drisinger

Oh! This really needs its own forum, but I’m game. -Someone in a sparkly visor

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Just wondering what is wrong with a sparkly visor? I just got one. :o

Did you have a good time? When is it best to get there for a prime spot to sit? Is this something that draws a large crowd? I have not done this in years and was thinking positively about it for quickly approaching cruse.

I'd welcome some feedback.

:)Thanks!

If it's not a bother?? I'd love to see the Fun Times too.

Thank You!

drisinger@sbcglobal.net

i bring a small battery powered candle for the bathroom, it provides a very sift light. You don't get the bright glare when you enter and then the blindness when you go back to bed.;)

Excellent Idea!!!

The ones with the timers! I'll set them (2) to start at 11:00 pm and off 5 hours later. That should cover it. Oh, I just love this idea. I have a few I use at Xmas and am so pulling this box out for my cruise in just 38 days!!

Flatiron steak is a new way of cutting from the shoulder of a beef.

 

I quote from Confessions of a Butcher blog: What it is: The Flat Iron steak is a relatively new cut of steak. It is rather untraditional, as it takes a defter touch while cutting, cooking, and serving. Also, because of the anatomy , there are only 2 to 4 flat iron steaks per head of cattle, so butchers didn't traditionally place these cuts in the meat case, as there wouldn't be enough to display.

 

More specifically, the Flat Iron is from the Top Blade, which is off the shoulder of the animal.

 

Normally this muscle is cross-cut into top blade steaks. However, these steaks are tough and full of connective tissues (gristle). Instead, Flat Irons are cut from the two layers of the top blade and have all of that connective tissue removed. When sliced thin, on the bias, incredible marbling is apparent.

 

Is it a worthwhile cut of meat? The Flat Iron is, in this butcher's mind, one of the most versatile pieces of beef. It takes to a marinade like no other, it's tender beyond belief, and you can cook it with much success in many methods. Plus, it's cheap. Since it is from the shoulder, it can be found for as little as $3/lb here in the Midwest, and probably not much more than that elsewhere. You can grill it, use if for stirfry meat, use it for fajitas, braise it, fanfry it. Really, it is a great little cut that hopefully you will want to go out and try. If your butcher doesn't carry it, ask them to do some for you. IF they dont know how, refer them to the NCA's site, beef.org, or explain to them what I just showed. It will be worth your time.

I've had this steak onboard Carnival. Theirs seem to be well-aged and mine was cooked very much as ordered. It is very tasty, but it is not an exceptionally tender steak. I like it and I doubt that any steak eater will be disappointed as long as they realize it is not going to be like eating tenderloin.

 

The strip was still available on at least one menu during a seven or eight day cruise.

 

Doc:D

So much wonderful info! I am a cook and I love this thorough info about flat iron steak. My son loves this and every cruise he orders two dinners nightly, one flat iron steak and another choice of something else. I'm going to have to try this next cruise, which is very soon!! Looking so forward to this. :DThanks Doc!

I thank you for the input. I might have thought there may be more to it, but rest assured we have tons of spirit and will have a blast! I know to bring glow sticks at the very least now. Thank you!

"something fluro for our 80s Rock 'n' Glow Deck Party"

Is this 80's party for all cruises to Mexico? And if so what should we pack to wear? It sounds like a good time.What are your thoughts on this 80's Rock and Glow Deck Party, was it fun? Can anyone share what this looks like? We are traveling on the Splendor to Mexico 7 day in August and may just want to hit this party prepared.

Thanks!!

THEME NIGHTS ONBOARD

Theme nights are part of the fun onboard and feature on all Carnival cruises:

For itineraries three (3) days or less you will have one Mexican Fiesta Deck Party.

For itineraries four - five (4-5) days, there will be one 80s Rock 'n' Glow Deck Party.

For itineraries of six (6) days or more there will be two deck parties onboard so pack a sombrero for the Mexican Fiesta Deck Party and/or something fluro for our 80s Rock 'n' Glow Deck Party. There will also be a Caribbean/Island Theme Night in the dining room.

Be ready to dance, sing and party the night away. We do not sell any costume merchandise onboard our ships, so it is best to come prepared and pack something before you leave.

With a ship as sensational as the Splendor there surely must be a way 30 persons can find a more meaningful way to share quality time together to celebrate their group (or one to lay tribute to)?

How about "Amazing Places for 30 to Gather on the Splendor", outside of a structured meal plan?? Any suggestions out there to those that KNOW the Splendor first hand? I am thinking a meet up at Robusto Bar for an hour or hour an a half and continue the party to Bingo...see about reserving a block of seats at Bingo with Guest Services beforehand. That sounds like a fun time to me! Very interactive, much more so than attempting any type of food fiasco IMHO. Best wishes to the one who even attempts to gather the troops! :');)

How could you find better than Los Veranos in PV?? I'm sticking with them hands down!

The deserts at Java Blue come with an up-charge on all Carnival ships. Everything is $2 or less

 

https://goo.gl/images/ccMLKV

This link is very helpful! Talk about taking me down a rabbit hole!! An hour later and I know I will be back for more. Thank you for this helpful Pinterest link!

We will be sailing as Grand Suite, Carnival-Splendor guests. Will our cabin be ready early also? My mom is elderly and always wants her cabin to see and rest in as soon as boarding. Thx!

Disembarking folks. Sorry, I had to chime in, I'm just cracking up thinking of what dismemberment looks like.

This is a delightful cruise review and very appreciated! I have not been on the Splendor in 5 years and love getting caught up, especially by one that enjoyed so much! Thank you! Would love to see your pics if you can load. Do tell, what was your favorite bar on ship and favorite Pearl Dining Room meal? Anything notable you might share? (Besides The Choc. Melting Cake)!

Prices for these are?? Just looking ahead and making plans for an August cruise. Thx.

Is the Dining Room open for lunch on day of sail? Maybe The Black Pearl? I know it's a food fest up top, just want to know about the dining room. Princess does it, just can't recall about Carnival. It's been a few years.

Thank you!

DeAnna

You also get complimentary Speciality Restaurant dining the first night of cruise. Be sure to make your reservation as soon as you get to your suite. Reservations go quick.

Sabatini's each morning for breakfast is glorious, don't miss the fresh OJ! Those mornings you certainly get it your way! The kindest staff ever! Enjoy!

CHOCOLATE SHAKES ON THE CROWN PRINCESS

Princess is not saying if this is offered anywhere but it is a big wish of my 15 year old son. (not concerned about the soft serve ice cream)

I was on this ship last year, THE CROWN PRINCESS, and can almost recall this at the International Cafe when I was getting my coffee. Maybe, but I don't know? :confused:

Anyway, can anyone chime in on where a kid can get a good shake and if they need an $8 a day soda card or if it's going to be a room charge from a venue somewhere and how much$ or if he can just go and order one free somewhere.

If they are available, is it at night time too? Shining any light here on any of this would be real sweet.

I think I better get this figured out before we sale in 2 weeks!!:D

Thanks for any inside scoops!!

http://www.coastalhelicopters.com/

In Juneau, take a helicopter out to a glacier and explore/walk on it. Hands down the most amazing experience. You simply cannot grasp how huge they actually are unless you see from this perspective. EXPENSIVE, but worth every penny!! Coastal Helicopters is a professional and fantastic outfit, which picks you up at dock and returns you. No stress. Can't say enough good about it. We have done many things on our Alaska cruises but this was the best and most remarkable. I went direct with Coastal and do always avoid booking excurions through the cuise ship. I do believe if you have internet skills you can always save some coin.

Best wishes and enjoy Alaska!! It is beautiful! :)

(Note my Signature Photo below)!

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions!

We do have our own wheel chair so that simplifies matters AND ALL 11 OF US ARE preferred boarding (suite guests) so there won't be any arguing with the boarding personnel. ;)

It's great having info ahead of time so I will have the least unforseen bumps in the road. I always go in knowing there will be some sort of bump, but I also go in with understanding and patience. :)

You're always going to get a bit of crazy when you mix crowds and rules together!!

Thanks again!

We got an email saying the port wouldn't be open until 1, possibly due to filming with Arnold Schwarzenegger. We hoped to get there early via shuttle bus from the Crown Plaza hotel.

 

What was the date you received this email notice? I have nothing from Princess on this at all. :confused:

Is this information specifically for March 26 sailing from LA?

 

Goodness, this would be my biggest nightmare. The perfect storm. :(

Re: Calif. Coastal Mar 26, 2016 leaving on Crown from Los Angeles

I am traveling with my 85 year old Mom in a wheel chair. We did this exact cruise last year and it was a poor experience boarding because it was PACKED at 12:00. PACKED! I want to go early, but what is early enough to bypass this crowd.

Although boarding states 12:30 PM Start Time, does it/can it actually start earlier than this?

1) I am in a Suite so I do get to board first. I have a group of 11 total, so can anyone advise? Should we get there by 11:00am, would that put us in front of the elevator and front curb madness? Wheelchair madness. Does anyone have experience that they may start boarding earlier than the stated 12:30PM?

2) How much time should I give myself to park and get to curbside? 1/2 hour enough?

3) Is the Michalangelo Dining room always OPEN for lunch upon boarding? It was last cruise for us and it was lovely! Princess representatives will not say one way or another. It is a quiet calm place to start the party IMHO. This cruise is scheduled for a Bon Voyage, which is how I came upon the dining room being open my last California Coastal cruise.

I would love a hand here! Anyone have some inside scoop/experience here? I need to cut out any unnecessary stress boarding with my Mom.

Thank you kindly! :)

Movies Under The Stars. It is a cuddly fun experience. Grab a pizza slice from Ice Cream and Pizza Bar while walking later evening deck a must, (Lido, 15)!

The Pizza and Ice Cream Bar on the Lido Deck serves the most delicious thin crust authentic pizza! I am not a big pizza fan either. I came across this on a late night stroll. They closed at 11:00 pm. That was late night eating for me, anyway! Be sure to try it while onboard regardless of the time of day though, as good if not better than most I've ever had! It's located on deck 15- Lido. It's on the port side next to Neptune's Pool.

And this is disappointing, because the 1st day lunch in the MDR is the best one.

I have to agree! It was uncrowded, delish and one heck of a nice way to begin the cruise! You have got to know ahead of time what dining room is being used as many employees about the ship are clueless about it and will refer you to buffet. ;)

I just spoke with Princess and the reply is this:

There is nothing written or stated about being allowed or not being allowed to bring a bottle of wine/champagne aboard as a "Bon Voyage Experience" booked passenger.

The representatives statement was, "You could give it a try, it should be fine".

She had double checked this with her boss as well. There is nothing written that says you can not. (Or that you can.)

On my husband's BVE eTicket Boarding Pass it has the same carry on alcohol policy disclaimer as I have on my boarding pass, (I am a sailing passenger).

My understanding, as was that of the representative's, is that it is a discretionary call at each individual port. What may fly in San Pedro one day may not fly in San Pedro another. It should be acceptable, but someone always can be a bully and say No.

If this were to happen I would either protest it OR pay a $15 corcage fee for bringing more than one bottle of wine myself.

With that knowledge, my MDH and BVE guest will be bringing on board an average bottle of champagne.

The worst case scenario is that I will pay a $15 corcage fee for it.

Quite honestly though, I believe he will be documented for it (as I will the bottle I am bringing on board) and we will commence to having a lovely time during our Bon Voyage Party!

I will be certain to report the outcome after our sailing and let you know how it plays out. Like I said, I do believe it will be fine.

I choose to look at the glass as half full! We will see! :)

We are having some friends do the Bon Voyage Experience (BVE) with us. We were wondering whether THEY could bring a bottle of wine each without paying corkage?

 

Anyone actually do this?

Great question!!

The link certainly sounds encouraging. I'll call and confirm with Princess in AM as I have exact need for next Saturday- Crown sailing Calif. Coastal!!

I had wondered this myself.

I'll post their reply here too just to confirm.