rascaldog

Everything went fairly smooth for first cruise.

I went there on a Carnival Elite excursion and the food and drinks, alcohol as well were included.  It was ok there nothing extra special.  Not sure if I would pay to go there. 

I will have dinner at least 2 times when I cruise.  It is one of my favorite meals, love the Pork Belly, and the green beans.  Everything I have had was excellent.  You can go for lunch for free where they have a limited menu and it is also very good.

In Cozumel the Isle de Passion excursion is great.  It is so beautiful there.

The Bliss and the Alaska cruise is simply awesome.  I think any balcony is good.  The Observation lounge is incredible.  I really had no interest in cruising Alaska but went along with family.  It turned out to be one of the best cruises ever.  It is so beautiful up there.  Book the cruise to Alaska on the Bliss, you won't regret.

I have done this 3 times, and always done the second time slot.  There was never any problem finding chairs.  Its one of my all time favorite excursions.  It is so beautiful there.  Say hi to Captain Claudia if she is still doing it.

I have been to Cozumel many time on cruises and by air.  My last cruise I did the Passion Island on the Catamaran and it was a great excursion.  That place is one the most beautiful beaches I have been too.  There was some seaweed when I was there and they told you about it before you departed on the excursion.  It wasn't that bad the first 4 or 5 feet going into the water you encountered some seaweed but after that it was clear.  I would highly recommend this excursion and will return the next time I am in Cozumel.

You get drinks anywhere on ship,  it will show on your card when you give it to the bartender.  You also will get a choice of two bottles of liquor and mixers delivered to your cabin.  Car service from hotel or airport both sides of  the cruise, or parking.  Goodies delivered to cabin daily. Many Elite only drawings in the casino for both.  It is a great time make sure you get to know the Elite host on board and you will probably get some specialty dinners with wine comped. as well.  Enjoy it,  which Elite cruise are you on?

There are many other things to do on the ship.

I understand that Arlington is too far for car service,  I was just saying what my experiences were with the car service.

I have been on 2 Elite cruises and yes they had car service for both.  I actually live in Houston and did an Elite out of Galveston and instead of the free parking they provided car service from my house and back, all I did was ask and they did it.  My other Elite I flew into Orlando and they provided the car service both ways to and from Port Canaveral,  45 minutes each way. I really enjoy the Elite Cruises.

21 hours ago, Hobiedallas said:

 

 

What are your thoughts on the Bliss? I've heard nothing but good about it, but I'm always interested in getting more information.

I sail both Carnival and NCL, I like them both they both have good and bad points, but if I am on a Cruise I make the best of it, and always have a good time.  I have sailed on both the Vista and the Bliss and I think I prefer the Bliss over the Vista.  In fact I will be sailing the Bliss to Alaska on 7-14-19 out of Seattle.  The observation lounge on the Bliss is awesome in fact I opted for a balcony room on the same level.  I do not have anything bad to say about the Bliss and think you will be very happy with your cruise.

I have done it on Carnival and on NCL and have always enjoyed it.  I think it is worthwhile and will do it again.  My favorite was the visit to the Bridge where they will take a group picture and a individual picture with the Captain.

I have been to the steakhouse a number of times and have always gotten the 5 spiced Ribeye.  Very good option,  the Cowboy Ribeye, like others have said has bone in and is like 8 more ounces.  Never tried that.  Can't get past the spiced Ribeye.

I agree it depends on what you are looking for.  But I will say if you happen to be on a cruise that has an exceptional CD, like Matt Mitcham it will forever change your opinion on CD's.  Matt is the best, very genuine, funny and an all around good person.  He is very visible around the ship, works very hard with long hours, and always has a happy face.  He will interact with everyone he encounters.  I truly believe that he really loves his job.  It shows.

Ji Ji's is the best, try the Green Beans I would order them for desert.   You can also go there for lunch at no extra charge, it is very good as well.

I had a great cruise on the Vista in February.  Ji Ji's is a must, very good food there,  you can also go there for lunch, no charge, it is very good as well.  If Matt Mitcham is still Cruise Director he is by far the best CD I have had.  String Trio Polaris was on the ship and was very good,  really enjoyed their music.  No matter a cruise is always a good time for me.  Enjoy.

In my opinion Deck 8 is a great location,  the waterfront is on 8, casino 1 floor down.  Whenever I can I will always stay on deck 8, on all of the Away class ships.

On ‎3‎/‎7‎/‎2019 at 5:59 AM, myjillian said:

Sure you can sit there...good luck getting a cool chair LOL

I have never had a issue finding a chair on the Waterfront.  I have been on the Getaway a few times, Escape, Bliss, and never had issue of finding a chair.  I really like the Waterfront.

23 hours ago, donovanrs28 said:

**Update**

 

Called CAS this morning and they said $500PP to Balcony. I asked why is it such a huge increase when online, the difference is $100PP. She put me on hold for awhile and said wow this is a rare case, we do see online it's only $100 increase. I got put back on hold and she says ok your room is change from Inside to Angle Balcony for $100PP. I'M HAPPY!!!! No worries of having to bid!

That is great the angled balcony is a plus,plus.  Much more room.

39 minutes ago, Sand and Seas said:

Just got home from the Bliss and spent a lot of time in that casino 🙂

The casino hosts printed me an extra card and I would sometimes have the extra in the machine next to me with my spouse playing that machine.  Hosts walked up to us several times and chatted with us while we both played.  Didn't seem to be a problem.  

You could always ask at the club desk if spouses are allowed to play same card.

Sand and Seas the copy and paste below comes directly from NCL Casinos at Sea Terms and conditions for the program.  Read You may not provide your Rewards Card to another individual to be used in casino play or on yours or anyone else's behalf. Fairly self explanatory to me.

Program Participation

The Company will open a membership account in your name, and you will receive a membership number. You will be provided with a Casinos At Sea membership card (“Rewards Card”) which must be presented, along with proper identification, during your game play to accrue points. As a member, you are responsible for utilizing your Rewards Card and membership for your casino play. You may not provide your Rewards Card to another individual to be used in casino play on your or anyone else’s behalf. You are responsible for reading these Terms to understand your rights, responsibilities, and status in the Program, as well as how to earn points and/or redeem rewards (“Rewards”).

On ‎2‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 5:45 AM, ToroAzul said:

Looks like I'll ask the cage critter for two cards and they either will or won't give me a second one. 

They will always give you an extra card, I get one so I can play 2 machines at once.  But the rules still say only one persons play per account.

1 hour ago, Kimdwells1 said:

Thank you so much for your info/advice. I was stressing about booking our excursions since I wanted to take advantage of the free one. I didn’t know that I can cancel so I feel better about booking what we want without worry. 

 

 

One of the choices was to get a spa credit in lieu of the shore excursion.

1 hour ago, gopackgo21 said:

If you don't mind me asking, do you play slots or tables, and how many points did you get on your Ultra cruise to receive the offer for the Elite? My husband is a big gambler and we just got off our first premier cruise. The casino host told him to expect an Ultra offer which we are waiting on. We enjoyed the Premier, but there were over 400 names in the drums for drawings.

I have never been on a premier or ultra and got an elite invite,  I play slots and I end up with roughly 25,000 points in a week cruise.

I have been on two Elite Cruises, enjoyed both very much.  For me the CPC Elite hosts e-mailed me closer to two weeks out asking about drinks and excursions.  You get to pick from a list of booze, wine, beer, and what not, mixers as well.I have been told by others that if you want something not on the list to ask and they will try an accommodate you.  They now give you an option of 3 or 4 excursions to choose from.  The private car service will pick you up at the hotel, my last 2 it wasn't a limo but was a premium black car one time and a black SUV the other. Enjoy your elite cruise, treats and gifts sent to room daily.  Not to crowded in casino, usually around 50 invited with their guest.  I have met some really great elite guests whom I now stay in contact with. Any other questions ask and I will try and answer.

For most land based Casinos and ship Casinos you are not supposed to share cards to gain more points.  It is supposed to be individual play on each card.  I know a lot of people bend the rules, or cheat to get a better combined rating.  I have heard that if two people are playing on the same card, at the same time, and they are at different locations in the casino, if you win a jackpot they could possibly void the jackpot. I don't know this for a fact so I play by the rules.