pcvtmom

It's not a trip to St. Thomas without a Bushwacker or three!! At least not for my family 😉!!

I concur with jsglow! Sunshine has my favorite Serenity area. It's multilevel, so if you don't find seating at the pool and waterfall, go up to another level (where it'll be quieter 😉). Enjoy one of my favorite ships!

In my experience, Carnival cruise directors go out of their way to provide FUN for the masses! I've cruised 32 times with them, and have never had a dud. I also find the staff overall to be friendly, pleasant, and helpful. Since the mandatory Covid shutdown, more pennies are being pinched by Carnival, to make up for the massive debt they accrued. Since their corporation has more ships under their umbrella, it will take some time to recoup, unfortunately. So yes, there have been new policies put in place to chisel away at the debt. I'm glad your family enjoyed the Carnival product, but sorry for the negative experiences. In my opinion, THEY would be the "exception to the rule". Happy sailings, going forth! 😃

I'll soon be taking my 33rd Carnival cruise, and I have yet to see the level of aggressive behaviors others have reported. I think that may be the exception, rather than the rule. Longer cruises will have a more settled group, with fewer kids, for certain.

Nassau and Freeport are "just ok" to us. However, Half Moon Cay is part of the Bahamas, and I think it is a perfect beach. I like everything about it, and I'd go there once a year, if I could!!

I've been anxiously awaiting this!! Here we go 😃!!

I love the hot stone massage, but I tell them upfront that I do NOT wish to purchase any of the Elemis products. They will try to high pressure you into buying, but it can be avoided by letting them know. If you go to the spa tour on embarkation day, there will be specials offered for many of their treatments. They also will do samples for those in attendance. I've found that this is the best time to buy.

If they don't accept emails, as in the past, can we still submit our information by "snail mail"? I have some reservations about using this app... For years, I was able to request OBC by way of email, but the last two times (last year), they said postal service was preferred. Now I'm wondering if that option is also gone.

I'm enjoying your review and looking forward to learning about cruising with service dogs! Very interesting!

I love following along with your adventures!

Interesting comparison, by the numbers! I've done both, and was not at all impressed with an all inclusive resort. I thought the quality of food and drinks was less than that of Carnival. (I'm always amazed at the people who bash Carnival for their food!) I also like the variety of activities offered and the wonder of having new ports or days at sea, as opposed to staying "put" for the duration. I know there are many who prefer all inclusives, but I'm not one of them. Thanks for breaking it down for us.

Your best bet is to post under Florida Departures board.

I've used them for European cruises...

I'm considering the same thing! Now...to get my husband on board (literally and figuratively 😃!)

I always buy enough through AARP to pay off my cruises and any onboard expenses. We generally have OBC (shareholders), but I still squirrel away enough to pay for everything else. I've saved thousands over the years.

I'm following! My April Journeys cruise is taking far too long to get here, so I need to travel with you (vicariously, of course)!

John Watling's...best pina colada EVER! 😋

I wonder how many Tribe members will be posting reviews!? I'm really excited about it, and I hope I can find enough hours in my day to read all of them!😁

Dr. E's announcements and muster drill were the best! I really miss him.

I'm excited to see this Live review! I love following your adventures.

Hey, I clicked the "following" button soon after I saw your first post! I'm reading, too 😉! I'm enjoying your descriptions and humor. St. Thomas is also a favorite of mine. Gotta have a Bushwacker every time, but they're cheaper at the bars in Havensight Mall! Or better yet...I have the original St. Thomas recipe, and we make our own. They're a staple for our trips to the beach.

Looking forward to your review, from one diehard Parrothead to another! Our adult kids have been going to shows with us since they were kids, and we even got the 2 oldest grandkids to a few shows (as Parakeets 😁) before we lost Jimmy. Our daughter is planning to host a "Boat Drinks" party this winter, to celebrate Jimmy's life. Hopefully, we can hold it all together.

Woo Hoo! I'm here for it! I'll go over there and find it. 😃

Ah, the sacrifices one must make!! 😉

We enjoyed our Glory cruise, but 8 always beats 7, for me! I'd take the Jubilee, if they're about the same price!