LibratPDX

On 3/11/2022 at 5:48 PM, marysuek said:

I have paid my deposit for Mardi Gras and cannot book faster to the fun ir the cooking classes. Does anyone know why?

Faster To The Fun doesn't exist right now as far as I know.  The only people currently getting priority boarding are suite guests.  Other than that, the website is often glitchy!

I second Jiji's, IMO it's Chef's Table quality Asian food 🙂  

I got the email.  Upgraded about a month ago for my May cruise on the Mardi Gras from an inside cabin to a balcony for $210 (solo).  

On 3/9/2022 at 6:33 AM, shof515 said:

 

 

its strange that carnival is not placing the items in your room right away compare to other cruise lines like NCL that are still putting all of the platinum items in your room

I agree!  I'm not a fan of the scavenger hunt Carnival is forcing us to do.  IMO they could very well gather everything together and place them in the cabins, makes no sense to me that they're not doing that (except for the chocolate covered strawberries)!   

I wish they would just make the gratuities REQUIRED and not allow them to be removed AT ALL.  IMO it's a ridiculous dance.  If you prefer to pay cash you are not necessarily tipping everyone the gratuities cover.  If you can afford to go on a cruise, you can afford to pay the gratuities.  PERIOD.  If you have problems with service on the ship, report it to GUEST SERVICES and/or report it when you fill out your post-cruise report, don't stiff the people who are working hard day and night to take care of passengers and the ship.

There are no drug dogs on board, but I read about a couple who were stopped by officers on their way off the ship.  They still had leftover product and the dog found it, and they were fined. They said if you're going to take the chance and take it with you on your cruise, use it all while on the ship, don't try to take any off the ship when you return home.

Sorry, I didn't see that the Miracle was the ship mentioned.....

I always cruise solo, and it's whatever you want.  Sometimes I am open to sitting with others, sometimes I have less time and just want to dine solo.  You just let them know when you arrive and they take care of you 🙂

My cruises (B2B) are January 2023 and are not showing yet.  Assuming the same booking numbers will be used anyways.  My TA for the booking is on the Sailabration cruise right now but there is plenty of time for things to get straightened out.  It's the second ship change for the cruise.  Kinda over it!  Not a fan of the Spirit class ship but oh well!

On 3/2/2022 at 2:33 PM, gsilva said:

It may be different now. I remember the chef coming out explaining each dish and looking very proud. Guess it would change things if every menu is the same on every ship. Oh well. Wonder if it's still worth the 75 dollar price tag.

I think it's $95 now

I usually head to Cucina del Capitano's for the pasta bar, people don't usually know it's open for lunch

I love the Twilight Zone, Sangria Swirl, and Cadillac Margarita

4J cabins are some of my favorite cabins.....they usually call them "interior stateroom with obstructed views" which makes NO sense.  How can an interior have ANY view?  You get some sunlight!    The view is obstructed because there is a solid metal railing around the observation deck.  It's one of the "secret decks" sometimes mentioned.  They will require you to close your curtains at night, the claim being that light from your cabin may interfere with navigation somehow.  Sometimes the doors to the deck will be locked if it's too windy.  One downside is that they go fast, and when rates go down close to sailing, you will not get a reduction in price because all of the cabins in your category are already sold.  Enjoy your 4J and don't tell anybody else about them, shhhhhh.....

This is on their website

TOTALLY worth it on the Dream class ships, they all have the same thermal suite/thalassotherapy pool facilities.    

On 2/12/2022 at 5:29 PM, Tippyton said:

Doe this timetable generally apply to 10:00 PM departures?

10pm?  No idea, I am only familiar with the Scarlet Lady, as far as I know she generally sails around 7pm.

I was able to book my dinners first thing yesterday for the March 27th cruise.  

No matter when you check in, from everything I'm reading, boarding doesn't start until 2pm (1:45 at the earliest for Rock Stars/Mega Rock Stars).

17 hours ago, abaci said:

Thank you for this. I swear I looked through the entire app and didn't see where the restaurants were listed, but yup under the ship section. I was messing around a couple days before asking and I'm assuming it's been there the whole time and I just missed it. 

 

Also it says on 2/10 I can book so that is the 45 day mark I was looking for confirmation on. Thanks all for your replies. 

 

I don't mid the app, but I really wish they would allow people to do more then book through the website. Making everything exclusively through the app which isn't always as intuitive as I would think to find things is my only complaint so far with this cruise line. I've had no issues with the app crashing.

 

Now I can't wait to receive our bands.

I'm booked on the same cruise 🙂 I set an alarm on my phone as a reminder to book my reservations.  BUT I have read that they might disappear and you/we may have to rebook when we arrive at the port.  Their new dock is due to be finished by the time we sail though, that should be nice!  

Very glad to know it's possible to order half portions in the dining rooms, thank you for mentioning that!   Now I'm just crossing my fingers that cruising doesn't get shut down again before my March sailing!  

On 12/8/2021 at 2:26 PM, ociana said:

I can answer this one! I also cannot do aspartame and do not do sugar, so I brought along some of those squirt bottles to flavor water.  There is sparking water and club soda available for free. Pro tip - if you want to take some to your room then go to Sip Bar and ask for a bottle of club soda.  They have them at the counter there and by the end of our cruise the bartender just grabbed one and handed it to me when he saw me coming! 

Thank you Ociana, fellow Oregonian 🙂  That sets my mind at ease at bit!  As a bariatric patient I "shouldn't" do sugar but so far I have been successful with moderation - too much makes me queasy anyways!   I have a bunch of those flavored electrolyte powders I can add to my sparkling water or club soda, may start experimenting at home with those. I usually I favor Dry Soda (the brand) I or mix 1/4 can of OLIPOP soda (or something similar) with flavored seltzer water.  I am looking forward to trying some of the seltzer drinks at the athletic club.  Thanks again!

I know that regular soda is available free of charge, but is it possible to get club soda at no charge?  With a splash of Grenadine 🙂 ?  I enjoy flavored seltzer water at home instead of regular soda, can't tolerate aspartame in diet soda.

TIA

Schwartz, and not in a good way.  Talked wayyyy to much "love you more" got on my nerves (I think he was later told to knock it off), may the Schwartz be with you, blah blah blah.  I am not a follower of CD's and not a fan of those who are constantly on the mic selling, chatting, blah blah blah, SHADDUP, I can read the program!  I think CD's need to dial it down and make announcements only when needed, not because we want to push Diamonds International for the millionth time, gah!

I was considering booking VV, just curious about it in general until I read your review and looked at all of your pictures. OH EM GEE, thank you for posting so many fantastic pics of the ship and food "pron", it pushed me over the edge and I have booked a 5-night cruise in March 2022.  Thank you James/Sid!

IMO JiJi's is Chef's Table quality Asian food, I have never been disappointed in any of the dishes I have tried.  The complimentary appetizers are exceptional as well.