dcwalker

My first cruise was in 2008, with husband and middle schoolers in tow. We cruised every other year or so after that, some 5 day, some 7 day. AND THEN- BOOM! I retired. The kids were in college or beyond. Then I could really cruise, with or without my husband who has not yet retired. I have two cruises booked for later in the year, so this December I'll be platinum. Yay!

If you are a foodie, don't miss the chefs table. 

199, which sounds so much better than 200

Three!? Sweet. Let me exit to Carnival.com for a moment and check my numbers . . . . 142 and 208! Big numbers, but this is the first time I've had two booked at the same time, so that's kinda nice

I'd want to be that person who's always out and about, sunup to sundown, wiping down, mopping up, a little spackle here, a little paint there. Really.  I like to be outdoors and active. I love how those guys always have a cheery smile and howdy do for me, as if I'm the most important thing at that moment. I could spread that kind of joy - while pushing my mop.

Soft serve ice cream

I overpack. Why? I like options.

My favorite has been Ecstasy because it sails, er, sailed, from Charleston and because it is small and because it has that outdoor seating behind the lido buffet. Now I have two cruises booked on Charleston's new ship, Sunshine. I plan to make that ship my new favorite. I think I'll like it, but I wish they'd add that outdoor seating. Who knows, once I actually sail her, maybe I'll find other good outdoor spaces.

Something strikes me as I read this. There are the creatures of habit and the adventurers. I'm a creature of habit. As many who responded to this post have said, Carnival was the first line they cruised, fell in love with cruising so they stuck with Carnival. That's me. I'm impressed by the people who get out there, do their research and try all different cruise lines. I think about checking out other lines, but always get sucked in by a Carnival deal.

I had a very "Love Boat" preconception. I expected open air buffets; people staying in their swimsuits all day, more crew than guests. I thought people lounged in the sun for awhile, then still in their swimsuits went to the casino to gamble a bit. I also had the wrong idea about the pools - thought I would swim a few laps every morning. I was totally unprepared and so didn't really have a very good time.  When we got home I told my husband I didn't care for cruising, but after some consideration realized I just needed a redo. I did my research for the next cruise; and now . . .  10 years later, 8 cruises later, 2 cruises currently booked . . .. 

4 minutes ago, BNBR said:

OMG. This is hilarious. Totally explains why my son wants to strangle me when we go out to eat. You've changed my annoying restaurant behavior for good.

 

I just think of one of my favorite restaurants, very popular, right on their menu:

 

"Absolutely no changes or substitutions.  Let me do what I do and don't break balls"

Woohoo! Gotta get me a B2B.

If I'm platinum and take a back to back cruise, do I get all the perks on each cruise?

I sailed solo on the Ecstasy and ate alone in the dining room with ATD. The wait staff seemed to be completely familiar with solo diners. They made it seem like the most natural thing that I should be cruising alone and that I would request a table by myself. I never had cause to feel awkward at dinner.

1 hour ago, coevan said:

 

 

We have never lost any clothes, but the laundry is done hot. we only wash non dedicates, no dress clothes

Oh, rats. I wonder if they'd use cold water if I asked - nicely. Thank you, coevan and wolfshair.

Speaking of laundry bags, I'll be platinum on a cruise I have planned for December. I just read all the perks. Laundry!? Wowza. I love that, but should I be worried about Carnival losing my clothes or not washing something correctly? Obviously stuff happens, but overall are people happy with their Carnival laundry experience?

Me, too! I'm turning platinum on a Journeys cruise. I called Carnival to ask a few questions after I booked online. The rep said I'd get all the platinum perks on day one, priority boarding and all that. She said, as way of explanation, "We don't go around knocking on cruisers' cabin doors halfway through their cruise to wake them up to say, 'congrats, you're platinum!'" Ha ha. Love it.

I'm not sure why I like the robes so much, maybe because they were automatic the first time I cruised, and it was just part of the thrill of being pampered, which hooked me on cruising. This was in 2008. By the time I cruised again, three years later, you had to request one. Six cruises later, I request a robe every time and always have it by bedtime. My husband could not care less. I like to wear it (yes, it's way too big, but that's part of the charm!?) as I settle in for a little reading before sleepy time.

Thanks!

I'm curious about Bermuda too. I'll be on a Carnival cruise that docks there overnight.

Though I would have preferred you stay put and give us more of your review, you get a pass from me. Two of my sons were high school wrestlers. Good luck to your 14 year old and congratulations to him for doing so well so far.

202! This big number used to distress me, but now time just flies away so darned fast 

On 2/7/2019 at 9:16 AM, pyropoodle said:

..reading reviews...waiting...reading reviews....daydreaming....waiting some more....192 more daysssssszzzzzz

Yep. That's me. But I have 202 more dayssssszzzzz.

Aaarghh! I don't have one booked.

Maybe it's specific to the ship, but whenever I've cruised in the last couple of years, on embarkation day Carnival has emailed me my boarding pass so I don't have to print it, just bring it up on my phone and show it.