Layla and Beaux

We were also on this cruise. We had an aft balcony cabin on Deck 8. We were not, however, given the option of turn down service morning and evening. Our cabin steward told us to "pick" morning or evening, not both - He had 36 cabins to clean. All beds were hard as a rock with the exception of my husband's side. Needless to say, we asked for numerous blankets to try and soften them. It took about a day or so for the cabin to cool down and once it did the cabin temperature was very nice and cool.

 

The Gulf was very rough the first two days (wind sheer from Matthew I'm guessing) and also the last sea day. I've cruised on the Gulf several times and never seen the white caps like that before. My kids never get sick cruising but this time my daughter did. It was not fun.

 

We did an excursion in Montego Bay to Dolphin Cove and Doctor Cave's beach. While it was a nice excursion, the Dolphin Cove wasn't worth the money but Doctor Cave's beach was. The beach was absolutely gorgeous! Grand Cayman we did another excursion (Deluxe Stingray) and it was worth MORE than what we paid for! We'd do it all over again. Cozumel just got off and shopped for a bit since we've been there a few times.

 

I booked this ship because my daughter wanted to sail on it (and some of her friends had in the past and talked it up). I have to say that none of us were impressed with the Dream. I really thought it being a 3 year old ship it would be fabulous but there's lots of wear and tear and she needs some repairs. Our cabinet door to the safe was falling off its hinges, the curtain to the balcony was just gross and the safe didn't work. Honestly, I expected more from a 3 year old ship.

 

All in all we had a great vacation but out of all our sailings, the Triumph takes the Gold!

First....In two days, the Carnival Dream would have launched 8 years ago. She is due for dry dock in January....so, your "opinions" are a bit skewed on facts.

Secondly....Perhaps, writing your own review for people to peruse, would be a bit more tactful, rather than hijacking someone else's thoughtful gesture to answer questions. ;)

 

hahahahahaha We love our Starbucks, too. Café du Monde has some fantastic coffee...but I understand the love of a good Starbucks beverage. Both Café du Monde and Starbucks are less than a mile from the Sleep Inn, and also, a two story Target is around the corner. We always get our last minute cruise necessities there, the night before.

NOLA is a pretty expensive city. Hotels and parking come at a premium. We cruise out of that port often, and frequent NOLA several times a year. We have found that if we stay at a hotel in Metairie (about an 18 minute drive away), and then pay for parking at the port, it usually comes out less expensive. When we have people cruising with us that are wanting to be NOLA tourists, we spring for a French Quarter or Business District hotel....but more times than not, we stay in Metairie. My aunt's favorite is the Sleep Inn and Suites in Metairie (our room is usually like $80 a night). There is even a Café DuMonde a couple blocks from the hotel. We wake up, eat breakfast there, and then drive to the port. It is less than 20 minutes away.

I did not have a problem after my first cruise, but after we got off of our last cruise, I did. It started a few hours after we disembarked, and it lasted for THREE MONTHS. Nothing at all would help. OTC and Rx meds did nothing...the only time I felt relief was in the car (which is funny, because normally, I get car sick). It was an AWFUL three months. My next cruise is in less than three weeks, and I have another booked for next year. I sure hope this isn't a trend. Good luck! I don't wish it upon anyone.

How incredibly nice of her to bring you the card. We need more people like that in this world. ❤️

PS

Loving the review. Thank you.

For our upcoming cruise, we have three rooms booked, with three people in each room. All rooms are paid in full. We found out that one person will not be able to go on the cruise now. Is there anything in particular that I need to do or be aware of? Do we just show up and let them know at the check in?

So glad you were able to get it back! Great news!

I was going to suggest exactly what the person above did. Best bet, is to use your driver's license, birth certificate, and also copy of marriage certificate. Unless you have the time to get a new passport issued in your new, married name.

Absolutely! :D

So very sorry for your loss and all of the heartache that accompanies it. Saying prayers of strength for you.

Thank you so much for your recap! Looks like the two of you had such a great time...and the pictures are SO cute!! We are looking forward to our trip this next week!! :D

Yep...3 and 4 day cruises are known as "booze cruises".

Acknowledging great service (especially to superiors) is so great. So glad to hear this story. :)

The problem is...many MANY sicknesses are viral, not bacterial. No amount of antibiotics will help a viral infection. This is a growing issue in the medical community...people demanding antibiotics, and not happy unless they get them, to treat something that will not even be touched by it. (Like the "pink eye" stated above). "Pink Eye" is viral conjunctivitis. Very contagious, very annoying, and also very not treated by any kind of eyedrops. Like any other virus, it has to run its course. Now....you can certainly treat symptoms of a virus, like nausea, itching or throbbing eyeball, pain, or inflammation...but you can not "cure" a virus with antibiotics.

With all of that being said, it is very tough for even doctors to make the proper diagnosis sometimes. Sometimes, out of laziness. Just easier to give the dang mom the antibiotics she wants for this "viral infection", and it will run its course and she will think the medicine cured all....which starts the cycle...it's just easier not to explain the whole thing to patients...especially when they don't want to hear it.

Anyhow....that's that. In this case, with the ear issues...they ARE most commonly caused by bacteria (there are many strains of bacteria, each with their own resistances and responses to different antibiotics) what you use to treat a staph infection, would not respond to the same medicine you would use to treat a strep infection. The ear infection could also be viral, or...even allergy related. So, one does not even know what, if any antibiotics should be used.

I know this is long winded...but I really wish the public was more educated by their doctors and staff, about these sorts of things. There would be WAY less people becoming annoyed because their doctor didn't give them "just in case" medicines, for things like ear aches/infections.

We (9 of us) will be on Elation for the July 21st sailing. We are so ready. Thank you very much for taking the time to write a great review!

Thank you, SlyBear! I enjoyed watching Queenie's trip!! :)

:eek: Oooh...and plenty of baby medicines ...teething tablets (if needed), Motrin, etc..

I am in the same boat as you...(sounds so corny when literally talking about a cruise)...lol

Anyhow, next month, I will be cruising with our almost 2 year old...and This is a version of my packing list for Jake:

*I have purchased an inflatable bathtub http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13239896&cp=2255957.2273443.4392756.2256088.2256094&parentPage=family to bathe him in...and these fit nicely in the shower. Also, I will take this up to the pool area and let him splash in this, right at our lounge chairs, while big brothers slide on the slide and swim. (since diaper wearing children are not allowed in the pools).

*I will have some of his favorite tv shows (like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Curious George) downloaded and saved to a memory card, that I can pop in the tablet and let him watch when we are desperate. That way I don't have to stream it, using data.

*Always bring way more diapers and wipes than you think you'll need. (you never know when "tummy issues" will strike, and you don't want to run out). And don't forget swim diapers! Even though they won't be in the "pool", if you'll be in the ocean at all, you'll need them.

*We bought a collapsable and lightweight, but still lots of functions, stroller. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AHPZXZU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1ZDGC8Q39XWY5&coliid=IOMUCNPMA9EQY&psc=1 ...it folds up like an umbrella stroller (very compact), yet has the bells and whistles and functions of a full sized stroller.

*Rash Cream

*Ziploc or Tie Baggies (for DIRTY diapers)

*Sippy Cups (or bottles) GALORE!!

*Small spoons and Forks (if already eating independently)

*Sand Bucket and Toys (for beach trips)

*Life Jacket (for beach trips)

*Leash (I am so serious....after four children, I NEVER thought I would own one...but I HAD to buy one this time around...Jake is just TOO independent and always wants to walk on his own) We bought this one http://www.amazon.com/Carters-Child-Harness-Buddy-Monkey/dp/B00DC3A1FG/ref=sr_1_16?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1402493542&sr=1-16&keywords=toddler+leash

*Toys

*Any special stuffed animals or loveys they need

*LOTS of pacifiers if used

*Sunscreen

*Bug Spray

*Baby Shampoo/Body Wash

*Baby Toothpaste and Toothbrush

*Birth Certificate or Passport

*We chose early dining, late dining would be just way too late for him to be content in the dining room.

*Cribs are available (usually). Just ask the room steward.

I am sure I will think of more...:)

I am an extensive traveler and honestly, really don't care...and have never, ever even thought of this....until my friend asked me. Now...I kind of care. Like, I probably would have asked to change rooms if I had one of those rooms booked. So crazy, I know.:o

Okay....so I am not making light of any situation where passengers die while on a cruise. Not at all.

But.....

Would you get a liiiiiittle bothered at all, if you found out that someone had died or was murdered in the room you booked?

I am a former nurse...death is not something that I take lightly, nor is it something that disturbs me...I have seen it often, and I know I have been LOTS of places where someone died...but, when a friend just asked me if I had made sure that I wasn't staying in the room that a woman was murdered in, by her husband, I can't lie... I got a knot in my stomach. :eek: So now, OF COURSE I had to go check all three of our booked rooms and see, and it is not. Same floor, different room.

So anyhow...how do YOU feel about it?

I am still trying to find the real benefit in using a PVP. I have booked four cruises now (two of which had to be cancelled due to my son's health problems:(), using just the website...always getting a good deal, great rooms, and always with multiple cabins (three or more). Dinners are always assigned together (I always will call the 800 # and double check all of that). I think I am just one of those that has the need to mico-manage things though. I feel like if someone else is in the mix, there is a greater chance of things going haywire.:)

Thank you! I, for one, enjoyed and APPRECIATED your opinions on the three sailings. I hate that you took the time to write what *most* people here crave for (which is opinions, advice, and information)...and some have to nit pick your words and opinions.

Anyhow...thank you. As a mother of four, I am thankful you took the time to do this.:)

oy vey! Sheesh!

:eek:

I am super excited to sail on her too. We are sailing on July 21st....just after you. I will be anticipating your review, when you get back. I wish you TONS of fun!!!

Great topic!!:D I would love to hear some positives as well!!