carol louise

Yes, that’s a good point. But I wonder: did the entire staff from Costa in Asia just go on furlough during the renovation and were all called back to Carnival for Venezia? Was English the standard everyday language of the Costa crew and staff in Asia? Darn, now I wish I had asked these questions during our Behind the Fun tour!

I would suggest researching cruises departing out of San Juan. Royal Caribbean is one line I know of that does it. Or any line that advertises Southern Caribbean itineraries. In addition to the islands you mention, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao are lovely. My sister has booked a cruise on Carnival Magic for next year, specifically because the itinerary includes Curaçao.

I would suggest the issue is not so much the ship itself, but the new crew’s familiarity with it, with each other, and how to work efficiently as a team. Imagine a company hiring an entire staff of new people. It will take a little time getting into the rhythm, putting the training they’ve received into smooth practice. I agree with Drew B 58, who suggested if you are a seasoned cruiser, you can probably roll easily with little kinks getting worked out. Also, departure on May 7 should mean fewer children than if you wait until summer. More children = more 3rd and 4th passengers in staterooms. Early May should keep the passenger count down closer to just double occupancy per cabin.

I’ve been on multiple Carnival cruises, but usually forget about that towel animal zoo—always a delightful surprise!

Think of it this way: they quote the price for the cabin per person, double occupancy, but the cost of the CABIN is more (like the cost of a hotel room, whether one or two are staying in it). And as others have pointed out, you do get the bathroom and all the storage space to yourself.

I am sorry your cruise ended amid such difficulty. It was a terrible day to be on the move in New York, especially having to improvise transportation to the airport. Sending you good wishes for a smooth trip home today!

I turned Platinum on our June cruise and was not even aware of the 2-day head start. We were not interested in being first on board, but I do remember we checked in online on what I now realize was the second day of Platinum check-in, and it appeared all time slots were still open. So I agree you don’t need to do the midnight thing.

I have not sailed in an ocean view on Liberty, but would suggest you choose carefully the specific deck 2 cabin, looking at deck plans to consider what is directly above you on deck 3. Best to avoid the section beneath the galley; people have reported that kind of location can be noisy, and at all hours. I think under one of the dining rooms would be quietest.

Oops, somehow in my post just above, the quote of Haljo’s earlier post got cut short. I was referred to her searching for the Venezia library.

Even though the instructions say to provide it before 9 am (we handed it to our steward) and you’ll have it back the following day, we got it back later that same day, too. Perhaps they just don’t want to absolutely promise same-day service in case of a heavy workload.

In June it was located on deck 11, port side, on that mezzanine area one level above the midship pool, forward of the Pergola bar. It was a wheeled set of shelves, so it may possibly have been moved since then. I just want to compliment you on your energy and good spirits. To be working, enjoying your cruise, taking photos, AND posting regularly is a lot! So glad to hear you are enjoying it all.

I do not suffer from neuropathy, but am responding with a suggestion regarding shoes. The Easy Spirit “AP1” line — a flexible, thin-soled shoe that won’t fall off — may suit your needs. https://easyspirit.com/search?type=product&options[prefix]=last&q=AP1 I find sneakers, which I wear for exercise walking outdoors or working out in the gym, feel too stiff for indoors, so I like to wear AP1’s in my apartment. But they are still sturdy enough to wear outside for an errand, for example.

Oh, it is, totally! Our visit to that room on Venezia in June was fascinating. The officer who spoke to us was entertaining, as well. He mentioned that the guys up in the bridge think they are running the ship. “They are just steering; we run it.”

Yes, our Venezia fridge was plenty cool for milk, water, and white wine, more so than other ships I have been on. So unless a person really loves to have ice in the drink itself, or needs ice for another reason, they might find they don't need an ice bucket at all.

Here’s the Venezia library from our June 19 cruise. There was only the transatlantic and a brief cruise (Bermuda, I think) before ours, so I’d be curious as to whether intervening cruisers have added to the collection.

The pool in Amber Cove is right near where the ship docks, yes, and free to the passengers. Be aware there is no beach right there, however. You'll have to make other arrangements if you want a beach.

You’ll see the Statue of Liberty over to your left as soon as the ship passes it, I would think. I’d suggest going out to one of the public decks, starboard side, to get the best and longest view. Of course, you just have to get up early to see it from your balcony on the return trip.

I don’t know about magnetic walls, but I can tell you in Venezia cabins there are three large hooks on the wall, like for jackets, hats, bathrobes, etc. near the entry door. Also a hook on the inside of the bathroom door. Very convenient. I live in NYC and have sailed in and out of the West Side passenger ship terminal 7 times. It never gets old! If you stand during sailaway on the port side, you’ll see the magnificent Manhattan skyline; starboard gives you New Jersey and the Statue of Liberty. And sailing under the Verrazano Narrows bridge is thrilling; the bridge appears to curve around you as you look up while passing under it. Have a great cruise!

We ordered about 8 of the large bottles for the cabin, then each bought one small bottle of water from a bar after we were on board. We just poured water from the large, in-room bottle to the small bottles to carry ashore.

If I may jump in here: it’s on deck 5, just forward of the aft staircase. It’s in a high-traffic area, and on our cruise this past June, we walked through it often to get to the port side outdoor space during the day. Most times it was being used for trivia games or small music combos performing. I don’t remember food being served there, but maybe we just didn’t notice that walking past in the evening.

I recommend preordering bottled water to be delivered to your stateroom. You can order small bottles or large bottles, not expensive at all, and not be hauling it onboard yourself.

P.S. to my post above: Coming from LGA, I can’t say for sure from which direction your taxi will approach 12th and 48th, depending on the driver’s chosen route from LGA.

If you tell the taxi driver to drop you off on 12th Avenue and 48th Street, you will be just outside the terminal, after crossing the street if you approach from the south. Give your big bags to the port personnel collecting them and proceed to the elevators up to the terminal check-in level. What I think people are trying to tell you to avoid is the elevated ramp entered from the north (beige on this screenshot). Trying to stop at a store on the way while a driver waits, in Midtown Manhattan, is not a good idea. Better to pre-order from Carnival wine and soda delivered to your stateroom, or pick something up at the airport.

Some excellent ideas here. I would just mention that on my recent (June 2023) cruise on Venezia, first post pandemic cruise for me, they did not take our photo on embarkation, but just scanned our passport photos. So the daily selfies will be especially useful. Wishing OP a lovely cruise experience.

Ooh, I second the recommendation for Golden Eagle! We did it over 20 years ago, so I wasn’t sure it was still there.