tree.critter

I love the cove balcony and the Cloud 9 Spas on the Dream class ships. When I booked the Mardi Gras I was happy to see the coves and spa so close and convenient. Have my 4 & 5 cruise coming up on the Mardi Gras, all were booked before her first sailing. All booked in spa cove balconies and I can tell you I wouldn’t book the spa cabins again on this ship. I agree with everything you said. 12/4/21 was the third cruise on her and we only went to the spa once, it was horrible down there and definitely not a relaxing experience at all for me. Once you experience the Dream class this one is a definitely let down. 

We’ve got 4/24 on the Miracle to Hawaii for 15 days. I think they will release more dates before too long but nobody knows for sure.

We visited one of the forward Excel suites on the Mardi Gras, the room was beautiful, the balcony was virtually useless while the ship was moving due to the wind. They loved the cabin while in port though.

I have just learned that the Ecstasy is leaving Jacksonville, headed to Mobile and will be replaced by the Spirit in Jacksonville.  Not sure on the dates yet and still eager to learn of other ship relocations too.  Jacksonville is so close and have never sailed on the Spirit so happy to cruise on her soon.

I started with Carnival in early 90’s and have been on so many it’s hard to pick. Have sentimental favorites like original Mardi Gras, the first cruise. Then there is the Sensation which I have sailed many times, to my favorites Breeze and Magic for the Cloud 9 spas and now the Mardi Gras for all the options. It’s like picking your favorite child.

I have used the Nomi test site here in FL 3 times now and it is so easy. They are open 7 days a week 7 am to 4 pm every day at my local St. Augustine location, believe it is similar at all their test sites. Easy in and out, can preregister for super fast service. They have been offering both the PCR and Antigen tests the last two times I went. Antigen test results were back via email 20 minutes after test, PCR results back barely more than 24 hours later. No cancellations to worry about and no charge. 

https://nomihealth.com/fl/

Interesting, I didn’t see anything regarding this and now curious. I recently got off the Elation 11/4 then left again on the Magic (currently on) on 11/14 and never had this addressed or else I missed it. I leave once again on the Mardi Gras exactly 2 weeks after getting back this Saturday. I hope I am not surprised.

There are so many platinum guests now on every cruise that I think it is just getting close to breaking point with priority boarding. I foresee leaving the option to book check in times early for platinum guests but reducing the priority boarding to diamond and suite guests only. 

We all know that they have to review these benefits from time to time and this could be on the chopping block.  

Just got off a cruise with 1200 guests, over 500 of them platinum and diamond. Can’t give priority boarding to nearly half the passengers. 

Let them know a day before your dinner and they will make a very nice vegetarian meal for her.

Yes, they are allowed on the ship, I brought a standard one on this cruise that I am currently on and it does not fit through the door unless it is folded. 

“Employees, travel agents cruising at travel agent rates, tour conductors or anyone cruising on a reduced-rate or complimentary basis are excluded from this offer. ”

I don’t understand why this is a surprise to anyone. Carnival has been generous in the past with some reduced rates but it clearly states on this on Carnival’s faq for shareholders. 

I was flying my granddaughter in the day before our cruise 11/14.  When SW had cancellations a couple weeks ago I got nervous and rescheduled her flight two days early. Had to pay a stiff higher price than I paid when booking many months ago. I’m praying two days is going to be enough.  

I’m using Nomi testing here in FL after arrival, it’s a great, reliable option for us.  

On 10/22/2021 at 2:32 PM, Saint Greg said:

I would order the approved home test or test at the airport. Maybe schedule and airport test but use the home test first and if something goes wrong with the home test, go to the airport. 

 

https://testing.nomihealth.com/easy_registration/34/onsite

 

 

I have used the Nomi test site a couple of times in St. Augustine. They are open 7 days a week and extremely efficient process at no charge. I received my rapid test results before I got home 20 minutes later and my PCR test results were delivered the following afternoon.  I recommend them highly and haven’t heard of any cancellations of appts. They even take walk ins at my local site, not sure if they all do. It’s a great option worth looking into.

I had to cancel a btb on the Panorama with my sister because I broke my ankle 6 days before the cruise. Had surgery and a rod installed. Have been sitting on my butt for nearly a month healing when I got an offer I couldn’t refuse so I booked it. I’m leaving on the Elation this Saturday for a Halloween cruise. It’s been many years since I cruised this class of ships but I think it will be a perfect getaway for me and a nice break for my husband that has been taking care of me through this rehab process. Silly me is going to enjoy the glass elevator in the atrium, I’ve missed that on the last couple of cruises. 

4 hours ago, 3redheads said:

For those who have used the pass before, what does it include?  What did you enjoy?  TIA

The Thalasso pool, steam rooms, heated loungers, relaxation room. It does not include any spa services like massages or other treatments. The T-pool is my favorite part and I’ll always book a Cloud 9 cabin when available.

I was supposed to be on Panorama 10/2 but due to new broken ankle we canceled. However there are several people that boarded Saturday and reported they got upgraded to balcony cabins upon arrival to the ship.  There was no charge so it is happening, but can’t count on any of it. I like Intrepid’s suggestion above.

34 minutes ago, vlynn said:

On a different page, someone mentioned that John Heald will be on this cruise, is this true? Doesn’t matter either way, just curious. Thanks!

Yes, John announced it on his morning coffee live video the day before it was released. 
 

1 hour ago, quattrohead said:

 

 

Background. Booked last minute (11 days) and we were already booked for our 2nd Phizer shot. However this landed exactly 2 weeks before the cruise for my other half. 

I am confused, if you booked the cruise only 11 days ahead and booked for second Pfizer shot but hadn’t received it yet it’s not 14 days.  Sorry about messed up plans though, hope you are able to do something else fun instead.

Well the dust settled a little and today I was able to snag an extended balcony so am very happy to be on this cruise. Alaska will have to wait another year. 

Part of the current menu are probably due to problems with the supply chain also in addition to just the bacon.  I still found something to eat both times I’ve cruised since the restart. 

I tried, used a TA for the first time and best I could get was an obstructed view right behind lifeboat. I would have to cancel my 14 day Alaska cruise that overlaps these dates. Have an aft balcony there at good deal cheaper rate so I will hope that Carnival will offer this itinerary again once they see how fast it sold out.

This was posted elsewhere, I am pretty excited about this cruise. 

We’re you vaccinated before starting chemo? I wonder if this would make any difference with your doctor. Would sure be nice to be able to get away for a week but at this point fighting the cancer needs to take priority so you can have many cruises still in the future. No matter what, praying for the best outcome possible for you. 

The TV’s are definitely LG, it comes up whenever we turn the TV on. They are mounted in fixed location on the wall about 45” screens is our guesstimate.

On board with Chris Williams, The Flying Scotsman and he has been a treat. If you ever cruise with him do NOT miss his show. Who knew that this man with a heavy Scottish accent could nail the wide spectrum of musical styles. He is a better singer than any of the production show staff.