have good ideas, but what are some beach recommendations/things to do with young kids in Acapulco, Ixtapa & Manzanillo? We are trying to limit the spending on-board and none of the excursions really seem suited (or will even take) our younger daughter.

What is the likelihood of getting an upgrade on this sailing (Jan 14-22, 2010) on the ES rate?

As much info is appreciated!!

Thanks

[cathyz]

I can't help you with those specific cabins, but all the cabins are the same so have a look at my pics in my signature, we had balcony cabin that had a special triple sized balcony, but the cabins are all the same. You'll love the Spirit, we were with a group of 28 friends and had a great time! We've been on the Elation and really like her, but the Spirit is even bigger and better! The weather will be warm once you get down past Cabo, but your first and last sea days will probably be pretty chilly.

[JMKreno]

Also, does anyone have a current room service list? How likely is this to change before January?

Thanks!

[JMKreno]

Thanks for the response!

Your pictures are great. Looking forward to the ship.

I believe the Spirit has a water feature in the atrium? Is this true?

What does everyone think of the decor on the spirit?

Thanks

[cathyz]

Originally Posted by JMKreno

Thanks for the response!

Your pictures are great. Looking forward to the ship.

I believe the Spirit has a water feature in the atrium? Is this true?

What does everyone think of the decor on the spirit?

Thanks

There is no water feature in the atrium, but there is one right in front of the specialty coffee place and the piano bar.

[megr1125]

i surely hope you didn't book a cruise for January 2009

if you did, you missed it!

maybe host mach can fix your typo in the title! :-)

[Litewait]

In your pictures from your Spirit trip. What and where is that resort you went to? It looks beautiful. Were you able to swim and use the facility? We are going on the Spirit over New Years. Love that ship!

Great photos, thanks for sharing!

[cathyz]

Originally Posted by Litewait

In your pictures from your Spirit trip. What and where is that resort you went to? It looks beautiful. Were you able to swim and use the facility? We are going on the Spirit over New Years. Love that ship!

Great photos, thanks for sharing!

That was Karmina Palace in Manzanillo and it was beautiful. Several in our group did it as an excursion and since it's an all-inclusive, we had full run of the whole place, could swim anywhere, eat all we wanted, drink all we wanted. It was a great day, I'd do it again.

[sandyblue029]

Be sure to join our roll call. There are 20 something of us from all over.

[Litewait]

Was that a Carnival excursion? Can you just walk up and go? Don't mean to get off track. Love the Spirit, the would be a great place in Manzanillo to go. We went to Ixtapa Island last time on this Itinerary. Liked it to. That was a Carnival excursion. We are going in Dec. the 29th - 6th any ideas as to weather??

Your gonna love this ship!

[JMKreno]

Thanks for the replies. I am VERY excited (addicted!).

How does this ship compare to the Elation? I know everyone has an opinion, but will I enjoy the layout? I thought the Elation was elegant.

How much was that excursion in Manzanillo?

Thanks