RoperDK

Following.  We are in an aft vista suite (deck 4) in a couple of weeks on the partial Panama Canal cruise. 

Have any of the "Mardi Gras like" ships actually been delivered and completed any sailings?  Sorry, but I don't remember the names of the ships, but I believe they were Costa and MSC ships.

Following. We are on the Sky in April.

Enjoying your review!  We will be on the Legend doing a partial Panama Canal transit in a few months.

On 10/28/2019 at 7:58 PM, jagsfan said:

JS people can go to the Suites Lounge? That’s good news. 

Sorry, just got back from another cruise. 😁 I am the OP.  We were able to order drinks in the suite lounge during our dinner service.  We didn't have access to the suite lounge except while we were actually having dinner.  

On 10/26/2019 at 8:45 AM, kathy884 said:

OP so nice to hear that you enjoyed the hump balconies.  We have two of those and an ocean view balcony all next to each other on floor 11 for a Harmony Cruise in February.  Any chance that we could get the dividers opened?  I am guessing no (Last time we were able to do that was on a Carnival Cruise about 16 years ago -- so fun to have everything open and a big family deck).  I understand that is typically not done except for cleaning the decks these days as it is considered a fire hazard.  It's just yet another reason we like to get the larger balconies, so extended family can all sit out together.

 

As for shows, my mom loved the Cat's show on the Oasis and went to see it twice.  She and most of our family really enjoy most musicals and saw the traveling show and other performances of the show off cruise too.  As for Grease, we let DS 24 pick the ship and this show was one of the factors he considered in picking the Harmony.  I understand the "for mature audiences" verbiage and think it's up to parents to decide what shows they bring their kids to.    I personally like the more wholesome High School Musical more than Grease (Disneyesque personality lol).

 

Appreciate the warning on the elevators.  My dad has some mobility issues, so good to know in advance to be patient and leave extra time to catch these.

Sorry, but I don't know if the dividers can be opened.  We were traveling alone.  We very much enjoyed the extra balcony space and will look to book one of these balconies again!  As far as the elevators, I just left an extra 10 minutes to get where I was going. It made for a lot less stress. Enjoy your cruise! 

5 hours ago, Bostwick girl said:

Our May cruise on Breeze was a premier cruise, although not for us. Roper DK you're correct, we could hardly get in the casino to play lots at night for all the premiers. Wow, when you glanced at some of the points on the machines they were playing, I was shocked. No wonder they got those great offers. We are early risers so would have breakfast and go to the casino afterwards. So much nicer and you could play the games you wanted to. We also did the September to Bermuda and it was pretty crowded then too. 

 

It seems like there are a lot more Premier cruises than there used to be.  It seems that all of the unique and longer cruises are becoming Premier, Elite, or Ultra.  I don't begrudge the Premiers, they earned their offers.  I just wish Carnival would lessen the number of people allowed to book those offers for each cruise.  It makes Carnival a ton of money so doubt they will do that.  I have adjusted my gambling times, also.  With 4 sea days it should be quite an adventure!     

9 hours ago, reps23 said:

 

Yes, the Carnival Legend on January 25, 2020, out of Tampa is a Premier Cruise and we are booked on that cruise.

Actually there are 14 cruisers in our group but only 4 are actually casino players.

 

Looking forward to meeting everyone at the meet and greet.

 

 

 

 

Thanks reps23. I figured it was a casino cruise, but just couldn't verify.  While we booked under a casino rate, we are not part of the Premier.  I will cross my fingers that there will be a balance and I can actually play in the casino.  My last cruise on the Breeze was also a surprise Premier cruise and I had a heck of a time getting to play at the slots.  Good luck to you and hope to see you on board!

57 minutes ago, cruizergal70 said:

Were they really all that special or were they just different? I generally bring travel sizes of everything I need. I'd rather have trusted products than random items provided by a hotel or ship.

They were definitely upgraded. Can't remember the name right now.  I bring my own hair products, but I actually used them.  I don't use the shampoo in the regular dispensers because I end up with scary hair. Lol. I also bring my own travel size of the items I use at home.  For me, it's not a big loss to not have them, but I would have been disappointed to have counted on them and then found out they were not available. It's not like you can run out to a store and pick something up.     

15 minutes ago, Kentucky816 said:

We are currently on the Legend Journey Cruise having a great time.  This is more of and FYI for those expecting these amenities to be in your Suite( OS, GS etc), as they have before.  Our cabin steward has said they are no more on Carnival, only to be given in Spa or Havana suites.  They do have the dispenser on shower wall that has shampoo/ conditioner??!! (Maybe shampoo but most definitely not a combo) and then shower gel.  Kinda shocked that they would do away with them, I wish I knew......I definitely need conditioner.  😕 Sorry if this topic has been discussed, maybe it will help someone else. 

Carnival's brand ambassador said that they were doing away with individual toiletries a few weeks ago.  It was supposed to be in all cabin types if I remember correctly.  Not sure why your steward said they were included in spa and Havana suites. For suites, the wall dispensers are supposed to be filled with upgraded quality shampoo and gel.  I don't know how you could really tell, though.  I would prefer to have the individual containers, but I believe they are becoming a thing of the past.  Even some hotel chains are doing away with them.  Glad you are having a good time!  We will be on the Legend in a few months. 

On 10/16/2019 at 5:01 AM, Cruise a holic said:

Also, with the delux drink package- we always tell the bartenders to use "top shelf" liquor.  It makes a difference.

I did ask for top shelf, why would you not?

I've heard rumors, but can't confirm. Is the Jan 25, 2020 Legend out of Tampa a casino (Premier, Elite, Ultra) cruise?  Thanks!

22 minutes ago, Pugs said:

What was the bands name that made all the sounds with out a bad, the headliner show .

 

Sorry, didn't go to any shows other than the Aqua Theater show (which we enjoyed!) and unfortunately didn't keep any papers from the cruise so I can't look back.  Maybe someone else can answer your question.    

1 hour ago, jimbo5544 said:

As mentioned before, Galveston is Carnival’s best home port.  Nice to see the Dream doing longer cruises again, scratching my head on the Breeze doing shorter ones.

I guess I just don't get that Galveston is so popular that it can support so many ships.  Not only Carnival, but other lines, too.  They do the math, so they know what they're doing.  I hate to see both the Dream and Breeze there while New Orleans has older, smaller ships.  What's going to happen to Port Canaveral?  The Mardi Gras is a great option, but the same old tired itinerary will, well, get old. They used to have unique itineraries from Port Canaveral, along with the shorter and standard 7 day cruises. I wonder when the repositioning cruises will be available to book? 

On 10/6/2019 at 6:58 PM, BTromboneFrack said:

My wife has mobility issues too.   They do have handicapped parking right next to the elevators, however, they were already filled up when we got there.   It was easy to get to another parking spot and do a short walk.  Carnival is great at getting handicapped people into the right lines and through the system.   

I am recovering from a broken foot and recently cruised on Harmony of the Seas out of Port Canaveral and had wheelchair embarkation.  It took quite a while to get a wheelchair pusher for us to board.  My foot is better, but the long and winding ramps to get onboard might still be a problem for me.  How long are the ramps for the Valor?  I was hoping to just walk on, but am having second thoughts.  What is Carnival's procedure for getting onboard in a wheelchair? 

On 10/7/2019 at 8:15 AM, Lionesss said:

Is luggage valet to MCO offered?

 

If it is what are the conditions...................like time frame of  flight and airline carriers.

 

TY

I'm sorry, but we drove to the port.  I think I remember getting a paper in the cabin about luggage valet, but didn't pay much attention to it.  Maybe someone else can help. 

On 10/7/2019 at 8:01 AM, DivaMI said:

If you had the deluxe drink package you could have told the bartender how to make your drink and what liquors to put in it and how much. I love Bloody Mary's so I will tell them extra spicy and extra Titos. They will accommodate.

We've always had the deluxe drink package.  I only drink Grey Goose vodka and Patron Silver tequila, along with the very high class Canadian Club whiskey 😁.  I also love Bloody Mary's and always request extra worchestershire , limes and olives.  My Goose and cranberry is requested with extra lime.  I never had a problem getting the liquor I requested, but no one in our group was allowed to get a double.  The pours were excellent in the Suites Lounge and Rising Tide so no doubles needed there.  We are not newcomers to the drink package and we were disappointed with it on the Harmony.  I am just reporting our group's experience. Hopefully, we were in the minority and it won't keep us from getting the drink package again.       

On 10/6/2019 at 7:49 PM, kathimac123 said:

Yep.  Go up to go down or vice versa.  We were also on this sailing.  My son and two of his friends had the drink package and got their money's worth.  They hung out in the casino bar nightly, tipped the bartenders the first night, and have absolutely no complaints about any drinks they got.  And they got EVERYTHING!  Just not all at once.  I enjoyed a tequila shot with them one evening, and it was waaaay more than a shot. . .more like 3.  The chocolate martini was a favorite for one of the boys.  Amaretto sour (I know, chick drink) was a nightly drink.  I was just told that every martini they tried was delicious.  

 

 

Glad they had a good experience.

What about college games?.   

Headed out on the Valor in a few weeks.  Haven't been on a short cruise in a while.

Does it have the new deli options?  How did you like the quality of the deli?

Does it have the new cake options?

We probably won't eat in the dining room.  How is the lido buffet for dinner?

Is it in good shape?  I know it is an older ship, but had upgrades a couple of years ago.

Thanks!

We haven't cruised out of NOLA in several years.  We are platinum and will park at the port. What is the earliest time we should expect to be let in the terminal? Also, we leave on Thursday. How bad is the traffic?  We will be coming from Biloxi and would like to hit the "sweet" spot. Thanks!    

6 hours ago, Crusin Karen said:

Just bought 2 six packs (cans) of Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice cocktail as our allowed carry on.  Crazy the things you worry about, BUT, do you think I will have trouble at the scanner because it says COCKTAIL on it??1??

Yes, as long as it is in cans, you will be fine.  I have done this before and never had a problem.  If you have a problem, just point out the ingredient list.  Definitely no alcohol in it.   

4 hours ago, Nic6318 said:

Considering people will actually stand in line for a thimble full at the FunShops when they have their alcohol promotion, sitting down and waiting for a server to come around and getting a real drink doesn't sound too unreasonable to me. 😄

 

For those that don't frequent the casino, there aren't the amount of servers you get in a regular bar area.  They are more frequent at night, but at times during the day, there are very few.  Even though I have a DOU card, I am not going to waste 30 minutes or more hoping for drink service.  I will step up to the bar and pay for my own.  In my case though, I may spend way more on a cold slot machine while waiting for a drink than the actual cost of the drink. LOL!!  😁   

3 hours ago, urbanhawk said:

If the slot is not being played, you could just ask, in a courteous manner, that if it is available, you'd like to play. Has always worked for me! Happy cruising.

That's just what I do! Never had a problem. I really think that most people want to be considerate, it's just that some people don't know they are impacting others.        

38 minutes ago, not-enough-cruising said:

Inhave never ordered a red a shot and a beer at once, but I know there is no problem with “doubles” in your cocktails. 

 

We just got off of the Harmony last Sunday.  We were not allowed to get "doubles" this time.  It was never a problem in the past. The drinks were not as potent, either. Perhaps it is just on the Harmony.  We think the unlimited drink package is a good deal, especially if you get a good sale price before getting onboard.