misstopgun

The event is up to the Captain, including whether on not to do anything. As with any perk, it is subject to change and not guaranteed.

 

Per the written policy:

 

“A Special Invitation from the Captain.” Benefit limited to Diamond Member and one guest once per Cruise, subject to Captain’s availability and discretion. No substitution if Benefit is unavailable.

Awww.. Com'on Sarge. No one was complaining. No need to defend. LOL

A passenger that was diamond on the Legend posted a little over a week ago that their "event" was dinner with the captain on formal night.

It seems it is the captains choice so not consistant from ship to ship. I would say be prepared for anything.

Great pictures and great review. I have yet to sail the Magic because I don't care to visit Jamacia but maybe this spring. I can always stay on the ship in that port.

I agree the colors in the room are mach more subdued and calming. I did notice you talked about going off times to avoid the crowds. Are crowds really a problem as they were on the Dream?

The only ship I have been on with the 2.0 upgrades in the Liberty. They discontinued smoking on the Lido deck all together. Is it the same on the Magic?

Thanks for taking the time to share your vacation with us.

Exactly what I was thinking. I do remember where it was said that bottled water was definately NOT included, then I read the story and got excited that maybe they are including it now... but then what you said went though my mind... I don't think I should get too excited yet. :rolleyes:

 

ETA: On the thread where someone posted the flyer, it does say bottled water is excluded. I can always hope they have revised to program to include it.

I agree with you. Strangely enough it is a unlimited alcohol package but the bottled water is a do or don't for me. I won't pay for the package and then bottled water on top of that. I still haven't figured out the reasoning. Water is much less expensive that non alcoholic frozen drinks or even soft drinks. Why exclude it?

I believe the Red Frog Pub and the Red Frog Rum Bar, are different the Rum Bar is on the Lido Deck. I maybe wrong.

The rum bar is on Lido on Liberty. They did not have a Red Frog pub on the ship but the beer was served both on Lido and the atrium bar. Not sure where else as I normally don't drink beer.

I believe the Red Frog Pub on the Magic is on Deck 5 so it would be more of a destination stop on that ship - don"t know if waiters would be schlepping drinks to the pool areas from there but maybe someone who's been on the Magic can weigh in?

The ships I have been on without the pub still sell the Red Frog beer at most of their bars. Both Lido and atrium to be sure.

Anyone know if there is a dedicated cigar bar on breeze?

I have not been on the Breeze but I have been n the Dream. They allow cigar smoking on the lanai but do not have a cigar bar.

It is my understanding that no Carnival ships have cigar bars anymore.

I would pay that to upgrade for two of us. With five in a cabin, heck yeah!

On our cruise coming up the GS is $1500 more than the 8k we have booked. Now make it a PH and I will bite in a hearbeat!

According to Google maps its 65 miles to Port Canaveral from sanford airport. I imagine that would be a pretty good dollar for a cab ride??

We paid $65 for the two of us going this route.

Reasons I would like to cruise solo (notice I said LIKE to, not HAVE to):

 

1. I have three teenagers at home and need a break from people.

 

2. I'm enrolled more than full time in a challenging academic program and need a break from people.

 

3. DH works and can't always get away. Plus, someone has to stay home with the three teenagers.

 

4. I've always preferred to live alone but of course won't toss DH and kids out the window in order to have my own space. Why not have my own space for a week or so per year?

 

5. I'm one of the funniest, smartest, and most entertaining people I know; why wouldn't I want to travel with myself?

 

In answer to your other question, I don't think the cruise lines should be obligated to give solo travelers breaks. They will lose revenue because pax #2 won't be buying drinks, pics, shore excursions, trinkets, etc. I get it and so do most of the others here. That doesn't mean we have to be happy about it.

 

I think you are UNFORTUNATE that you are afraid/unable/unwilling to travel solo. Don't pity me; I am very comfortable being by myself and don't have to rely on others for entertainment or validation. I didn't take your post as unsympathetic, I took it as impolite.

My apologies. I seriously didn't mean to offend.

There is an entire section of cruise critic for solo cruisers, it's actually the preferred method of travel for some folks. I've done it, and I loved it. Sometimes it's nice to have the cabin to yourself, especially if you're single and your other choice for a cabin mate is a friend of family member that you're not that close to. I've traveled with friends before and sometimes it gets tedious, especially if it's more than just a few days. I live alone and I'm not used to sharing close quarters with another person. I like having the room to myself, no sharing the bathroom facilities, I can do what I want, when I want, no having long drawn out conversations about where 'we' want to eat or when. I love sitting by the pool with a good book, sleeping as early or late as I want, and I have no problem meeting people so I still enjoy myself on shore excursions.

 

that being said, I understand the reason why cruise lines charge more since there is an unused bed in my room that they could have sold so if I have to pay 200% then that's what I will do...

That does explain alot and I appreciate that you responded.

Currently I cruise with my husband and have cuised with sisters. We have also cruised with others but are very careful to choose cruise mates that don't need us to enjoy their own cruise.

I would definatly never cruise with someone that was not accustomed to cruising unless they are very secure and can navigate what they choose to make of their experience on their own. I remember what that was like my first three cruises when I felt I had to experience everything to get my money's worth. A new insecure cruiser would take away from my experience because as you mentioned, I could never really relax.

God forbid that day should ever come, but should I have to choose between cruising alone or cruising with someone I have to entertain, I agree, I would choose to cruise solo.

I don't mean to sound unsympathetic so please don't take it that way. I guess I am fortunate that I have never been a position to ever have to cruise solo.

My question is, do those that cruise solo do that as a choice? Do they prefer to be alone? If that is the case I think that it would be a premium you would need to pay for.

Even if I didn't have my husband, I can always find someone to share my room, a sister or a friend.

Please explain to me why some would choose to sail solo, and why they should get breaks when they are in a cabin that could accomodate more people.

Once again, please do not take this as a flame, it is not intended to be. I just need a better understanding as to why this is such an issue.

For dinner' date=' DS got the salmon (holy cow!!!). Granted, he has always liked fish, but he likes it fried the traditional Carolina way (and who can blame him. If you've ever had Calabash-style seafood, you probably understand why that is on his short list!). He has never tried salmon though, which is, of course, not much like the flounder that is typically fried here in NC. He loved it! He ate almost all of it, and I just couldn't be happier (can you tell?).

 

[img']http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/pmain13/DSCF2255.jpg[/img]

 

DH and I each had lobster tail...

 

 

AND we shared a plate of the prime rib.

 

 

DD got chicken nuggets. She was given a kids' menu this night, and much to my dismay, chicken nuggets became her meal of choice most nights. They didn't look good to me, but she seemed to like them.

 

 

Just as I was all happily wrapped up in the events of the evening thinking it couldn't get any better, the head chef came by to introduce himself and ask if we had any allergies (in advance of the chef's table meal that was scheduled for the next evening). I LOVE chef Panda. He is so friendly, funny, lighthearted, eager to please...just ideal. He talked with us for a little while, joked with the kids and asked where they would be the next night (he seemed genuinely concerned!), and wrapped up telling us that if there was ANYTHING we wanted, all we had to do was ask. He said we could now say we know the chef and get whatever we wanted. It was so nice of him! He insisted on getting the kids something special, and so we finally asked him to get them some strawberries and grapes. Both of our kids love fresh fruit, but DS is not fond of melons and tropical fruits like pineapple. So, he decided not to order the "fruit cocktail" because he didn't think there would be much fruit that he would eat. When we mentioned they'd like to have just berries and grapes, Chef Panda pulled out his cell phone and ordered them up on the spot before sending our server to go get them. Wow.

 

 

Yep, he had me at "anything else?...whatever you want!" It was an awesome experience, and it made me even more excited about the chef's table the next night!

I have to agree with you. We have been to 4 Chef's tables on various ships and chef Panda was our favorite!

We are sailing the Legend for the 4th time in Oct. so am really enjoying your review. It make the wait more barable. Thanks for writing it!

I have really enjoyed this thread. We will be cruising on the Legend for the 4th time in Oct.

Legend is our favorite. I don't know why but it just seems to be the friendliest of all the Carnival ships we have been on.

And I am glad to hear where to find the sushi now. If I hadn't read the thread I might have missed it.

hello! Just wondering if anyone that has one of those books can provide me with the recipes for the Penne Siciliana and the Linguini with italian sausage, bell peppers and mushrooms?? If either are in the books, I would SO appreciate it!

 

Thank you!!

From the Carnival Creations Cookbook: Penne Siciliana

1 lb uncooked penne pasta

2 cups basic tomato sauce

1/2 C whipping cream

1 TBS olive oil

1/2 TSP minced garlic

2 C diced zuchinni

1 C diced eggplant

3/4 C cubed mozzarella cheese

1/4 C grated parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions. Keep warm. In small saucepan over medium high heat cook tomato sauce and cream until reduced by half. Meanwhile, in large frying pan heat oliv oil until hot over medium high heat. Add garlic; cook until garlic is tender. Stir in zuchinni and eggplant; cook until crisp-tender. Stir in pasta; toss gently. Stir in tomato and cream mixture. Just before serving stir in mozeralla and and paresan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Strawberry Bisque w/ Picture

Strawberry Bisque

3 c strawberries, washed and hulled

1 ½ c water

¾ c sugar

3 T lemon juice

1 t grated lemon peel

1 ½ c red wine

1 c. sour cream

fresh mint leaves

Directions:

Combine strawberries, ½ c water, and sugar in a blender. Cover and blend the mixture until pureed. Stir in lemon juice, peel, 1 c. water and wine. Stir in sour cream until blended. Chill for several hours before serving and garnish with mint.

 

GOOD LUCK!!

Oh my goodness. I have seen lots of kids eat this soup. That is too much red wine for little ones!

We've got monkey heads, funnel cups, the blowfish but not the mirror ball but I'm bettin' one comes home with us after our Magic cruise in less than two weeks!!

 

 

 

:D

Soo jealous Host Mach! Wish I was going on the bloggers cruise but work schedule would not allow it. Just sitting tight until Valor the end of April. Say hi to John for me!

Found this wonderful drink on Valor last sea day on Lido.

Yummy Oh and did you know that today in National Margarita Day .. Drink Up LOL:D

Just add a big plate of nachoes!

I won $1,500 on a nickle poker machine. It was a fluke. We had signed up for drawings after we boarded and went back to the casino at 9 PM for the drawing. I sat down at a machine and put in $20. I seldom play slots so was not accustomed to the type of poker it was playing. It kept asking me if I wanted to double up, triple up, and I kept hitting yes. I was just killing time. All of a sudden the thing starts flashing. I was so excited I couldn't figure out what the amount of nickles translated to until the attendant told me.

I won $500.00 in the black jack tourney once back in the day when I was still paying for my own entry. Hasn't happened since.

I have put back many many many times more over the years I am sure but hey, it's entertainment. It even says so on my sign and sail bill. lol

Terrific review of the Chef's Table! The food descriptions and pictures allowed me to relive our experiences. We have experienced it on both the Dream and the Legend and will again on the Liberty the end of Janruary. The menu was the same each time so the second time it was no surprise, but the experience was just as wonderful.

As you said, well worth every penny and the same (wonderful) menu twice a year isn't a problem.

My husband has taken a few trip with "the boys" and always said he wouldn't mind if I did the same with "the girls" but I don't think he ever thought I would take him up on it. I did summer before last though when my sister and I decided to take a cruise together and leave our spouses at home. We had a great time together and our husbands missed us tremendously which made coming home a delight as well.

I used the excuse he had in one more cruise than I did so I needed to catch up. Wonder what excuse I will use next time?

They served them twice on our 7 day cruise in Sept. Day one and five I think. Love them!

Wow never knew we could get cheese tray as app.

Me either. I sometimes get a main pasta dish as an appitizer so why I never thought of this is beyond me. Great idea!

Just did CT on the Legend. Had read all about it here and it lived up to expectations. Two differences from what I read and what we experienced? The "cookbook" was just a laminated sheet of paper with the WCMC recipe, not a cookbook. That was put in a nice folder with our group photo. Chef did sign it. The other difference (well, maybe more of an assumption on my part) was the wine. Only two wines; the white and the red. Both were very forgettable common table wines. They were fine to drink, just not in the same league as the food that had been prepared and served. A proper wine pairing would have been very appropriate, and in my opinion is pretty much required when in a fine dining environment like CT. Hearing the "crack" of the cap seal being broken just doesn't have the same panache as hearing a cork being pulled from a bottle. But cork vs cap is a whole different thread ;). For me, it just didn't fit in at all.

 

Would we do it again? Without hesitation. It was well worth the price. The table setup with your partner across from you at a wide table really wasn't a problem for us, but DW and I were in the center. Was never a problem to join a conversation, and all at our seating were very pleasant and chatty. I can see the benefit of having a round table, though.

I find that dissapointing. I was hoping as I read this thread that they still gave out the cookbook on the Legend as we have the CT booked in Sept.

We did the CT on the Dream this April and really enjoyed it. We traveled with another couple who were both "foodies", otherwise we probably would not have booked it because my husband is a junk food junkie and I wouldn't waste that kind of money on food he would probably not appreciate.

I was surprised to find that he enjoyed it most of all. That has made it easier to convince him to eat foods he would not eat previouly at home as well.

Though I thought the food and service were outstanding, (I agree with others that the wine was common) I would be satified to say we have done the CT once, but husband wants to do it again on our upcoming cruise.

I thought an additional cookbook would make a excellent gift so that dissapoints me a bit.

Just for the fun of it....let's start a list. Just copy and paste the list to your reply and add your name!

 

OFFICIAL CRUISE CRITIC CARNIVAL PLATINUM CRUISERS

 

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CRUZN BUCKEYE - 0HIO

I don't know how to cut and paste so could someone add me?