mkcurran

Thank you! I think you just confirmed my thoughts. I'm Carnival'd out I think. Fun is one thing, but the last couple of cruises have had their issues. I've never gotten the appeal of a floating amusement park. If I had kids, it would seem a no-brainer to go with Royal. I think it would be hard to be bored on those ships. I've been leaning towards Celebrity for a while now, just now willing to pull the trigger when Long Beach has been so close, so easy, and much cheaper. But Long beach is no longer as easy as it used to be. So I'm looking east and Celebrity keeps popping up with attractive itineraries and surprisingly reasonable prices. I just have to convince my gambling friend to give them a try. The quality of food is the big factor. Anyway a lot of words to say I've seen your reviews and your tastes run similar to mine, so thank you for your input.

The only time I've seen this kid not scowl in pictures. 😆

The ship was about an hour late into port on embarkation day. That dome is not built to hold all of the people that were in there. I ended up sitting on the floor, leaning up against an artificial tree. They also really need a concession stand, taco truck or something in there. A margarita cart would have been handy this day.

Toss the kid into the club and enjoy the chef's table. Get a sash saying, "birthday queen" and live it up! Wear the sash all day. 🙂

Good Morning Kwokpot, I am very interested in your views on the various lines. I know you and you partner make the rounds. I also know you partner is into the casinos. so here goes the questions, if you would be so kind as to answer them: 1. Which line has the best program for gamblers? 2. Which one is best for the gambler's partners? 3. Which one has the best variety of food? 4. Who has the best quality of food? 5. Which line do you prefer the most? Is there anything you can think of that makes one line stand out from the others? Thanks!

Thank you for doing this. I'm currently shopping cruise lines, so I'm always down for a good review.

It's the best spa out there. Big Thalo pool. Heated loungers, relaxation room, and all the thermal suites. If that ship comes back to the US, I'd book it just for the spa.

Happy Birthday Yvonne!

More questions: 1. Is it easy for a TA to pick cabins? I'm seeing a lot of guarantees, but no ability to pick my cabin on the website. This could be user error. 2. How is the buffet? Right now, the only dinning available seems to be late, which is a no go. 3. Is there a hot tub or spa in the spa area, or just thermal rooms? Thanks!

Sounds like Yuma formal is fine then. Thanks!

Very interested on hearing your thoughts on the Panorama cruise. Our experiences were interesting.

Good to know, I love a good soup!

Interesting. Thanks!

Looking at a Beyond ABC cruise in the fall. Thank you for the answer, very helpful!

Update report on offsite parking for the Panorama: They are using at least three garages on or near Golden Shore across the bridge from the terminal. It is a mess. You must sit in the back-up to get into the terminal to get the piece of paper that allows you into the garages. Plan on getting there at least an hour before your arrival appointment. The whole process took us 90 minutes. Although they say they will accommodate mobility issues, I saw zero evidence of this. We had to park on a garage roof and take stairs back down to the street. The hubs pulled the car out and met all of us on the street after the cruise, as we had people that couldn't walk stairs. The shuttle to the terminal was good. The shuttle back got lost. We bailed out on a corner near the garage and called it good. People were grumpy, as even getting on the shuttle at the terminal was confusing. If you can, use a park and cruise hotel. Do anything in your power to not park at the port provided parking until they get a better handle on the logistics.

The oversite lot they sent us to, barely accommodated compact cars. I'd find a hotel where you can park the truck for the duration and uber/taxi/shuttle to and from the terminal.

Firenze is getting the parking garage.

Any tips, advice, or just general knowledge that you want to share? How dressy does one have to be? Can you get by with jeans and collared shirts or do you need to step it up a notch? Favorite dishes?

Good timing, I'm looking at a Southern Carribean cruise on Beyond. I want all the details. lol.

Thank you for taking me on the cruise I almost booked. Going to have to book an ABC cruise one of these days.

Having just stayed in a sideways cabin, you are right. The television location is bad. Liked the feeling of the extra room, due to the lay out. Our door also had a major light leaks all around. Didn't need a night light.

See you there!

Where can I leave my car for the week that's not the cruise terminal? And expect it to be there in one piece when I get back?

I'm heading south out of Long Beach on the 27th, but I'll catch up when I get back!

I'm not going to say it isn't overpriced--that's relative. I just figure if it's California and roll with it. It's also been a few years since I've been there. We stayed there in 2019. They had a happy hour on Friday then, so we ate $3 tacos and I drank $5 margs. The buffet the next morning is possibly the best breakfast buffet I've ever eaten at. Didn't mind the $30 price tag at that time. Sounds like a fun trip! Enjoy!