tman77064

We generally sail Carnival because of price and our status onboard (we're platinum). However I have sailed four different cruise lines and over 20 cruise and I must confess that I have never been on a bad cruise. Some were better than others and every cruise line has it good, better, and best over other lines. I have even sailed two different ships on the same line and noticed differences in service, attitude, cleaniess, etc. Each cruise line has its own policies and standards but to say every ship/crew on a particular line is the same is like saying every person is the same. I've learned to embrace the good on every ship and work around the not so good. To me a day onboard a cruise ship is always better than a day in the hospital

I second Doctor's Cave Beach and Hip Strip. It's a short cab ride from port. Bus shuttle through carnival purchased once off ship is extremely safe but you have to first visit Rosehall shop which takes a while to eventually get to beach. Taxis is direct. From beach you can walk to Margaritaville or just stay on bus which makes a stop there. We like Montego Bay and never feel unsafe, but we also stay with trusted transportation and in areas well populated with other cruisers.

I was standing in the buffet line on a previous cruise and overheard a conversation between two ladies in front of me. One was complaining to the other about everything from food, activities for her children, her room, the entertainment and a few other issues. Finally the other lady stated "you must be having a terrible vacation" to which the complainer responded "no we're having a great time!" True story...as others have pointed out, some people are never happy unless they are complaining

Actually it is closer to twelve feet long...usually accommodates 12 to 14 people :)

We have been to Chef's table twice on Triumph, once on Magic and are scheduled to do it again in April on the Freedom. We absolutely love it and try to participate as often as we can. Now to answer your question... Each table and chef are different including the magic entertainment during the event, however, the three I have been to so far lasted between 3 to 4 hours. on an average I would plan on a minimum of 3.5 hours. they usually start around 6- 6:30 pm and end around 9-9:30pm so you should be able to do the 10pm show if you are not so full and can make it! Been there and done that.

We booked shark/ray alley with Coral breeze last November and are scheduled to repeat on our cruise in April 2015. We loved Caye Chaulker and our excursion. the snorkeling and swimming with nurse sharks was a real treat. we also had a wonderful lunch on the island and our crew was great. obviously we loved it or we would never book again. The only down side is the size and type of boat used. it is not for people who are mobility challenged but is an open boat without a top and the ride is quite long (45 minutes). however, I will still highly recommend the excursion and Coral Breeze.

While in Houston/Baytown/Pasadena/La Porte/Seabrook/Kemah (The port is described as being in or near all these places, however, it is actually in the middle of nowhere or industrial port USA), be sure to check out T-bone Toms on 146 couple miles south of the port. great place to eat and been featured in Diners, Drive inns, and Dives. Not affiliated just like the place and wanted to pass along the info

As others have said there is nothing at the exit to the port. It is off hwy 146. However Kemah and Seabrook is just south a couple miles and you can find stores with the items you need. You will need a car unless you can walk several miles at a very fast pace. One thing of note though is that Kemah has a great place to eat on 146 just south of the port. it is T-Bone Toms and has been feature on Diners, Drive inn, and Dives. If you arrive early or leave late this is a place to get a great meal. Their Armadillo eggs are wonderful. Just ask Guy!

Been on one princess cruise, a transatlantic. It was really nice and I do think their food was better, but a set up - NOT! I'm a senior citizen and I was one of the youngest on that cruise. They rolled up the hallways at 8pm. I've been on many carnival cruises and I like the younger more festive crowd. I will sail Princess again and would recommend either them or carnival since I think both lines have much to offer.

As far as the comment, I can understand why he said it. Princess is the only line that I've been on where I meet true snobs who were rude and seriously looked down their nose at you once they learned that you sailed Carnival. funny thing is that most of the ones I meet had never been on Carnival ship.

Just returned from a cruise on the Magic where I allowed Carnival to pick the room. We booked last minute and chose the cruise because of the price. We book a 1A guarantee in the dungeon of the ship and were pleased to receive a 4G on deck 8. Both were inside but the 1A is usually an over/under or sofa bed with a twin. The room we received was very nice.

We also took a transatlantic in 2013 and based on the recommend of our PVP we booked a guaranteed balcony. we ended up receiving an upgrade to the largest non-suite balcony on the Crown Princess. We were very pleased and out balcony was twice a large as the regular balcony we book.

So in our case we have had great success but we are always prepared and willing to be satisfied if we get exactly what be booked. Our motivation is to book as many cruises as possible and pay the lowest price which allow us to cruise often. By the way we are retired and take at least one cruise every quarter or at least 4 a year.

We experienced this last week when we returned on the Magic. I only purchased two bottles of Big Black Dick's flavored rum from Cayman. Can't get it in U.S. taxes was $3.50 per bottle (750ml) which included a $3.00 admin fee per bottle.

As stated, it appears they are relying on the honesty of cruisers to declare and pay. It is impossible to identify everyone whos carrying liquor unless U.S. customs provides your information on the customs declaration form with them and you have declared liquor. Would not be too shocked if folks start receiving an invoice in the mail.

Anyway, I'm born and raised in Texas and must say that I am ashamed of our lawmakers for doing this. We have always prided ourselves on being more conservative and this strikes me as something a more tax liberal state would do. Well I guess times are changing!

Sewut,

I think you will enjoy it. If I recall ours had a sofa but wasn't on the ends of the short hallway and not handicap accessible. It was just like all other window cabin except the windows looked out onto the walkway that wrapped around the bow area. For the price of an inside you can't beat it.

By the way, your handle looks familiar and I see you sailed the Crown Princess in 2013. Was that the transatlantic in April? We were on that ship and I'm thinking that I ran into you on the roll call for that cruise.

We have stayed in this cabin on the Triumph deck six. It was a nice room but the window was not a benefit to us. As others have stated, if you open the curtains during the day people constantly walk by and look in. The funny thing is that most of them stand and stare rather than just giving a casual glance. During the night you also have to keep the curtains closed because Carnival claims it interferes with the bridge.

Would I stay I this cabin again? For the price...yes, but if you want to enjoy the view I would suggest an oceanview or balcony.

If I recall correctly, the Magic does have a Mongolian grill and Burrito bar in the Lido Buffet as alternatives to the buffet line. I always enjoy both of these options and they are prepared to your specifications with the available ingredients.

Also as an alternative to the MDR, They have a pay steak house for dinner which requires reservations. You can also eat in their Italian restaurant. It is free for lunch but they charge a fee for dinner. I Have only eaten lunch there but the pasta was very tasty.

Besides burgers, hotdogs, pizza, and deli, there is a BBQ buffet on deck five (sea days) outside during lunch and an Indian Tandoor station on the Lido deck. The BBQ serves grilled meat and soft tacos.

Hope this helps and perhaps someone can fill in additional info if I forgot something.

As far as the best place, I like it all so perhaps I can not give a partial opinion to that question.

Like others have said...you have no need for FTTF. In fact Platinum and Diamond members have benefits that FTTF do not have, such as private party, commemorative pins, special gift, and others. If I'm not mistaken, I think FTTF does not have priority disembarking but I could be wrong. I bought FTTF before becoming Platinum and it was worth it. No need for it now. And one last thing I almost forgot. FTTF does not get free laundry. We always use this and have very little washing to do when we get home.

Forgive me if this has already been stated, but how much does it cost to ride the bus.

Thanks

Disregard ... I see that the question was answered while I was typing this response