chilly1470

I happen to love lamb, but know what you mean. Love hate. Veal parm is to die for if done right. We have a little Itally joint here that does it great.

DAY 2 - HALF MOON CAY CONTINUED:

 

 

 

Me at the dinner table. K thought it would be cute to get a picture of me waiting for my food. This is the second most dressed up I got all week I think. I think we ran a contest with K to see if she could identify the landmarks on the dishes that they put on the table for the bread, lol. I think she got the Lincoln memorial and the Space Needle from Seattle right. Not bad for a kid still in grade school.

 

 

My appetizers - spring rolls and Navy bean soup. Both very good and reliable dishes on Carnival.

 

 

I got a flat iron steak, medium and some lamb. Both were good. Lamb is something you either like or hate. I happen to like it as it has a strong taste but it was cooked perfectly tonight. Like I said, this is something you can get from the American Table menu that the old menus just did not offer. Overall good. I forgot to mention that T got conch fritters and I did share some of that from the appetizer menu.

 

You will be wasting your money on FTTF if you have a suite. We had a suite last year and got priority boarding, concierge, tenders, etc. I actually felt guilty at times bypassing all the lines.

Thanks so much for the Pride review! I appreciated it greatly and especially the regret section. I am still kicking myself for our first cruise last year and some of the things I did not do and did, lol. I was a newbie, so sue me. I tried to do too much, and not enough. But you live and learn and we have one in Sept on the Pride, so I am armed with all my new found knowledge. One thing I did, was not relax. Things I did not do was take more pics and catch more of the corny shows. My son did by himself and I deeply regret that., Peace out.

Captain: Leonardo Contarino

Hotel Director: Dave Drier

Cruise Director: Benjamin Lambert

Cabin: Category 4E, cabin #E141

Sail Date: March 10, 2017 – March 15, 2017

 

We left Charlotte early on March 10 and arrived at the parking area around 10:15. Once inside the gates, we dropped off our luggage and proceeded to the next stop. The lady looked at our passports and put a sticker on the windshield, put another sticker on and told us to come back at 11:30. In the past we’ve been able to get in line or start a line of cars for parking. It was 10:30 at this point. We drove around the block and found a parking spot right in front of the gates and waited. Around 11:00 we noticed vehicles with the same stickers on their windshields going on inside, so we did the same. This put us about 100 cars back from where we should have been, had it worked the same as in the past. From here we waited another 30-45 minutes before we started moving.

 

We got our handicapped card for the dashboard and as we drove into the parking garage, the man made us continue on to the next level of parking. We drove back around into the handicapped parking area and parked. This took up some extra time that we didn’t want to waste, but the shuttle was still there so we hopped on and our cruise experience began. After all this and we were checked in, we hit the buffet for some lunch.

 

Food:

The Ecstasy has the American Table menu and I didn’t feel the selections were as good as the old menu, even though it gives you more options. I miss some of my old favorites like the bitter and blanc.

 

Breakfast and lunch in the dining room were just okay, nothing to write home about. The bacon was always under cooked for our liking, and I got a papparedelle dish at lunch that was so spicy I couldn’t eat it and didn’t have enough water to drink it away. We had some issues at dinner as well the night before and we spoke with the maître d’ about those issues and he said he would speak with the chef. The next night we sat on the opposite side of the dining room. We had an excellent wait staff and the maître d’ stopped by to check on us. The wait team was all over us as well, making sure everything was okay.

 

We liked this team and decided to keep them for the rest of the cruise. The wait staff worked hard the entire cruise making sure everything was okay, except for the last night. That night my prime rib was undercooked and no one came back to check on us. I had nothing to eat that night except my appetizer and soup. I had the flatbread one night as my entrée and I liked that. Other entrees I got were a shrimp dish, and a pepper steak. My prime rib on the first night was cooked perfectly. All of the soups we got were good and the rolls were all good. They were much softer and you had a variety, not like the old hard ones they used to give you. My favorite had cranberries in it!

 

We are Platinum members so we got a coupon for free drinks on a brunch day. I love the tomato soup on brunch days, so I ordered that. We ordered classic margaritas. We got some kind of blue drink. The tomato soup was what was left over from dinner the night before. It was not the creamy red tomato soup that looks like Campbell’s you normally get, so we were disappointed once again.

 

The buffet has fewer options, probably because Guy’s Burger Joint and the Blue Iguana have been added to take some pressure off the buffet. The ice cream station was always a mess, and I think a lot of that is small children trying to get their own ice cream. It rarely had time to freeze so when it came out unfrozen, everyone just left it in the tray to melt with the cones stacked on top. Gross. The line for pizza is always too long, and the deli line could be long at times as well. All of this, I believe, is because there were so many people on board.

 

My husband got a burger from Guy’s and said it wasn’t as good as it could have been if he’d gotten it freshly made. There were so many people that the burgers were cooked and placed in a warming pan. We did not try the Blue Iguana, couldn’t get near it.

 

We did not order from room service.

 

My shrimp entree:

 

Prime Rib first night:

 

BBQ Duck:

 

Chocolate Melting Cake:

 

Flatbread:

 

Ice Cream Station at the Buffet:

 

I did not care for the duck, rather dry and tasteless. The prime rib was very good as well as the shrimp. We only MDR'd once and chose the brunch as our fav stop. The buffet was average, as can be expected, but the morning omelettes proved to be stupendous. We also liked the late Mexican buffet, so if you go, please try the salmon enchiladas. Magnifique!! Our go-to goody was the pizza,very good and the room service reubens.

We were concerned about the transportation running on island time and perhaps missing the boat , so we had very modest plan . Beginning with the world's smallest draw bridge .

 

 

 

 

When opened , it has room for a single mast to wiggle through .

 

 

 

The bridge doesn't go up , only the center , wood section is flipped up .

 

 

 

 

While we were there we shot a video clip of a a small boat coming through the narrow opening:

 

 

 

Our next stop was here , and a hike up steep Gibb's Hill , to the lighthouse .

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh my, I love lighthouses, so romantic and pictorial. I wonder what life was like for those in the past?

This one looks like it has it's own moat .

 

 

 

The Eclipse in the distance

 

 

 

Looks like more rain

 

 

The mighty Eclipse

 

 

 

 

 

The ferry terminal in the Dockyard

 

She looks so topheavy, any sailing issues due to this?

Hamilton looks lovely, and I had been debating a cruise to Bermuda. Now I know. The town criers were cool and yes, I watched a bunch of videos on them. But who the heck needs Irish linens and blankies in Bermuda? haha, leave it to the limeys, of which my family stock derives, kind sir. Haha

I wish I had known that as a suite guest I had certain bonus rights. I did learn this in lines and a staff would say "Right this way, sir." I felt guilty passing up a hundred people in line. But at guest services I did not know I could jump ahead. I also wish I had know to just relax and enjoy myself, as I was always wandering and stressing about what to do and where to go. Hey self, sit down and chill!! I learned in time, but then my cruise was over. Listen to me, CHILL AND ENJOY YOURSELF

Try zzquil to sleep, other wise live with it. Maybe cruising is not for you

How about in September? Too early?

Fun Times Day 3

 

 

 

 

I hope my cruise has Batman v Superman, would love to see that

Sea Day Brunch Menu

 

Page 1:

 

 

Page 2:

 

Of all the Sea Day Brunch choices, my kids love the tomato soup! I have to admit I have never tasted soup like that. There is recipe for it online if you search Google.

American Feast 1 (Monday)

 

Appetizers and Entrees

 

 

Desserts:

 

Thank you so much for this, now I already have my order handy for Sept sailing lol

How rude. I don't think the OP was complaining about the cruise or the ship...just pointing out things that he/she noticed.

I agree totally. But in defense of that comment, he was prob just saying it if you are not happy, try better next time. After all, there are much better than Ecstasy, so to speak. What your definition of better is varies. It is older, more tired and yes, quaint. The Ecstasy was our very first cruise and I will forever love her and hold her in high regard. I would go back on her in a minute, for sentimental value, memories, and she is just a great and fun ship! Someone told me when I first started looking that its a good thing to start out lower, as you can compare and do better in the future. True. But I have fun because of my attitude, not surroundings. Put me on a pontoon with lawn chairs and I am in heaven. That being said, Ecstasy is awesome, so HAVE FUN

I guess I didn't mention that I was with Dee and El, shopping and enjoying beer and a snack.

 

A toast. El and me

 

 

 

Seating outside was full so we were sitting inside near the door. There was a step down and several people stumbled into Dee's chair as they went from light to dark. One person seemed to think it was all Dee's fault.

 

The inside of the Inn

 

 

 

Inside looking out

 

 

 

Walking back to our meeting spot where we'll board busses

 

 

 

 

 

At the riverfront, waiting for a bus

 

NIce pic of the two of you, lends credence to the story

Then castle viewing continued. Commentary had ended though. PD Sam worked hard and often seemed to be in two places at once. My only disappointment was with the castle commentary, since castle viewing is one of my favorite things.

 

 

At 3:30 when the commentary ended, a demonstration on making Rudesheim coffee started in the lounge. Enough people left that I was finally able to take a seat in the shade to continue my viewing.

 

 

 

 

Something I wondered about when we passed these hilly vineyards was how in the world people could work in them without falling down the hill.

 

 

 

Pfalz Castle. It's on a little island.

 

 

 

I oft wondered that when cruising the Rhine. How hardy the people must have been to wander up and down the vineyards to work. They were most def strong and dedicated.

I walked along a shopping street that would have been busy on any other day. Wouldn't you know, in one of the shop windows I saw a lovely pendant that was beautiful and affordable. Oh well. So I bought a pretzel. It was good but not any different from a pretzel I'd buy at home at the mall.

 

Eventually I made my way back to the Cathedral. I bought a brochure for one euro that had a floor plan with the location of important artifacts and a description of them. A few of them:

 

The Schmuckmaddona

 

 

 

 

 

Floor mosaic

 

 

 

St. Engelbert's tomb

 

 

 

Shrine of the Three Magi, dating from about 1190-1225, a time when every cathedral wanted saintly relics.

 

 

 

I didn't find an explanation for this casket, but I think it also held saintly bones.

 

Haha ha saintly bones. Isn't it funny how true that statement is. What people find holy is beyond me.

He pointed out the recently opened Roman Praetorium when we passed it, but when I wanted to find it later in the afternoon, I couldn't remember where it was. He had recommended that over the Roman-German Museum.

 

At the old Rathaus

 

 

 

Right next to the Rathaus, almost up against it, is an archeological dig of the old Jewish settlement. He continued leading us through the city until we finished at the cathedral. Our tour ended there and we had free time for the rest of the day. It was Sunday and services were being conducted, so no touring inside the Dom until later.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Behind the Dom.

 

 

They had to put a leash on one of the gargoyles.

 

Only the Germans would make churches look like the epitome of the Walking Dead. And to have a title like Rathaus. I lived there for two years and they are unique to say the least. So morose and gothic and creepy. Danke sehr

On the walking tour

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marcus explained how the flood walls work while we were still in the riverfront area, then started leading us through the city.

 

 

 

Some neighbors who don't get along.

 

 

 

I love this cat at the bottom of the clock, what an expression! I want a copy of this relief.

We sailed on this ship April 2016 and again Feb 2017...not our favorite but it is convenient to drive to port. The upgrades were good improvements in my opinion. The beds are comfy and food is ok...never went hungry...Guys burgers were the best! I HATE anytime dining...both cruises we had to be very proactive in finding decent servers. Once we find decent serving staff we would request them the rest of the cruise. We are early risers so we always find decent deck chairs in locations we like.(not by pool)[emoji41]

Drink service is slow but no rush on vacation. The ship does show some wear and tear...the windows are always dirty but maybe it's just the age. I read that this a "training" ship so I would ask a lot of the workers how long they have been on it...most were a few weeks to a few months....this might explain some of the slower/bad things about this ship.. In the end, will we be back on her again...of course...better than no vacation

I have to agree, anytime dining stinks on the Ecstasy and was extremely slow. We loved the ship otherwise. The beds are very comfy and our AC was downright chilly, which I loved. The ship is a good average size, but it was my first and only cruise thus far, so I have nothing to go by. Food on Lido was fair, brunch was our fav, pizza quite good, and as far as I know, there is still no other dining options. I would go on her again in a heartbeat.

Our second stop was the Visitors Center where guide Aly continued her explanation of how windmills and pumping stations work. It was quite crowded inside, so it was hard to hear what she was saying even with the Quiet Voxes. With 45 minutes left, we finally got to visit the windmills.

 

 

 

 

We were able to go inside the windmill that is a museum. Our guide told us that during WWII, every windmill hid a Jewish family in the area beneath it.

 

Me at the museum windmill

 

 

 

Inside the windmill

 

 

 

This family lived in the windmill at one time. The windmill has so little area for living space, I can't imagine how they could all fit in at one time. Of course, they didn't have large groups of tourists threading their way around.

 

 

Another level of the windmill

 

Why are all those children bald?

Great tips. Sun screen and batteries are a must. Go to the medical clinic for cold aloe if burnt.

 

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Just bring sunscreen and chargers and all the medical supplies that are allowed, as you will pay dearly for Ibuprofren if you don't have it

So happy for this, jamman. In six months, I'll be on the Pride for the first time. So, I too, am one who says OK OK ENOUGH WITH WHAT YOU AND YOUR LOVELY WIFE DID BEFORE THE CRUISE. SHOW ME MY BOAT!!!!!!! Sorry, yes, I am shouting, sorry, it's your review. Carry on as planned.

Heya DC, what's your date? We are on the Pride Sept 10

Yessss!!!! I am from the Burgh. Well, near the Burgh, I grew up closer to Latrobe. Great meeting you too...or who knows, we may have met already! You weren't on Carnival Liberty in September 2015 were you? Met others from the Burgh and planned to exchange info. but we never ran into each other again. But always great seeing another yinzer on CC. :D

 

Jamman...sorry for the hi-jack. But I do have a legitimate question. After your water tour in Tampa when Patti said the shops were closed permanently, are those the shops right near the cruise port? If so, that's a shame. Well, a shame regardless.

No sir, I wasn't on that cruise. I am from the Beaver County area, but consider myself a Burgher, lol. Funny how that works in our area, even some from Ohio and WVA say they are from Pittsburgh in pride of the greatest team ever. We better watch out, I see Jeff is a Patriots fan, yikes!!

DO NOT try to do everything that you think you want to do! There is NOT enough time for everything. Just go with the flow, relax, and enjoy yourself. A cruise is what you make of it for yourself.

 

A do for me to to stand on a front deck of the ship at night and just stare off into the horizon at the stars over the ocean!

Our fav memory is how we got a bite to eat at the buffet and left the dining room and ate on the promenade when the sun was setting. So breezy and peaceful and not many folks out there at all.