Linda the Book Lover

Just received notice our Kona excursions was canceled. Was there any available when you sailed?

11 minutes ago, markkw07 said:

I just returned off the POA sailing, departing April 30 and returning on May 7. 

 

The ship was at 40% capacity.

 

There were only 2 bars open, John Adams on Deck 5 and Pool Bar on deck 11, the Champagne Bar on deck 6 opens in the late evenings. The lead bartender told us there is supposed to 64 bartenders total when the ship is at full capacity, our cruise there were only 14 bartenders and at times they were pushed and stretched to the limit. We went 99% to the John Adams bar. They are/were working extremely hard and some people let them know they were not pleased at the amount of time it took to get drinks ordered, I witnessed a few individuals acting very immature and throwing attitude, but the crew handled themselves in a very positive way, so high praises for taking the high road and not getting confrontational. 

 

This is not a typical cruise, as MOST everyone realizes this ship is under different rules and regulations than any other ship sailing in their fleet. With that being said, there should be the high standards like on any other ship, but with a lack of staffing and NEW(in training) crew members there are times when that is not going to be the case. 

 

A lot of understanding and patience is needed, the crew is not trying to make excuses or looking for sympathy, but they are simply doing their best with what they have.  Everyone just needs to understand,

that going in, and don't expect that service is going to be at levels on a Caribbean ship, as I did hear chatter about how those ships are at 100% crew capacity and everything is fully opened and why was this ship not at those levels. 

 

There were only 2 specially restaurants open, Cagney's and Jefferson's Bistro. They are unsure when any of the others will open(at least on my sailing). Make the reservations as soon as you get on board. The prime times go quick!!

 

Overall, we had a GREAT time on this cruise, regardless of the staffing issues, we enjoyed the ship and the islands. I always say, you can always find something to complain about, but don't let that be the focus of your vacation!

 

If anyone has questions, please feel free to ask, I will respond the best i am able too..

 

Mahalo:)

I love your positive opinion.  We are sailing mid-June and what will be will be. I have sailed three times since November, not as many people sailing and not fully staffed on MSC and Carnival. Everyone just had a good time and figured nothing will be the same for a little while. We have reservations at La Cucina, Cagney's, and Skyline (free dining) but we are ready to just go with the flow if adjustments need to be made. My daughter, granddaughter and I are excited about returning to Hawaii and spending time in Honolulu at the Hale Kai pre and post cruise. We love the islands and what will be will be on the ship. 

We have always taken towels off of the ship and then brought them back to our cabin when we returned. 

13 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Hear! Hear!  Personally, we weigh only enjoyment vs. cost.  POA is the winner!!!!!

13 hours ago, Go2SeaTheWorld said:

And your point is?  Those of us who have chosen to do so have weighed the costs of hotel, food, transport between islands, etc and the cruise, at this point in time, is about equal to what we would invest in comparable accomodations on the islands. Many of us have saved in order to do just this cruise. Why you feel the need to disparage our choices is baffling.

I agree it is a special vacation for us. My daughter, granddaughter, took this cruise a few years ago and for a special celebration my granddaughter asked if we would be able to do it again. We saved up our money and along with a stay at our favorite hotel the Hale Koa a few days before and one day after the cruise we are thrilled. The memories from our last vacation are still front in our minds and we look forward to another fun filled time. 

We are now 46 days away from our cruise and I finally read this thread. We plan on a few days pre-cruise in Honolulu. This will be our second time on POA and we are looking forward to it.

Thanks for the review! We will be sailing on the Radiance in March and the Panorama in July and September. We are just happy to be sailing from Long Beach once again.

Thank you for the review. We sail on March 21st. We sailed the Miracle in November and it was nice except for "not warm at all" food around the pool deck. I agree I think the smaller number in guests mean the food does not get picked up as often. We love the 4-day out of Long Beach since it is a short flight for us. 

3 hours ago, Dbox said:

I was able to get 19002 back on the 11/20 sailing thanks to a Cruise Critic member and a call to MSC

 

Here is a link to what it looks like. 
https://youtu.be/yx99MrGjtXE
 

Thank you so much for taking this wonderful video. The balcony is really nice since it is so much larger than other YC cabin balconies. I loved our old cabin 19010 but this one is a cherry on the top. Again, thank you so much for going back to take this video and share.
 

 

 

Thank you so much!! This is a fantastic cabin. I am so happy and excited about the balcony!!

On 11/18/2021 at 8:11 AM, phissy said:

Currently, still the same. 
The chocolate peanuts are back!
we get canned peanuts, mixed nuts and chocolate peanuts.

Plenty of drinks at either pool deck or Top Sail Lounge. 
I still find it strange they charge for movies On Demand in YC.

We are watching great old movies on TCM.

Also food channel , travel, CNN, Discovery and kids channels.

 

Yippee the chocolate peanuts are back!!!

The Seashore has arrived. I am hoping there is a return to the little bottles of "adult beverages" when we board on 12/4. Most of all I really hope the snacks are still without cost.

Enjoy your cruise from Galveston! The DD and I will be boarding in Long Beach on the same day for the 5-day on the Miracle.

I try to always check my receipts, both at home restaurants and on ships. So far there has never been an issue. However, it is always a good idea to check later. Tipping is a personal decision, and I do carry ones for the roving servers. 

It has been great sailing with you guys and with 7 days to go my DD and myself can hardly wait for our adventure.

40 minutes ago, Jamman54 said:

We actually ordered the 6 pk. With all the posts saying they were missing pieces and empty fluid bottles we didn't want to chance it. 😎

Thank you so much. DD is going to order extra as well, I figure I can use with the DH on our cruise right after I get back from this one.

It appears that one should purchase two kits per person to be on the safe side. Is this what others have done? 

COVID Test question - did you order a 2pk? Getting ready to order for myself and adult daughter and figured the two pack would cover us. I am guessing this is what you did.

17 hours ago, rj59 said:

I'm sailing on the Miracle this Sunday, which should make me nostalgic for the 'unique' Joe Farcus designs of the Imagination/Inspiration (RIP), but without quite so many sculptures of bare-breasted Egyptian women. Hopefully the stowaway food-thief seagulls which plagued the Inspiration/Inspiration going from LB to Catalina aren't a problem on the Miracle--the old ships eventually had to hang ugly nets of fishing line to protect food on the lido and outside buffet areas. 

Too funny about the seagulls on the Inspiration. I reached over to get something from the table next to me and the "dirty bird" flew in swooped off with part of my lunch. He/she was really quick. I told the bird, that's ok I will get some more. Along with others near us we all enjoyed a good laugh. I swear the same one flew back the following year requesting lunch with me again.😂

I am enjoying the pictures. I sent my DD the mini golf picture as we always play at least one game. We used to play miniature golf in both of our younger days and my children always caught me cheating. Now my daughter just laughs at me cheat even though we never keep score. I sure am a lucky and blessed mom that my daughter always does this fun event with her on every cruise we take.

4 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

I didn't think that the ones on Seaside were worth renting, either. I sailed after the price dropped and they still weren't worth it. Ours was included with the Royal Suite but if it wasn't, I wouldn't have paid anything for them. I would have dragged a lounger under the awning to get some shade. The crew eventually started to put some loungers in the shade which made the cabanas even less worthy of the cost. 

Love your answer - you sound like my husband when I said, just one day can we do it. 😂

2 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

Not as much as some people think. If a woman in the cabana next to mine decided to remove/adjust her bikini top (for ex.), I'd get a pretty good view in the reflection of the glass.....just sayin'. 😍

Well I won't be doing that! Let just say this 70+ year old will not scare the neighbors with removing any items of clothing.

29 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

 

 

I haven't been on Seashore but from the pictures/videos, it looks like the cabanas have been replaced by pergolas. I can't tell how much sun comes in from above but you can see the people using their towels for the side. 

I hope they have not been replaced. The cabanas offered more side privacy.

1 hour ago, LeCommandant said:

Maybe I don't understand about what cabanas you are talking about, but my experience this summer on the Seaside was that the cabanas were completely free of charge (I booked the day to the concierge very easily, and for multiple days). Are you talking about cabanas that are located in the Aurea Spa?

No, I am asking about the cabanas which include food during the day. They usually have a reserved sign on them for Royal and Owner Suites and then there are a few which you can rent. The clam shells are included in your price. The cabana looks similar to the ones on Ocean Cay.

29 minutes ago, surmy555 said:

Mera was $59 on a port day and $99 on a sea day

Thanks! I am hoping there will be a weekly cost if not I would love to enjoy for one day at least.

52 minutes ago, KmomChicago said:

 

I think it's doubtful, since they are already covering the cost of accommodations that night for your, you know, cruise cabin.  And it would hardly be worth the paperwork hassle to try for $70. 

 

I personally would:

 

1. Keep the res

2. Go check in as early as possible on day 1 in Cabo

3. Use the room as a day room and enjoy the resort

4. Go back to the ship on the last shuttle for the night

5. Go back to the room on the first shuttle next morning

6. Spend the last 3-5 hours until checkout time again using it as a day room and enjoying the resort.

 

For $70 you could probably not get 2 shore excursions to a place like that.

 

 

Nice compromise and sounds like it could be a win-win for the poster.

I love the review and all of the pictures! Oh how I loved the pictures! We will be on the Miracle also reporting to Muster Station D. Yep, we will be going there first and getting it out of the way! 13 days!

12 hours ago, Pjnc said:

Hi

 

Revenue might be off the charts but they are denying stockholder credit.  Leaves a bad taste in my mouth.  Possibly my last Carnival cruise coming up in eleven days.

 

pat

murrells inlet, sc

I also had no issue ever receiving my shareholder $$. Already set for the next cruise in December.