Handsome Dancer

When we were there last June, we met our Stringray excursion on Half Moon Cay. Then we took a golf cart to the excursion.

Is it too late to move your stingray excursion? When my husband and I did one in 2016, we chose the last available time and there were only four of us in the water. We got a LOT of time with the cuddly ladies. If you've never done one, you'll love it... when it's feeding time, stingrays turn into enthusiastic kittens.

I canceled it before all the information in this thread came in. Now that I've read all the posts I may rebook it. Do you remember when that last available time was?

What are your favorite foods on Carnival cruises? Particularly dining room dinner items. Cocktail recommendations are welcome as well.

Yes there are clamshells and they have to be purchased on the beach, not ahead of time. They do have a lot of them, but I'd be concerned about them selling out if you do your expedition first. Are you traveling with anybody who can reserve an extra one for you if you do your expedition?

No, I'm traveling solo.

I also think you can only purchase them with your Sail and Sign card, not cash or credit. I'm not 100% sure on that (we went in November so not fresh in my memory...) But both my husband and I seem to remember that. And yes bring a towel and some sunscreen and a drink BC the cups they provide with lunch are comically small. The food was good though!

Thanks to both of you for that useful information.

The metling cake isn't great but the Bitter and blanc is as well as the popcorn parfait.

I Googled it and it sounds like the Bitter and Blanc is only available on longer cruises. I'm on a 5-day on the Elation.

Anyone know if the popcorn parfait is the same?

E.g. I've read there are $25 "clamshells," but they may sell out.

Can you reserve these in advance? How and when?

I'm a first-time cruiser. Carnival Elation arrives at 9 AM. I booked a short excursion (stingrays) for 10 AM.

• Do I understand correctly that my excursion group will meet on the ship and go over as a group?
  
• After my excursion, will it be too late for me to rent some shade? E.g. I've read there are $25 "clamshells," but they may sell out. I'd consider skipping the excursion rather than risk likely sunburn (Irish blood, so I have to be careful).
  
• Also, what do you bring? I'm assuming a towel, sunscreen, and my Sail and Sign card. And maybe a fanny pack with my smartphone, a waterproof cover for taking photos, maybe a hat and reading.
  

What's typical evening dining room attire for men?

What's typical on a Cruise Elegant evening for men?

I read somewhere that "all the drinks are doubles," but I'm skeptical of that. I think they were referring to cocktails. Can anyone confirm/debunk that?

Can I get away with buying drinks for others with Cheers? I'm aware of the rule: no sharing; but I'm daring like that ;-) I've been thinking of getting it to buy drinks for girls on my upcoming spring-break-time cruise, and I assume most of the spring-breakers won't have paid for unlimited drinks.

A few recommendations I found online:

Blue Iguana and Guy's Burger Joint are among Carnival's best restaurants. The fried fish tacos and breakfast burrito are recommended at Blue Iguana.

The Steakhouse is recommended, though I don't think it exists on the Carnival Elation I'm going on. The Steakhouse Selections in the dining room should be the same however.

The vegetarian Indian meal also comes recommended.

I'd be interested in hearing specific favorites anyone has among the dining room dishes.

What are your favorite foods on Carnival cruises? Cocktail recommendations are welcome as well.

For example, I've seen a couple of recommendations for the chocolate melting cake.