Despegue

Thank you all for the replies. As we would need to fly, packing a 10 day supply is very impractical but alas, we might have to adapt. Aida has on their ships a special Family buffet, with attached a baby corner where you can find high quality formula, high quality, and a large variety of infant food, bottle warmers, microwaves, etc. when you book an infant ( mostly free by the way), they will also supply the cabin automatically with a bottle warmer and diaper bin , and also a cot obviously. the ships have a splash zone, especially designed for diaper wearing infants. We were of the idea that US family cruiselines like Carnival would take similar care to their youngest guests. We are Very experienced cruisers, mostly on Celebrity and HAL, but since we have kids, we obviously had to change our way of cruising, we prefer US cruiselines due to the English used onboard.

Seriously? I thought that Carnival was child friendly? How can we appropriately feed our baby in this case?

Hello, I am looking into potentially booking a Carnival Legend cruise in 2024. we will have a 9-month old baby then and are wondering if the ship has special baby food (pureed fruit/vegetables etc.), baby milk powder, bottle heaters, microwave etc. Available? Sister line Aida has all these items and also a baby (diaper) splash zone, but we would like an English speaking vessel as our oldest is now of kids-club age . thanks for the advise!

Well, it actually depends on the country. In Restaurants and bars, you normally do NOT need to pay for using the toilets, but you might if not a customer. and no, we do NOT tip in the EU, please respect this. We pay our staff actual salaries and everybody has great health care. I advise to get a Revolut debit card and take-out cash from the atm’s.

It has been a while since I posted on the HAL boards. For those who think that a Saudi buyout would be better…be very careful what you wish for... It will be the end of HAL. Guaranteed. They would not hesitate to scrap all HAL vessels, except maybe the Pinnacle class. Saudi’s think about 2 things only: money and prestige. Money they have plenty obviously ( although the average Saudi is NOT filthy rich). Prestige: The elite like to boast with new “toys” and the Seabourne, fleet fits that profile, but , like small kids, they also bore quickly out of them. They often then let the investment wither without thinking twice, and focus on a new project, until they get bored with that one also, and so on… Now, You might think that I am talking complete nonsense, and that is your good right, but I do work often in Saudi Arabia , and yes, as the Captain of a 500 million USD piece of machinery 😉, but not owned by Saudis… I work closely with Saudi’s though. Regarding Saudi’s cruising: They are getting more and more interested in the concept and MSC has a vessel based in Jeddah over winter 😉 … I will refrain from commenting how the crew likes dealing with Saudi guests as that is a completely different subject, and a sensitive one too. masalama, Despegue.

I recommend to sail with Aida Cruises, and then specifically AidaPrima or AidaPerla, both do the Norwegian Fjords cruises this year. Aida is perfect for younger guests, also families by the way. The language is German but every crewmember speaks English.

There is only one way to properly go to the sauna/ steamroom and that is naked. Full stop. And yes Mixed gender . Who the hell cares?! Once you have closed that Anglosaxon prudeness, a whole new world of freedom opens up. Guaranteed.

She is still crewed by Aida crew

No restrictions whatsoever.

Aida goes there. Not a niche line at all but a European line that sails some of the World’s largest ships ( AidaNova and AidaCosma. Both sisterships of Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration)

As a Barbados regular, I recommend a beach day to be honest. Carlisle Bay as mentioned above is within walking distance, and the walk gives an impression of Bridgetown. Near the beach, behind the Radisson is a food truck called Cuzz, if I remember correctly, that serves great flying fish sandwiches. The Caribbean is all about being casual, no nonsense relaxation. Forget formal dinners , although you certainly can experience that too if you want. Foodtrucks, markets and such will on all islands give you the best local experience and to be honest often the best food too.

Picklebal? Here in Europe, Padel is gaining a lot of popularity, but never heard of Pickleball. Interesting though! Whenever I see or hear the word pickle, I can not help thinking about a book I once saw in a bookshop in Edinburgh : “How to tickle his Pickle” 🤣🥳

But tips of 18 % are Already included! This tipping culture is getting out of control in the USA. Sorry.

And often, these decisions are detrimental to the company, as all too often, the beancounters are totally unaware and disinterested in what really happens on the workfloor, where the workers often have a much better idea of what to do to reduce cost and increase revenue. Most companies are WAY too top-heavy, and cost reductions should start there. On the top floor. How much exactly are the bonuses of the Cruise Industry big-guns?

Or the ORIGINAL Budweiser from Budvar, Czech Republic, and not the piss that Inbev calls beer. ( I am Belgian, proud of INBEV’s accomplishments, but not all beers they brew are good. I drank Stella Artois in high school though, once a week, complimentary and supervised obviously by the teachers , from age 16, as my school, famous Montfort College , used the same well as the Stella Brewery and the owners are alumni).

Much safer than in your average US city. Why such trepidation? In Europe, everyone takes public transport, especially over 65’s.

We booked an actually Kids friendly cruise line . thank you all for the info, we will be sailing AidaPerla on a 14 day Caribbean cruise. The concept of Disney is just not acceptable for us, and I do think most European potential passengers. Their loss.

Some years ago, I was standing in my Captain uniform in the lobby of my hotel , waiting for the pickup. Comes an American couple, drop their 4 luggages in front of my feet, shout their room number and almost throw a 10 USD bill at me. I truly hope that someone did bring their bags to them, I went into my taxi that arrived and enjoyed a nice glass of wine, worth 10USD ...🥳🤪😎

As far as I know, there are no restrictions nor special procedures for any Caribbean Island. there are still restrictions for Bermuda.

Do suite guests have a different colour (color 🙃) of their keycard or are the colours purely dependent on the frequent sailer programme ( program 😉).?

We moved 2 years ago and my wife is so upset that she can’t find our collection of tiles anymore!

You do realize that you can not get Covid from touching items do you? And what pandemic? Move on.

Then in reality, Carnival and all other Cruiselines, including Celebrity ( not known for it’s child friendly cruises) are more child friendly than the Mouse line. Ridiculous to be honest but alas, we will see what we decide.

Hello, I am a bit confused regarding the Yacht Club onboard MSC Fantasia. As far as I can read, YC passengers have access to an included YC restaurant for all meals. However, when I look at the Fantasia, the YC dedicated restaurant, L’etoile seems to have a-la-carte pricing! could someone please enlighten me? many thanks.

Hello, we are contemplating to book an Ocean Suite onboard Mardi Gras or Carnival Celebration. The only suites available are on deck 9. what are your experiences regarding the noise from both below on deck 8 and the outside promenade? we have a small child that wakes easily... thanks!