Florings

We always tip additional.  Dining out on land, we tip 20-22% anyway.  We tip $2 extra to the bar staff per drink and $20-$30 at the upcharge dining venues.  The servers work so hard!

This rule is obviously not being passed along to everyone, because it has become more of an issue than in the past.  I prefer the sound of the sea when I am on my balcony, not someone's playlist.  And on the Serenity..  I don't know why people don't consider those around them.   

As long as they are cooked with some crispiness, I like them, whether they are fresh or frozen.  Not too mushy or undercooked.  I enjoyed the old version and I enjoy the latest version.

Loving your review.  We sail on Mardi Gras in September!

Mushroom soup and the spaghetti carbonara.

Paradise isn't going anywhere for awhile - it is one of the smaller ships that fits under the Skyway Bridge, along with Spirit class.   None of the newer classes fits.

The same with the Elation - sails from Jacksonville and must go under Dames Point Bridge, which is also too low for the newer class of ships.

Before the shutdown, we would watch a movie in the comedy club (on Paradise) - but I think it was only once during a 5-day cruise.

Cruise on the Conquest in 2015, when we introduced my brother and sister in law to cruising.   They loved it and we had the best time.  So many good memories of that cruise.  One night it was raining and blustery.  SIL wasn't doing well with the ship's motion and went to bed.  Brother, husband, and I sat out on the deck under cover, near the Red Frog.  It was just us, the bartender, and some crew members trying to sweep the water streaming onto the deck from the squalls.   We talked and shared growing up memories well into the night.  The company, the mist blowing in on us occasionally, the whole experience - to this day, that is my very best cruise memory.

On all of our cruises, DH and I have gotten into a routine of having a "happy hour" each day at 5pm.  We get a cocktail at Blue Iguana Tequila Bar, sit on deck and people watch and talk over the day.   I love that hour before dinner and having the "just us" time.

They aren't really plastic, more like a foam or something - very light weight and blow around.  It's ok to play when the ship is docked, but don't even think of playing in the wind with those balls because they do not stay put.   We now pack our own since we enjoy a game or two each cruise.

I'm guessing, as someone said above, it's probably a safety issue if you get kids who like to toss them around - but they don't make playing very easy when the ship is moving.

49 minutes ago, sparks1093 said:

Looks like we'll be on Glory when you are on Paradise. We'll be on a western itinerary (Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, Cozumel).

Western for us too. Cozumel and Grand Cayman.  5 days of being lazy and well tended.

We always prepay.  To me, it's like part of the fare, so I'd just as soon have it done before we go.   Then I usually tip our steward when we board because I request a few things right up front.   Then finally tip at the end - additional to the steward and MDR waitstaff.

Mixed, but they sure are yummy.  18  more days and I will be collecting a few more shot glasses!

Thank you for the review - I agree with your comments on the crew and service.  I have found them to be great on the Paradise!

Sorry to hear of your son's Covid, but sounds like you were well taken care of.  I always wondered the protocol.  Thanks for sharing.

Enjoyed every bit of your review and pictures.  And sad when it's over...  thanks for sharing!

Wonderful review.  Thank you for all the great information.  We'll be on Mardis Gras in September, looking forward to the restaurants!

Port of Tampa - my husband had a very small pair of mustache/beard scissors confiscated.  Those scissors have been on upteen cruises before that - many out of the same port.   It just depends on who you get at the x-ray machine.

3 hours ago, cacruisin said:

Has anyone ever had their melatonin gummies (or other vitamin gummies) mistaken for adult special gummies?

 

I packed last night and just put my melatonin gummies in a non-discript ziplock baggy and now am a bit worried they will be misidentified???????

Put them back in the original container and pack that.  It's not too large is it?

We were on the Magic two weeks ago.  Steakhouse the first night - free bottle of wine was chardonnay or merlot.  We opted for a nice sauvignon blanc at 50% off the menu price.  The service was wonderful.  This time I chose the Dover Sole and .... nah, it was not good at all.  Still everything else was, so I left full and happy.   We went a 2nd time a few days later and I had my usual filet and lobster and it was delicious.  

We go to the steakhouses on the first night, every cruise, where available.  A nice meal and a nice start to our vacation.

I never thought the popcorn was that good, no flavor at all for the most part.   I had never thought of taking my own snacks onboard until last cruise when my brother suggested it... we took store-bought popcorn, both buttered and cheese flavored (BOGO at Publix) and it was worth carting it onboard in a tote bag.   I'm doing it again this weekend when we board for the southern Carribean.

Plus you'd have to pay three deposits.   DH and I are in a 3 pax cabin on Magic, cruising this Saturday.  I booked it myself about 18 months ago.  I thought for sure they would bump me at some point, and move me to a cabin for two.  The ship is fully booked... I just lucked out.   Do you have a PVP you can call?  They can usually help with stuff like that.

This is great news!!

Always enjoy your vacation reviews/memories very much!  Looking forward to your Spirit review.

In October, they poured our wine and took it off the table - to an ice bucket and kept our glasses filled until it was gone.   Actually, the white they offered was a quite good sauvignon blanc - a nice change from the chardonnay of the past.

I think the tote bag is perfect for a book, suntan lotion and sunglasses to take to the pool.   And the toiletries bag is perfect for packing my makeup in...   I think they look nice.

I can tell you that they opened my brother and sister in law's 12 pack carton of soda and checked them all out.  This was in Miami.

You can order beer or liquor bottles in advance of your cruise,  for your room and I don't think they go towards your 15 drink total.

My husband and I enjoy room service.  It doesn't matter if it's an additional cost to us.  If we want it, we will buy it.   I'm looking forward to seeing the new Room Service Menu!